Camarofongo (Shrimp Mofongo) @ Cafe Colonial

In case I never mentioned this, I am originally from the Bronx, NY! I spent a lot of years in the Pelham Parkway area close to the Bronx Zoo. Now, I live in Bridgeport, CT which ironically isn’t that much different from the Bronx. It reminds me of where I use to live except with way less people, LOL. I usually go down and visit twice a month and you know I have to eat something good. I have to say, the Bronx has the best Spanish food you’ll ever get to taste. It’s worth the trip which is only a 45 minute ride from my apartment to the Bronx. I went to a Spanish place called Colonial Restaurant on White Plains Rd. underneath the 2&5 train line. They have an awesome Dominican style breakfast including mangu (mashed plantains), fried cheese & salami & onions. If you never tried that, take my word for it, TRY it! I took my mom to dinner last Friday and I had a shrimp mofongo that was to die for! This is definitely worth a food adventure!

Stuffed Chicken

I got carried away after making stuffed peppers last night that I went and stuffed chicken breast for today’s dinner…. Stuffing food with other food is pretty awesome! There were so many different recipes for stuffed chicken but I used what I had in the fridge to try it for my first time. I think next time I’ll use pepper jack cheese and red bell peppers to stuff them. The key to making chicken is marinating it first, even for an hour. Let the chicken preserve its seasoning. I usually season all my meat with adobo but you can use salt and pepper.

·         A pack of chicken breast, split open in the middle deep enough to have a pocket

·         Frozen spinach, thawed

·          Mozzarella cheese

·         1 cup of mushrooms sliced

·         1 small onion chopped

·         ½ cup of breadcrumbs with  2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese

·         Mix all ingredients in a bowl and stuff chicken good, use a toothpick to hold it together if necessary

·         Bake for 45 minutes

Serve with a sweet potato & enjoy!

Leisha's Bakeria

I fell in love with a… BAKERY! My very own local bakery in downtown Bridgeport that I can literally skip to, it’s so awesome. I am so excited for this because it is a family ran business, the owner is the one throwing down on her delicious wraps and sandwiches while her beautiful kids check out the customers amongst other things. They have really really awesome CAKES that they design along with things like cheesecake cupcakes! They also have meatloaf muffins! I mean the menu is just out of this world and I really love how FUN some of her recipes are. It called Leisha’s Bakery, on the corner of Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. You can sit and enjoy a delicious cup of cinnamon coffee on their couch while playing chess or you can sit outside! So far I ordered a cake for a baby shower very last minute and they came through without a problem (thanks so much) & I’ve also tried quiche, spinach wrap (thanks for this idea too) & OMG they have a Huevos Rancheros Wrap. Please stop by this awesome treasure, you will be well taken care of! 

2 eggs with lime cilantro salsa, tortilla chips, sour cream & cheddar cheese.

Egg whites spinach wrap with Swiss cheese. 

  

Spinach on Spinach

                Do you have a 30 minute lunch break? No problem! If you’re like me, I’m only allowed to swallow my food, no chewing or burping allowed! I mean really, 30 minutes is not enough time when you have to eat, take a picture of your food and upload it to Instagram let me tell you! LOL But, I think I've mastered it with this simple and delicious lunch. I call it Spinach on Spinach. I found some awesome Spinach wraps the other day by the deli at Stop & Shop and what was that for… I've been making Spinach wraps all week. I made this wrap with strawberries, avocado, tomatoes, & spinach leaves. I drizzled some ranch dressing for a little kick and whoa baby, it was so amazing. If you bring everything sliced from home all you have to do is fold the wrap once you’re ready to eat it. Enjoy!

STUFFED Peppers

I don’t know if it’s because spring is in the air, but dinner was calling for some COLOR! As I walked around the super market, I grabbed a bright bell peppers package and decided to find a stuffed pepper recipe. This was so much fun! I loved it. This is the type of dish that doesn’t need a side because you can get pretty creative, LOL. You can basically stuff a pepper with anything and everything. It’s a meal in itself! I happened to use:

·         ¾ ground beef, seasoned with sofrito, oregano, cumin

·         4 bell peppers (red, orange, green, yellow) be sure to take out the inside of the peppers so they are nice and clean inside

·         1 chopped onion

·         5 mushrooms chooped

·         1 cup of rice, 1 cup of water (cook separately)

·         Breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese

·         1 can of chickpeas

·         Mozzarella cheese to sprinkle on top of the pepper once stuffed

Cook the meat first adding the onions and mushrooms to the pan

Cook rice in a separate pan

Mix the meat and rice together, add in chickpeas

STUFF the pepper until it cannot breathe

Sprinkle mozzarella on top

                             Bake for 45 minutes

Avocado Pasta

                Recently, I started an Instagram for my blog! By the way I am taking a social media class at Sacred Heart University, which inspired this blog to begin with. My professor is teaching us how to promote our brand and this was one of the ways. A couple of months ago I deleted my personal Instagram account because I was spending way too much time on it. Now that people can benefit from my account, I don’t feel so bad about having one. It has become the best decision for my blog because there are so many food lovers just like me. I am finding so many recipes I don’t know what to do with myself, LOL. If you didn't know yet, I am obsessed with avocado so when I found this recipe I was like no way! It was quick, simple and most importantly, delicious! Thank you to @creativefoodsdyi for this recipe! It is my new favorite dish and it is amazing. You’ll need:

·         12 ounces spaghetti

·         2 ripe avocados ( I used 3 small ones)

·         ½ cup of fresh basil leaves

·         2 cloves garlic (already chopped garlic in a jar works too)

·         2 table spoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

·         1/3 cup olive oil

·         1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

·         ½ cup canned corn kernels, drained and rinsed

Mix ingredients together along with the pasta once done! Enjoy! 

Off the Hook Bar & Grill

After church yesterday, the boys and I went to a place called Off the Hook. I just love their name, its so clever. It’s located close to the water on Ferry Blvd in Stratford, CT. This is a seafood spot that I highly recommend. It was my first time there and we sat outside, if your one of those people who enjoy eating outside this is the place to go! They have a nice size parking lot and the staff is great. We ordered the Maine steamer clams for an appetizer which were soaked in an amazing butter sauce to dip bread in. We all ordered the “Off the Hook Lobster Roll” that was literally off the hook. The lobster was so soft and delicious and it wasn't served on just any ordinary roll. The bread here is kind of amazing, so try not eat too much of it!  All meals come with french-fries, coleslaw and a pickle (all very important) LOL. You have to check it out! 

GREEN & MEAN

This morning I didn't have to be at work till 11am so I had more than enough time for breakfast, finally. I made a green machine smoothie which included: 1 banana, 2 cups of cooked oatmeal, almond milk, honey, blueberries, almonds, flax seeds, raisins, and spinach! It was so good plus I always like to invent as I go along so I never know how it will taste until I am done. I always try different ingredients when it comes to my smoothies and experimenting is always fun! I also had toasted raisin bread with natural peanut butter, sliced bananas and a dash of cinnamon. SO simple and GOOD for you. 

the GRANOLA bar

          It just so happens the GRANOLA bar is located two doors down from The Organic Market! They have become my two new MUST GO places for a healthy meal and I am so happy they are in the same shopping center. As I mentioned previously, green tea lattes are my absolute favorite thing to drink, hot or iced, they are just so good. I’ve been trying to stay away from coffee so this is my new thing. They make them so delicious… I had one with an appetizer called Avocado toast. I love anything avocado so I had to get it. (Get your avocado on) whenever you get the chance, right or wrong? LOL This included chunky avocado served on toasted multigrain with feta and crushed pepper! I can’t stop thinking about it! They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can BYOB (bring your own bottle) too! How cool is that?! They also have different kinds of granola and many treats to take home! Please visit them, the staff are pretty awesome!

The Organic Market

       I am so excited to write to you all today! First of all, let’s talk about how beautiful it was outside, upper 60’s finally!!! I got out of work at 2:30pm so I decided to make a few stops on the way back home. One of my customers at work told me about The Organic Market in Westport, located at the Playhouse Square Shopping Center. I have to say this place has everything you can think of... they have amazing salads they prepare on a daily basis, along with fresh smoothies, homemade muffins, soups and you can do some grocery shopping as well. Today I had a Kale & Mango salad with almonds, cucumbers, carrots, and red & yellow peppers. It was so good and refreshing! I recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a healthy and fresh meal! 

Ashely's Nice-Cream!

She calls this desert for breakfast! ( just how I like it girl)  All this deliciousness takes is 2 ingredients: Frozen bananas (2 large some recipes suggest 3) and 2 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter! She added some cinnamon on top too!

Photo Credit: Ashley Perez

Pancakes!

I'm obviously obsessed with Ashley's recipes :)

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter & Banana Pancakes made from scratch:

She mixed together 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 6 tablespoons stevia, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/4 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice) 1/4 cup peanut butter (or chunky PB) 1 tablespoon coconut oil, roasted peanut oil or vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs lightly beaten and once they're cooked you can chop up some banana and put it on top!

Photo Credit: Ashley Perez

Breakfast done right by Ashley Perez

    I love breakfast and avocado and Ashley does too! Check out her most important meal of the day:

2 slices of Hass Avocado (mashed and seasoned with garlic), diced tomato, a poached egg on top with a small sprinkle of sharp cheddar and one slice of turkey bacon shredded.

Photo Credit: Ashley Perez

Presentation

       I came across a friend from High School's Facebook page when she started posting food pics! I've been learning a thing or two from her since I love the way she prepares her food! I didn't realize how important food presentation was but she nails it every time. She has quick awesome recipes that are healthy and delicious. Her name is Ashley Perez, (hey girl) and I will be sharing some of her recipes on my blog! She is  a creative and stylish gal from the Bronx and an awesome make up artist too. I am so happy to introduce her to my food blog.  

One of her favorite meals are:

1 slice of 12 grain bread--toasted, 1/4 of a hass avocado, 2 sliced grape tomatoes, 1 slice of shredded turkey, 1 poached medium egg. Seasoned with garlic and black pepper.

Thank you ash <3 nbsp="" p="">

Photo credit: Ashley Perez

Salmon sprinkled with love

          I am just so excited for this post, I feel like I got my mojo back! April just might be my month, especially since warm days are ahead. Well, let me jump into this delicious recipe... all day I searched for a Salmon recipe but could not find any. Luckily, I have a food calendar on the fridge and there it was, I didn't follow the exact recipe but sometimes you have to experiment, right? For starters, I sprinkled shredded carrots and celery on top of this bad boy. But before I did that, I let the salmon sit in butter, lemon juice and a table spoon of soy sauce for 2 hours before I threw it in the oven.

Coat a glass baking dish with lemon and butter.
Sprinkle shredded carrots and celery on the bottom before placing your salmon on it along with everything it was soaking in.
Sprinkle your shredded carrots and celery on top of salmon as well.
Then, sprinkle Cumin, Ginger (powder), and Parsley on top of the sprinkled carrots and celery. (1 tablespoon of each.)
Cook for 30 minutes and serve with a sweet potato and cream spinach!

A moment of silence is necessary, LOL :)

Bolognese

            Though it is traditionally served with spaghetti, this classic Italian meat sauce goes well with virtually any type pasta! I love this dish because the best part of it are the leftovers which usually make a good sloppy Joe. Plus, everything taste better the next day, right? This is a quick and easy meal for one of those long and rainy days we've been having.

6 tablespoons olive oil
6 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons double-concentrate tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the garlic and onion; saute until tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the beef and raise the eat slightly. Saute the beef until it has lost all its pink color and left a brown laze on the pan, about 10 minutes.
Add tomatoes, stir in the remaining ingredients and gently boil until thick, 15-20 minutes. Serve over cooked pasta :)

freshii

               So today I walked into the gym after several months and let's just say, I gotta do better! It's never easy going back, but once your in, it feels good! It also felt good when I walked out! LOL My friend and I wanted to try Starbucks new birthday cake frap (limited time only, your welcome) but we decided to try this new place in Fairfield called "freshii" instead. This place was so cute and fresh! They have a full menu of salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, soups, froyo, juices, and smoothies. Its genius and I am so happy it has come to our neck of the woods. They have only been open for 2 months so go and support a great venue! I tried their freshii green smoothie which had spinach, kale, avocado, and pineapple. It was so good, I cant wait to go back and try their food.

BAR

      I haven’t had good pizza in Connecticut until I walked into BAR last weekend in New Haven. I’m a New Yorker so I know a thing or two about a good slice and where to get one. But this place was amazing! Me and my friend shared a small pie with artichokes and buffalo chicken, whoa baby, best toppings ever. A small pie has 8 slices and it was washed down with one of their very own beer, which they have a huge selection on tap. The bartender had Motown playing on his Pandora, can it get any better? Very mellow and friendly place. They have a pool table TOO! You can definitely bring your friends here or come out for family pizza night. The place is huge and popular, I would make reservations if I was you! Enjoy!

Grandma's Chicken Chardon

                I’m back from vacation ya’ll and I have to tell you, there is nothing like homemade food! I stood at an all-inclusive resort and the food was not that great. I couldn’t wait to get home just to cook especially since I’m use to eating well. I usually eat anything, but this wasn’t real food! LOL Anyway, thankfully I found this awesome recipe that reminded me why I love food so much…it’s called “Grandma’s Chicken Chardon.” My grandma didn’t come up with this one, but someone’s grandma did and I am very grateful for her. I also made red potatoes, string beans, caramelized onions, and zucchini so the chicken wouldn't be lonely! This dish was absolutely amazing, MUST TRY!

You will need: 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 1 egg, salt and pepper to taste, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided 1 cup bread crumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley.

·        Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

·         In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. In a separate dish, mix bread crumbs with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

·         Mix together the melted butter and lemon juice. Pour about 2/3 of the butter mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Tilt pan to coat the bottom. Spread mushrooms in an even layer in the bottom of the dish. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture. Place on top of the mushrooms. Drizzle remaining butter over the chicken, and sprinkle with parsley.

·         Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear.

Eat your strawberries

As if I didn't love strawberries enough, here are 7 reasons why to eat more of them! Plus a healthy recipe to try!

They're loaded with antioxidants.

Reduce inflammation.

Cancer-fighting.

Diabetes-friendly.

Low in calories.

Improve high blood pressure.

Enhance iron absorption.

Strawberries are a refreshingly sweet treat and they're even better for our bodies. They are an addition to any meal or snack, sliced over a salad, paired with protein-rich Greek yogurt, or just enjoyed plain, straight from the container.

Summer Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Makes 6 servings

18 cups fresh spinach

1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced

6 ounces slightly cooked almonds cut in half with a little butter and brown sugar.

1 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Mini Shrimp Parmesan

                 I've been on a seafood diet the last two weeks, everything I see I eat! Ha! I decided to make one of my favorite dishes, Shrimp Parmesan. A lot of people love chicken parm, but I’m a shrimp lover. I fried small shrimp as opposed to jumbo shrimp for the first time but it was not a bad idea. I used flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs then fried them until they were nice and golden. Put them in a glass dish and spread tomato sauce of your choice. I like Rao’s! Sprinkle mozzarella ella ella and some Parmesan on it since that’s the whole idea anyway LOL. Pop it in the oven for a ½ hour or until cheese melts. I also made a mixed veggie dish which included red potatoes cut in half with zucchini and yellow squash. I forgot onions but you can throw those in too. Put these in the oven for an hour or until soft.This combo was everything and very satisfying. 

City Island

                  So this weekend I went to my absolute favorite place growing up. First of all, if you love seafood this is the place for you. There are a strip of restaurants surrounded by water at a place called City Island, located in the Bronx! It’s a small island and neighborhood that you can walk around and browse through little shops. They have boats you can rent and a whole lotta shrimp you can eat. You can pretty much go here all the time and not get tired of it because you have so many choices of restaurants. It’s popular in the summer since most of the places have outdoor seating. It’s also walking distance to Orchard Beach. This little island is filled with gems and has been the place to go for as long as I can remember. This time around I went to Crab Shanty, I had broiled lobster tails with shrimp scampi and a baked potato. Every dinner meal comes with amazing garlic bread, clam chowder soup or a salad. Take the ride, you won’t regret it.

Take a look at this, is you're mouthwatering yet?

Breakfast for dinner!

                Okay, so let me start by asking this question first… who loves eating breakfast for dinner? Me too me too! Something about breaking the rules is so fun right? LOL well this dish you can eat at any time, it’s called Quiche! My aunt gave me this recipe and ever since its been one of my favorites. I just love quiche, it’s like eating a pie that’s actually good for you. The fun part is you can make this dish with whatever your taste buds desire, so have fun with it. I made this quiche with spinach, bacon and Swiss cheese; what a great combo! You’re going to need:

One pie crust, sprinkle flour at the bottom of the pie dish.

Sprinkle bacon pieces as the bottom layer, after you cook until nice and crispy.

Sprinkle Swiss cheese and chopped spinach.

Pour 5 eggs whipped and ½ a cup of half and half.

Before baking, sprinkle with nutmeg on top of everything.

Cook for 40 minutes or until nice and brown.

Edges of the pie should be crispy also.

The Italian Kitchen

           Today was pretty awesome! After church, some of my friends decided to go have lunch at the Italian Kitchen. “Bringing Little Italy and Arthur Avenue to Fairfield.” I did not know this place even existed and being from the Bronx, I know a thing or two about Arthur Ave. I was so excited to eat here because it is like walking into Italian heaven. They had everything you could imagine, from real homemade Italian food to pizza. You can shop for groceries, sit down for dinner and have one of their several desserts.   Of course I wanted to try a little of everything but I had one of their signature sandwiches, which I took half home because it was just too big. I recommend this place to anyone in the area or anyone willing to travel. You definitely will be impressed!

Stuffed filet with shrimp

I’m so excited to share this recipe because it’s my first time making fish! Not everyone is a fish person, but how about if I told you that it was stuffed filet with shrimp. Do you see why I’m so excited?! This is my new favorite way to eat fish because I’m not a big fan either but it looks so good you can’t help but want it. Once you taste it, you can’t help but want more. I ate this with my sweet mash potatoes and asparagus. Look for my chicken rolls recipe for my mash ingredients!  My friend saw a picture of it and thought I went out to dinner that’s how fancy I got, LOL! You want to start off with 3 filets and 8 shrimps:

A bowl, to mix the following ingredients for the stuffing:

Chop 8 shrimps in little bites

One onion diced

1tsp parsley

1tsp lemon juice

1 cup of breadcrumbs

1 egg

Filets- add lemon and season (adobo)

Now, roll each filet with your mixed ingredients above and hold with tooth pick

Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 30 minutes

Place each rolled filet in a glass pan with 3tbs of melted butter