Wednesday, August 13, 2014

couples crush.





Confession: I have a few famous couple crushes. Yes. Couples that I am crushing on, literally. I'm mildy obsessed with discovering vintage photos like this one of Ruby Dee and Ossie. Don't they look gorgeous together? Ruby Dee looks like she is literally basking in Ossie's love glow in this photo!

Lasana and I have a real respect for couples that endured the trials of life and love together. It's especially inspiring to learn stories about couples who contributed something to society together in the form of civil service, political greatness, philanthropy, high art, and culture. 

That is the real meaning of power couple!

1

 
3
                                        4   
                                      5


1 Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King
2 Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade
3 Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln
4 Camille and Bill Cosby
5 Barack and Michelle Obama

(photos via pinterest)

Monday, August 11, 2014

dinner in a bowl.


a light (yet filling) and delicious, Asian-inspired meal with sesame-crusted salmon, teriyaki broccoli, and brown rice in a bowl. organic ingredients prepared and cooked with simplicity. served up with pretty chopsticks. serves 3.

ingredients & prep

for the rice
- 1 cup brown rice - Lundberg Family Farms is organic and g-free
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tbsp of oil - olive or coconut work well

before any other step, bring the rice water and oil to a boil in a medium pot. cover with a tight lid and let the rice simmer on low for 40 minutes

for the salmon
- 3 fresh or frozen pink salmon filet with skin
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (white or black)

thaw thoroughly and place in a glass baking dish or large bowl.

for the marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 small knob of fresh ginger, powdered is fine too (about 1 teaspoon)
- a pinch of cayenne pepper

whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

for the broccoli
- small head of broccoli
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 1 large carrot
- (optional: 1 handful of spinach or other leafy green)

cooking directions

1. using a sharp knife, cut broccoli tree into smaller trees removing the tough trunk. wash, peel and cut carrot into thin matchsticks and toss with broccoli.


2. while the rice is cooking, pour the marinade mixture over the salmon filets and allow to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes

3. heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add coconut oil to saute the veggies. add them one at a time in increments of 5 minutes: first broccoli, then carrots, and finally spinach - that way everything cooks well. stir vegetables every now and reduce to low heat. turn off once broccoli is tender and cover with a lid.

 4. heat another medium skillet over medium heat and add coconut oil for the salmon. pour sesame seeds on a plate or in a bowl and dredge the flesh side of the marinated fish. press gently to make sure the seeds stick. place salmon in the heated skillet skin side up and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

5. when rice is finished cooking remove from heat and let it set for 10 minutes. fluff with a fork and then serve rice, veggies and fish in a bowl.

(optional: garnish with dried seaweed, more sesame seeds or lemon twist)

enjoy with chopsticks :)