MARCH FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS -LOCAL BUIZ EDITION

March- the month of social distancing and quarantine. COVID-19 or the Corona Virus hit the US hard, and still continues to do so. Everyday more cases are being reported, the CDC is implementing new regulations, and thousands of Americans are stressing. Finances, health, work, you name it- we’re stressed. Instead of highlighting FIVE of our favorite things this month, we want to each share FIVE local business you can support, like us, in this time. Please let us know any more that may need some extra love! Just because we’re practicing our distancing IRL doesn’t mean we have to virtually.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. PAIGE POPPE - Paige is an Arizona artist who’s work is now seen throughout the valley from greeting cards to murals. It has been amazing to watch Paige blossom and support all her creative projects like Children’s books, pins and more! Now, she is launching a coloring book! We Stick Together is a printable coloring book featuring amazing sketches you can fill with color manually or digitally. Another added bonus: 50% of the proceeds support a local charity. I purchased a few for our Nursing home and self. You can too, here.

2. THE MADISON - The Madison Improvement Club is a health and wellness fitness studio, most well known for their Party On A Bike Spin Classes, is doing some innovative stuff during this pandemic. First, everyday they are offering LIVE classes on Instagram. I usually take the weekend yoga flow; check out their page here and turn on notifications. Second, they are renting out stationary bikes to continue your spin classes at home. So smart!

3. PRICKLY PEAR PAPER - Our friends Mark and Lauren are offering some great deals everyday of the week to support their business. Free pens and stickers, BOGO deals and more- you have to check out their website and stock up now for #PostCorona. We use Prickly Pear Paper for our custom business cards; they are cute, practical and stand out! Everything you want in a card. Visit their site and support today!

4. CAFE EMPOROS - We have mentioned this coffee before and are still obsessed with it! Pour over and enjoy- its too simple. We met Ruben at Phoenix Flea and after coming on the podcast and sharing his invention we continue to enjoy the Uganda blend at home. I am looking forward to the summer and trying the cold brew. You can purchase and try it out at home here.

5. LOCAL FIRST- This is a business who is all about supporting business. Their message has been and always will be sustainability, but right now I love that they are offering support for small, local, and independent businesses during these uncertain times. Check out their site. You can also discover thousands of other connections and resources an deals here.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. LOCAL FIRST RELIEF FUND- Local First Arizona is our favorite organizations in the community. We are consistently learning new connections and networks from them. LFA is sponsoring mini-grants to help support Arizona’s smallest locally owned enterprises. Click here to learn more. 

2. STATE FORTY-EIGHT - They always find themselves in the front lines supporting as much as they can. During this crisis, they have created a new shirt to support local business and are creating accessible food options. Fifty percent of the shirts’ proceeds will be going to Local First Arizona and Matthew Crossing Food Bank. The shirt is also always cool looking too! Support here.

3. PUBBLICO ITALIAN EATERY-  This announcement is for those you who have love for Sunday Dinners. The incredible staff behind leader Danny will supply you a classic Italian supper. Go check out their latest post to find out how to pre-order today

4. WASTE NOT AZ- As a previous guest on our podcast, we love promoting their fight against hunger. Waste Not “...is the only nonprofit agency in Arizona collecting prepared foods that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it directly to nonprofit agencies that serve those in need.” They are continuing their fight and always educating others on how to help even virtually through times like today. Check out their website.

5. OPEN LETTER TO DOUG DUCEY -Behind the scenes, business are working together to make their voices and comments heard. Available on the breadfruit website is a open letter to Arizona Governor Ducey. On the letter is a response and petition to help save small business in the local community. :learn more and even sign the letter here.

Not sure how April will go as I take it hour by hour, day by day. Thankful for so many things and finding the optimism in everything and more for those who can’t. Stay safe, and thank you for supporting us by reading.

XoXo

Britt

So Scottsdale Finds Finding Arizona Podcast

Okay, so you’re practicing “social distancing”, ordering Uber eats and sharing the latest IG post from your favorite local business. Whether you are working from home or hustling to support the community I wanted to share a happy story, a milestone, an amazing accomplishment from the Finding Arizona Podcast. In March of 2020 we were featured in So Scottsdale Magazine for our impact on the community.

We have been honored to be featured in Voyage Magazine, Phoenix Magazine, and the Know Book. With each opportunity comes great relationships and opens doors, not just for us, but for our guests as well. Recently we had the amazing opportunity to share our story in So Scottsdale Magazine. Not only did we get to look back on our accomplishments, but we also explain our visions for the future of the podcast. My favorite was the photo shoot in our home studio and outdoor space. This photo not only reminds me of our strong ability to work together as a couple but also the love we share- it is the space we held our wedding.

Okay, enough spoiler alerts- READ IT HERE. Share it and share with us your thoughts. Also, if you are an Arizona Business who has yet to be featured on the podcast, then reach out. Now more than ever, we have to work on supporting each other, our community, in the right direction.

XoXo

Britt

WHAT THE CORONA?!?

This week’s blog post was going to be on a completely different topic, but all that has been on my mind, and I’m, sure yours too, is the Corona Virus. Working in the Health Care Industry I have seen, heard and been apart of some things that are worth sharing, or at least remembering years from now. I also want to share what I think is best to do in this time of anxiety, at least what is helping me.

I work in a Skilled Nursing Facility. If you don’t remember my big career change than please go back and read all about it here. It has been 9 month now and boy, have I learned A LOT! This week, though, was was roller coaster. Monday we began asking internally about testing new admissions into the facility. Tuesday I began asking local hospitals if they are testing. Wednesday I received backlash from the hospitals for “Questioning their protocol.” Thursday we implemented: No Out Side Visitors in our facility as well as the hospitals began sharing they are “screening” patients referred to facilities. Friday we are receiving documents sharing the “screening.” Even if it is just my husband that believes it, I like to think I sparked something to #MIH!

I didn’t believe the grocery store hype until I saw it for myself. I am not an expert on toilet paper or why hand soap vs bar soap, but my anxiety did hit seeing the cleared out shelves. Virus or not it is always important to keep staples in your pantry and cases of water and toiletries. But what are we doing to take extra precautions?

• Washing hands 1000 times per day creating friction and carrying 60% or more alcohol hand sanitizer. While I wash my hands I like to also “wash off” the day, the moment, the situation, and feel all the negativity running down the drain- try it!

• Disinfect surfaces including remotes, light switches, steering wheels with 10% bleach and 90% water solutions. Soil the surface and let it dry for 10 minutes before touching. I learned this from the Director of Housekeeping at our facility.

• Bump elbows instead of shaking hands.

But what about local businesses? At Finding Arizona Podcast we are having internal discussions about keeping to our recording schedules and providing great content to our listeners, but how else can we support?

• Support local: shop online or buy gift card. Gift cards are perfect because the business gets the money now and you get to use the service later.

• Engage online while you’re there anyway. Working from home now? Scrolling though social more? Share more, comment more, post more. Be you and let other’s know that we have each other’s back.

• Supporting health care workers at our local level as well. They are working overtime to care for other’s loved ones while their loved ones are not in school or not at work. Whatever this looks like for you- buying their coffee, child care, groceries, or just saying “Thank you.”

Last but NOT least, with all the information out there make sure you are going to CDC.gov to get your real facts. I have no doubt we will overcome this together, but while were here lets separate fact from fiction, emotions from reality and take care of our mental health just as much as the physical one. Be safe out there.

XoXo

Britt.

COOK BOOK CLUB

Cook Book Club meet up number one is in the books and I am here to dish up the deets behind it. You’ve have heard about book clubs, wine clubs, but how about a cook book club? How did the idea come about? How can you start your own? Let’s dig in!

The idea started from a conversation with Chelsea of Simple Jane. We both had been involved in book clubs before but this idea seemed intriguing. The premise is similar- one book per month, but this time instead of reading cover to cover you try out recipes that you may have never tested before, try a new method of cooking that will get you our of your comfort zone, or add spices to meals you never had in your pantry. After the month is over gather everyone and prepare potluck style from the book. It is that simple.

Our first book was: Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman. It was great pick to start because the recipes were crowd favorites and it features a variety of flavors. I opted to check out the book from the local library and save $30. I figured if I was obsessed with it by the EOM I would make the splurge. When I got home I immediately sticky noted recipes that stood out to me and found that I bookmarked mostly desserts.

We have a Facebook Group for the club where we can post photos and share stories throughout the month of dishes we tried and our thoughts on them. I made the Almost Angel Food Cake and it was so good! Honestly, that was it, I wish I would have made more, but the first time going about it I learned I didn’t have it with meal at the grocery store to shop and also didn’t consider what meals would be good for prepping lunches for the week. Needless to say, I knew it wasn’t one I was going to be purchasing.

The week of the Cook Book Club I panicked! What do I make? Some clubs suggest delegating dishes or sharing what your bringing, but we decided that just surprise us and see how it goes! Of course, I made the Chickpea Salad and so did someone else. But, what was great was trying and comparing not only the taste but how it was made. I loved the idea in the end of two of the same dishes.

Our dinner party featured mostly bites and salads and of course a delicious Aperol Spritz. The conversation was guided by the book, but the tangents allowed for a great night of getting to know some new, incredible women in the valley. We mixed together dips and salads and found that everything really completed each other perfectly. We even had left overs to take back to the husbands.

What’s in store for next month? We will be selecting our next book and trying out recipes until our scheduled meet up again, the first Thursday of the month. I will be trying out more recipes before hand and the night of I want to bring a main course that really highlights the table.

How can you start your own?

1. Find a group of friends who like food- be careful about any special diets because although cookbooks have variety you don’t want anyone to feel left out.

2. Pick a book and start digging into it. Encourage your family to get in the kitchen with you and try out a new skill.

3. Plan an evening you can get together and bring a dish to share. You can always delegate a desert or drink or main course person or just wing it because when there is food involved it is always a good time.

If you are local and interested in joining ours, shoot me a message and we would love to have you!

Cheers!

XoXo

Britt.

FEBRUARY FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

February 2020, the Leap Year Month! Did it seem extra long or was that just me? Between the rainy days the sun shined so warm, enough for us to crave a bit of summer. In Arizona February means the start of Spring Training, pitchers and catchers in the beginning and the first games mid month. Jose and I shared some great finds together, but these are what we each found to be our favorite for the month.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. MY NEW CAR - I love my new (to me) Nissan Rogue This month we spent searching for the right car for me and after patiently waiting for it to arrive, we had a different way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. If you’re curious to learn more theres a VLOG and a BLOG.

2. WARM GRAIN BOWLS- I discovered these at Panera and after getting frustrated of paying $10 I was inspired to #DIY. Quinoa + Rice + Protein (Chicken) + Greens + Hummus + Greek Yogurt/Sour Cream + Tomatoes + Olives + Seed/Nut . Yum!

3. JUSTIN BIEBER - I am (now ) a Belieber. From his Youtube documentary to his new album I cant get enough. The more I watch him and Hailey I find so many things to relate to and the more I bump the album in the Rogue, I dig it even more.

4. SUPER SETS -Jose and I frequent the gym and I love working out together. We first get 20-30 min of cardio in then, strength training. But to take it up a notch we are adding sets in between while waiting for another to finish up and also keep our heart rate up. If you have any sets we can replicate, tag us in them! @thedailykelsey and @daniellepascente have great ones!

5. BEVERAGES - I have switched to Decaf- tea. Not coffee- lol. So I can continue to drink tea all day long, I brew decaf black tea and make lightly sweet ice tea. I also have fallen back into my raw smoothies and discovering the best new drink places in the valley like Wow Wow Lemonade and Kwench. Know any other places I should check out when I am thirsty?

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. PIZZA - I have been craving all kinds of delicious slices lately! Thankfully, Britt is not hard-pressed to pass up some za. It also stems from what have I been watching lately.

2. BON APPETITE YOUTUBE CHANNEL -This has basically all kinds of pro-chefs with different personalities doing awesome cooking projects. Thankfully having so many chefs with different backgrounds gives an opportunity for great concoctions for their videos.

3. INTENTIONS BY JUSTIN BIEBER- What can I say other than this 25-year-old did it again. I really think he has made a major pivot in his career and he is worth the listen. I am also bias because he and I just got married and this is definitely a tribute to those feelings and emotions. 

4. COOKING -  I have learned a lot about concepts, theories, and techniques through recent YouTube videos. The best part about it is I find myself being more confident in the kitchen. I definitely wanna try a new video with cooking involved. 

5. WALKING WINTER -We are up to 2x a day walks with our pup, Winter. I enjoy times when we are a family and when are alone.  Each walk provides a new perspective every time. 

We will celebrate the Leap Year Day in some big way- Jose suggested a cold plunge, I suggested making something new to eat, lol. Head to the socials to find out.

XoXo

Britt

VALENTINE'S DAY CAR

Happy Valentine’s Day to me! I got a new car! I deserve it for all the hard work and love I put into everything I do. It may not be the perfect timing, but what is? I had plans to eventually upgrade; my car’s issues starting piling up and I had to start looking at my options. Buying a car can be overwhelming, so here are a few things that helped me along the way.

Always be looking- if you get to rent cars often or can visit auto shows keep in mind what you enjoy driving and what is best for your situation. Growing up I loved attending auto shows with my dad and now as an adult i feel like Enterprise’s choose your car is like that version of it.

Keep your current car up to maintenance- I recommend looking under your hood often, learning how to check your oil and if you ever need work done, see if you can YouTube it or price match it. With my Chrysler I’ve learned i can jump the power window but i can’t replace the battery on my own. When my list of to-dos became greater and more expensive than the car itself it was time to look at other options more seriously.

It’s 2020 you can buy your car from a vending machine- At first, I went online, downloaded apps, kept an eye out for commercials and dealership offers, but CarMax is my place! I was there in 2014 buying my previous car and with the offer they’re are giving me for it, i knew we could work something out. Maybe it’s because i love shopping at Costco (word on the street they are closing the metro center one in Phoenix) ,but CarMax is ALSO a superstore. Based on my budget and key features there were over 15 cars on the lot alone and more in the state and even more nationwide.

Test drive and do all the things: freeway, U turns, parking, stoplights- It’s a big commitment and don’t let anyone but you tell you it feels right. I do appreciate CarMax is hassle free customer service but at the end of the day it’s sales.

Do you own financing research and put a down payment- Buying a car is a huge financial responsibility and the more you educate yourself the better you will feel and the better your overall wellness will be. Just because the dealership offers financing doesn’t mean it’s your only option. This is my second time going through this process and for me, my bank, Navy Federal provides the best rates and works perfectly for my situation. Everyone is different so do your research and ask around if your financial institutions offer any deals or special rates for car buyers.

Sleep on it- Don’t make a rational decision. Of course the salesman is going to assume the sale and the next thing you know you’re signing your life away. When i go in, the first time, intend to go home empty handed. I need to sleep on it and still have that same want and desirable feeling the next day. That’s when you know it’s a good decision to make.

So why the Nissan Rouge? Time for my big girl car. As a wife and a homeowner i knew my next car was bigger: SUV/Crossover/Truck. Also with my profession, i commute a lot, so gas mileage is a huge deal maker for me too so that rules out trucks. I love foreign cars and will never buy American (again) and i knew a Nissan would last me the next 10-12 years with no big headaches. The maintenance on the car is within my reach and the reviews on safety and reliability are through the roof. Plus we added the MaxCare plan adding additional warranties for the whole vehicle. Did we have to get AWD, no but living in AZ we want to take more adventures on and Find Arizona. I am in love and discovering more features and reasons why it was the right choice every time I drive it.

So who is ready for an adventure? California? Fossil Creek? Around the block? Let’s go.

XoXo

Britt

FINDING ARIZONA KITCHENS: STRAWBERRY POUND CAKE

Valentine’s Day is near and since you have already broke the diet and ate girl scout cookies, you might as well mix up this treat and share it with someone you love. Did you (not want to) know they call it pound cake because you add a pound of sugar, butter and flour? That is why one slice is enough. This is a pretty, and pretty easy cake to make.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CAKE

• 1 Pint Strawberries (fresh)

• 1 Cup Butter

• 3 Cups Sugar

• 5 Large Eggs

• 3 Cups Flour (Sifted)

• 1 Tsp Salt

• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

• 1 Cup Buttermilk

• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

• *OPTIONAL 1/2 Tsp Red Food Coloring 

  FOR THE GLAZE:

• 2 Tbsp Strawberry Puree 

• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar

• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1 Tsp Lemon Juice

Directions:

1. Start by washing your strawberries and de-stemming them. Puree them and set aside 2 tablespoons for the glaze.

2. Next, add the puree to a sauce pan and reduce it for 15-20 minutes. The final product should be around 1/2 cup and thick. Cool to room temperature.

3. Pre-heat your oven to 325 and prep your bunt pan with the method of your choosing.

4. In a mixing bowl beat your room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy 4-6 minutes on high speed. Add your eggs 1 at a time.

5. Turn your mixer to a low speed before you add your flour. Add the flour in increments as well to avoid spilling out of your mixer. Finally add your salt and baking soda and scrape down the sides of your bowl. Be careful not to over beat your flour.

6. Buttermilk is next to add to your dough. Combine lemon juice with milk to DIY Buttermilk at home.

7. Mix in your vanilla extract and your strawberry puree. If you chose this is when you would add food color if you really want to brighten your mixture. Pour into bunt pan and bake for 60 minutes or until you can toothpick check your cake. Stick a toothpick in and if it comes our dry, its done! (One time check per pick)

8. The cake takes a while to cook and cool so I don’t recommend prepping the glaze too far in advance. When you’re ready whisk all ingredients together: lemon, powered sugar and strawberry puree. Check the consistency of the glaze by seeing how it runs down a spoon. Add more powder sugar if its too runny and more lemon juice to liquefy it.

I love making this cake and how delicious it was. It serves beautifully with fresh strawberries and with coffee or tea in the mornings for a sweet treat. Let me know your thoughts bellow; I would love to try making other seasonal fruit versions.

XoXo Britt

JANUARY FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

Happy New Year Y’all! It is a new decade and we’re brining back our Final Five Favorites Jose and I are obsessing over in the month. Somethings maybe the latest and greatest and some are your grandmother’s remedies, but either way we are sharing in hopes you learn a little more about us. Also, how fun is this going to be to read in 2030 when EVERYTHING is different.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. SOLVED - A new podcast you have to check out. It’s an interactive podcast where the listener hears a case from start to finish/death, interviews from suspects and gets to decide who the killer is all in under 30 minutes. I have yet to solve a case and you would think with all the Forensic Files I watch I would have. Check it out on apple podcasts, here.

2. CHARCUTERIE BOARDS- This trend is def 2019, but I made my very first one by myself in 2020 and I am obsessed. I mean who doesn’t love meats and cheeses and nuts and fruits? But follow down the Pinterest rabbit hole and discover ones for movie theater snacks, Valentine’s Day, and even breakfasts. Follow me on Pinterest to see what boards are inspiring me.

3. JAZZ MUSIC - Putting on background ambience is huge for me, but lately I have been craving lively piano. After watching a documentary about Jaco Pastorius I started re-listening to jazz and classical jazz musicians- flutes, trumpets I dig it all.

4. THE BIGGEST LOSER -Its back for you, but new for me. In the first 15 minutes I was obsessed with the trainer- not the guy, the girl! She lost all that weight and has so much mental strength; she’s a great inspiration! I am looking forward to this season. Are you watching? Who are you rooting for? Red or Blue team? #TEAMRED

5. TALKING WITH STRANGERS - Malcom Gladwell’s new book is phenomenal, duh! I am only a third of the way in, but his voice as an author makes it such an easy and interesting read. I love that I can apply this book in my daily life and working conversations.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. OOOPS ALL BERRIES CEREAL - Classic taste, smell, and flavor! Nothing has beaten my ritual one bowl each night. It's not often I get to enjoy it but when I do I try to enjoy every bite. I was able to get it big bag style to last me quite some time (or not).

2. NARDWUAR - I recently found these masterpieces of interviews on YouTube. Each one of these videos has me laughing and learning so much. In summary, this kooky character interviews hip hop/rap artist about deep culture and history that it even amazes them how he finds out things. If you like history, humor, or even just want to see people lose it these clips are for you.

3. SUNSET CRUISE BY BOOGIELO- Our new friends and recent guests have made a banger of a hit. This is my song going home from work. The lyrics make me smile and think what is in store next for them.

4. RESEEDING -  We spent one weekend being serious homeowners. We chose to take care our lawn to help prep for Spring. Since we have two large lawn areas, we made a big trip to Home Depot. I feel now I understand: “We grow with our home”. Each home project is growth for both of us.

5. TANDUM WORKOUTS -Working out with my wife has made it afun and easy transition back to a work out routine. It has also been a new experience teaching another person certain exercises. Britt has made the whole new experience a joy to be apart of.

It felt like a very long month and it was hard for me to resist putting up Valentine’s Day decorations. We look forward to the Leap Year Month and celebrating LOVE.

XoXo

Britt

WHAT THE HEALTH

These last few weeks have brought a whole new focus to the word: Health. Working in the industry the last 6 months, learning more of the clinical side and working side by side with professionals has me not only value but question health. Personally in the family some health ups and downs hit home and what better than to share my thoughts in this week’s blog post. 

I need to start off by saying I am not a certified medical professional so do not take my advice over one. Okay, now that that PC is out of the way let me speak my heart! 

We first have to take care of ourselves before we can expect to take care of others. No this isn’t “self care” this is making sure we listen our our bodies and give it what it needs. Nourish was my work of the year last year and this means really answering to our bodies. For everyone this is different. For me it is getting my body moving. If I am not exercising a few times a week the stress builds up, my anxiety rises, my mood swings, and self esteem is down. But when I can get some gym sessions, neighborhood runs or a yoga flow I am immediately in a better mental and of course physical state! I like to think of this analogy like an airplane safety precaution: make sure you put on your air mask and life vest before you help those around you. Fill your bucket first, so you have all the love to give others.

Another piece of this puzzle is what we put inside our bodies. I am learning more and more everyday its not just food, but drinks, vitamins, medications, everything we consume is absorbed into our bodies, our cells. Why would we want to poison our selves? I know cheese is poison to some, but it is knowing what your body can do with the things you consume. I know I am sensitive to almonds, but sometimes choose the stomach bloating so I can have one of my favorite nuts. Or its even grabbing Canes Chicken on the way home from work because its a late night and I am craving it after a long hard day it is a mental reward as well. It is all about balance. BUT what I am here to advocate NOT to do is overly consume those toxic things! Intermittent fasting works for me because I am not a breakfast person, but it might not work for you. Apple cider vinegar lemon shots work for me every morning but that might not for you. 

On to some seriousness. Last week my Father put himself in the ICU, loosing nearly 9 pints of blood because he chose to intoxicate his body to a point of almost no return. Isn’t that funny word? INTOXICATE. It literally has the word toxic in it. Think about that for a second. If a glass of wine or a shot of tequila makes your body feel good then have it, but if it will in turn cause you to hurt physically and or emotionally, damage relationships, and overall alter your day to day life than why would you want to give your single chance at living a shorter shelf life? 

I meet 90 year olds everyday, in fact the oldest resident we have in our facility is 101 years young! This month my grandfather turned 90 and the family gathered to celebrate this monumental moment. What is the secret? I ask everyone I meet over 90 years of age of 50 years of marriage (that’s another post). The most common answer I get is staying busy and happy. Not one or the other its both. Keeping active, just like my grandpa who still does his daily walks, helps with family projects, and of course our annual tamale making. But I have seen him build homes, repair roofs, tend to gardens, drive thousands of miles, and win at hundred of Domino games. At his birthday celebration he exclaimed:”If i had to do it all over, i would.”

That is a life worth living. I can’t tell you much more than that. You can pack the hand sanitizer, cough drops, warm and fuzzy socks and wear a mask but you still might catch something. I received the FluShot for the first time this year and still got sick. I found out that this vaccine was for a diff to strain that what this season’s influence brought us. I wash my hands leaving every hospital, when I get home I shower of physically and mentally my day. One day I walked out of an elevator at a hospital and the entire floor was wearing masks- i suited up as well. Skincare routines and SPF are required daily for me along with with vitamins and minimum 40 oz of water a daily (working on more, I know). I plan on living till at least 100. I got plenty of life to live and I hope you reading this are right there with me living our best (healthy) lives. 

XoXo

Britt

FINDING ARIZONA KITCHENS: ALBONDIGAS SOUP

Albondigas (Mexican Meatball) Soup is one of my top 3 favorite soups! Its full of flavor, delicious meatballs and juicy vegetables. Growing up my best friend would have it cooking in her home every Friday and the smell just brings back so many memories. I saw a close friend making it and asked for the recipe. After a few tweaks and measurements, its perfect, and I am ready to share it with your kitchen too!

Ingredients:

• 1 Stalk Celery 

• 1 Bag Baby Carrots 

• 2-3 Large Potatoes

• 1 Onion

• 6 Cloves of Garlic

• 4-6 Ears of Corn

• 2-3 Large Zucchini

• 1 Bunch Cilantro

• 3/4 Cup Uncooked Rice

• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes

• 1 Can Tomato Sauce

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 2 Eggs

• 2-3 Cubes Chicken Bouillon

Directions:

1. Dice onion and garlic. Saute in a large soup pot half of your onion and garlic in olive oil until golden- not brown. While you are watching the onion you can begin to prep your meatballs.

2. Mix in a bowl ground beef, remaining garlic and onion, cilantro, uncooked rice and pepper and salt if desired. Chill in fridge and allow flavors to blend and meat to get cold. Meatballs are easier to form the colder your mixture.

3. When your onions are golden in your pot,  add diced tomatoes and let simmer to blend flavors.

4. Add tomato sauce and water to create a 3/4 full pot. Add bouillon and bring to a rolling boil before you add in any meatballs. But, while you’re waiting you can continue to prep your meatballs.

5. Using your hands, roll meat mixture into meat balls all the same size and place them, softly and one by one, in boiling water 20 minutes. Cover. Meatballs will begin to float once fully cooked.

6. After 15 minutes of the meatballs boiling add vegetables chopped to your preference of a bite size and stir occasionally. Be very gently the more aggressive you are the more your meatballs break in your soup.

7. One pot will serve between 8-12 people. It is best serve garnished with fresh diced onion, cilantro, lime, and crushed red peppers. Leftovers, if you have any are good for 3 days. I also paired it with a garlic avocado sourdough toast.

This soup is perfect for the chilly weather and also goes well will all the tamales you have left over from the holidays. Thanks for getting in the kitchen with me, again. Looking forward to more recipes.

XoXo Britt