Breakfast: Bulgur Pilaf

I love cooking with bulgur. It is healthy, easy to cook, and can be used in variety of ways. The nutty flavor and interesting texture gives a unique experience to any dishes compared to the old boring white rice. This low-glycemic-index food has impressive amounts of manganese, magnesium, fiber, and B vitamins. Because the the grains have already been processed, it doesn't take that much time to cook them. All you have to do is soak the grains in hot water for 30 minutes or as directed in the packaging and add it in your soups, salads, or as a rices substitute. 

Most commonly found in Middle Eastern dishes such as tabbouleh and pilaf, these grains range from fine, medium, and coarse texture. Today I’ll be using coarse bulgur for my pilaf. This dish goes great with meat, as a side dish, or as a light main course. Serve this for your next foodie gathering and it will definitely be a favorite. 

Cake: Chocolate-Coconut-Coffee Rum Cake

Now that was a mouthful (insert Michael Scott quote here). Initially I had intended to post a 'Coconut Rum with Chocolate Cupcake' recipe I concocted about a week ago, but alas I didn't get the chance to take a photo of it (yup, it was that good). So the day before yesterday I promised Mama Lemon that I'd bake her something similar just slightly less fattening, less sweeter and in the form of a cake. However, on this recipe I adjusted the amount of sugar because seriously, what I made for my mom was 
more like flavored bread.

Now, I'm not a fan of coffee and alcohol, but this cake my friends is pretty darn good. You can't taste the bitterness of the coffee or the burning sensation of the alcohol, but pure subtleness. I topped each slice of cake with homemade whip cream, diced strawberries and toasted coconuts, and I must say each bite was a party in my mouth. If you were wondering how that feels like, give this recipe a try!

Smoky and Spicy Rub

Why go to an expensive restaurant to get a delicious and juicy steak when you can make it in the comfort of your home? Here is a spicy and smoky rub for steaks, chicken, ribs, or any cuts of meat. All you need to do is rub a couple of tablespoon of dry rub per piece of meat. Grill it in a preheated grill for 3-4 minutes on each side (I used a ridged iron skillet) and finally brush the meat with some Worcestershire sauce mixed with tamarind paste and ketchup. Easy huh? Told you so! You can also mix the wet and dry ingredients together to save time but careful because sugar burns easily.

***Remember the steak needs to be at room temperature before they go on the grill, oven, or skillet***

Pizza Dough with Rosemary

How do you guys celebrate Mother's Day? Here in my home I usually cook up something my mom requested (more like baking this time). So this year I asked my mom what she wanted to eat and she simply replied, "Pizza, make me pizza." Right on! 

I used a stand mixer to knead the dough but if you don't have one, I suggest you to knead the dough in a large bowl because the dough is extremely sticky and messy. For the topping, I added button mushrooms, pepperoni, onion, spinach, tomato, pepper jack cheese, green bell pepper, and sun dried tomatoes: basically I chopped and sprinkled on anything I found in the fridge. 

Happy belated Mother's Day to you all beautiful moms out there!

Breakfast: Strawberry Spinach Shake

As previously mentioned, I wanted to start eating healthy and I really am. I've cut out fried food, am eating less sweets, and adding more fruits and vegetables into my diet. I know I also said I'd be posting savory breakfasts, but I just wanted to share this sweet recipe so bad! This is my go-to/on-the-go nutritional breakfast. It isn't too sweet and you can hardly taste the spinach! What?! Spinach you say? Yes, Spinach! This dark leafy green vegetable contains anti-cancer properties, lowers blood pressure, is good for the bones and nervous function, and promotes healthy skin! Talk about super cheap superfoods am I right? So give this baby a try and you'll thank me later (seriously). 

On a side note, I won't be posting any recipes this week due to finals but I'll continue the week after!

I'm not trying to advertise Coca-Cola here (jeje)