Vegetarian for a week (part 2)

Last week, I posted two tofu recipes. This week, I have experimented cooking meatless on of my favorite dishes of all. LASAGNA!!! I love lasagna! I love any pasta, but lasagna has everything in it, cheese, sauce, ground beef, and more cheese. This time though I tried to make it a little bit healthier.

The first lasagna was a Vegetable Lasagna.

Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients

• 10 ounces, weight Lasagna Noodles
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 whole Medium Onion
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Diced
• 24 ounces, weight White Mushrooms, Chopped
• 4 whole Squash (yellow Or Zucchini), Diced
• 1 can (28 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
• 1/2 cup White Wine
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped (more To Taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (more To Taste)
•  Freshly Ground Black Pepper
•  1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 30 ounces, weight Ricotta Cheese
• 2 whole Eggs
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
•  Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 pound Thinly Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
•  Extra Parmesan Cheese, For Sprinkling

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of aluminum foil.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for a minute. Add diced red peppers and saute for another minute or so. Add squash and mushrooms and cook for a few minutes. Pour in wine, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and stir.

Pour in tomatoes. Use hands to squeeze/crush them. Stir to combine and let simmer for 20 minutes or so. Stir in chopped parsley.

In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

To assemble, spread a little of the vegetable/tomato sauce in a lasagna pan. Layer four cooked noodles in the pan, slightly overlapping them if necessary. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on the noodles. Top the ricotta mixture with mozzarella slices. Spoon a little less than 1/3 of the veggie/sauce mixture over the mozzarella.

Repeat the layering two more times, ending with a large helping of vegetable sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan.

Bake at 350 degrees, covered in foil, for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

The second recipe, omits pasta. It was a different kind of lasagna. I mean a lasagna without pasta, it's not really a lasagna. I guess for this reason my husband was a little bit surprised to see what was inside the lasagna, and honestly, he didn't end up liking it. However, I loved it and I think all lovers of sweet potato and quinoa will love it as well, because this is a Sweet Potato Quinoa Lasagna.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Lasagna

Click here for the recipe.

I hope you all like these recipes. And if you ever try any of them, please let me know if you like them or not.

I love your comments so keep them coming!

Warmly,

Juliana

No more battery operated toys!!

I decided that for some time, I am taking away all Perla's battery operated toys. I wanted to give her toys that she can explore, touch, feel, and not only push buttons and hear music or words. So, I decided to make her some toys that will hopefully help with her fine motor skills. I made her toys using things I already had at home, or that my neighbors graciously donated to me. So, here is a list of what I have made.

1. Bucket full of different ball shapes and colors.

2. Put the lids in the whole. (this feta cheese container was perfect for this project)

3. Put the pom-poms in the holes.

4. Feel the balloons. These balloons are filled with different materials like beans, lentils, flour, sugar, water, rice, and oatmeal.

5. Shake the bottle and wonder!! I filled the bottle with water, put a couple of drops of food coloring, placed in some bids and glitter.

6. Pull the ribbon! I have tied together 6 or 7 ribbons so that when she pulls one, she will pull another one and so forth.

7. Blocks! Perla loves to put the blocks in her mouth and to knock down the castles that we build with them!

8. Stuffed animals in a basket! Aren't they so cute in that basket?! Too bad that Perla wants to take them all out when I put her on the floor. :) I am happy when she does that though, that's the purpose of the basket.

9. Dig out the treasures!!

10. Squishy bag! I taped and taped again a plastic bag on the fridge. I put in some hair gel and some bids for Perla to move around. It is way fun even for adults!!

I hope you enjoyed my projects, and I hope you will try some with your kids.

Do you have any favorite toys for your kids? Share your ideas with me!

Warmly,

Juliana Kostandini

Vegetarian for a week!

Last week, I wanted to cook vegetarian. I don't know if that was because we were short in meat :) or because vegetarian recipes always sounded so delicious to me! So, I decided to try some meatless recipes. One of the food items that I never figured out a way to cook and to make more tasteful, is tofu. Finally I found two recipes that tasted absolutely worth eating tofu. I hope you enjoy them! Please follow the next post to check out the rest of the recipes from our meatless week!!

Sweet and Sour Tofu

INGREDIENTS

• 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks or tidbits, packed in juice
• 3 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 14-ounce package extra-firm water-packed tofu, drained, rinsed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips

• 
  

pREPARATION

1. Drain and set aside pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice. Whisk the reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce and sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Place tofu in a large bowl; toss with 3 tablespoons of the sauce. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, add cornstarch to the remaining sauce and whisk until smooth.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the tofu to the pan using a slotted spoon; whisk any remaining marinade into the bowl of reserved sauce. Cook the tofu, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add red and green peppers and cook, stirring often, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the reserved sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 30 seconds. Add the tofu and pineapple and cook, stirring gently, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

Tofu Kale with Spaghetti

INGREDIENTS

1 container of firm tofu

kale, as little or as much as you want, rough chopped. i usually use the entire bunch of kale

2 cloves of garlic, minced finely

2 shallots or a small onion, diced

very generous sprinkling of salt/pepper for taste

red pepper flakes

handful bread or panko crumbs

olive oil to quick fry the balls and cook up the vegetables

PREPARATION

1. Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions

2. For the Tofu, squeeze as much water out of it as possible. I wrapped the block in a kitchen towel and press heavy pan on it for about an hour or so.

3. Meanwhile, in a pan, heat up some olive oil. When hot add in the onions/shallots and garlic. saute until fragrant and translucent, anywhere from 3-8 minutes. Add in kale (or whatever greens) and ensure the oily mixture coats the bunch thoroughly. Season generously. Set aside to cool.

4. In a mixing bowl crumble the tofu. add in the sauteed veggies, mix well. If it cool enough, use your hands. At your discretion add in the crumbs, a little at a time until you're able to shape the mixture into balls. Fry them up in a bit of oil until you get a nice browning on the edges.

5. In the same saute pan toss the pasta in warmed olive oil + minced garlic. when you plate the pasta, add in the tofu balls.

ENJOY THE RECIPES!

Warmly,

Juliana Kostandini

Herbal and Natural Remedies

Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day! I don't want to talk about mine, because yesterday we both felt so lazy that we didn't feel like doing anything, and the week has been pretty busy too, so let's move on. I want to talk about Herbal and Natural Remedies. I became interested in studying this topic when my friend E, told me how she had used some natural ways to help relieve her daughter's cold. How fantastic is that? Relieve the sickness without antibiotics and without any side effects. However, today I will include some tips for your general health that I found on one of the books I have been reading on this topic. Herbal Medicine has been used by human beings since the beginning of times. Yet somewhere along the line, medicine took a turn from herbalism. Unlike conventional drugs and treatments, herbs can treat chronic and acute conditions, but they are also effective tools fro maintaining overall health.

Healing foods
1. Medicinal Mushrooms
Several varieties of edible mushrooms are considered medicinal. In particular, reishi, shiitake, and maitake appear to support immunity, fight infection, and even offer protection against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Many types of mushrooms are also loaded with antioxidants, and studies show that some varieties have more antioxidants power than brightly colored vegetables like carrots and tomatoes.
2. Garlic and onions
Studies show that both onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that can help with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In order to reap their benefits, they are to be eaten raw.
3. Ginger
Studies show that it can reduce many types of pain and inflammation. Ginger can also relieve nausea and vomiting from many causes, included seasickness, anesthesia, and pregnancy. Pregnant women should talk to their doctors first, but it's recommended that if they take 1g of ginger for 4 days they will have less nausea and vomiting.
4. Cocoa
Eating dark chocolate made from Theobroma cacao has proven health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, fighting age-related cognitive decline, preventing blood clots during prolonged travel, and even reducing the risk of certain cancers. (Who said that chocolate is bad?)

Related to Women 
Can herbs work as contraceptive?
Several herbs traditionally used to prevent pregnancy are now being seriously studied for more widespread use. For example, the Indian herb neem (Azadirachta Indica) works as a safe and reversible contraceptive.
Can herbs remove stretch marks?
Gotu kola, an Ayuvedic herb known for its ability to speed healing and reduce scaring, can help, as can utramoisturizing cocoa butter and almond and sesame oil

Strengthen eyesight
To save your eye sight, most experts recommend upping your dietary intake of plant foods such as leafy green vegetables and brightly colored fruits which contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, riboflavin, lutein, and lycopene.

Chronic disease
Numerous studies have shown a clear connection between diet and chronic disease: Simply put, people who eat a plant-based diet, with more whole grains and lean protein and less red meat and processed foods, have less cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Heart helpers
Garlic--eating lots of garlicky foods means less heart disease. Taking garlic powder keeps arteries flexible, help slower blood pressure, and can prevent the damaging oxidation of cholesterol.
Pomegranate--There is good evidence that drinking pomegranate juice every day can lower your blood pressure and improve other symptoms of CVD (Cardiovascular Disease), including thickening of the arteries.

Weight loss
Adding vinegar to your meal can reduce its glycemic effect--and its effects on your waistline--by as much as 55 percent. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which seems to inhibit your body's response to the carbohydrates you eat, leaving you feeling more satisfied and less likely to eat too much later.

Colds
Dr. Christopher recommends that in the case of a cold in adults, to place a clove of garlic on each side of the mouth between the teeth and cheek. The cold will disappear within a few hours or within a day. Also, massage the feet with olive oil and place a garlic paste and keep it during the night. To prepare the garlic paste use 1 part garlic and 1 part petroleum jelly. Reduce the amount of garlic for a child or small infant to 1 part garlic to 3 parts petroleum jelly.

These are only a few of the many situations that herbs can help to heal and/or prevent sicknesses. Follow the next post to see herbal and natural remedies for self-care and beauty.

References

The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies by Martha Scheindler Connors with Larry Altshuler, MD

http://www.herballegacy.com/Colds_Catarrh_Coryza_Influenza.html

http://www.herballegacy.com/Cold_Sheet.html

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger

Sunday dinner

Yesterday and today we had Stake Conference in our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We got a new Stake Presidency! I enjoyed the talks a lot, or at least as much as I could hear with our baby not staying still for a second. Elder Gay of the Seventy spoke both days. Something that he said that stood out to me was "Go home and ask your husband/wife what you can do better, and then go do it without being protective". I feel like sometimes when my husband tells me that he didn't like something that I did, I become protective of my actions and refuse to do what he would like me to. So, I personally need to work on this. I need to hear without being overprotective. I want to do what he would like me to, not because he asks me, but because I love him and I want to make him happy.

Enough said with the spiritual thought, now I would like to share with you our Sunday dinner recipes. I like to experiment on Sundays, but usually on Sundays we invite someone for dinner, so I am always nervous about the food I am serving. But today I was pleased with how everything turned out.

For main dish we had Easiest-Ever One-Dish Chicken Tamales. Doesn't it sound delicious??? Well, it was!

Easiest-Ever One-Dish Chicken Tamales

Ingredients

• 1 pkg (8 1/2 oz) corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy) (I made my own muffin mix at home, you can find the recipe for it here)

• 1 can (14 3/4 oz) creamstyle corn

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup  milk

• 1 teaspoon  chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon  ground cumin

• 1 pkg (8 oz) shredded taco cheese blend (such as Sargento)

• 1 can (10 oz) hot enchilada sauce (such as Old El Paso)

• 3 cups  shredded cooked chicken, from rotisserie chicken

• 1 cup  sour cream (optional)

• Lime wedges (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees . Coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine muffin mix, corn, eggs, milk, chili powder, cumin and 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

3. Pierce casserole with a small knife in about 12 places and spread enchilada sauce over top. Scatter chicken and remaining cup of cheese over casserole; bake for 20 additional minutes.

4. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and cut into 8 squares. If desired, serve with sour cream and lime wedges.

For desert we had Banana Pecan Coconut Chocolate Chip Blondie. And yes, it really had all the ingredients listed in the name. You will find the recipe here.

Banana Pecan Coconut Chocolate Chip Blondie

Ingredients

6 tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup, agave syrup or golden syrup

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup mashed, ripe banana

1 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup shredded coconut

1/3 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped

1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C). Place the butter into an 8-inch pie tin or brownie tin and put it into the oven for 5 minutes - just so the butter melts. Swirl the melted butter around in the tin to grease it and then pour the butter into a medium bowl.

To the bowl of melted butter, add the sugar, syrup, salt, egg, vanilla and banana. Beat the ingredients together and add the baking soda, flour, coconut and pecans. Fold in until evenly combined.

Pour the mixture into the greased tin and spread out in an even layer. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Leave to cool for 5 minutes in the tin before slicing/scooping and serving!

I hope you all have an enjoyable week! Follow apearlinoyster in Instagram to see more recipes!

Warmly,

Juliana

DIY Valentines Gifts

With the approaching of Valentines Day I thought to share some of my favorites DIY gifts you can make for your significant other (or your children). If you feel crafty or can't afford buying an expensive gift, these DIY projects are perfect. They are so cute and heartfelt. SO here you go my Top 15 DIY Valentines gifts ideas.

1. Chocolate covered Fortune cookies. These are so cute and easy and you can also write a note along with it that says how "fortunate" you are to have your special person in your life.

2. Pop-up card. How cute is this DIY card. I love the little hearts hanging.

3. Photo love story. Attach your favorite pictures in a long strip of paper and fold the paper after each picture. Place them in a wooden box, or any kind of box you can find.

4. Be mine heart-shaped balloons. I don't really like the Sweetheart candies, but I love the idea of making balloons look like the candy.

5. Cut a cardbord in the shape of the country/state/city the two of you are from, paint it in black or any other color, draw the hearts and connect them with each other. Lastly, write your initials. Super cute idea!

6. Heartfelt bookmarks made of a paper clipper and heartfelt material.

7. "Without you my life would suck" quote and sucker

 8. Hand decorated mugs. You need a Sharpie marker, and white mugs. Place the mug in oven at 350, for 30min after you have written/painted them. Let cool down. Hand wash it to have long lasting results.

9. Giant Krispie  Kiss.

10. Take what you need. I would change this to for example foot massage, back massage, favorite dish, a whole month free of housework, lots of hugs and kisses, etc.

11. Red velvet waffles with white whipping cream.

12. Open when... Write a message for different occasions and put it in an envelope for your significant other to open when he/she needs it.

13. Hearts!!

14. LOVE sign using hand and footprints. You can use yours or your child/children foot and hand prints.

15. I love you..this much! I actually made this last year for my husband and we had it on our fridge for a long time. He really liked it!!

I hope you find these projects fun and helpful! What are you planning to give for Valentines day?

Warmly,

Juliana

Spiritual thought

Last night we held our weekly family home evening. I shared a message from October General Conference. The talk was from Elder Scott, "Personal strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ". This quote from the talk really stood out to me, "As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven's children, Satan's temptations lose power in your life". 

I have always had a testimony that service blesses the lives of both the giver and the receiver. Service is the way we can serve our Heavenly Father. It is the way we can forget of our problems and feel our burdens lightened. It is the way to be Heavenly Father's hands here on Earth. It is the way to create and maintain close relationships with our fellowmen. 

What I didn't know is that by serving others, we become more immune to Satan's temptations. He won't be able to tempt us if we lose ourselves in the service of others.

Countless are the blessings that come from service. 

The Lord Jesus Christ taught, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it" (Luke 9:24).

"I believe," said President Thomas S. Monson, "the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually

shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish- and in effect save their lives."

I hope you and I will be more focused on helping others! Every night  before going to bed I will think to myself, "Have I done any good in the world today?". If not, I have failed indeed.

Have a great day!

Warmly,

Juliana

How has service blessed your lives? Leave a comment, I love comments!!