Adventures of April

Summer 2022 is officially in high swing as we celebrate America’s 246th birthday on this beautiful 4th of July. It’s 81 degrees and sunny here today. Not a cloud in the sky and a slight breeze at just the right times makes for a perfect day to be outside.

This is my first summer back on Long Island in over 20 years and I have been enjoying every second in my beautiful new home. The weather has been superb thus far, enabling many beach days and backyard hangs just soaking up the sun without too much humidity (yet anyway). Long Island truly has its own climate especially out east along the North Shore. It’s typically 7-8 degrees cooler than the city and tends to get more rain but so far it’s been a good mix of sun and rain to keep my grass green. This is why eastern Long Island tends to be an escape for all the city dwellers in the summer. I’m so incredibly grateful to call this my home again.

Summer is my favorite season for so many reasons beyond getting bronzed at the beach every chance I get (with lots of sunscreen of course since I’m a melanoma survivor). The transition from the cool breeze of spring to the warm breeze of summer is something I look forward to every year. That first feeling of being hot and shedding those spring layers; of the days getting longer when the sun starts setting later and later; the first ice cream you can eat outside again; the colorful flowers in bloom; my new vegetable garden flourishing; the first taste of juicy watermelon or crisp corn on the cob; the smell of outdoor BBQs; the sounds of kids playing and the birds chirping all day long. All of those things make my heart so happy that I wish the dog days of summer could last for more than 3 months a year. Cue Will Smith’s “Summer, Summer, Summertime”….

In my quest to go lower carb, I decided that while Blue Apron was great during the pandemic since it greatly minimized my need to go to the grocery store, most of their meals were carb intensive. I decided to check out Green Chef after getting a coupon from my monthly wine delivery through Winc. They offer Keto and Carb Conscious options, along with Vegetarian and Balanced meals that are similar to Blue Apron.

I was impressed with the quality of the meat, fish and produce and how fresh it stays in the paper bags each meal comes in. Their packaging is also more eco friendly than Blue Apron since it’s all recyclable. But it does come with a higher price of $80 for 3 meals for 2 people (regular price but there is a $40 off promo for first timers on their website), compared to Blue Apron which is $60 for the same meal plan. They don’t have an app either so you have to log into their site each time you want to make a change, but you can skip or cancel at anytime.

I have enjoyed quite a few delicious Green Chef meals over the last few weeks, which came in quite handy with moving, but once the promo runs out I will cancel until I get another one. It has given me a lot of great ideas for kale and collard greens though, which I normally wouldn’t buy but will be making these leafy greens a weekly staple going forward. They are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Here are a few of my favorites:

Despite my efforts to try and stay in shape since the pandemic hit, I admittedly gained the “Quarantine 15”. I definitely did my share of stress eating and now I’m focused on working it off. I could never give up carbs completely and am a believer that moderation is the key to life, so I have been trying a lower carb diet and tracking what I eat in the My Fitness Pal app. This app is a great way to see how many calories, carbs, fat, protein and sodium you are eating each day and certainly has helped curb a lot of my mindless eating throughout the day. By tracking what I eat and setting realistic goals around calorie and carb intake to try and drop those unwanted pounds around my midsection, I hold myself accountable for what I put in my body each day.

I got a physical in early March and found out I have high cholesterol, which unfortunately runs in my family, so I am going to have to work extra hard to get it back down to avoid going on a daily medication for it. This means I need to try my best to get at least 30 min of exercise 4-5 days a week. I bought an indoor exercise bike on Amazon a couple of months ago and I try to start my day by getting on that for 20-30 min, before I eat breakfast or start working. The days go by insanely fast but making this time in the morning has become just as important as the meetings I attend or the time I make for friends and family. I’m also trying to lift weights, albeit 5-10 pounds, to build strength and muscle tone and practice yoga daily, even if it’s only for 10 min to stretch my muscles and improve my circulation.

As my 40th birthday is fast approaching, I realize how important it is to take care of my body, mind and soul so I can be the best version of me and give my all to those around me. It’s never too late to set new health and fitness goals for yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you have an off day. Everyone needs to indulge now and then and I will certainly continue to enjoy pizza, pasta and of course wine, just in moderation and as a reward for staying true to my fitness goals. Restrictive diets will never get you results long term. Stay focused on eating nutritious foods that will provide you with the energy you need to get some exercise everyday. Find a routine that makes you feel happier and healthier. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.

My best friend had a wonderful idea for her gorgeous little girl’s 1st birthday, who I am honored to call my Godchild (#4)! She created a time capsule and left note cards for all of her guests to leave her advice on, what they hoped for her in the future and what they hoped she would always remember. This was not only a beautiful gift that she will get to open on her 18th birthday and I hope to be there to watch her read each one and see her smile. It’s also a reminder of what we should all be doing, especially during these crazy times we are living through. We should be WRITING DOWN all of our thoughts and memories, not just digitally but either printing it out on paper or handwritten so you can leave behind the history of your life and your memories. In this digital world we live in where we no longer even take the time to print out the tens of thousands of pictures we all have on our phones or in “the Cloud”, we will regret not leaving behind tangible items that our kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and godchildren can read through and actually look at one day because I guarantee your iPhone won’t work by then and the Cloud will no longer exist.

I can’t tell you how many times I have looked at old pictures of my mom, dad and grandparents feeling so grateful to have them in my possession to get a glimpse into what their life was like. My mom used to write the date on each Polaroid and I loved that because I feel like I’m right there with them. So let’s not forget to take the time to print out pictures and put them in albums, write down memories in a journal and collect items that reflect who you are and what you have experienced on this crazy rollercoaster called life. Your future generations will thank you, I promise you that.

Last month I tried a juice cleanse for the first time ever and was quite pleased with the results. I had more energy and lost 5 pounds (mostly water weight from all the sodium I had been consuming). I recommend trying it out for at least 48 hours every few months. I was initially aiming for 72 but by that 3rd day I just needed some texture so I just ate my veggies that night instead of drinking them. I used this page on the Modern Honey website as my guide but you should use whatever fruits & veggies you normally enjoy eating, and change it up for each meal. My girl, Destiny, gave the great advice to just drink one whenever you feel hungry, so anywhere from 3-7 per day depending how big they are. The key is to get enough veggies with your fruit and blending the two together is a great way to do that.

I started the day with warm water and lemon and tried to drink 96 ounces of water throughout the eat. By day two, my body started to cleanse itself. It felt great to put my mind to something I thought would be extremely difficult and not only get through it but feel so good after. I’m going to try doing it again at least every few months and gradually get to a once a month cadence. I made all of mine at home which is so much cheaper than buying the pre-made ones. It’s healthier too since a lot of the ones you buy have added sugars or sodium. Keep Calm & Juice on.

Everyone is cooking at home more than ever before. I have been doing recipe swaps with family, friends and creating some of my own based on what I have in my fridge each week, substituting as needed and coming up with different variations of recipes I find online. Make meal planning more exciting by checking out the recipes below and sharing your own in the comments. #CookingInQuarantine

Pork Ramen

My boyfriend and I love our Ramen but we tend to order it for delivery as opposed to making it at home. This weekend we tried our hand at this delicious homemade pork ramen recipe from TheKitchn.com, one of my go-to websites for recipes. My boyfriend had gotten pork shoulder and threw that in the slow cooker the night before. He used chicken broth simmered with the bone from the pork shoulder instead of the homemade chicken stock (highly recommend, pork shoulder has so much goodness). We also added some Asian chili garlic sauce to give it a bit of heat and it was so delicious. We pretty much followed the recipe from there, allowing all of the ingredients to simmer for a few hours before enjoying. We used Udon noodles that we placed in the bowl first when serving, added the pork and veggie broth and shoyu tare (just a mix of soy sauce and mirin, which is sweetened sake), scallions for garnish and soft boiling the egg for 6 min at the very end to get that perfect yolky finish to top off this super tasty ramen dish that makes you feel good inside and out.

Cheese Fondue

I realized last week I had an electric fondue set in my cabinet that had never been opened. Perfect timing since I was looking for a way to amp up Friday Happy Hour at home and this was the perfect way to do it. It’s so much easier than I thought it would be and there are so many things you can dip from bread (I recommend fresh, cubed Italian bread) to crackers or chips, veggies and even fruit like apples. The possibilities are endless and delicious I can’t wait until I can go visit my nieces and nephew again so we can make chocolate fondue together. The full recipe is from WellPlated.com and can be found here along with a few recommended rules you should follow:

• Use good quality cheese (we chose a mix of Gouda and Edam, but traditional cheese fondue is Swiss)
• Grate the cheese and toss with cornstarch or flour
• Use a a good quality, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Add the grated cheese slowly and stir constantly for a smooth fondue

Empty Your Fridge Soup

• 32 oz Broth or Stock (I used Chicken but Veggie, Beef or Bone broth work too)
• 3 cloves garlic
• Caramelized Chicken Meatballs (turkey or any kind of smaller meatballs)
• Escarole or Kale (spinach or any dark green leafy vegetable)
• Carrots (fresh or frozen)
• Beans (we didn’t have any so we used a can of Campbell’s minestrone instead!)
• 1/2 cup cooked pasta (ditalini, pearls, pasting or noodles work too)
• Bay Leaves (whole or crushed)
• Celery Salt
• Italian Seasoning
• Salt & Pepper
• Grated Parmesan

Start by sautéing the garlic in some oil, then add the broth. Add the thickest, heartiest vegetables at first to give them time to cook through. Add all of your favorite seasonings and allow to simmer for at least a couple of hours, adding the meatballs and pasta, throwing the softer veggies like your greens in towards the end. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with your favorite crackers or bread.

Delmonico Steak dinner recipe coming soon…

As we enter Week 6 of Quarantine, it’s becoming more and more important to take time out of each day to stop and smell the roses. Literally (as long as you can practice social distancing, of course) but also figuratively by finding the beauty in each of these long, strange days we are all living. Whether it’s the sound of the birds chirping early in the morning to let you know spring is in the air, the first time you see the cherry blossoms, dogwood trees or tulips in bloom, or the realization that it stays light out until almost 8 pm. Be present and grateful for these moments. Experience them as you would have before our whole world changed and these moments will remind you that this too shall pass.

The sun will continue to shine. The flowers will continue to bloom. We will have family gatherings, parties, sporting events and vacations again. But until then, look for the beauty in your surroundings each day, whether it’s catching a rare glimpse of the kids getting along, a cute squirrel sitting in your yard or the smiles you see on FaceTime or Zoom. Beauty is all around you. Stay strong, stay connected with loved ones and continue to stay home.

When there is great tragedy, there is also great acts of kindness and humanity. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Five weeks since the world as we knew it changed, we have lost tens of thousands of American lives to this dreadful disease, which has no bounds or bias toward its victims. I take comfort in seeing and reading all of the stories about neighbors helping one another. Celebrating first responders, healthcare workers and all essential workers as heroes; restaurants turning into food pantries, soup kitchens and delivery services for our communities most in need; college kids offering to shop and deliver groceries for their elderly neighbors so they don’t have to go into the stores.

I wish I could do more by volunteering my time to help others, especially in New York City where so much help is needed, but because I have asthma I’m being extra cautious and doing my part by staying home. Instead I have been picking a charity or small business each week that I donate to and I encourage you to do the same if you are able to. I feel so blessed to have a job, my family, friends and health that I want to give back as much as I can. Every little bit helps the non-profits, charities and small businesses across the country who are trying to help as many people as possible, but also trying to keep their own companies afloat. I encourage you to find a charity or small business in your community to assist. Many food banks are in dire need and most have drop-off locations that you can leave food at without having to go inside so you can maintain social distancing. Check their websites for what is needed most.

Also consider your favorite small businesses and restaurants during this difficult time. Reach out to see if you can buy a voucher or gift card for future use to help keep them going. Send your hair dresser, bartender or manicurist what you would’ve tipped or paid for services through Venmo or PayPal. Everyone is hurting in some way so be kind, be grateful for what you have and help your fellow neighbors and community in any way you can. Here are a few charities in need that are near and dear to my heart:

City Meals on Wheels – in need of volunteers and donations to prepare 450,000 emergency meals for those most vulnerable to the virus.

Food Bank of NYC – in need of volunteers and donations to prepare 15,000,000 meals. Just $1 helps provide 5 meals.

FDNY Foundation – the FDNY has sadly lost members in the battle against COVID-19. Donations will directly support members and their families.

Frontline Foods – all donations go to local restaurants that are preparing healthy meals for frontline healthcare workers.

Health Research, Inc. – supporting NYC’s Dept of Health COVID-19 response, donations go towards the purchase of PPE, testing, additional healthcare workers and their expenses.

Happy Easter! This is the first Easter I’m spending by myself but I’m making the best of it by having a lazy Sunday cooking, reading and talking to friends and family. I feel very blessed that everyone is safe and healthy and that technology enables us to all stay connected even when we are physically apart. My sister is going to Zoom with me later when they sit down to eat dinner so that I can eat with her, my brother-in-law, nieces and Dad.

I decided to whip up an Easter quiche this morning using ingredients I had in my fridge. Here is my quick and easy recipe for a low-carb crustless quiche:

• 3 eggs + 1/2 cup of Egg Beaters Egg Whites (or use 6 eggs)
• 1/2 cup Almond Milk
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar
• Diced Broccoli, Carrots, Onion & Peppers (or whatever fresh or frozen veggies you have)
• 1/2 Avocado diced
• Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375. Whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, parmesan, shredded cheese, salt and pepper. Dice all the veggies and mix with garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste (or whatever spices you prefer). Mix the veggies with the egg mixture. Gently fold the diced avocado into the mixture. Pour mixture into a 9” round pan (or you can spoon into cupcake holders for mini quiches). Bake at 375 for 20-25 min. Poke with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through. Toothpick should come out clean and quiche should be slightly browned on top. Top with more grated parmesan and some sriracha sauce. Enjoy!

Continue reading “Easter Recipes”