Tanya's Tomato Gazpacho

Good afternoon everyone!  I find myself sitting again at Starbucks, this time in Larcomar Mall, because I STILL have no internet at the apartment.  They apparently payed the bill Monday and it was supposed to be back on in 24 hours, but I would say its been a good 48 by now.  I seem to remember around the end of May when this also happened it was about 5 days after they said it was paid, until it was turned back on.  Oh well, it really just puts a kink in watching my TV shows online and makes my waking up in the middle of the night, every night for at least 2 hours, really, really boring.
As i have been on a diet for a couple weeks now, I have been looking for healthy recipes.  I have always wanted to try a Gazpacho because I have had some amazing ones at restaurants, but for some reason I have never tried.  I guess I never realized how quick, easy and delicious it would be.
I looked at quite a few recipes, but really just put the veggies and spices that i like and that I thought would work.  Again so easy and it turned out so good!  And all it really is, is vegetables so it is a great diet soup!  Enjoy!


Ingredients

• I lb tomato (I used cherry tomatoes because there was a sale)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth (there is no premade broth in Peru so I made         my own with boullion cubes.  I think it gave my soup the orangish color instead of red.)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 long english cucumber
• 1/2 bell pepper
• 1/2 red onion (for the pepper, use whatever color you think is prettiest)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (I used rice vinegar because its all I had)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• salt and pepper to taste (since my broth was not low sodium I did not need salt)

Directions

In a large pot over medium high heat combine tomatoes, garlic and broth.  Bring to a boil  then simmer for about a minute or until the tomatoes are cooked through.

Transfer soup to blender.  Add oil and puree until smooth.  Put soup back in the pot and allow to cool.

Chop the remaining vegetables and cilantro (except avocado) and add to food processor.  Process until you get your desired consistency (I like mine a bit chunky).

Stir processed vegetables, vinegar, paprika and lime juice into the soup.

Dice avocado into 1/4" pieces and mix into soup. 

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Never Forget.

So, as I sit in a foreign country, far away from home, I can't help but miss the freedoms and safety that I have at home.  Not that I feel very unsafe here, but there is always that thought in the back of my mind that at any time, there could be civil unrest, terrorism or even a crime against me that could go unpunished because of politics or the fact that I am a woman in a strange land that is still very much male dominant.    I have grown to appreciate Canada more than I ever thought possible while being abroad, even just in the US.  Familiarity is gone, and even the thought of going to the doctor sends me in to panic mode.  I miss being able to go, show my Saskatchewan health card, or most places just give my name and being able to see a doctor without hesitation or the thought that I have to worry about paying for it.  We do have very good healthcare through Josh's work, but still getting a bill in the mail or having to give credit card info before I go in scares the hell out of me.  I guess I have just come to appreciate the freedoms that I have that most people in the world do not.  Even being able to write this blog, without having to worry about saying something that could get me arrested or my hand chopped off.

As Monday, November 11th approached, I have been thinking a lot about how much I have to be thankful for and whom I owe that thanks to.  It is easy to get swept up in our everyday lives and forget about the fact that not so long ago, and still to this day, our family and friends were and are fighting for all of these freedoms.  I have been thinking about the fact that families were torn apart, and young men and women were sent to foreign countries to defend what we now take for granted.  I have also been thinking about the people that now choose to go to these countries, some my friends, to keep making sure that we are safe at home.   None of us can ever thank these people enough.
As far as I know, November 11th has no significance here in Peru.  I have heard nothing of the sort and  I am quite sure it is not a holiday.  This is the second year in a row, and I actually think probably the only two years of my life that I have not participated in a Remembrance Day ceremony.  Last year I was on my way to Alaska and flying this entire day and even though it is Veteran's Day there I don't think it is celebrated quite as much it is back in Canada.  No holiday and no moment of silence or wearing of poppies as far as I know.  If any American readers can enlighten me, please do so as I don't think I have yet spent a Veteran's Day in the US.  I miss the Ceremony at CUC in Saskatoon, where thousands of people show up to pay their respects and the Ceremonies in Kyle, where most of the town either goes to the one at the school put on by the students or to the one at the hall.
Regardless of where you are, I hope everyone will at least try to do something to show their appreciation for everything that they have.  I know I will be wearing my poppy with pride for the day, and if I can find some sort ceremony online, I will be streaming it.  Even though I have to go somewhere with internet to do it!

Aside from Remembrance Day, I do have something to look forward. My dear friends and neighbours, Lyle and Shirley, from back on the farm have just arrived in Lima and I will be headed out shortly to see them.  Familiar faces are always a blessing!  Not to mention they are also bringing me my poppy and some much needed migraine medication (thanks mom!)  We are hoping I will be allowed to tag along on their city tour, which I have done a few times before but I never tire of the sites and the history lesson.
Everyone enjoy their day, and I urge you to take a moment today (11:11 would be best, but anytime will do) to think about everything you are thankful for, and the people that fought and the people that died so that you could have these things.  I know I will be!

Raw Almond Butter Cups

Once again, I find myself taking a recipe from my lovely friend (Recently left me to go back to Washington!) Mariya at My Craft Affair.  She always seems to come up with the most delicious sweets!  Today's recipe is Homemade, Raw Almond Butter Cups.  Think Reese's cups, but homemade,  additive free and require no baking!  I knew these would be good, but truthfully I was shocked at just how good they were!  There is also lots of room to add other ingredients and play with what you like best.   So enjoy!  I know I am!

for the base:

• 3/4 cup raw almonds
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or nut butter of choice like almond etc.)
• 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil, warmed if necessary
• 1.5 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup or agave nectar)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

for the topping:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons honey (pure maple syrup or 2 tbsp agave nectar)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• pinch of salt
• a bit of sliced almond or shredded coconut for garnish (you could really use anything you want, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips etc)

• 1. Add almonds and oats into a high-speed blender and blend on high until a flour forms. Dump into a large bowl and break up any clumps with your fingers.
• 2. Add the peanut butter, coconut oil, honey (or alternative), cinnamon, vanilla, and salt into the bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined. The dough should be fairly sticky like cookie dough.
• 3. Line a mini (or regular) muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone muffin holder. Press the dough into each muffin cup until it is even and smooth.
• 4. To make the chocolate sauce: Whisk together the coconut oil, honey (or alternative), cocoa powder, and salt until no clumps remain. Spoon the sauce over top each of the cups, distributing evenly. Garnish cups with sliced almonds or shredded coconut if desired.
• 5. Place in the freezer in a flat area for 30-45 minutes, until firm. Pop out the cups and enjoy right away or wait 5 or 10 minutes to soften up a bit. 

Fab Friday Faves! 11.8.13

Good morning Darlings!  Not going to lie, it has been a very slow week and I think my Faves will reflect that.  My stomach bug and migraine limited my time out of the apartment.  But in any case, they are all fabulous!

1. Lima Craft Bazaar finds- Christmas ornaments, a pearl necklace, a Peruvian sauce dish and a seashell change purse.  How cute are they all?

2. Pretty Pink Pedi- relaxing and pretty and probably the best pedi I have ever gotten.  If you are ever in Miraflores and need a break after walking all day, make sure you check out Toque-X above the Dunkin' Donuts by Parque Kennedy!

3. The view from the Miraflores cliffs- I don't think I need to describe this at all.  Can you see the tiny paraglider by the lighthouse?  Ya, that was me a few weeks ago!

4. My kitties- Just the two sweetest, cutest, most loveable kitty cats on the planet!

5. Hershey's Candy Cane Bar- The decorations are out and so are the treats!  I don't actually think I have ever had one of these at home, but the taste of the peppermint and chocolate made me feel like I was at home snuggled up in a blanket beside the Christmas tree.

Since it is Fab Friday Faves, Today I am linking up with:

Darci @ the Good Life Blog

Lauren @Lauren Elizabeth

Migraine Sufferers Unite!

I must admit that I have a bit of an agenda with the following post.  I need help!
I have gotten migraines since I was 8 years old.  They have always been off and on, with sometimes a couple years in between.  The last 3 years I have been getting them, on average, 2-3 times a month.  Sometimes more, sometimes less.  When I get them, they usually last 1-5 days.  After visits to a neurologist, naturopaths, and regular doctors I have only found two things that make any difference.  The first thing I found is a mixture of several vitamins and herbs.  Butterbur, Feverfew, Magnesium, Calcium, B2, and Co-enzyme Q10.  These do nothing for the migraine when I have it, but they did reduce the frequency of them.  I am not sure if it is a combination or one specific supplement, but I'll just keep taking them all!
The second, and main thing is Relpax.  It is a very expensive(over 20$ a pill) prescription drug.  I really hate to take such a potent and potential dangerous drug, but after I take one, I feel myself relaxing, my neck and shoulder muscles releasing, and my headache subsiding.  I know that it really hasn't "gotten rid of" the migraine, but the relief is amazing.  Unfortunately, I seem to have been getting quite a few migraines the last couple of months in Peru.  I have only 3 of these pills left to last me about 6 weeks, so I am trying to conserve them.  I went to a pharmacy today with the box that the Relpax come in (ingredients on the box), plus the names of three drugs that are approved for sale in South America to treat migraines.  The moment I walked in to this specific pharmacy, I knew I was out of luck.  I got the typical "Oh a gringa, not going to help her" look.  The girl looked at the box and said there was nothing like that, I showed her the names on my list and the ingredient in the drug and once again, no nothing.  Sadly, I was expecting it because of the girl's age.  I chose this pharmacy because there is a guy that speaks a little english and an older woman that is very nice and helpful but neither were there.  I'm not sure if I have mentioned before but most women under the age of 50 automatically hate me.  I get dirty looks all the time walking down the street.  I will try somewhere else tomorrow I guess.
In the meantime, today I have tried every home remedy that I already knew, and even more I found online. Here are a list of some of the things I have tried.
-massaging both peppermint oil and tea tree oil into my pressure points, and the muscles in my neck that are bothering me.
-Soaking my feet in hot water, and putting an ice pack on my head.
-peppermint tea
-special migraine tea
-yoga
-neck stretches
-deep breathing
-using a tennis ball to massage my back and neck muscles

All of these do help, or at least take my mind off of the migraine for a few minutes, but as soon as I stop, it gets just as bad.

I should mention I have also tried both Professional massage and chiropractor.  Both of these things again help and feel amazing, but they don't make anything go away.  Actually, a lot of times they either trigger a migraine or make it worse for a while.  I do practice yoga as well, which also helps in the preventative area, but having that stupid stomach bug prevented me from going for the last week.  I will start again tomorrow.

I guess the point of this blog is to get some help!  Anyone have any other things that work for them?  Or does anyone in Peru (I know there are about 30 views from Peru a week!) know what drug I can look for that is a specific migraine treatment?  Keep in mind, I have tried Aleve, Advil Migraine, Advil extra strength, liquigels, every kind of tylenol, Excedrin Migraine and Aspirin.  No combination of these helps for anymore than a few minutes to take the edge off.  Thanks in advance!  Since it is apparently hit or miss whether comments will post on here, you can email me at Tanyamcmann@icloud.com if you can help.  Thank you!

Spicy Fish Taco Bowl

Good evening kids!  So, I had a pretty quiet weekend, and haven't really been able to leave the house because I have the same lovely Peruvian Food born illness that I had when I first got here.  So, I have decided to throw in another of my favorite recipes.  It is simple, very healthy and delicious.  Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3-4 tilapia filets (or other fish filet of your choice)
• 1-2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels (sliced off the cob is the best)
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 can black beans
• cooked brown rice (I used about 2 cups)
• fresh cilantro, avocado( I made guacamole instead of cubes), shredded cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, hot sauce or anything else for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the spices together in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over both sides of the fish filets. (I like to season my fish a LOT, but just sprinkle on however much looks good to you.) Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the fish filets to the pan. Grill the fish on each side for several minutes, checking the middle for doneness (fish should be completely white and flake apart easily). Remove fish filets and set aside.
3. Add corn, red peppers, and onions to the pan with no additional oil. Heat over high heat for several minutes WITHOUT stirring to get a brown/black roasted look on the outside. Repeat for several minutes (stir, wait, stir, wait) until the peppers and onions are tender-crisp. Add the black beans and heat through.
4. Layer rice, corn/pepper mixture, and fish in a bowl – or mix everything together in the skillet. Top with any of the toppings listed above!

Fab Friday Faves! 11.1.13

Hey everybody!  I have decided to start a new weekly segment on my blog.  It is not unique, a lot of bloggers do it, and I learned about it from my fab friend Mariya at My Craft Affair.  It will be my 5 favorite things of the week.  It could be anything, things I see outside, things I find online or just things that I LOVE.  I will also be linking up to other blogs every week to get my blog out there.  So enjoy, and if you think you have something that I would love, send it on over!

1. First class- the leg room, the delicious food, the free booze... Need I say more?  On international jobs SNC flies us first class but we rarely ever get to enjoy it because pets aren't allowed!  They would love it as much as we do.  I have a hard time getting comfortable enough to sleep on planes, and seats that recline into beds make it much easier... mmmmm

2. Mugs from Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks with the location where you bought them-  I have these mugs from all over the U.S and Canada, and was a little shocked when I walked into Dunkin' Donuts in Miraflores and saw the mugs from Moscow and from Philly.  Maybe Moscow because of the Olympics, but Philly?  I am still contemplating buying them, cuz I really want to get them from the actual place, but will I ever go to Moscow?

3. My Gourd Ring- a couple months ago I found this amazing little place in the Inka Market that sells very intricate, beautiful jewelry carved from gourds.  These are very traditional, and the family I buy that from have been doing this for generations.  They also do full size gourds of all sizes carved into animals and traditional Inkan scenes.

4. Piscopolitans at Tanta with my remaining Lima ladies- Mariya, Jules and myself went for our last lunch and drinks with the three of us.  Mariya left for good last night. So sad!  But man those Piscopolitans were amazing!

5. Halloween cakes at Wong- Aren't these just the cutest?  They also had cupcakes and cookies.  I felt so lame this year having none of my tubs of decorations and a cool costume that these made me a little less homesick!

Today I'm linking up with:

Lauren @The Lauren Elizabeth

Darci @the Good Life Blog