Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Collection For Kings & Queens

Can you believe that the summer is almost over? Although the school has started in many cities, the summer heat will still be around for a couple more months. Our weather in South Carolina has been unusually dry which means it has been rough on our skin. We make it a point to wear sunscreen when we are going to spend extended time outdoors, as well as keeping hydrated by drinking a lot of water.  

One thing that my family has been exploring more of is natural products when it comes down to skincare. My husband specifically has been using organic black seed oil for a couple years now. Black seed oil dates back over 3,000 in Egypt. It was believed that Queen Nefertiti used it to maintain her exquisite complexion. Black seed earned the Arabic approbation "habbatual barakah", the seed of blessing, for its powerful properties. I was really thrilled to find out about the Honey & Black Seed collection from Nubian Heritage. 

The Honey & Black Seed collection is enriched with antioxidant-rich Black Seed Oil blended with Arabian Honey and Apricot Oil. These ingredients blended with natural enzymes, amino acids, and proteins, boosts the skin’s natural appearance and, with daily use, leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated.

The Honey & Black Seed lotion is the most luxurious and moisturizing lotion I have ever used. It's super thick, yet not over-the-top heavy. I like feeling the moisture from lotion long after it was applied, and this one does just that. You can feel the softness all day long. This is one lotion that I do not have to reapply. It has a great neutral scent, so my husband uses it as well.

This soap is so moisturizing and nourishing with little scrubbing bits in it. It lathers a lot better than many other brand soaps I have used. It leaves no residue behind and is good for the most sensitive skin, and has a nice fragrance, too.

The collection includes:

• Bar Soap (SRP: $4.99) 
• Body Lotion (SRP: $10.99) 
• Body Wash (SRP: $10.99) 
• Hand Cream (SRP: $9.99) 
• 24-Hour Deodorant (SRP: $8.99) 
• Infused Shea Butter (SRP: $12.99)

As with all Nubian Heritage products, the Honey & Black Seed collection is cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, paraffin, mineral oil, petroleum, DEA, synthetic fragrance or artificial coloring.

Home Team BBQ Columbia Launches Daily Specials MON thru WED

Meatloaf, Pastrami and Prime Rib…oh my! Home Team BBQ is kicking things up a notch by introducing daily specials every Monday through Wednesday, effective immediately. The ongoing specials showcase what Home Team BBQ does best — juicy, smoked meats with out-of-this-world flavor packed in every bite. Guests are invited to make their trip to Home Team BBQ Columbia a three-day affair and get a taste of each finger lickin’ special for themselves. Home Team BBQ looks forward to seeing you every Monday (and Tuesday, and Wednesday!).

- Daily Specials –

Mondays @ 4 p.m.

Smoked Meatloaf

Gravy + 2 Sides

Tuesdays All Day

Pastrami

As a Platter or Reuben

Wednesdays @ 4 p.m.

Smoked Prime Rib

Au Jus + Horseradish Cream + 2 Sides

WHAT:   Home Team BBQ Columbia Launches Daily Specials MON thru WED

WHEN:   Mondays at 4 p.m.
              Tuesdays All Day
              Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

WHERE:  Home Team BBQ Columbia
               700 Harden Street
               Columbia, SC 29205

Check out the full menu here.

STAY IN THE CONVERSATION: @HomeTeamBBQCOLA | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Muffins Recipe

Looking for a healthier option for breakfast or snacks? We have hit back-to-school season, and many of us are time-crunched. Having grab-and-go items is a must for those busy mornings, as well as after school lets out. I've always liked having a variety of snacks available ranging from fruit, cheese, crackers, and baked goods. You definitely have to try out this recipe for vegan cinnamon sugar muffins. I promise you won't know they are vegan! 

Ingredients
For the muffins:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 spelt flour (or you can use what you have)
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 ounces applesauce (unsweetened)
1/2 cup organic almond milk
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup

For the topping:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 390 (F). Grease or line muffin tray and set aside.

In a large bowl stir together all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, almond milk, oil, and maple syrup. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until combined.

Fill the muffin cups 2/3 of the way full, sprinkle each with a little cinnamon sugar, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Each family member tried a muffin and the reaction was all the same. They all said it tasted like any regular homemade muffin and they would never have guessed it was vegan. The dozen I made seemed to have disappeared in one day. I was lucky to get one! They had the same texture and flavor of a regular muffin using dairy or egg. This recipe is a keeper!

Check out these other recipes:
Best Banana Bread
Blueberry Lemon Bread
Glazed Meyer Lemon Pound Cake

Perfect Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

We are in the heart of the summer weather here in South Carolina. The scorching sun and humidity do not push me to want to be in the kitchen for very long. I have been utilizing my air fryer a lot to avoid going outside in the heat to grill or to have to turn on the oven. It seems to take forever for my house to cool down once the oven is on. I have been making a variety of lighter dishes, as well as salads. I came across a recipe for Greek pasta salad from Skinnytaste and decided to try it out. I did make a few adjustments because I felt like some of the fruit and vegetable quantities were way too much.

One thing that I love about pasta salad or potato salad is that you can make enough for leftovers for the next day or two. When I made this pasta salad, I was afraid it was too much for my family. It turned out to be so delicious, that it all got devoured over the course of a few days. The recipe is super simple and is definitely one you will want to hang on to. It makes a great side dish for family meals and cookouts.

Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients: 

one 16-ounce box of pasta (Bow ties or rotini work well)

2 cups of diced English cucumber (skin on)

1 small orange bell pepper, diced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1/2 of a small red onion finely chopped

1/2 pint of either cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half

4 ounces crumbled or cubed Feta cheese

1/2 cup of kalamata olives sliced in half

dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp kalamata olive brine

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp Kosher salt

cracked black pepper (optional)

How to make it: 

• Boil pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. Test for desired doneness and drain. Rinse with cold water, and let it cool at least 10 minutes. 
• Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.
• In an extra-large bowl, toss pasta, chopped fruit/veggies, and dressing together.
• Add feta at the end. 

Refrigerate and enjoy! Be sure to Pin this recipe for later. 

You might also enjoy these recipes:

• Southern Caviar
• The Perfect Potato Salad to take to a cookout
• Best Deviled Eggs Recipe

Thank you for stopping by today!
Shelly

Bao and Broth Now Open In Optimist Hall, Charlotte NC #LiveNoodsWarmBuns #WeDontCutCorners

After its announcement in 2018, the long-awaited Bao and Broth officially began serving customers at the opening of Charlotte’s new Optimist Hall on Thursday, August 1, 2019.

The ramen and steamed bun shop has long been in the back of Executive Chef Larry Schreiber’s mind. Since 2014, Schreiber served as Executive Chef at and helped open Moffett Restaurant Group’s Good Food on Montford, where his steamed bun was a hit. Now, Larry’s thrilled to be opening his own restaurant purely dedicated to the food concept that has earned him recognition across the Charlotte food scene. This time, he’s added ramen and other Asian delectables that will have Optimist Hall perusers stop in their tracks when they smell his chef-d'oeuvres.

Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something at the highly customizable eatery. For $12, those longing for a hot bowl of ramen can choose from a variety of broths, proteins, and toppings to satisfy their craving. There are also vegetarian options, such as the Unctuous onion broth. Ramen not your thing? Check out the listing of baos offered. Despite the title referencing pork belly buns, Bao and Broth ensures that all eaters can enjoy their menu, with additional bun options including schnitzel, chicken, bulgogi, and falafel. If you still can’t get enough, side items, dessert, and the house specialty – rice cakes and pork belly kimchi – are also available.

“I’ve been a part of a few restaurants before but creating these recipes [for Bao and Broth] and testing them has been one of my favorite experiences,” said Schreiber. “Back at Good Food on Montford, we only served one option – the pork bun. Now with this restaurant, we have the capability to expand on it, and it’s been so fun putting together all sorts of flavors to see what mixes well. I think the schnitzel bun has to be my favorite, but I’m excited to see which items our guests like the most.”

The opening of Bao and Broth is part of the first of three restaurant opening phases at Optimist Hall, with the other two set to occur in the early fall. The stall is order-at-the-counter style, and guests can devour their meals either indoors or outdoors at the community seating hall, or at one of the few seats alongside the ramen bar. Schreiber also mentioned there are plans to include online ordering once the stall gets up and running, which will make it even easier to get this delicious food in your mouth as fast as possible.

Bao and Broth’s hours will be 11AM to 9PM Sunday – Thursday, and 11AM to 10PM Friday – Saturday.

Photo credit: Stefanie Haviv
About Bao and Broth:
Open August 1, the ramen and steamed bun shop is owned and operated by head Chef Larry Schreiber. Bao and Broth offers a full menu consisting of traditional Asian bao’s and broths with sides and desserts in accompaniment. Located in Optimist Hall in Suite 5. Head to BaoandBroth.com to learn more.