On Turning the BIG 50

So, on June 16th I celebrated turning the BIG 50! It’s hard to believe I’m 50, and I often get asked “my secrets”.. haha!! Anyway, I will share a few on this blog post, but be sure to follow me on Insta on my handle @marioochcooks for the most up-to-date stories and recipe developments, as well as some of my workout ideas and advice.

I’m a firm believer that what you do everyday, so your habits literally in this case, “shape you!” – daily PRAYER, daily workouts, daily moisturizer AND sunscreen, daily food creativity (weekly writing), daily healthful eating! The workouts are ALWAYS combined workouts: pilates, walks, weights, speed bag work, stretch and repeat! As a former aerobics instructor (10 years) I am disciplined, but if you can, join a class, because it’s fun and motivating for a lot of people.  Walks are cheap, and you can take the dog too. That will accomplish two tasks!! I have many dog friends along my path, some have passed now, but new pups are in the neighborhood.

Eating healthy is so important. In today’s fast paced world, take out is high on the list when we are short on time. If so, eat clean irregardless – like Panera salads, they work great! Making a freshly made home cooked meal is my fave, and we typically have a few visitors during the week. My house is where the kids hang. In fact, some follow me on Insta and know exactly what’s for dinner and show up just in time. I never mind, and my kids’ friends are always welcome. We chat, eat and have fun. That is what life is about – sharing a meal!

I hope these tips help! Thank you for following my blog…Look for more exciting things from Mariooch’s Kitchen in the near future….this summer it’s all about sharpening my “chef skills” – like meat preparation, chicken, pork chops and the list goes on and on……Lots of reading and some new recipes along the way. OH yes and I’m sending my daughter, Sydney, off to Europe for part of the summer:  Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and France, and Monaco, and then my daughter, Maggie, off to College! My son, Jack is fine tuning his soccer skills all summer to try out for the school soccer team in the Fall.

Wishing you a happy summer filled with lots of yummy and delicious foods and fun times shared with friends.

xo

Mary

What’s in my pantry

 

Cento Fine Foods has been very supportive of me and my cookbook! They were one of the companies who permitted me to use their brand name in my cookbook. And yes, you need permission. It’s helpful to have an MBA to navigate through the legal implications of things.  I quite often tag them in my photos on Instagram @marioochcooks, and they always appreciate the shout out, so much that they will be sending me goodies!!! The first package has arrived, and I was so excited.

I put the olive oil and balsalmic vinegar to good use by incorporating them into my salad dressing along with some aromatic spices.  My salad included romaine lettuce, baby spinach, grilled chicken, matchstick carrots, quinoa, chunks of sharp white cheddar cheese.

Salad is my Go-to meal for lunch as it’s packed with protein, which I need to sustain my blood sugar and energy level. Some healthful tips for making salad in a snap are:

  1. Wash, dry and cut your lettuce and store in a air tight plastic bag for easy access.
  2. Have grilled chicken, cheese, shredded carrots, onions, olives, and some type of carb like a quinoa on hand to toss in the salad or whatever else you like.
  3. Use a healthy salad dressing and don’t drench the salad, a little goes a long way!
  4. Make the salad look appealing and savor your meal, while taking the time to enjoy a well-deserved break in your busy day especially if you are a mom because you are pulled in every direction.
  5. Enjoy, and don’t forget to pick up some Cento products at your next grocery store visit! @Centofinefoods

 

 

Homemade Chinese Noodles

My son has an allergy to sesame and peanuts, so we steer clear of any Chinese restaurant. I have not done a lot of experimenting with the plethora of flours you can use for Chinese noodles. I simply use what I have on hand – all-purpose flour!  It’s a staple in my pantry. These Homemade Chinese Noodles  have that chewy taste you would expect in a Chinese noodle. My daughter Sydney thinks they taste like a lo mein noodle. All you need is a little fresh ginger, garlic and soy sauce along with sautéed scallions and carrots to make this meal. For oil I use extra virgin olive oil, but you can substitute sesame oil if you have it on hand.

First things first with this recipe, you need to learn how to make homemade pasta. There is a chapter in my cookbook on how to make homemade pasta. Be sure to pick up a copy! I know some Chinese noodles are stretched by hand, these are cut by a pastry cutter into linguine-like strips. You do need a little muscle to roll out the dough, and a steady hand to cut the noodles, but it’s very simple and fast once you get the rhythm going. You can try to stretch these a bit by hand to obtain that long thin noodle, but it’s not necessary. Give it a try if you want the noodle to be thinner. They may break because the noodle is delicate, especially if you do not add egg to the dough, but they will taste the same either way. Just have fun with it! The noodles in this photo do not contain egg, and I prefer to omit egg from my homemade pasta. My son is allergic and we like the taste better without it.

Prepping the carrots. You will need to cut the end off the carrots and cut them lengthwise and into matchsticks. This technique is not easy, so just get the carrots as thin as you can. Practice makes perfect. Here is a link that is tremendously helpful. Good Housekeeping Julienne Vegetables or you can buy shredded carrots as well.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!!!