Ashar Edith

Ice Cream

Your Icecream Flavour is… Cookies ‘n Cream!

Smooth and creamy with a few rough bits mixed in, you are a real treat! You are probably very popular amongst your friends. Remember too much of a good thing is not always good! Don’t lay it on too thick!

What is your Icecream Flavour?
Find out at Go Quiz

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Last night I dreamed I was eating homemade ice cream… Suddenly I was eating at a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor… Then I found myself walking towards the past (everything was black and beige). It wasn’t my past, but I was in the 1800’s in other body. For some reason, I felt like I’ve been in that place before. Suddenly I woke up with these really weird feeling… and wanting to eat homemade ice cream. Arg! Why is it that when you start a diet temptation comes your way as if you were calling it?

Well… After almost six months of really bad/unhealthy eating habits, I’m finally on Nutri System again. I’m not a 100% yet, but a 75% ‘back on track’ because Mr. Period, Mrs. Migraine & Mr. Depression paid me a visit these week. I eat few meals off program out off sadness, cravings, and frustration. But I’m starting to get back in control. It only takes a little bit of discipline and commitment. Easier said that done, but I try my best during these rough time. As Mom’s deploying date gets closer, I spend more time crying like a stupid over something I can do anything about. But I know I’ll get over it in a few weeks. I made a promise to myself that I’ll do my best to lose weight while she is on duty. That way when she comes back she will see a difference. Just trying to turn the bad into something good for me.

I already went for a walk this morning and exercised a bit, but I still want that homemade ice cream I dreamed about. So guess what, I’m doing it! I’ll share the Ben & Jerry’s recipe just in case you want to make your own ice cream.

Vanilla Oreo (pg.88, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book)
Ingredients:
1 cup coarsely chopped Oreo cookies
Sweet Cream Base
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:
1. Place the cookies in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the Sweet Cream Base, adding the vanilla extract with the cream. Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. After the ice cream stiffens (about 2 minutes before it is done), add the cookies, then continue freezing until the ice cream is ready. Makes a generous 1 quart.

Don’t have the Sweet Cream Base recipe? Here it is.

Sweet Cream Base (pg.28, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book)
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy or whipping cream
1 cup milk

Process:
Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more. Pour in the cream and the milk and whisk to blend. Makes 1 quart.

This is Ben & Jerry’s most popular base. Has creamy texture, medium body, and a subtle, understated taste. It’s especially good as a background for fruit, cookies, and candy.

Don’t have an ice cream making machine? Me either. LOL…
I guess we can use these method.

What it says about you?

I think that what you have in your purse, bag or wallet say a lot about who you are. If you want to know what type of person you are hanging with, just take a quick look at her/his purse, wallet or bag. Parents have their kid’s pictures. Students have something related to what they are studying… Man purses are different to woman purses… Each bag is different from each other, just like people are.
I think the same applies to the state of the different parts of your house. When my life is in a hectic stage my house tends to run towards chaos. I can find my stuff… everything has its place… but it looks chaotic to anyone visiting. One of the areas that speak most about the members of a family is the dinning room. From storage area, to working station and dumping space, the dinning table has many uses in our society. It reflects what people do on their daily bases.
So, what I’ve been up to for the past few weeks? Here’s my dinning table.

Since I’m taking a Basic Baking Course at Xiomara’s Bakery. My dinning table and my kitchen are mostly filled with baking, cake decorating, pastry, cookies, and candy making equipment. I always have some kind of ‘homework’ or new project to try on my new hobby. I’m kind off obsesed with this. LOL Whant to see my goodies? Even if you don’t, here it is.







I made the Charlotte Russe last night for my mom. She is leaving in two days with the ARMY… again. God I HATE WAR!!! I had to PhotoShop the background of it because it was a bit uggly. But not ugglier than my first decorated cake… See for yourself. ===>
Arg!

 
What your dinning table says about you? Please do your homework and post it in your blog or email me to post it here. Don’t know my email? Just comment. I’ll get back to you.
Bueno Boricua, ¿Te gustaron mis bizcochitos? Pa’ que vean que yo no soy la única que le somete a la cocina.
¡Nos leemos luego!
 

National what!?

Last Friday I forgot to tell you that Krispy Kremes was giving out free dougnut to all their customers in celebration of the National Doughnut Day. They do it every year the first Friday of June. Can you imagine!? If you are like me and you want more than one just go KK-hopping all over town. LOL Too bad we don’t have KK here in Isabela, PR. Or… should I say Thanks God?

Everyday is a holiday. Somewhere someone is celebrating right now. Our world is filled with mystical celebrations and powerful memories. But I think United States have the most Bizarre Food Holidays. WHY in heavens name do we have a holiday for Kitchen Klutzes, Canned Food and Frozen Food??? Only the crazy people who implemented this days know.

Now these makes me think… How would be Puerto Ricans national food days? I know we would certainly have an alcapurrias (green banana fritter) & bacalaitos (cod fritter) day. I just imagine Madam’s coworkers cooking everything @ the office’s ‘lunch room’ just to make sure that everything is fresh. I can even smell the grease impregnated all over the office’s carpet, cubicles and curtains. ROFLOL!!! Seriously that place is like a really disfuncional family. LOL

Just in case you don’t want to miss other food holidays, here’s a list for June:

• National Iced Tea Month–June 1-30
• Turkey Lover’s Month–June 1-30
• National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month–June 1-30
• National Papaya Month–June 1-30
• National Dairy Month–June 1-30
• Donut Day–1st Weekend in June
• National Rocky Road Day–June 2
• National Applesauce Cake Day–June 6
• National Chocolate Ice Cream Day–June 7
• Kitchen Klutzes of America Day–June 13
• Eat Your Vegetables Day–June 17
• National Chocolate Eclair Day–June 22
• National Chocolate Pudding Day–June 26

Lot’s of yummy stuff to eat!!! I’ll definatelly celebrate tomorrow’s holiday with lots of chocolate ice cream, mi favorite. *sight* At this pace I won’t lose these freaking pudggyness!!! I better start doing something or I’ll need to buy an additional seat and use a seat belt extension next time I fly. *sight* I promise I’ll start the day after tomorrow!!!

Now… What Puerto Rican o American national day would you propose?

Buy a PUG

I never had a dog before. I grew up with cats. From my underwear to my bedroom decoration you could see cats had a very important place in my heart. Funny cats… Playful cats… Cats living the way I wanted to live… free, happy, worry less… When I was in college I had eleven cats at the same time living in my bedroom for six months. When I got married our first pet was a cat. I loved him dearly. He was my companion, my friend and my help to get used to my new life. When he left I mourned for many months… I got clinically depressed.

Almost a year later DH thought it was a good idea to buy a pug. Since I never had a dog before I bought a whole bunch of books on dog care and training. There I learned that pugs can’t live alone because they are unhappy. So, I ask DH if he could buy another pug. And, being the good man he is, he bought me another dog. I was officially transformed into a pug addict. Their love and cute personality melted my heart. I think I like pugs because in some ways they are like cats. They like to be pet; they follow you all the time… They even lie down over my newspaper when I’m reading it! LOL

I am like a first time mommy. I’m constantly reading about pugs. They are like my babies. I want to give them the best I can… SO, since they arrived I’ve been baking cookies and treats for them. I’ve baked flavors like CinnaBone, Bark-B-Q, VeggieBites, Howl Wheat, Peamutt Butter, Paw Lick’n Chick’n, Dig’n Cheese, & Puggylicious Pumpkin Treat. Each time I test a new flavor I wrap them in nice bags and give a sample to my neighbours and family dogs. It is a hit! All the dogs love my treats. Even Pancho, a very picky dog who always reject store-bought dog treats. Now I want to make a business out of this’. I bought a book on How to Start a Doggy Treats Business. I don’t have a name yet and I’m still testing recipes… But I think this would be a nice hobby/business.

One month ago I thought that I need something to differentiate me from the others. So I sign up for a Basic Baking Course at Xiomara’s Bakery in Isabela. So far I’ve learned SO MUCH I can’t even tell. Now my dog treats taste even better. How do I know? Because I always taste them!!! Hello!!! They are homemade cookies made with human grade ingredients. SO… Now I have a new addiction: baking cookies/cakes and cake decorating. That’s why I haven’t been able to post as I used to. I’m baking and perfecting my techniques all the time. But don’t worry. I don’t eat all that I make. I send it to DH’s office or give it to my parents.
Who would have thought that all I needed was a dog!? This confirms the saying:
“Si estas aburrido, comprate un perro” ~ “If you are bored, buy a dog”

Now let me share with you my recently adquired knowledge…

Puggylicious Pumpkin Treats
Ingredients:
½ cup canned pumpkin
½ cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup oatmeal
2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375. Combine the pumpkin, water, oil, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Stir well. Gradually add oatmeal and flour. Form dough. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter (I use a bone shape). Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until lightly golden Gas ovens are faster than electrical ones, so keep an eye on the cookies the first time you do them because there might be a difference in timing. After it’s done, let it cool before giving them to your furry friend. I ensure you that your dog will learn new tricks to get this treat.

Now BlogFriends,
How would you name my Dog Treats Business?

Una vida simple

¡Me comería un dulce de arequipe ahora mismo! No, quiero dos. Es más si me dan tres me los como sin mirar para el lado.

Una de las cosas que más recuerdo con agrado sobre mi soltería es que cada tres meses me iba de viaje. Ya fuera por motivo de ‘negocios espirituales’ o por placer, yo siempre estaba lista para salir. En el baúl de mi auto siempre llevaba dos mudas de ropa, desodorante, jabón y ropa interior. Si de repente me invitaban a ir al otro lado de la isla no necesitaba ir a casa para nada. Yo estaba lista para ‘la janga’ todo el tiempo. Bueno, en realidad no nos íbamos de jarana. Normalmente mis salidas eran para alguna iglesia o para la playa. Trabajaba, estudiaba en la UPR, le enseñaba a los niños de mi iglesia, pertenecía a una coral interdenominacional y era ministro de adoración. Nunca estaba en casa. Siempre estaba de pasada. Me pasaba economizando para el próximo viaje.

¿Para donde iba cuando salía de viaje? Bueno, eso dependía si era de placer o de ‘negocios’. Cuando se trataba de placer mi primera opción siempre eran los cruceros. Es que mi amor por el agua y la comida me ‘obligaban’ a irme de crucero. Antes de casarme me fui de crucero siete veces… La octava vez fue mi viaje de luna de miel. La segunda opción casi siempre era Orlando, Florida. Como cualquier otro boricua, peregrinando hacia la gran meca de la fantasía gringa, Disney. Ahora, si el viaje era de ‘negocios espirituales’… es decir un viaje misionero, los destinos eran mucho menos ‘vistosos’ pero si MUY interesantes. Sin contar el crecimiento espiritual, emocional y psicológico que dichos viajes me ofrecían. Durante esos viajes volé en aviones muy pequeños en que sólo cabían 15 personas. Aterrizamos en pistas tan pequeñas que el piloto tenía que tirar el avión y frenar de cantazo para no terminar en los matorrales. Crucé el río Orinoco de Venezuela a Colombia. Comí lapa en la frontera de Colombia y Venezuela. Me bañé en el Río Amazonas velando que no viniese una culebra a atacarme. Viví tres semanas con los indios Panares y Yanomami en el Amazonas. Caminé por horas para llegar al pueblecito más cercano a la selva amazónica, con una mochila en mis espaldas que pesaba casi 40 libras, sin agua y con un calor de madre. Pesqué y cociné pirañas… del mismo río donde me bañaba. En ocasiones me bañé con solo un vaso de agua. En otras ocasiones no pude bañarme por días. Me quedé varias veces varada en direfentes aeropuertos. Estuve en aviones dañados… Me monté en barcos que se le metía el agua y siempre llegué a mi destino bien. En ocasiones me acosté sin comer… Otras veces tuve que comer cosas MUY raras. Oré por personas con cáncer y se sanaron. Pedí a Dios que lloviera y llovió. Visité los lugares más raros que persona alguna puede visitar en Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela y Republica Dominicana. Vi la cara del dolor, el hambre y la desesperación. Pero, también vi ojos llenos de esperanza. Durante mis muchos viajes conocí gente muy especial… gente diferente. Gente que marcó mi vida para siempre. Gente de los que no puedo recordar sus nombres pero sí sus rostros amables, complacidos con poco, llenos de esperanza… deseosos de tener un futuro mejor.

Si cierro mis ojos fuertemente, aun puedo recordar sus rostros… No recuerdo sus nombres pero sí recuerdo sus rostros. Recuerdo momentos largos de oración… Noches de vigilia cantando y charlando bajo la luz de la luna y miles de estrellas. Si dejo mis ojos cerrados, puedo oler el café matutino, puedo probar el dulce de arequipe colombiano, los emparedados y arepas de Venezuela, el dulce de leche dominicano y el mantecado de leche de cabra de Costa Rica. Recuerdo como caminar por las calles de cada uno de estos lugares. Recuerdo como llegar a mis lugares favoritos. Recuerdo que nada me preocupaba… que era dueña del mundo… que no le tenía miedo a nada… que era feliz.

Si la vida me concediera la oportunidad de poder retroceder mis días. No dudaría ni un segundo en volver a vivir 21 días en el Amazonas, 10 días en el frío invierno Colombiano, una semana de conciertos en Costa Rica y 18 días bajo el cielo estrellado de Monte Cristi. Si la vida me concediera la oportunidad de viajar a cualquier parte del mundo, no dudaría en volver a encontrarme conmigo misma más allá de las comodidades físicas y del modernismo que me rodea. Adoptaría un estilo de vida simple donde mis tesoros sean un cielo estrellado, un río de aguas cristalinas y el abrazo de una mano amiga. Endulzaría mi café diario con dulce de arequipe. Comería piraña, lapa, venado y jabalí. Viviría cada día como si fuese el primero y el último de una gran historia. Abrazaría la vida fuertemente. Respiraría profundo con los ojos cerrados mirando al infinito.

Sushi Addict Annonimous

Desde que leí el post de Yanisa sobre el sushi tengo deseos de ir a Ikebana. Pero, he tenido varios inconvenientes. Primero, mi esposo no es muy aventurero cuando se trata de comida. El es felíz con un arroz blanco a caballo y ketshup. Yikes! Segundo, vivo en Isabela y cuando voy a Guaynabo usualmente mi papá cocina para mí. SO, no puedo dejarlo arrolla’o… Tercero, no me gusta comer sola y no he encontrado a nadie que quiera ir conmigo. =0(
Pero… Hay luz al final del tunel! Mi hermano llega de Las Vegas el Día de Reyes. Justo a tiempo para la gran fiesta familiar… y para acompañarme a Ikebana. Mmmmmmm… Ya casi puedo saborear las delicias japonesas en mi paladar. Lo único malo es que estoy a dieta. =0(… SO, aquí les va unas orejitas para el sushi adicto a dieta.

• Comienza tu comida tomando una sopa miso como el primer curso de tu aventura gustativa. Estudios han revelado que las personas que comienzan sus comidas con una sopa saludable, baja en calorías, terminan ingiriendo menos calorías. El miso, con sólo 50 calorías, definitivamente cae en esta categoría.
• Haz tu comida más completa pidiendo una orden de oshitashi (ensalada de espinaca en salsa de soya) o sunomono (ensalada de pepinillo en vinagre de arroz)… Así no te verás forzado a comer tantos rollitos de sushi para quedar satisfecho.
• Pide los rollitos con poca o ninguna mayonesa
• Si quieres comer menos carbohidratos, pide que te preparen los rollos con la mitad del arroz. O prueba el sashimi. Que no tiene nada de arroz.
• Siempre controla las porciones. El hecho de que sea saludable no justifica que comas hasta sentir que vas a explotar.
• Dile NO a los platos que digan:

• "tempura" - significa empanado en japonés. Sabe delicioso; pero, es grasa… Muuuucha grasa.

• "spider" - los "spider rolls" usualmente son rollitos hechos con cangrejo frito. Se oye y sabe delicioso; pero, tiene demaciadas calorías. Después de todo, es FRITO. Yikes!

• "dynamite" - En el mundo del sushi esto significa que el rollito está bañado en mayonesa. ¡Olvídate de pedir eso!

• "crunch" - Esa es la forma bonita de decir ‘frito y grasoso’… ¡Huyele!
• Dile si a los extras como: el wasabi, la salsa soya, la alga, el gengibre y el edamame (un tipo de habichuela). Estos tienen muy pocas calorías.

• "Cucumber Roll" - Este saludable rollito crujiente sólo tiene 130 calorías y cero grasa.

• "Spicy Tuna Roll" - Si lo pides con poquita mayonesa, cada uno sólo tendrá entre 250 y 290 calorías. De 5 a 10 gramos de grasa por servicio.

• "Calofornia Roll" - Pidelo sin mayonesa y tendrá entre 250 a 300 calorías. De 5 a 10 gramos de grasa.

• Dile NO a los extras como: la mayonesa, el queso crema y los aceites.

He won!!!

He won!
He won!
OMG… Guys I’m SO freaking happy!

*inhale… exhale*
My brother called me yesterday to tell me that his team won the Iron Chef Las Vegas Competition. Isn’t it neat? Ooow! This is way cool! Wooooooohoooooo! I’m SO happy for him! This proves that good things happen to good people.

He doesn’t know yet when it will be televise on the Food Network. But, as soon as he knows he will tell me. And I will let you know. Go here to see more photos.

Ok, I MOST leave now ’cause I have A LOT to do before Christmas Eve.