TOMATOES
If you are tired of the pre-packaged, store-bought jars of salsa, preparing your own is actually quite quick, cheap, and easy.
Ingredients:
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced and seeded
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup red onions, diced
- 1/3 cup parsley or cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Living in the city, it can be difficult for urban dwellers to be in touch with the origins of their food and beverages. Of course, there are many restaurants with exquisitely-prepared dishes inspired by cuisines all over the world, as well as a plethora of grocery stores that offer us more consumer options than we could ever imagine. However, there still exists a lack of connection from the original agricultural process that goes into the ultimate finished product.
While New York City may be far from an agrarian utopia, there are still many farmers markets open to the public that can provide some form of insight into the food and its original farming process. The Union Square Greenmarket is a fine example of one. This Greenmarket operates on the north and west sides of Union Square Park, and is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. There are many different vendors set up around Union Square Greenmarket, and they sell anything from organic red garlic to sheep’s milk soap to lemon catnip plants. One can visit this market for a simple stroll and casual observation session of the people and products, or to sample different foods and speak with the vendors about the farms where the food originates and what to do with it.
Our skin is the precious exterior of our bodies that we are constantly trying to shield from the harmful effects of everyday life. Yes, soaps, scrubs, and other treatments we apply on top of our skin can help do the trick, but the real secret is what we put in our bodies. What we consume on a daily basis can make or break our skin in a huge way. Here are a few of our favorites that will help lead you on the path to the soft, glowing complexion you’ve been waiting for. This time around, head to the grocery store instead of the cosmetics counter!
New York is getting hot. Really hot. And it's only mid-June. If you find yourself melting in the heat– on the sidewalk, in the subway, in your apartment that's lacking AC– and hungry to boot, this easy (and delicious) Gazpacho recipe will help cool you down. Gazpacho, the chilled, tomato-based vegetable soup that originated in Spain, is perfect for these sweltering days. Tomatoes are slowly coming into season so now is the time to hit the farmer's market and get "cooking" with a good cold bowl of soup. It's light and refreshing, but packed full of the good stuff. It pairs great with some fresh baked garlic bread and a cold beer. Here's to summer!
It’s not just the Parisian lamps, classic French zinc top bar or the spectacular outdoor patio that spells love for Bouchee. The best of this vintage French feel is the authentic French brasserie cuisine. Lunch or Dinner, Bouchee, serves the favorites including steak frites, duck confit, and cassoulet. They offer an ice raw bar and an outstanding wine list with ever-changing world-class international selections.
The Moules a la Provencal appear a few times on the lunch and dinner menus with good reason. The mussels are steamed with tomatoes, white wine, garlic, herbs and crouton. The sauce is more like a broth which you’ll want to dip whatever is edible on the table. Of course the cassoulet is a must amid baked beans with meltingly braised bacon and a chuck of fresh pork, a full leg of confit duck, and a fine lean lamb sausage. And don’t forget to not hold back on the dessert. There is a Crème Brulee with your name on it.
Hello Joonbugs! Another day of dreaded heat is upon us. Reaching the 100 degrees mark later in the afternoon, everyone should be keeping cool and staying indoors. There’s no dire need to go outside and fry like bacon on a sizzling pan if you don’t have to. Anyways, I’m sure with the awful temperature we’re experiencing these days, you don’t necessarily have an appetite. So if you’re not in the mood for a meal, why not try eating some snacks or a salad? Having something small is much better than not eating at all.
As the summer air continues to surround us, we are constantly battling sweat and lacking the urge to eat. Sweat allows our body to dispel the internal heat we have. Loss of appetite can make you feel dizzy, weak, and even cause headaches. Combine these two together and your body will lack lots of nourishments. In other words cause you much more unnecessary pains.
 |
 |
 |
 |
