Chocolate Mousse Water

I made this in inspiration of this book called Like Water For Chocolate. This is easy and fast to make. You can add extra toppings to this (orange, strawberry, banana, etc.). I added strawberries to this to make it look more seductive and taste sweeter.

Ingredients:
*5 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips
*1/3 cup of water
*1/4 cup of chopped fruit (strawberries, oranges, etc.)

Directions:
1. Place in a pot and add water and chocolate.
2. Whisk over low heat until melted.
3. Gather 2 bowls. Fill one bowl with ice and water. Place another bowl on top and pour the chocolate mixture into the top bowl.
4. Begin whisking quickly. In approximately 2 to 3 minutes, the mixture will thicken up. Once it thickens up, decrease speed of whisking and stop when the chocolate becomes creamy and leaves a slight trail. If you over whip, it will stiffen and have a grainy ganache-like texture. To restart, melt it in a double boiler. Then begin whisking in an ice bath again.
                                                         5. Serve mousse in a small cup topped with fruits.

                                                            Enjoy!!!

Symbolism of "Like Water For Chocolate"

Like Water For Chocolate has three significant symbols that applies to life. They also apply to the struggles of the De La Garza family, as well as Tita's hurts and pains. The three significant symbols are the onion, the quail in rose petal sauce, and the cream fritters. These foods are used as expressions of love and rebellion.

The onion is symbolic to the sensitiveness of Tita. She was born prematurely because of the smell of the onion. This contrast was created in a beautiful way of stating that Mama Elena will be vicious to Tita because she does not want her. This symbol is very significant because the author is describing the viciousness of Mama Elena (Esquivel, 5).

The quail in rose petal sauce is symbolic to the rebelliousness against Mama Elena. It also represents love and sensuality. How it symbolizes rebelliousness is because it causes Mama Elena to think about her husband who passed away. How it symbolizes love and sensuality is because the scent of the roses inside the bodies sends love messages. The couples could taste the sweet flavor of the quail in rose petal sauce from sharing a kiss (Esquivel, 26-28).

The cream fritters represent love, as well as the quail in rose petal sauce. The only difference is that it represents teamwork. Gertrudis was left in the kitchen to make the fritters. She had Sergeant Trevino help her make the fritters. That type of teamwork shows love.






            In conclusion, foods in Like Water For Chocolate are symbolic because they apply to Tita's rebellion against her family tradition and they are used as a way of making fun of many traditional ideas established in the past (Wachowiak). Food is a very significant symbol because it is also a way of expressing love. Any type of emotion is expressed with food.

Vegan Lip Balms and Glosses

Want your lips to look like this? Try the vegan lip balms and glosses! They soften your lips as well as fragrance-free. Not everybody's lips are normal. They can be sensitive. I'm not so sure if any stores have vegan lip glosses and balms, but here's how to make them in case you can't find them.


Ingredients:

1 double boiler (a pot within a pot), or similar contraption

1 glass measuring cup, with spout

*1 Tablespoon plant-derived wax (soy, carnauba, candelilla, etc.)

3 Tablespoon organic, unrefined oil (I like to use 2 Tablespoons of virgin coconut oil + 1 Tablespoon hemp seed oil)

¼ tsp^* kukui nut oil, for soothing dry, chapped skin (optional)

¼ tsp^* (or less) vitamin E oil, for extended shelf life (optional)

*10-20 drops organic essential oils (mint and citrus work well in lip balms, but go crazy  and use whatever makes you smile!)

*Be aware that the more oil you use, the more wax you may need to add to get the desired consistency.

*I'd use strawberry.

Directions:

Start by melting your wax slowly, over low heat, in a double boiler on your stovetop. When the wax has all turned liquid, add in your carrier oils. Keep in mind that the oils that are solid at room temperature will result in a firmer consistency in your final product.

Once everything has mixed together into a homogenous liquid (I like to stir with a clean chopstick to help this process along), add the kukui nut and vitamin E oil, if using. Remove from heat and begin adding essential oils- this is the best part! Start slowly, as adding too much can be overpowering, and may even make delicate lip skin a little irritated.

Mint can make a fresh, clean feeling lip balm, while herbal oils such as lavender and chamomile can add a more relaxing element. Using the knowledge of aromatherapy, you can create whatever scent (and vibe) you like, just be sure to check the properties of the oils you use to be sure they don’t contain compounds that may cause photo-sensitivity (such as bergapten in bergamot) or that aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy (if you’re expecting, that is).

Transfer from boiler into glass measuring cup and pour slowly into tins, lip balm tubes, or salve jars. Make sure not to cap until product has fully set; I usually like to wait at least 4 hours or so, though it may take longer if it’s more humid where you are. Now you can feel great making your own premium, organic lip balms for a fraction of the cost… If you enjoy a bit of color, you can also powder your lips with some vegan mineral powder in the color of your choice right after applying the balm.

Enjoy!!












           

Beef Patties

I had my first taste of these Jamaican empanadas two years ago. I made them myself, by the way. One of my relatives made it the fast way using the empty empanada rolls and he would just add the beef or steak in them.










Ingredients:
Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 cup cold butter or shortening
3/4 cup iced water
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 egg yolks
Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1/4 cup water)

Directions
Combine flour, salt, and curry powder in work bowl of food processor, pulse to combine. Add the butter or shortening and process until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. In a bowl combine water, vinegar, and egg yolks. Add wet mixture to work bowl and pulse until a ball forms. Cover dough in plastic wrap and let rest in refrigerator for 1/2 hour.

Filling:
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 sprigs scallions, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon Scotch Bonnet pepper, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
Water
1 cup bread crumbs
Fresh ground pepper

Directions:
Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat, add onions, scallions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. When onion begins to soften, add ground beef, salt, and enough water to barely cover meat, simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Add bread crumbs and adjust with salt and pepper, allow to cool.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Roll the dough out to 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into 6-inch circles. Place 2 tablespoons of the meat filling onto half of each dough round. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling to make a half moon shape and press to seal. Place the patties on a parchment lined cookie sheet and place in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes. ***If making the cocktail size, cut the dough into 3-inch circles.