How To Take Care of the Summer Flu (Stomach Flu)

Love and self-care go hand in hand! Unfortunately, my mother is sick again, and so is another friend...so I decided to give them a list of what they can do while I'm out.

It's seems to work so far - try it out! They're all great at boosting your immune system and keeping you from getting sicker.

Hope you all have a great day!

Tostones with Garlic Sauce

I love tostones - they're perfect! You use the best green bananas and don't even need a dipping sauce, but they're great with the one I made.

Usually when I make fried plantains, I cut the skins off and then cut into slices but I was watching Guy's Grocery Wars on the Food Network and saw a woman cut them into rounds before peeling. I was appalled - how come I never thought of that? They don't lose any bit of the plantains, and it's fun to slice a little notch in the green skin before rolling the deliciousness out.

These plantains are warm, crispy and so simple to make. The sauce is simple but SUPER flavorful. My mom complained that they were "too spicy" at first from all of the garlic, but she kept dipping more...hmm. Haha, oh mom!

Tostone Ingredients:
3 Large Green Plantains
1 Cup of Olive Oil (or enough to fill cooking vessel)
Salt

Garlic Aioli Recipe:
3 - 5 Garlic Cloves
1 bunch of Cilantro
1/2 bunch of Parsley
3 tbl Vinegar
1/4 cup of Olive Oil or Water

Step 1.
For the sauce, pour everything into a food processor except for the oil/water. Slowly stream in and once it is completely smooth and emulsified, move to a bowl and cover in plastic wrap. Chill for 1-2 hours.

Step 2. Cut the ends off of your plantains, then slice into rounds. Either pop the plantains out, if you can, or cut a knotch in the skin and roll away from the flesh. Set aside until all are done and get two plates and a stack of paper towels for draining.

Fry your plantains in batches until they are a light brown, and while still warm, smash them between the two plates until they are thin. Use plastic wrap or paper towels to keep the plantains from sticking or being crushed. Repeat until all of the plantains are flattened, then fry them again until they are crispy. Serve immediately with the sauce.

It's so delicious! Muy delicioso - hope you enjoy it!

T'was College That Changed the Blogger

Hey all! Bou Shin here with some mighty fine news and some information for those that are either currently running a blog or are inspired by mine! ;)


My first year at college has been both turbulent and smooth-sailing, chaotic and so calm. I've accomplished nothing but A's and B's, and I have so much to show for it! I haven't shown a huge portion of my personality on the site, and I feel that may be why some people aren't able to connect as much. I want to change that and be open while providing you all with yummy food!

College has changed my perspective and, as being a minority...it has caused for a lot of stress and defensiveness. With experience from my blog and having amazing support from campus staff and friends has helped me cope. What I've managed to do is learn patience, leadership and that I need to take time for myself! I'm not perfect but...being able to take control of my life as I see it is an amazing gift.





Speaking of patience - I felt like I didn't have enough with this blog, although I tried. At some point it wasn't about fun anymore. It was about views. I would LOVE to have a blog like Chocolate Covered Katie's or Fatfree Vegan...and I know that I will. For that to work, I need to put love and patience back here. I need to nuture this blog and I need your help!

Share your favorite posts with your friends, post me to facebook!

Friend me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bou.shin?fref=ts

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shins-Vegan-Lovin/125788897505053?fref=ts

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AikoVenus1

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/aikovenus1/

I hope we all have a great time! <3 br="">