A taste of Pho at Paradise Cafe

Paris, Kentucky. Paris is a unique and quaint town with abundant views of beautiful horse farms and history. But inside this charming town you'll find Paradise Cafe, Asian Fusion Restaurant. I never knew this restaurant existed until my cousin mentioned it and I'm so happy she did! On a whim my daughter, her boyfriend, and I decided to take a road trip to Paris!
Paradise Cafe is located in the world's tallest three story building. Yes you heard right! The interior is small but it's full of life, energy, vibrant colors, and the aromas of delicious Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
I was so fortunate to meet the owner and chef, Mr. Nguyen.  He himself is Vietnamese. We briefly talked about our lives and he instantly felt like part of my family. He is a very sweet caring man and it was an honor to have met him.
Of course I ordered the beef Pho. It was superb! The broth was devine, the flavors of ginger and star anise were infused perfectly. The plating was one I've not seen before but I liked it. Mr. Nguyen made sure you had the right amounts of hoisin sauce, siracha, and lime. It is Pho at it's best and I'll definitely be back!

Mango and Fish Sauce!

One of my most favorite treats growing up was eating green mangos or sour apples with fish sauce and sugar. I remember my Mom, Aunt Ann, my cousins, and I would walk over to the neighbors yard and pick the greenest of apples from the tree. My cousins and I would get to climb the tree and grab the best apples and hand them to Mom and Aunt Ann. We would pick so many that we had to use our shirts as a basket. I miss those days and so thankful for the sweet memories. Now I search for the greenest mangos I can find in the markets. I don't always find the greenest mangos so when I do it is a treat. This recipe is super easy and definetly one you must try. Just clean, peel, and thinly slice a green mango. For the sauce combine 1/2 cup fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and half of a small red chili pepper. Depending on your tastebuds you can adjust the sugar and chili pepper amount. I like to put my fish sauce mixture in a bowl and dip the mangos. When I'm not in a hurry, I like to combine all the ingredients together and let marinate for about an hour. Who can not resist the tartness from the green mango infused with the salty fish sauce, sweetness from the sugar, and the bite of heat from the red chili pepper. Absolutely mouth watering! Enjoy!

Linh's Bistro / Vietnamese Cuisine

     Upon the passing of a loved one, I was able to visit my family in Dayton, Ohio earlier this summer. It has been about 25 years since I've seen them and I had such a pleasant time.
     During my stay we ate lunch at a Vietnamese bistro called Linh's Bristo which is known for it's authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant is owned by the Nguyen family and their daughter displays her beautiful art paintings right in the restaurant. Their website is www.linhsbistro.com and not only does it have an awesome menu but it has the story of how the Nguyen's left Vietnam and made a life for them and their children in the United States. I ended up ordering the Pho since it is my favorite Vietnamese soup. I had the Pho Bo Tai which means thin sliced beef. It was absolutely delicious! The beef was tender and the broth was so savory that my mouth waters just thinking about it. The addition of the perfectly cooked noodles, basil, hot peppers, onions, and bean sprouts took my taste buds to Vietnam.
    If you are ever in Dayton near the Fort Wright Air Force Base or the museum, you must stop by Linh's Bistro. Definitely worth the stop and I know your tummy will be happy when you leave. Linh's Bristo is located at 5532 Airway Road, Dayton Ohio 45431.

Curry Shrimp Stew is on the menu!

     Curry Shrimp Stew is by far an excellent dish for anyone in the mood for indian flavors. The sweet and zippy flavors of coconut and curry infused with crushed red peppers and cilantro. Yum! This is the first time I've made this dish. I did a little tweeking from the original recipe and it turned out fantastic! It is diabetic friendly, clean, and the perfect weekend meal at the kitchen table with family and friends.
     Curry Shrimp Stew recipe! For the stew you will need 1 1/2 pounds of jumbo shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 small red onion sliced, 1/2 cup cilantro chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes (low sugar if possible), and 14 ounce can of light organic coconut milk. In a large pan on medium heat add the oil. Add the red bell peppers and onions and saute until soft. Add cilantro, red pepper flakes, garlic, toss until combined, and simmer a couple minutes. Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, salt and combine. Cover and let simmer on low-medium heat for about 8-10 minutes so the flavors can infuse together. Add your shrimp and combine well. Cover the pan and let simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes. I like to serve this over brown rice and sauted edamame beans. Top the stew with a sprinkle of lime juice and scallions.Enjoy!

Comfort food made healthy

     On July 21, 2014 I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was stunned and never thought it would happen to me. Me, the food guru, baker, cake decorator, home inspired chef, food traveler, food blogger, and "I'll try any food" type of gal. So to make a long story short, my eating habits changed tremendously and as part of my journey I want to share my new and trialed recipes with those who are fighting the daily struggle of diabetes, have a loved one with diabetes, gluten allergies, and to those who just want to eat cleaner and healthier. My main goal is to still eat some of the foods I love but in a newly revised healthy way. So in the meantime please enjoy these delicious and beautiful dishes.
      TURKEY MEATLOAF MUFFINS! Ingredients for muffins are 1 pound ground turkey, 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 1/2 cup oats, 2 egg whites, 1/3 cup finely chopped onion, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.  Ingredients for topping is 1/3 cup low sugar ketchup, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon mustard. Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all the turkey ingredients together. Lightly spray the muffin pan and divide the mixture to make 12 muffins.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, depending on your oven. While your muffins are baking, combine topping ingredients. Once the muffins are done, spread the topping over each muffin and bake for an additional 5 minutes.  
     GARLIC CAULIFLOWER MASH ! One head of cauliflower and bring to a light boil until tender then drain well. In a food processor combine 1/4 cup organic chicken broth, 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Blend the mixture well then add in the cauliflower.  Blend until smooth or to your desired texture. Sprinkle with chives.
      ROASTED ASPARAGUS ! Heat oven to 350°. Clean and prep approximately 15-20 asparagus spears then towel dry. Lay your asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well and spread asparagus evenly on sheet. Bake for 4 minutes then toss. Bake an additional 4 minutes.  If desired you can lightly sprinkle shredded parmesan over the asparagus for a little zing.
     And on a final note, the left over turkey meatloaf muffins make an exceptional meatloaf sandwich using whole wheat bread. Amazing and tasty! ♡