Food | Green Chicken & Veg Soup Recipe via Clean & Delicious

I was recently sick and was on the hunt for recipes/foods that would help boost my immune system. In the colder months of Fall and Winter, I typically love to make soups because it's an easy way to make a large quantity of food ahead of time, it packs in ingredients that are lingering in the fridge and tastes great!

During my Googling and YouTubing, I came across this great Channel by Dani Spies who has this amazing food channel and website called Clean & Delicious. Once I saw her delicious sounding soup, it was exactly what I was looking for! (Just look at the title!):

Immunity Boosting Green Chicken + Veggie Soup - Clean&Delicious®. (Click to go to her YouTube)

I loved her video and how simple it was to make. The "Broth Booster" was my favourite part of the soup, which you will see below, and really added a nice warmth and heat to the soup.

@Clean_and_Delicious | www.http://cleananddelicious.com

I loved the fact that it was literally exactly what I was looking for! It has lots of veggies and of course good chicken broth, which helps you feel better when sick. Here is the recipe below:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Small Onion - Chopped
• 2 Carrots - Chopped
• 2 Stalks of Celery - Chopped
• 3 Cloves of Chopped Garlic
• 1 Tsp. Ground Cumin
• 2 Tsp. Dried Oregano
• 12 Ounces of Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 Chicken Breasts) *Boil in Lemon Water to help shred
• 2 Small Zucchini - Chopped
• 1/2 Cup Frozen Corn
• 6 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Homemade Stock
• 1 Bunch Cilantro - Stemmed
• 1 Serrano Pepper (I wanted a lot of heat and used Green Chiles)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat Olive oil in a large pot and add in onions, pepper, carrots and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 mins. or until the veggies begin to look tender.

2. While veggies are cooking, blend cilantro, Serrano pepper, 1 clove of Garlic and 2 cups of broth in the blender. Once blended, set aside. (What I lovingly refer to as the "Broth Booster"!)

3. Once veggies are tender, season with cumin, oregano and a little more salt and pepper, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add shredded chicken, zucchini, corn, remaining chicken broth and the cilantro broth you blended in the blender. Bring to a boil, reduce down and simmer for 10 more minutes or until your veggies are tender.

Pour yourself a bowl and savour every spoonful of this soup! This soup was so easy and it truly helped me get better. Here are my pics of the version I made:

If you are a soup lover or need to boost your immune system, definitely check out this delicious soup! Happy Cooking!

Coming Soon | Preview of Posts coming up on #BlogbySand

There are a lot of fun posts and things that I am working on and literally cooking up for the blog! So coming soon, here are few of the blog posts I am wrapping up:


Green Chicken & Veg Soup Recipe! (Click to see Post!)

I was recently sick and wanted to eat things to help me boost back my immune system.

This recipe is a gem! It's great when you are sick, or want to boost your immune system afterwards. This is also a great fall/winter soup recipe.

This soup incorporates a lot of great hearty vegetables, along with chicken and an amazing "broth booster" that you make from scratch!

It's delicious, warm, spicy and perfect for the cooler days ahead!

Laura Mercier Contour Kit!(Click to see Post!)

We have seen all the contour kits on the market with all the images on how to use them.

This baby here is a perfect Contour kit for anyone who wants an easy to use kit that gives a softer and subtle version of the famous contour.

I will showcase the product with a perfectly paired fall makeup look!

Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe!

Yummmmy! I can't wait to share this particular recipe.

It's creamy, the chicken is perfectly blended with the sauce and it's a very simple recipe that will impress anyone.

This is awesome paired with Rice or buttery fluffy naan aka naan bread.

I will be sharing both the Butter Chicken recipe plus the Indian Rice recipe as well. This dish will be sure to impress and soothe you on the colder days ahead!

All of the above posts and more makeup looks are coming soon! So please check back soon and happy reading!

Food | Spicy Whole Wheat Spaghetti Recipe

I love to cook all kinds of meals but my most favourite dishes that I enjoy to make are pasta! My all-time favourite meal is my Mom's version of Spaghetti! Her version is a wonderful combination of Spices/Meaty Sauce and the best part, super duper delicious mozzarella Cheese! It has everything in 1 pot!

Here is my healthy yet simple recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Whole Wheat Spaghetti
• 4 Medium Tomatoes
• 1 Jar of Organic Tomato Sauce
• 2 Handfuls of Baby Spinach
• 2 Squirts of Sriracha Sauce
• 1 Onion
• Fresh Basil
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Sauce:
Finely chop onion and sauté in Olive Oil. Saute the onion for about 7 minutes until they go clear. Add fresh chopped garlic and 2 Squirts of Sriracha Sauce. Mix together. Chop Basil and add to the mixture. Then add your Tomatoe Sauce. Bring to a boil and remove from heat and cover with lid.

Pasta:

Boil your pasta according to package directions. Once cooked and drained, add the two handfuls of Baby Spinach into the Spaghetti and mix together.

Add the Tomato Sauce to the Spaghetti and mix/toss well. Once mixed, add the chopped tomatoes and you are done!

Simple yet perfect! Enjoy!

Food | Penne Chicken Veggie Soup Recipe

One of the best things to have when you are not feeling well or on a super cold day is Chicken Vegetable soup. As a kid, we loved getting either the canned or the packet version of the soup. As I started to learn to cook for myself, I wanted to be able to make it from scratch whenever the mood struck. Here is my take on a classic Chicken Soup!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Bag of Penne Pasta or Noodle of your Choice
• 5 Carrots Sliced
• 6 Celery Sliced & Diced
• 2 Cups of Rotisserie Chicken - Shredded
• 1 Small Onion Diced
• A pinch of Thyme
• 2 Tablespoon Margarine
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Pepper
• 1 Teaspoon of Garlic or Fresh Garlic*Optional
• Water to fill 3/4 of Pot Used

Grab a Large pot and over medium heat add margarine. Add a piece of onion so you can gauge the heat of the melted margarine, but once you see the onion sizzle, add the onions, carrots and celery. Toss together and cook for about 5 mins.

Add the bay leaf and the thyme. Cook the vegetables until they are softened. Be sure not to over cook them.

Add the following seasoning (Salt, Pepper and Garlic). Toss together and heat for another 5 minutes. Now add the shredded chicken into the pot and combine the veggies with the chicken and mix well. Cover the pot with the lid and leave on Medium High heat for about 5 minutes.

Now slowly add water until the pot is 3/4 full. But you want to add the water, a cup or two at a time. Turn the heat to high. Each time you add the cup of water, you want to wait till that water boils before you add each additional cup. Once the last cup of water has been added, then wait for it to boil and then add your pasta noodles. Cook for the allotted time for the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and cover with lid. 

Voila!! Your grown up version of Chicken Noodle Soup = Penne Chicken Veggie Soup! This is the perfect meal for whenever you are feeling under the weather or nostalgic for your childhood!

Food | Curry Chicken with Potatoes & Wild Rice

I love to cook and typically I spend the time to shop, prep and create an epic meal. But with life today, I have learned 3 different ways to make one of my favourite dishes, which is Curry Chicken and Rice! Each version tastes great and has subtle changes but in the end make for a delicious meal. I like that depending on my day or schedule, I can pick the version that works for me.

This is the quick-fast version and is a one-pot recipe that uses Rotisserie Chicken and cuts the cooking time in half, and it turns out great!! 

Ingredients:

•          1 Rotisserie Chicken, Skin Removed
•          1 Large White Onion or 2 Medium Onions, Diced
•          5 Roma Tomatoes (Or 1 Large Can of Stewed Tomatoes/ 2 Containers of Cherry Tomatoes)
•          10 Small Potatoes, Halved with skin on
•          2 Cups Wild Rice
•          1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
•          2 Tsp Chopped Garlic
•          1 Tsp Chili Flakes
•          1 Tsp Salt
•          1 Tsp Turmeric* Some people will opt to get Curry Powder, which is not the same as turmeric.
•          1 Tsp Garam Masala (Optional)
•          Handful of Chopped Cilantro (Optional)
•          Water, ¾ filled in the pot
•          2 Tbsp of Margarine or Preferred Cooking Oil

Since this recipe includes chicken that is already cooked and prepared, you only need to spend time on making sure that your sauce is prepared.

On high heat, in a large pot, add margarine and place a piece of chopped onion into the pot to ensure the margarine is hot. Then add the remaining onions. After a minute of stirring the onions with the melted margarine, add Garlic and chili flakes. Mix together.

Reduce the heat to Medium High and sauté onions until they are golden then add the remaining spices (Salt, Turmeric, Garam Masala). Stir and mix together. Add about a cup of water to this mixture after 5 minutes to de glaze the bottom of the pot.

Add 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice and the Tomatoes. Stir together until mixed. Lower the heat to Medium and partially cover the pot for 5 mins. Once liquid is released from the tomatoes, add Potatoes. Stir the mixture until the potatoes are properly coated.

After about 5 minutes or so, add remaining water to the pot. Increase the heat to high, uncovered until it comes to a boil. Add half of the cilantro to the pot. Stir and add the chicken along with the rice. Mix well and reduce the heat once it comes to a boil for a final time.

Reduce the heat to medium low, uncovered and keep checking on it until the rice is cooked along with the potatoes. Once cooked, shut off the stove, and cover with lid until ready to eat! Before serving, top bowl or plate with a touch of Cilantro and pair it with a crisp green salad!

Stay tuned for more Food Blog Posts for 2015!

Lifestyle | The #RealTalk of Food

Countless images, swirling and rotating through from top to bottom on our phones, tablets and laptops. We view, review, judge, discuss and eventually swipe our thumb downwards to the next one, or do the ever anticipated double click, the sought after "Like".

This occurs for the variety of images on various topics that we see daily with these handy devices. For this post, I wanted to talk about Photos of Food, specifically starting with the lost practice of Dinner time, what it meant and what it means now. Also, I wanted to share Social Night Rules and Etiquette tips to try the next time you are out and finally Instagram content of Images and what we should truthfully post.

What Dinner used to be about...

Dinner was a lovely time when family or friends got together around a dinner table and guess what actually TALKED to one another while enjoying a meal. Not a fancy meal, not a 5-Star Meal, not a picturesque meal but a regular meal. On occasion it would be fancy, but for the most part, it was about eating together no matter what was on the menu.

I remember those days so well as being my fondest memories with family. Sitting at our house or a relatives house, we would rush to the dinner table along with the rest of the cousins. We would be anticipating the food, the food accidents or the potential food fight, the funny food faces or giggle at the one cousin who never ate anything and got scolded for it.

At home, dinner time was the time of day where we would get together and sit and talk about our day, the good the bad and the ugly.

Now, it isn't quite the same. It's interesting and sometimes sad to see that there are a lot of people who have no recollection of this, or are too busy with their devices to have these kind of memories. I fondly look back to those times with others enjoying a meal, and I wonder will kids in the present, say years from now, "Oh I remember where I was when I hit that level in Candy Crush!" Seriously? #JustSaying! It's definitely a different time, but at what point did we become so connected electronically that we disconnected in person?

Social Night Rules
Now I am guilty also, if I am out with friends or family, I will tend to grab my phone and start taking photos like no tomorrow of my meal. To be truthful, I enjoy sharing photos but at the expense of the moment with friends or family is not cool and when I was called out on it, I realized I need to be mindful.  So here are some rules I use and what you can try to adopt when out with friends or loved ones.

1. Never ever take a photo of a meal, if a loved one has asked you for your undivided attention. Nothing can be more annoying then having someone fiddle with their "Filters" because they must post that pic right away, while you are waiting to continue your heartbreak or revealing a deep situation during dinner.

2. Decide if you want it to be a Phone Free day, as in, put in in your bag, pocket or away. And learn to be in the moment. Learn to laugh at what just happened vs. what was seen on your phone. It can be a thrilling experience to enjoy it live than to be bogged down taking photos the entire time. Especially if you are not a tourist.

3. If you cannot live without documenting aspects of your life as is the case with most of us now, then be mindful of the times you are taking the photos. Decide to do it at the start of the night, once when the meal comes out and then a night cap pic. That to me would be the best of both worlds, but you can pick and make it work for you. It's simple and can help you be more present.

Instagram Posts - So why does it have to be gourmet or 5-star?

Now with these cool Social media sites and apps, anyone can take a regular picture and evolve it into a work of art or Photography. But lately, all I tend to see is pics of 5 star like foods or meals? Why can't there be a gorgeous shot of good ole Kraft Dinner and hot dogs, or Indian Dal & Roti, which was a staple meal once a week at my house. Let's post what's true in addition to the glamorous food we get to eat. I think if we are more truthful to what we post, the more enjoyable it will be when looking back at them.

As I said, it's habits we have all picked up from this social media world we live in and we have to stop for  a second and perhaps take some steps back. Enjoy Dinner again without having to whip out the camera, develop proper social media etiquette and be real when it comes to what we post. On my instagram, my pics of meals are a mix of fast food or home based food pics that are authentic and organic to me, and guess what, it works for me. Because it's my #RealTalk of Food!

Happy Happy Joy Joy! How do you get Happy?

I woke up today and while watching the news found out that today is the International Day of Happiness! It was established on June 28th 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly and is celebrated throughout the world on March 20th. To honour this great day, I wanted to share a few ideas and things from my life that make me happy!

1. Dance like it's 1999

I love to dance and it will happen anywhere, in the car, in the aisles of the grocery store, in a change room and the more obvious places like a club, a dance or a family party.  What I LOVE about dancing is that it instantly makes me happy.  It will be rare to find someone on the dance floor who dances with a non smiling face, rather, it will be rare to find me dancing on the dance floor and not smiling! Here are some dancing photos below. Even looking back at these pics, they make me happy!

I was dancing like I wrote the song! I was in between smiles ;) LOL! 

Family Party in the UK - Always a blast and a great time :)

2. Pretty Decor & Flowers

With amazing apps like Instagram, we are exposed to a world of images and photos that are amazing, gorgeous and are happiness inducing. I love pretty decor and whenever I am at a party, wedding or at an event in the city, I am constantly taking photos. Here are a few pretty ones from this category:

Amazing and Romantic decor from a family wedding!

Window shopping with a dear friend :)

Decor Ideas at a Beauty Event

3. Chocolate

I love chocolate, whether it's fancy to the candy bar from the local convenient store. Nothing reminds me more of my childhood with my family and friends as much as Chocolate does. Ithink that is why I crave it so much if I am feeling blue. Sweet items are usually tied to a celebration of a positive kind which I am happy to enjoy!

Oh my gawwwww! 

A lovely chocolate Mousse dessert!

Halloween Candy - All Day!

4. Last but not least - Food

Food is a celebration and is a time for when the family will gather, especially at my house. There is 1 dish that is my all time, ultimate, amazing and is one of the best dishes my mom makes and has taught me to make which is the ultimate Punjabi Curry Chicken with Rice. Nothing makes me happier than smelling that intoxicating aroma from the kitchen! I have posted that and other great dishes that bring happiness to me!

Home cooked Curry Chicken = Happiness & Love :)

Spicy Thai Chicken & Vegetables :)

Jamaican Curry Chicken, Coleslaw with Rice & Beans :)

Trinidadian Barbecue Chicken, Macaroni Pie and Rice! 

Writing this blog taught me that there are so many amazing things that make me happy. I shared a few things that always guarantee happiness from within me.  Feel free to share what  makes you happy in the comments below!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Lifestyle: Easy & Simple Pasta Recipe

Growing up, I was obsessed with Mac n' Cheese, especially Kraft Dinner and how my Mom would alter it by adding peas and carrots and sometimes even thinly sliced hot dogs (Back then we would say cut up dogs!).

Nowadays, KD on it's own is great as a special treat, but lately I do crave something a little more mature.  The other day, taking stock of the ingredients I had on hand, I put together this really easy and simple pasta.

Enjoy this fast and simple recipe:

Ingredients

• Half a bag of Ziti, Rotini or Macaroni Pasta
• 2 Handful of Spinach, finely chopped
• Half a Large Onion or Small Onion, Chopped
• 1/2 cup of Peas
• 1 Tsp. of Chili Flakes
• 2 Tsp. of White Flour
• 2 Tsp. of Butter or Margarine
• 2 Cups of Milk
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese, grated on top

1. First to prepare the Roux/Sauce, in a small pot, heat butter/margarine until liquefied, on Med/High Heat. 

2. Add chopped onion and saute gently for 7 minutes.

3. Add the flour and mix into the butter and lightly brown, should be mixed well with the flour. It should be a dry consistency with no liquid left.  Brown for a 1 Min, and then add your seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes & Nutmeg). Stir and mix for another minute.

4. Slowly add your Milk into the pot and stir everything together, doing so slowly.  Turn up the heat to high and slowly and firmly whisk the milk to blend together.  Once the sauce boils, reduce heat to low and continue to whisk.  If the sauce is blended well, then turn off the heat. Taste the sauce and up your seasoning if needed.

5. Prepare your pasta according to package directions.  Once pasta is drained, add the sauce to the pasta and mix in your chopped spinach and peas. Cover to let the pasta and the vegetables to cook and blend into the sauce.  Serve with the grated cheese of your choice.

This pasta takes no time to make and you can add Chicken or Sausage as well as other vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

I am an Instagram Addict :)

It's Self Promotion tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime! :) If you are a quality TV programming realty TV junkie like me than you should be able to recognize what line I am taking my intro from.  (Hint: Rhymes with Sersey Jore) ;)

Ok jokes aside, I know I have said this about a hundred times..."I will start posting more frequently"... "I will start writing more blogs"... "I will take the time to upload my million of photos to my blog to share".. and of course time flies and 5000 months later here we are.

Today I wanted to share my love of Instagram.  I mean I really LOVE instagram!  I can admit it, I am an Instagram Junkie to my core! I love looking at photos, I love seeing things from another lens, I love how we can connect across the world with one another through photos.  It's quick and easy to fall into the hook of Instagram.  Not only do I love creeping looking at pics, but I also like to share my pics and my view of the things I love!

You can find me on Instagram by searching for, you guessed it:  @MakeupBySand.  Here is the link below http://instagram.com/makeupbysand

Here you will find my many loves from Makeup, Hair, Books, Art, Food and the love for my city!  Here are some of my fave pics and of course more to come:

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Yummy Food - Vacay Post

I am going to try to post on my blog, at least once a week, food related posts.  I will share and showcase delicious food that I have enjoyed out and recipes that I love making at home.  This will be fun for me to share my love of food, share a variety of things I like, new things I have tried and good old favourites.  The beauty of all of this will be captured in words and of course photos!

This week I wanted to post pics of yummy food that I had on my vacation in the Dominican Republic.  As with most resorts, the food is available at all hours, and of course offered in Buffet Style for main meals.  Since I have to be careful with what I eat due to stupid  acquired food allergies, I made sure I picked food I was familiar with and are from my favourite category: CARBS! Lol.

Please enjoy the pics below:

Lunch on the first day, pasta was incredible :)

Dinner was almost gone till I realized I forgot to take a pic ;)

Breakfast in general will always be my fave in any country! :)

Mexican Restaurant in the DR!  Nachos & cheese w/ the view of the Beach

One Word:  Guacamole! 

This was a filling meal:  Chicken Mole, Taco chips, Coleslaw with Steak

Breakfast of Champions: Potatoes, Cheese, Bacon AND pancakes! :)

One of many reasons why all inclusive vacations are great, is that you get to enjoy a lot of various cuisines at once!  Many more Food and Recipe posts to come!

Always Smile :)  - Sand