Finding style in meals, cities, and a lens

Balthazar Boulangerie

Balthazar boulangerie

A typical New Yorker morning would be to head to Starbucks or Dean and Deluca for a coffee and a pastry.

But with a nostalgia for France, why not start a Saturday morning by going to Balthazar instead? This boulangerie is so cozy and filled with different pastries including tarte aux pommes and scones. Grab a hot cup of coffee and a warm cinnamon roll. The cinnamon roll is a must-try by the way. It has a crusty outside with a soft inside. So good you won’t regret the five bucks it costs.

After that, get a baguette to take home. That’s how simple I like my Saturdays to be. And you don’t need to be across the Atlantic to do that.

Balthazar Boulangerie

Gâteau à la banane

banana cake

This was a recipe that I was really contemplating about publishing on the blog. Not that it doesn’t taste good; it actually tastes magnificent. But the frosting was more of a little project for me and Magdalene. As you can see, it’s not the most perfect display but since it’s so yummy I couldn’t resist sharing it.Read More

La Favela Cubana

favela cubana

Perfect brunches, for me, consist of sweet plantains, empanadas, and caipirinhas. Why would anyone want anything more? Great food and drinks go hand-in-hand for me. I cannot stand places that offer drinks but can’t satisfy my appetite when the time comes. This leads me to one restaurant that does a hell of a job at providing food, drinks and a great ambiance, Favela Cubana.

I can’t get enough of the Brazilian-Cuban restaurant. The first time I went there was eight years ago for one of my birthdays. I went again this week for my 26th birthday. It made me happy to see that they’re still in business. A lot of things change in eight years but not this place; it’s still open and better than ever.

It’s one of few places that make you feel like you’re not in New York City. Maybe it’s the decor or the food. But whatever it is, it’ll always be one of my favorite spots.

I discovered the resto during my Brasileira craze in my early college years. I added a picture below from when I was younger at Favela Cubana. I was so obsessed with Portuguese and Brasil that I wanted to experience anything and everything Brazilian. I think it’s time to revive some of that craze. Stay tuned.

latin american food

Favela Cubanafavela cubana

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5 Benefits of the Chamomile Flower

5 benefits of the chamomile flower

The magic of the chamomile flower shouldn’t be limited to only insomnia. It is widely popular for its sedative effects because well, it works. But there’s way more to this power flower than just sleep benefits. I included insomnia, because it’s still an important issue, along with four other health problems that this flower can help with.

01. Treats Insomnia and restlessness

This is the number one complication that chamomile tisanes are known for. Whether you’re suffering from insomnia or you just have a lot on your mind, chamomile is the go-to aid. Its sedative effects relax you until you go to sleep. However, there is much debate that the sleep effects comes from the placebo effect. Hmm, I think I prefer to believe in the flower’s power.

02. Serves as a cold remedy

Research has proven that chamomile provides medicinal benefits that can help fight colds and infections. This isn’t such a surprise to me since I have tried it as a cold remedy myself and it works wonders. And it’s great for kids too. Whenever my daughter gets a cold, I don’t opt for cough or fever suppressants. What’s the point of your immune system working if you’re just trying to suppress it? But for nights when she has a pesky cough that won’t go away, I always use chamomile. I make her a mild tisane with honey and warm milk. Not only would the cough go away, but it makes her sleep throughout the whole night. At the same time, the flower is fighting the cold internally.

03. Improves stress levels

It’s no surprise that chamomile can improve stress levels since it already has sedative effects which produce relaxation. You can use the flower in aromatherapy. I haven’t seen a lot of chamomile essential oils but you can still DIY it. Or just boil the flower and infuse your home with its gentle smell. That should do the trick.

04. Reduces eye bags and dark circles

Not only is this pretty flower a health aid but it’s also a must-have beauty product. Have dark circles or eye bags? Boil some chamomile tea bags and let them cool down. After, place them under your eyes for five minutes. The antioxidants in it will brighten the dark circles and liven your eyes up. It also helps reduce puffiness. I think I’ll start putting those tea bags to boil. Be right back.

05. Alleviates upset stomach and cramps

Chamomile is great for so many things. But next time you have an upset stomach, let this power flower help settle it.  Its anti-inflammatory properties makes sure your stomach lining isn’t going out of whack. The flower can reduce cramps since it’s great at relaxing muscles and reducing irritability.

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10 Benefits of Rooibos

Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red tea but not to be confused with hibiscus tea, comes from the Asphalathus linearis plant in South Africa. It aids many conditions including allergies, insomnia, as well as weight loss. This is due to all of the minerals the plant has which includes iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and copper.

Unlike other herbs, rooibos has a pleasant and mild taste. The taste is reminiscent to cinnamon which makes the tea great to drink without sugar or any other additives. And it’s caffeine-free unlike other teas. So what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the conditions Rooibos tea is good for. After check out the cool Rooibos iced tea recipe below.

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Rooibos Iced Tea

4 cups

Rooibos Iced Tea

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 tbsp. of Rooibos tea
  • honey

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a pot or teapot.
  2. Before water starts boiling, pour the Rooibos tea.
  3. Let it boil for 7 minutes.
  4. When the water turns a deep red, remove from stove and add honey to it. The amount of honey depends on how sweet you want it. Afterwards, allow to cool.
  5. Once at room temperature, pour the tea into a pitcher and place in refrigerator.
  6. Serve tea cold.
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01. Helps treat and prevent Diabetes

Balancing blood sugar is necessary for those who already have diabetes. If the blood sugar levels are constantly fluctuating, it can be a threat to your health. Rooibos balances the blood sugar and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. The herb has also been known to serve as a defense against type II Diabetes.

02. Aids in losing weight

The polyphenols that Rooibos has makes the herb burn fat. In addition to this, it prevents new fat cells from forming. There have been studies that prove that Rooibos can fight against obesity as well. Consuming Rooibos causes an increase in leptin secretion. Leptin, the “hunger hormone”, is what tells the body that it’s satisfied. Without this, the body thinks it’s not satisfied and therefore becomes hungry more often.

03. Maintains skin and hair youthful

To maintain skin and hair youthful, you need antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acid. Antioxidants act as a shield against free radicals while the alpha hydroxy acid improves the skin. Luckily rooibos is filled with antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acid. It’s the same acid that is used for chemical peels. However, it is safer to consume it from natural sources such as herbs or foods. Rooibos is one of the few natural sources that contains this acid.

04. Filled with Anti-inflammatory properties

Suffering from bronchitis or allergies? Rooibos is good at treating inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, hay fever, and asthma.

05. Helps curb insomnia

This caffeine-free herb is perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. While it does increase energy, it doesn’t disturb the hormones produced by the adrenal gland.

06. Reduces allergies

Aiding the immune system, Rooibos is filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate allergic conditions such as hay fever.

07. Gets rid of colic

Rooibos is a well-known treatment for colicky children in South Africa. The reason for it soothing colic remains unknown but has been related to its anti-inflammatory properties.

08. Builds strong bones

Manganese and calcium are necessary minerals for strong bone growth. Almost every tea can provide strong bone growth because they increase osteoblast activity. Osteoblasts are what create bone mass. On top of the ostebolasts, Rooibos contains two important flavanoids, orientin and luteolin which increase minerals in the bones.

09. Lowers blood pressure

Rooibos maintains blood pressure balanced. Therefore, it can improve hypertension and stress levels. It can also reduce the chances of heart attacks.

10. Cures headaches

Due to its relaxing properties, rooibos can eliminate headaches or any tension you may feel. After all, headaches happen when your muscles contract in the face or head.

Caution: If you are suffering from an underlying condition, it is best to consult with your doctor before trying Rooibos tea.

rooibos tea

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Energizing Breakfast Smoothie

blackberry almond smoothie

May is the peak month for Hay Fever. I don’t know where along the line I became susceptible to this annoying reaction but I did. Along with endless cups of chamomile and honey tisanes, I also like to keep things fresh and energizing with fruits and greens. This energizing breakfast smoothie manages to do just that.

I like to use almond milk more than cow’s milk for the simple fact that almond milk is not really milk, it’s just almonds and water. During Hay Fever season, I prefer to stay away from any dairy products as dairy causes more mucus to be produced. If I must use any dairy for a smoothie, I would use a spoonful of Greek plain yogurt.

Along with the almond milk, I also added some banana, blackberries, strawberries, and mango chunks. Bananas are a favorite of mines for their sweetness and the high iron content. I love blackberries because of they’re high in Vitamin C which is great for colds and Hay Fever.  Strawberries are another fruit that can reduce Hay Fever as they have flavanoids. These flavanoids act as anti-histamines in alleviating allergic reactions. And last but not least, mangos alkalize the body and regulate pH levels.

The last ingredient I included were flax seeds. These are great to always include since they are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Since our bodies can’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids, we have to find them in foods or supplements. They’re beneficial in lowering risks of heart disease, depression, and fatigue.

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Almond, Banana, Black

Almond, Banana, Black

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of almond milk
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 handful of blackberries and strawberries
  • 1 handful of mango
  • a pinch of flax seeds

Instructions

  1. Mix all of the fruits together in blender.
  2. Pour into a cup and garnish with flax seeds. Enjoy!
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blackberry almond smoothie

 

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Spinach and Chickpea Salad Bowl

salad bowl

This Spinach and Chickpea salad bowl is a mixture of my favorite ingredients and my mom’s. She loves adding chickpeas, celery, and carrots to her salads. Most of the time she makes it with Romaine lettuce but I prefer to use spinach since it’s a less bitter and filled with nutrition.

This salad was different since we mixed in the Moroccan Beet Salad recipe. We basically just prepared and added beets to the salad, nothing big. But to learn how to prepare the beets before using, refer to that recipe.

This salad goes perfect with dinner or lunch. I even eat it for breakfast with avocado. A lot of people wouldn’t eat a salad for breakfast but if you mix it with the right things, it will be a pleasant start to the day.

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Spinach and Chickpea Salad Bowl

Spinach and Chickpea Salad Bowl

Ingredients

  • 15 oz. of chickpeas
  • 1/2 bag of spinach
  • 4 chopped baby zucchinis
  • A handful of plum tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup of chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup of chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onions
  • 1 whole beet boiled and chopped
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • 1 tsp. of vinegar
  • 1 tsp. of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine chickpeas, spinach, zucchini, celery, carrots, and onions. Instead of chopping the celery, carrots, and onions, I prefer to use the Mirepoix mix from Trader Joe's.
  2. For the beets, you have to peel the beet and boil first before using. A more detailed instruction on preparing the beets can be found here.
  3. Sprinkle salt, vinegar, and olive oil over the salad. Make sure to mix afterwards.
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Publish on May 15

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Chocolate Fudge Cake

cocoa fudge cake

I would have preferred to make this chocolate fudge cake in the winter. To me, it’s a comfort food and perfect for making cozy nights feel, well, cozy. But I couldn’t resist trying this recipe to pair it with vanilla ice cream. Let me tell you, fudge and ice cream will always be a perfect combo.Read More

French Hachis Parmentier

hachis parmentier

This is my second time making hachis parmentier. The last time I made it, I didn’t have a proper oven; this time I did. Hachis parmentier is the French equivalent of Shepard’s Pie minus the vegetables. The dish consists of ground beef in between layers of mashed potato. It’s then topped with a crusty layer of gruyere and parmesan cheese. Doesn’t sound like Shepard’s Pie anymore, does it?

History:

The dish’s name comes from Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a promoter of potato as a food source. He conducted several publicity stunts to make the potato popular. Parmentier would host dinners with potato dishes being the main course. Famous guests included Benjamin Franklin and Antoine Lavoisier. He would increase the perception of value of the potatoes by hiring armed guards to protect his potato patches. But he would tell the guards to accept bribes and allow the people to steal potatoes. Nothing like building perceptions.

Recipe:

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Hachis Parmentier

Hachis Parmentier

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. of potato
  • 1/4 cup of whole milk
  • 400g. of ground beef
  • 1/2 chopped onion
  • 3 chopped garlic cloves
  • 1 handful of chopped parsley leaves
  • Gruyere cheese
  • Grate Parmesan cheese
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel potatoes and cut each one into four pieces. Boil them in water until tender.
  2. While the potatoes are boiling, chop onion, garlic cloves, and parsley.
  3. Coat a pan with butter and fry the chopped onion and garlic cloves for 1 minute.
  4. Mix the ground beef in the same pan as the onion and garlic. Cover and stir occasionally.
  5. Take out potatoes and start mashing. Add butter and milk. Season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix and mash until mashed potato is easy to stir. If it's still hard to stir, add a little more milk.
  6. Check the ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg as well. Throw in the chopped parsley. Combine well. When done, drain any oil from the ground beef. Set aside.
  7. Heat up oven to 200° C.
  8. In a gratin dish, spread the mashed potato as the first layer covering the dish. For the second layer, spread the ground beef. For the third and last layer, spread the rest of the mashed potato.
  9. Sprinkle grated parmesan and gruyere cheese on the top.
  10. Place dish in oven until the top is golden brown. When the crust is formed, take out of the oven and serve.
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How to Make Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan Mint TeaBefore I visited Morocco, I became familiar with one of their popular traditions: tea time. Tea time can be anytime. But one of the best times to serve tea is when a guest arrives in your home. The main tea that is served is a perfect blend of gunpowder green tea and spearmint leaves or better known as Moroccan mint tea. It’s a perfect tea to serve to guests since it’s deliciously energizing.Read More

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