New Year's Day Hearty Bean Soup

The annual rite of consuming good luck food for New Year's Day is observed all over the world.  Exactly what you consume depends largely on where your ancestors came from and what was available there during the winter.  In Italy, lentils are eaten as a symbol of good luck and prosperity because they resemble tiny coins. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't like lentils, but legumes including beans, peas, and lentils are all symbolic of money. Legumes swell when cooked so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind.   Pork is also eaten in Italy on New Year's Day, and because of its rich fat content, it signifies wealth and prosperity.  For the New Year we hope for health and many more delicious meals enjoyed together with family!
We all enjoy white beans, so for our New Year's Day dinner I decided to make a hearty white bean soup with Pork Hocks.  It is really simple to make and delicious.

Ingredients:
1 pound of dry Northern White Beans
2 Knorr Chicken Bouillon Cubes
1 onion (finely diced)

4-5 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)

2 Pork Hocks 

3-4 stalks of celery (chopped)

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices  (I used a combination of dried herbs found in my pantry such as thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley.  The amount depends on what you prefer.)

The night before I sorted and rinsed the beans.  I placed the beans in a stockpot and covered them with cold water and left to soak overnight.  The next day I rinsed the beans and left them to drain. There are other ways to prepare dry beans, but this is the way I've always prepared dry beans.

In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add onions, chicken cubes, celery, bay leaves, spices, and Pork Hocks.  Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Make sure the chicken cubes have dissolved.  Add carrots, and continue cooking for about another 5 minutes.  

Add beans and about 8 cups of water to pot.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Gently simmer beans until tender, about 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

We topped our soup with pieces of the Pork Hock, Parmesan cheese to taste, and my favorite Chili paste.

My family and I enjoyed this bean soup.  Remember you can make it with more less carrots, celery, or even Pork Hocks.  Variety is the spice of life even when making White Bean Soup.
Buon Appetito!

My Favorite Desert Getaway!

Every summer I look forward to spending some time at La Quinta Resort and Spa.

http://www.laquintaresort.com/

It’s become our family tradition.  I love Palm Springs in the summer when the temperature is above 100°F.  For some reason La Quinta isn’t very busy during this time, and this makes for an even better getaway for us.  La Quinta Resort and Spa is set on 45 lush acres of gardens and pathways.  It is located at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains.  Nothing feels better than spending the day in any of the 41 pools.  La Quinta Resort and Spa is also very family and dog friendly.

Here are two all-natural home remedies for a radiant desert complexion that are easy to make, and will work wonders on your sun-drenched skin.

Energizing Masque

1 tsp. honey

1/2  tsp olive oil

one egg, beaten

A few drops, rose water

 Mix.  Smooth onto your face for five to ten minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.  Apply twice a week.  This exercises the face because it

stimulates blood circulation to the surface of the skin; and nourishes and oxygenates your complexion.

Desert Moisturizer

1 tsp. avocado oil

1 tsp. lemon juice

 Mix.  Apply to your face day and/or night as a moisturizer.

Before checking into La Quinta we stopped at Trader Joe’s and stocked up on some food for daytime snacking.  Once I get into the pool I’m there to stay for the day!  The Trader Joe’s is located at:

46400 Washington St.

La Quinta, CA 92253

http://www.traderjoes.com/stores?q=92253

There are a lot of places to eat and drink in and around Palm Springs.  Since we travel with our dog and eating on a restaurant patio with temperatures exceeding 100° isn’t an option, our desert getaway always includes taking out for dinner. 

Our take out favorites are Fisherman’s Market and Grill.  Our favorite is their Halibut Fish and Chips.

https://www.fishermans.com/locations.php?id=2

We also take out from City Wok in Palm Desert.

http://www.citywok.com/Locations

 

We never leave home without our Chloe and San Pellegrino!

Chloe loved her giant sized water bowl.


La Quinta's landscaping varies from lush gardens to desertscapes.

                               
               
                                Chloe loved going out for walks around La Quinta's many paths.

Picked up an apple for Chloe at the Lobby.  

             La Quinta is a beautiful property that echoes the 1920's Spanish Hacienda style.

                                        I love the many happy Palm Tress at La Quinta.

When the temperature is over 100°, nothing feels better than being in a refreshing pool.

I loved having the pool all to myself!

After three days of paradise, even Chloe was sad to leave.  See you soon La Quinta!

La Quinta Resort and Spa gives me all the variety I need for a desert getaway 

with my family and dog!  

A Witch's House in Beverly Hills!

There are many perks of being a teacher, and one of them is having a substantial amount of time off during the summer. The question is, “What will you do on your summer vacation?” My family and I decided against taking a holiday that involved boarding a plane, so whatever we do or wherever we go, it is going to be local, or within the borders of our beautiful state, California. There are so many lists available on the internet with ideas of things to do in and around Los Angeles, so I did some research and made my own summer of 2015 bucket list of things to see and do.

1. Visit the Spadena House √

Today we took a walk in Beverly Hills, yes, zip code 90210 to visit the Spadena House, on 516 Walden Dr. This quirky crib is only 4 miles away from my home. I had no idea it existed and I am thrilled I got a chance to see it today. For more information on it’s history visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spadena_House

This house is also called the Witch’s House, since it resembles something witches from Disney movies would live in. The property features a picket fence, which consists of warped, wooden slabs, and window shutters jutting out in odd angels. The landscape is purposefully bizarre, complete with twisted trees and gnarled shrubs. Their is even a wooden bridge crossing a moat, and a sign hanging from a lantern that reads: “Witch’s Landing.” The property is truly magical. The details on the entire house are awesome, from the droopy roof to the signs posted around the property. There are also fake crows out on the yard to add to the creepy-ness. It’s hard to believe this place actually exists on a street lined with mansions. This house seriously belongs in Disneyland. A visit to the Witch’s House on Halloween would certainly be interesting!

Put some variety into your life and go and visit The Witch's House, 

but remember not to eat the berries.