#plus CHILLI OIL AND FRESH CHILLIES

[nest-being]

all the best things in life are bound to hurt a little bit (extra crunchy bahn mi roll when you take that first bite)

[boyjoan]

might be buying a camera today!!!

[thornsnvultures]

the big bad wolf

wolfman!steve harrington x plus size!fem!reader

summary: when your boyfriend ditches you at steve harrington's halloween party for another girl, you go to leave, only to run into the man himself. steve's costume doesn't look like much but you're about to find out there's more to him than meets the eye. <3k words

cw: 18+ NSFT, a shitty boyfriend, flirty!steve, making out, oral sex (fem rec), pussy slapping, nipple play, super hairy!steve, p in v sex, unprotected sex, creampie, knotting, mid sex transformation, bad little red riding hood jokes (steve calls her little red)

a/n: moodboard by me, divider by @/saradika

"What are you supposed to be?"

Your sniffling is cut short and you jump in surprise, not realizing you weren't alone. Steve Harrington stands in the shadows, leaning up against the side of his house, the lit end of his cigarette the only thing just barely illuminating his face. You brush at the rumpled edges of your costume, straightening out the many layers of fabric as you try to pull yourself together and not look so pathetic in front of Hawkins royalty.

"Can't you tell?" You huff, not in the mood to be toyed with.

"Red dress, red cape, basket of goodies," Steve smirks, his eyes catching on your exposed legs and staying there as he takes another drag. "What brings you to my neck of the woods, Little Red?" Steve steps closer, inching his way towards you as he drops his cig and stomps it out. "On your way to grandma's? I think you might be lost, Little Red."

The smirk on Steve's face makes your insides boil. You've already been put through enough tonight, you don't need any more from him.

"I'm not lost. Just needed some fresh air."

"I like the getup," Steve smirks, circling you, fingers lightly toying with the ends of your skirt.

You pull yourself away from Steve's curious fingers, backing away from him even as he advances on you. Like he's getting a kick out of fucking with you.

"What are you supposed to be anyway?" You ask, waving your hands in confusion at his costume, or lack there of. He's mostly shirtless, his surprisingly hairy chest is exposed behind an open denim vest. Your stomach flipped taking in his sweaty, well defined torso and thick arms. It was strange that he looked this sweaty at the end of October, maybe he oiled himself up? Or ran a few laps around his fancy pool before his party guests came over? You stifled a laugh, biting your lips.

"You can't tell?" Steve lifted his arms and did a little spin. You might've checked out his ass in his perfectly fitted jeans when he did. "I'm the big bad wolf."

His grin at least was wolfish, he looked at you like he wanted to eat you up. Steve laughed when you didn't say anything, just quirking a brow at him, clearly not amused by his teasing.

"Yeah okay, Steve." His smile dropped when you rolled your eyes but you were past caring. You needed to get out of here, away from this stupid party and the idiot you came here with. Not that he cared if you left or not. You felt your throat close up and willed yourself to stop, to not fall apart now, especially not in front of Steve who would only tease you more.

You looked back inside one more time only to catch a glimpse of your date, who had ditched you halfway through the night for some other girl. His hands were around said girl, swaying to the heavy, pulsing music blasting inside.

Steve was watching you watch them. You knew he figured out your little dilemma when his wolfish grin returned. That was it. You're walking home. Maybe not the best idea, walking that far on your own on Halloween night in this silly getup, but anything would be better than hanging around here.

"Hey! Wait up, Little Red!" You heard Steve follow you as you stormed through the crunching fallen leaves that the chilly autumn air had left strewn across Steve's lawn.

"Go bother someone else," you snapped, spinning around to face him. Steve was much closer than you anticipated when you stopped. You were face to face with his solid chest, nearly colliding with him if you hadn't pulled back at the last second.

"You're not walking home, are you?" Steve's hands were on your arms now. Big and warm and firm, holding you in place so you couldn't bolt.

"It's none of your business," you still tried to tug out of his grasp but it was no use, a fact that terrified and excited you in ways you didn't want to think to hard about.

"Oh I know," Steve nodded his head, pouting in a patronizing way that made you want to slap him. "But I can't bear to watch you stray from the path," he nodded to the woods behind his house, pitch black but for the full moon shining through the leaves of the trees. "There's monsters on these woods, little girl," Steve tugged you closer until his lips were by your ear. "You'll get eaten right up."

His words, and the heat of his breath on your skin, sent a shiver down your spine. A bird flew by just then with a screech making you jump in his grasp. Steve chuckled and let you go

"If you want to walk home, Red, be my guest. Or...," Steve dragged out that small word, tugging at one of the bows on your dress, one right by your breast. Your chest heaved with the shaking breath you took as you b watched him, inadvertently pressing your flesh into his hand more. Steve smirked and tugged at it again. "I can make sure you get home safe and sound."

"But it's your party-"

"Nobody in there gives a fuck about me," Steve growled. You suddenly felt like his declaration was true, maybe he was the big bad wolf. His mood had soured significantly, but he still looked at you expectantly, waiting for your answer.

"Okay. Sure. Thank-," you began to whisper, looking down at your feet.

Steve grabbed your chin, cutting you off and forcing you to look up at him. "You can thank me later. Let's get you to grandma's house."

Steve grabbed his keys and hopped in his Beemer with you. He was right. No one stopped him to ask where he was going, when he'd be back. You guessed a guy with parents constantly out of town, the rules for house parties were a bit more relaxed.

Steve, it seemed like, was anything but relaxed. Even after he lit up another cigarette in the car, he was wound tight.

His hand never left yours either. He held it as he dragged you to his car and for most of the car ride he kept his right hand on your thigh. Occasionally he would rub circles on your skin with his thumb or give your plush thigh a squeeze. Almost like he was grounding himself with your presence. His hands were burning hot on your skin.

When he finally pulled up to your building, he stopped you with his hand on your arm before you could open the door to get out.

"Steve?"

"You haven't said thank you yet."

"Thank you." You moved to get out again but Steve was still holding your arm.

"Uh-uh, Little Red. Try again. You have something I want."

You swallowed tightly at the hungry look in his eye. "The goody basket is empty," you shook it around, trying for a laugh to break the tension. Steve couldn't be implying what you thought he was. This was Steve Harrington, he could have any girl in Hawkins he wanted. Apparently, at least for tonight, that girl was you.

"Very funny," Steve grabbed your chin again, this time pulling you close until his lips were on yours. And you were letting him. God his lips were soft. Plush and smooth. He tasted so good you found that one kiss wasn't enough. Neither were two or three.

"You taste so good, Little Red," Steve groaned into your mouth. "Bet you taste good all over."

A whine spilled from your lips that shocked you with how needy it sounded. Steve was an asshole, sure, but he had already done more for you tonight than your boyfriend. Sorry, ex-boyfriend.

"Let me taste you, baby. Give me what I want."

"Do you always get what you want, Steve?" Your question is said before you realize you're saying it. You knew the answer already.

Steve chuckled and stroked your cheek with his thumb. "More or less. Are you going to be a good girl for me and give me what I want? I'll warn you, I do bite." Steve nips at your jaw and you shudder and paw at his bare arms.

"Yes. Take it, take me."

Steve rushes the both of you into your apartment, helping you when you fumble with your keys. Your roommate isn't home, out at some party of her own. So you don't feel so bad about the noises you make when Steve finally gets you inside.

You move to unzip your dress but Steve bats your hands away. "Leave it on. For now." He does, however, tear your tights off, shredding the thin white fabric off like it's made of tissue paper. "Steve," you whine as he spreads your legs up and open.

"Hold these for me," he grabs your hands and puts them on your thighs, making sure you're holding yourself open just the way he wants as he sheds off his denim vest. "So pretty, baby." Steve brings his hand down with a harsh slap down your clothed pussy. His thumb works over the wet spot already growing in the center and he kneels in front of you at the edge of your bed.

Steve tugs your underwear up your spread thighs and off of you. You don't see where they go after, but you don't hear them hit the floor.

Steve bites and licks at your thighs, his teeth sharp like pin pricks, ones that send shivers down your spine and make your pussy weep even more. He sucks marks into your thick thighs, taking you apart before he's even got his mouth on your cunt. But once he does, holy fuck, it feels like heaven.

His mouth descends on your pussy and you bother holding back your scream. Steve's tongue is long and deliciously thick, wrapping around your clit and sucking the soul out of you, filling you with his tongue until you're seeing stars.

"That's it, baby, that's it. Come all over my face. Tastes so fucking good." Steve adds one thick finger after another until you feel so full like you're about to burst. And with a few more licks you do, tugging on Steve's hair, your thighs squeezing his head as you ride out your orgasm on his tongue.

Steve gently kisses your bruised thighs, your soft belly. His face looks... different, harsher. You can't quite explain it, especially not in your post-orgasm haze.

"My, my what big teeth you have," you laugh as Steve nibbles up your belly, finally tugging you free of your silly costume. You lift up so he can slip it all the way off and admire your breasts, aching and waiting for his mouth.

"All the better to eat you with, my dear." Steve's words are a little slurred and you can't help but wonder just how pussy drunk he is. You know he wasn't drunk drunk, or if he was he hid it well until now.

Steve licked and sucked at your nipples, taking his time to pay attention to each one, plucking and pulling at them until you were keening, writhing on your bed and begging for more.

You gripped his forearms as his fingers worked deftly over your body. Were they always this...hairy? Not that you had a problem with hair, you loved a guy with body hair and Steve seemed to have plenty of it. Just, more than you remember.

"Steve, please," you whined, feeling yourself inching closer to the edge from the attention he was paying to your breasts. His leg wedged between yours and you found yourself unable to stop from grinding against his muscular thigh, greedy for more.

"Please what? What do you need, Little Red?" Steve's voice was deep, almost like a growl, the sound shooting straight to your pussy.

"Need you. Need you inside. Fuck me," you begged, not caring how pathetic you sounded. It had been so long since you felt this good. If your ex was getting this kind of action with someone else, fuck it, you would to. Steve wasn't playing around anymore. He was giving you what you needed, taking from you what he wanted. And you wanted to give it to him, to give him everything.

You ran your fingers through the hair on his chest when Steve bent down to kiss you, a deep, blistering kiss that made your mind go numb even as you questioned again if his chest hair was this thick earlier.

Steve pulled away with a growl and quickly tore off his jeans, chucking them across the room.

"Oh fuck," you groaned at the sight of Steve's cock before he flipped you over on the bed. Part of you was concerned about him fitting, but that part was quickly squashed when you felt him rub the tip through your folds.

"You on birth control?"

"Yes," you gasped, the word barely leaving your lips before he was pushing inside, bare. "Oh my god, Steve."

Steve pulled out again to lift your hips more, adjusting you to the angle he needed before slamming back inside. You screamed into your pillow, clawing at your sheets as Steve worked his cock inside, fucking deeper into your cunt with every thrust. You could feel every ridge and vein rubbing deliciously against your walls.

"That's it, baby. Doing so good for me." Steve kissed down your spine and his lips felt... different. You could barely focus on anything but the delicious stretch of his cock, but that mouth. It felt like... fangs, like he could barely fit his sharp teeth in his mouth.

Steve nuzzled into your hair, your neck, breathing you in a he rutted into you at a brutal pace. If his big hands weren't wrapped around your waist, pulling you back to meet his heavy strokes, your head would've broken through your headboard by now. You could feel his chest hair rubbing across your back, feel his heart hammering, breathing hard.

"Steve," you whined, overwhelmed by all these confusing, amazing sensations.

"Shh, I got you, baby." Steve reached under you, squeezing your belly before dipping between your thighs to rub your swollen, achy clit. Your mind was racing with unanswered questions, but they were pushed to the back of your mind until the pleasure was all you could think about. You felt so fucking full from his cock, pounding into you over and over, so deep in your guts you could feel him in your throat.

"Feels so good, baby. Taking my cock so well. Think you can handle more?"

"More?" You didn't know what more was or if you could even handle it but you wanted it, you were already nodding your head saying, "yes yes yes".

Just as you felt a pressure in your pussy begin to swell, like a balloon expanding inside your pussy, pushing at your walls like nothing you'd ever felt before, you turned your head and locked eyes in your vanity mirror with... something.

It was Steve, but it wasn't. He looked like a Wolfman straight out of the movies. Something horrible with giant fangs and fur along his jaw, torso and arms, but something so... Steve. It was Steve, but it wasn't.

Steve looked shocked, not realizing the damn mirror was there, but he was already coming. His monstrous yellow eyes softening at the sight of your blissed out face. He exploded inside you, filling your cunt with a shout, a long low growl, as he filled you more than you've ever been filled. His fingers on your clit pushed you over the edge with him and you came, clenched down on the protrusion on his cock that was keeping his cum locked inside you.

Steve removed his hand from between your legs and you saw it, the claws at the ends of his fingers.

"Steve," you gasped

"I'm sorry. I tried to warn you," you scoff, "I shouldn't have- I thought I could control it," he clenched his fist as he spoke, hiding his claws from you.

You could barely wrap your head around it, how the man you knew had suddenly become a beast. But you've also never been fucked so good in your life. It was a lot to take in.

Your mind reeled as Steve turned you on your side, still locked inside your pussy, which felt bizarre but oddly comforting, and snuggled up behind you, wrapping his strong arms around you.

"You really are the big bad wolf."

"I told you so."

"I thought you were fucking with me," you smack Steve's arm and he chuckles behind you, the low sound vibrating through your chest. "Why would I believe you?"

"Your right, I should've said something. I thought I could control it, but with the full moon and how fucking sexy you looked in the costume-"

"I looked ridiculous."

"You looked so hot. It's just my luck that your boyfriend's a piece of shit."

"Lucky me," you laugh, leaning back into Steve's chest. "So what's up with your dick?"

"Oh yeah." You're sure Steve's blushing under his fur. "It's my knot. We might be stuck together like this for a while."

"Hmm. Fine. You can show me what other weird stuff you've got going on tomorrow then."

You close your eyes, relaxing into Steve's hold on you. For a moment he think you've fallen asleep until you speak again.

"Oh my, what a big cock you have," you mumble, already half asleep.

Steve laughs, being careful not to jostle you too much. "All the better to fuck you with, Little Red."

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hi love, I was wondering if I could have HC or comfort fic with the sleep token boys ❤️ I’m going through a breakup and would love to read something sweet

Know that you are so loved! Sending you the biggest hug🫂

Vessel

He’s a king of little talking but big gestures. Words are overrated as it is. You can speak them but don’t mean them. Plus, he doesn’t need to hear you say it, he can see that you’re not feeling the best. That something is bothering you so to little things he turns. “Hey”, a little knock on the bedroom door makes you turn towards the sound. And there stands Vessel. Flowers beneath his arm, balancing a tray with grilled cheese and canned tomato soup.

He carefully places everything on the nightstand before turning to you. “I didn’t burn the house down making that”, Vess nods patting his own shoulder, “So you got to try it, let me know if I improved”. You know that his grilled cheese has always been amazing but it’s his way of making sure you eat. So you try to not fight it even if it’s hard.

He’s so fucking patient too. You could be stirring that soup around for a hot minute and he would not rush you. Encourage a spoonful or two along the way but let you take your own time.

He also talks so much in moments like this. It’s his way of drowning out the noises in your head. “You know I saw this sign today that said five bucks to cuddle a baby cow”, he shakes his head, “I had to talk myself out of it but we could always go back there together”.

And then because he loves physical touch - that’s how he shows love. He would wrap you up in a blanket and then cuddle you the whole night. Softly humming random bits from the albums or new tunes he’s been working on. Letting you slowly run your fingers up and down his lower stomach. Kissing your forehead every time you sigh.

iii

He is all fun and games until his baby is not feeling well. Then all shit is packed up. Unless of course, he can see that he could slowly crack away the clouds with his stupid jokes.

“Tell me”, there’s no what’s wrong questions with him. As he reaches for you. “Just… I don’t know how to even describe it”, you huff, slowly pulling at the roots of your hair. “Then don’t”, iii is quick to pull your hands closer to his lips kissing them each. “How does a bath with those bath bombs we got yesterday sound like?”, he carefully brushes strands of hair away from your face, watching you nod.

And that’s how you end up pressing against his chest, sitting in between his legs, slowly running your fingers up and down his thighs. He’s playing with your hair, twisting strands around his fingers. “Your fingers are turning into prunes”, he chuckles lifting your palms, “Should we get out?”. But you shake your head and so he doesn’t make a move. Only wrap an arm across your chest, knowing that the pressure and weight of it will slowly let the anxiety ease.

“I feel like eating chilly oil noodles”, you mutter after a while. “Eggs and lots of cheese?”, he asks with a hum. You turn to him slightly with a nod. Iii simply smiles at you, leaning in to kiss you, “Say no more baby, I got you”.

ii

I think the roles are rarely reversed. It’s mostly you weathering his storms but man when shit hits your fan and he needs to watch you crumble, that messes him up. Because watching the main source of light in his life slowly fading. That’s terrifying. So ridden in pure panic he tries to do his best to make it better.

So he’s waking up early, carefully slipping out of bed to hit the shops. Buying fresh fruits and pastries. Grabbing you your favorite drink from the coffee shop you told him about. Fuck it man even stands in a book section reading the backs of silly romances and whatnot, because hey if that might bring a smile to your face - he’s doing it.

He tries to appear as calm as possible not wanting this to turn into you worrying about him instead. But he watches your every move like there is no tomorrow. “Are we putting on another film or do you want to read?”, he asks after a while of you both just rotting beneath the blankets downstairs. You don’t answer him but snuggle deeper into his chest.

He lets you run your fingers through his tattoos. If you want he would run you through all the back stories of them even if you know them by heart by now. “Is your fave still this one?”, ii point to his lower stomach and hips, and you give him a lazy nod, “Nothing beats that”, you mutter. “Should put it on full display then”, he quickly yanks his hoodie over his head giving you a glorious view of his bare chest making you chuckle slightly and his heart ease along the way.

iv

I think he would also love to just remind you of the things you love and the things that make you feel better. You like morning/evening walks? Even if you don’t feel like going he would find a way to drag you out of the house. “I promise to buy you ice cream as a reward”, he flicks your nose, “and I promise you, you will feel so much better”. So he drives to a nice park. Holds your hand the entire time you walk. Watching you slowly start to enjoy the activity. You stop by to watch a sunset or a sunrise depending on the time you walk. And it’s one of those yeah I am alive moments. Ivy has an arm warped around you. Watching you watch the nature surrounding you both.

He would offer to take you to little places you love. You love clothes shopping? He would take you. You like browsing random stores? Say no more. He would come with you and smell all the candles. “Get that too, that in the living room”, he mutters adding yet another candle into the cart.

“I remember you said that you wanted to try pottery painting so I got us a kit”, he mutters, walking in with boxes of stuff. You can’t believe that he would remember something so random. And it’s just take-out boxes, and a bottle of nice wine as you both paint and doodle on the plates Iv picked out. It’s quality time over anything and with every stolen glance he can see the way you slowly start to flicker with happiness again.

[forkfulofflavor]

Baked Chickpeas with Butternut Squash Ingredients: 2 15-oz cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed 1.5 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces (about 4 rounded cups) 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup half-and-half 3 garlic cloves, peeled 6-8 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon) Freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, divided (about 10-15 sprigs) 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to top Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the cubed butternut squash and garlic cloves on the baking sheet, drizzling with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until the squash is tender. Set aside to cool but keep the oven on. In a food processor, blend together the milk, half-and-half, roasted garlic, chopped sage, 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper. Add half of the roasted butternut squash (about 2 cups) and blend until smooth. In a small-medium casserole dish (1.5 - 2.5 quarts), combine the chickpeas and remaining roasted squash. Pour the butternut squash sauce over the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Top generously with grated Parmesan and the remaining fresh thyme leaves, and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes, until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese melts. Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the Parmesan slightly, watching closely to prevent burning. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 This Baked Chickpeas with Butternut Squash dish is an ode to cozy fall flavors with tender butternut squash, nutty chickpeas, and a creamy sauce infused with fresh sage and thyme. The roasted garlic and Parmesan add a rich, savory depth that makes every bite warming and comforting. It’s the perfect side or main for a chilly evening meal, bringing together wholesome ingredients in a simple yet elegant casserole. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity; it's easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides or enjoy on its own. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a quick weekday meal, this Baked Chickpeas with Butternut Squash casserole is sure to please with its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and delightful aroma. It’s a seasonal favorite that brings a comforting, home-cooked touch to any table.

[carelessflower]

saturday recap 🧃🎀

PACKED DAY

fit check, anti jinx i love LOVE this snoopy shirt tho this outfit give off spring summer vibe more than winter

i have to go to kinda like coffee shop/cat cafe place where I worked at and I had watermelon milk shake. so good and fresh and obviously sweet

look at the kitties today!! the one who used to be so friendly with me so grumpy today :((( doesn't even let me pet him much. and eepy kitties. the one sleeping near my bag is warming up today with me anti jinx anti jinx!!

more meowtie, this one let me pet so much, the owner even asked me how can I pet it cause usually it doesn't allow people to pet hehe, it even moved his head along with my palm when I stopped petting its head. funny story it was hiding under the chair and I come close wanting to pet then another cat came up and pushed my destined kitty out of the way and then the kitty just like slapped the other one. like that one doesn't even want pet, it just wanna ruin other getting pet. and when I sit on chair they suddenly come near and sit like that lmaoo

this place is like having a pop up stores like key chains, clothes, hair clips, brushes, postcards. i wanna buy all but I dont have enough money :(((

but i did got this keychain heheehe, look at me styling my bags, which one better thoooooo? (also I basically got the most expensive one and got like a spa voucher or something)

then we went to lunch, trying out this like chinese-vietnamese restaurant that famous for their crab sticky rice (expensive asf), the restaurant decor so pretty tho, that lights decoration ughhh

ranking of the food again

crab sticky rice: 8.8/10. very solid crab sticky rice. i love the crunchy outside and the fried scallion and the peeled crab meat within the rice. the pickled is so perfect for it

sea food stir fried vermicelli: 9/10. the seasoning is sawr good, with a tiny bit of spice to kick off the flavor and yk I love spice. also there scallops which is a big plus

thú linh nướng (grilled end part of pork large intestine): 9.5/10. i love love the crunchiness and the fattiness and the flavor and dipped it with chilli sauce is the best feeling ever

dried pangasius kunyit hotpot: 8/10, the broth is good, the fish is fatty and crunchy enough but im just too full lmao

after that we went to this mega big coffee & dessert exhibition on its final day, like there so many sections and also some of them not even coffee or desserts they like appliances and also Korean food?? all the things I tried

coffee, very bitter

black tea, so rich in that black tea flavor tho im afraid im not gonna be able to digest all that caffeine

a dumpling with extra spicy chili oil, it so good

red bean and durian mochi, decent

some cheese cake snack, dont like cheese much tho

chocolate flavored nuts, so so good like it amazing

durian flavored chocolate, it taste all durian and no chocolate

ended up buying the chocolate hehe, the tiramisu chocolate is sooo good, also got dark chocolate one, yogurt chocolate and another brand durian chocolate

[askwhatsforlunch]

Chilli and Tomato Pasta (Vegan)

Even on a grey and chillier Summer's day, one fancies fresh herbs and vegetables. They are ripe and full of flavour, and all the fresher if picked in one's kg!! And they make this Chilli and Tomato Pasta a beautifully hearty lunch!

Ingredients (serves 3):

1 1/2 cup short whole-wheat pasta (such as tortiglioni or farfalle)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 fluffy sprigs Garden Parsley 

1/3 red chili pepper

a small Green Onion

a large, ripe heritage tomato (such as Marmande or Black Krim)

1 garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon fleur de sel or sea salt flakes

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 1/2 tablespoon Modena Balsamic Vinegar

1 teaspoon caster sugar

half a dozen Garden Cherry Tomatoes

In a pot of salted boiling water, cook tortiglioni according to package’s directions, about 9 minutes until al dente.

In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Finely chop Garden Parsley, add to the skillet, and fry, 1 minute.

Thinly slice red chili pepper, and stir in as well.

Thinly slice Green Onion, and stir into the skillet, keeping a little of the chopped green part for garnish.

Roughly dice Marmande tomato, and stir into the skillet, with all its juice. Increase heat to high. Cook, 3 to 4 minutes, until tomato collapses into a sauce.

Stir in minced garlic. Season with fleur de sel and black pepper.

Finally, deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar. Cook, 1 minute, and stir in caster sugar.

Halve Cherry Tomatoes, and stir into the skillet. Cook, 1 minute.

Once the tortiglioni are cooked, drain quickly, saving about 1/3 cup of the cooking water, and stir both into the Balsamic tomato sauce, until the pasta is beautifully coated.

Serve Chilli Tomato Pasta hot, sprinkled with chopped green part of the Green Onion, plus an onion flower, if you have one, and chopped Garden Parsley.

[ourrecipebook]

Minestrone Soup

Serving: 4-6

Ingredients

2 tbsp / 30 ml extra virgin olive oil, plus more to drizzle

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 celery stalks, roughly diced

2 carrots, roughly diced

1 medium zucchini, roughly diced

3 large garlic cloves, finely diced

2 bay leaves (fresh if you have one growing in your garden)

2 fresh rosemary twigs, leaves chopped finely or ½ tsp dried

2 fresh thyme stalks, leaves picked or ½ tsp dried

1 tsp sweet smoked paprika

¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional), adjust to taste

1¼ tsp salt, adjust to taste

2 x 400 g / 14 oz tins quality peeled plum tomatoes

1 large sweet (or regular) potato, cubed into 1.25 cm / 0.5″ dice

150 g / 5.25 oz conchigliette (or other small pasta of choice) or rice (for GF version)

150 g / 5.25 oz savoy cabbage, shredded finely

100 g / 3.5 oz lacinato kale, de-stemmed and shredded finely

1 x 400 g / 14 oz can cannellini beans

black pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat the oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot.

Once the oil gets hot, throw in diced onion, celery, carrot and zucchini (if using). Sauté on a very low heat until soft (15 minutes).

Next, throw in garlic, bay leaves and herbs. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Mix in smoked paprika, chili (if using) and salt. Adjust the amount of chili to taste.

Add canned tomatoes to the pot, squashing them with a wooden spoon once they are in the pot. Add 0.5 liter / 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, until the tomatoes are falling apart. Top up with more water if the pot is looking dry.

Add in about 0.75 liter / 3 more cups of water and cubed potatoes. Once the soup comes to a simmer, count down 5 minutes.

Next add in pasta of choice (use rice for GF version but add it with potatoes as it takes longer to cook). Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 6 minutes before adding shredded cabbage and kale.

Finally add in shredded cabbage, kale and drained beans. Simmer for further 5 minutes – until all the ingredients are fully cooked.

Taste, adjust the seasoning.

Divide between bowls, drizzle each portion with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.

Notes

This soup gets elevated to the next level by a dollop of basil.

(Source)

[crackedpumpkin]

ᴄʜᴇʀʀʏ ʙʟᴏꜱꜱᴏᴍꜱ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴅɪᴍᴇɴꜱɪᴏɴ || ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴛʜɪʀᴛᴇᴇɴ

2k12! Leonardo x Waterbender! reader

“Good morning snoozles.”

April makes an incoherent noise in response, rubbing her puffy eyes with a yawn. 

Y/n pours some jasmine tea into a mug, having just woken up minutes before her. She sets down April’s share on the kitchen island, taking a seat with a tired smile.

April sits down opposite her, picking up the mug and taking a sip. She winces, pulling away at the hot tea. She blows on the surface, cooling it down before taking another sip and humming at the floral aroma that wrapped her in a comfy hug.

“You feeling better?” Y/n glances up from her mug, watching and waiting patiently for a reply.

“Yeah,” April breathes out, “I feel calmer now. Thanks.” She smiles softly at Y/n whose lips curl up into a relieved grin.

“So, I was thinking... I’m kinda mad at the guys too, and maybe we could be roommates for a while?” Y/n asks hesitantly.

April gnaws on her bottom lip in thought before giving a half-hearted shrug. “Sure, why not.” Y/n beams and gets off her stool, approaching April. She wraps her in a brief, but warm hug, letting go quickly. 

“Shall we have some breakfast? I’m not really sure how to use the stove in your apartment.” Y/n suggests. Her new roommate shakes her head, eyes downcast.

“I don’t really feel like going out...” April sighs, picking up her empty cup and washing it in the kitchen sink. 

“Okay.” She nods, “I can cook something here instead! I’m not as good as Katara, but I can still make a decent stew.” She flashes April a confident grin, standing up and heading to the fridge.

“I’ll be in the living room if you need me,” April calls out, exiting the kitchen.

Y/n nods, searching through the cold shelves of the fridge and marvelling at the freshness of the produce inside. She was still amazed by modern devices. When she first got here, Mikey had shown her around the kitchen in their lair. The blender had confused her, but plastic left her bewildered.

Everything was covered in some sort of slippery, transparent paper that kept produce and leftovers from being spoiled in the long run. Mikey had called it ‘cling wrap’, and ‘Ziploc bags’.

She takes out a container from April’s fridge, opens the lid and sniffs its contents. Her nose wrinkles at the foul odour, setting it aside on the island to throw away after confirming it with April. 

After some more rummaging, she finally manages to find some ingredients for seaweed stew and frozen dumplings. She sets down the ingredients on the island, staring at the stove in puzzlement.

Buttons. There were so many buttons. Which was she supposed to press?

“April, you got anything flammable that you wanna get rid of?” Y/n approaches April who’s curled up in a blanket, hiding from the chilly morning air of New York City. The TV was turned on, and a cartoon with ducks was playing.

“Flammable? Why?” 

“I don’t really know how to use the stove, so I figured I’d just do it over a campfire on the rooftop.” Y/n shrugs, taken aback by April’s mildly horrified expression.

“Y/n, you can get in trouble for that here.” April shakes her head with a breathy chuckle, standing up and walking to the kitchen.

“What? But it’s just cooking, plus it’s outdoors!” Y/n protests, following her.

“Well, you need permits here. That means you need to get permission before having some sort of campfire of any kind on public property.” April demonstrates how to turn on the stove and its settings, and Y/n watches her in fascination.

“Looks like you traded in your freedom for convenience,” Y/n comments absentmindedly, making April pause in the middle of returning to the couch.

“Maybe.” 

Y/n stares at the saucepan that was gradually eating up, grabbing some oil and starting to make seaweed stew. As it cooks in the saucepan, she uses a small but flat pan to fry the dumplings, the aroma making her mouth water.

She finishes quickly, her stomach rumbling as if it were ordering her to hurry up. She bends the stew into two bowls on the table, plating the fried dumplings onto separate plates.

“Breakfast is ready!” 

April enters the kitchen, her stomach rumbling faintly at the delicious scent of the dumplings and stew. She sits down, impressed by the food in front of her. “This looks amazing Y/n, but isn’t it a lot for breakfast?” 

Y/n takes her first bite of the stew, sighing blissfully at the familiar taste. The question makes her quirk a brow in response, surprised by April’s question. “It is? What do you guys usually have here?”

“Well, scrambled eggs and bacon, sometimes toast. If I’m in a rush then it’s just toast or a sandwich on the way to school.” April replies after a bite, her brows raised, stunned by the warmth of the tasty stew. She takes another bite. “But I wouldn’t mind eating this every day.”

Y/n grins. “If you like this, wait till you try kale cookies.” Y/n grabs a dumpling and pops it into her mouth whole, only for her eyes to well up with tears as the steaming hot meat inside comes into contact with her tongue. She parts her lips, rapidly inhaling and exhaling quickly in an attempt to cool down the dumpling.

April smiles softly at this, but her smile quickly fades once she’s reminded again of her father, recalling fond memories of them in the morning. Her appetite is now gone, and she sets down her spoon, no longer hungry. 

Y/n notices the half-eaten plate and notes the slight tremble of April’s hands. “I’ll keep the leftovers.” She pipes up, giving April an understanding smile. 

April nods with a shaky grin, nodding gratefully. She leaves the kitchen, only to walk back into her father’s room and lay on his bed.

Y/n grabs the cling wrap, an excited glint in her eye. She covers April’s bowl with a single layer of cling wrap, wrapping it around the sides as well.

What if ants get in?

She wraps another layer around the bowl.

I think it needs one more.

She wraps a final layer around the bowl, placing it inside the fridge where it wobbles slightly from the many layers that surround it. She closes the door with a satisfied hum, quickly washing the dishes and letting them dry.

Sitting down on the couch, she lazes there for a good portion of the afternoon, yawning occasionally and scrolling through the shows mindlessly. Glancing outside, she notices that it’s quickly become evening, and none of her stuff is with her.

“I’m heading out to grab some of my stuff at the lair. Is it alright if I ask Mikey for help? He’ll leave right after and you won’t even need to see him.” Y/n asks from the small gap between the door and the doorframe, only to wince when she sees a dark scowl on April’s face.

“I don’t want to see any of them.” Came her cold reply, turning back around and covering herself in a blanket.

Y/n inhales sharply at her tone. “Alright, I understand.” She leaves the door slightly ajar, shutting the main door behind her after grabbing the spare key she found laying on a small decorative plate on the television console.

She makes her way to the lair, pausing when a squirrel stops in front of her. It sniffs curiously, looking up at her with its bright, beady eyes. Y/n shudders. She had never been too fond of the little creatures. She watches it scamper off into a dark alleyway, dismissing it. 

“Anyone home?” She calls out from the turnstiles, the empty living room making her feel slightly relieved. She didn’t know if she could deal with Donnie’s potentially endless questions about April’s welldoing.

“Y/n.” Master Splinter’s soft but stern voice catches her attention. She approaches him and bows respectfully.

“Have you come for your lessons?” Master Splinter eyes her with a stern glint in his eye. She flinches, an ominous tickle on the back of her neck that makes her shiver at the reminder of the many lessons she’s skipped.

“Yes.” She’s unable to admit her true reason for coming back, following Master Splinter obediently into the dojo. He tosses her a wooden sword which she fumbles but manages to grip the handle tightly.

“Have you been practising?” Master Splinter indirectly chides, his gaze all-knowing.

“Y-yeah, of course!” Y/n tries to bluff with a nervous laugh, squaring her shoulders to appear more confident.

“Then we shall spar. Remember, no water bending.” Master Splinter immediately issues a challenge, holding up his own wooden sword.

Y/n gulps audibly, holding up her own sword shakily. 

“Begin.”

She swings the sword at him clumsily, trying to regain her balance as he dodges the lousy strike. His brows are raised in an unimpressed manner.

Y/n attempts to get into her stance, only for Master Splinter to use his sword and whack her harshly on her left shoulder, right leg, and arms.

“Here, here, and here. They are all out of alignment and keeping you from having a grounded foundation.” He chastises. 

“Ow!” The pain stung, but she knew that he had only used enough strength to scold her, and no bruises would form. She shifts into the correct position, holding her sword defensively.

“Defend.” Master Splinter swings his sword sideways, and Y/n lifts up the blade just in time to parry it, grunting as she struggles to defend herself. 

Master Splinter shakes his head, moving his sword away. “You seem to have been busier with other things, things that are more important than training.” He muses, turning around and setting his sword back onto the wall.

“Wait!” Y/n exclaims, quickly kneeling down and sitting on her calves. “I’m sorry I neglected training. I won’t do it again.” She promises, looking up at her sensei.

He strokes his beard with a hum. “Alright, but do not slack off again. This training is more important than you realize.”

Y/n’s eyes shine with hope, her shoulder sagging with relief. 

“Now, let’s begin from step one all over again.” 

She pales.

Oh, monkey feathers.

“Dude, carry him properly!” Mikey’s cry causes Y/n to misstep and she loses her balance, landing on her side with a groan.

“We shall stop here for today. Be here tomorrow night for our next training session.” Master Splinter instructs. Y/n sits back up with a nod, practically drowning in sweat. 

She stands up with an exhausted groan, her wobbly legs feeling like freshly made jelly. Before the turtles returned from the surface, she had undergone even more gruelling training by Master Splinter in the dojo for three hours.

She puts the sword back in its place and steps out into the living room where she’s greeted by Mikey and Raph carrying an unconscious man.

Master Splinter is already staring at them in stern disapproval, his eyes narrowed into a glare. Leo’s in front of him, trying to explain.

“What’d you bring back? Your next human friend?” Y/n jokes, sitting down on the couch with a happy sigh, elated that training was over.

“Ha ha. Very funny.” Raph rolls his eyes, and they continue to carry him in the direction of Donnie’s lab.

“Master Splinter, let me explain.” Leo’s slightly panicked voice draws her attention, and her eyes linger on his lips for a second too long.

“Indeed.” She snaps out of her daze at Master Splinter’s reply, wincing at his calm tone.

Spirits, what trouble have they gotten into this time?

“Please explain the reason you have brought a complete stranger into our secret, hidden lair.”

Yeah, he’s furious.

“You’ll laugh your whiskers off when you hear this one.” Leo tries to save the situation with a nervous chuckle. The other three join in, all equally timid in the face of their father and sensei.

It’s quickly stopped with a firm knock of Master Splinter’s staff against the floor. 

He glares at his sons with displeasure at the sight before him, waiting impatiently for a satisfactory explanation. They all stiffen and straighten their backs, standing up straight. Even Y/n’s affected, sitting upright on the couch while her back ached in pain.

He indirectly dismisses the other three, focusing only on a stuttering Leo who tries to explain himself.

Donnie hesitates, glancing at Y/n who gives him a slight shake of her head.

Not now, later.

He nods resignedly, entering his lab and shutting the door behind him with a loud clang.

“We were trying to find the lost canisters of mutagen, and we came across a squirrel that had a tongue like a viper’s. It was cornering that man in an alleyway and it ran into his mouth. It’s still inside, so we brought him back here to try and figure out how to get it out.” Leo manages to explain without stuttering, shrinking under his father’s disapproving gaze.

Master Splinter doesn’t blink for a long moment, processing this information. He finally sighs and shakes his head. “I want him out by sunrise.” He orders, turning and heading to his room away from all the trouble.

“Thank you sensei!” Leo exclaims gratefully, beaming from the avoidance of a scolding.

He sits down beside Y/n who immediately relaxes once Master Splinter walks away, slouching against the backrest of the couch.

“So...” He draws out, trying to think of a conversation topic. 

“Oh, I thought you were still avoiding me,” Y/n mutters sarcastically, but she really couldn’t care less about anything else right now other than how exhausted she was.

“I’m sorry about that.” Leo pauses, risking a quick glance at her.

She meets his eyes and he flushes, looking away quickly. She rolls her eyes with a shrug.

Guess we won’t be talking about ‘that’ anytime soon.

“How’s April?” 

Y/n chuckles, finding it ironic how it wasn’t Donnie who asked first.

“April’s doing okay. She does really need time away though.” 

“She still mad at us?”

Y/n sits up with a disbelieving scoff, crossing her arms. “Of course, she’s still mad at you guys, and I am too. I can’t believe that you, out of everyone, chose to leave me out of the loop. I can fight too you know. Been in a war and everything.” She emphasizes, Leo looking down as his cheeks flare scarlet red in shame.

“The point is,” she sighs, “You guys really messed up with Kirby, and everyone else in this city. Plus, you didn’t even apologise to me but instead brushed it aside and acted like nothing ever happened.” Y/n shakes her head slightly, recalling the kiss.

“I know, and I’m really, truly sorry. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” Leo states firmly, turning to face her. She looks at him and nods. 

“Okay then.” She accepts his promise easily, not wanting to hold onto grudges. “Should we go check up on them?”

He nods, standing up and offering his hand for her to take. She grabs it and stands upright with some difficulty, stumbling slightly. His eyes widen in alarm, his hand quickly holding her waist, and pulling their entwined hands to his chest to support her.

Y/n looks up at him.

To her surprise, he doesn’t look away.

Leo clears his throat, and she takes a step back.

“Shall we?” He gestures to the lab’s doors like a gentleman, drawing out a laugh from her.

They enter the lab together, Mikey turning to greet them both. His eyes land on their hands that were still laced with each other’s, and the two quickly pull apart, trying to ignore the way Mikey’s face lights up with a mischievous grin.

“Okay, we’re cool.” Leo walks past Mikey and to the unconscious man, eyeing him with a hint of disgust. “But let's get him out of here before Master Splinter’s done meditating. Where are we at right now Donnie?”

As the two talk, Mikey sidles up next to Y/n who’s observing the guy they brought in.

“So, you and Leo huh?” 

Y/n’s cheeks colour pink, the heat creeping up her neck and spreading across her ears. She whacks Mikey’s arm lightly. “Shush, you.” 

Mikey shrugs, all too happy to have found a new target to tease. The X-Ray of the man’s stomach catches their attention and they all crowd around the computer. Y/n hangs back, slightly grossed out by the picture.

Without warning, the man sits upright and starts blabbering incoherent words.

“Looks like the squirrels made him a little nutty.” Y/n feels her lips quirk upwards at the pun, Leo noticing and smiling proudly.

“Dudes, I got this, I can totally translate crazy,” Mikey assures them, approaching the man and listening to him babble utter nonsense.

“Was that how I sounded like when I first met you?” Y/n whispers to Leo.

“It was even worse.” He whispers back in a joking tone, wincing and rubbing his arm with a low chuckle when Y/n punches him lightly in response.

“He’s sayin': The squirrel ate some ooze and transformed into a mutant. It’s been chasin me for days now but I’m totally okay.” Mikey translates flawlessly.

Y/n raises her brows, impressed by this hidden talent of Mikey’s.

“If by okay you mean totally insane.” Raph’s busy stuffing his face with popcorn, shaking his head when Y/n asks for a piece.

“Well, at least no one will believe a crazy guy when he talks about giant ninja turtles living in a sewer.” Leo points out.

A loud gurgle makes them look back at the man. He groans in pain, laying back down on the table as his body begins to twist and turn, contorting in different, painful ways. 

He suddenly lurches upright, vomiting out two squirrels. Some of his vomit lands on Y/n’s shirt and she gags, running to the bathroom.

They so owe me a new shirt.

taglist:

brunnetteiwik  

[chubbievegan]

So proud my homemade midnight peri peri chips! Chips cut fresh, and roasted in sunflower oil, crushed salt, cracked black pepper, chilli flakes, @kallo organic vegetable stock cube, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, and a bit of sugar. Soooooooo good! Plus some @hellmannsuk vegan mayo for dipping. #vegan #meatfree #eggfree #dairyfree #whatveganseat #veganfood #plantbased #plantbaseddiet #food #veganforlife #foodporn #veganfortheanimals #crueltyfree #vegetarian #instafood #vegansofig #veglife #veganinspo #manchestervegan #periperi #chips #periperichips https://www.instagram.com/p/CneL5-CKyFt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bestrecipes2023]

Crispy rice pancakes

“Comforting chickpeas add great taste and texture in this brekkie, plus they’re high in folic acid, a B vitamin we need for psychological function, basically allowing us to think properly! ”

Ingredients

½ x 7 g sachet of yeast

125 g rice flour

olive oil

1 heaped teaspoon jalfrezi curry paste

½–1 fresh red chilli

1 bunch of spring onions

½ x 660 g jar of chickpeas

100 g baby spinach

4 cm piece of ginger

2 ripe tomatoes

1 lime

2 tablespoons unsweetened desiccated coconut flakes

½ a bunch of fresh coriander , (15g)

4 large free-range eggs

4 heaped tablespoons natural yoghurt

>Get Your FREE EBOOK With Over 700 Begginner Friendly Recipes<

Method

In a bowl, whisk ½ a 7g sachet of yeast yeast into 250ml of lukewarm water, then gradually whisk in 125g of rice flour and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. Put aside.

2. Place a frying pan on a medium heat with 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 heaped teaspoon of jalfrezi curry paste.

3. Finely slice half the fresh red chilli (whether you're using ½ or 1 chilli, to your taste) and just the top green halves of 1 bunch of spring onions and add to the pan. Cook and stir for 5 minutes, then add ½ x 660g jar of chickpeas (juice and all), and 100g of baby spinach. Bring to the boil, then simmer on a low heat until needed.

4. To make the salsa, trim and finely slice the whites of the spring onions, along with the remaining chilli and place in a bowl. Peel and finely grate in a 4cm piece of ginger. Quarter and deseed 2 ripe tomatoes, then finely dice and add the flesh to the bowl. Finely grate over the zest and squeeze in the juice from 1 lime, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened desiccated coconut flakes and the leaves from ½ a bunch of fresh coriander (15g). Mix well, then taste and season to perfection.

5. For the pancakes, place a small non-stick frying pan on a medium heat, drizzle with a little oil, then carefully wipe it around and out with a ball of kitchen paper.

6. Stirring your batter well each time, add a quarter to the pan, swiftly swirling it around and up the sides to create extra crispy bits. Cook for about 5 minutes on the underside only, until dark golden – have faith, and when it’s coloured, use a spatula to ease it away from the sides and slide it out. Repeat with the remaining batter, and just before you start the last pancake, poach 4 eggs to your liking in a large pan of simmering water.

7. Serve each pancake with a spoonful of curried chickpeas and coconut salsa, 1 heaped tablespoon of natural yoghurt, and with a poached egg sitting proudly on top.

..........................................Keep Reading...................................

[forkfulofflavor]

Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Ingredients: For the Soup: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, finely diced 1 pound ground beef (80/20) 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 tablespoons tomato paste 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes 4 cups chicken broth (add more if you prefer a thinner soup) 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided (or to taste) 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) For Garnishes: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped Directions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste, combining well. Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (adjust to taste). Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender. Stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup. Add an extra 1-2 cups of chicken broth if you prefer a thinner consistency. For an extra creamy touch, stir in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan directly into the soup. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and garnish with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil on top. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in soup form! Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 550 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup brings all the classic flavors of lasagna into a comforting bowl. The soup features hearty ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and a rich tomato broth enhanced with Italian herbs and spices. Adding heavy cream gives it a luscious texture, making each spoonful taste like creamy lasagna in soup form. Topped with a trio of cheeses—mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta—plus fresh basil, this soup is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any chilly evening. Serve it with crusty bread for the full Italian-inspired experience. This cozy, creamy soup will quickly become a family favorite!

[awesomechsblog]

10 Delicious and Healthy Food Ideas with Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse that can elevate any dish with its vibrant green color, unique texture, and subtle flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a refreshing side dish, broccoli can be your go-to ingredient. Here are ten creative and delicious food ideas to incorporate more broccoli into your diet.

1. Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup on a chilly day. The creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter taste of broccoli, making this a comforting and satisfying meal. Add some crusty bread on the side, and you've got a perfect lunch or dinner option.

2. Broccoli Stir-Fry

Broccoli is a staple in stir-fry dishes. Combine it with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas, and add your choice of protein—such as chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Toss it all in a savory soy sauce or teriyaki glaze for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.

3. Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan

Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. Toss the florets in olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, then roast until golden brown. This dish makes for a great side to any main course.

4. Broccoli and Quinoa Salad

For a light and healthy lunch, try a broccoli and quinoa salad. The nuttiness of quinoa complements the broccoli, while a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing zing. Add some cherry tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.

5. Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Switch up your traditional basil pesto by adding broccoli to the mix. Blanch the broccoli before blending it with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Toss the pesto with your favorite pasta for a vibrant, green dish that's both nutritious and delicious.

6. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Elevate your chicken dinner by stuffing it with a mixture of broccoli and cheese. The broccoli adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

7. Broccoli Tater Tots

Looking for a fun and healthy snack? Try making broccoli tater tots. These bite-sized treats are made by mixing chopped broccoli with grated potatoes, breadcrumbs, and a touch of cheese. Bake until crispy and golden, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

8. Broccoli Frittata

Broccoli is a great addition to any frittata. Sauté the florets with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms before adding beaten eggs. Bake until the eggs are set, and enjoy a protein-packed breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

9. Broccoli Slaw

For a fresh and crunchy side dish, make a broccoli slaw. Shred broccoli stems and mix with carrots, red cabbage, and a tangy dressing made from mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. This slaw is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a topping for sandwiches.

10. Broccoli and Ricotta Pizza

Upgrade your pizza night by adding broccoli and ricotta cheese as toppings. Spread a thin layer of ricotta over the pizza dough, then scatter broccoli florets, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake until the crust is golden and the broccoli is tender.

Broccoli is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy or more elaborate, these ideas should inspire you to add more of this nutritious vegetable to your meals. Plus, with its numerous health benefits, incorporating more broccoli into your diet is a delicious way to support your overall well-being.

[diabetesreversalprograminindia]

Is Kairichi Dal Safe for Diabetics?

Ayurveda always recommends eating seasonal and local fruits and vegetables.

Can diabetics eat raw mangoes?

Raw mangoes fall in the moderate glycemic index category. And hence diabetic patients can have them in moderate amounts. Plus they are rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. Raw mango helps in replenishing the reserves of sodium chloride, cures stomach disorders such as constipation, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea, detoxifies the liver all good for diabetics. Thus raw mangoes give many more benefits. Raw mangoes are low in calories and low in sugars.

We use chana dal for this recipe, and chana dal is good for diabetes. This recipe uses chana dal and raw mango, a wonderful combination. Let’s try this recipes.

Recipe ingredients are:

1 cup chana dal, ¼ cup grated kairi, 2 tbsp fresh scraped coconut, 1–2 green chilies, 1 drop stevia, ¼ cup finely chopped fresh coriander, ¼ tsp hing, haldi, mustard seeds, 1 tbsp oil, Salt to Taste. Let’s understand their method.

Soaked chana dal for 4 hrs and grind it. Mix together coarsely ground chana dal, and grated raw mango. And then add scraped coconut, finely chopped coriander leaves, crushed green chilli, salt, and stevia. And give it tadka.

Serve this tangy tasty raw mango chutney and enjoy this spring delicacy!

To read more click here.

Also please connect with me on my website, Facebook page, and YouTube if you want to stay in touch or give me any feedback!

[kokoai]

Rating my US fast food experience on a scale of 1-10. I didn’t grow up here, so over the last 6 months I decided to try some fast food and this is my honest opinion.

Chick Fil A - A solid 8.6/10 but maybe I was a bit biased in rating this cause it was the first meal I had after a 16hr flight. 100 % would recommend.

Whataburger - Disgusting. I give this a 2/10. I had like the chicken strips but maybe I ordered wrong. I’m willing to give it another shot. Just lemme know what to order next time. Update I had the chilli fries and I think I've reduced the rating to 1.8/10.

Popeyes - The fries were GIVING, best fries so far but the fried chicken was not giving, too oily and not cooked all the way through. That shit gave me a running tummy and for this reason I will give it 3.11/10. An update I had the fries and chicken again and it was quite good so it’s getting an upgrade to 5/10 but for Popeyes it depends on the day its either a hit or a miss theres no in between.

Raising Canes - Very mid and it deserves a mid score of 5.1/10 not great and not bad either. I’ll say the canes sauces are great tho.

Wings Stop - look this meal does not DIGEST. I was burping this thing the ENTIRE day. It doesn't taste bad by any means. But lord knows what they are using to cook these wings. I’ll give it a 6.3/10 for taste but never again. Won’t ever catch me there.

Kroger - look technically this isn’t a fast-food restaurant chain or whatever but the bakery goes HARD. The new york style cheese cake is 100/10.

Weinerschnitzel - I generally love hotdogs more than burgers, pizzas etc. so I might be slightly biased in this rating but it was pretty good. A solid solid 6/10

Rusty Tacos - Guys I am not joking when I say this is the one of the best things I have eaten in so far. The Baja shrimp tacos and steak fajita is to die for. Plus the chips and queso sauce is gonna be a problem for me cause it’s just that good they are getting a 7.5/10

Golden Chick - I’ll give golden chick a solid 8.4/10. The FRIES!!!!! So fresh and crisp and cooked with love. I was not a fan of the Golden chick sauce, can't place my finger on it but there's too much of something in there that makes you feel a bit ill. Even the chicken was crisp and fresh it was a good meal.

Hawaiian Bros -6.2/10 I actually have nothing bad about my experience eating here but there’s also nothing outstanding about it either. To make it more difficult, its also not mid. Very difficult to place them.

Snooze - Is this even fast food? People were raving about it online and I decided to try it out. Yuck …0.75/10. The. Food. Is. BLAND. Honestly was considering a 0 but the server who attended to me was what saved it.

KFC - Now I've had KFC from all around the world. This is the one fast food chain I am very familiar with. I’ll give the KFC in texas an average score of 5.1/10. Dont get me wrong the chicken is great but the fries kinda taste like they fried it in stale oil and the chicken size are questionable (there’s no chicken out there that should be that huge, maybe they are baby Ostriches…) . Do better kfc.

[downtoearthmarkets]

January is historically the coldest month of the year here in New York. With the onset of chilly weather comes a peak in the cases of seasonal illnesses as people spend more time indoors and the cold, dry air lowers our resistance to viruses. So, if it seems like you and everyone you know is currently sick, was recently sick or is in the process of recuperating from being sick, it’s most likely not your imagination as these types of illnesses are cresting right now.   Getting regular exercise, adequate sleep and consuming a diversity of fresh, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods, such as those found in the farmers market, is fundamental to boosting your immune system and keeping you as healthy as possible throughout the winter months. But, when you’re sick or under the weather, incorporating these traditional, food-based therapies featuring wholesome ingredients can help you feel better and get you back on your feet faster.  A Better BRAT The BRAT diet is an acronym that stands for its four food components -- bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. This diet used to be recommended for people, especially children, experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or gastroenteritis. Due to its restrictive nature, the original BRAT diet should be considered a temporary solution and is no longer recommended for extended periods of use beyond a meal or two. Instead, when mild tummy troubles arise, medical professionals now typically suggest consuming a greater variety of bland foods that are gentle on the stomach, along with plenty of fluids and electrolytes. If a bland diet is what the doctor has ordered, congee (Asian rice porridge) makes an excellent choice for an easily digestible, yet nutrient-rich, meal that has been used by the Chinese as a stomach remedy for thousands of years. Congee is made by boiling rice in a large amount of water or stock until the rice softens almost to the melting point, and the broth thickens with creamy rice starch. Adding small quantities of nutritious, stomach-friendly flavorings including minced garlic and ginger, and toppings such as shredded chicken breast will add extra appeal and goodness to your congee without aggravating your digestive system.  Gather all the ingredients you need at the farmers market this weekend to make this deliciously warming and soothing Ginger Chicken Congee recipe from Food and Wine Magazine: 

1 cup Great Joy Family Farm long-grain white rice, rinsed 

7 cups Yellow Bell Farm chicken stock or homemade vegetable stock 

One-inch knob of Jersey Farm Produce ginger, peeled and sliced thin 

Optional: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (Yellow Bell Farm, Roaming Acres)

1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus more for seasoning 

1/4 teaspoon sesame seed oil 

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste 

Sliced green onion from the farmstalls, for garnish 

Chicken Soup for the Cold While a steaming hot bowl of chicken noodle soup isn’t necessarily a cure for a common cold, it can help relieve its uncomfortable symptoms and defrost you after spending time outside in the “common winter cold”! Not only will the vapor from homemade chicken soup relieve nasal congestion, the broth will rehydrate you, the noodles will provide instant energy-boosting carbs, and its nutritious goodness will feed your entire immune system. 

Trisha, our long-time Larchmont Farmers Market Manager, shares her trusted recipe for healing chicken soup that can be made with either rice or noodles, depending on your personal preference: 

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (Yellow Bell Farm, Roaming Acres) 

3 cloves garlic (Jersey Farm Produce) 

2 medium-sized Great Joy Family Farm purple or orange carrots

1 large leek (Jersey Farm Produce)

1 red onion (4E Green Farm)

1 large rib celery plus handful of leafy celery tops (Great Joy Family Farm)

1 bunch of parsley (4E Green Farm)

1 cup Great Joy Family Farm fragrant long grain rice or 1 cup La Trafila fresh pasta 

Instructions

Roast chicken, when cooled, remove most of the meat but be sure to leave some on! 

Place chicken carcass in a large pot filled with water. 

Add garlic cloves (minced or whole), roughly chopped leek, celery, carrots and red onion to pot. 

Season with salt, pepper, parsley and start a low simmer for 3-4 hours. 

Taste occasionally, add seasoning if needed. 

When done cooking, remove chicken carcass and remove its remaining meat. 

Add chicken meat back into the soup. Add cooked rice or noodles. 

Garnish with fresh parsley. 

Serve piping hot! 

Of course, consuming a diversity of fresh, healthy and delicious farmers market fare all year-round is the best way to make an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure! But, as the ancient saying goes, 'Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food', so, if need be, we hope these tried-and-true food-based remedies come in handy during peak virus season. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you ready to ward off the ‘cold and colds’ by bundling up well and heading out to the markets this coming weekend.