2014: More Food, More Perfumes, More Places

Happy new year! Eku odun tuntun! Xin nian yu kuai! Bonne année!
Its been a minute and I've missed blogging terribly. Due to a lot of academic work and personal commitments (excuses, excuses) I was unable to blog for a while and during the holidays, I decided to take some time out to re-energise, and find some fresh inspiration not just for blogging but for life. I'm happy to be back.
For the first time since I could remember, I did not make any new year resolutions because for the first time in my life I truly believed that one can resolve to change at any point in one's life; you do not have to wait for a significant event, the beginning of the week or even morning in order to think better, act better, be better. It was different but refreshing; instead I made a list of goals I wanted to accomplish for the next two months and I made time lines. Its not been easy but I'm gradually seeing changes and that's what matters.
So in the spirit of my "non-resolution", there'll be no significant changes to the blog. I have however, resolved to be more consistent with my blogging and share more diverse experiences on the blog. By the way, I was in Birmingham for Christmas and I thoroughly enjoyed it! But no, I won't be blogging about my experience as I intend to visit the city once more (Easter maybe?) and this time, document my experiences properly for your pleasure! Meanwhile, here's what I've been up to for the past two months and what to expect in the coming weeks.

Was slightly addicted to this for a while

Had it with baked potatoes

Home-made Sharwama...so easy to make (Recipe anyone?)

Bournemouth in November #beautiful

Chowing with friends, my friend's chicken sauce is awesome. Recipe needed.

Fun at the christmas market

 

And then Beyonce happened #nowords #flawless

Packing for Birmingham

Hello lovely! #birmingham

Our Betty Crocker Christmas cupcakes *sigh* we couldn't be bothered. Y.U.M.M.Y.

If you're Nigerian, you'll know what this is. Period. End of story. This Amala gave me everything.

Back in Bournemouth #summerywinter

  

My first graze box of the year and second ever graze box. Review coming soon.

On a random note, I love my new boots.

More fried rice and peri-peri chicken

Cooking Diaries: Chilli con carne and rice for the student on a budget

Image by cyclonebill

Hello! Baawo! Ndewo! Hola! Aloha! Salut! Shalom! Guten tag!
You know, I've been really enjoying all the recipes from the "student on a budget series" like Spaghetti Bolognese and Shepherd's pie. Its been a great way for me to enjoy quality without having to break the bank. I can use the money saved towards other things like buying gifts for myself and my family for Christmas.Speaking of Christmas, has anyone made a shopping list? I certainly have, it mostly consists of books I've been wanting to get on Amazon and some cool Jewellery. I've already started buying things for the "fam", because you never know who is going home for Christmas and when the person will be going. Anyway, I digress. I made something really delicious and easy this week. I made Mexican chilli con carne with rice(First it was Italian, then Irish, now Mexican; I feel like my mouth is making international trips!). This recipe is probably the easiest one I've made so far in terms of technicality so I'll keep my explanations short and sweet. The ingredients include:

450g beef mince
1onion, peeled and chopped
100g mushrooms, chopped
1 tin kidney beans
1 beef stock cube(Knorr)
1 tin chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons chilli powder
225ml water
125ml red wine - reduced to half by boiling
salt and pepper
200g rice(50g/portion)

 -Fry the mince in a pan until it has all browned, then add the chopped onions, mushrooms and chilli powder and continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, then add the other ingredients and simmer for 25-30 minutes season with salt and pepper to taste.
-Meanwhile cook rice in boiling water for 10-20(depending on the type).

This was the first time I'd ever tried Mexican food, I'd always wanted to try it back in Nigeria but there weren't very many Mexican restaurants and it didn't seem like a very popular cuisine in the Lagos scene. I must say I loved it, Mexican chilli is definitely something I'll be trying again(next week maybe?) because I have some left over ingredients. Its so delicious and spicy, I made mine especially hot but you can minimise the hotness by putting 1 tablespoon chilli powder instead of 2 and even removing the bell pepper from your recipe. Its easily customisable to your preference. Enjoy!