Keep Calm and Carry On: The Diary of Foodie and Gourmet

Tonight, I wanted to try something very different, but still healthy. I was in the mood for chicken, but I didn't just want to bake or sauté it --- I wanted a new recipe. I always really love lettuce cups, but I've never made it! That all changed this evening. This recipe was not only super easy, but incredibly delicious! A great family meal or quick weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  Ingredients: - 1.5 lb ground chicken - 3 ~ 5 garlic cloves (it is up to you) - 1 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped - 2 tbsp sesame oil - 6 scallions, chopped - 1 tsp ground ginger - 2 tsp sugar - 2 tsp soy sauce - salt and pepper to taste - boston or butter lettuce head (for the cups) - sliced carrots or cucumbers or whatever toppings you want - hot sauce (I used a chili garlic) Directions: 1. Slice the garlic. 2. Chop up the water chestnuts. 3. Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan.  4. Cook the ground chicken until brown....

So, this post is waaaayyyy overdue, but I wanted to share it anyway. Over my winter break, I visited the American Museum of Natural History with my parents. We specifically went to the poison exhibition at the museum, which is running until August. I want to give you guys a taste of the exhibit, without giving too much away.  This exhibit is absolutely phenomenal. I have been going to AMNH all of my life and by far, this is the best exhibit I have ever seen! The exhibit looks at poisons and toxins in nature, history, literature, and in medicine. A lot of ground to cover, but AMNH nailed it! Well done!  The first part of the exhibit looks at poisons and toxins in nature, with an emphasis on the rain forest. When you first walk in, there is a display case with these adorable yellow frogs. They may look very cute, but they are incredibly deadly! Be warned!!! There are also displays with insects (not real) and plants, all of which are accompanied with detailed explanati...

Have you ever had a craving for chocolate cake or brownie, but didn't quite have the ingredients or time to bake? or even just have a slice lying around the house? Well, here is chocolate mug cake to the rescue! I discovered this recipe online and it has become a go-to. Very easy, satisfying, and delicious! You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge, and it takes no more than five minutes to make! Win-win!  Ingredients: - all purpose flour, 2 tbsp - sugar, 1 tbsp - cocoa powder, 2 tbsp - milk (type is your choice), 3 tbsp - canola oil, 1 tsp - baking powder, 1/4 tsp - vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp Directions:  1. Prepare your ingredients and get your favorite mug out! 2. Add your dry ingredients to your mug (flour, sugar, cocoa powder). 3. Add the milk and canola oil.  4. Add the baking powder and vanilla extract.  5. Mix everything together until smooth.  6. Put the mug in the microwave for about ...