Barnum

                Barnum Publik House is a fairly new restaurant in downtown Bridgeport, on Broad Street. I usually walk there when I don’t feel like cooking, LOL. I’ve gotten to know Chef Carlos because the food is so good its only right to see who is behind the recipes.  Last week, they had pasta specials including their awesome French onion soup. I ordered the chicken and broccoli pasta with parmesan cheese and it was delicious! They have live entertainment, $10 beer and burger Mondays and brunch on the weekends. Their happy hour is insane too because not only are the drinks half off so are their appetizers! You have to go!

Meatloaf Lovers

Winter and meatloaf just go together. It’s like food for the soul, it just warms the body. Especially with some mash potatoes on the side… everything goes together and instantly makes a delicious meal. This meatloaf was so easy; 1 egg, 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, brown sugar, ketchup and mustard. For the mash, 3 regular potatoes and a pack of butternut squash! If you ever been to Ralph and Rich's in downtown Bridgeport, this is how they make their mash! So I tried it and I don’t think I can eat mash the same way again. What a beautiful mix! Don't forget the gravy, you can use the same ingredients for it :)

Chicken Wangsss

Chicken wings with white rice and beans were on the menu tonight! You cannot forget the avocado on the side, I repeat you cannot forget the avocado. Recently, avocados were on the news because eating avocados can lower cholesterol. Typical Puerto Ricans like myself have everything with rice and beans if you haven’t noticed. LOL Unfortunately, rice isn’t all that great for you but at least you're allowed a cheat day once in a while.  Also, I didn’t use regular old BBQ sauce, these wings were made with ketchup, soy sauce, and honey. Mix it all together for a sauce you will soon crave!

The Meatball Shop

                Just when I thought life couldn't get any better, my cousin took me to the Meat ball Shop. This place is fantastic simply because you can eat any kind of meatball, you name it they make it! You can have sliders, pasta, meatballs with salad, or you can just order meatballs alone. They have amazing sauces too not just your regular tomato sauce. They have several shops in the city and the atmosphere is so mellow and friendly, you will not be disappointed. 

Chicken Rolls

                Not just any chicken rolls… chicken rolls with asparagus and mozzarella! Wow! I know. This was my first time making this from a recipe shared on Facebook. I didn't know how they were going to come out so I made 4 of them, it wasn't until after they were done that I thought I should have made something else with it like mash potatoes. Thank god for a next time, LOL. But this recipe alone is so good, not only is it healthy but all you need is 2 and your full. A pack of chicken cutlet, asparagus and a ball of mozzarella, so simple. Sprinkle some bread crumbs on top if you feel like getting crazy! I cooked the asparagus first, then baked the ingredients together. I used a tooth pick to make it stick. 

the neighborhood cafe

                I just recently moved to downtown Bridgeport, they have a few nice restaurants in this area, walking distance which is the best part about it.  One day I was walking through Main Street when I found the arcade mall.  They have the cutest café inside called J Galt Café, it’s a family business and everyone is so friendly. I usually bring my laptop and do my homework from there, they are fine with giving their Wi-Fi password, who’s better than them? They make the best cappuccinos and if you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. The best part is, everything is homemade; baked with love <3

"Little cravings"

                Another must go place in Fairfield on the post road is BODEGA. I found it funny that in English this word means corner store. They are everywhere in the Bronx but not so much in CT. They have the best tacos ever, and they have 3 choice of appetizers for $10 bucks! All of their sides are amazing and their fresh guacamole is to die for. Your'e welcome!

Nice and Saucy

                If you love pasta with sauce, you’re going to love this sauce. I’m not even sure what to call it… you ever just cook and throw whatever you have in your fridge into a pot and boom, it was pure genius? I know that doesn't usually happen to most of us all the time, but it happened to me. This sauce reminds me of Bolognese but I used sausage for this recipe. I cook the sausage first until they are nice and brown on both sides in a pan. I boil a whole jar of sauce, my favorite is Rao’s but you can use what you like, then I add in sliced zucchini, squash and mushrooms. You can throw in the cooked sausage, stir it altogether and lay it on top of some bow tie pasta. Enjoy! 

Snack time? No problem!

                Hummus, the simple dip of chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice and salt, has me under a spell. It’s the perfect snack for anyone at any time! I like to dip baby carrots or celery in it, or I usually have it with wheat thins, another favorite of mine.  Here are some great reasons why it's completely acceptable to eat hummus every single day of your life:

1.       The nutrients in hummus could help you with weight management.

2.       Chickpeas can lower cholesterol.

3.       Hummus comes in so many awesome flavors.

4.       Chickpeas may help reduce your cancer risk.

5.       Eating hummus is part of the "Mediterranean diet," which is super good for you.

6.       It's a much better spread to use on bread, instead of butter or mayo

7.       It's so easy to make your own.

        Fun Fact:     This plate of hummus was made in 2010 in Beirut and holds the Guinness world record for the biggest plate of hummus to ever exist. It weighed 23,520 pounds.

Farina

                Ever since I was a little girl, I've been eating Farina. It’s so creamy and delicious with a little dash of cinnamon. Today, I threw my favorite, blueberries and strawberries in it and it always brings back memories. I like this better than Quaker oats but they both do the job! I also made a fruit salad because I just went food shopping and had to restock :)

Green Tea Latte's

Anyone who is a Starbucks fan has to try their green tea latte’s! I never knew what to order when I went there because the options are endless and they are so fancy with names! Everyone has their “special latte” and I finally found mine! It’s also made with matcha which is very good for you apparently:

One of the most unexpected benefits matcha drinkers experience is a boost of energy through the day. Already nearly calorie free, matcha is a great addition to a weight loss program by tackling the problem from both sides. It boosts metabolism and burns fat. Green is truly the color of health. Matcha helps to safely cleanse and purge the body of harmful elements.

How to eat for clear skin?!

               

            I don’t know who else suffers from acne but I still do. It drives me crazy because I’m 26 years old and I feel like these days should be long gone! But what I didn't know is that, your diet affects those beautiful pimples we tend to get from time to time. Here, 7 foods that can make acne worse. (On the bright side, chocolate is not on the list.)

·         Dairy

·         Sugar

·         Soy

·         Bread

·         Coffee

·         Coconut oil

·         Peanuts

The good-for-you list includes dark chocolate (look for blends with at least 70% cacao), red wine, filet mignon, sweet potatoes, fish, eggs, most vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. Ezekiel bread, which is known as a sprouted grain product, along with rolled oats and quinoa, are all lower glycemic foods.

Cafe Lalo

There’s this little gem in the city called Café Lalo. It is the cutest place I’ve ever been to! It’s on the upper West Side close to Lincoln Center. It’s definitely a must go and has become one of my favorite places. Plus, it’s open till 4am almost every day, so you never have to worry about it being closed! LOL The menu, desserts, and drinks are so amazing. It has a bar as well. It’s fun for brunch, late night snack, or an intimate date! 201 West 83^rd Street J

Try the:
French “Kiss”

Quiche - choice of: Goat Cheese or Leek or Mushrooms or Spinach. Served with Mediterranean Salad.$11.00

Breakfast Hacks from Luvo

I recently found Luvo’s, the fresh blog and OMG, amazing recipes! I want to try them all! I am a big breakfast fan even though I don’t always get a chance to whip something up. Here’s one recipe that’s easy and quick to make!

Do you think healthy eating takes too much time? Sleep in a little longer with these quick and healthy breakfast hacks using your favorite Luvo day-starters:

Luvo’s Steel-Cut Oatmeal + Baked Egg + Sriracha (HACK: If you don’t like it spicy, add a dollop of peanut butter, jam, some honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a kick.)

Pasta in a Frying Pan?

According to Harold McGee, the author of Keys to Good Cooking, we can speed up our pasta boiling by simply using our frying pan instead of that big pot of water. I’m not going to lie, I’m intrigued by this, but I’m thinking this would only work for smaller amounts of pasta, unless you had a really big frying pan. Nonetheless, this is a good idea!

Winter Special

My coworker found a great soup recipe on Facebook! I grew up on homemade, chicken and rice soup so this is different. This is a great soup for a cold winter night, especially when you don't have a lot of time to make a "homemade" meal that takes forever. It's also a great way to get some vegetables in your diet, but in a yummy way! Serve with a little buttery toasted bread and you've got yourself a tasty supper. The best part is that it's even better the next day... Also, I used a different pasta because I didn't have tortellini and it was just as great!

3T olive Oil
1 Clove garlic, minced
3 stalks, celery, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 onion diced
10 oz box frozen spinach (unthawed)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans water
32 oz chicken broth
Family size package of cheese or chicken tortellini, half cooked

1) Put olive oil in the bottom of a large soup/stock pan
2) Saute' garlic, celery, carrots and onions until tender
3) Add frozen spinach. Break up blocks of spinach as you cook
4) Continue to saute' until spinach thaws, then heats up
5) Add cream of chicken soup and water
6) Add chicken broth and then add tortellini
7) Heat and Serve

   

Grab-and- Go Breakfast

I recently found this idea on Bethany Mota's YouTube account. She was on Dancing with the Stars last season. Over-night No-cook Refigerator Oatmeal. It's pretty genius! If you’re like me, I am always in a rush in the morning, so this simple recipe will make sure you have breakfast.

I usually fill a mason jar half way with oatmeal and unsweetened Almond milk. I let it soak overnight and add fresh fruit to it in the morning. I am a blueberry freak, so I throw some in and I’m out the door! It really is simple and delicious! Try it :)

the Pantry

If you are ever in the Fairfield area, on the Post Road you must try The Pantry - "good food starts here"... they really live up to this quote. The fun thing about this place is you can do your groceries, have lunch at their great salad bar, pick up deli meat or even take one of their delicious treats home. They have a dessert bar too but I just pretend it isn't there when I go! LOL you can even sit down and catch up with friends. It's definitely a must go!

Baked Mac & Cheese with a healthy twist

This isn't your normal baked mac and cheese... This mac and cheese was made with spinach and chicken. It's not loaded with bacon bites but the cheese is doing enough damage! Here's your chance to have your favorite cheat meal without feeling bad about it :) Always add a vegetable to your meal, I chose broccoli.

Healthy Latin Eating Tips

Authentic Hispanic foods generally include fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices for seasoning, whole grains, beans and legumes, that are all healthy options. However, with acculturation, there is an increase in the consumption of processed, convenient and ready-to-eat foods that are all associated with weight gain and therefore associated with higher incidence of obesity and related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.

One exceptional way to accomplish eating healthier is to switch as much as possible from processed to more wholesome foods and keep portion sizes under control. The great advantage about this is that you switch from the “I’m on a diet” mindset to a rather more “liberating” approach where you can develop an appreciation for real food and flavors.

Suggestions from their cook book:

·         Buy fresh ingredients—store-bought food is processed for longer shelf life
·         Flavor with herbs and spices—instead of fat and salt
·         Steam your food to retain texture and nutrients
·         Sautéing is a dry heat method of cooking that needs the littlest bit of oil—for even less, cook on a grill that’s been wiped down with a paper towel sprinkled with oil
·         Oven-bake instead of frying—you get similar crunchy results without the fat
·         Use nutrient-rich grains like barley, brown rice and quinoa instead of white rice
·         Use healthier oils like canola, vegetable or grapeseed instead of lard
·         Use whole-wheat, whole grain or corn tortillas instead of white flour ones—or reduce calories by using lettuce leaves for wraps instead
·         Choose leaner meats like skinless chicken breasts, turkey or pork tenderloin—this cuts down on saturated fats
·         Or go meatless with tofu, beans or tempeh
·         A great alternative for mayonnaise is mashed avocado
·         For a protein-rich topping, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
·         A nice sugar substitute is agave syrup, which is a natural sweetener—just a little goes a much longer way than using sugar
·         Bake whole-wheat tortillas in the oven instead of buying processed tortilla chips—they’re healthier and have more substance
·         Never buy store-bought guacamole! There are 5 different versions in our book to make easily—and healthfully—at home.
 

Mini Mofongo's

Saturday I went to dinner with friends and family at a place called Mamajuana Cafe located in the Bronx. We all ordered appetizers and my favorite dish had to be the mini mofongos. Mofongo is a fried plantain-based dish from Puerto Rico. It is typically made with fried green plantains mashed together in a pilón (which consists of a wooden mortar and pestle), with broth, garlic, olive oil and pork cracklings (chicharron). It can be filled with vegetables, chicken, crab, shrimp, or beef. I especially love these because they can be made with anything and still taste delicious!

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

If you ever ate at a Boston Market, you'll love these mini chicken pot pies. Here's your chance to not over indulge with this delicious recipe. Remember: Portion control!

• prep time20 min
• total time45 min
• ingredients4
• servings8

Ingredients

2

cups Green Giant™ frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1

cup diced cooked chicken

1

can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup

1

can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits