Bobby At Home Cookbook Giveaway & Crispy Coconut-Scallion Rice Recipe

And just like that, the holidays are here…

Tori and I have been experimenting and tying new recipes for our upcoming holiday feast, and the Bobby at Home Cookbook arrived in the mail just in time. We were ecstatic about trying some of his famous dishes. The kids and I were salivating while we looked through the images in this new cookbook.

I asked Tori what she wanted to make, and she chose the Crispy Coconut-Scallion Rice. (page 105) We agreed that this flavorful side dish would be a great compliment to our international holiday feast that will include turkey, ham, and maybe even tamales. Yes, our holiday menu is not so traditional, but we love tasty food and hey why not?

This recipe is very easy to make, and I have included a recipe card to share with you!

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a Bobby at Home Cookbook and a $50 dollar Kirkland’s gift card to help you get cozy this winter.

Disclosure: Clarkson Potter sent me a copy and is partnering with me for a giveaway!

If there is one single dish that is responsible for me winning on Beat Bobby Flay, it is this one. Not served on its own, obviously, but alongside braises and Asian-inspired dishes. If the judges were tied on their decision, this coconut rice, with its crispy bottom, was the deciding factor. It should come as no surprise that it is just as popular when I serve it at home. If you can make the rice the night before or use leftover rice from Chinese takeout, all the better. The rice really needs to be cool and separated to get really crispy—it will not work with warm rice

Crispy Coconut-Scallion Rice Recipe

Crispy Coconut-Scallion Rice

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 1 day

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

1 cup Unsweetened full-fat canned coconut milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups Carolina long-grain rice
1/2 cup Thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup Canola oil

Instructions

Combine the coconut milk, 2 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 18 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Spread the rice in an even layer over a large baking sheet and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. The rice can be made up to 24 hours in advance; store it on the baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.
Combine the rice and scallions in a large bowl. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick pan over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the rice and, using a heavy-duty metal spatula, immediately press the rice down into the pan until the top is flat. Cook, without stirring, until the bottom becomes golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes (start checking at 4 minutes, making sure not to burn it). Turn the rice over and press down firmly on the top again. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with more scallions, and serve

About Bobby at Home

With 165+ recipes, Bobby Flay opens up his home and shares his bold, approachable style of cooking for family and friends, along with his no-nonsense, essential advice for home cooks.

Expect crowd-pleasing classics taken to the next level with exciting flavors, such as Spanish-style shrimp and grits, pumpkin pancakes with apple cider syrup, and sticky-savory-sweet Korean BBQ chicken. Riff on go-to dishes just as Bobby does with his master recipes for essentials, along with creative variations that take the base recipe in a range of directions to suit your mood, such as crispy bacon glazed with pomegranate molasses, deviled eggs topped with fried oysters, and mussels steamed in a heady green curry broth. With Bobby by your side, cooking at home just got a lot more exciting.

About the Author

Bobby Flayis one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, media personalities, and authors. He is a James Beard Award winner, the author of 13 cookbooks, and has starred in 14 Food Network programs. In 2015, he became the first chef to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What’s on your holiday menu this year?

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a Bobby at Home Cookbook and a $50 dollar Kirkland’s gift card to help you get cozy this winter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beaches Resort’s Incredible Accommodations for Children With Special Needs

As a mother of a severely handicapped child, it can be extremely difficult for me to find resorts that accommodate to her disabilities.

Many resorts, hotels and restaurants don’t offer wheelchair accessible options. To my pleasant surprise, I learned Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort provides full wheelchair accessibility. As a matter of fact, they make it one of their commitments as a resort. I have spent countless hours schlepping my daughters wheelchair through sand and dirt, in hopes that she too could enjoy beautiful views, and exciting experiences with us. At Beaches Resorts, wheelchair users are accommodated with ramps and lifts situated throughout the grounds.

Disclosure: Thank you Beaches Resort for hosting my family. All opinions are my own.

Accommodations for guests with mobility restrictions include wider clearance on doorways, bathroom rails, lowered light switches & faucets, bathroom benches and more. These little luxuries make my world as a mother, so much easier. I regret now not taking my daughter with us, as I know she would’ve had the time of her life. It’s often risky to take my daughter anywhere we don’t know well, as we feel staff etc. can be very anxious in situations they aren’t too familiar with. The staff at Beaches Resorts however, are highly experienced and are always willing to let out a helping hand.

Sadly, my son ran a fever on the first day we arrived at the Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort. He couldn’t hold anything down, and laid sluggishly on his bed.

After being provided medicine by the resort clinic (yes, there is a physician on staff 24 hours), we constantly debated what to give him to eat. Mac and Cheese? Too heavy for his stomach. Steak and Mash? Even heavier! Our waitress approached us with the friendliest smile, offering us the daily (delicious) Indian food options. We told him about our son, and how we feared to give him anything. The cook came out to talk to us and listened empathetically, and assured us that he had the perfect meal for him. We waited a few minutes, as he approached us with most appetizing and healing fresh chicken soup.

My husband and I thanked the cook a million times, while trying to give him a tip for his selfless act. He simply said, “There is no need for tips, I hope your son feels better soon.” Let me repeat, the staff at Beaches Resorts are like no other. They truly make you feel at home, and always greet you with the warmest attitude. Which makes me believe whole- heartedly, my daughter can one day experience the delightful people of Turks and Caicos like we have. One last thing, did I mention my son was better seemingly overnight? That soup was magical; but so is Beaches resort.

Thank you Beaches Resort for your incredible hospitality! This trip will down in our family memory book forever… Book your stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos today!

Movie Review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Written By: Claudia V. Saldaña

Picture with Susan Kelechi Watson stars as Andrea Vogel

Last weekend, Sony Pictures Entertainment invited a group of social influencers to screen the new Tom Hanks movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood in which Hanks plays the role of Fred Rogers, the beloved children’s television icon. Prior to viewing the movie, I did have some trepidation on whether Hanks would be able to pull off the role. Would I be able to sit through the entirety of the movie engrossed in the belief that it really was Mr. Rogers up on screen? The doubts dissipated within minutes of the movie starting. Hanks was able to capture Mr. Rogers in every sense of the way.

Thank you Sony Pictures for inviting us to screen, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about kindness, love and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbor.

This movie is not a bio pic about the life of Mr. Rogers which is what I was hoping to see, but even so, this movie did not disappoint.

It’s a different take on the life of Mr. Rogers and through it we still managed to gain some insight into how he came to hold the views which made him so memorable and yet often times viewed with much cynicism.

Could a human being truly be as compassionate and genuinely nice as Mr. Rogers made himself out to be? Was there perhaps a hidden agenda that Mr. Rogers possessed or maybe some sleazy secret he was hiding from the rest of the world? I mean, Bill Cosby certainly fooled the world for years. And to helps answer these questions, in comes Lloyd Vogel, the protagonist of the movie played by Matthew Rhys.

Vogel is the magazine journalist tasked with having to interview Mr. Rogers for a small piece on heroes.

He is skeptical of Mr. Rogers and sneers at the idea of him being considered a hero. In the process, Vogel finds himself in a constant push/pull battle with Mr. Rogers’ optimistic views on humanity. His negative outlook stems from the childhood trauma of having a mother who died while he was still a teenager and an absentee father who abandoned the family to deal with the loss on their own.

It is with the help of Mr. Rogers that Vogel is finally able to deal with anger he’s been holding onto and mend his relationship with his father. And to answer the question I raised above, yes, it seems Mr. Rogers truly was a genuinely nice human being.

Sony Picture’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood hits theaters Thanksgiving November 22, 2019.

Rejuvenate, Relax, and Destress at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Sometimes I need a break…

From time to time I want to feel pampered, and feel like the world is on pause for a few hours. I work 3 jobs, and am a mother of 4. Sorry dads, but being a mom is like 6 jobs in one. I’m basically a magician and professional juggler. My girlfriends knew I was in need of some serious rest and relaxation, and a massage.

Then, the heavens opened up for my birthday and my girls and I went to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Temescal Valley, California.

Thank you Glen Ivy Hot Springs for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a luxurious hidden paradise. The drive out of OC was an easy 45 minute drive. It was my first time at the spa, and at a glance it was breathtaking. Why haven’t I been here sooner?

The amenities at this sensational day spa has 19 pools, saunas, a fitness class, massages, facial and nail care service, along with Club Mud. (they recommend you book 4 weeks in advance to ensure you get a spot).

This hidden oasis is just what I needed to disconnect and breathe.

I have realized that taking time for myself, completely changes my mindset. It’s important recharge, so I can be the best version of me.

Oh and let me tell you about my marvelous massage…

Spa Wave Massage

The Spa Wave Table combines gentle sound waves, and specially designed music with a highly efficient vibration massage system. While the special sounds slow down the mental activity, the vibration massage acts specifically on the energy centers of the body. This innovative sound massage system combines the effects of deep relaxation techniques as well as meditation and mindfulness.

The Spa Wave offers an extraordinary relaxation and anti-stress experience. I felt so relaxed and mentally sound after this dreamy massage.

Ivy Kitchen

The Ivy Kitchen was conveniently located on the Spa grounds. The girls and I shared a lovely lunch filled with belly laughs and good conversation. We talked about the stress of our daily lives, and how we need to make time for ourselves to be better moms.

Their farm-to-table philosophy means they source organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible. The avocados are harvested from trees growing on their property. If they are running low, the staff often rushes the orchards to pick more.

The Poke Salad was fresh, crisp, and tasty…

I can’t stress how important it is to take care of yourself. Being a mother and provider can be exhausting. “Researchers, who examined individuals’ emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional effectiveness, discovered that women are more likely to suffer burnout.”-NAFE

After my INCREDIBLE massage, we made our way to Club Mud. We immersed ourselves in the spring water mud pool and slathered our wet skin with California red clay. It’s blended into a silky soft paste with mineral water. We baked in the sun and in the warm ‘Wafa’ cave. We washed off the dry mud when it became loose and flaky on the skin.

After I washed off , my skin was glowing, was smooth to the touch. I had been ignoring my skin’s dull appearance for weeks, because I really just don’t have the time.

Girl time at Glen Ivy Hot Springs is just what I needed to refresh, relax, and rejuvenate.

Ladies! Ignore your mental lists, order take out instead of cooking, go out on date nights, and take that weekend for yourself. YOU DESERVE IT!

GLEN IVY HOT SPRINGS
25000 Glen Ivy Road
Temescal Valley, CA 92883
1-888-GLEN IVY

Rise and Shine! Brunching at The Lost Bean and The Sandwich Society

As we move into to the school year and closer to the holidays, I find I have less time with the kids. I try my best to schedule little dates to chat and spend quality time with them.

My youngest son is growing so fast, and he has become quite the foodie. We recently had a brunch date at Mess Hall Market in Tustin. This chef-driven market food hall, offers a wide assortment of mouthwatering food and beverage options… We are loving this new spot!

Here is a photo recap of our morning foodventure…

Hosted: Thank you The Lost Bean and The Sandwich Society for hosting our brunch at Mess Hall Market. All opinions are my own.

First, we started our morning with this delicious Acai Bowl from The Lost Bean. They also serve fresh brewed coffee, and nommy smoothies.

Check out this flavorful fall inspired drink line up:

And yes, they are as delicious as they look!

Matcha Latte: Matcha, Soy, Simple Syrup 🍵🍃
Monkey Mocha Blended: Real Banana, Mocha Powder, Coffee🍌🐵(my son’s favorite)
(Seasonal) Brown Sugar Spice Latte: Brown Sugar, Spice Blend, Milk, Espresso☕️🥛

How cute are these? I think these would make a great holiday gift.

Next stop… The Sandwich Society. This offers a delicious variety of sandwiches, both hot and cold.

My son was all smiles when he ate this GINORMOUS burrito! The Society BF Burrito is for those that enjoy a breakfast of champs. It has bacon, potatoes, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, bell peppers, sausage, ham, and house salsa roja.

Check out this ” Tur-bacon Avocado” (cold) I could barely get my hands around it. It was so big and delicious!

The staff was so accommodating and friendly!

If you are looking for a quick brunch spot, I HIGHLY recommend these eateries. I absolutely love the outdoor patio with incredible view, and the food options at Mess Hall Market are fabulous. I like that I can take my entire family, and they can pick and choose what they like.

Start your day with gourmet coffee and an invigorating breakfast, and finish it with a drink (or fresh squeezed juice) and dinner from our full service bar and culinary shops. In between, make the most of your lunch break by stopping in for a quick bite or a working lunch with coworkers and friends in our one of a kind dining environment.

Address: 1705 Flight Way, Ste 8 Tustin, CA 92782

Hours: Mon-Sun 7 a.m.- 9 p.m .

Disney The Lion King Movie Night

We just got back from the Caribbean, and we are feeling a little jet lag. We need a vacation from our vacation! Lol. We are now back into the swing of things, and going three thousand miles a minute. Yikes, sometime we need to slow down and take a break. In celebration of our return and the home release of Disney The Lion King, my kiddos and I had a Lion King themed movie night!

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba sithi uhhmm ingonyama! The Lion King has hit the big screen for a second time. The new photorealistic computer-generated animation has been recreated, with an all new star studded cast. The film stays true to its original 1994 roots, honoring the original release. So don’t worry, Lebo M who created its original magnificent scores, with homage to Africa has recreated the magic once again!

Hey guys visit my instagram, and comment by October 28, 2019, on my Lion King post for a chance to win a digital download! @queenbeelatina

Thank you Disney Movies for partnering with me on this giveaway and hosting our very cool, “The Lion King Movie Night.” All opinion are my own.

About The Film

In-home audiences will feel the love as they trek behind the scenes and to the African savanna through “The Journey to ‘The Lion King,’” a three-part documentary that explores the film’s creation. It features visits to the Playa Vista production facility where talent, including Donald Glover (voice of Simba) honor and elevate the animated classic’s iconic music; discussions with Favreau and team who used cutting-edge technology to create photorealistic animals and environments; and filmmaker and cast reflections on the timeless tale that has moved generations. Extras also include “More to Be Scene,” layer-by-layer progressions of some of the film’s most iconic moments; lyric video for “Never Too Late” by Elton John and music video for “Spirit” by Beyoncé; sing-alongs to the film’s unforgettable songs; and a feature on the “Protect the Pride” campaign, which focuses on protecting and revitalizing the lion population.

There are super cool Blu-ray and Digital Bonus you don’t want to miss!

Watch the trailer here!

Our Lion King themed movie night could not be complete without our critter treats!

This classic is worth seeing with your children. Pick up your copy and celebrate too!

Día de Muertos: AL CHILE! Lila Downs Performing at Segerstrom Center October 27th #SCFTA

Photo credit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Lila Downs will be performing at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for one night only on October 27th 2019. You don’t want to miss this rich cultural event in Costa Mesa.

Down sings ballads about the pain of love loss, death, and she written unique compositions on social injustice. Her music is moving and extraordinary.

Known as one of Mexico’s greatest singers and cultural ambassadors, the multi-Grammy Award®- winning Mexican-American singer returns to Segerstrom Center with her new show, a celebration of music, dance and ritual.

Lila Downs brings her unique interpretation of traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music, deeply personal renditions of classic rancheras, as well as her own original songs to convey the concept of Día de Muertos: AL CHILE, a voyage of emotions, movement and sound that celebrates the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead on both sides of the border.

The program will feature ballet folklorico and mariachi. Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company is the premiere folk ballet company in Los Angeles, celebrating 15 years as a company under the artistic direction of founder, Jose Vences. Mariachi Femenil Flores Mexicanas has established itself as the leading all-female mariachi group in the Southwest. Since their 2001 inception in El Paso, their rich sound and inspiring musicianship have been a strong. yet elegant. statement not typically seen in this traditionally male-dominated art form.

Día de Muertos: AL CHILE is a community-oriented event and audience members are encouraged to come dressed in imaginative Día de Muertos costumes and make-up, to bring remembrances of their loved ones to share in the celebration, and to become fully immersed in an evening filled with emotions of love, loss, reconnection and joy.

FREE pre-show activities before Lila Downs

Get in the spirit of Día de los Muertos and gain a deeper understanding of the tradition through unique FREE pre-show activities! Learn more about the holiday’s indigenous roots by visiting a stunning altar installation inside the Concert Hall Lobby, created by local artist Luis Herrera. Create a unique and stylish flower crown with our friends at Self Help Graphics & Art to wear to the show, and don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the enchanting and glamorous La Catrina, winner of El Centro Cultural de México’s 2019 Catrina Contest!

Single tickets start at $39 and are now available online at www.SCFTA.org

Box Office

600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Movie Review

We often go to cheesy kid movies with our kids out of love for them. We pretend to understand everything they talk about, and to love everything they remotely care about because… that’s the motherly thing to do. Take Assassin’s Creed for example. Do I love Cal Lynch? Uh, well, which one was that again? But, If you ask my son what I think about Assassins Creed? He’ll say, “I love it.” That’s just what we do as parents. We adore our dang kids, and want to find things in common with them. But I have found that my son and I actually DO have something in common. We both enjoy movies! Earlier this month, we got a sneak peek of MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL.

My son loves Syfi, action, and comedy flicks. I love dramas, romcoms, and adventure films. Finding movies that bond our two loves, can be tricky. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, however, left us both on the edge of our seats, eager to see what was going to happen next. The movie itself sent many powerful messages. This twisted fantasy was everything I hoped for (and more).

Synopsis:

A formidable queen causes a rift between Maleficent and Princess Aurora. Together, they must face new allies and enemies in a bid to protect the magical lands which they share. In this movie, you will experience bold, cinematic visuals. My son pointed out that the women in the film were “fearless” and “unique,” just how a woman should be portrayed.

The mythology that goes along with the cast’s spectacular performance, fits into the list of Disney Classics perfectly. Angelina Jolie goes above and beyond to not only fit the physical qualities of Maleficent, but she also accurately portrays the emotional qualities of this complicated witch. Through the course of this film, the audience will learn the importance of confidence and individuality. As a 43-year-old woman, I felt unbelievably empowered by the portrayal of all the women in this film. My son witnessing characters like Maleficent, is extremely important to me. Quite frankly, it’s important for the development of all young boys. This film has no damsel in distress, has no woman dependent on a man, and that is what I like and expect to see more of in the future movie world.

BRAVO Disney! This movie is for all the women, and girls ready to be portrayed as the strong heroes that they are. Maleficent: Mistress of evil is now on my list of favorites. I’m so glad I got to watch it with my little guy!

Disney fans… This movie is a MUST-SEE!

Read about the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Press Junket here.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil- Angelina Jolie Shares Inspirational Message

I painted my nails black, put on my red lipstick, and off I went to interview the spectacular cast of Maleficent: The Mistress of Evil. I arrived at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, eager to discuss the new Disney film set to hit theaters October 18, 2019. The plot twists, the empowerment, and the hidden messages has made this sequel possibly one of my favorite Disney Movies of all time. Yeah, I said it. Maleficent rocks.

I got to the Montage extra early and sat in the front row as Angelina Jolie (“Maleficent”), Michelle Pfeiffer (“Queen Ingrith”), Elle Fanning (“Princess Aurora”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Conall”), Sam Riley (“Diaval”), Harris Dickinson (“Prince Phillip”), and Ed Skrein (“Borra”) took their places.

The tone of this Disney Movie junket was a little different than others I had attended before. The topics were deep, and the conversation was much more profound. The cast brought up topics about empowerment, individuality, motherhood, and much more!

About Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent,” in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora. The film continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster, the film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

Angelina Jolie talked about her motherly relationship with Aurora in the new film.

“We are the pink beautiful soft princess, and we are the slightly manic creature that maybe has a very bad temper, and many many other things. And yet I see her, exactly as she is, and I don’t want her to be any different than she is. And she sees me as I am, and she accepts me as I am. And so, it is to say to everybody, be yourself. Be your true self. We don’t live forever. Say to children, no matter how people see you and say you should be, you’ll suffocate. Be your true nature, whatever that may be. And you will find a home and you will find acceptance.”

This hit a chord and was inspiring. It was perhaps my favorite message at this junket. I desperately tried to hold back my tears.

This female empowering film, is way overdue and could have not come at a better time. This sensational and progressive film will no doubt go down in the book as a favorite Disney Classic.

Take your young sons and daughters, and go see Maleficent: Mistress of Evil it in theaters Friday October 18th!

Crayola Glitter Dots Celebration at The Magic Workshop

Last month, we had a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating Crayola Glitter Dots at JMP Creative’s “The Magic Workshop” in Irvine, California! We spent a a magical day playing with Crayola Glitter Dots, and took a VIP tour of their insanely cool toy inventor’s workshop.

Check out our photo recap below!

Thank you Crayola Glitter Dots for inviting us to create with you at the JMP Creative Magic Workshop! All opinions are my own.

About Crayola Glitter Dots

These sparkly, squishy dots create 3D effects on all kinds of surfaces. Check out our Glitter Craft Kits, Sparkly Supply Sets, and more items for fun ways to make glitter art and DIY glitter crafts. Squish and spread the Glitters Dots, and let the dazzling designs sparkle.

There were so many adorable photo ops. JMP Creative’s The Magic Workshop is an amazing wonderland for toy inventing and content creators!

Why creating is so important

Creating art may boost young children’s ability to analyze and problem-solve. Fostering creativity increases your child’s confidence. You’re also helping him develop mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Kids can increase their artistic skills while enhancing cognitive development when participating in art creation. They learn colors, values, shapes, and drawing while practicing critical thinking skills (this is so important). Let your kids find out what happens when they mix colors together. Not to mention, art is a lot of fun!

We had a blast playing, creating, and taking fun pictures with Crayola!

Thank you Crayola for a fun filled magical day! We can’t wait to create more!