February 27, 2016February 27, 2016Leave a comment

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Following my trip to Thailand, I came back not only bloated on noodles and rice, but with refreshed design visions and inspirations, triggered by my everyday surroundings while in SE Asia. I found inspirations in the vibrant life and culture of Thailand, from the silver-etched cups they drink out of, to the eye popping colors present in food markets, orchids, and lush jungle surroundings. The patterns, textures, and natural tropical elements of the country deeply spoke to me, and have molded my personal style in fresh new ways. I now love incorporating the stylistic elements of such a vibrant country into my interior design aesthetics. Here, I’ve put together my go to list for an instant tropical-bohemian feel. Untitled presentation (27).png Untitled presentation (26).png Untitled presentation (28).png Untitled presentation (25).png

taste of the tropics

February 25, 2016February 25, 2016Leave a comment

I decided to take some of my favorite flavors and marry them into the goodness of a bowl…pina coladas, coconut shrimp, avocado, and ginger. The result was a beautiful bowl delight which I’m calling a Pina Colada Shrimp Bowl. I hand breaded and baked my own coconut shrimp for a healthy version of the deep-fried, crunchy island classic. I then built a bowl with my favorite salad ingredients, and I tied in a ginger-based dressing for an Asian kick. Coconut shrimp paired with citrus is a no-brainer, so I threw together a quick pineapple basil salsa. The final product was a tropical infusion of Island-Asian flavors. I also added some peanuts last minute to bring in some crunch, but next time I would opt for Macadamia Nuts instead. Though I didn’t follow a recipe, I’ll list the ingredients below, along with approximate amounts and steps.

FOR THE SHRIMP:

1 pound (20-25 count) large shrimp, butterflied

1/2 cup flour

2 eggs

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

~10 crushed whole grain crackers (1 cup ground)…(this is the healthy version, use Panko bread crumbs if you aren’t into the healthy sh*T!)

Olive oil for spraying the baking sheet

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil, or spray a sheet with olive oil 3. Put the crackers in a sealed ziploc bag and crush them (with a rolling pin or meat-pounder or some other heavy object) until they resemble finely ground bread crumbs. 4. Set up your breading station: place the flour in a bowl; whisk the eggs and put them in a separate bowl; and mix the coconut and bread crumbs and put them in a bowl. 5. Sprinkle the deveined and butterflied shrimp with salt and pepper. 6. Working in batches, first dip the cleaned shrimp in the flour, and shake off excess; second dip the floured shrimp into the egg mix; lastly dip the shrimp into the coconut-crumb mixture, making sure to press the coconut onto the shrimp so it sticks in place. 7. Transfer breaded shrimp to the baking sheet; Bake for about 15 minutes,until coconut begins to lightly brown.

PINEAPPLE SALSA:

1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

Handful of basil, thinly sliced

1/2 small cucumber, sliced
Juice of 1/2 lime

Mix all ingredients in a bowl together. Add more lime juice if desired.

DRESSING- to make a tangy vinaigrette, I combined:

~1/4 cup of my favorite ginger dressing

2 tablespoons of water

1 tablespoon of honey

1-2 tsp of rice wine vinegar

Juice of 1/2 lime

This is an approximation, so if it tastes too much like vinegar or lime juice, then add more water and honey. If it tastes too much like ginger dressing, then add more of the other ingredients until you reach a good balance.

OTHER BOWL INGREDIENTS:

A handful of lettuce leaves, thinly sliced

Few thin slices of red onion

~4-5 jalapeno slices

~Handful of peanuts OR macadamia nuts

1/2 Avocado, sliced

Sesame seeds for garnish

Arrange all of the ingredients in a bowl, except for the nuts and sesame seeds. Drizzle the salad mix with the dressing until evenly coated. Next add the pineapple salsa, the coconut shrimp, the nuts and the sesame seeds and enjoy.

NOTE: this will make a large batch of coconut shrimp. I ate them as leftovers with a BBQ-jerk dipping sauce. They would also go well as a snack alongside a mango chutney.

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Ingredient Prep

Coconut shrimp breading station [flour dust, egg wash, coconut]

Final coconut crusted shrimp ready to bake

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Final Pina Colada Shrimp Bowl: Lettuce, cucumbers, red onion, jalapenos, & avocado slices drizzled with a lime-ginger-honey vinaigrette / pineapple-basil salsa / baked coconut shrimp / roasted peanuts & black sesame seed garnish Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

spring has sprung

February 20, 2016February 20, 2016Leave a comment

I’ll officially be drooling my way into spring. Anthropologie‘s new house & home collection dropped recently, with over 1000s of new arrivals for the vintage-chic-boho-interior-design obsessed girl like myself. There is also a sassy spring home lookbook to go along with it, providing beautiful photo inspirations on how to incorporate their new decor pieces into your interior look. I’m loving the more modern-esque lines used in some of their new furniture pieces, offset of course with vintage details, lush velvet fabrics, and vibrant chic patterns and textures characteristic to the Anthro brand. I’ve sourced a few of my favorite pieces, although everything in the collection is seriously to die for. (Check it out for yourself here) .

Cordelia Curtain

Vibrant floor rugs (clockwise from top Left): 1. Succulent Garden Rug 2. Paradise Found Rug 3. Opuntia Rug 4. Floral Needlepoint Rug

Playful Pillows (clockwise from Top Left): 1 & 2: Seraphita Pillow Collection 3. Majorcan Garden Pillow 4. Traveling Elephant Pillow

Clockwise From top left: 1. Slub Velvet Marryn Chair 2. Marialle Ikat Dining Chair 3 & 4. Paradise Found Holloway Armchair

Funky Furnishings (top row from left): 1. Betelline Side Table 2. Balustrade Nightstand 3. Leavenworth Marble side Table 4. Laquered Wellington End Table (second row from left): 5& 6. Lirit Side Table 7. Shag Puff Dressing Chair

More Funky Furnishings (top row from left): 1. Alanya Ottoman 2 & 3: Velvet Clairbel Sofa 4. (Bottom row from left) Luxe Fur Stool 5 & 6. Paradise Found Ainsworth Bed

Luxurious Lighting: 1. (top left) Alcove Glow Sconce 2. (bottom left): Glass Frond Chandelier 3. (right) Spiral Fringe Chandelier

Accessories: 1. (top) Granada Tumbler 2. (middle left) Seraphita Shower Curtain 3. (middle center) Peacock Painted Knob 4. (middle right) Goldsweep Wall Art 5. (bottom left & center) Artico Vase 6. (bottom right) Sundridge Basket

from THE INSPIRED HOME // digital look book

lemongrass & lime

February 18, 2016February 19, 2016Leave a comment

Lemongrass. Kaffir lime leaves. Galangal Root. Banana leaves. Tamarind. Rambutans. Durian Fruit. Dried shrimp paste (warning: stay away from this one at all costs). These are some of the new ingredients that I uncovered on my most recent adventure/culinary journey across Thailand (read about it here!). If you know me, you know that a post based solely on the food from our trip was obviously in order. I’m a Thai food junkie, so for me, the chance to visit the motherland and uncover rainbows of curries, pan fried noodles adorned with peanuts, and rices laced with pineapple chunks was truly an awe-inspiring experience.

Before venturing to Southeast Asia, I was slightly nervous about the food. I’m familiar with the Western versions of Thai food..but I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. My worry stemmed from the Anthony Bourdain in Thailand episode, where he went cross-country to hunt down a bowl of a Thai speciality, Cow’s Blood Soup. This, paired alongside my ideology that people casually hang around enjoying grilled scorpions on a stick, or deep fried maggots and cockroaches–left me with an anxious feeling.

Half way through our first meal in Thailand, I knew I had entered a full-fledged food Heaven. Everything is so vibrant, flavorful, and rich. Everything also comes served in hollowed out pineapple shells, or adorned with 10 orchids. Eating our way across Thailand was an experience I’ll cherish forever, and it advanced my food knowledge and shocked my taste buds in amazing ways. So, I’ve decided to highlight some of the Thai ingredients and flavors we uncovered (what to try and what to stay the hell away from), along with some of my favorite meals. (Just in case anyone reading this feels like venturing to their local Asian market and getting weird, or hopping on a plane and soaking up the Thai flavors first-hand).

e n j o y !

my photos // meals & ingredients

Papaya salad

Home-made red curry coconut soup over wide noodles

Black pepper stir fry w| chicken

green papaya salad (top)-one of the most popular salads of Thailand and a must try. A combo of raw shredded green papaya, carrots, and roasted peanuts/tomato/long beans in a tangy vinaigrette. Kind of like the Thai version of slaw>>>NOTE: The vinaigrette in this salad contains fish sauce, a widely used condiment across SE Asia. Made from fermented anchovies, fish sauce is used in a lot of Thai food, and for the most part it blends in. However, some dishes (often salads) go heavy on it in the dressings, and it is a serious mouthful. When used heavily, it tastes and smells like a straight up fishy-vinegar combo. Watch out for generous amounts of it, seriously. Additionally, a thing called Shrimp Paste exists in these parts of the world. Exactly as it sounds: shrimp, pulverized into a grey-ish goopy looking paste. I’m not very familiar with this item, and I would like to keep it that way. I do know, however, that I made the mistake of ordering a dish one time that highlighted this ingredient, called “stir fried chicken with shrimp paste.” I was trying to be adventurous, and it completely backfired. Do yourself a favor, and stay away from any food that directly identifies shrimp paste in the title at all costs.

Rombutans

Baby bananas!

Rambutans (top): a funky looking spike-y fruit. You have to pry it open and on the inside is a soft, sweet ball of fruit. Similar to the texture of a melon. They snack on these little fruit balls and in some bars they use them to chase tequila, in lieu of lime and salt.

Pad-See-U

Coconut water

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Pad-See-U (top left): a pan fried noodle dish (similar to the national dish of Thailand that everyone knows, Pad Thai). Pad-see-u is made with a thicker, brown soy-based sauce, is more vegetable heavy, and uses wide rice noodles vs. the thin noodles in Pad Thai. Both are delicious but Pad-See-U is a bit more hearty (perhaps a better choice for a 2 am intoxicated snack).

Pumpkin curry

Hot banana in coconut milk

Afternoon iced green tea

Hot banana in coconut milk (bottom left): BEST DESSERT IN THAILAND…this is so simple and exactly as the name implies. Its a hot coconut milk base, sweetened with sugar, and served with warm, cooked bananas. Sometimes they add cinnamon. So comforting and delicious, even on the hottest of days. Must must must have. Also, Mango Sticky Rice (pictured further down) is the other most popular Thai dessert dish. The idea of rice sounds weird for a sweet treat..but it is so soft and sticky, almost pudding like, and its doused in a hot sweet milk concoction. Served alongside perfectly ripe juicy mangos, this dish somehow works and is so delicious.

Tom Kha Kai (Thai chicken coconut soup)

Ocotopus at a night food market

Durian Fruits

Keffir Limes (bumpy skin vs smooth)

Melons, photo cred: Kaley Smith

Bottom Right, Melonz, photo credit: Kaley Smith

Durian Fruit (top): large, spiny fruit common across SE Asia. However, the Durian fruit is best known for its horrendous smell. The edible flesh emits a very distinctive and raunchy odor even when the outer husk is still on. It is widely recognized as revolting, and there are signs on public transportation and in hotel rooms that actually ban the fruit, and you can be fined if caught bringing it onto the premises. I’ll leave with this quote, which I think best describes the overall attitude towards the fruit:

“.. its odor is best described as pig-shit, turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away. Despite its great local popularity, the raw fruit is forbidden from some establishments such as hotels, subways and airports, including public transportation in Southeast Asia.” (-Richard Sterling)

not my photos // other delicious Thai favorites

Top left, Thai Red Curry Shrimp Noodle Soup 2. Top right, Panang Curry with Pork & Squash 3. Bottom right, Thai Green Curry 4. Bottom Left, Yellow curry with chicken and potatoes

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top & bottom left: Thai Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp, bottom right: Pad-See-U Noodles

Top: Mango Sticky Rice, bottom left: Thai Iced Tea, bottom Right: Hot Banana in Coconut Milk

top left: Pad Thai, top right: Making yellow curry paste, Bottom left & right: Laab Moo-Pork Salad

nyc dreams

February 17, 2016February 17, 2016Leave a comment

My lifelong dream of moving to NYC is taking shape…which leads to constant daydreaming and lusting over my dream apartment (which may, at first, translate into a 2 x 4 space in a sketchy alley in China Town). However, I know that with my design touch (and my equally stylish interior designer roommate) and my attention to detail, we can transform a less than perfect space into an urban oasis. Here are a few of my uptown bohemian apartment inspos:

bowl’d up

February 15, 2016February 15, 2016Leave a comment

Bowls have officially taken over the trendy food scene (this article confirms it). My infatuation with piling everything into a bowl stems from my deep-rooted love for a jam-packed, rainbow filled burrito bowl. Half of the fun is fixing up the toppings in a stylish, aesthetically appealing nature (food stylist…that’s a real thing. Aka my dream job). I love taking my favorite meals and giving them a face-lift into bowl form. Additionally, bowls are the perfect anchor to load up on vegetables, grains, & fresh herbs—dropping the heavy pastas, breads, tortillas, etc. And, being that bowls are literally an endless heaping pile of ingredients, the flavor profiles are endless. Here a few of my sexy-stylish bowl creations:

my bowls //

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Spring Veg Bowl: Beets, diced grilled chicken breast, pecans, avocados & sauteed zuchinni on a bed of lemon-and-herb dressed quinoa/arugula salad mix

Chipotle who?? Elevated Burrito Bowl: black bean puree, lime-infused brown rice, and spice rubbed grilled chicken and shrimp. Topped with an avocado-cilantro crema

Mexican chicken scramble brunch bowl

Valentine’s Day Smoothie bowl: A berry-banana-rhubarb smoothie topped with raspberry puree, chocolate drizzle and dark chocolate chunks, granola with craisins, chopped walnuts, chia seeds and grapefruit segments

Asian Salmon Bowl: ginger dressed salad greens, soy-marinated grilled onions, fresh ginger infused brown rice, macadamia nuts and a beautiful piece of soy-citrus grilled salmon

Summer Sass Bowl: Grilled chicken & zuchinni, pomegranate seeds, chopped almonds, and avocado atop a bed of mint and basil quinoa, all drizzled with a light honey mustard lemon vinaigrette .

Greek Salmon Bowl: Lemon baked salmon, tossed salad with feta and a lemon & red wine dressing, avocado, quinoa-parsley salad, olive tapenade, and a smear of basil white bean hummus

Beet Bowl: Orange marinated beets, orange segments, avocado, sharp white cheddar, honey roasted peanuts & red onion atop a balsamic dressed lettuce blend and a balsamic glaze drizzle

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Thai Citrus Bowl: Brown rice and lettuce mix dressed with a lime-ginger dressing, basil lime baked chicken, avocado, orange, almond slivers, carrots, red onion, and cabbage slaw

Kung Pao Bowl: Chinese chili and garlic stir fried chicken & veggies, a soy glaze, brown rice, peanuts, fresh basil, and avocado.

Greek Chicken Bowl: White bean hummus spread, roasted red peppers, homemade croutons, chicken, and a quinoa-lettuce mix dressed with an olive oil lemon dressing

Cinco De Mayo Bowl: Garlic-lime dressed kale, roasted corn, cumin rubbed roasted vegetables, salsa & guac, shredded monterrey jack, chicken.

8th wonder of the world

February 11, 2016February 13, 2016Leave a comment

In August 2015, I discovered a completely magical place. A place I have daydreamed about finding for years. A place I have envisioned myself stopping by after a long day of work, as my way of relaxing. No, I’m not talking about a spa, Disney World, or an-all-you-can-drink alcohol buffet. I am talking about the ultimate food lovers dream…a cornucopia of smells, flavors, cultures. This 8th wonder of the world is better known as BOROUGH MARKET in London. I have been to my share of food havens (coming from a person who used to go wander around the aisles of Whole Foods for fun). I love farmers markets, organic shops and farms. Any place where I can go and aimlessly meander around looking at food, while picking up on new ingredients and flavors and concocting recipes in my head as I go along.

Borough Market is located in the heart of London, underneath London Bridge. It is the only independently run market in all of London. The market dates back to 1756, still in the same location. I was most astounded at the variety of things going on in this place. The market boasts over a 100 individual stalls, with local artisan meats, cheeses, produce, vegetables, drinks and flowers along with a huge variety of international fare. To top it off there is a food truck lot outside with cuisines galore (goat milk ice cream sundaes, anyone?) There are literally about 17 different vendors here that only sell varieties of cheese. But, let me cut to the good stuff. Here is a sample of what I saw in my 4 hour venture around Borough market:

cheeses raised on local British, French, Italian, Swiss, and Irish farms. Meats imported from Spain, Gelatos handcrafted from the boys in the North of Italy. Locally crafted liquors, Wines from vineyards in France, Whiskeys from Ireland, a beer Shoppe from Germany, an espresso bar from Italy, and teas imported from India and around the UK. A giant selection of the freshest meat and still-swimming seafoods, and an oyster bar. Spice and condiment shops to be paired with freshly baked breads and pastries made by plump French ladies in flour-dusted chef hats. A shop selling fresh pastas (you can watch the guys in the back rolling the pasta sheets out), and a stall specializing in craft sangria flavors. A full on jungle-themed shop, with tropical flowers everywhere. A stall that sells only different varieties of mushrooms from around the world. A craft paella stand. Freshly pressed juices and an organic smoothie bar. An olive oil boutique. A stall specializing in truffles, and truffle-infused oils. There is even a French stall that sells antiques.

Borough Market quickly made its way to the top rankings of my ongoing favorite-places-in-the-world-list. Just walking around for a couple of hours will entirely expand your knowledge of food and worldly cuisines. The market embodies a hustling, vibrant atmosphere with the buzzing of different languages alongside aromas sent down from the Heavens. This place is a truly gratifying learning experience with lots of free samples. An experience where all 5 senses are awoken and stimulated in new ways. Thank you London, you’ve outdone yourself again.

Seafood paella

fresh made pasta bar

Voted best donuts in the world by the NYT

berries of the rainbow

olive bar

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sangria time

colorful umbrellas covering the outdoor courtyard

spring steals

February 10, 2016February 11, 2016Leave a comment

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Spring is just around the corner—get ahead of the game with my beauty, fashion, and lifestyle picks for a stylish & sassy Spring feel

fringe beach bags (above: yellow fringe beach bag by Regine Chevallier)– I’m beyond obsessed with anything fringe, especially when in the form of an over-sized bag with bright colors. Perfect way to liven up your spring look.

Natural Iraca Fringe Beach Bag, Caffe Swimwear

6 shore road by Pooja T, http://www.everythingbutwater.com

2. coconut water beauty products (above: Allafia Coconut Face Toner)–This toner is made with coconut water to re-hydrate your skin, along with Papaya to tone and firm. (available online, but I picked mine up at Whole Foods). Also look out for coconut water Hair Spritz by OGX, to hydrate your locks (available at most drug stores). 3. playful platforms (above: Steve Madden Shannnon)– so much easier to walk in than regular wedges! I’m also loving platforms and sandals with an espadrille heel. Wear with jeans and a t-shirt for an effortlessly chic look this Spring.

Shannnon, Steve Madden

Shanea, Steve Madden

4. Gypsy Gold Chokers (above: Gypsy Gold choker necklaces)-Love love love these beautiful chokers from my best friend’s bohemian-inspired jewelry line, Gypsy Gold. I’ve been on a choker streak for a while, and nothing I’ve seen compares to these unique beauties. African pendants, stone, and tusk details alongside colorful crystals and beads make these chokers a must have for an instant update to any outfit. They can easily be paired with a casual look or worn more up-scale alongside a night-out or date outfit.

hand knotted amazonite & carved African brass choker

triple taupe crystal & carved bone pendant

Aqua crystal & carved African brass choker

5. sexy beach towels (above: Mara Hoffman for Pendleton Towel) sass it up on the beach with a bright geometric pattern towel–also not a bad idea to lay one of these beauties out for a stylish Spring picnic. (below right-similar fun patterns also in a yoga mat).

Mara Hoffman beach towel

Mara Hoffman Yoga Matt

6. floppy hats (above by Kimchi Blue)–floppy beach-wear hats have been a staple in my bag for a while, but this Spring I’m on the lookout for hats in different colors and patterns than the usual.

Mint/Natural hat by Merona (at Target)

Yumi Floppy 70s felt hat, at Asos

7. Good Vibe Reads– You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. I spotted this New York Times Best Seller amidst a minor anxiety attack in an airport one time. This blunt how to guide is a tale of life changing events and inspiring insights. If you are ever in a funk or feeling down, this is an awesome read. 8. passport holders (above from Ban D0 at Asos)–I love how much classier a passport becomes when it gets tucked inside a chic little wanderlust case. For any of your upcoming travels this season, be sure to cop one of these little gems and fly in style.

Kate Spade Passport Case

Metallic Passport Case, River Island

9. pretty plates (above, Ikat Thistle plate from Anthro)– Make your outside spring meals extra beautiful with gorgeous eatery. Spring brunch looks so much better when perfectly plated on a bed of metallic ikat or pretty paisley prints.

swirled symmetry side plate, Anthropologie

Hacienda melamine plates, Anthropologie

interior love list

February 8, 2016February 8, 2016Leave a comment

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Bar carts: because who doesn’t love their entire alcohol selection available on wheels? Wheel it into entertaining areas and start mixing up the magic, or park it in the corner and jazz it up for a good looking display piece. For a more sophisticated bar cart look, sass it up with fresh flowers in a pretty vase, or small plate filled with limes, grapefruits, and oranges. You can even stack a few cocktail books (one of my favorites, seen below) and use them as a pedestel to display your glasses on. [safavieh bar cart, pictured above]

oscarine lucite bar cart, Anthropologie

cart accent book, available at Anthropologie

http://cf.julieblanner.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/how-to-style-a-bar-cart.jpg

bar-cart-restyle-bar-cart-ideas-AllAboutTheDetails.com_

Jill Bar Cart, Ballard Designs

Worlds Away Gold leaf Bar Cart, zinc door

copper accents: I always love the perfect pop of metallic, so why not add some copper to the mix. Copper adds a more industrial feel, paired alongside wood and iron. It’s finding its way into a variety of kitchen items: hammered copper cups and mugs, cutlery sets, bowls, colanders, cooking spoons, as well as a variety of geometric light fixtures and vases. Copper is also becoming a hot commodity in the wedding scene, often utilized at table settings (think: rich shades of purple, seen in napkins and flowers, alongside soft copper napkin rings and votives). [Agnes copper stool table above, from Keeki Australia]

geometric copper candle holder, Mench Living UK

copper votive holder, William Sonoma

copper measuring cut set, Anthropologie

kitchen canisters, Anthropologie

Terrariums: this is an obvious choice for me…I adore fresh flowers, I would put them in every room if I had money to blow. But then they die. So bring in a terrarium for that fresh green pop to a room, and just let it hang out. So low maintenance, and they give your space a clean, bright finish. Do-it yourself terrarium kits are available readily. (You can google terrarium DIY just as easily and get the supplies at Michaels or Hobby Lobby for half the price). [Cube Terrarium holder above from West Elm]

diamond terrarium set, West Elm

Globe Terrarium, Jayson Home

hanging terrarium, Urban Outfitters Home

DIY terrarium, Urban Outfitters Home

funky mirrors: a great way to add shape, texture, and color to a space. A funky mirror can double as a unique piece of wall art in a room [Avasa Scalloped Mirror, above, from World Market]

West Elm mirror trio

http://www.dotandbo.com

http://www.houzz.com

5. Moroccan tiles: great accent in a kitchen or bathroom! the beautiful shapes, patterns, and colors liven up any room. Being that you may not be in the market for a tile update, do what I love to do with a few pieces of Moroccan tiles: use them as coasters. Order a couple of tiles online, or in store, and set them around your living or bedroom areas a lively addition. [Moroccan tiles, above]

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

Moorish Tiles

6. catch-all dishes: perfect little stylish additions to a bathroom counter top, side table, or dresser top to hold all of those random do-dads that might otherwise end up in the vacuum cleaner (random stud earrings and toe rings, I’m talking to you). Practical and pretty. [Wooden Hexagon catch all dish, above]

wanelo.com

http://www.ohleander.bigcartel.com

7. cowhide: best for last? I’ve always loved cowhide rugs, but the recent addition of metallic splatters and streaks to cowhide finishes has created a entirely new trendy look. Cowhide is also getting a face-lift through the use of geometric shapes and lines. And cowhide isn’t just confined to the traditional rug-check out cowhide coasters, poufs, pillows, place mats, purses…[above pouf from West Elm]

Houzz.com

metallic cowhide coaster, World Market

coco cabana

February 7, 2016February 14, 2016Leave a comment

one thing was on my mind all week. Cuban food. Black beans, jerk-mojo spiced pork, Ropa Vieja, rice, fried plantains, croquettas. I decided to create a probably-less-than-authentic-but-still-bomb version of some Cuban grub. So I got out my new *ombre-turquoise* Le Creuset pot and started a hearty black bean soup.

I have a soft spot for a warm, silky soup in the winter. I also have a soft spot for….toppings. Toppings can make or break a dish in my opinion. I decided to make my version of a robust Cuban-spiced black bean soup, loaded with some of my favorite toppings: Monterrey Jack cheese, salsa, cilantro, avocado (because I put avocado on everything), and a mango-red onion salsa to amp up the Cuban-ness of this dish. It kind of steered off road, into the direction of a Mexican black bean soup. If it was up to me, I would have put some jerk shredded pork or succulent mojo grilled shrimp on top of my soup mound to highlight some extra Cuban flavors. And some crispy plantains. Instead, I worked with what was available, and I loaded it right up with my toppings. I paired my soup alongside brown rice and some chicken fajita leftovers that I had. I don’t ever use recipes (“what kind of food blog is this?”). Personally, I operate best by mixing, matching and playing around with my own ingredients and flavors. One day I will write my pairings down and create a recipe. For now, I will link some creative actual recipes for a mean black bean Cuban soup below.

My soup base consisted of black beans, fresh tomatoes, canned Rotel tomatoes, onions, garlic, shallot, chicken broth, 1/2 of a bell pepper, and lots of cumin, all simmered together and then blended into a thick soup. I chopped up a perfectly juicy mango, a handful of red onion, a few stalks of chopped cilantro and tossed it with lime juice to create a bright salsa for my meal. In the end, my dish ate more like a burrito-bowl on steroids but it sure did hit the spot. (recipe links below)

Vegetarian Cuban black bean soup

Chicken & kale black bean soup w/ friend plantains

black bean soup with chipotle & chorizo

Pumpkin & coconut milk black bean soup

Sriracha, coconut black bean soup with sweet potatoes