The Heart of Giving: PART 1

It's already February! So that means its getting closer to Valentines day. The past couple of years, I have found a new appreciation for this holiday. Yes, it centers around romance and professing your love for your significant other. However, I think it’s important to take this day to also love YOURSELF and give YOUR heart to those in need. So, I dedicate this post as "PART 1" for taking care of yourself (mind, body, and soul).

I think loving yourself is the most important thing in the world. We all have flaws and sometimes we tend to nit pick on these imperfections. It’s important to overcome these habits and appreciate yourself so if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentines day, then treat yourself and love yourself.  You can be in a relationship or single to enjoy the following suggestions. No matter what your "status" is, "self love" is important for everyone.

My first suggestion is to treat your mind. What better gift for yourself than a book. My suggestion is "Move Nourish Believe" by Lorna Jane. Lorna Jane is the creator of the activewear brand that originated in Australia. I began reading this book to get perspective on how she developed her brand and career. But she goes beyond this in her book by inspiring and motivating others to live a healthy lifestyle. The book also includes inspiring stories of the customers who followed these principals for a healthy lifestyle. As the brand says "Move Nourish Believe" it pushes you to "Move" everyday, "Nourish" yourself with good/healthy food, and "Believe" in your dreams. Here is the website for the athletic brand and explore. 




                              


My second suggestion is for you to treat your body. I think the best way to treat your body is with daily exercise. Exercise is not only healthy for your body but also your mind (see how it’s all related). When you exercise, you release endorphins. Endorphins react with receptors in your brain to give you less perception of pain. When you regularly exercise, the release of endorphins have shown to: reduce stress, gives you a boost self-esteem, improves sleep, and also ward of feelings of depression. So my suggestion is for regular exercise, be it walking, running, zumba (anything really)! I recently invested in a FITBIT Flex. This device according to their websites "tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep quality and wakes you silently in the morning." The best part is that I have the app on my phone and my laptop, so it allows me to monitor progress. Personally for me, seeing progress allows for me to know that I am treating my body right! This is one of the best ways to treat your body! its a little pricey gift--but if its for yourself then I say why not!

                                           

 Now, we come to the soul. When I think soul, I think "soul food." So naturally I love eating a good meal that triggers a nostalgic feeling. For me "soul food" tends to have south Asian/Indian flavors. When I eat foods with these flavors, it just gives me the comfort I am looking for. It fills me with warmth and reminds me of my childhood and growing up in India. When I began writing I realize that "soul food" might be different for many people.  Then I recalled a recent post on my friends blog that takes a classic "Italian dish with a spin." The spin factor is its amazing south Asian flavors. I have to say it is pure genius. It will hit the spot for many of the people who read my blog so I had to share the post. Here is a link to the recipe.

The NotePad Diaries also posted a recent post called "Charitable valentine's day gift [for her]" so if you want more ideas explore their blog! It’s brilliant!

                       


Once you have achieved self-love through your mind, body, and soul, then you can give your heart and love to those around you.  Check back soon for "The Heart of Giving:Part 2".

Until next time…

Warmth in One Serving

Hello bloggers!

It's been a while since I posted. Truthfully I was not neglecting my blog. I just didn't like any of the ideas I had for my posts. I think posts just have to come to you naturally. My post below is inspired by my month long craving to noodles and co.'s Penne Rosa. I have tried restaurant imitations in the past with a lot of trial and error. But I have to say this recipe is the easiest and fastest. In 20 minutes flat I had the exact replica. Its important to note that the recipe for Penne Rosa has been released by the company itself. I just experimented and tried to substitute certain ingredients with things I had around the house to see if I got similar results. Let me say: I did. So with out further rambling, I bring you "Warmth in one Serving."

Before I write what you need, I wanted to note that I made it just for myself and I had a box of left overs. So adjust it accordingly. 

Things you need:

1/2  box Penne pasta (I had a box of the Great value Penne- honestly any brand will do.)

1/2 bottle of marinara sauce (I used Prego)

1/2 Tablespoon of white cooking wine

So this is one of the spots I experimented. I did not have white cooking wine. Thankful to my friend and (http://www.thekitchn.com) I found that a good substitute would be: vegetable broth, chicken broth, white grape juice, apple juice, and ginger ale. Luckily, I had Apple juice and used that as my substitute. 

1 Tablespoon of EVOO 

I used Bertolli. My pan was a little smaller and so was my serving size so I adjusted it accordingly. If you used a whole box of pasta then I'd suggest 2 Tbsp. The main rule is to have enough oil to coat the pan so you can use less/more depending your pan size, as well.  

crushed red pepper flakes 

So I Love spicy food. So I didn't really measure this if I'm honest. i just poured enough for me. I think if you don't like spicy food then add 2 pinches. I think it adds more flavor. If you are unsure then my tip would be to pour some in and taste it and if you still want more then do it!!! Cooking is fun so don't get scared if things aren't exact. Just experiment for your taste. 

1/4 cup sliced mushrooms 
1/4 cup baby spinach 
1 Roma Tomato 

I got mine pre sliced so my prep time was less. If you need to cut yours take into consideration your cook time might be a bit more. 

I used fresh Express. I LOVE spinach so I personally would put a bigger serving. I can't choose to be picky being vegetarian. If you want it to be more proportionate you can adjust it accordingly to your taste. Like I said cooking is fun and personal so make it fit you.

So many imitation recipes I found after I made my recipe suggest 1/2 can of italian diced tomatoes. For me I really didn't want that much tomato and I wanted it to be fresh. So I opted for 1 Roma Tomato. It honestly depends on taste. I loved my options…and plus it was cheaper and something I already had in my fridge.

1/8 cup heavy whipping cream 

So another substitute. I did not have heavy whipping cream (If you have this in your house then I want to be part of your kitchen). But back to the recipe. There are two possible options for that. Half and Half is option one. I also didn't have that so I opted for milk+butter. My milk was skim. so to make it a little thicker I also added butter.  I added 1/2 cup milk+ 1/6 cup butter. First, Melt the butter using the microwave for 30 seconds. Then slowly pour the butter into the milk while mixing.

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping. 

I didn't have this so I used mozzarella. I would actually suggest using Parmesan or feta cheese to keep it more authentic. 

Recipe:

First, boil your pasta in a pot. I added salt to my water so it doesn't stick. My pasta took a while so i suggest doing this while you prep the rest of your material. 

Then in a large skillet or wok, pour the EVOO. First, put the mushrooms. then add the tomatoes. After mixing add the white wine/substitue, marina and red pepper flakes. Mix it and let it sit for about 4 minute.

By this time your pasta should be done. So drain the pasta and add it to the above mixture. Add the cream and continue string. Add the spinach last.

Last step ENJOY!!! 

The prep time for this is only 20 minutes. I didn't take pictures today because I was busy measuring/experimenting during each step. But I am sure this will be a constant favorite in my kitchen so next time I will add pictures. 

If you wonder how I knew what was in this recipe here is the youtube video I watched:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r3uJFPsK3g

There are many imitations out there so I am sure a fellow blogger has their own twist with it. My suggestion is it measure/experiment with your flavors and taste in mind. Food is personal. Don't forget that. Please share your pictures or comments if you try it! If you have other suggestions or measurements please let me know.