Simple Christmas Vanilla Bundt Cake

Also a year ago, a stranger told me this would be a challenging year for me. Now, I never paid it any mind, but as the year comes to a close, I always like to reflect on it. This year has been quite the challenging year, in all aspects of my life. For those who follow my blog, you'd notice I rarely discuss my personal life, that is because I like to keep it that way. And to keep things relevant to what you all care to read about. As I look at 2016(yes, I'm officially over the year too) I can't help but be grateful for surviving the year. It was challenging, yes, but I made it out strong. The things I have gained this year are much greater than those that I have lost.

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.

Throw a Pizza Party with Austin's Pizza + Giveaway

This past weekend I was able to throw a "Just because" party with the ones I love. One of my reasons for creating Brunch & Conversation, writing about food and food related experiences is because I cherish and enjoy the things that bring me closer to the ones I care about. Food and drink is very well known for bringing people together.

So when Austin's Pizza invited me to sample their pizzas(now available at HEB), I knew just how to do it. I made a grocery run to my local H-E-B for the pizzas, and a few other items to create my oh so delicious Sangria(I'm not biased, ask the guests). The great thing about hosting people over is that you pretty much set the rules. In my culture and I'm sure other cultures, when visiting someone, especially if they're feeding you...It is common courtesy to bring something, like a drink.

In making the rules for your party, you have the option of having your guests participate, by allowing them to bring something in addition to what you will already have available. . . The more the merrier, right? I made my world famous Sangria, you can find the recipe here, and also took a trip down to Party City for my earth friendly cups and plates( made from plants) and the gold papered straws to add a little excitement to the cups.

Austin's favorite delivery pizza, Austin's Pizza was established in 1999 in a old gas station at 12th street and West Ave in Austin. It's grown to have 13 locations in Austin and has consistently been voted one of the city's favorite pizzas. They're known for their preservative-free pizzas made with fresh sauce, hand-chopped toppings, and 100% real whole-milk mozzarella.

The frozen pizza lime will feature classic Pepperoni, and 3 of their most popular pies, named after well known streets in Austin.

Brazos - Canadian bacon, pepperoni, onions, green peppers, jalapeños and feta cheese
Downtown Special - Pepperoni, sausage, black olives and mushrooms
MoPac - Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and olives

The pizzas are thin crusted and I found them to taste better than most frozen pizzas. I always opt for thin crusts especially when it's a frozen pizza. The crust cooks to a crisp and is thin enough to enjoy and taste the flavors of the pizza. I enjoyed the Brazos the most, because well spicy, duh! But honestly, the feta cheese and jalapeños come to life in every bite.

Here's your chance to try the pizza out for yourself, Austin's Pizza is giving 2 Pizza loving foodies and chance to try the pizzas at a discounted rate. Must be a resident of Houston to apply. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Real Trix Rabbit is From Houston, Texas

Photo courtesy of General Mills

After months of searching for the #RealTrixRabbit in a nationwide search, with more than 7,500 entries, General Mills has selected Houston's very own Cinnabun as the real face of Trix Cereal. Cinnabun was celebrated yesterday morning at a red-carpet event with a never before seen unveiling of a limited edition Trix Cereal box.  The new boxes, featuring our local celebrity, are now available in stores.

Trix Cereal manufacturer, General Mills, is out to make our everyday breakfast(lunch or dinner) cereal better, and by listening to what consumers want, they were able to make the necessary changes. The changes include ridding all General Mills cereal of all artificial flavors and colors. GM's plan was to have 75% of their cereal be free of artificial flavors and colors by January 2016. In your new box of Trix Cereal, you'll find Whole Grain as the first ingredient, no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources, and no high fructose corn syrup.

4 Not so Food Related Uses of Coconut Oil

I was recently introduced to coconut oil...Correction. I recently tried coconut oil for the first time. If you follow me on Instagram(go follow), you probably saw a post last month of me saying that I was trying coconut oil for the whole month of November.  The cool people over at La Tourangelle sent me a 14oz tub of their organic extra virgin coconut oil, which is produced directly from freshly picked coconuts(instead of the dried coconuts in most oils).
When these fresh coconuts are pressed, they produce both coconut milk and oil. The oil and milk are then separated, leaving an oil that still maintained the antioxidants of the coconuts.

La Tourangelle is a french company that produces artisan oils. They started in France, producing some of the oils that are used in restaurants in the Loire Valley of France. Just a couple of years ago, La Tourangelle decided to make their oils available in America; Fast forward to today they have produced a wide array of artisan oils such as the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, which can be found in an HEB store near you.

I know I always talk about food, but just like this previous post from months ago( that you guys liked BTW), I decided to do something that's not so food related. Here are my 4 favorite uses for coconut oil.

Hair Moisturizer: This is probably my favorite. So for the past month, I've been using this coconut oil is my hair. Grabbing a couple of spoons worth and melting it using a cup and some warm-hot water.  The oil has done wonders; keeping my scalp and hair moisturized and also reducing dandruff. I usually either mix it in with my shampoo or apply it and use my hair conditioner to make sure I am able to get it out of my hair. Then as my hair dries, I apply some more to my hair as desired before styling.

Moisturizing Body Scrub: Another great use for coconut oil is on your skin. I made a sugar and coconut oil shower scrub, which I use during showers and have no need of applying lotion afterwards. It has been especially helpful during the winter in keeping my skin moisturized and smooth.

Lotion: If you tend to have dry skin or if you're sick of your regular lotion not working I suggest using coconut oil as a lotion. It is very moisturizing and a 14oz tub can last you months since you need to melt it before using. Lather a small amount unto your skin after the shower to leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

Make-Up Remover: Another awesome and cheap use is in removing mascara or make-up in general, oil removes make-up easily without you applying any chemicals to your skin. Plus your skin will be very moisturized after you wash your face.