End of April at the Condo

  

 

The weather here in central Florida has been hot and dry. We've had little rain for months. Over half of Florida is experiencing "extreme drought". Like Georgia, Florida is dealing with widespread wildfires around the state. Scientists warn the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season could be the most dangerous in history.

 

 

 

 There is a prediction of rain this weekend on today's weather report. I say "from your mouth to God's ear, please".  That's enough bad news. You know I'm an optimist, so let's look at my blue views and my potted red/white amaryllis blooms here at the condo. 

 

 Note:  Amaryllis thrive in Florida, blooming in spring (typically April) with minimal care. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil with the top third above ground in partial to full sun. They are, for the most part, easy to care for, notes South Florida Plant Guide. Protect them from frost, water sparingly to avoid rot, and fertilize in summer to ensure reblooming

 

 

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Easy Mango Salsa for Cinco de Mayo

 

 

Soon it will be time to celebrate the festive Mexican holiday of  Cinco de Mayo which is annually observed on May 5. It celebrates the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla). It's a time for margaritas, beer, and savory food.

A tasty  salsa with a slight twist, mango salsa is easy to make.   You just need chopped  fresh mangoes, peppers, green onions, cucumber, cilantro, some lime juice, and seasonings. Salsa is a savory dish, but fresh fruit adds a nice sweet kick to it.

 

 

 

 Mango Salsa

Use organic when available. Serves 8 

 Mango salsa can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or served with tostadas & tacos,

or topping fresh fish or pork, black bean soup, or steak and pinto beans.

 

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe mangoes
• 1 small cucumber, seeded and choppedr
• 2 medium green onions chopped
• 1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed)
• optional, 1 medium bell pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed)
• optional, 1 plum tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium jalapeño chile chopped (stems, ribs, seeds removed), less or more to taste
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• juice of 2 limes
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional, pinch of cayenne pepper

 Instructions

• Peel and pit mangoes
• Finely chop  green onions
• Dice mangoes, cucumber, peppers, tomato
• Put lime juice in a medium sized bowl
• Add mangoes. cucumber, green onions, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and pepper to the bowl
• Mix well
• Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.   Enjoy!    

  

  
          

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Chicken Avocado Salad With Citrus Chipotle Dressing

 

 

Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is made from just one ingredient: dried, smoked jalapeño peppers. They are then crushed into powder form. For a substitute I suggest smoked paprika which has a smoked earthy flavor similar to chipotle with less heat. Chili powder on the other hand contains a blend of ground red chiles with various spices, like cumin and oregano. In some blends, garlic and salt are also included. When using chili powder, you’d need to pare back on other spices in your recipe to prevent over seasoning.  Chipotle Powder is sold on Amazon.

 

 I’m a big lover of salads. and I’m always on the lookout for a new taste combination. Today’s dish is a green salad with romaine lettuce & arugula, cooked chicken breast, avocado, corn, grape tomatoes and black beans.  Sprinkle it with Feta cheese, drizzle it with Citrus Chipotle Dressing, and serve with crispy tortilla chips.  Yum! Yum! Perfect for lunch or even dinner this summer with the addition of fresh fruit. The dressing only contains 1/4 tsp Chipotle seasoning. Adjust to your taste more or less. 

 

Chicken Avocado Salad With Citrus Chipotle Dressing

Use organic when available. Makes 2 servings.

Ingredients

Chicken Avocado Salad

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup arugula torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 Haas avocado sliced
• 1/2 can corn drained and rinsed
• 1/2 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
• 1/2 red onion halved and broken into ring halves
• 1/4 cup Feta cheese
• 2 cooked chicken breasts (about 6 oz) sliced

Citrus Chipotle Dressing

• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or 4 tsp dried cilantro
• 1/4 tsp ground chipotle powder
• salt and freshly cracked black pepper 

Instructions

Citrus Chipotle Dressing

1. Place all ingredients in blender or food processor

2. Purée until smooth

3. Taste and adjust flavorings

4. Store in container with lid in refrigerator

Chicken Avocado Salad

• In large bowl combine romaine and arugula
• Add beans, tomatoes, onion, and corn
• Pour 4 tablespoons of Citrus Chipotle Dressing over salad
• Toss salad to coat ingredients
• Split salad onto 2 plates
• Top with chicken, avocado, and Feta cheese
• Serve with tortilla chips

 

 

 

 

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Sunset in the Trees

 

Sometimes life gives us presents. We're in the right place at the right time. A colorful sunset in the trees was such a present. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Homemade Face Wash & Your Skin Type

   

I’ve shared before about trying to get rid of chemicals in my home. In our modern world, it’s almost impossible to get rid of everything, but you can greatly diminish your exposure to chemicals and protect your family by choosing carefully and/or making your own personal care products. Have you read the ingredients in your over-the-counter products? Can you even pronounce them? 

Today, let’s talk about a natural approach to face cleansers and make-up removers.  I don’t really wear make-up everyday like I did before I retired.  That doesn’t mean I don’t need a good face cleanser. If you do wear makeup, I’m hoping you’ve investigated the ingredients in your products and are avoiding the toxic pit of loads of different commercial products.

 

 

 

There are lots of natural recipes out there on the internet.  I don’t believe that one recipe can fit all women.  Let’s face it, we have different types of complexions. I’ve had oily skin since the age of 12. I have more mature skin now, and sometimes, your skin type changes with age. My skin is less oily now than 20 years ago, but it’s still oily.  I still break out if I use oil. Many recipes include various oils. I know without trying, they won’t work for me. 

My mother had incredible dry skin. She faithfully cleaned her face daily with cold cream and removed it with a dry wash cloth. It was hard work trying to get the oil out of her face wash cloths.   She then applied a good face cream and was set for the day. When she died at 72, her ivory complexion was still beautiful.  Her skin loved oils. 

Many of us have a combination skin. Combination skin is a common, often inherited, skin type defined by having oily skin in some areas and dry or normal skin in others. Typically, it features an oily "T-zone" (forehead, nose, and chin) due to excess sebum, while the cheeks and jawline (the "U-zone") feel dry or, in some cases, dehydrated. 

Your first responsibility to your self is to know your skin type. If you are unsure of your skin type, check out WedMD’s What’s Your Skin Type?.  Also, learn what your skin likes, and what it doesn't like. After I started developing allergies, I could have reactions to lots of things from bras to soap bars to lotion. I had to read ingredients looking for a problem. If your skin sensitive, do spot tests on your arm. 

 

Let’s look at some of the natural recipes I’ve found and at what skin type would benefit from it. If you don’t think a recipe will work for you, don’t use it. Never use ingredients you’re allergic to.  A doctor told me some years ago to NEVER PUT ANYTHING ON MY FACE I CAN’T EAT.  I have lots of food allergies, and that meant I had fewer choices for ingredients.  Let’s find the perfect solution for you. Experiment and modify to meet your needs. I always try the simplest solutions first.

1.  First is an oil cleansing. Use oils like sunflower, safflower, avocado, almond, and coconut. Some ladies swear by coconut oil for cleaning and moisturizing their faces. Again, it’s an oil and works with dry skin.  Does your skin love coconut oil?  Do you feel like you have too much left around your eyes after you remove the makeup?  Some people believe it works for all skin types, but I am the exception to the rule.  You may find a mix of oils works best for you. Experiment with a mix in a small glass bottle.  Use quarter-sized dot of oil and massage into your skin. Place hot, damp washcloth over your face for a minute. Use clean side of cloth to wipe your face.
2. Next is a simple recipe of milk and sweet almond oil.  This sounds good for dry and normal skin.  Mix a tablespoon of oil with a few drops of milk. Dab on face with cotton ball.  Remove with plenty of water.  I have not tried this one as I would surely break out.   Just be sure to remove it all as milk can be a medium for bacterial growth.
3. Mix 1/4 cup witch hazel (alcohol-free) with 1/4 cup jojoba oil, almond oil or olive oil. Several recipes used a combination of oils in this recipe such as 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil, 1 tablespoon jojoba oil, and 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Witch hazel is an herbal extract and has been used for centuries in skin care.  Be careful around your eyes – it could sting. It works with many skin types. (Ok not mine.)
1. Use witch hazel alone or diluted 1:1 with water on a cotton ball to remove make-up. Works with normal and oily skin.  I personally like Humphrey’s Homeopathic Remedy Witch Hazel Astringent  and often dab some on my face in the afternoon when I’m feeling oily and sticky.  It helps cut the grease while being gentle and soothing. It’s made from 100% natural extracts that can work with even sensitive skin. Don’t be fooled by many commercial witch hazel brands which may have chemicals added.  Read the label. Another brand I want to try is Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with organic witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and rose-water. They also have versions with lavender or cucumber.
4. Honey cleaning is another option. Apply local natural honey to your  face in circular motion. (Some national brands in the supermarket are “fake honey”. They contain some honey with other sweeteners like corn syrup. Don’t be fooled!) Let sit for 4 to 5 minutes and then remove with a warm cloth.
5. Mix aloe vera gel and honey.  This lovely blend can actually moisturize my oily skin without oil!   Yeah! It works with all skin types. Blend together and apply in circular motions to your face.  Let it sit for about 4 to 5 minutes and then remove with a warm cloth. You’ve just given yourself a facial!
6. Rose Water Wash from the Wellness Mama. The link gives you directions on making your own rose-water which is legendary in skin care.  Mix 1 cup rose-water, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 2 teaspoons glycerine, & 1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap. Use a quarter-size drop on your hands or wet wash cloth and apply in circular motion over your face. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.  I believe this one would work for all skin types.

Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner Alcohol-Free - Rose Petal

• Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula
• Alcohol-Free
• Paraben-Free
• Phthalate-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Made in USA
• Rose Petal
   
   

 

 

If you find making these too much trouble and prefer to buy a facial cleanser, look for more organic and natural ingredients in your skin care products.  I buy from Vitacost, Amazon and other sites that offer products with natural ingredients. I always have handmade olive oil soap (not commercial detergent bars) available in bathrooms. That is my go-to for bathing. I also buy liquid olive oil soap which is also gentle.  Check each item for ingredients used. Below are some examples of the skin care available.

 

Olivia Olive Oil Liquid Soap Fragrance Free is what I use besides a bar.

 

 

 

 

Bariani Olive Oil Soap

Using their own cold extracted, unfiltered, extra virgin olive oil as the base, Bariani Olive Oil Soap is designed to effectively clean and moisturize your whole body.

Rose Hip Facial Cleanser

Ingredients: Purified water, olive oil castile, vegetable glycerin, rose hip seed oil, oil of kumquat and seaweed extracts.

What is your favorite facial cleanser?   Here’s to your healthy skin!

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Easy Black Bean Dip

 

 

Beans are great. They’re delicious, filling and packed with good-for-you nutrients like vitamins, fiber and protein. Black beans are among the most frequently consumed legumes around the world. They’re considered nutritional powerhouses that are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants that help manage blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels. They’re perfect to use in stews, soups, dips, and salads. You can use canned drained beans to cut down on cooking time, but you’ll save money cooking your own using dried beans. Add flavor by simmering dried beans with an onion, garlic, herbs, or dried chiles. For this recipe, I would cook them until they’re very soft and almost falling apart. Drain them and allow them to cool slightly before you blend up the dip. There are only a handful of ingredients needed to make the best bean dip right at home. You can easily control the heat by adding more or less jalapeño.

 

Easy Black Bean Dip

Use organic when available. Makes 3 cups

 

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 1/2 oz) black beans drained, reserve 3 tbsp liquid reserve 
• 1 lime juiced
• 1 lime quartered
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 small yellow onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped into large chunks
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• dash of salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Heat olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add onions, garlic & jalapeño peppers & cook
• Stir occasionally & cook until very soft, about ten minutes. Do not brown
• Place onion mix and all other ingredients in food processor
• Process until smooth and thick
• If too thick add a tbsp of reserved fluid from beans
• Adjust for salt
• Serve with celery sticks, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, crackers, baked tortilla chips, or fresh bread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last White Amaryllis & Oaks Against The Blue Sky

 

 

 

 It's mid-April here in central Florida, and I've been enjoying my potted white amaryllis for the last two weeks. These are the last few flowers today.  My red amaryllis is just starting to get buds. I'm hopeful in two weeks, I'll be in love with the flowers.

 

 

 

 

 Now, let's enjoy beautiful blue skies and gorgeous, old oak trees against the skies. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Savoy Cabbage Soup

  

If you’ve read my food posts before, you probably noticed I like real food. I believe in eating clean, whole food that is prepared with real ingredients and fresh produce. Today we’ll talk about real food in a fresh bowl of soup full of vegetables.  Rich in vitamins A, C and K, but also in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, savoy cabbage is definitely a wonderful ingredient for many typical winter recipes. What is one of the best recipes? Savoy cabbage soup! It’s very easy to prepare and with so many different variations, you can make it your way. If you find any recipe is too spicy or bland, make your own adjustments. This is what cooking is all about. It might not be the “classic” result, but it’s yours. The soup is made with bright green Savoy cabbage with carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes.  I like to make it with chicken stock and even have put left over baked chicken in it.  It is equally good made with a good vegetable stock for a meatless meal. Then I would add mushrooms and white beans for protein and fiber.  With a hearty bread, you have a meal in a pot. If you can’t find Savoy cabbage, green cabbage will work, but don’t use red cabbage. It has a sharper flavor. If you want to add leftover meat like baked chicken, pork roast, or beef, add at the end and heat for 5 minutes. 

 

Savoy Cabbage Soup

Use organic when available. Makes 6 servings.

An easy to make, tasty and flexible cabbage soup for cold winter days

Ingredients

• 1 Savoy or small green cabbage shredded
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 Russet potatoes peeled & chopped
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 1 (15-oz.) can chopped fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp thyme
• handful of fresh cut parsley
• grape tomatoes halved
• Optional cup of cooked chicken meat
• Optional drained can of white beans
• Optional 1/2 cup mushrooms sautéed

Instructions

• Place oil in large pot over medium high heat
• Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft
• Add cabbage, garlic, smoked paprika, and celery and cook for 3 to 5 minutes
• Add stock, tomatoes, thyme, 2 tbsp. parsley, carrots, and potatoes
• Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer
• Stir in red pepper flakes
• Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until vegetables are soft
• Optional add cooked chicken, pork or beef and heat 5 minutes
• Optional meatless version, add drained can of white beans and sautéed mushrooms
• Place a few halved grape tomatoes and a little parsley in each soup bowl
• Pour soup over fresh tomatoes and serve with crusty bread

 

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Healthy Chicken Breakfast Sausage

 

Sausage is eaten in many cultures around the world. The ingredients may vary but the idea is the same: ground meat, often pork or a mix of meats and other ingredients with spices mixed together. Since the American culture has influences from many lands, our sausages are borrowed or adapted from those cultures like the American hot dog or frankfurter. Sausages are known for their shape when placed in a skin while many of us in America grew up eating sausage patties for breakfast.

 Here on the blog, I have tried to offer information and recipes to support a healthy diet. Personally I watch my fat and sodium content for my health. Breakfast meats tend to be high in both. For those of us who love sausage, this can be a real problem. My doctor discusses my fat intake every time I see her. I recently had a check-up and my cholesterol was good. Yeah!

While sausages may be delicious, they are often high in total fat, saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, and calories. When eaten often, this meat product can be unhealthy. In fact, a 2012 study showed that regular consumption of processed red meat increases the incidence of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  And a 2013 meta-analysis of processed meat consumption suggested that 50 grams per day (or about 1.7 ounces     per day), increased the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 51% and increased risk for coronary heart disease by 42%.

Healthy Sausage Brands

Regular sausages are high in saturated fat, sodium and nitrates. Research has linked a frequent consumption of hot dogs to cancer in children. I ‘ve eaten very few processed meats like sausage and hot dogs in the last twenty years, but I am starting to eat breakfast sausage more now. Why? I’ve discovered chicken sausage from Applegate Farms. It’s a popular and easy-to-find brand which makes a wide variety of healthy dinner and breakfast sausages that are lower in calories than traditional pork sausage. Poultry sausage contains between 110 and 120 calories, 7 to 8 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 310 to 440 milligrams of sodium. Compare that to Jimmy Dean sausage, for example, which contains a lot of saturated fat, sodium, and additives, making it notorious for its high cholesterol levels. 

Another healthy sausage brand is Al Fresco All Natural. The Apple Maple Chicken sausage contains just 50 calories 2 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, and 150 milligrams of sodium (17% of the daily value) per link. It is made with skinless chicken, maple syrup, brown sugar, and dried apples. Be sure to read the nutrition labels of processed meat and choose wisely.

Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage

 

One way to control what’s in your sausage and save money is to make your own. Not only is ground chicken much leaner, it takes on the breakfast sausage flavors really well. If you prefer, you could also use ground turkey. Be careful of grocery store ground turkey and chicken as they often add flavorings. Read the label. Check out your local store as many grocery butchers will grind a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for you. We’ll start with a recipe of ground chicken breakfast sausage with a more traditional flavor with salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, allspice, marjoram, sage, and brown sugar with no preservatives. Since the chicken breasts will have a low fat content, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mix. The oil adds flavor and helps the patties get that sausage crust. Homemade sausage is so easy to make and taste so good. (If you use boneless skinless chicken thighs, you don’t need to add olive oil.)

 

Freeze the patties individually to store and cook when you need them. Place on a cookie sheet and then freeze. Remove from cookie sheet and use freezer containers or bags. If you put each sausage patty on a piece of parchment paper and stack them, you can put more pieces in the freezer container or bag.  They should last up to 6 months. While it’s still grilling season, grill them like hamburgers for a tasty sandwich.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Use organic when available. Makes 10

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/2 tsp rubbed sage
• 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

• Mix the dry spices and brown sugar in a small bowl
• Place meat in large bowl
• Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for ground chicken breast)
• Mix well
• Add spices to the ground chicken and mix together well
• Divide the ground chicken into 10 pieces
• Flatten each patty between your hands
• Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium to high heat
• Add the sausage patties to the skillet
• Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until bottom is crispy brown
• Flip to other side and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes
• Patties should reach an internal temp of 165ºF
• Transfer sausages to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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