GOBBLE GOBBLE: Mashed Potatoes 2.0

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, it is never complete without a heaping side of mashed potatoes. There is nothing like a bite of turkey followed by that smooth, creamy, delicious taste of mashed potatoes. I am a purist when it comes to mashed potatoes half and half some butter and finish off with a little salt and pepper action. Why fix what isn't broken right? But I do know that some of you out there may want a change this year. Here are some simple additions to kick up your mashed potatoes this year that is guaranteed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

1.) Creamy Roasted Garlic

Simply take a whole bulb (not a clove) of garlic and wrap it in some foil with some olive oil and throw it in the oven and roast at 250 degrees for about 10-15 minutes depending on your oven's settings. Definitely keep an eye on it. After it's done simply smash it up and add it to your mashed potatoes along with some heavy cream instead of milk or half and half, butter, a touch of sour cream and salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that when you roast the garlic it will shrink not only in size but as well as flavor potency so you may need to roast more than one bulb to really bring out that roasted garlic flavor. I also wouldn't kiss anyone after eating this.

2.) Parmesan Cheese

After mixing in the traditional mashed potato ingredients with the exception of salt add some Parmesan cheese to your desire. This tends to work better when the mashed potatoes are nice and warm. This way the cheese will melt nicely and keep the consistency smooth (unless you prefer a little chunkiness). Taste before adding any additional salt since the cheese is already very salty on its own. Since it is Thanksgiving splurge a little and get the real stuff. It tastes so much better and you can save the rind for soups later on.

3.) Cream Cheese and Chives

With all the traditional ingredients added stir in some room temperature cream cheese and some chives. Mix well and top with more chives for garnish. With the cream cheese it isn't necessary to add butter, DO NOT USE CHIVE CREAM CHEESE I know it sounds stupid but the flavor is not the same.

4.) Caramelized Onion

This is one that I have recently made and was very surprised at how well it turned out. It is definitely for those who want to be a little ballsy. To caramelize the onions, slice them really thin and cook them over medium low hear stirring occasionally so the onions don't burn. Once the onions become translucent add some sugar (I prefer light brown sugar to really get that caramelized color and flavor). Keep cooking until your onions turn a nice brown color (NOT BURNED!!!). Afterwards add a dash of red wine or your favorite stock to scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan (DO NOT COVER THE ONIONS IN LIQUID) and add the onion mixture to a blender and puree. Please be careful and let the onions cool down before putting it into the blender.It should come out in a thin paste consistency. Add the paste into your mashed potatoes.

GOBBLE GOBBLE: Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce

Welcome back to GOBBLE GOBBLE my annual Thanksgiving recipe series. This year to kickoff the series I wanted to share with you all a delicious take on the all time traditional Thanksgiving side dish... cranberry sauce. Great with turkey, on top of ice cream or just by itself! (DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that some of my recipes don't have exact measurements and no worries even without the measurements these recipes are so easy you can't possibly mess it up.)

You will need

Cranberries

White granulated sugar (1 cup of sugar per 1 cup of liquid)

Orange (1 per lb of cranberries, about 1/4 of the juice)

Finely grated ginger (powered will work as well, about 2 teaspoons per 1 lb of cranberries)

A liquid of your choice (cranberry juice, apple juice, or water)

Dark rum (2 teaspoons per lb of cranberries or more if you like, for kids you can opt out of this but the alcohol will cook out so worries)

How to make:

1. Juice the orange and keep the peels

2. In a large pot combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange peels, sugar, ginger and rum

3.Pour in your choice of liquid (just make sure there is just enough to cover the ingredients do not over fill)

4. Cover and slowly simmer until the cranberries have soften and popped.

5. Continue to cook until you get a gel sauce like consistency

6. If your sauce is too thin drain some of the liquid, if too thick add more liquid and simmer 

7. Once cooled it will be ready to serve

ENJOY!!!

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ChefSisi: Top Favorite Beauty Foods

In today's society, we tend to relate the term beauty in relation to outward appearances. However beauty comes in many different forms and it is what makes each of us unique. Beauty cannot be defined by outward appearances alone but rather working together with what is inside as well. If we don't take care of ourselves internally or are not emotionally happy with ourselves chances are it will show on the outside. Here are my top favorite beauty foods that are not only good for the outside but inside as well and remember beauty comes from within. 

AVOCADOS:

Great on toast and in face masks

Beauty Benefits

-Helps reduce wrinkles

-Great frizzy hair treatment

-Helps with dehydrated skin

Health Benefits

-Lowers cholesterol

-Good fat 

-Helps with digestion

-Reduces high blood pressure

STRAWBERRIES:

Delicious alone or in smoothies and awesome in facial cleansers

Beauty Benefits

-Vitamin C in strawberries as an important building block of collagen which supports the structure and elasticity of our skin

-Can be mashed and used as an natural exfoliate

-Contains elegiac acid that helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation

-Helps with hair thinning

Health Benefits

-Vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system

-Good for protection of the eyes (strengthen the cornea and retina)

-Good for bone health (strawberries contain about 20% of manganese that helps keep our bone structure intact)

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:

Try it in salad dressings and dilute it with water for a natural toner

Beauty Benefits

-Can be used as a toner to reduce skin inflammation

-Sunburn remedy

-Teeth whitener

-Acne remedy

-Wart remover

Health Benefits

-Soothes sore throats

-Helps with bad breath

-Helps with indigestion and other stomach troubles

-Clears stuffy noses

-Helps with hiccups

DARK CHOCOLATE:

Eat it alone or put into a face mask w/avocado

Beauty Benefits

-Protects skin from free radical damage

-Skin detoxifier

-Dark cacao powder can be used as a natural vegan bronzer

Health Benefits

-Mood improver

-Contains antioxidants such as flavonoids that help prevent heart disease

-Reduces bad cholesterol  

HONEY:

Use as a natural sweetener in cooking or add it to your face masks for healthy glowing skin

Beauty Benefits

-Pore cleanser

-Moisturizing

-Scar Fader

-Acne Treatment

Health Benefits

-Cough suppressant

-Boosts memory

-Treats wounds and burns

-Alleviates allergies 

10 Things That Make Me Happy :D

I have been pretty stressed out the last couple of weeks, work and school have been super busy and frustrating. With all this stress and frustration mounting up I decided to stop and take a little break to take care of myself. Here are few little things that make me happy when life isn't going my way. Remember life is short taking care of yourself should always be your number one priority both mentally and physically. 

1.) MUSIC

Music has always been there for me whenever I needed. It calms me and sends me to a little world that is just my own. I pretty much listen to every genre out there even a little country now and then. I post weekly playlists a couple times a month so if you ever interested in what I am currently listening to check them out! 

2.)  COOKING

I am a huge FOODIE. I love to eat so much that I consider it a hobby. I am also very adventurous when it comes to food which led me to learn how to cook. Cooking is an art. There is just something so therapeutic in cooking from the prep to the finish product. It gives you a sense of empowerment and accomplishment (especially if it tastes good).

3.) HANGING W/MY LIL BRO

If you have siblings, you know that there are always moments where you wished you were an only child. I was one of them and sometimes I still do wonder a bit haha just kidding. I have two younger siblings, a 18 year-old little sister and a 10 year old little brother. My parents are one of those couples who wanted to try their luck having a kid past their prime and luckily for them they succeeded. I am 14 years older than my little bro who for the sake of privacy I will call him *Doug. While Doug may be only 10 I don't consider him a child he is a miniature adult. He understands things that most people in their 40s still don't get. He also doesn't act like a kid. He enjoys watching horror movies with me and Chinese soap operas with my grandmother and mom. I left for college when he was around 4 so I didn't get a chance to really watch him grow up but anytime I get a chance to hang out with him I take it. He never judges you and just loves you for who you are. 

4.) POKEMON

I know many of you are probably judging me reading this but I got no fucks to give. I am 23 years old and I still play Pokemon... enough said

5.) HORROR MOVIES

This might be kind of ironic but horror movies make me happy. I don't know if it is the scare or just watching other people's miseries it is just something I enjoyed ever since I was born. I was exposed to horror movies at an early age not on purpose. I hung around my older guy cousins growing up and it came with the territory. I love the Saw series and anything with a giant mutated creature. You name it I probably seen it... then again my life is like a horror movie sometimes...

6.) BOOKS

Yes, I actually read for fun I know that this might be shocking to most of you out there. This is something that I have taken for granted over the years. With the pressures of work and school I cherish any time I can get reading a book that is not educational. Reading like music sucks me away into another world, a world where I don't have to give any fucks. And who doesn't want to do that?

7.) NETFLIX

I wish I could get paid watching Netflix. Every since I signed up for one I have been hooked.... more like obsessed. If there was a Netflix anonymous meeting I would probably be the first person there.

8.) HONKING AT PEOPLE

Now before you call me crazy, I only honk at pretentious asshole drivers who think they are Vin Diesel. I don't know what is wrong with some of the drivers out there today. Is it really that hard to use your turn signal? Did your teacher ever taught you the word STOP? Are you really that selfish or blind that you have to take up 2 parking spaces for your smart car? I mean come on people...

9.) HANGING OUT W/MY FRIENDS

My friends are some of the best people I know especially the ones who have stuck around this long and if you know me believe me that I am not an easy person to be with. Anytime I am with them my worries just go away. They are always there for me no matter what time of the day or how silly of a problem I have. As Jerry McGuire says "You complete me"

10.) CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKES

I am not a big chocolate person, but I am ALWAYS DOWN for a chocolate milkshake. I was deprived of this when I was younger. My grandmother told me that I would be arrested if I ever drank one and my parents told me that they were drugs in them. As I got older and wiser obviously I knew better and drank them whenever I could especially with french fries... god I am so Americanized... 

Tips for Flawless Looking Skin

With spring here and summer just around the corner it is time to kick our skincare in high gear and get that flawless looking skin! 

TIP #1 DRINK LOTS OF WATER

This one is a no brainer and a lot of you out there are either already doing it or know a little something about it.  Drinking lots of water not only keeps your body hydrated but flushes out unwanted toxins in your body which can damage your skin. It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day ranging from 8-16 ox per glass depending on how much you can handle. I usually try to get in at least a gallon a day give or take and my skin not only looks better but I feel better because of it. If you don't really like to drink water or just get bored from it infuse your water with fruits like lemons, limes, berries and cucumbers. Try to stay away from the flavor waters at the store as they tend to contain chemicals and unnatural flavorings that are not so good for you.  

TIP #2 CLEANSE, CLEANSE,  CLEANSE 

As women we all have those days where we just wanna skip washing our faces and just dive into bed with our makeup on. I have been guilty of doing it on several occasions and every time it has had backfired. So no matter how tired or lazy you might be WASH YO FACE!!! Besides the makeup dirt does build on your skin throughout the day especially if you go outside your home. By not cleansing your skin all that makeup, dirt and oil will get trapped and form bacteria that can cause breakouts, acne and so forth. It is okay once in awhile to use just the facial cloths to cleanse the skin on those days where you can't barely function but don't take it for granted... 

TIP #3 WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

The phrase beauty from within is very relevant when it comes to our skin. In order to look and feel good about ourselves on the outside we must look and feel good inside. Let's be honest, eating healthy is HARD but not impossible to accomplish. It is all about achieving and maintaining balance and listening to your body. Try to stick with lean protein like chicken or fish, fruits and of course veggies. Avoid foods that are too processed and high in unhealthy fats and calories. And of course don't be afraid to indulge every once in awhile. If your body is craving that seven layer chocolate cake then go for it! As long as you are not eating chocolate cake everyday for your meals you are fine. Food deprivation can only lead to bad eating habits which in turn can make you look and feel horrible. Life is short so enjoy it. 

TIP #4 EASY ON THE MAKEUP

Makeup is awesome! I LOVE LOVE LOVE makeup but wearing globs of it everyday doesn't do anyone any good. Makeup shouldn't be used to hide our imperfections but rather enhance them because it what makes you well YOU. Try to keep your makeup routine to a minimal on an everyday basis and go all out for special occasions and don't forget to take days off and just let your skin breathe. 

TIP #5 WEAR SPF

Growing up our moms always chased us around telling us to put on our sunscreen. Well if your mom did that go and send her a gigantic gift basket. SPF not only protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays which can cause skin cancer it also protects your skin from free radicals, premature aging and wrinkles, and sun spots. Even when it is cold outside sun rays can still penetrate the skin so wear SPF EVERY SINGLE DAY for as long as you live.  To make it easier to remember to put on everyday buy a day moisturizer that already contains a SPF. (Try to find a SPF 15 or higher) 

Si's Life: Chinese New Year '15

Hey guys I apologize for putting this up so late. I misplaced the photos on my computer and had a bit of a time trying to locate the file but after a couple hours of searching I was able to recover most of the photos. So as most of you probably know by now I am Chinese so I celebrate Chinese New Year. Unlike New Year's here in the states we actually don't celebrate till February due to the lunar year calendar and all that I won't go into the history. But this year is extra special because it is the year of the SHEEP (not a fucking goat...)!!! And as you can guess I am a sheep on the zodiac. I also share this year with two other members of my family; my uncle and my grandfather from my mom's side. 

Because the majority of my family is in China, the family that I have here don't totally go ALL OUT. We do celebrate with a party with family and some family friends that consists of LOTS of food and alcohol (of course) and watching the Chinese New Year's concerts broadcasted over my parent's satellite dish. It is always a fun affair and who doesn't like to watch & record drunk relatives making a fool out of themselves. Unfortunately due to strict laws of fireworks here in the states we don't do them. The fireworks used in the new year celebrations are 10 times more powerful than the average Fourth of July fireworks. They sound more like nuclear bombs. And as much as I would like to annoy my parent's pesky neighbors I had to refrain. Going to jail for those pesky neighbors would not have been worth it. Anyway I wanted to share some of the food that was part of the celebration. The main dish is usually dumplings but that can vary with different family traditions. Along with the dumplings there are usually tons of side dishes because eating too much dumplings can get boring. 

DUMPLINGS (2 TYPES: PORK & TOFU)

SIDE DISHES 

TOP LEFT: SAUTÉED CHINESE BLACK MUSHROOMS W/CARROTS & EGG

TOP RIGHT: CHINESE COLESLAW (A FAMILY FRIEND MADE THIS I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WAS IN IT)

BOTTOM LEFT: SOBA NOODLE SALAD

BOTTOM RIGHT: MA PO TOFU

COLD SLICED BEEF

DESERT TABLE

TABLE SETTING

Si's Life: GET TO KNOW ME 50 RANDOM FACTS

50 RANDOM FACTS

I wanted to take a little break from my beauty reviews and try something new. I wasn't very sure what I wanted to blog about so I went on YouTube to try to find some inspiration. I came across a couple of random fact videos which surprisingly I really enjoyed watching. So I thought why not do a blog post version of it? So here goes! 

1. I have an unhealthy obsession with pandas, llamas and alpacas.

2. If my career path doesn't work out as planned I am going to move to Peru and become a llama farmer.

3. I think doughnuts so be their own food group.

4. I am bilingual. I speak both Mandarin and English fluently English being my second language.

5. I have been 4'11 since high school (I am 23 years old right now)

6. I am missing a bone in each pinky which allows me to bend it really far back and gross people out.

7. I like to eat blueberry muffins with bacon 

8. I hate eating raw blueberries and only like them in muffins and yogurts.

9. I apparently have serious facial expressions which people misinterpret as anger.

10. I once finished a whole pack of colored Goldfish crackers in less than a hour.

11. I love to cook.

12. My chili is out of this world.

13. I am a very fast reader.

14. Netflix is my one true love and no one can really compete against it.

15. I have 4 kidneys, 3 non-functioning and 1 functioning.

16. If I am really hungry I can eat about 5 times my size.

17. With all the makeup I have accumulated over the years I could probably open up my own department store.

18. I own over 30 pairs of jeans.

19. I love high top sneakers.

20. Chachi Mama sweatpants are probably one of the best things ever invented.

21. Over the last year or so I begun to hate pants so I have been wearing leggings almost everyday. 

22. Despite living in Florida for over 10 years I still hate the weather.

23. My favorite food is fried rice.

24. The only time I really eat salmon is when my mom makes it with kewpie mayo which sounds disgusting but is actually delicious.

25. I am Chinese.

26. I think stupidity is contagious.

27. I don't mind spiders but snakes ugh...

28. Growing up I had many interesting pets like giant bullfrogs, tarantulas, a crow, and even grasshoppers,

29. When I was little my best friend was a big white fluffy chicken whom I raised from the egg.

30. On my fourth birthday my chicken friend disappeared. Later that night my grandmother made chicken for dinner. 

31. I loved Grey's Anatomy so much that I finished 10 seasons in less than 2 months.

32. Sometimes I pretend I'm Kevin Spacey's character in House of Cards.

33. While most people love Olivia Pope on Scandal I think she is a whiny little B****. I don't think she is badass at all her job is but not her.

34. I only listen to Taylor Swift songs when other artists sing them.

35. I managed to solve most of the crime on Law and Order: SVU before the episode ends.

36. I have really bad luck with cell phones. One was ran over by a car and another one flew out of my hand when a skateboarder ran into me. 

37. I always intended on being a lawyer but when registering for my major my college messed up and I ended up with psychology instead of English. It was the best mistake of my life. I am currently pursuing a MA degree in Rehab Counseling. 

38. I can eat spicy tunas like no other.

39. I have terrible allergies when I am in the States however as soon as I go back to China my allergies disappear.

40. I have great relationships with many of my former grade school and high school teachers. They are some of the best people I have ever met.

41. I think it is cool when British people lose their accents when they sing.

42. I am a HUGE TV junkie.

43. My Chinese food cooking skills need a little work.

44. My grandmother is the most important person in my life. 

45. I will never get tired reading the Alex Cross series by James Patterson.

46. Jerry Springer lives about 20 minutes away from the home I grew up in.

47. My whole life (school, work etc.) revolves around the computer.

48. I collect purses and t-shirts from all around the world.

49. Despite living in Florida I hate the beach.

50. I often have eating competitions with my 10 year old little brother who weighs 5 more pounds than I do. I am 110 pounds. He usually wins. 

GOBBLE GOBBLE Tips & Tricks for a Delicious & Easy Thanksgiving

Tip & Trick #1- BRINE THAT BIRD!!!

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Brining is an extremely popular cooking technique that treats meats especially poultry like turkey, by seeping  the meat in a brine mixture (usually just salt and cold water) it not only flavors the bird but also helps keep its moisture. It is a technique that tends to show up a lot during the holidays especially Thanksgiving. While popular it isn't a technique many people are fond of because of the extra time it takes however this one little extra step will ensure you and your family a perfectly cooked bird.

The brine in the brining process is usually just a mixture of salt and water, however over the years this has changed. Now and days people add herbs, spices, whatever they really like in order to flavor and keep their meat moist and juicy. The brining process does take some time usually 12-24 hours before the meat is cooked. To make it a bit simpler for you guys here is a quick trick: Put your turkey in a large pot or brining bag (you can get this at grocery stores) and pour in Italian Dressing, yes Italian Dressing and then poor enough cold water to cover the bird. Put it in the fridge and let it sit overnight. The next day take your bird out rinse under cold water and then pat dry with paper towels (You don't want any water on the bird before you cook it otherwise the skin won't crisp up). You can add whatever other seasonings you like to your bird at this point. Italian dressing is basically just oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices basically what you usually add to a brine so instead of getting your hands all dirty and having to buy and put in every ingredient separately, all you need is a couple bottles of Italian Dressing. It usually takes around 2 bottles of dressing for a 16 pound bird but you can adjust accordingly to your tastes.

Tip & Tricks #2- COOK/ PREPARE SIDES AHEAD OF TIME

To save you guys from stress and agony when it comes time to cooking Thanksgiving dinner this tip will sure keep you happy. Certain side dishes like cranberry sauce and pie can be cooked ahead of time and kept in the fridge for when you need it. You can also partially boil your potatoes the night before and finish cooking them the morning off. This usually saves you a good amount of time between making everything else. Another thing you can prepare are your casseroles. You can either mix the ingredients together and set aside for it to be cooked on Thanksgiving day or make and cook ahead of time and them freeze them and just heat them up when it comes time to serving. The only thing you should be stressed about is the bird and not the side dishes.

Tip & Trick #3- PREMADE IS OKAY!!!

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No matter if you are a professional chef or a home cook we always need a bit of help. There is no shame in buying dishes pre-prepared for you especially if you have a big family to serve. Stores these days can cook up a whole Thanksgiving dinner so don't fret if there are one or two things you just don't have time to make. Plan out your dinner and for the dishes you simply don't have the time to make and your relatives are just to lazy to help save yourself the stress and go to a store and just order your dishes for the people there to make. You can always pass it off as your own, I won't say anything ;)

And lastly just enjoy. As cliche as it sounds holidays are a time to get together with love ones whom we don't get to see as often due to the stress of our everyday busy busy lives. So try not to stress and make sure you end up in a food coma with a food baby at the end of the day!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!