Category: Food

Food, Home

Mind Body Soul

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Mind Body Soul

Happy Friday everyone! To start the New Year off right, I reached out to Marjan Afshar who is a Functional Nutritionist/ R.D. to hear her thoughts on nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness.

Julie : Tell me a little about yourself and your background in nutrition?

Marjan : My journey in Nutrition and Wellness began when I was studying Pre-med in college. I developed this passion from the nutrition classes I took and learned more and more about how food is medicine and the internal/external benefits that clean eating has on your body. I continued my education through the years and became a Registered Dietician, Holistic wellness coach, and did years and years of self education/ research while being a busy mom of 3 kids and a wife. With my background and passion, everything has followed in a natural progression and my ability to help others has truly planted its own seeds, and I love sharing the abundance of what I’ve planted with my clients.

Julie : Tell me about what you do for your clients and ways you would like to expand your business?

Marjan : My main Goal for my clients is to give them the ability to believe in themselves and find the right system for their unique DNA creation. We are all built with a different creation and I love tweaking and mixing plans for my clients. I usually start my clients with a reset to detox their bodies from the buildup that’s been accumulated through the years. Once the reset is accomplished, I provide my clients with custom designed plans that consists of clean eating regimens and wellness rituals.

Julie : Any tips for starting off the new year right with a clean and healthy lifestyle?

Marjan : 2021 is definitely the perfect year to reward yourself to indulge into the areas of your life that you want to improve. The opportunities and desires you have for yourself are limitless and I want you to believe in that power. I would suggest starting a new time-lined spiritual detox (yoga, daily meditation) combined with a functional food detox which will to help eliminate the stress buildup in our bodies from this past year. This will provide you with a clean slate and will inevitably allow you to start accomplishing your goals/resolutions.

Julie : Morning Ritual ?

Marjan : I try to start my day with a quick meditation and a few breathing exercises to allow myself to center with how my body is feeling that morning. I then start my day with a cup of hot water and the juice of 1/2 small lemon which wakes up my digestive system while I read my emails, while my coffee is brewing.

Julie : What is your daily vitamin regimen?

Marjan : I’m very picky when it comes to many vitamins that my clients or myself take because so many vitamins are sourced commercially and I believe that vitamins need to be sourced from the outmost highest quality. My staple vitamins that take daily are Multi Vitamins, Vitamin C, D3, Omega 3, a Turmeric supplement and at night I take Magnesium/Collagen blend before bed (Beauty and sleep blend by Ancient Nutrition). I add supplements and tweak supplements and adaptogens to my regimen when I think my body needs it.

Julie : What type of yoga do you practice and do you have a favorite online class?

Marjan : Kundalini Yoga is my favorite type of Yoga,. It is a physical and spiritual practice that uses breath-work and sounds combined with yoga poses to create a reenergizing experience that has allowed me to eliminate what doesn’t emotionally/mentally serve me well anymore. I practice Thursday mornings on a virtual Facebook Live with Alexandra Reza at 9:00am and Friday mornings on IG live with “limitlessstrength’ at 8:00am.

Julie : Favorite workout outfit?

Marjan : Alo yoga because its flattering and chic to wear out while running errands after light workouts. I really like Noli yoga for their leggings too!

Julie : What are your five kitchen must haves?

Marjan : A small food processor for my pestos and nut cremes. A Vitamix for my daily smoothies, nut milks and soups. wooden spoons from Williams Sonoma because they come in all shapes and sizes, last long and great for not letting toxins leach into the food while cooking. Le Creuset or Green Pans are my favorite choice of cookware. Parchment paper because I bake and roast so often.

Julie : What is your guilty pleasure?

Marjan : Japanese Mochi Ice Cream and French Red Wine.

Julie : What are your must have items that everyone should stock in their pantry?

Marjan : My pantry is always packed with a variety of seeds, nuts and nut flours. I always have a good variety of gluten free ramen noodles because we eat bowls and ramen soups with lots of veggies so often. A variety of good quality extra virgin olive oil from different regions is one of my favorite sections of my pantry because each olive oil has a unique flavor and reminds me of our summer holidays.

Julie : What is your favorite Fall purchase?

Marjan : Our Peloton treadmill

Julie : What are your key elements that keep you cozy in your home?

Marjan : A variety of Herbal teas, and lots of salt blends for my bath rituals.

Julie : What is your favorite recipe?

Marjan : Sunflower butter chocolate chip cookies that are packed with nutrients and still so satisfying. You can find the recipe here.

Thank you Marjan for answering all my questions. You can follow Marjan on her IG account Makemefeelgoodfood where she shares healthy lifestyle tips and recipes. Have a great weekend!

XX,

Julie

Entrée, Food

Chicken Curry

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Chicken Curry

My Chicken Curry is one of my old recipes that I’ve had jotted down on a small piece of paper in my recipe book for years. Hope you enjoy it!

Chicken Curry

To print from e-mail visit julesee.com

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or bone in chicken breast (any type of chicken will work)
  • 2 medium sized potatoes chopped (one chopped into 1/2 inch cubes and the other 2 inch cubes)
  • 1 medium sized sweet potato chopped into 2 inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons curry
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 carton of chicken or veggie broth
  • 1 can chickpeas drained
  • 2 peeled hardboiled eggs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat your dutch oven pan to medium high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. Before adding your chicken to the pan sprinkle with salt, pepper, 1 tbsp curry, and 1 tsp cumin.
  3. Place your chicken in the dutch oven and evenly brown. Once it’s done remove the chicken and set it aside.
  4. To the same pan, add your remaining oil and sauté your potatoes and onion and add the remaining 1 tbsp curry, 1 tsp cumin, fresh ginger, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  5. Once the vegetables are done sautéing add your chicken back to the pan.
  6. Pour your veggie or chicken stock into the pan, enough to cover the chicken and vegetables.
  7. Bring the curry to a simmer and cover for about 30 mins.
  8. After 30 mins add your chickpeas and hard boiled egg. Remove some of the small potato cubes and chickpeas mash them to create a paste. Then put the mashed potato and chickpeas back into the pan. This helps thicken the curry. Continue to cook for an additional 20 mins. If your curry is too watery continue to mash some of the potatoes and chickpeas to thicken the base.
  9. Serve with white rice, chopped cilantro garnish, and Lavash Chips.

Beauty, Fashion, Food

For Good Knit

by juleseeLeave a Comment on For Good Knit

Merry Christmas to all of those who are celebrating! If you’re doing any cooking over the holidays last night I made Sesame Noodles with caramelized mushrooms and Asian Meatballs, definitely worth making everyone loved it! Now onto today’s look….

  1. Loeffler Randall For Good Knit Collection Comes in cream, navy, oatmeal, and heather.
  2. Mango Faux Shearling Reversible Jacket
  3. & Other Stories Diamond Quilted Mittens
  4. Mother Pixie Dazzler Raw Hem Ankle Jean
  5. Gucci Beige Wool Wristlet (navy/red color way here)
  6. Freda Salvador Brooke Waterproof Lug Sole Boot
  7. Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lip Gloss
  8. Gucci Coated Logo Phone Case

Entrée, Food

Governor’s Chicken

by julesee2 Comments on Governor’s Chicken

When I went off to college my mom gave me a book of recipes that I still use today. This chicken recipe was in there and it’s become a family favorite.

Governor's Chicken

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Ingredients

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast cut into small pieces

For the Glaze

  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garlic chili paste

Directions

  1. Make the marinade – In a bowl stir together the rice wine, ginger, sesame oil, and salt. Add the chicken to the marinade, toss well to coat, and cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Set a large skillet to medium high heat and brown the chicken. Once it’s done remove it from the pan and set it aside.
  3. Make the Glaze – In large skillet heat your oil. Add garlic and ginger and sauté briefly (just so it’s fragrant), do not brown. Next, add ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Return your chicken to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat. Continue to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. The sauce should be thickened. Serve with rice and a vegetable of choice.

Fashion, Food

Turtle Time

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Turtle Time

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you had a nice weekend. I entertained Saturday evening and I wanted to share the menu. I didn’t have a lot of time to prep so this menu was perfect and ready in about an hour and half.

  • Mini Cheese Boards for appetizers – Marcona almonds, two kinds of salami, cheese, crackers, olives, and persimmons.
  • Caprese Salad – Tomato, basil, mozzarella with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Trader Joe’s Vegan pesto (adds extra flavor). You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Dress them right before serving and don’t forget to add salt & pepper.
  • Italian Chicken – I make this in the dutch oven (7 1/4 quart size), so delicious yet so simple to make.
  • Hasselback Potatoes – I used seasoned salt instead of Brabant Seasoning this time around. You can also add rosemary to go with the Italian Chicken.

Now onto today’s Turtle Time look.

  1. Nili Lotan Ralphie Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Bergdorf Goodman, $450. Look for less J. Crew.
  2. Nili Lotan Arliss Pant Shopbop, $495.
  3. Teddy Sherpa Jacket J. Crew, $248. Also like the warm brandy color way.
  4. Dolce Vita Lottie Platform Bootie Zappos, $170.
  5. Emili Kaven Crystal Embellished 14k Gold Pleated Ring Moda Operandi, $210.
  6. Machete Mini Hoop Earrings Nordstrom, $25. These make a great holiday gift! I have the classic tortoise.
Entrée, Food

Chili Tonight

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Chili Tonight

I had several requests to post my slow cooker Chili recipe again. It’s such a simple and easy recipe that everyone loves. You throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and dinner is ready in the evening.

Slow Cooker Chili

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
  • 1 14 1/2 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 1 14 1/2 oz can kidney beans with liquid
  • 1 14 1/2 oz can pinto beans with liquid
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 2 small tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • ground pepper to taste
  • a couple dashes of tabasco or Cholula

Directions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain off fat.
  2. Place the ground beef plus all the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker.
  3. Cook the chili on low heat for at least 6-8 hours. You cannot over cook it.
  4. Serve in a bowl and sprinkle with Mexican cheese.

If you have leftovers my girls like it the next day served over pasta for something different.

Enjoy!

Food, Home

Food52 x Nordstrom

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Food52 x Nordstrom

Nordstrom just announced cult favorite Food52 is bringing their curated selection of kitchen wear to Nordstrom. At Food52, it isn’t just about great food it’s about the elements that come into play to create the meal. To shop the whole FIVE.TWO collection at Nordstrom click here.

  1. The Ultimate Apron Nordstrom, $45.
  2. Set of Essential Knives Nordstrom, $139. Love the Rhubarb color!
  3. 5 Pack Silicone Utensils Nordstrom, $49.
  4. Set of 4 Cotton Napkins Nordstrom, $30.
  5. Set of 4 White Dinner Plates Nordstrom, $79.
  6. Set of 4 Shallow Bowls Nordstrom, $69.
  7. Set of 4 Kitchen Towels Nordstrom, $39.
  8. 11 Piece Cookware Set Nordstrom, $429.
Entrée, Food

Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice

Last night I made another Half Baked Harvest recipe that everyone loved! The Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice was amazing. I used boneless chicken thighs which works really well with this dish. The only edit I made to the recipe was cutting down the amount of honey from 1/4 cup to a little more then 1 tablespoon. I served the chicken with chili onion crunch edamame, and peanut noodles as the vegetarian entree (recipe to come). Enjoy!

Entrée, Food

Curried Quinoa Patties

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Curried Quinoa Patties

When planning meals for my family I always need a vegetarian option at dinner since one of my daughters is a vegetarian. I got this recipe from my mom who has amazing vegetarian dishes. This recipe makes a lot so you can place leftovers in the freezer and pull them out as needed.

Curried Quinoa Patties

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups of sweet potato puree (dice and boil potatoes until soft, drain and mash)
  • 3 cups of cooked quinoa (1 cup dry quinoa with 2 cups water cook for approx 20 mins)
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat over to 400° F.
  2. Place sweet potatoes and cooked quinoa in a bowl.
  3. Sauté your onions and garlic in a small saucepan with olive oil until tender.
  4. Add salt, paprika, cumin, and curry to the onion mixture and cook for 15 seconds.
  5. Add the onion mixture to the quinoa sweet potato mixture.
  6. Add cilantro, oregano, black pepper, and mix well.
  7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with oil.
  8. Form the patties into burger shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
  9. Lightly spray the tops of the patties.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy, flipping them half way through cooking.
  11. Makes approximately 12-15 patties.

Enjoy!

Food, Home, Side Dish

Say Cheese

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Say Cheese

Yesterday I hosted a small gathering to celebrate my sister’s birthday. I used mini wooden bread boards (that I got from my friend) and made individual cheese boards. The boards had sharp cheddar, brie, seasoned cashews (from this week’s Thai Chicken dish), olives, apple slices, crackers, olive bread, and rosemary garnish. For lunch I served three different salads (Mediterranean Quinoa, Italian Chopped, and Nectarine Fennel & Arugula). Drinks consisted of Skinny Margaritas, Mimosa’s, and mint iced tea. I decorated with colorful Gerber Daisies and spread Turkish towels (these make a great gifts) around the yard. It was a fun way to celebrate my sister’s birthday.

Hope everyone has a nice long weekend!

XOXO

Julie

Entrée, Food

Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken

by julesee1 Comment on Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken

Last night I made Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken from Tieghan Gerard’s blog Half Baked Harvest. It was so good I wanted to share it with all of you. Enjoy!

Food, Side Dish

Indian Cauliflower

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Indian Cauliflower

Indian Cauliflower

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Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower broken into florets
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne *optional (omit if you don’t like spice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425° F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place your cauliflower florets on the sheet tray.
  4. Combine all of your spices in a small ramekin.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over your cauliflower florets and toss to coat.
  6. Sprinkle your spice mixture evenly over your cauliflower.
  7. Place your sheet tray in the oven and roast until golden brown about 20 mins.
  8. Enjoy!
Food, Salad

Nectarine & Fennel Salad

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Nectarine & Fennel Salad

Nectarine & Fennel Salad

Ingredients:

Salad

  • 2 fennel bulbs
  • 2 cup Arugula
  • 2 firm nectarines
  • 1 container burrata cheese
  • 1/4 cup basil

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove grated on a microplane grader
  • Juice of 1/4 lemon
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • fresh black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Thinly slice your nectarines and fennel on a mandolin or by hand.
  2. Chop your basil.
  3. Place your fennel, nectarine, arugula, and basil in a bowl.
  4. In a small glass pyrex, whisk together your vinegar, lemon, dijon mustard, garlic, basil, and salt and pepper.
  5. In a slow steady stream, whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
  6. Toss your dressing with your salad ingredients.
  7. Taste to see if additional salt is needed.
  8. Place your salad into a small bowl and top with burrata cheese.

Dessert, Food

Teatime Pastries

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Teatime Pastries

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My talented pastry chef mom just started selling her amazing creations on Etsy. You can choose from an Italian Assorted Cookie Box, Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns (gluten free), Rugelach, or European Cookie Assortment Box. All the cookies are packaged in a cute pink box with grosgrain ribbon closure (makes a great gift). I have sampled them all and can attest to how delicious they are. Dolcezza!

Food, Side Dish

Caprese Skewers

by juleseeLeave a Comment on Caprese Skewers
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Caprese Skewers

To print from e-mail please visit Julesee.com

Ingredients 

  • Mini fresh mozzarella balls
  • Basil
  • 16Cherry Tomatos
  • Olive Oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Bamboo knot picks 

Directions

  1. Wash your basil and cherry tomatoes and pat dry. 
  2. Drain your mozzarella balls and set aside. 
  3. Thread a cherry tomato on each skewer followed by, a mozzarella ball, basil leaf, another tomato, basil, and mozzarella ball. 
  4. Mix 2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the Caprese Skewers.