Homemade Chicken Marinade
Do you typically buy marinades already made up at the grocery store? Don’t worry, if you answered
yes – I was the same way. One day while my mum and I were at the grocery store I was looking for
a marinade to use on chicken. While reading the nutritional facts and ingredients, I was completely
turned off. Summer is here, which means it’s grilling season and marinades are a critical part of the
grilling process. That being said I decided to try and whip up my own marinade and the results were
better than I thought they’d ever be. My dad even tried the chicken (and he is ridiculously picky) and
loved it. If you’re looking for a delicious marinade to get the juiciest most flavorful chicken, I highly
recommend the chicken marinade below.
Chicken Marinade
Ingredients:
5 pounds of chicken breast, cut thinly
½ cup oil (I used canola)
½ cup balsamic vinegar*
¼ cup lite soy sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
⅛ cup of lemon juice (i used organic)
¾ cup dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary
2 tsp garlic powder
Dash of black better
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a large Ziplock bag.
2. Add chicken to the bag.
3. Place closed Ziplock bag in a large bowl.
4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best)
*Balsamic vinegar offers the best flavor, but if you want to change up the flavor a little
use apple cider vinegar.
Restaurant Review: Ale Mary’s
Start with one of the delicious shareable options.
My favorites are:
Vegan Brussels Sprouts: toasted pine nuts and olive oil
Vegan Fried McClure’s Pickles: beer-battered spicy spears with vegan ranch
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower: roasted cauliflower tossed in vegan buffalo sauce and served with vegan ranch
When it comes to entrees Ale Mary’s always has a few limited-time offerings as well as their traditional menu which includes black bean burgers, Impossible burgers, tacos, pasta, and even chicken and waffles. While I was there they had a Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich served with fries, and you know I couldn’t miss out on giving it a try. Let me tell you, this sandwich did not disappoint. As someone who is not vegan, I don’t like the fake taste of things, and this didn’t have a fake taste. In fact, I have no idea how they made it taste just like the real thing. Pro tip: order it with a side of vegan ranch!
Now let’s talk dessert, there are the traditional vegan desserts on the menu which include vegan milkshakes and cakes. However just like the entrees Ale Mary’s has special limited-time offerings that usually you won’t want to miss out on – especially the shakes. Ale Mary’s goes all out for their milkshakes which makes them even more fun. Over the weekend when I was at Ale Mary’s with friends they had a Vegan S’more’s Milkshake and you know I couldn’t pass it up. The Vegan S’mores Shake did not disappoint at all, and I highly recommend you run, not walk to Ale Mary’s to give it a try!
Have you given Ale Mary’s vegan menu a try? If so what did you think, and what is your favorite?
Gluten Free Vegan Blueberry Chia Seed Pie
It\’s blueberry season here in Michigan and after picking a few pounds of them, and deciding that I couldn\’t possibly eat them all I decided to step into the kitchen and do some baking. When I lived in Pittsburgh, my neighbor Barb taught me that the easiest thing to make when you find out guests are coming over is a pie. She taught me how to make the perfect peanut butter, coconut cream, and chocolate pie. One thing she didn\’t teach me was how to make a fruit pie, and she definitely did not teach me how to make a healthier pie. With all these blueberries, I figured I had nothing to lose and headed to the kitchen to whip up a pie – a Gluten-Free Vegan Blueberry Chia Seed Pie that is. I changed the crust recipe that Barb taught me and made it vegan and gluten-free friendly, and the result was everything I could have hoped for and will definitely be using it from now on. Now don\’t waste any more time, go make this time. Yum!
Vegan Blueberry Chia Seed Pie
Gluten-Free & Vegan
Ingredients:
Crust
2 cups almond flour
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 flax egg (1 Tbsp flax meal mixed with 3 Tbsp water)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
Filling
5 cups fresh blueberries
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup water
1.5 Tbsp lemon juice
1.5 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp arrowroot
1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a food processor combine, flour, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Add coconut oil and flax egg – pulse until a dough forms.
4. Press dough into a pie dish and bake for 9 minutes.
5. In a saucepan combine, blueberries, syrup, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Bring to a boil and then turn down and simmer for 3-5 mins.
7. Once done simmering add chia seeds + arrowroot and mix well.
8. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
9. Pour the blueberry mixture into cooked pie crust.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
11. Enjoy
* Pie should be kept refrigerated.
45 Self-Care Ideas
My goal for 2019 was to really focus on a happier and healthier lifestyle. I started consuming myself with new workout classes and spending countless hours at the gym. However, I didn\’t see change, which became frustrating, and made me start to rip myself apart. I found myself saying how fat and ugly I was – it just rolled off my tongue like it was nothing. The saddest part was it was still winter in Michigan, maybe the lack of sun was taking its toll, but I found myself in a dark time. I stopped adventuring and spending time outside and was stuck inside trying to avoid the outdoors. Fast forward to summer and my negativity towards myself was awful. I wasn\’t taking my wellness into consideration until one of my friends mentioned me really working on my mental health. I decided to write 45 ideas down that would really help me get back on track to a happy, healthy and positive lifestyle. These 45 ideas were put into a jar and I try to go through a few a week. While I haven\’t made it through all 45 yet, I figured I would share with you the 45 ideas that I had. If you have some that you think I should add, please feel free to let me know. I would love some new ideas and learn how you take care of yourself to elevate your life. One of my favorite things I did from the list was take a digital detox. I loved taking the mental break from all social media and just get outside and really enjoy it.
45 Self-Care Ideas
1. Take a day off work
2. Drink more water
3. Light a candle
4. Get some rest
5. Take a digital detox
6. Diffuse essential oils (I love peppermint)
7. Mindful coloring
8. Do something creative
9. Exercise
10. Eat healthier
11. Leave toxic/negative relationships behind
12. Declutter
13. Dance like no one is watching
14. Bake something delicious
15. Walk-in nature
16. Learn to say no
17. Buy yourself flowers
18. Use a face mask
19. Meditate
20. Cuddle with your pup
21. Listen to music
22. Watch a new movie
23. Hug someone
24. Go for a hike
25. Practice yoga
26. Write down what you\’re grateful for
27. Go on a date
28. Listen to a positive podcast
29. Create a vision board
30. Breathe deeply
31. Do a DIY project.
32. Practice positive affirmations
33. Eat more fruits and veggies
34. Read a book
35. Compliment more people
36. Compliment yourself
37. Forgive others and yourself
38. Go for a bike ride
39. Hit the trails and go for a run
40. Buy a new outfit
41. Plan a solo vacation
42. Do something nice for someone
43. Try a new fitness camp with girlfriends
44. Take a weekend to just spend time with yourself
45. Make a list of things you want to do each season
Restaurant Review: Buddy’s Pizza
You\’ve heard of Chicago-Style and New York-Style, but have you heard of Detroit-Style pizza? If you haven\’t you all don\’t know what you\’re missing out on. The Detroit-Style Pizza legacy began at Buddy\’s Pizza in 1946, and for more than 70 years they\’ve been surviving up to the most delicious pizza you will find. While they may not be the original creators, they\’re definitely surviving up to the best out there. Today, Buddy\’s still uses the same traditional methods as well as its original pans, seasoned to maintain consistent taste. The rectangular pizza has a thick, buttery crust that\’s crispy on the bottom and always cooked to perfection. Do yourself a favor and the next time you\’re in the Detroit area, stop at Buddy\’s Pizza – you won\’t regret it.
Fashion meets Food 