Golden Milk

Before I get into this post, I want to thank you for the overwhelming love and support I received from my last post. Every comment and text and call I got meant so much. It was pretty terrifying to share that piece of me with you but I'm so glad I did. I know it's helped people to open up and talk about their mental health. I'm so grateful to be part of this growing conversation. 

Onto this post! As you probably know, it's been a wild cold and flu season. Some are even calling it one of the worst in years. I had hoped to escape it but it hit me like a brick last Monday. I had chills and chest aches and headaches and general exhaustion. This is one tough flu, I warn you! 

I had to take the week off work and while my energy is back, I am desperately wanting to just kick this! I remembered a tea that I learned about last spring called Golden Milk. It's made of turmeric, ginger, black pepper and honey. It's a natural way to treat colds, flus, congestion, headache and sore throat. It has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, has been called a depression-fighter, and the list goes on. Basically, this shit is good for you so eat it! 

In my efforts to kick this flu and have a productive tomorrow, I finally tried this recipe tonight. I can't quite describe the taste in words. If you expect it to taste like what it is ingredients-wise, you'll enjoy the taste. If you're expecting it to taste really good, I'll just be honest and say drop that expectation. Drink this milk for the benefits and you'll feel good about it. 

There are tonnes of different recipes online but I used this one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk
• 1 tsp dried turmeric
• 1 tsp dried ginger (I used half-inch fresh ginger)
• sprinkle of black pepper
• honey to taste 

Heat the milk, add the turmeric and ginger, simmer 2 mins, add the black pepper, strain, add honey to taste. Eh voila! 

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You're Morrocan me hungry.

Morrocan Tagine Recipe

From time to time, I like to try cooking new things. I'm going to start sharing my adventures in healthy cooking with you. Earlier this week I made "Morrocan Tagine" (don't ask me how that's pronounced).

I shocked myself at how good it turned out and I'm glad I made a big batch because I've literally had it for dinner every night since I've made it.

I had to share it with you because if I can make it, and it tastes good, you can too! 

One tip I'll suggest that isn't in the recipe: buy the squash pre-cut, it's worth the extra buck or two (not even sure if it's more expensive). I nearly stabbed myself trying to open the squash and I had to pre-cook it because it was too hard to cut into chunks. Anyway, save yourself the pain and heartache! 

Do let me know if you make it, or if you've had it before, what you thought and any suggestions for improvement.

What you'll need:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped 
• 1 can garbanzo beans (which are chickpeas), drained and rinsed 
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped (I used baby carrots)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can vegetable broth (add more to create more of a soup than stew, if preferred.)
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. salt 
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 dash cayenne pepper (I'd add a few dashes.)

Directions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken, onion, and garlic about 15 minutes, until browned.

• Mix the squash, beans, carrot, tomatoes with juice, broth, sugar, and lemon juice into the skillet. Season with salt, coriander, and cayenne pepper. 

• Bring the mixture to a boil, and continue cooking 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Total prep + cooking time: 1 hr

Most of all, pat yourself on the back and dig in! Meal best served with family + friends. 

All photos taken by me. Recipe taken from allrecipes.com.

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