Hot or Cold Creamy Tomato and Gorgonzola Soup

A sharp and spicy twist to a classic dish.

Now that the beginning of the end of Summer is upon us and Autumn is just around the corner (yay!), my internal food-loving clock is starting to crave those comfort foods that embrace you from the inside out. Soups are my favorite all year round, but tomato soup in particular is one that I enjoy most when it's nippy outside and for some reason never fails to put me at ease.

As I mentioned in the title, this soup is not only delectable hot for the colder months, but can be enjoyed cold as well for a savory refreshment during these past HOT HOT HOT couple of days.

I added some Sriracha for the spicy/sweet yummy flavor and gorganzola for a sharp cheesy and creamy texture. Gorgonzola cheese is not for everyone, so you can certainly substitute with blue cheese or even a sharp cheddar would be delightful.

Creamy Tomato and Gorgonzola Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (any kind)
• 2 medium sized onions chopped
• 1 large carrot chopped
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 1 medium potato chopped
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 cup tomato juice/sauce
• pinch salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
• handful gorganzola cheese crumbles (or taste)

Cooking Directions

1. Roughly chop all the vegetables and place in a pot of water.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower heat.
3. Simmer vegetables for 30-45 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
4. Using an immersion blender or a separate blender, blend until completely pureed (no lumps).
5. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
6. Add gorgonzola cheese also taste.
7. Allow to continue simmering until cheese is melted in.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and pork rinds.

To serve COLD: Chill in the refrigerator and add extra basil/cilantro for freshness and a dollop of plain Greek yoghurt

Storage: Freeze in chinese containers or any airtight container for up to 4 months!


I know I've been crap at updating my blog lately, but with a recent surge of inspiration (from what, I still don't know), I hope to be more consistent and rediscover my love of blogging...especially about yum yum's!

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Move Over Mae Ploy! - (Easy) Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

How foolish of me to have posted a Lumpia recipe without even mentioning the perfect dip to go with it!!--Sweet Chili Sauce along with Sriacha are probably my 2 favorite condiments of all time (next to mayo and ketchup). Particularly with protein whether it's chicken, fish, steak, even in a BBQ sauce, and of course egg rolls, I enjoy a side of this sauce.

The bottled kind is more mild, sweet, but still extremely delicious. My version is more tailored to my more spicy and less tart preference, which is why I was so excited to have learned how to make this. I thank the youtube channel called RunnyRunny9 for the basic tips! I also added some salt for a little depth.

Now that I know just how easy it is to make this, I look forward to saving a few bucks since all the ingredients are a staple in our pantry! Feel free to try this out yourself and create YOUR perfect sauce! :o)

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (more if you want more heat)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon corn starch

Cooking Directions

1. Over medium heat, combine water, vinegar, and sugar in a medium sauce pot. Heat until sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add chili flakes and salt. Wait until slightly bubbling (not full boil)
3. In a separate container (small bowl) dissolve corn starch (1 teaspoon) in cold water (1 teaspoon). Add into pot.
4. Lower heat and continue stirring until sauce thickens.

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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir & OOTD

A few days ago, my family and I visited a nearby BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Although the Hindu temple was still under construction, the Haveli as well as the gardens around were open to the public. We even enjoyed an authentic Indian meal! I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to Indian culture, but I was extremely delighted to have this experience.

Welcome. As you drive passed the gates, you're greeted by a magnificent spectacle complete with a horse drawn carriage underneath majestic hand carved pillars, a gorgeous fountain, perfectly groomed topiaries at every turn, and a white picturesque temple of the same hand carvings straight out of a movie set.

Haveli. Open to the public at the time of our visit, we were asked to take off our shoes and a guide was able to tell us a bit more about the place. It was when he mentioned there was Indian food being served when I found myself getting antsy from excitement. Still shoeless, we entered an area where wraps were provided to cover the shoulders and legs. Fortunately for me, I anticipated this and dressed accordingly beforehand.

OOTD. I went with a long colorful skirt that covered my legs (Costco of all places haha), a black tank top, and my favorite hat (Forever 21). I also brought a long scarf (Wal-Mart) I'd use as a wrap for when I was inside the temple as I wasn't aware that the temple provided wraps for the visitors! Better prepared than sorry! :o)


Mandir. We descended a few flights of marble stairs into a long hallway filled with large posters about the contributions of Indian culture as well Hinduism to the world. At the end of the hallway was an area where we could make a wish and pour water over a golden statue, which I regret taking a pass on! Just before that, however, is another set of stairs that would take you up to the  Mandir. Lights illuminated and ricocheted off more hand carved ivory pillars creating a scene from a fairy. It was just beautiful.  If only I had photos to share as I know my description doesn't do it justice at all, but unfortunately it was prohibited.

Bhel Mix

Shayona.  Finally we made our way to the Shayona, an Indian vegetarian cafeteria/restaurant. I ordered the Bhel Mix which was quite delicious, but a little on the sweet side for me. My brother ordered the Samosas, which were too spicy for him so I devoured them. My parents ordered Thali, which was also very yummy and for dessert we all enjoyed a nice cold Lassi.

After a delicious meal we exited the back where we were pleasantly surprised by a pair of peacocks just casually roaming the property :o)

Overall, my experience at BAPS in Bartlett was amazing. I felt like I was in another country. I was even thrilled to get quick glimpses at what looked like a traditional Hindu wedding where all the men and women, whether they were part of the wedding or just guests, wore the most beautiful colorful traditional Indian dresses/suits. The people there including the volunteers were all so nice. A definite must-visit in Chicago.

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Bean and Corn Summer Salad

This salad is pretty amazing as a side to any meal this summer, but is substantial enough to eat on its own! I like the blend of sweet flavors from the corn and bell pepper, heartiness from the beans, freshness from the greens, as well as the acidity from the lime juice that packs a punch right through the warm, rich spices of cumin and chilli.

Bean and Corn Summer Salad

Ingredients

• 1 Cup sweet corn
• 1 Can (1 cup) red beans
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 green onion finely chopped
• 2 handfuls mixed greens
• 3 key limes juiced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoons chilli powder
• 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Steam and cook corn.
2. Remove kernels by holding ear of corn upright with larger base on your surface and running a knife down the sides. Continue on all sides.
3. Chop all the vegetables into a bowl.
4. Mix together olive oil and spices to create dressing.
5. Toss into salad until everything is evenly coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

For a Mexican inspired twist substitute black beans, cilantro, and some jalapeno peppers for a nice kick!

A heat wave is in the horizon for a lot of people out East and it will be traveling into the Midwest.  Stay cool and hydrated! :)

 Get Your Feast On!

7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge #3 - Day 2

Today I went with a very simple smoothie. I blitzed together some  kale, basil, strawberries, and peach flavored greek yogurt. The result is a very sweet and tangy delicious smoothie. Again, you can't go wrong with a green smoothie. If you're someone that doesn't always get around to cooking as much vegetables as you'd like, having a daily smoothie is the way to go. You're getting all your vital nutrients, but in basically a sweet almost dessert form.

This smoothie in particular would also be delicious frozen or chilled--a great alternative to ice cream because of the creaminess of the greek yogurt :o)



Day 1 was unfortunately a fail!! I totally lost track of the date. I always get excited when I receive another email inviting me to do these challenges :o) Be sure to check out Katherine's blog for more details and for more delicious healthy ideas

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7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge - Day 5

I can't believe it's Day 5 already! For today I decided to do a green smoothie version of the Master Cleanse Lemonade, which I know sounds kinda weird. I was running out of ideas and my mom mentioned her co-worker was doing it. I felt a little tickle in the back of my throat and some dizziness, which is a bad sign and cayenne pepper works like a charm for sore throats so I thought this drink would be a great "pick-me-up". I've been sipping on it all day and I feel much better!

For another super healthy green drink, my Day 4 entry is also a great smoothie to prevent colds and ease indigestion.
 

Green Lemonade Pick-Me-Up

Ingredients

• 2 large handfuls kale
• juice of a lemon
• 1 tbsp honey (or to taste)
• pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 cup water

Cooking Directions

1. Smoothie will be very thin, almost juice-like. 

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Easy Pumpkin Curry Soup

One of the best cooking tips I learned is making pumpkin puree at home instead of buying it. Now that I have a good supply of it handy in my freezer, I can just grab some whenever I need it and I'm good to go! :)

Here's a simple Indian inspired soup that I whipped up for my mom who just had her chipped molar extracted. For a good few weeks she couldn't eat any solid food. Thank God she's healing pretty well though.

For the recipe,

Hummus!!

I like preparing hummus because it's easy, versatile, it stores very well and it's YUMMY!

There has been a lot of confusion throughout the years over the nutritional value of hummus. Whether or not it's really good for you, if it'll make you fat, etc.  The simple answer to those questions is..."it depends". I've learned that the ingredients found in store-bought hummus is nowhere near the same as what you'll use or find if you make it at home. That being said, the average amount of calories you'll find in the store bought ones as well as restaurant hummus are at the very LEAST 300g - 350g and that's before adding another 270g from the pita bread. Homemade hummus should only be about 175g...quite a large difference! You can purchase lower cal gyro/pita bread in many grocery stores. I use the brand Kontos. If you are on a diet especially a vegetarian one, this is perfect because it's not only filled with protein, but it has a low glycemic index which will keep you full for longer (that is if you're trying to lose weight).

I, personally am not on a diet, I just think hummus tastes really good and I love it. All the nutritional benefits of HOMEMADE hummus is just a bonus. If you're thinking of buying hummus, please reconsider making your own.

Here is my slightly different version of this delicious ancient Middle Eastern dip,