Tikka Masala Meat Pie Thanksgiving Leftovers

Hope you had a lovely meal with your loved ones over thanksgiving. My family and I spent it together at my mother's house where we were surrounded by plates and dishes of food. Needless to say, there were many to-go plates. I'm always thankful during this time of year, and even though Thanksgiving hasn't always been a part of my culture; I always like to take some time of reflection around this time of year.

So many amazing, and crazy events have taken place this year but we've all managed to make it through. As we all celebrate this time of the year, let's take time to reflect on ourselves and where we are currently. If you are able to celebrate a year in good health, with clothes on your back, food on your table, and a roof over your head...You have made it! I realize as I see the headlines everyday, from stories happening around the world and even here in "the land of the free", I realize how lucky I am. All my worries and current struggles feel small, so I humble myself and give thanks!

Sam Mills Chicken & Green Bean Pesto Pasta

It's always exciting receiving an e-mail notification that my Degustabox has been delivered. I always pick it up and tear the box apart ready and excited to see what's in there. I had been tracking this box for what felt like forever, mainly because of the holiday that pushed the time of delivery. So this month featured a lot of European brands like Michel et Augustin cookies(such delicious cookies), Sam Mills Pasta(gluten free) and The English Provender.

The box is usually nicely packaged, with anything breakable wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent it from breaking on the way to you. So far what I have noticed is that they introduce you to a lot of natural, Non-GMO product verified, as well as gluten free products.

After seeing the Sam Mills gluten free corn and quinoa pasta, I immediately thought of something I wanted to make. I purchased some fresh basil and Parmesan cheese from the store and came home to make chicken pesto pasta. I'm always encouraging y'all to get your box, so we can cook together. So, Make sure you use my promo code: NEIAC to get 50% off your Degustabox. Want to make this delicious recipe below, click here to order now.

Ingredients:
Sam Mills Corn & Quinoa Pasta (note: I mixed in regular pasta)
Chicken Breast, cut in small portions & season with lemon salt/pepper 
Nando USA Peri Peri Sauce (optional)
1 tomato, chopped and drained
Green beans

Pesto:
1/2 cups fresh basil
1 garlic glove
Peanuts (most other recipes use pine or walnuts)
1/3 cup Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Salt & Pepper

Directions:
1. Add all pesto ingredients into a food processor, saving oil and salt & pepper for later. Once it is nicely chopped, add salt, pepper and oil. 
2. Set pesto in the fridge
3. Add seasoned chicken into lightly greased dutch oven and cook until chicken is tender
4. Add green beans and tomatoes, and let cook
4. If you'd like, add half & half or mix together flour with milk until smooth 
5. Pour in and mix with chicken
6. Cook pasta, drain and add to dutch oven
7. Add pesto, Parmesan cheese, and mix well
8. Serve!

White Lily & Sir Kensington Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Mayo

I got my Degustabox for the month you guys!!! I was so excited when I got a notification that my package had arrived that I ran to the leasing office ready to see what this month had in store. This month came with different products as always, ranging from snacks to flours and condiments. I'll be honest with you, I'm always excited to see what they decided to add to each box everytime. It always feels like Christmas or like its my birthday when I get my box in the mail. It's always full of products that you never think of buying yourself, because you've likely never tried them before(Ignore the Honey Bunches of Oats & Maria cookies).

When I opened the box(with my leasing office friends. lol), 2 items stood out immediately.The first one was the Non-GMO verified White Lily White Grape and Wheat Flour and Sir Kensington's Chipotle Mayonaise. Right then, I knew exactly what I wanted to try making this month. Another item that I'm loving is Loacker Rose of the Dolomite's crunchy hazelnut chocolates - they remind me of one of my favorite Belgian chocolates. I also loved ALO Allure's refreshing Aloe and mango drink.

BRIANNAS Spinach Power Salad + Degustabox Review

After spending almost the whole month of June eating and drinking out, I felt like I needed some days eating something fresh and light. During the month of June I received a shipment of President Butters and Cheeses, not long after, I received my very first package from Degustabox. Degustabox is a monthly surprise subscription box company from Europe that has recently expanded to the good ole U S of A. They send a box filled with 10-15 surprise food products for $19.99 per month. Boxes are delivered straight to you and there is no long-term commitment, so you can holla at Degustabox anytime you want.

Cucumber Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Several weeks ago, you remember I went to Etoile Cafe Et Bar and really enjoyed their Cucumber fizz summer drink. It was so refreshing, like the summer breeze.

Anyway, I was home playing with a little kitchen tools, cutting swirly cucumber slices then it hit me. BOOM! You should create a cucumber juice. I off course said that outloud and my mother advised I made a drink. And again, BOOM!

After playing around in the lab, excuse my lack of exact measurements. I came up with this sweet lil' thang I'd like to call Cucumber Breeze, because well obviously! Check it out, hope you like

Ingredients:

1 Cucumber

Honey

Tequila( Jose Cuervo Especial)

Lime

Directions:

1.  Chop cucumber and add to blender. Blend until smooth, then use a kitchen drainer to drain the juice. 

2.  In a cocktail mixer or a tall cup, combine all ingredients as desire( I didn't quite measure, but start light and add more as needed to balance) 

3. Pour over ice in your desired glass. Use a leftover slice of cucumber to garnish 

4. Enjoy!