Eggplant Parmesan

Honestly I never thought I would be an eggplant fan. But with age I notice I am much more willing to try new things. And who woulda thunk I would actually like it. So after trying it out, I decided to make my own healthier version of eggplant parmesan.

Ingredients

• Large eggplant
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 6 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 cup Ricotta
• ½  cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Seasoning salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cut eggplant into round slices and dip in egg, then in bread crumbs.
3. Heat pan and generously cover with cooking spray. Place eggplant in pan and brown on each side.
4. In baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve over pasta.

Oatmeal Cookies

 

I have a ridiculous sweet tooth and just had to make some oatmeal cookies to fill the craving. These heavenly treats are soft and melt in your mouth. Have with a glass of milk and enjoy!

 Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups quick cooking oats

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Larry King bids adieu

Yesterday after 25 years at CNN, 77 year-old journalist Larry King hosted the last Larry King Live.
I quite like Larry. The suspenders, the ties, the glasses, oh and the signature Brooklyn accent. I love it all. Many a night i have held my eyes open with match sticks waiting up to see his show. Who he would interview next and how the interaction would be. The man has interviewed world leaders, celebs and even the Average Joe who has made headlines for something or another. People know they have made it when they are interviewed by Mr. King!
The thing about Larry is he isn't the "perfect journalist". He has many bloopers and flubs names on a reg. He is human! And i believe this ability to remain his dang self over the years is what has kept his ratings strong over the years.
The good thing is he promises to be back for specials on CNN. I hope so Larry.

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup

 It is freezing outside here in New York! Fareeezin! But there is nothing like a hot cup of soup to warm you up when the temperature has taken a nose dive. One of my fave soups is Lentil. Full of flavour, its yummy, quick and easy, and I thank my friend Alicia for introducing it to me.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 cups lentils
• 11 cups chicken broth 
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped

Directions

• Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. 
• Add the onion, carrots, scotch bonnet and celery. 
• Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. 
• Add the lentils and mix to coat. 
• Add the broth and stir. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Voila soup is complete! Ladle into bowls and as an optional addition of flavor sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve.

Black Swan

Give me a romantic comedy and I will sit with my popcorn and laugh till my tummy hurts. Cause, really I'm not a thriller movie loving kind of girl, but Black Swan may have changed all that.
It must have been the ballet that caught my eye. I used to do ballet and have slight (very slight) regret that i did not continue, but i have been wanting to see this movie ever since i heard it was being made. So happy it didn't disappoint.
From start to finish this movie had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what could possibly happen next.
Natalie Portman was, simply put...amazing. Could the golden statue (Oscar) be hers? I'm not positive yet, as i need to see the other strong contenders of the season. But one thing is for sure, she should definitely be in the running.
Oh and Barbara Hershey! I have loved her since Beaches, one of my absolute fave movies of all time! Outstanding job Babs!
This one is a must see people!

Sun dried tomato and parmesan crusted Tilapia

Sun dried tomato and Parmesan crusted Tilapia with creamed spinach and brown rice

 Another quick and easy meal to please the taste buds

Ingredients

•  tilapia fillets
•  seasoning salt (preferably Lawry's)
• 4 to 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• garlic seasoning

1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
2. Lightly grease a pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Rinse fish, pat dry, coat in lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with seasoning salt and garlic.
5. In a bowl, mix sun-dried tomatoes, cheese.
6. Cover fish with mixture and place in pan.
7. Bake for 15 mins or until cheese topping is brown.

Prince!

Oh good God! I don't know what it is about this man that i like so much, but i really do like him. Yep in all his high heeled and permed glory I do love me some Prince! Don't judge me!
So he was on The View today looking all types of rock star sexy, and at 52 he doesn't seem to be aging at all. Go ahead with yo bad self Princey. My fave part was when Sherri said to Prince, " I have wanted to make love to you for the whole of my life!" Yes Indeed!
Oh and i loved when Dave Chapelle did a skit on Prince playing basketball back in the day... FLATLINE! Too funny!Aww Prince my unexplainable crush on you lives on.

Salmon Cookup

I love Salmon. What's more its easy to cook. Check out my quick,easy, and rather inexpensive recipe with a can of salmon as the main ingredient.

Ingredients

• 1 can of salmon
• 1 small tomato or 10 cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 sweet pepper
• 1 small onion
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray

Directions

• Chop onion, sweet pepper, scotch bonnet, and tomatoes
• Open can of salmon and drain most of the liquid. 
• Remove excess skin and bones from salmon
• Add cooking spray to nonstick pan and saute onion, sweet pepper, and scotch bonnet
• Once they caramelize, add tomato and cook for another minute
• Add salmon, garlic salt and black pepper to dish and cook for another 3-4 mins
• Voila  Salmon is cooked and ready to be served over your fave starch (I chose brown rice)

Rosa Parks

On December 1, 1955 in Montgomery Alabama Rosa Parks who was 42 at the time refused to obey bus driver Jame Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. I thank you for taking a stand but refusing to stand Ms. Parks. I thank you.

World AIDS Day!

As an AIDS advocate I urge everyone to know their status. Protect themselves and protect others. We only have one life to live so lets live it to the best of our abilities, but lets also do it safely.

Curried Shrimp

Ingredients :

• 2 lb fresh shrimps
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• small tomato
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 blades escallion
• small sweet pepper

Method:

• Add butter to pan and sauté sliced seasonings in  butter
• Add curry and Shrimps
• Season with salt & pepper
• Cook for 8 minutes.
• Serve hot with white rice.

What in the fashion faux pas hell!

Certainly I've always wanted to be able hike in heels, but this is just redic! Apparently TEVA, yeah as in the sandal brand has partnered with Grey Ant to make HANDALS! Heels+Sandals=Handals!

I can't. I just CAN'T!

Maven Read! Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

I've heard about this book for years, and finally got it and have started reading. Quiet honestly the major push to get this book was that they are making a big Hollywood movie based on it, and i usually like to read the book before i see the movie. The book is always better! Prime examples of this are My Sisters Keeper and Eat Pray Love. But let me tell you this book has me enthralled. I am not too far in but can't wait to be. This is most def a maven must read.

Beyonce Thanksgiving Special

 

My lovelies, I just finished watching Beyonce's I Am World Tour Thanksgiving Special. What a treat it was!

People from time to time like to hate on B, but i believe in giving what is due and...she was fab. 

Singing along with every chart topper, and also being entertained by the equally fab Alexis, i had to admit that B is a damn good performer. She works hard as hell and should be given credit. BRAVO!

It was good to see clips of her as a child also. Some people were born to be stars and she is one of them.

Most importantly however, I liked that she allowed the world to see her vulnerable side, even crying on camera, not totally understanding her fame but thankful for it none the less. At the end of the day sans all the glitz and glamor she is human after all.

Beyonce wiping away her tears

Pumpkin Cheesecake

 In the spirit of Thanksgiving I decided to make Pumpkin Cheesecake and it turned out fabulous. It's really easy to make and tastes so good! Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

 Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham crumbs
5 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 Tbsp. sugar

Filling:
3- 7oz.pkgs. pumpkin cream cheese from Trader Joe's ( If you can't get the Trader Joe's brand then use regular cream cheese and add a can of pumpkin puree)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix crust ingredients together, just till coated and crumbly. Press onto the bottom and  sides of  pan. Bake for 5 min. at 350. Set aside.

Combine cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl, mix until smooth with an electric mixer. add pumpkin eggs, and spices, beat till smooth and creamy.

Pour into the crust. Bake for 60-70 mins or till the top turns a bit darker. Remove from oven and allow to come to room temperature, then refrigerate.

After it has thoroughly chilled, remove the pan sides and cut.

Going Thanksgiving Crazy!

So much to do so lil time! I wanna shop, cook and enjoy the holiday. Will keep you posted. But most importantly Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

The date is set!

Doesn't William look drunkers in the pic? Anywhocares! The date is set people. It's all going down on April 29 at Westminster Abbey.
 Imagine the opulence!


William and Kate ended days of suspense by choosing the abbey, a grand venue where members of the House of Windsor have been crowned, married, mourned and buried. The abbey was also the site of the funeral for William's beloved mother, Princess Diana.


William and Kate chose the centuries-old abbey in central London because despite its size — it holds 2,200 people — it has a sense of intimacy, particularly at the altar, which stands at the head of a smaller, partly enclosed space called the sanctuary.
Lawx what a ting! Will keep you posted on the details as i get them. Can't wait to see the dress!

Breath!

So i just got back from JA! Where i had the opportunity to be part of Heart Institute of the Caribbeans new Lifestyle Centre called Breath.
From A-Z where Lifestyle is concerned Breath has it all! Spa treatments, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Fitness and weight loss programmes, anti aging techniques, a body bar , a juice bar....child they have it all!
The launch was fabulous with a few celebs in the house, entertainment galore and delectable fare by Oji Jaja (watch out for him).
Check Breath out at 23 Balmoral Ave or give them a ring at  876-906-2105-8

Pics of the event coming soon! Remember BREATH is LIFE!

It's my birthday!

So happy to have lived to see another year. Happy Birthday to me!

Another Royal Wedding...I can't wait!

I can't quite pin point why it is exactly that i am obsessed with royality. Sure i know they are just like us, but gosh darn it i do like the tangled web they weave and the opulence of it all. (Don't judge me!)
So when i heard that Prince William (a former crush of mine until he started to go bald) was finally engaged to Kate Middleton i was amped! See I was i Diana fan. I have watched clips of her wedding to Charles on numerous occasions. The dress, the hairdo, the spectacle of it all! I loved it! She was the people's princess afterall.
Will Kate be able to fill Di's shoes? I doubt it. But i can't deny i am excited to see the pics of the wedding and wish them both the best of luck.

Flora Tropical

 

I saw these flowers  the other day and decided to take some pics. They make me happy!

Coconut Cream Steamed Fish with Water Crackers

Steamed fish is a typical and relatively healthy Jamaican meal. I love to eat it but never tried to make it myself.
Putting my own spin on it i decided to steam it in coconut milk and wow was it a hit. So yummy!



Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 pounds snapper cutlets
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 4 cup water
• black pepper
• salt
• cooking spray
• garlic or garlic seasoning
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
• escallion, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4  okras, sliced
• 1⁄2  tomato, diced
• 1⁄2  sweet pepper, diced
• 1 coconut milk package

Method

1. Clean fish in a mixture of  Vinegar and water. Pat dry.
2. Season fish with black pepper and salt.
3. Heat non stick pan and add cooking spray. Put fish in pan and allow to brown on both sides , then remove from pan when cooked.

Cream Sauce

4. in same pan add 2 tablespoons of butter and saute  garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, escallion, onion, okra, tomato and sweet peppers.
5. Pour in coconut milk, stir and bring to a boil.
6. Place fish in the coconut sauce, and spoon sauce over the fish cutlets. Cover and allow to simmer for approximately 2-5 minutes. Then serve in plate filled with water crackers.

Beach Fab!

Doctors Cave Beach

I am at home working on a project, but yesterday got a lil chance to head to Doctors Cave Beach in Montego Bay.

Miranda Kerr's bump

I absolutely adore this pic of model Miranda Kerr preggers! Just beautiful! Artistic! (Please see past her areolas and embrace the bigger picture).
Now please believe i won't be having kids anytime soon, but when i do i would love to have an artistic portrait done with my bump on full display.
I wish her and Orlando all the best.

JA!

I love NY. But I love Jamaica lots more.
Outta the cold and into warmth. Working on a quick project.
Will keep you all posted on the happenings.

Kardashian Frenzy

Earlier this week the Kardashians opened their new store in Soho. So, yesterday i was in the area and saw this gigantic line. Certain it was a major sample sale and always in search of a good bargain i went to see what all the commotion was about, and was astonished to find out that folks were seriously lined up to get into Dash! (You know Kim Khloe and Kourtney Kardashians store). Now i love the KK's (Add another k and i will go ballistic though) but umm no i am not going to wait in line, in the cold might i add to get into a store.

Line outside the Kardashians Dash store in Soho

A little later when i was passing yet again, this time on my way home, the line had died down and i was able to walk right in.The store is ok. i saw a few pieces that i would rock. So, go Kardashians! I won't knock your hustle. From 'leaked' sex tape to empire. Milk it!

Feeling It?

 

Had to snap a shot of this guy feeling himself in this Lambo in Soho. If this doesn't scream, "Look at me!", I don't know what does. There is no hate in my game though. Do your thing homie. Mission accomplished! I sure as heck looked, and you will notice alot of others did too.

My new pals

Chris & Heidi

I love meeting new people!
Having a rough day I decided to indulge in Kittichai's all you can drink brunch, solo.(Yeah I am an only child and have no prob doing things by myself). And as luck would have it, i was seated beside these two. On vacation from San Diego, without even knowing it they lifted my spirits with their comedic banter and advice.
Meeting new people rocks!

Railway fixation

Tonight instead of taking a seat in the train I decided to stand in the front and actually see where I was going. I need to do it more often.

Thank God its Friday

Here is a pic for your viewing pleasure to start the wekend off right. She looks so happy. Ahhh to be that young and carefree again.

Shrimp Nachos

Shrimp Nachos

This recipe is so scrumptious and divine, that you will be licking your fingers to the very end. Of course its quick and easy, but trust me when i tell you there is no substitution on the taste. Enjoy Mi Amigos!

Ingredients 

• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon butter
•  garlic salt
•  Nachos
• 5 tablespoons
• 1/4-to 1/2 cup grated Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese

Directions

• Season shrimp with garlic salt.
• Spread nachos in foil and put in oven on a low temperature.
• Over low-to-medium heat 1 tablespoon of butter in non-stick pan.
• Add shrimp and saute for about 1 minute per side or until cooked through. 
• Add salsa to shrimp and allow to cook for another minute.
• Remove nachos from oven and place in plate.  
• Top nachos with shrimp mixture and cover with cheese and serve.

Miss Angelou said

Maya Angelou

"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."`~ Maya Angelou

Poignant ain't it? I love me some Miss Angelou. Still I Rise is one of my anthems to the haters.
Another quote of hers that I love is. "Nothing will work unless you do." Again the truth. Don't expect hand outs people. It takes hard work to make it in this world, and Miss Angelou is proof of this. 
So I just try to follow suit.

 

Lemon and Garlic Tilapia with Brown Rice and Spinach

 

So I am trying to eat a lil bit better these days and have been experimenting with seafood recipes. Now I didn't say I was a vegetarian now, I just said I was trying something new, so if you see me tearing up some oxtails in a few days don't judge me! Check out this quick and easy way to make a tasty Tilapia dish.

 

  Ingredients

 

• 4 Tilapia fillets
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• garlic salt
• cayanne pepper to taste
• black pepper
• mushrooms

Directions

1. Rinse Tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels. Place fillets on plate and drizzle both sides with lime juice, then season with garlic salt, black and cayanne pepper.
2. Allow fillets to marinate for atleast 5 mins.
3. Heat non-stick frying pan and melt butter for a few seconds.
4. Add seasoned fish fillets, and cook on one side until done, then with spatula carefully cook fish on other side.
   
5. Add mushrooms to pan cook.
6. Once mushrooms are cooked, use spoon to spread mushrooms over fish and with spatula take fillets out of pan and enjoy with a staple and vegatables.

RIP Miss Norma

Norma Shirley

This evening I received some sad news. Jamaican culinary maven Norma Shirley has passed away.
Dubbed the "Julia Child of the Caribbean," by Food & Wine Magazine, Miss Norma's passion for food, creativity, attention to detail, and bigger than life personality has always been admired by me.
I will never forget her insistence while I sat in her renowned restaurant, Norma's on the Terrace at the famed Devon House, that I refine my palate and try new things. (And I do mean insistence, Miss Norma was a real character) One thing is for certain, I am happy I listened to her. 
Thank you for being an inspiration. RIP Miss Norma.

Recognize Kehinde Wiley

His pieces are hood-tasic meets the renaissance era. If you have never heard of or seen a Kehinde Wiley piece then its now time to be in the know. This NY resident is arguably our modern day Basquiat.  I just cross my fingers he will be around longer.

Wiley

Notorious BIG

LL Cool J

Fish tacos

 Ingredients: 2 servings

• 2 tilapia fillets
•  cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• small pack Goya sazon
• 1 stalk scallion (green onion)
• black pepper
• cayenne pepper
• 6 corn tortillas
• shredded cheese
• shredded lettuce
• salsa

 

Cut fillets into strips. Season with lime juice, Goya sazon, black pepper and cayenne pepper and let marinate for at least five minutes.

Heat nonstick frying pan and add cooking spray. Place corn tortillas in oven on a low temperature just to warm. Put seasoned fish in pan and allow to cook for 5 minutes before using spatula to flake fish.Remove tortillas from oven and fill with fish, lettuce,salsa and then cheese. Viola! Dinner is served.