Throwback Thursday – Weekend Lunch for 3

Posted on by

Happy Thursday! Let’s travel back in time to earlier this year where I took my parents out to lunch during Valentine’s Day weekend.  We decided to return to Coco in Elmhurst, NY.  The restaurant specializes in Malaysian Cuisine.  Personally it was Malaysian fusion cuisine.  The restaurant is currently in the process of updating their menu on their website, but one of the major changes is that they deliver food now with a minimum of $10 purchase.

However, after a long cold winter day of running errands, my parents and I decided to have lunch.  Check this out, total cost for three people plus leftovers to go = $35

The Roti Canai and Singapore Rice Noodle dishes were my favorites.  The Lamb Curry was on the spicy side and the crispy duck was on the dry side.  Service could be better.  The meal was hearty, comforting and affordable especially for three people.  I would definitely return to try other dishes such as the Hainanese Chicken, Curry Laksa, Belacan Kang Kung, and Satay Chicken.

Traditional Tuesday -Sloppy Joes

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday!  Today’s blog will focus on one of America’s favorite childhood and even adulthood dishes – The Sloppy Joe.

After researching the history behind the staple dish, there appears to be a lot of debate regarding its origin and unfortunately I do not have the answers.

What I found in this research is that this dish was established at a cafe in the Midwest in the 1930s by a man name Joe who added tomato sauce to loose meat.  Another source says that it originated as a Cuban loose meat sandwich in Florida.  The Sloppy Joe was also even called a “Manwich”.

Well thanks to the recipe posted by Bodypotential I decided to try on the healthier version of Sloppy Joes.  This dish was healthy on a budget and serves 4 people:

1 lb. Perdue Ground Turkey = 160 calories/serving = $2.99/lb. at Stop and Shop

16 tablespoons of tomato paste = 80 calories

6 tablespoons tomato sauce = 30 calories

2 tablespoons honey = 60 calories/serving

1 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. cumin

1 tbsp. chili powder

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Since I am doing this body cleanse for the next few days, the healthy sloppy joes will last me 2-4 meals either lunch or dinner.

Meatless Monday – Sauteed Watercress & Bok Choy

Posted on by

Happy Monday!! I am starting off the week with another Meatless Monday recipe.  This recipe is right off the Sunday Game Plan list posted yesterday.

I was introduced to watercress and bok choy at a family style Chinese restaurant when I was a child.  The dish is usually served stir fried with garlic slices and oil.  Last weekend, I went to H Mart, which is Korean owned supermarket in Flushing, NY and saw that watercress and bok choy were on sale so I purchased two bunches of each.

Watercress (Nasturii herba) is considered one of the healing foods to consume.  Consumption of watercress can have the potential health benefits such as:

  • Serves as an anti-carcinogen.
  • Reverses DNA damage to white blood cells
  • Rich in Vitamin C, which fight off cancer and treat common colds
  • Calcium content helps maintain bone health
  • Rich in folate, which prevents birth defects, depression, stroke, cognitive decline
  • Rich in Vitamin A, which helps maintain ocular health found in beta carotene

Here is a three ingredient side dish, which is so easy to make ( <5 minutes):

Saute Watercress:

2 tablespoons of olive oil – 240 calories

2 tablespoons of minced garlic ~ 38 calories

2 bunches of watercress ~ 30 calories

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bok Choy (Brassica campestris) aka white cabbage originated in China over 5000 years ago.  Consumption of Bok Choy has the following health benefits:

  • Rich in Vitamin C, which fight off cancer and treat common colds
  • Rich in Vitamin A, which helps maintain ocular health found in beta carotene
  • Contains fiber, which aids in digestion
  • Contains calcium and potassium with low sodium, which reduces blood pressure

Here is a three ingredient side dish, which is so easy to make in less than 10 minutes:

Saute Bok Choy:

1 tablespoon of olive oil – 120 calories

2 cloves sliced garlic  ~ 40 calories

3 heads of bok choy  ~ 330 calories

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Both vegetable dishes are low in calories and relatively healthy.  Stay tuned for the next post.

First Sunday Game Plan – Body Cleanse

Posted on by

It has been a very busy few weeks since my last post and I am making the effort to plan ahead.  I have decided to do a 5 day cleanse through Bodypotential.  My ultimate goal is to be 20 pounds lighter.  Below is my Sunday Game Plan for this week.   The ingredients used to make my dishes were for the most part on sale during the last two weeks:

Watercress $0.79/lb (H Mart)

Snowpeas  $0.99/lb (H Mart)

Crabmeat  $2.00 (Stop and Shop)

Bok Choy  $0.58/lb (H Mart)

Perdue Ground Turkey $2.99 (Stop and Shop)

Quinoa $4.99 (Stop and Shop)

Baby Carrots $1.49/2lbs (Stop and Shop)

Wild Caught Cod $5.99/lb (Stop and Shop)

20160403_200445

I am very excited to post new material this week from this game plan.  There will a post for Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday, which will consists of dishes from restaurants I have eaten in the past.  Stay tuned.

Meatless Monday – Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Posted on by

It has been over a week since my last post and as promised I am starting the week with another Meatless Monday recipe with a child’s least favorite vegetable: Brussels Sprouts.  Actually I was first introduced to brussels sprouts a few years ago as a frozen vegetable by my dad who would serve it with butter sauce.  Then over the summer I went with a former colleague to La Dama, a Mexican restaurant in the Financial District in NYC where I had a roasted brussels sprouts side dish.  The sprouts were roasted and it had cheese and lime. It was delicious, but unfortunately, they no longer make this side dish.

Recently, I came across fresh Brussels sprouts on sale two weeks ago at my local supermarket and I decided to purchase a bag.  After researching an easy dish to make with these brussels sprouts, I came across a dish that was posted on Once Upon a Chef where the Brussels Sprouts were roasted and mixed with balsamic vinegar and honey.

After being culinary inspired, the world of Brussels sprouts were further explored.

Brussels Sprouts were initially discovered during the 16th century in Belgium.  But more importantly, this cruciferous vegetable has many health benefits:

  • Prevents cancer especially bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
  • Contains vitamin C, which protects cells from cancer and heart disease
  • Maintain healthy gums, teeth and skin
  • Helps with the immune system
  • Contains fiber, which regulates the digestive system, prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol levels and reduces heart disease and stroke.
  • Contains folate, which prevents birth defect development
  • Helps form and maintain DNA

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Two Vinegars and Honey (inspired by Once Upon a Chef)

There are six ingredients for this dish and the star ingredient is the Brussels Sprouts:

  • 1 package (12 0z) brussels sprouts, halved, stems and ragged outer leaves removed*
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Datu Putu
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Everything with the exception of the brussels sprouts were in my pantry.  The star ingredient was on sale at my local supermarket for $2.5o.

20160316_060930

Six ingredient dish preparation 

20160316_062503

Remove outer leaves and cut each piece in half.  Please the sprout onto a large bowl.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 

20160316_062606

Place brussels sprouts.  Sprinkle the brussels sprouts with ground black pepper.  Add two tablespoons of olive oil.  Toss to combine.  

20160316_062905

Line baking pan with aluminum foil.  Spray the foiled pan with cooking spray.  Transfer brussels sprouts to a baking pan.  Spread sprouts evenly.  Roast in the oven for approximately twenty minutes.  Turn halfway for even browning.   

20160316_064924

Remove pan from the oven and let it cool.  

20160316_071610

Transfer brussels sprouts to a bowl.  Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Datu putu sugar cane vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey.  Mix well to blend.  Serve. 

The total cost to make this meatless and health friendly dish is an investment of less than $20 and the Brussels sprouts only cost $2.50.  This dish usually serves 2-3 people, but the ingredients used can be applied to make other dishes such as Adobo and salads.

Sunday Game Plan – Portion Control Week

Posted on by

This past week I completely slipped in diet and training, which resulted in weight gain and fatigue.  This week is a new week and a bigger effort is being made to plan my meals ahead.  The goal is not go out to eat this week for lunch or dinner.  As a fitness buff once told me it is 80% what you eat and 20% exercise.  Therefore, this game plan is different this week because instead of recipes being made for the week,  I have a detailed outline on what I hope to eat for the week.  This outline seems feasible yet easier said than done.  This week’s game plan includes items either currently brought or stored at home:

  • cinnamon
  • rolled oats
  • walnuts
  • corned beef/brisket
  • cabbage
  • yogurt
  • almond milk
  • lamb chop
  • bananas
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • canned lentil soup
  • chicken drumsticks
  • mixed blend salad
  • onions
  • garlic
  • Cheerios
  • eggs
  • bread
  • canned salmon
  • canned tuna
  • instant oatmeal
  • roti
  • brussels sprouts

20160306_224022

Stay tuned for exciting recipes and throwback posts this week.

Throwback Thursday – Élan

Posted on by

Recently I have received information from various sources of restaurant closings in New York City.  One of them was a restaurant that was on my list for NYC restaurant week to go to, but unfortunately was booked for the days that I am available to go.  The name of this restaurant is élan and I finally made the effort to explore the restaurant on what I thought was the last day.  The restaurant was only serving a prix fixe menu – 3 course meal for $40.  I had the privilege of meeting one of the owners – George.  George informed me that they are extending business until the end of the month hopefully. Meg, my server for that evening was good, but she could be better.  She neglected to inform me of the other specials that was off the menu that evening.  However, her accommodation and hospitality towards was good.  Meg provided a great sales pitch on the popular dishes to try and her recommendations were on point.

20160229_181739

Three course menu options

20160229_182643

Sea Urchin Guacamole 

The first dish I ordered was the Sea Urchin Guacamole.  The dish caught my eye and I was immediately curious.  I asked Meg, my server, about the dish and she highly recommended it so I went with my gut plus her approval and ordered it.   The dish was beautifully presented, approximately 1 cup of guacamole with a sea urchin in the middle surrounded by taro chips heavily seasoned in sea salt.  Personally I am not a salt fan, but the dish was well balanced.  The saltiness of the taro chips complemented the acidity and sourness of sea urchin mixed with the guacamole.  I devoured the dish.

20160229_183049

Complementary house made everything pretzel w whole grain mustard butter. 

While feasting on my appetizer dish, Meg served me a house made everything pretzel with whole grain mustard butter, which was delicious. Hands down.

20160229_190235

Striped bass in red wine butter sauce with house made fried sage potato chips and snap peas. 

For the main course, I followed Meg’s recommendation of the chef’s special of the day dish, which was off the menu.  I ordered a striped bass, which is pan seared star bass on top of a delightful red wine butter sauce.   I loved the red wine butter sauce.  The fried sage potato chips were cleverly made, a piece of fresh sage leaf sandwiched in between two very thinly sliced potatoes and deep fried.  The dish was beautifully presented and tasted even better than the guacamole appetizer.

20160229_183255

Enjoyed my meal with a 30z sherry wine

 

After reviewing the drink list, I came across this sherry wine that cost only $6 I had to try it.  The sherry wine was just right for my tolerance and went well with what I ate so far.

20160229_194047

Milk chocolate mousse with passion fruit 

For dessert, I decided to once again follow Meg’s recommendation of the milk chocolate mousse.  George, one of the owners, served me the dish.  The dish hit the spot.  It had the right balance of the natural sweets of the passion fruit with the milk chocolate.  What I learned is that this was the first day that they were serving this dish and I was satisfied.  I would definitely order it again.

Overall this was one of best prix fixe meals I have had in a while because every dish tasted better and better.  The food experience left a lasting impression and I am sad that this place was closing.  I told three of my friends and convinced them to come to this restaurant.  Therefore, I will definitely be returning.  Hopefully, they will extend their business until the end of the month.

Meatless Monday – Rad Thai Salad

Posted on by

It’s Leap Day and for the last several days I have been recovering from the class I took during Union Square Fest at Athleta.  That workout was so intense that I struggled walking up and down the stairs for several days.  Right after the workout, I decided to swing by Sweetgreen.20160224_204541 Sweetgreen uses all their ingredients grown from local and community farms so everything is fresh.  I decided to order the lowest calorie dish (375 calories) called the Rad Thai, derived from the Thai street dish Pad Thai.  This salad consists of organic arugula + organic mesclun, sprouts, carrots, shredded cabbage, spicy sunflower seeds, cucumbers, basil, citrus shrimp, and one round of spicy cashew dressing.  The salad was incredibly filling.  My favorite part of the salad was the citrus shrimp.  The total cost of this salad was $12.85 plus tax.  The price is reasonable given the ingredients used.  I would definitely return and try the Spicy Sabzi.

For those who do not have access to Sweetgreen or the organic ingredients, this salad can be made on a budget and it can serve more than one person.

Salad Blend – Arugula & Mesclun or any mixed salad = 2 for $5 at Stop & Shop

Sprouts – Chinese or Asian Supermarket usually sells for a decent price.

Shredded Carrots = 3 for $5 at Stop & Shop

Cabbage – usually the best sale is before St. Patrick’s Day at the price of either $0.19 and $0.29/lb. at Stop and Shop.  Red Cabbage is usually purchased at $0.99/lb. on sale at any supermarket.

Shrimp – $6.99/lb at Stop and Shop

Spicy Sunflower Seeds – convenience store e.g. CVS, 7-11, Duane Reade

Cucumbers – usually purchased $0.99/lb and below.

Basil – I usually purchase a fresh pack at an Asian supermarket (approx. $2.00/lb)

Citrus Marinade – orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, sriracha

Spicy Creamy Cashew Dressing (Derived from “Redeeming the Table”) – Juice of 1 orange, Juice of 1 lime or lemon chopped raw cashews, garlic, sea salt, red chili flakes and Grinds of black pepper

I have not made this dish personally, but after researching the ingredients, now I want to make this dish.  It would be serve as a great and quick potluck dish too.

 

 

 

 

Traditional Tuesday – Egg in a Hole

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday! Starting off my revising diet with a recipe I have been making and consuming for several weeks and complementing with either a half avocado or a cup of strawberries.

Egg in a Hole is a fried egg on toast.

The original recipe was published during the late 19th century by Fannie Farmer, author of the Boston Cooking School Cookbook.  The recipe was called “Egg with a hat”.  The dish was made using a two-and-a-half-inch cookie cutter to remove the bread’s center.  It is served with a cooked egg, that becomes the “hat”.

The dish has many names such as “Egg in a Basket,” “Egg in a Frame,” “Toad in a Hole,” “Egg in a Nest,” “Sunshine Toast,” and even “Gashouse eggs.”  Movies such as “Moon Over Miami,” “Moonstruck” and Vendetta” have made this very simple dish popular.

The dish itself is primarily made of two ingredients: toasted bread and an egg.  It is a fun, quick and simple dish to make.

1 extra large egg = 70 calories (recipe below I used a jumbo cage free egg = 90 calories)

1 toast bread, I used Udi’s Gluten Free Omega Flax Fiber Bread = 75 calories/slice

Total calories = 145 calories (using a jumbo egg = 165 calories)

Total cost = Investment of $10 (ingredients last about 1-2 weeks)

1.5 dozen Eggland’s Best large eggs  on sale this week for $3.99 at C-Town.

Bread on sale this week ranging from $2.99 to $4.99 at Stop & Shop

20160124_083742

Two ingredients used – toast bread and egg

20160124_083900

Cut a circle in the center of the toasted bread, set it to the side, then place the “hole” bread into a non-stick pan.

20160124_083928

Crack an egg into the hole and let it fry for about 2 min.

20160124_084016

Flip the bread over and cook the other side.

20160124_084108

Egg in a hole is cooked and ready to serve.

 

Week 1 Game Plan -More Diet Changes

Posted on by

After two weeks of following the 15 day Diet Plan from Idealfit created by Trainer Lindsey, I have lost body fat so I have lost 1.25 inches in my hips/glutes & 2 inches off my thighs.  Unfortunately, I have not lost the weight, exercises were intense.   As a result, for the next four (4) weeks I will be temporarily changing my usual Sunday game plan to Week 1-4 Game Plan.  This game plan will consist of modified recipes that are appropriate for the week; some will be derived from previous Sunday game plans posted and a combination of recipes from Idealfit and Bob Harper’s (The Biggest Loser) book “The Skinny Rule: The Simple Nonnegotiable Principles for Getting to THIN”.   In addition, in NYC, I hope to be able to take advantage of the free classes offered by the Union Square Partnership: Union Square Sweat Fest 2016, which ends on 2/25.

To keep this post as short as possible without being boring, I will be posting my meal plan diary daily with meals along with recipes that is acceptable for the week and the day’s theme e.g. Meatless Monday.

Stay tuned!