Two Months

May 16, 2020 Yesenia Arrunategui

When I don’t want to say much, but share it all.

Doing the best I can, just like you. Face masks and baked goods, missing restaurants and subway commutes, adjusting with loved ones on FaceTime, keeping my purpose alive, and learning a new way of life. The new normal.

Wishing you all nothing but strength, courage, health, and compassion. Until next time, which is hopefully sooner than you and I both think. I’m still excited (but still a little scared) to see what comes next.

Riverside Park, Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights NYC

After 2 week of self isolation….

First semi successful batch of homemade bread. Pita and hummus.

Finally took a drive and to Stone Barns. Wasn’t how I envisioned my first time, but I don’t think I would have had it any other way.

New Jersey = Backyard

“Don’t worry, you’re just as sane as I am.”

Quick Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

August 3, 2017 Yesenia Arrunategui

That beautiful moment when you get back to writing your whole blog post AGAIN because you just like to randomly delete all your hard work and effort. That’s this moment. Stay with me....

It’s summer and there are really only a few things I want to do every week. Sip my summertime cocktails and dine out alfresco, sometimes barefoot. Okay, I really want to do this every day. Homemade dinners every night, made on the grill, settling down with the sun. Sigh. A girl can dream. If you saw my last post on Summer Favorites. You have an idea how I am feeling. If not, I am here to remind you, always and forever.

Okay so now let’s talk food. Ever have those dishes or cuisines that scream summer? I’m talking cold Italian pasta salads, Mediterranean hummus, cheese, and vegetable platters, hamburgers and hot dogs straight from the grill. I just had my first hot dog in over a year and OH MY GAAAHH, so good. I like to go all out because sometimes you need to be a little bit extra, so I topped it off with baked beans, raw fermented sauerkraut, and yellow mustard. One of the better decisions I made recently.

As for Mexican food. Once the weather warms up, give me all the tacos, all the time. It’s one of my first cravings come summer. Sweet and savory elote, fajita with fresh peppers and onions, guacamole, agua frescas... I could most definitely go on, but then we start getting complicated. And hungry.

I’m a girl who makes decisions on dinner based on the type of cuisine, if you haven’t noticed.

For now, we are keeping it light and simple. I found myself this summer experimenting with new ideas and recipes, more than I have in years. Maybe it’s the abundance of vegetables in season or a little kitchen therapy after a long day, the outcome hasn't been so bad. Also, I am trying this thing called recipe testing and photography as I go. Giving you that in-the-moment effect of what’s really going on in my kitchen. A bit of that homestyle cozy feel.

Quick Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

A Latin healthy spin on a Mexican dish, using sofrito from Puerto Rico (or my kitchen), a filling similar to Cuban style congri, and topped with a little queso blanco and cilantro for a wellness balance. Both easy and delicious you cannot go wrong. I used a grill, but an oven should work out just as well.

*PS. Make the sofrito ahead, while using leftover rice and bean. Save time. Enjoy!

Sofrito

1 yellow onion
1 garlic bulb
2 green peppers
1 cilantro bunch
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp salt

Blend, jar, and enjoy! Holds for three weeks in the fridge or months frozen!

Black Beans

1 can black beans
2 tbs sofrito
2 tbs tomato sauce
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt

Assembly

1 cup cooked rice
2 large bell peppers, cut in half
Olive oil
Cojita cheese
Cilantro

To cook black beans, heat over medium high about 2 tbs of olive oil. Add the sofrito and cook for about a minute, then add the tomato sauce and cook for another 2 min. Quickly rinse the black beans before adding them in. Add about another ½ cup of water, the spices, and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes. Lid closed.

Mix together rice and beans. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. It should be very moist (don't hate me) or wet looking. This will ensure no dryness when cooking on the grill. Oil and salt the bell pepper halves inside and out. Distribute the rice and bean mixture into the peppers. Lay on baking sheet with foil. Transfer the peppers still on the foil onto the grill. Cook for another 10-15 or when the peppers start to brown and look soft.

Top with cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro. Hot Sauce is always a plus

Buen Provecho.

DIY: Yogurt Face Mask and Raw Honey Cleanser

November 30, 2016 Yesenia Arrunategui

I left with a little DIY teaser, so a DIY I shall give.

How have we been dealing with this winter weather? I think it is finally here and here to stay for a few more months. If you were able to follow my Fall Transition Guide you should be on the right track adapting to the colder climate. And it's not just cold if you noticed, but DRYYY. Yes, and if you are a water feen and humid lover like myself, I think you are feeling the effects more intensely than most.

From dried cracked knuckles, to a tighter dry face, these are just some of the effects that most of us tend to get right away. It's more than uncomfortable and less than a beautiful feeling. It's a great thing I believe in feeling great from the inside out. If you keeping hydrated, eating a mostly cleansing diet with healthy routines, these DIY products and tips will be the icing on the cake.

We're making a yogurt face mask followed by a raw honey cleanser.

Each ingredient plays a role in keeping your skin healthy and glowing without going over budget. All the ingredients are edible! Once you have them as staples, you rarely have to worry about what you have on hand to make beauty easy, sustainable, and attainable.

Yogurt Face Mask

Whole Milk Greek/Regular Plain Yogurt - Lactid acid works to promote both a glow and softening skin treatment. Great for sensitive skin to both cool and treat skin irritations as well.

Lemon - Skin brighter! Perfect for any feeling of dullness in the winter months. A little goes a long way, especially with sensitive skin.

Rosehip oil - An amazing investment. Full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. This will keep your skin hydrated and diminish any imperfections of fine lines and big pores. One of my favorites!

Mix two tablespoons of yogurt, juice of 1/4 small lemon, and 2 pumps of reship oil. Apply smoothly all over face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Raw Honey Cleanser

Vitamins and minerals are still in this wondrous product as no heat was involved like most honey products on the market. Raw honey is also an antibacterial which will GENTLY removes impurities. No irritation and softening effects involved.

Rub in a circular motion onto face and neck and rinse with warm water. Finish with cold water rinse to calm the skin and close the pores back up. Key to locking in hydration!

I love to finish any face routines (exfoliants, mask, cleansers) with a toner and oil. My favorites are witch hazel and jojoba oil! But feel free to experiment and use what already works for you!