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January 24, 2021 Recipes

Lean Collard Greens with Smoked Pork Chops

Traditional preparation of collard greens involves slowly cooking down a ham hock. The meat breaks down and the greens are infused with the pork fat that renders off. Nowadays, many people substitute the ham hock with smoked turkey for a healthier version without pork. To take the health factor one step further, I even have…

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December 9, 2020 Meatless

Artichoke Aioli Quick and Easy

Cooking an artichoke might not be hugely popular and it may not seem easy, but its refreshing flavor is something very rewarding. Instead of eating it the classic way … painstakingly scraping the leaves with your teeth … use the flesh to make artichoke aioli. This easy recipe happened because I wanted to revisit this…

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Herb Roasted Potatoes fresh out of the oven

December 3, 2020 Meatless

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Few things are as rewarding – and as easy – as roasting potatoes. Insert fresh herbs, minced garlic, and cracked black pepper into the equation, and you’re set up for herb roasted potatoes. It’s a heavenly, home-cooked side dish. When it comes to potatoes, I usually make my spicy home fries laced with chili powder…

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Andouille Vegan Red Beans

November 25, 2020 Meatless

Andouille Vegan Red Beans

If you have a love/hate relationship with meat like I do, this Vegan Red Beans recipe is something you need in your life. Even if you love meat, this is an extremely satisfying copycat concept for Andouille sausage. It’s spicy, smoky, and oh so hearty. And … it’s plant-based! So, after much Andouille research and…

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November 15, 2020 Meatless

Fried Green Tomato Bites

What to do when you’re faced with too many unripe tomatoes?  Most people would say, “Fry ‘em up!” A couple months ago I pickled a batch of them when I swore I was done with the growing season. However, seeing so many unripe cherry tomatoes still in my container garden convinced me to hang on…

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November 1, 2020 Easy Ideas

Jerk Barbecue Chickpea Tacos

This Jamaican/Mexican fusion approach to a taco yields an extremely meat-looking chickpea filling. Cooking them down in barbecue sauce results in a deep red-brown color that almost mimics ground beef. But simulating meat isn’t really the point. Chickpea tacos are a source of healthy protein, and I love how the mashed chickpeas act as a…

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pickled gren tomatoes complete

September 22, 2020 Easy Ideas

Pickled Green Tomatoes, the Quick Method

Here’s something super easy to do with unripe tomatoes. The classic pickling process involves preserving in a jar. However, quick pickling can achieve similar results in a skillet with some oil, salt, and vinegar. It’s super easy. This is something I usually do with slices of jalapeño peppers, or banana peppers. But with an abundance…

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September 18, 2020 Easy Ideas

Quick Taco Meat – Classic American Style

Taco Tuesday is a breeze once you have the right meat locked down. The meat I’m talking about here is what goes on the classic Americanized taco. I’m talking about the tacos I ate growing up. The ones with the pouch of meat seasonings, Ortega hard shells with layers of diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and…

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collard green pesto with cashews

July 25, 2020 Meatless

Collard Green Pesto with Cashews

Followers of my cooking can confidently say that I love complicated (and spicy) recipes. So, for this collard green pesto I’m keeping things basic. Being of Black American and Italian descent, this combination was made for me. Ha! But really, I’ve always wanted to do more with collard greens other than my usual Sautéed Collard…

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Green enchilada sauce, completed

July 13, 2020 Recipes

Green Enchilada Sauce

When you love enchiladas as much as I do, making your own enchilada sauce is a must. Green enchilada sauce always wins in my book for a key reason. It’s super easy! But also, the flavor profile of this tomatillo-based sauce packed with citrusy cilantro, aromatic onions and spicy peppers is a personal favorite. If…

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a spoon full of vegan baked beans

June 27, 2020 Meatless

Vegan Baked Beans with Smoked Tomatoes

My vegan baked beans are a cookout crowd-pleaser for their bold smoky flavor while delivering a healthy-ish, meatless experience. Also, it’s quite an easy recipe. Smoked tomatoes are used as a base for a hearty and onion-packed homemade barbecue sauce and the beans pretty much cook low and slow. Upon completion of this recipe I…

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June 7, 2020 Easy Ideas

Healthier Club Sandwiches

Being at home all day working a 9-to-5 job means you need food to be quick and easy, while utilizing as few dishes as possible. The simplicity of club sandwiches make them an easy go-to option. By their classic definition, they aren’t too fancy, have mayonnaise, jam packed with meat, held together by cocktail toothpicks,…

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April 20, 2020 Easy Ideas

How to Make Vegetarian Sandwiches, My Way

Really good vegetarian sandwiches go beyond the basics of just some lettuce, cheese and tomato. With two key pieces of equipment you can turn almost anything into a sandwich fixing. Layer them in between two pieces of your favorite bread with some condiments, and you’re all set! My love for decadent vegetarian sandwiches began just…

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broiled buffalo cauliflower

March 29, 2020 Easy Ideas

Broiled Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower is an easy idea that combines the two concepts of buffalo wings and meatless cooking. If you love spicy food, this should be added to your repertoire. You get the vinegary cayenne-infused flavor delivered to your sinuses by way of this nutritious crunchy vegetable. Also, it’s also super easy. If you want a…

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Kale slaw with Sriracha mayo dressing

March 22, 2020 Meatless

Sriracha Kale Slaw

My recipe for kale slaw is extremely simple. It’s jam packed with fresh cruciferous vegetables, turned spicy, and lifted with citrus flavors of lemon juice and cilantro. Like most slaw and salad recipes, the amounts are completely flexible and open for interpretation. So, feel free to use this as a guide and put your own…

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Shepherd's pie scooped from the dish

March 10, 2020 Recipes

Mexican Shepherd’s Pie with Braised Beef

For St. Patrick’s Day I wanted to revamp shepherd’s pie using Mexican seasonings and braised beef. I’m a little Irish but never felt a connection to Irish food. Shepherd’s pie was the extent of what I knew growing up. So now that I know how to cook, my version utilizes the flavors I know so…

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February 29, 2020 Easy Ideas

Burnt Ends Fried Plantains Smothered in Barbecue Sauce

Smothering fried sweet plantains in barbecue sauce is something you might think was an accident. Well, it kinda was. One day I had to get creative with a batch of over-fried plantains. If you love a spicy-but-sweet flavor profile, you need to try this. And this easy idea solves a couple of problems people usually…

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February 17, 2020 Meatless

Braised Potatoes in Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce

My braised potatoes are cooked down in a tomato-based sauce with traditional Puerto Rican sofrito. If you’re not familiar with braising, basically they’re roasted in seasoned liquid resulting in a pan of miniature crispy-skinned potatoes. Then, you’re left with a rich sofrito sauce reduction to garnish your potato with.    So here’s a crash course on…

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Sweet Potato Vegan Chili with fresh avocado

January 25, 2020 Meatless

Chipotle Vegan Chili with Sweet Potatoes

I love chili … and meat has little to do with it! The thick, spicy, and tomatoey sauce with all kinds of textures coming together in one bowl is what seals the deal for me. Sweet potato chili is quite common among vegan cooking. That’s old news. But for my vegan chili recipe, mashed sweet…

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baked kale chips

January 20, 2020 Cooking Tips

Some Tips on Baked Kale Chips

If you’re skeptical about the concept of turning fresh kale into crispy, oven-baked kale chips, I completely understand. I was doubtful as well. This trendy snack is huge among health food enthusiasts and countless recipes exist on the internet … each has its own signature. Seasonings may vary, but the cooking process is all the…

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December 15, 2019 Cooking Tips

10 Chocolate Chip Cookie Tips

Through much trial and error from the age of 8, I have developed my own set of chocolate chip cookie tips. In about 1984, my oldest sister burned a batch of Nestle Tollhouse cookies and I whined so much that I was actually crying. Even after that traumatic incident, she made them countless times and…

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American Southern sofrito

November 6, 2019 Easy Ideas

Sofrito of the American South

If you’re new to the concept of sofrito, it’s basically the blending a bunch of fresh vegetables, aromatics and herbs to use as a sauté base. You can use it in soups, stews, rice, or anything you sauté or boil. Many cultures have their own version, and seeing how I enjoy learning about American Southern…

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October 20, 2019 Easy Ideas

Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas

In a recent effort to eat less meat, this easy idea came about when I was seriously craving some buffalo wings. Roasted chickpeas have been trendy for a while, but infusing them in buffalo sauce will make you not miss chicken in the least bit. The crunchy exterior actually reminds me of chicken skin. The…

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October 10, 2019 Meatless

Sautéed Cabbage with Jamaican Curry

As a curry lover, I claim Jamaican curry as my favorite. It typically has more turmeric than other curry blends and also contains allspice. On occasion, I order take-out from a Jamaican restaurant in my area and their cabbage is always way too steamed for my liking. Deciding what protein to order is difficult as…

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Tabasco peppers and Tabasco vinegar

September 26, 2019 Ingredients

Homemade Tabasco Vinegar

An ingredient I use often is Tabasco vinegar, especially in my sautéed collard greens. And, I recently started adding just a tad to my black beans. Having balcony space in the New York City meant I could grow my own peppers and make Tabasco vinegar from scratch. So I planted a seedling from Home Depot…

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September 21, 2019 Meatless

Jollof Creamed Spinach in Coconut Milk

This African-influenced take on creamed spinach was something I stumbled upon by accident. I had a gigantic bag of unused spinach from Costco that I had to freeze and it was forever going to be mushy after thawing. I also had some leftover Jollof tomato-base mixture in my freezer. From watching lots of African and…

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September 3, 2019 Easy Ideas

Garden Salad with Thai Basil Lime Vinaigrette

Growing my own food was something I had no idea I would be good at. My first attempt at gardening in pots was last year. Much trial and error occurs in gardening and thanks to YouTube we can pretty much learn how to do anything. I have learned quite a bit from the Roots and…

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August 26, 2019 Meatless

Black Vegan Recipes

I enjoy cooking all types of comfort food. But as a biracial food blogger I love to explore what my Black ancestors may have cooked. This involves finding creative ways to prepare comfort food from the African Diaspora. So … what exactly is that? I loosely define it as dishes that utilize ingredients and cooking…

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August 3, 2019 Meatless

Jamaican Curry Lentils in Coconut Milk

For curry lovers, this Jamaican version of curry lentils offers a quick and easy vegan side dish. It can also be transformed into a main course meal if treated as such. Simply serve it over rice and add an endless combination of toppings as you would do with a bowl of chili. Even better –…

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chicken salad

July 25, 2019 Chicken

Chicken Salad with Roasted Garlic

This chicken salad recipe was created with garlic lovers in mind, as it utilizes an entire bulb of roasted garlic. The dressing is slightly tangy from fresh lemon juice and delivers a bit of a bite from a healthy dose of dijon mustard. Really, it’s all about the chicken, roasted garlic, and dressing. Once those…

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Finished cauliflower rice

July 7, 2019 Meatless

Yellow Cauliflower Rice and Beans

In searching for ways to jazz up cauliflower rice, I wanted a less-carb version of the classic Puerto Rican rice and beans. A quick sauté using Puerto Rican sofrito and achiote oil offers an easy, flavorful option. Sofrito is simply a blend of specific herbs, aromatics and peppers that get blended up in a food…

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June 10, 2019 Easy Ideas

Skillet-Charred Sweet Potato “Cold Cuts”

Sweet potato recipes have historically been very time-intensive procedures. However, all it takes is a mandolin slicer to turn this classic American-Southern Soul Food  ingredient into a fixing for a sandwich or wrap. Even better … it only requires 20 minutes of cooking. It’s as easy as cooking bacon but not as messy and much…

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June 9, 2019 Easy Ideas

Jollof Stewed Okra

This stewed okra is a quick and easy side dish to whip up. If you ever tried making my vegan style Jollof Rice, there will definitely be extra Jollof tomato “stew” base to use in other recipes. You could have stored this in the freezer, or to make it fresh simply refer back to the…

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red enchilada sauce

April 9, 2019 Ingredients

Red Enchilada Sauce

Making a really good red enchilada sauce is an extremely rewarding and messy procedure. Because that I order enchiladas at least once a week, I couldn’t go on any longer without paying tribute to this amazing Mexican comfort food. Upon ordering I almost always choose green sauce. However, when my mom sent me a bag…

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March 11, 2019 Recipes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice with Okra

This spin on the classic American Southern recipe for red beans and rice incorporates two key ingredients to give it a Jamaican edge … Scotch bonnet pepper and allspice. I was inspired to cook with okra more often after watching countless African home chefs on YouTube, so this recipe seemed okra-appropriate. Many thanks to Ghanian…

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December 23, 2018 Meatless

Smoked Tomato Soup with Roasted Eggplant

  I really love a simple tomato soup. Even more … the use of mesquite-smoked tomatoes gives you a good reason to fire up a small grill during the cooler seasons. However, for me a soup with just tomatoes is never enough. I always need to add another vegetable, and eggplant is my favorite choice…

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December 11, 2018 Ingredients

Spinach Artichoke “Pesto” with Goat Cheese

This easy “pesto” was born on a day when I was craving spinach artichoke dip. I was really not in the mood for the cream cheese and heavy cream in practically every recipe I could find. So, I took a healthier & lighter approach with fewer ingredients and arrived at this pesto-like mixture (omitting the…

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November 28, 2018 Meatless

Cucumber Salad with Chili-and-Garlic-Oil

The marinade from this cucumber salad can be applied to any vegetable you prefer, but I’ve found that it works most amazingly with cucumbers due to their absorbent nature. A tangy edge is introduced from fresh lemon juice and if you’re not familiar with freshly ground coriander – which I hear is actually seeds of…

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September 15, 2018 Meatless

Jollof Rice – Vegan Style

After obsessing over countless Jollof Rice recipes from African cooks on YouTube, I have arrived at this recipe which follows more of a Ghanian method.  There is an ongoing culinary debate about how Jollof Rice is prepared between countries; for example Ghanian uses basmati rice and a has lighter, fluffier texture. Nigerian recipes use long…

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skinny coleslaw

September 2, 2018 Meatless

Coleslaw with Sriracha-Ginger “Vinaigrette”

If you’re in the mood for coleslaw without mayonnaise and enjoy a spicy edge, then consider this vegan alternative featuring Sriracha sauce and grated ginger. You could call it a skinny coleslaw. I uses the term “vinaigrette” loosely because lemon juice is the acidic stand-in for vinegar this coleslaw recipe. And like most vegetable marinades…

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Blackeyed Pea Dip

July 1, 2018 Meatless

Black-Eyed Pea Dip with Roasted Garlic

Put down the hummus and consider this faster-cooking black-eyed pea dip to impress any vegan and/or Southern/Soul food aficionados you may be cooking for. Roasting garlic is a crucial step you certainly don’t want to skip, as it takes only 20 minutes and ideal to be done in a toaster oven. Once the peas are…

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May 25, 2018 Meatless

Homefries Two Ways

These crispy, well-seasoned, oven-made homefries can enhance any meal if you just follow just a few simple concepts. Be sure to briefly boil them (for just a few minutes) prior to seasoning, don’t be shy with the seasonings, and use extreme temperatures.  You can achieve similar results using one of two methods — frying in…

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May 13, 2018 Easy Ideas

Fried Yam Fixings

Naturally sweet, crispy bits of fried yam matchsticks are an exciting addition to any sandwich, wrap, salad topping. They can also be seasoned and turned into a snack by itself. No matter if you are vegan, vegetarian, or meat-loving, these fixings work with literally everything. Be on the lookout for a hand-held matchstick attachment on…

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May 12, 2018 Chicken

Easy Jerk Chicken from the Jar

While researching recipes for jerk chicken I found many people tend to add their own “other” ingredients. People add all sorts of non-traditional items including parsley, nutmeg, or even soy sauce. However, I really wanted to experience the traditional version of this amazing Jamaican comfort food so I, again, turned to YouTube. From researching the…

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April 28, 2018 Meatless

Vegan Gumbo with Mashed Yams

While traditional gumbo gets its thick texture from making a roux at the start of the recipe, for my vegan gumbo interpretation achieves a similar consistency from mixing some mashed yams into your bowl at the very end. No flour means that it’s gluten-free too. Keep in mind that this is a very loose interpretation…

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April 22, 2018 Meatless

Sautéed Collard Greens

This recipe for sautéed collard greens does not involve the classic method of preparation. Traditionally the greens endure hours of simmering with a ham hock or smoked turkey wing. Instead, you can try this vegan option in only 20 minutes of cooking time. These cook much quicker,  retain a lot more nutrients and have a…

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pulled chicken

April 14, 2016 Chicken

Smoky Sofrito Pulled Chicken Breast

When faced with the challenge of finding new ways to cook chicken breast, consider this easy, flavorful method of stewing for 3 hours and delicately pulling it apart with a fork. Use this recipe for making pulled chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, empanada filling, over salad, or just eating it over simple white rice with a…

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March 25, 2016 Meatless

Salsa Verde with Roasted Poblano Pepper

When indulging in Mexican food, the most difficult decision for me ends up being the decision of choosing salsa verde or salsa roja — red sauce or green sauce. If you like a little kick of heat, the addition of poblano peppers will convince you that green is the way to go. This relatively easy…

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March 5, 2016 Cooking Tips

7 Tips for Fluffy White Rice

Everyone has varying techniques for cooking a batch of plain white rice and other rice-based recipes. Because of its wishy washy nature rice deserves its own blog post to yield an irresistibly light and fluffy batch regardless of which technique you use. After much trial and tragic error, I arrived at these tips that I…

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February 20, 2016 Recipes

Basic Black Beans

To prepare a hearty batch of classic black beans requires just a few key ingredients … cumin, bay leaf, onion and a piece of smoked turkey or pork product if you are a meat eater. This flavor combination is quite standard among many Latin cuisine cooks. But YOUR black beans can stand out among the…

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February 11, 2016 Ingredients

Easy Plain Tomato Sauce

Countless comfort food recipes – especially many rice and beans – call for a small 8 ounce can of plain tomato sauce.  However, upon reading the labels on the cans, pretty much all brands seem to have some trace of “spices”, herbs,  or even red coloring. Making your own plain tomato sauce takes only 20…

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February 9, 2016 Cooking Tips

Bean Conversions – Dry and Cooked Volumes

Cooking with fresh beans whenever possible brings superb results to any recipe. Knowing the volumes of bean conversions is helpful for my recipes because different types of beans absorb liquid at different rates. Therefore, I did the tedious work of testing the volumes of my recipes’ most common beans after they have been cooked. You…

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January 24, 2016 Recipes

Quick Fix Creamy Mac ‘n Cheese

I confess … this mac ‘n cheese recipe is for cheaters, and was born during a serious craving around the midnight hour and I was forced to work with the few ingredients I had left over in my kitchen. The cooking techniques for a creamy batch of mac ’n cheese vary as much as the…

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January 22, 2016 Recipes

Rice with Pigeon Peas (Arroz con Gandules)

Pigeon peas (gandules) are quite global but I first encountered these nutritious legumes in a Puerto Rican context while learning this traditional comfort dish made in countless Puerto Rican kitchens. Pigeon peas are originally a green color when harvested and commonly cooked in its green state, but I recommend using the dried version which turns…

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January 16, 2016 Easy Ideas

Jalapeño Poppers Stuffed with Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is perfectly suited for jalapeño poppers due to its succulent fibrous texture. This meat allows you to break it apart into long whole chunks that conform easily to the pepper and still remain intact when handled.  Also, the fat rendered from pork shoulder can be brushed on before roasting for added love. If…

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January 14, 2016 Ingredients

Achiote Oil

After being heavily influenced by watching Chef Daisy Martinez on TV and following her achiote oil recipe for over 5 years, achiote seeds have become a staple ingredient at home to regularly make achiote oil. Also referred to as annato, achiote seeds are bright red and yield a bright golden yellow color when cooked. Not…

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January 3, 2016 Easy Ideas

Mac ‘n Cheese-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

I don’t know anyone who does not love mac ‘n cheese, and once you try my recipe for Ben’s Baked Mac ‘n Cheese you can indulge in its countless variations.  If you like a hint of hint of heat then definitely try stuffing mac ‘n cheese into poblano peppers prior to baking. It helps to…

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December 21, 2015 Recipes

Adobo Roasted Pork Shoulder

Chef Daisy Martinez introduced this recipe for Puerto Rican style roasted pork shoulder to my life 10 years ago. It’s traditionally called “perníl”. Cooking for large amounts of people (who have no hang-ups about eating pork) has never been the same again.  A wet rub, called Adobo, consisting of garlic paste and other basic ingredients…

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December 15, 2015 Meatless

Spring Onion Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic

I was obsessed with tomato soup one day and came across these large, very green spring onions. So, naturally I took to the kitchen and tried to figure this out. This recipe is extremely basic and relies on the savory/sweet, earthy flavor of roasted garlic. I only use 2 cups of vegetable broth for a…

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December 11, 2015 Easy Ideas

BLT and Brie Sandwich

When you’re browsing the meat section and your stumble upon a 12 ounce package of 5 steak-like slabs of bacon, there are only three things to do … buy it, make a decadent, BLT sandwich., and add a slice of soft ripened brie cheese. Due to its thickness, only one strip of bacon is needed…

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December 10, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Coquito with Homemade Caramel

Coquito is a egg nog-like, coconut based cocktail that is often shared around any festive time in many Caribbean Latin households.  It’s common and exciting to receive a bottle of homemade coquito because the recipes can get quite creative from kitchen to kitchen. With the absence of raw egg and realizing that other kitchens incorporate…

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December 6, 2015 Cooking Tips

How to Bake a Better Cake

When you get the urge to bake a cake from scratch it’s easy to grab for mediocre ingredients and get mediocre results. My favorite thing to bring to parties has been Sour Cream Poundcake from the book Kwanzaa, An African American Celebration of Culture and Cooking by Eric V. Copage in which the recipe specifically…

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December 1, 2015 Desserts

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Torte

Since the emergence of the gluten-free trend, countless flourless cake recipes are based on the concept of trying to mimic the volume and texture of an actual “with-flour” cake, largely by adding lots of eggs. However my first recollection of flourless dessert dates back to the late 1990s when flourless “cakes” took on a more…

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November 29, 2015 Recipes

Tomatillo Turkey Green Chili

This slow ‘n low 6-hour Mexican-inspired green chili answers all questions you have about wondering what to do with leftover holiday turkey. Give the classic red chili a rest and reach for the tomatillos. They come in a husk found at any Mexican grocery store, and a growing number of mainstream stores as well.  This…

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chicken chili

November 1, 2015 Chicken

Chipotle Chicken and White Bean Chili

This lean and smoky chili gets most of its flavor from freshly ground chipotle powder and a strong base of peppers and aromatics. Many times when using chicken breast in recipes I like to incorporate some dark meat for fat and flavor, but here I opted for just chicken breast as a culinary health challenge…

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mac 'n cheese

October 26, 2015 Meatless

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Recipes for a nice, comforting batch of mac and cheese can quickly go from inspirationally gooey to a tragic cheese casserole of mush if not handled with care. Overcooking the pasta is often a huge problem. To achieve a nice, creamy and smooth cheese sauce you only need a low temperature, the right blend of…

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October 18, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Bourbon Ginger Apple Cider

Outdoor activities in the brisk October air definitely require a good, alcoholic cider to help take the edge off as you might be raking leaves or enjoying Holiday festivities, or even an autumn barbeque. Cider recipes can easily become complex and overdone, so and after much speculation I have arrived at 4 simple ingredients. If…

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October 11, 2015 Desserts

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Every time the temperature drops outside the idea of apple pie seems to always creep into my mind. Making a really good pie crust certainly has some complicated obstacles, so an apple crisp is an equally exciting easier option. And even better … both the filling and crumb topping can pre-made and stored in the…

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September 5, 2015 Ingredients

Puerto Rican Sofrito

Chef Daisy Martinez first opened my eyes to the process of making Puerto Rican sofrito, which is a staple in Caribbean Latin cuisine. Basically the concept of is to act as a sautéed seasoning for any oil or fat which contributes to any base flavor in a recipe. Instead of sautéing each vegetable individually, sofrito is a…

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July 13, 2015 Meatless

Spicy Mango Salsa with Roasted Red Peppers

This recipe accentuates the sweetness of the mango with the aid of some honey, something I typically add to any fruit salad. While most recipes with jalapeño peppers usually involve removing the seeds and ribs, I utilize them for the heat they contain. The juice created from the first five ingredients serve as a valuable starter liquid to season everything else.  Just…

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July 5, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Vodka Watermelon Cocktail with Mint

As seedless watermelons begin to arrive in stores everywhere, you should also be on the lookout for some fresh mint leaves to enjoy this refreshing watermelon cocktail. Carving out a watermelon and infusing melon balls in vodka is so easy. Not to mention it’s a crowd-pleasing visual presentation. Guests love it. The mint can either be…

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June 28, 2015 Ingredients

Mango and Guava Nectars

As much as we love fresh fruit juices, finding ripe produce year round is not realistic. You can regularly count on nectar products for recipes calling for any type of real, close-to-fresh fruit juice. The main ingredients in nectars are quite harmless – water, fruit puree, and sugar. Sure there are some preservatives, but there is definitely…

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June 15, 2015 Ingredients

Chipotle Pepper Spice Rub

If you can find a food market which sells dried chipotle peppers, you’re in luck! Everything else in this smoky spice rub is pretty much available at any mainstream grocery store. Note that the amount of sugar is in teaspoons (not tablespoons) like the other ingredients. Because you will be grinding fresh chipotle peppers, you should have…

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June 8, 2015 Ingredients

Chipotle Peppers

Chipotle peppers are a dried, smoked version of jalapeño peppers which originated in Mexico. There are countless varieties of dried red peppers from Mexico, but as I stood in the aisle of a local store surveying a handful varieties, it was clear that chipotles were the smallest there but demanded the most attention. As I…

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May 25, 2015 Cocktails and Beverages

Piña Colada with Guava Nectar

I believe there are two types of people … those who love piña colada and those that don’t. A common complaint among the haters is that its too sweet and they don’t like the coconut milk/cream. So, my spin on a piña colada tackles both of those issues. With the introduction of guava nectar, you…

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May 3, 2015 Chicken

Spicy Lime Chicken Wings

If you love chicken wings and love simplicity even more, then this recipe is definitely for you. It utilizes ingredients that can be found in any mainstream grocery store in Astoria and beyond. If you are familiar with my recipes, it is no secret that lime is a key ingredient in my kitchen which seems…

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May 2, 2015 Easy Ideas

Cilantro Lime Spread

If you love cilantro, this sauce recipe is essential for sandwiches or dips and it super easy to make. Homemade condiments offer the benefit of absolute freshness and you only need to make as much as you wish to consume. Ingredients 2 cups finely chopped cilantro with stems 1 tsp kosher salt 1 clove garlic…

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April 27, 2015 Ingredients

Culantro

Culantro is a must-have herb I learned about from watching Chef Daisy Martinez. Basically this is an extremely potent version of cilantro with an exaggerated crisp, clean aroma. And while cilantro is often loved or hated, I have often successfully served culantro-based dishes to cilantro haters. Due to its potency, I do not recommend eating…

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April 26, 2015 Recipes

Spicy Shredded Stewed Beef

This beef recipe borrows elements from the classic Mexican street taco trucks and some flavors of a traditional Caribbean Latino stewing sauce. It cooks low ‘n slow, then you’re left with a spicy, aromatic liquid … perfect for tacos.  When I make this, I frequently increase the amount of onions and add more spiciness of…

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April 20, 2015 Recipes

Chorizo Turkey Burger

Every time I indulge in a turkey burger, I still miss flavor and moisture. Chorizo (pictured below) is a spicy sausage from all parts of Latin America, and therefore found all throughout Astoria. A great reason for cooking with chorizo is due to the fact that its already seasoned, and done so quite aggressively. Mixing fresh…

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Adobo Chicken

April 13, 2015 Chicken

Honey Adobo Chicken Drumsticks

Typically I like to apply any chicken wing marinade to drumsticks. I simply prefer the extra meatiness, its easier to handle. Also, you can remove the skin so the marinade actually penetrates more into the meat instead of just seasoning the skin. Cooking the meat from the outside-in (at a high temperature first), assures that a…

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April 5, 2015 Meatless

Guacamole Verde

The growing season for avocados can vary throughout the world, but in some parts of Mexico avocados can be grown year round. Provided this fact, it’s no surprise that many Mexican grocery stores in Astoria take superior care of their avocados. The trick to keeping guacamole overnight so it retains its rich, green color is to store…

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March 28, 2015 Desserts

Guava Jelly

There are different types of guavas that grow globally but this recipe speaks to the one variety I am able to find locally which is from Mexico. These are slightly round in shape, on the small side (about the size of a ping pong ball), have a light yellow skin and a white flesh inside. If…

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February 28, 2015 Desserts

Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I have been perfecting this recipe for chocolate chunk cookies since I was a kid.  It originated from following directions on the back of a bag of Nestle Toll House chocolate chips when I was about 8 years old. My sister burnt a batch of cookies and I was determined to learn how to make…

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I’m a lover of cross-cultural comfort food and I spend my weekends cooking authentically awesome dishes without having to leave Astoria, Queens, NYC.

-Ben Costantino

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Meatless Monday Ideas!

broiled buffalo cauliflower

Broiled Buffalo Cauliflower

Kale slaw with Sriracha mayo dressing

Sriracha Kale Slaw

Burnt Ends Fried Plantains Smothered in Barbecue Sauce

Braised Potatoes in Puerto Rican Sofrito Sauce

Sweet Potato Vegan Chili with fresh avocado

Chipotle Vegan Chili with Sweet Potatoes

baked kale chips

Some Tips on Baked Kale Chips

Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas

Sautéed Cabbage with Jamaican Curry

Check out more Meatless Monday inspired posts!

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How does one know when to stop when ur caramelizin How does one know when to stop when ur caramelizing onions? Thought I was done about 4 times.  Was feeling patient yesterday and wanted them on a sandwich, but once I was done I just grabbed a fork and went all in on these. 

#caramelization #caramelizedonions #lownslowcooking #skilletcooking #onionlover  #classiccooking #cookingtechnique #homecookfood #cookingonions #onions #amateurcook #stovetopcooking #onionsrule
Channeling my inner Usain Bolt feeling @usainbolt Channeling my inner Usain Bolt feeling @usainbolt @usainbolt.fan after a good meatless-fueled cardio while my weight is at an all-time record low in my adult life. Even with a knee injury I found ways to thrive ... instead of really running I'm doing an "old man" type of run-walk maneuver with a knee brace because doing absolutely nothing while it heals is not an option in my book. 

 #fitness2020 #doingcardio #usainboltfan #outdoorfitness #stayinginshape #fitnessgoals #runlikethewind #astoriapark #queensnewyorkcity #astorianyc #blackfitnessmatters #livinginastoria #astorialife #quarantinefitness #losingweight #fitinmy40s #nycparks #healthyliving #cardioworkout #determination #foodandfitness
Swapping olive oil mayo with honey mustard led to Swapping olive oil mayo with honey mustard led to this 3 ingredients dressing of this spicy kale slaw with cashews ... Sriracha, honey mustard and rice vinegar. No fat happening here. 
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#kaleslaw #kalestagram #3ingredients #nofatfood #srirachalovers #sriracharecipes #spicyfood #spicy #veggiepower #micronutrients #kaleaddict #kalepower #simplerecipe #easycooking #dietfoods #skinnyrecipes #cashews #eatyourveggies #colorfulcooking #freshveggies #eatinghealthy  #carrots🥕 #healthy #eatingclean
Nowadays, a whole wheat pita with jammy eggs, blan Nowadays, a whole wheat pita with jammy eggs, blanched kale, fresh spinach, quinoa, and roasted red peppers tossed in a little ranch dressing with swiss cheese appeals to me more than a bacon egg ‘n cheese breakfast sandwich. This certainly wasn’t always the case. The concept of dieting was so foreign to me because as an athlete all my life I always pretty much ate whatever I wanted until recent years and a slight tummy started emerging that I couldn’t get rid of. Meat was certainly the culprit, combined with having to increase my cardio.
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#meatless #pitasandwich #wholewheat #wholewheatpita #eathinghealthy #dieting #healthylifestyle #eatingbetter #kaleandquinoa #eggsandwich #plantbasedsandwich #pocketpita #vegetarianeats #freshveggiesmatter #eatgoodfeelgood #youarewhatyoueat #dietgoals #lifestylechanges #nutrition #eggsarethebest #eggprotein #vegetariandiet #eggsandveggies #softboiledegg #jammyegg
Time to put my jammy egg skills to the test after Time to put my jammy egg skills to the test after watching the egg tutorial from @elle_simone_scott at @testkitchen on youtube. 
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#jammyeggs #softboiledeggs #cookingeggs #eggaddict #iloveeggs #eggsellent #protein #eggcooking #simplefood #breakfastfood #runnyyolk #yolkporn #homecook #eggs101 #cookingtechniques #howtocook #eggvideo #imadethis #eggslover #homecookingblogger #comfortfood #simplecooking #learningtocook #softboiled #atkgrams
In case ya didn't know ... thyme and sage are toug In case ya didn't know ... thyme and sage are tough enough to withstand freezing temperatures. I had no idea. Now I'm wondering what other herbs can grow year round ... I'm guessing rosemary? Hopefully tarragon. Will see. I always hate when you buy herbs, use only what you need, and the rest lingers in the fridge for way too long and ya feel bad for wasting such a fantastic product. Not anymore. 🌱

#urbangardener #gardeninginpots #freshherbs  #sageplant #thyme #thymeandsage #growingherbs #herbgrower #herbs #igrewthis  #herbgardening #thymesfragrances #sagephotos #sagelove #plantphotography #herblover #growyourownherbs🌱 #frommygarden
My meatless journey has led me to yesterday's #tac My meatless journey has led me to yesterday's #tacotuesday🌮 with quinoa, cotija cheese, blanched broccoli, home-pickled Jalapeños, fried matchstick #julienned green plantains @elyucateco_hotsauce and @herdeztraditions guacamole salsa. The light feeling in your body the day after going meatless is super rewarding. I feel like I could run 10 miles 🏃🏼

#meatlesstacos #tacolovers #cleaneating #vegetariantacos #eatingfresh #vegetarianmexicanfood #tacosrule #homemadetacos #tacosathome #spicyfoodrecipes #pickledjalapeños #friedplantains🍌 #tacofixings #healthyeatinggoals #vegetariancooking #dietgoals #plantbasedmeal #tacolove #tacomaking #eatinglight #nomeattoday
Just a quick shallow fry in canola oil for these t Just a quick shallow fry in canola oil for these tostones takes the fear out of frying. Get with the search bar on the blog and type in "tostones" for the entire process. 

Haven't made these in quite a while ... I was long overdue. I first learned how to cook these from watching @chefdaisymartinez on #pbsfood in 2004. I used her cookbook so much that the pages are falling apart from the spine. They didn't have plantains in the small Rhode Island town where I grew up, and I first learned what a plantain was in college from a Nigerian friend circa 1998. The learning never stops.
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#plátanosfritos #fryingplantains #shallowfry #friedfoodporn #snacks #snacktime #comidaboricua #comidalatina #fryingathome #fryingfood #platanosverdes #tostonesdeplatano #friedfoodheaven #frying #caribbeancooking #puertoricanfood #homecooklife #homecooksofinstagram #homecookedfood #nycfoodblog #nycbloggers
It's official chili season everyone ... holla 🙌 It's official chili season everyone ... holla 🙌🏾🙌🏻🙌🏿🙌🏼 if you like a little homemade chili 🌶️ with your #tostones.

#plantainlove #platanosfritos
#platanos #bowlofchili #friedplantain #chiliwithbeans #greenplantain #caribbeanfood #caribbeancooking #chiliseason #comidalatina #comfortcooking #friedfoods #blackfoodblogger #redchili #homemadechili #plantainpower #wintercooking
Reminiscing and mourning the memory of these Jamai Reminiscing and mourning the memory of these Jamaican jerk #chickenwings ... all of which only lasted 30 minutes on Saturday night. We quickly devoured these slow cooked beauties after a 24-hour marinade. 🍗
#ifeellikechickentonight
#chickennight #wingsintheoven #foodphotography #chickenwingchickenwing #wingnight #lownslowcooking #ovencooking #sheetpancooking #instachicken #chickengram #drummettes #drummetsofinstagram #chickenwingnight #chickenwingslovers #eatthis #wingaddict #spicyfoodlover #jamaicanchoicejerkseasoning #spicychicken #jamaicanchicken #yum
It's a personal rule that I don't allow collard gr It's a personal rule that I don't allow collard greens to linger for more than 2 days. After that I just can't deal. Poached eggs with greens and blacked peas is kinda my thing. Hot sauce @crystal.hot.sauce, egg yolk and the hearty broth I simmered up for hours all come together in this soulful bowl.

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#poachedeggperfection #collardgreens #greensnbeans #blackeyedpeas #soulfood #soulinabowl #comfortfood #comfortcooking #bowlmeals #beansandgreens #collards #cozyfood #easyideas #blackhomecooks #blackfoodblogger #newyearsfood #goodluckfood #lickyourphone #egglover #poachingeggs
So, about last night. Um... I think these are done So, about last night. Um... I think these are done. Devoured these Jerk BBQ wings last night after a full day marinade with @jamaican_choice jerk seasoning. Low 'n slow is the way to go! 
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#chickenwings #jerkchicken #jerkchickenwings
#jerkedchicken #foodiesofinstagram #cookingchicken #freshoutoftheoven #chickenaddiction #wings #wingsintheoven #ovenbaked #ovenlovin #chickenwaaangs #chickenlover #winglovers #fallingoffthebone #yummy #chicken #wingnight #cookedtoperfection #lownslow #ilovecooking  #homemadefood #everyoneloveschicken
Was given collard green duty by my bf @brothashake Was given collard green duty by my bf @brothashakespeare because ya can't just have blackeyed peas alone. No ham hock and no smoked turkey happening here. Instead I usually use a smoked pork chop for something I call "lean greens".

Well, there was no smoked pork chops at the store so I made a kick ass stock yesterday with regular pork chops, liquid smoke, and adding tons of onions, garlic and some other key secret ingredients. Complete Lean Greens recipe will be up on the blog soon. Until then ... Happy New Year 🎉🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥬🥬🥬🥬🥬
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#collardgreens #collardgreenrecipes #soulfoodie #healthyishcooking #kindahealthy #cookinglight #greens #soulfoodcook #neosoulfood #greenfoodisgoodfood #leafygreens #collards #f52grams #cookingreens #homecookin #foodwithsoul #newyearsfood #eatmoregreens #comfortfood #stovetopcooking
We're getting these blackeyed peas on point so we We're getting these blackeyed peas on point so we can devour these at midnight. My bf @brothashakespeare doing a vegan version  this year and I'm super impressed how much I don't miss the meat. Looking forward to an awesome new year with even less meat in my diet. My goal in 2020 has been to only do meat once a day but I cheat often. No cheating in 2021, hopefully.
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#blackeyedpeas #soulfood #soulfoodcooking #blackfoodies #africanamericanfood #blackeyedpeasforluck #homecooking #africanamericantraditions #beanrecipes #legumelover #vegansoulfood #neosoulfood #blackandproud #meatlesscooking #southerncooking #newyears2021 #hny2021 #comfortcooking #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #blackhomecook #beans #cookingbeans #goodluck #optimism
The most simple and satisfying 3-ingredient recipe The most simple and satisfying 3-ingredient recipe (water and salt don’t count) of my year 2020 cooking adventures has been Tahini Dressing from @epicurious ... condiments and sauces are kinda my thing and if I don’t get enough of them I’m really not happy. Slathering this dressing on a whole wheat pita hummus sandwich will make you forget about eating meat altogether. It’s plays a crucial role in making my occasionally meatless diet such a success. 
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#3ingredients #3ingredientrecipe #condiments #tahinidressing #dressingrecipe #hummusandpita #hummussandwich #hummusandveggies #wholewheatpita #roastedredpeppers #veggiesandwich #blanchedkale #grilledeggplant #grilledeggplant #meatlessgoals #meatlesseating #meatlessdiet #meatless #meatlesschallenge #plantbasednutrition #cleaneating #vegetarianmealprep #eatmoreveggies #tahinisauce #tahini #tahinilover #simplerecipes #easyrecipe #nutritous #nutritousanddelicious
I wish I could claim this #friedchicken, but it's I wish I could claim this #friedchicken, but it's what my boyfriend @brothashakespeare does every year as a Christmas tradition, being a southern man from Jackson, GA. I learn from the best and get it right on one of these days. 

#southernfriedchicken #fryingchicken #chickenloversforlife #deepfriedchicken #buttermilkfriedchicken #jacksongeorgia #chickenlovers🍗 #homecookin #friedfood #friedfoodporn #chickenaddict #everyoneloveschicken #chickenchickenchicken #deepfried #blackfoodiesmatter #chickenvideos #homemadefoodblogger #comfortfood #blackfoodbloggersclub #friedfoods
Making enchilada sauce is one of my favorite oh-so Making enchilada sauce is one of my favorite oh-so-satisfying things to do and usually happens in the late night hours. Full recipe is on the blog. Strained the hell out of this mixture of Ancho, Guajillo, Chipotle, and Arbol chilis 🌶️, and roasted tomatoes, onions and garlic.  Next step ... thin it out with some veggie stock and season it with Mexican oregano and cumin then simmer to completion. 
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Too many recipes tell you to remove the seeds, but I'm not about it. I want full heat. #spicyrecipe
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It's impossible to find meatless enchiladas to order in Astoria, so time to make my own ... any combo of black bean, veggie and cheese. And enchilada orders comes in threes and for some reason you can't order three different types like you can with tacos. Makes no sense. Now I can finally have one chicken and two meatless as much as I want.
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#enchiladasauce #redsauce #mexicanfoodporn #enchiladalover #salsaroja #comidamexicana #saucemaking #mexicanchiles #guajillochile #anchochiles #redenchiladasauce #comfortcooking #spicysauce #spicyfoodlover🌶 #somelikeitspicy #enchiladalover #cookingfromscratch #freshingredients #mexicansauce #Mexicanflavors #mexicanfoodlover
I swear I had plans to just make a simple BLT, but I swear I had plans to just make a simple BLT, but these other awesome ingredients were calling from the fridge. So, here we go in order from bottom to the top ...honey mustard, @hellmannsmayonnaise olive oil mayonnaise, @yanceysfancycheese steakhouse onion cheddar, @smithfieldfoods bacon, vine tomatoes, @elyucateco_hotsauce red chili habañero hot sauce, cucumbers, shredded lettuce and @sabra Jalapeño hummus. 
🥪🥓🍅🥬🥒🧀🌶️

#sandwichmaker #sandwichtower #sandwich #sandwichpics #sandwichgram #sandwichlovers❤️ #hotsauceoneverything #oliveoilmayo #bltsandwich #baconsandwiches #baconlovers #sandwichs #sandwichoftheday #sandwichclub #sandwichtime #healthysandwich #healthyish #freshingredients #sandwichporn #homemadefood #lunchtime #sandwichmaking #sandwichphotography
Was out of mayo, so I reached for some blue cheese Was out of mayo, so I reached for some blue cheese dressing for this club sandwich with sweet potato coldcuts (on the blog), roasted red pepper, pickled Jalapeños, turkey, bacon, honey mustard and @elyucateco_hotsauce ... it might be a regular thing now. Blue cheese lover here!
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All the sandwich lovers ... get with the search bar on my blog and type "sandwiches"

#bluecheesedressing #elyucatecohotsauce #sandwichaddict #sandwichesofinstagram #sandwichlover #sandwichloversunite #sandwichartist #sammich #makingasandwich #sandwichoftheday #roastedredpeppers #clubsandwich #sandwichesrule #sandwichporn #lunchfood #lunchtime #cookingathome #quarantinecooking #wishbonedressing #sandwichlife #sandwichmaker #homecooklife  #homecook
Winter workouts in full effect in #astoriaqueensny Winter workouts in full effect in #astoriaqueensny ... Astoria Park has become my second home since March and I'm so thankful to be living two blocks away from this fantastic park. When I'm not cooking, this is what I'm doing. Fun fact ... I was a gymnast from the age 6 to 21 and working out is just something I need to do. And just like cooking, fitness is in my DNA ... my bio-dad was a high school football superstar in the 70s in Rhode Island.

Haven't left Astoria in 9 months and it's all good in the hood. I've found ways to thrive in this pandemic.
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#nycparks #astoriany
#astoriaqueens #iloveastoria #quarentineworkout #outdoorfitness #outdoorworkout #nycbloggers #winterworkout #queensnewyorkcity #ilovequeens #fitness2020 #astoriapark #cardioworkouts #astoriaqueensnyc #stayinginshape #fitstagram #eatrightfeelright
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food shopping in Astoria Queens

Shopping at my favorite store in Astoria, Queens on a hot summer day ... Trade Fair on 30th Avenue and 31st Street.

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