It's That Time of Year Again ^_^

Holiday Eats

O_O
 

3 Layer Cake: Butterpecan, Strawberry, Red Velvet

Psalm 75:1...It's that time of year again, where we don't regret what we eat. Who diets during the holidays and is ok with themselves, that's lame? -_- If there's any season you need to reconsider your diet plan, it's the holidays. Gluttony is taken place during Thanksgiving and Christmas even when you know you can't finish your plate; the fact that ALL of this food is surrounding you, I say eat like it's your last meal. Thanksgiving is the probably my favorite holiday in my house. We wouldn't live without my mom's cornbread dressing and we wouldn't let her rest without making a large batch. I can only speak from my own experience but like any other loyal child I defend my mom's undefeated title of "Best Cornbread Dressing." Until you've experienced such greatness you would understand. That post will be apart of Thanksgiving post later on this week, rather not spoil the glory.

Every Thanksgiving, it never fails, I have a new idea to make and more groceries to buy whether we have a crowd or not. I love the holidays though; it helps me become a little more and more creative. For instance I bake a cake every year but it's always a boring cake. I'm not the best baker but I will make any Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines look appetizing LOL! For instance I took a random idea from the top of my head and purchased 3 boxes of cake mix with some of my favorite flavors like butter pecan, red velvet, strawberry, and made a cream cheese frosting enough to coat the cake. All you needed was 3 cake pans whether it's square or circle and separate each cake. After it's done baking and cooled, slice the slight hump it may have at the top of the cake so when you're ready to stack each cake on top, the cakes will be on a flat surface. Frosting wasn't hard, you don't have to make it from scratch either that's the fun part about baking. Everything is made already so don't be afraid to buy cream cheese frosting or any frosting of your choice. It's the same thing. Frost in between and all around the cakes and VOILA! Please frost ONLY when cakes are cooled, your cake will look like it's been sweating if it's even a tad bit warm -_-

I have leftover ideas for those that don't know what in the hell to do with all that Thanksgiving food. Holiday food at most times taste better the day after, some people are sleep to truth! Thanksgiving eggrolls filled with dressing and turkey and cranberry sauce for dipping? Check my posts in the next couple of days to see what I'm talking about, it'll most definitely blow your mind. Leftovers is so cheap to make, at least for me it is since we have probably 3 days worth of Thanksgiving food.

Thanksgiving 2013
 

I don't know if I'm more excited about my family or the food. We cook and just reflect on life during this awesome time. There's so much glory on food during the holidays. Besides my family, I'm thankful for God giving my mom and I the gift of cooking. You ever go to somebody's house and attempt to try their food and you wonder why they would embarrass themselves? :| Yes, there are people with no shame and the funniest part is they're so quick to offer a plate to you with no disregard if you'll vomit or not LMAO! Cooking is an art or gift that everyone was not blessed with so if your mom/grandma can go hard in the kitchen BE THANKFUL! God bless!

Alluh My Caribbean Ghels Dem....

Red Beans and Rice with Pan Seared Spicy Jerk Chicken and a side of Glazed Plantains and Cabbage

My cravings can be impossible sometimes and I get the most craves at work. When you work in an area that has food EVERYWHERE it's impossible not to be hungry. So when I'm bored or have some downtime at the office, I'm all over yelp. I yelped Cuban or Jamaican food and immediately said I want plantains, rice and peas, and jerk chicken. I'm not Jamaican or Cuban but Nigerian food is not a huge difference to either of the two. Shot my mom a text that I have to stop by the grocery store after and mom went to the store instead and bought leg quarters, red beans, cabbage, plantains you name it she got it for me. I had my supplies but I had to have my favorite spices with me if I was trying to make this as "Caribbean" as possible.

Curry, Bay Leaf, Paprika, Cumin, Maggi are my secret weapons!

Red Beans and Rice

Jamaicans call their red beans and rice "rice and peas" which is literally the same thing so don't go to Reggae Hut asking for red beans and rice LOL! Only Jamaican Restaurant that I really give my money to is Jamaica House on Westheimer, a couple lights past the Houston Galleria Mall. Oxtails, Peas and Rice, the mac and cheese, it's just all good. Oxtails are not the cheapest neither does it have a lot of meat, so I use that only on special occasions. My red beans and rice are not Popeyes, they're BETTER! (well in my opinion) no comparison since there's nothing like a homemade meal. ^_^




Red Beans and Rice simmering on low heat
 

Onions
Green Bell Pepper
1 Habanero (be careful the heat is in the seeds and skin)
2 Garlic Cloves
Cilantro
1 Tomato
Half of a small tomato sauce tin
3/4 cups of chicken broth, if necessary
Half a package of Neck Bones
Secret Weapon Seasonings (use what makes you happy)
2 cans of red or kidney beans, or 1 bag of dried red beans
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Maggi Cube, LMAO! I'm sorry I love those damn cubes so much flavor what do you expect from a naija ghel

Yes I use neck bones in my red beans and rice smh so good and soooo much flavor. I broil my neck bones in a separate saucepan first so that it can build up a broth that way I don't have to use so much chicken broth in my rice and beans. Neck bones are very optional but I used them for my cabbage and beans and rice so it's really up to you. After neck bones have completely broiled in the saucepan you can add it to your bean pot and sautéed vegetables.

Let's see how well ya'll follow directions...I hope you didn't add rice -_- that's boiled separately and rice needs to be boiled partially. Yes partially unless you don't want to mix your beans and rice then fine, but I mix them so I partially boil the rice so the rice won't be mushy or too soft while cooking in the bean pot. I HATE mushy rice, I'm not eating sushi so there's no reason my rice should feel like baby food...that's gross -_-

Pan Seared Spicy Jerk Chicken

My mom did a pre-marinate of the chicken before I got home so that the chicken can grasp all the flavors. I usually like my meat to sit in marinate or seasoning that I usually make up at the top of my head just so the chicken won't lack juiciness on the inside.

Marinate:



Jerk

Cumin

Salt

Black Pepper

Cumin

Onion

Garlic

Cayenne

Paprika

Sear it in a nice size pan depending on the size of your chicken. I used leg quarters so I need a large pan. Extra virgin olive oil for the pan add some onions then place the chicken thigh down. Use tongs if you can! Flip occasionally so your meat won't burn. The aroma of your house will be amazing! If you want you could even chop a pineapple in the pan and sauté it in the pan before adding your chicken. It's simply for flavor.

Plantain were easy nothing special, made a brown sugar glaze and instead of frying it like I usually do I just sautéed it in the glaze. The cabbage was soaked in the left over broth of the jerk chicken and seasoned well with some neck bones for extra flavor. VOILA! The Lord is good.

 

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Bombay

I interned for Exxon Mobil during my undergrad days last year and every course period we had luncheons for the interns where we or the staff would pick a place to network. We were craving pizza but not your average Papa Johns, Dominoes, or Pizza Hut, something different.

Gateway of India (Top)
Hawaiin Kuntal (Bottom)

Somehow Bombay Pizza Co. located Downtown Houston right on busy Main Street became a topic of discussion. I'm open to trying new places so I went ahead. The décor is very homey and laid back so nothing too over the top. Viral Patel is the owner of Bombay by the way and made the pizzeria based on an Italian/Indian taste. An Indian twist that threw out the traditional ingredients to a basic pizza for instance instead of using regular chicken, in substitution of that there's Tandoori Chicken YUM! I love the fact that you can eat the whole pizza without filling overstuffed. Usually the crust of any kind of pizza makes you full the fastest, but Bombay uses a stone baked, wafer thin crust which is just as good as a stuffed crust pizza only it's lighter and MUCH better for you. My first pizza that I tried was called the "Gateway of India" with a side of sweet potato fries and it had EVERYTHING that I loved on my pizza, from chicken, spinach, cheese, crab meat, cilantro, and most importantly the artichoke hearts....so DAMN good. It's too good to be true. The Bombay sauce is just...Lord!  I sat there and ate it all by myself while the interns looked at me, but I have no shame so that's fine. :D

Bombay was featured on the Houston Press for a number of years and even received love from Food Network, since then, I've been back maybe twice when I have time. Never a dull time or dull flavor. You can't order a pizza without asking for Lychee drink which by the way doesn't taste like one from the grocery store. I give it 5 stars for the menu because it's simply amazing no other way to put it. If you can, besides the Gateway of India Pizza, please try the "Hawaiin Kuntal", "Sonia Ritas", or the "Slumdog" if you like a little spice those are the BEST selections. Ever in the downtown area, please stop by.

Has Taco Lokoz met their match?

 

Ruby crowned King of Hangover Tacos

Whoever invented Taco Trucks, you need a hug. Food trucks make people raise their eyebrow but keep them loyal after their first visit. Probably one of the best hangover foods you can get your hands on besides a basic waffle house. (Not that I've had a hangover or anything) o_o but any who...you get a lot for your buck too.

If you're from the northwest part of Houston, you'd know the infamous Taco Lokoz taco truck and their cheap eats. Taco Lokoz, located on Veterans Memorial is well known for their dirt cheap prices food ranging from as low as $0.99-$2.00. Only problem with Taco Lokoz is EVERYONE goes there and the service is beyond slow :| There's a very important trait that Taco Lokoz lacks and that's 24 hour service....

Good food, slow service is so bittersweet.

I'm a yelper, I drive or yelp to find the next experience, I didn't
go wrong with this one.

Pastor Pork and Breaded Steak Tacos

Yelped taco trucks near the 77041 area near my office and behold Taqueria Ruby open 24 HOURS and $0.50 more expensive which isn't a big deal. Located on 290 and Huffmeister in Jersey Village, TX this taco truck is something you may want to consider despite the petting zoo that's displayed at the location LOL.

Literally on the right side of 290 so you might not want to drive so far that you run past it.

Now the décor is not the fanciest or the snazziest, it's a Mexican theme with the oldschool tables, flags, antique pieces you name it, but I liked it. It's different not your average traditional taco truck. All the atmosphere needed was some tumbleweed. I won't say this is the best taco truck ever but as far as Taco Lokoz goes, their crown has been given to Ruby. If you think otherwise please explain to me why. To be honest I rather a food truck open 24 hours and run out of food vs. a truck that's only open from 12-9 -_-

Delicious, first time going and due to the 4.5 star rating, I had to try it. There's no lines, no hassle, and they're prep time is moderate....all in all good tacos. Recommendations would be:

Pastor Pork on Corn Tortilla, and Breaded Steak Tacos seem generic but are A-1. Lengua Tacos aka Cow Tongue o_o were a little dry not my favorite but once that green sauce touches it, that's all she wrote.  You can't eat these tacos without cilantro and onion of course and their green sauce is a go. Don't care too much for the red sauce but as a bonus besides Jesus himself, the lime made it whole! AMEN! Don't knock it till you try it.

No It's Not Shipley's

I'm a Shipley's fan, but I'm a fan of mom and pops donut shops. Shipley's is too cliche at times and there is only 1 location in Houston that by far takes the cake and its Shipley's on Westheimer, owned by innovator, Mike Simon. What Shipley's do you know serves beignet fresh, smoothies, custom donuts and etc....yep, he's the mastermind to ALL those creations. Besides the glazed donuts or warm kolaches eh I could go for more variety, and only his location satisfies me. Think it's far, they deliver don't worry.

Spicy Boudin Kolaches filled with all types of heaven only comes from a mom and pops called "Hot Donuts" on 290 and North Eldridge West. Caught a dub since it's next to my office. I wasn't introduced to it by anyone, I saw the sign "boudin kolaches" while driving and made a U-turn o_o 

WHO DOESN'T LOVE BOUDIN?!?!

Applause to the cute Asian couple owners that are so welcoming every time I walked in. Went a few times and the owners were soooo nice since my first visit which was only a mere 2 weeks ago. I love customer service it doesn't tell you about your food but your character. Sometimes I go in there before work and the lady gives me extra goodies just for visiting. That my friend deserves any tip.

5 stars for the treats and customer service. Eventually I'll attempt to make an inspired boudin kolache. 

Recommendations: Bluberry donuts & Spicy Boudin Kolaches

Sunday Late Lunch

Spinach Addiction...

I think spinach is my secret ingredient for everything, I literally think ANYTHING is good with spinach. Haven't seen or made anything without it. I love it plus it's good for you. Vegetables are amazing but spinach is heavenly. >_<

At the top of  my head I thought of a quick easy lunch that would take me no longer than even 45 minutes to prep, contained shrimp and chicken but most definitively spinach (swoons) I didn't want anything heavy but something filling yet hearty. 

Somehow I thought of the chicken tortilla soup from chilis or a couple of my fave Mexican spots. I would order some soup as an appetizer with chicken quesadillas. Usually fills me up in one sitting....but there's something that most tortilla soups and quesadillas dont have. Soup is either bland and quesadillas are filled with more cheese and less meat, so annoying (rolls eyes) Any who, you don't have to be Hispanic to give it a twist. 

Nearby Latina Foodmart past Greenspoint almost always has a sale. If you know me personally you know I'm frugal. I could have all the money in the world and still be frugal when it comes to food. I'm always up for a sale or bargain :D

$.99 avocados, 3 stalks of cilantro for $.99, $.49 black beans AND coconut milk WHAT?!!!? That shrimp wasn't cheap though LMAO! 

Chicken and Shrimp Quesadillas 

Chicken breast and shrimp sautéed with onions, spinach, tomatoes, 1 habanero (be careful with those all you need is half of one. The heat is contained in the seeds and the skin of the pepper it is VERY HOT!!!) Seasoned with some of my fave spices like paprika, slap ya mamas, cayenne, and etc. and of course the generic salt, black pepper. Seasoning is at your discretion though. 

Did I mention I don't use measurement cups or spoons? I'm African I eyeball everything. Don't believe in them unless I'm baking which is rare :|

Chicken and Shrimp Tortilla Soup

So I took the same ingredients as my quesadillas not a big deal, instead got 4-5 chicken legs well seasoned them boiled them in order to make a broth. I'm really big on using chicken broth sometimes because any meat has it's own broth to be honest. A can of chicken broth contains a little too much sodium depending on the brand so I rather make my own broth which doesn't require me to do much but boil the chicken and enough water to cover the bottom of the pot probably less than half a cup. If I use broth it's usually 1 can. 

Added onions, green onions tomatoes, spinach, black beans and then only 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth. All those herbs and spices from the chicken legs season the broth to the point where I don't need to add extra seasoning AT ALL, mind you this is all eyeballing no measuring. 

Let it soak up everything, cover walk away. Serve with tortilla chips. I took a whole wheat tortilla flip it in the pan until it was crispy, broke it seasoned with like, oregano, salt, black pepper. Garnish with your favorite cheese. Sour cream is optional, can't eat it Mexican food without it ❤️😍

Easy "Gwak" (Guacomole) 

1 avocado

Salt

Pepper

Tomatoes

Small red onion

Season to taste

Here Fishy Fishayyyy

Who doesn't love fish?!

OK! So Tuesday, I'm sitting at my desk at work (not that I shouldn't be working or anything) but noticed I come up with all my random ideas at work...what did I crave? Spicy Fried Fish, oh but I'm supposed to be eating a little cleaner yet often for this workout plan I decided to squeeze in my schedule (rolls eyes) Anywho...substitutions is key to me, so I throw away ground beef (not if it's very lean) and use fish or ground turkey

Spicy Tilapia Burger with a Pineapple Slaw & the fixings  

To be honest, it doesn't matter how you cook your fish as long as you give it a little kick. I don't have a particular way just as long as it's spicy, has a homemade slaw, and veggies to compliment all the flavors. Fry your fish or sear it at your discretion. Simple. Prep time: 20 minutes MAX!

 

I use slaw to dress my sandwiches instead of a salad, I like tangy and zesty so yeah.

 

Pineapple Slaw:

 

1/2 cup of shredded lettuce or half 1/2 bag of packaged coleslaw depending on your serving size

salt, black pepper, paprika, lemon juice, ranch, mayo, and honey mustard, chopped pineapples. VOILA.