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Food

Food is more than just something you put in your mouth to your fuel your body. Food is an adventure, a shared experience with someone you love, it’s traveling to a distant part of the world and it brings people together.

In our family are foodies. I come from a long line of foodies. We were taught to try everything and I’ve raised my daughters to try everything twice.

Here I will review different restaurants, share recipes and try foods that you may otherwise have never heard of or known about. My goal is to share all the good we discover and give my readers, and my family, exposure to different kinds of cuisines and tastes.

Food is something that connects all humans. We all need it. We all love it. The more we understand the foods of different cultures, the more we can understand it’s people and the world can always use a little more human understanding.

Torani Pumpkin PIe Puremade sauce, cheesecake, recipe

If girls are supposed to be made of sugar and spice and everything nice, I think I just might be made up of 90% pumpkin pie spice, the fiercest and feistiest spices of all. Seriously, it officially falls. The nights are cooler. The days are shorter. It’s time for leaves to change, cozy sweaters and denim jeans with boots and all the things pumpkin pie spice.

Disclosure: This is a compensated post in partnership with Torani but all opinions and my love of Torani syrups and sauces are all mine. #ToraniPuremadeSauce

Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts. There is something about rich, creamy, smooth cheesecake that makes it worth my carbs. It’s by far one of the most decadent tasting desserts out there.

Being that it is Pumpkin Spice season again, fall, I love to enjoy it as much as possible. I know some people think that pumpkin spice is overrated but I’d say to them, if being basic is wrong, I don’t want to be right. Bring on all the pumpkin spice. I’ll try it every which way you can bring it.

When there are no recipes out there to eat what you want to taste, I say create your own recipe and that is what I did. I decided what could be better than two of my favorite things married to one another in perfect flavor harmony. I hope you’ll enjoy eating it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Easy Vanilla Cream Cheesecake topped with Torani Pumpkin Pie Puremade Sauce drizzle

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter or margarine, melted

Filling:

  • 4 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs

Topping:

I love Torani Pumpkin pie Puremade sauce because it delivers amazing flavor with the ingredients I love. No
artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives and it’s so easy to use. Add a spoonful to your coffee, cocoa, latte or dessert. The possibilities are endless.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a large pan filled with 1/2-inch water in the oven.
  • Make the crust:
  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon; add butter or margarine.
  2. Press crust onto bottom and 2/3 of the way up a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment.
  3. Wrap a large piece of foil around the bottom of the pan.
  4. Freeze until filling is prepared.
  • To make the cheesecake filling: Use an electric mixer to mix cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Whisk eggs in a bowl; gently add to cream cheese mixture.
  • Blend the mixture until eggs are folded in but not overworked.
  • Remove crust from freezer and pour in filling. Carefully place the cheesecake into a preheated water bath. Bake for 15 minutes; turn oven to 350°F and bake until top of cheesecake turns golden, about an hour.
  • Remove cake to let cool.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  • Cut and serve, topped with Torani pumpkin pie puremade sauce drizzled on top for just the perfect fall dessert.

What’s your favorite autumn dessert?

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I’ve been cooking dinner at home a lot lately in an effort to get healthy and save money. I’d say those are pretty good reasons for eating at home. It gives me a weird mom satisfaction knowing how much my family loves my cooking. These are people who enjoy food and are not afraid to tell you if it’s not up to par. When foodies are silent at the dinner table save for the sound of lips smacking, it feels like an accomplishment. My roasted orange and lemon chicken recipe shuts them right up and I love it.

I like to make meals that are as free from preservatives as possible. The more natural, the better. Farm to table, no additives or hormones is our jam. We’re Midwesterners so we do love our comfort foods that remind us of growing up and well, if there are leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, even better. I want all of that but healthier. Comforting without the guilt. Know what I mean?

READ ALSO: Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Currently, my family’s favorite meal that I’ve been cooking is a simple, but delicious, roasted orange and lemon chicken with baked rosemary potatoes and steamed asparagus. I’m going on the record and humble brag that it’s scrumptious and almost obscene how easy it is to prepare. It’s practically idiot proof. I’m pretty sure I could teach my middle schoolers how to make this roasted orange and lemon chicken recipe and it turn out just as awesome as when I make it. It’s that easy. If you’ve seen my Thanksgiving how to roast a turkey recipe, you already know how easy it is.

roasted orange and lemon chicken recipe, lemon chicken, chicken recipe, Easter recipe

I’m going to be honest with you, Easter is right around the corner and I’m not a huge fan of the traditional ham dinner so I’m going to make this roasted orange and lemon chicken recipe. Who says we have to do things the traditional way? Create your own traditions. Eat what you want. You’re cooking.

Easy and Delicious Roasted Orange and Lemon Chicken Recipe

Roasted Orange and Lemon Chicken Recipe

Easy to make ad deliciously moist roasted orange and lemon chicken recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 5-6 lb Whole Chicken
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 stick Unsalted butter
  • Olive Oil as needed, enough to cover chicken.
  • 1 Orange
  • 1 Lemon
  • Garlic Powder to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
    Remove the innards from the cavity of the chicken.
    Put chicken in a roasting pan.
    Gently wedge your fingers between the skin and meat and slightly loosen.
    Place pats of butter inside the loosened area between skin and chicken meat.
    Slice the lemon and orange into slices.
    Place slices into the empty chicken cavity.
    Cover the chicken with olive oil and massage the oil into the skin. This helps to lock in the juices while cooking.
    Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper.
    After that, lightly sprinkle with garlic powder.
    Lastly, let sit for a couple minutes while you melt remainder of stick of butter.
    Massage melted butter onto the exterior of the chicken.
    Cover completely.
    Generously season with salt and pepper.
    Bake uncovered for 15 minutes in preheated oven, to lock in juices.
    Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
    Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
    Bake for about 30 minutes per lb.
    Remove from heat, and baste with melted margarine and drippings about every 45 minutes.
    Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).
    When done, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest 30 minutes before serving.
     
     
Keyword Roasted orange and lemon chicken recipe, lemon chicken, chicken recipe

READ ALSO: World’s Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

I’m thinking of pairing my Easter orange and lemon chicken recipe with garlic potatoes, glazed carrots, fresh rolls, fresh cut fruit and deviled eggs. Sounds like the perfect dinner to me. What’s your favorite Sunday dinner recipe?

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Austin, Texas, How to stay weird like a local, DIrty Sixth, East 6th street, Things to do in Austin Texas, places to eat in austin, places to drink in Austin Texas, Places to listen to live music in Austin, How to enjoy Austin like a local

Have you ever visited Austin, Texas?  Do you know all the things to do in Austin, Texas? I haven’t been but it’s one of those places that I’ve always wanted to visit. Any city whose catchphrase is “Stay weird” is my kind of town. The Big Guy and I are big foodies, we love live music and trying new craft beers is sort of our thing. What’s not to love?

Next month, I’m attending Mom 2.0 and it’s in Austin, Texas this year. The conference falls the week before the Big Guy’s birthday. We haven’t been on a trip alone since having our girls. It’s long overdue. I’m bringing him with me and we are going to experience Austin like a local because this gal has a cousin and a few amazing friends who live in Austin, Texas. I’ve asked for some best of recommendations and made a few play dates for the Big Guy and I.

READ ALSO: Things to Do in Portland

Favorite places to eat in Austin, drink in Austin, listen to live music and stay weird like a local in Austin Texas

Jester King Brewery

Jester King Brewery is a world-renowned brewer of farmhouse ales and barrel-aged wild ales located on 165 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Austin, TX. Established in 2010, Jester King is an authentic brewer of farmhouse ales whose philosophy is to work in partnership with nature to create beer unique to our natural surroundings.

Whisler’s

Whisler’s is a rustic-chic watering hole featuring handcrafted cocktails & a patio with frequent live music shows. For a really authentic visit, venture upstairs for some Mezcal tasting.

The Last Straw
“Serving vacation by the hour on East Sixth,” is the mantra of  The Last Straw. I may have to move to Austin with philosophies like that being thrown around. Last Straw is a first come, first serve establishment so get there before you can’t. Rumor has it from locals that the Last Straw has amazing tiki drinks and snacks.

Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden

Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden features specialty coffee, locally brewed beer, craft cocktails, food trucks + live music in a permaculture inspired garden setting. Kids welcome before 9pm (21+ after 9pm please). Pets always welcome.

Radio Coffee and Beer

Radio Coffee and Beer was voted best coffee shop 2016, 2017 and 2018 by a local reader’s poll. It is known to the locals for a good beer selection but the highlight is the Vera Cruz tacos. I also hear that you must get yourself the mole taco because it is amazing.

Easy Tiger

Easy Tiger Bake Shop and Beer Garden feature artisan bread, locally roasted coffee, house made meats, a full bar and more than 30 local and boutique draft beers. All of their breads, meats, sausages and charcuterie are prepared in house, as well as is their accompaniments, from Sauer kraut to mustard.

Craft Pride

Craft Pride is a unique Texas-only craft beer bar serving up the highest quality beer from regional breweries. Promoting the community’ commitment to supporting local business and sustainability, everything from the design, décor and construction to the local beer and wine selections. Craft Pride is a fun space for dedicated beer lovers and casual drinkers alike. It has an impressive 54 taps featuring Texas craft beers. The selection is said to be great. Also, Via 313 truck is in the back and has some of Austin’s finest pizza.

Bangers Sausage House and Beer Garden

Bangers Sausage House and Beer Garden has 30 House made Sausages and 200+ Beers on tap. At the end of the day, Banger’s is all about being a wonderful place to eat, drink and hangout. Not too rowdy, not too laid back, just a good old fashioned good time.

Homemade sausage, craft beer, pig roasts, beef jerky, pickled vegetables, spring days in Texas, Sunday brunch, and all forms of Americana and country music are a few of our favorite things.

They have a commitment to excellence and believe in the principle of hospitality. Located just a couple doors down from Craft Pride.

Licha’s Cantina

Licha’s Cantina is located in the heart of East 6th Street. Licha’s was named after the owner, Daniel Brook’s mom, Alicia “Licha” Rivera who was raised in Mexico City. The atmosphere is casual and familiar, like going home. When you’re there, they take care of you.

Inspired by the Mexican soul food that he grew up eating, Daniel Brook delivers fresh, thoughtful and authentic meals. According to my source, she’s obsessed with this place and everything on the menu is great. She recommends the queso fundido and vouches for the authenticity.

Suerte

The menu at Suerte combines local ingredients, thoughtful cooking techniques and the flavors of Mexico.  If you love authentic Mexican, Suerte is worth checking out. The set-up is charming with a full bar and a patio overlooking East Sixth Street. Suerte is the perfect place for everything from date night to big fiesta.

Hospitality prevails above all else, homemade masa reigns supreme and every day at Suerte is a lucky day.

Brewers Table

Brewers Table has beer as good as food as good as beer. It starts and ends there. Brewer’s Table aims to provide a place where food and beer share the spotlight.

With a considerate approach to the food and beer experience, creating a conversation between chef, brewer, and community, Brewer’s Table features 26 guest taps starring a few friends and favorites, a thoughtfully selected wine list and a full bar punctuated by craft cocktails inspired by the kitchen and brewing process. Sounds amazing to me and the locals agree.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

“Every bowl is like a warm hug from your mama telling you life is going to go your way.” – Kelsie Laing

Kemuri  Tatsu-Ya is winner of the 2017 Eater award for restaurant of the year.

Chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto know what they’re doing when it comes to Japanese food. The evidence? Soothing warming bowls from Ramen Tatsu-ya. I have a foodie friend who said this is a MUST EAT.

For their follow-up trick, they decided to marry what they know best: Texas and Japanese techniques and ingredients. The result was funky, fun, and thoughtful Texan izakaya Kemuri Tatsu-ya, home to mash-up dishes aren’t gimmicky at all, like the rich Frito pie made with octopus fritters. As an homage to the address’ former tenant Live Oak Barbecue (whose smoked-stained walls remain part of the decor), the duo ventured into smoked meats. Because of Kemuri’s roots, that means everything from brisket (which even gets dressed up in a bowl of ramen) to ginormous fish collars. The restaurant rightly captured the attention and stomachs of Austin.

St. Elmo’s Brewery

St. Elmo’s Brewery was started by Tim Bullock and Bryan Winslow. Self-proclaimed not beer bigots, who like ALL the beer. They believe that every style of beer has a special place in life. St. Elmo is Bullock and Winslow’s effort to take you to all of those in places, in your mouth. Their motto is every day is made better with beer.

Soursop food truck is here for food. Soursop specializes in Pan-Asian bites.

Austin, Texas, How to stay weird like a local, DIrty Sixth, East 6th street, Things to do in Austin Texas, places to eat in austin, places to drink in Austin Texas, Places to listen to live music in Austin, How to enjoy Austin like a local

There’s lots of live music on East 6th Street or the “Dirty 6th” as the locals call it. This street is best on Thursday and Friday night. There are lots of rooftop bars and they shut down the street to traffic. Also, I’ve got it on good authority that The White Horse is a good time if you like country/bluegrass music with lots of dancing. From what I’ve been told by the locals, if you’re looking for a good time, Austin is the place to be.

What’re your favorite places to eat in Austin, drink in Austin, listen to live music and stay weird like a local in Austin Texas?

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simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe, buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo pizza, healthy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza recipe

Want to eat all the food that tastes good but still want to be healthy? Want to look great in your bathing suit this summer but still want to eat chicken wings? That’s the quandary, right? We all want to look good and be healthy but we simultaneously want to eat whatever we want to eat, whenever we want to eat. This is possible if you’re a teenager but if you are over 25, 30 and certainly 40-years-old, you know that concessions have to be made.

Things like moderation, taste, salt intake, sugar intake, cholesterol points all need to be weighed. Do you know that saying, “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips”? Well, sometimes you have to stop and ask yourself is that basket of French fries something you are willing to sacrifice your bathing suit body for?

READ ALSO: Delicious Avocado Toast Recipe

Now, I’ve lived in this world long enough to know that, yes, sometimes they are. Sometimes you just want to eat the French fries and that’s ok but you have to be willing to do the exercise. I think everything is fine to eat in moderation and I don’t believe in artificial sugars and preservatives. My family is foodies. We love traveling the planet and trying new foods and meeting new people. We are all about experiences and while I may not care so much about forever on my hips, I do care about missing adventures because I’m unhealthy or worse, dead.

It’s taken me years to realize that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating boring. It just means swapping out a few ingredients, cooking more and moving more. Nobody wants to be the person at the party watching everyone else eat and drink. And who likes to chew on celery while everyone else is snacking on buffalo wings at the tailgate party? It’s embarrassing and you feel singled out for trying to be healthy; you feel punished. I don’t like feeling on the outside. This is why I am taking some of our favorite recipes and making healthier versions.

READ ALSO: The Moment I Stopped Caring What Others Think about Me

Needless to say, my family doesn’t get to eat chicken wings or buffalo pizza as often as they’d like to.

That’s why I created a simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe.

simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe, buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo pizza, healthy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza recipe

Simple, Delicious and Healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you love pizza and you want to be healthy and not feel deprived, this simple, delicious and healthy buffalo chicken pizza recipe is perfect for the entire family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Chicken Breast boiled and shredded or you can buy pre-cooked chicken breast chunks. We prefer to cook and shred our own but if you are in a hurry, pre-cooked works.
  • 1 Refrigerated Pizza Dough Wewalka Classic Pizza Crust is our choice
  • 4-6 ounces Part Skim Milk Mozzarella Again, you can use more or less, depending on your personal taste.
  • 1/2 cup Mild Buffalo Wing Sauce You can use medium or hot and add as much as you like. I use mild because I dine with children every day of the week.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. 
  • Unroll the packaged refrigerated pizza dough on its parchment paper. I usually use a large cookie sheet for this, as it is a rectangular crust.
  • Spread your wing sauce across the pizza crust dough, going almost to the ends but not quite. The reason for this is that when the buffalo chicken wing sauce heats up it thins out and gets runny. By not going to the ends, you can prevent the sauce from running over the edges and ending up on the bottom of your pizza and transferring to your hands and clothes when you eat. 
    simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe, buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo pizza, healthy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza recipe
  • Top the sauce with the shredded chicken, dispersing evenly throughout. 
    simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe, buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo pizza, healthy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza recipe
  • Top with mozzarella cheese, using as much or as little as you like. 
  • Bake pizza for 20-30 minutes, until cheese is a stringy and golden brown.
    simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe, buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo pizza, healthy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza recipe
  • When it is done, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes so that you don't burn your mouth when you bite into.
Keyword buffalo chicken, buffalo wings, pizza

simple, easy and delicious healthy Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe, buffalo chicken pizza, buffalo pizza, healthy pizza, buffalo chicken pizza recipe

What’s your favorite recipe hack to make those delicious dishes we all love so much more healthy?

 

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Chocolate Chip Banana Nut bread recipe, banana nut bread, bread recipes, easy recipes, desserts, snacks, easy homemade recipes

There are some recipes that are so simple and so delicious that you practically want to punch yourself in the face for not making them more often. That’s how easy and obscenely delicious this chocolate chip banana nut bread is. It’s so basic that I can almost guarantee that you will have all the ingredients in your fridge.RIGHT.NOW.

We just survived the polar vortex in the longest month of the year here in the Midwest. I don’t know how the heck January can be eleventy billion days long but it was. I am sure of it. I was just whining to the Big Guy about how I was missing my mom. He looked at me and said, it’s been 4 weeks, not 4 years! What? Only 4 weeks? Maybe it’s been because of the holidays and the snow days but it really feels like January was so long this year. I’m just going to go ahead and call it; January is its own year.

READ ALSO: Easy, Delicious and Decadent Champurrado Recipe (Mexican Hot Chocolate)

But no fear. Snow days, winter breaks and polar vortex be damned, this chocolate chip banana nut bread paired with a cup of hot cocoa ( champurrado if you’re really feeling decadent) is just what we all need to warm up from the inside out. Nothing says happiness like a mouthful of warm deliciousness. Welp never thought I’d use that line on a bunch of moms in reference to chocolate chip banana nut bread but this is the one instance that statement might actually be true.

Now, back to this delicious and easy chocolate chip banana nut bread.

I know you’re thinking to yourself, banana nut bread is not that impressive. It’s just…BREAD! Only it’s not. It’s fresh bread that takes less than an hour to make from scratch and it is delicious. Bonus, the kids can help. Actually, it’s so easy, they could make it themselves.

I made it Wednesday when the entire of the Midwest was on polar vortex 2019 lockdown. We were all in the house and we needed a snack, so thanks to 4 very ripe bananas and a look-see around out pantry and voila, baked deliciousness. The entire loaf was gone by the end of the night.

READ ALSO: Day 14 of Winter Break, Kill Me NOW

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut bread recipe, banana nut bread, bread recipes, easy recipes, desserts, snacks, easy homemade recipes

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut bread recipe, banana nut bread, bread recipes, easy recipes, desserts, snacks, easy homemade recipes

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Deborah Cruz
Easy and Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Medium Ripe Bananas the riper the sweeter
  • 3/4 cup Sugar
  • 1 EGG
  • 2 tsp Vanilla
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oile
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Chocolate chips
  • 1 cup Walnuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F 
  • Mash the bananas until smooth with a fork.
  • Whisk in the sugar, egg, vanilla, and vegetable oil.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Fold the dry mixture into the wet and mix just until batter forms. Don't overwork or it will become mushy.
  • Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking loaf. Bake for 45-55 minutes. 
  • Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool. Serve warm.
Keyword banana nut bread

READ ALSO: Homemade Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats Recipe

I hope you love this easy and delicious chocolate chip banana walnut bread recipe as much as my family did.

What’s your favorite snow day recipe?

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Champurrado, Mexican hot chocolate, Chocolate atole, Easy delicious and decadent champurrado recipe, recipes

Have you ever had a taste or a smell that reminds you of home? For me, that would be Champurrado and Suavitel. The smell of Champurrado wafting from the kitchen and the fragrance of Suavitel coming off the freshly washed linens. All I know is one sip and I’m a little girl again, home with my parents and my brothers and sisters sitting around the breakfast table eating pan dulce.

The champurrado was ( and if we’re being honest, still is) always perfect. I have no idea how my mom gets it so perfectly smooth (it’s like her secret for having the worlds softest towels. How does she do it?) it’s just one of those “mom things.” The pan dulce is always warm and the laughter is always intoxicating. It’s home and everything that I want my daughters’ to think of when they think of home. That warm nostalgic feeling of belonging and being loved.

READ ALSO: The Most Important things to be said Don’t Always Require Words

So what is this magical drink of my childhood that some of you have never heard of? It’s called champurrado or chocolate but it’s not like Swiss Miss. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Swiss Miss with marshmallows too. This just isn’t it. This is something more substantial.

What is Champurrado?

Champurrado is Mexican hot chocolate or chocolate atole.

Atole or Spanish, from Nahuatl ātōlli, also known as atol and atol de elote, is a traditional hot corn- and masa-based beverage of Mesoamerican origin. Chocolate atole is known as champurrado or atole. It is typically accompanied with tamales, and very popular during the Christmas holiday season. Maybe? But in our house, it was just called breakfast.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Atole Champurrado is deliciously spiced drinking chocolate that is sometimes so thick and rich you’ll need a spoon! That’s the champurrado that you’ll drink on Christmas morning. It’s flavored with cinnamon, star anise, and Mexican chocolate, but gets its velvety pudding-like consistency from masa harina. That is delicious, but that is not what we had for breakfast every day or we really would have all been diabetic. We drank a slightly lighter version.

READ ALSO: Delicious Summer Rum Cocktail Recipe

If you ever do find yourself in Mexico or a really good Mexican restaurant and they offer Mexican Hot Chocolate Atole Champurrado, get yourself some. It is delicious.

If you want to try it for yourself at home, my mama’s easy delicious and decadent Champurrado Recipe is perfect.

Champurrado, Mexican hot chocolate, Chocolate atole, Easy delicious and decadent champurrado recipe, recipes

Mama’s Every day Champurrado

Deborah Cruz
Easy recipe for Mexican hot chocolate, Champurrado.
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 disk Mexican chocolate, chopped Abuelita or Ibarra
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
  • 4 cups Vitamin-D Whole Milk
  • 1/2 cup piloncillo/ or brown sugar Piloncillo is raw form of pure cane sugar that is commonly used in Mexican cooking. Unlike brown sugar, which is made by coating refined white sugar with molasses, piloncillo is pure sugar with no additives.)

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan boil water with the two cinnamon sticks.
  • Remove from the heat, cover and let the cinnamon sticks steep for 30-45 minutes (depending on how cinnamony you like your Champurrado.) 
  • Remove the cinnamon sticks from the water, return to a slow boil and add the chocolate. Bring to boil while constantly stirring the chocolate as it melts. 
  • Add the brown sugar or piloncillo. Whisk until well blended.
  • Slowly add the masa harina to the warm water, whisking until combined. 
  • Add milk and whisk until smooth and well blended.
  • Warm over medium heat just until boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted and sugar is dissolved, whisking occasionally. 
  • Serve immediately.
  • If the champurrado is too hot, pour it back and forth between two cups to cool it off. That’s what my mama did. 
  • Optional: Top with whipped cream. This is my daughters' preferred way to drink it. 

This champurrado recipe is perfect for cold mornings before school and work, long Sunday afternoons by the fireplace or for sipping just because around the dining room table playing board games with your family; filling the house with laughter and your hearts with love.

That’s what this Easy Delicious and Decadent Champurrado Recipe is to me.

It’s family.

What is a favorite food or recipe that reminds you of home?

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recipe, Mexican food, easy recipes, chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, elote casserole, Hass avocados, type 2 diabetes

This recipe for chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce is part of a sponsored campaign with DiMe Media and Hass Avocado Board. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Did you know that in the United States, Latinos are twice as likely as non-Latino people to develop type 2 diabetes? That’s a scary statistic that I’ve been acutely aware of for a very long time. I lost someone very important to me, my favorite Great Uncle, to type 2 diabetes when I was 15-years-old and it was horrible. The worst part is that it could have been prevented with a few simple changes in his diet and a little education about eating healthy.

Cardiometabolic abnormalities, a cluster of risk factors for both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides and high blood glucose levels are higher in the Latino population overall than among non-Hispanic whites.

We can help prevent ourselves from developing type 2 diabetes. One of the most important and effective things we can do to lower our risk for type 2 diabetes is to eat well to maintain a healthy weight. This can be done in many ways and one of the easier ways is to take some of our favorite Latino recipes and reconfigure them to be healthier.

One of our favorite recipes in my house is beef tacos. We love tacos. We can eat them every day of the week. Literally. We could eat anything in a tortilla but tortillas are not the best things for us to eat, especially since our favorite is flour tortillas filled with sour cream, cheese and ground beef. But with a few simple tweaks we can make tacos less hazardous to our health.

Here is my recipe for Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce:

Ingredients

Tortillas (or you can go the healthier route and eat as a bowl on a bed of lettuce)

Olive Oil

Taco Meat

3 Chicken Breasts

1 Garlic Clove, diced

3 lemons juiced

1 onion, diced

Salt/ Pepper to taste

 Directions:

 

  1. Boil the 3 chicken breasts for 45 minutes to an hour.
  2. Shred chicken.
  3. Heat a frying pan on medium heat until water sizzles when splashed on pan.
  4. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  5. Add onion and garlic to hot oil, sauté until golden brown.
  6. Add shredded chicken, stirring thoroughly until slightly golden.
  7. Add lemon from three lemons.
  8. Salt and pepper to taste.
  9. When thoroughly heated, turn heat down and start working on Avocado cream sauce.

Avocado Cream Sauce

recipe, Mexican food, easy recipes, chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, elote casserole, Hass avocados, type 2 diabetes

Ingredients

2 Hass avocados
1 lemon, juiced
1 large clove garlic, pasted or grated
A small handful fresh cilantro leaves, optional
About 1/3 cup light sour cream

Directions
Place the Hass avocados in a food processor. Add the lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, if desired, and sour cream and process until very smooth and mayo-like in consistency.

recipe, Mexican food, easy recipes, chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, elote casserole, Hass avocados, type 2 diabetes

Avocados are virtually the only fruit that contains monounsaturated fat, and they are sodium, cholesterol and trans-fat free. How can something that tastes so good be so good for you?

Toppings

Salsa

Shredded Quesadilla Cheese

Refried beans with Sazon seasoning

Tomato, diced

Shredded Lettuce

Next, heat your tortillas up on a comal (ten seconds, flip, five seconds, flip, five more seconds and then remove) or in the microwave, 35 seconds for a pack of ten. I’ll be honest they taste better heated up on the comal (griddle) and if you want to go healthier eat on a bed of lettuce.

Then spread your warm refried beans with Sazon seasoning (about 1 tablespoon), next add your quesadilla cheese (about ½ a teaspoon), top with sautéed chicken breasts.

Top your chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, salsa and diced tomatoes. For extra crunch, shredded lettuce will do the job.

If you really want an authentic meal, make elote casserole or Mexican rice (recipe coming soon) to accompany the meal.

recipe, Mexican food, easy recipes, chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, elote casserole, Hass avocados, type 2 diabetes

Enjoy this easy recipe for chicken tacos and avocado cream sauce with your family knowing you are serving them a meal that you made with love and is good for them.

recipe, Mexican food, easy recipes, chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, elote casserole, Hass avocados, type 2 diabetes

For more information about type 2 diabetes visit saboreaunohoy.com/aguacatesydiabetes. Share your favorite avocado recipe and follow the #SaboreaUnoHoy 10-day photo challenge for a chance to win prizes.

My favorite recipe for Hass Avocados is Chicken tacos with avocado cream sauce, what’s yours?

 

 

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air fryer, air fryer recipes, best air fryer, how does an air fryer work

Are you looking for a way to improve your health? Was one of your New Year’s resolutions a new you? Want to lose weight but don’t want to give up some of your favorite foods? Ever considered buying an air fryer? Then wonder to yourself, how does an air fryer work? What’s the best air fryer? Looking for all the best air fryer recipes? Well, you are not alone sister.

I’d been on the fence about getting one for a long time. I had no idea how it worked or which one was the best? BTW, how the heck do you fry with air? Is that even possible? More importantly, why would you want to? What kind of witchery is an air fryer?

Then one day on a complete impulse buy between drop off and pick up at ballet, I found myself looking squarely in the direction of an air fryer and something compelled me to buy the dang thing. With no idea what to do with it and absolutely void of any Pinterest research on air fryer recipes, I did it. I bought the damn thing.

In my gut, I assumed it would end up in the back cabinet with all my other expensive cooking impulse buys; the pasta maker, the ice cream makers and the panini press keeping the Belgian waffle maker company. But, we all know how much I love French fries. For me the worst part about fried foods (aside from the health risks) is the guilt so why not go the healthy route, especially if the air fryer recipes make the food tastes as good as their fried counterpart and, as hard to believe as it is, they do!

READ ALSO: Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

An air fryer is a game changer! For most of my adult life I’ve been teetering between baking everything and totally chucking my diet and eating all the McDonald’s French fries. But then we got the air fryer and we’ve made things like French fries, onion rings, fish fillets, chicken tenders and French toast sticks and it tastes great, crispy and has that crunch that I’ve been missing in my life all these years. Hard to believe, right?

Why Invest in an Air Fryer?

Well, you know the difference between frozen waffles and homemade ones or a cold cut sandwich and one on the panini press? That’s the difference. Who would believe that such a subtle difference can have such a flavorful impact? Who’d think that something as simple as a golden brown crunch can make all the difference?

Compared with deep-frying, air frying significantly reduces calorie intake. It can help reduce caloric intake by up to 70-80 percent.

Air fryers are time-efficient. You can actually bake a chicken breast faster in an air fryer than you can in the oven. Just imagine crispy fried chicken without all the grease. If you have picky eaters, you can make crispy veggies as snacks.

READ ALSO: Simple, Easy and Delicious Avocado Toast Recipe

One perk for me, because I hate the smell of fried foods in my house, air frying eliminates that odor.

Just because you are not using oil, you can still burn your food. The air fryer heats up really fast and it’s easy to burn yourself and char your food, so pay attention to time, as charred food is carcinogenic.

Bonus: Easy Clean Up

How does an Air Fryer work?

It uses hot-air circulation. The air fryer cooks your ingredients from all angles- with no oil needed. Compared to deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories and potentially harmful compounds in your food

air fryer, air fryer recipes, best air fryer, how does an air fryer work

Air Fryer Sriracha-Honey Chicken Wings via Karenskitchenstories.com

Best Air Fryer Recipes?

Any foods that are good when fried like potatoes and chicken cook amazingly in the air fryer. Sweet potato fries are a favorite of ours. Also, fish and chips come out lovely and delicious in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp and Apricot Sauce

Avocado Fries

Copy Cat Chik Fil A Sandwich

Mexican Street Corn/ Elote

 Air Fryer Donuts

 Air Fryer Sriracha-Honey Chicken Wings

 Air Fryer Fried Nashville Chicken

Easy Air Fryer Crispy French Fries

The possibilities are endless. Are you considering buying one now? Understand how the air fryer works? Have you tried a few of the best AF recipes out there?

I’m addicted to our Air Fryer and everything I can make with it.

I’m doing this new year, new me thing slowly. This is one of my favorite things to help make healthier foods crispier. This is NOT a paid campaign. I am just really addicted to my air fryer and moms of little kids or kids on the go who need snacks after school, chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, even crispy Brussels sprouts, and grilled cheese sandwiches can be made deliciously and with less fat in a matter of minutes.

I’m looking for new things to cook in my air fryer. What’s your favorite air fryer recipe? Please share a link in the comments.

 

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Today, A Dog’s Way Home is opening in theaters everywhere and to celebrate, the girls and I are making our Lola some homemade peanut butter and banana dog treats. Or as my Mother-in-law calls them, cookies.

Only, this time instead of the dog treats being some kind of preservative filled meat by-product treat, it will really be a cookie. In fact, it will have some of Lola’s favorite things in it. Our dog is crazy for peanut butter and bananas, the only thing that could make it better in her eyes is if I could sneak some chicken, bacon and watermelon in it.

Lola, dog, pets, dog mom, homemade dog treats, peanut butter and banana dog treats, homemade dog treats, peanut butter and banana dog treats recipe, easy dog treat recipe, A Dog's Way Home

Lola’s peanut butter and banana dog treats are going to be homemade goodness. Honestly, I think I might have a hard time keeping the girls out of these dog treats because om gong to infuse them with cbd since I red at Pet Life Today that it has many benefits for them.

READ ALSO: Is The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up Marie Kondo Method for You? 

You all know I am in the middle of KonMari-ing my house so I don’t have lots of time to spend on baking projects. Also, did I mention that our dishwasher bit the dust this week? Oh my, it did and I’ve realized that all of those dish nights I had as a child have made me truly hate hand washing dishes. So obviously, I am trying to dirty the least amount of dishes possible but Lola is a great pup and she deserves a yummy, homemade treat. Doesn’t your pup?

This is s very simple and easy recipe. Easy enough to let the kids help and you only need to dirty one bowl, a mixing utensil and one cookie sheet. Easy Peasy. Even the littlest kids can help.

Lola, dog, pets, dog mom, homemade dog treats, peanut butter and banana dog treats, homemade dog treats, peanut butter and banana dog treats recipe, easy dog treat recipe, A Dog's Way Home

 

Lola’s Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats Recipe

Lola's Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats Recipe

Deborah Cruz
Easy, delicious homemade dog treat for your furry friend. Lola's Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treat Recipe. So easy to make even the kids can help.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine dog treat, vegetarian
Servings 15

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup banana mashed
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together the flour, eggs, oatmeal, peanut butter, salt, and banana in a bowl.
  • Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. 
  • Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
  • Bake in preheated oven until crisp and golden brown, about 40 minutes.
Keyword Dog treat recipe

READ ALSO: A Puppy Saves Christmas

We’d love to hear if your dog loved these dog treats as much as our Lola! #LolaApproved!

Lola, dog, pets, dog mom, homemade dog treats, peanut butter and banana dog treats, homemade dog treats, peanut butter and banana dog treats recipe, easy dog treat recipe, A Dog's Way Home 

If you give Lola’s Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats Recipe a try, let us know in the comments.

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Avocado Toast Recipe, avocado recipes, how to make avocado toast, avocado recipe

Have you been wondering how to make avocado toast but just don’t know where to start? A healthy avocado toast recipe is super easy to make and we live in a time where avocado recipes are everywhere. It’s the new “wonder food” plus it makes the perfect breakfast ( especially if you add an egg) or really the perfect anytime meal or snack.

For many, the idea of avocado toast is a fairly new one but not for me. I’ve been eating avocados since I could chew. I’m not even sure I needed teeth because they are so smooth and creamy. I’ve been feeding my own daughters avocado since they were allowed to eat solids. Avocados are healthy and delicious, why wouldn’t I?

READ ALSO: Elote Casserole Recipe

If we’re being honest, my family grows avocados in Mexico. We had to, we eat too many of them not to grow our own. Of course, that doesn’t help me at all here in the Midwest but it gives me something to look forward to when I take my family to visit the place I spent my summers as a child.

 Avocado toast has become my new addiction.

It’s healthy, simple, and delicious. The  best part of all, it’s super easy to make and ready in like 3 minutes minutes. I’m pretty sure that it takes me longer to eat it than it does to make it. This avocado toast recipe is so simple and easy that it’s hardly a recipe at all. But sometimes the simplest pleasures are overlooked and I didn’t want you to miss out on how to make avocado toast.

 This avocado toast recipe isn’t one of those fancy, complicated avocado recipes. Some things are just better simple, like butter tortillas. Butter + a warm flour tortilla = crazy delicious.

This avocado recipe is simple but the possibilities are endless. You can make it into avocado toast or if you’re trying to keep it more keto-friendly, eat it straight out of the bowl. If you want to serve it without the bread to guests, you can present it on a crisp, clean piece of iceberg lettuce.

READ ALSO: Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Sometimes zest up our avocado toast and top it with jalapeños, siracha, tomatoes, bacon, beans, spinach, salsa macho or pretty much anything your avocado toast loving heart desires.

To begin, toast your bread. I like mine nice and golden. You can use any kind of toast or sliced bread you have but I like to use hearty whole grain or sourdough toast. 

Next, mash an avocado in a small bowl with a fork. Add cilantro, lime, diced tomato and salt + pepper. Then, spread the creamy, smooth mixture on the toasted slice of bread. For me, 1 whole avocado makes 2 pieces of toast. Sprinkle with pepper flakes, if you like, and serve!

 If you want a little extra protein, top the avocado with an egg cooked any way you like. We like it over easy and runny but sunny side up, scrambled, poached or sliced hard-boiled works too.

READ ALSO: Easy Recipe for Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce

Avocado Toast Recipe, avocado recipes, how to make avocado toast, avocado recipe

Simple, Easy and Delicious Avocado Toast Recipe

Deborah Cruz
If you love avocado recipes and want a simple, easy and delicious avocado toast recipe this is the one you want. Even a child can make it. I know because my girls make it. And it only takes 5 minutes with vegetarian ingredients. It's a healthy, delicious and amazing avocado toast recipe.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Mexican, vegetarian
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium avocado peeled with seed removed
  • 1/2 small tomato
  • 1/4 wedge lime
  • 1 tbsp cilantro to taste
  • olive oil drizzle
  • 1-2 slices whole grain ( or whatever you prefer) bread toasted
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-2 eggs (optional) cooked to preference

Instructions
 

  • 1. Toast 2 slices of whole grain bread ( or whatever kind you prefer) in a toaster until golden brown and crispy.
    2. In a small bowl mash the avocado then combine cilantro, lime, tomato and salt + pepper to taste. Spread half of the mixture on each slice of toast. Drizzle with olive oil. Optional, top with fried, scrambled, or poached egg if desired.
    3. Serve with love! 
    4. Enjoy.
    Avocado Toast Recipe, avocado recipes, how to make avocado toast, avocado recipe

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