Healthy and Easy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - a perfect thing on a cold day

So as i walked through my little hole-in-the-wall farmer market, i saw butternut squash are on sale for 39 cent a pound. SCORE!! I love butternut squash soup, especially in the cold winter night. And guess what, it is very healthy for you.

A little low down on the butternut squash: Because it has such a high content in water, butternut is a filling, yet low calorie food. It has no fat or cholesterol and is full of fiber, vitamin A, antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C. Along with all this healthy aspects, butternut tastes very delicious as it is buttery and creamy.

Now here comes the recipe:

Ingredients: (4 servings)

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3lbs) , peeled, seeded and chopped in small 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tsp of nutmeg (more if you like nutmeg)
• salt and pepper to taste

(Optional ingredients)

• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• light sour cream or brown sugar (optional)

Directions:
In a large pot, add olive oil, heat over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until translucent (If you wanted to use the carrots and celery stalks, put them in as well). Add butternut squash, and browned (about 5 minutes).

Pour in the stock, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover with a lid. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove the vegetables, place into a blender and puree until smooth. Save the broth.

Return blended squash back into the pot with the broth, stir and seasoned with nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. (For a heavier version, stir in the heavy cream).

Serve in bowls with your choice of sour cream, or brown sugar (I love  butternut squash soup with brown sugar)



There you have it! Let me know how it comes out.

Bringing in the New Year!!

Have anyone ever seen that movie "Despicable Me"?? I watched it last night and i liked it a lot. Now i want my own minions!! My own little army of minions to do whatever i want is kind of awesome. They can go do the hard works while i sit around, playing with my little projects.

Talking about projects, I got my blue sequin scarf from Charlotte Russe for free during Black Friday, and i had no idea what to do with it. I don't really like sequin, especially on scarves. I decided to turn it into a skirt. Little sewing on the back, add elastic waist band and ta-da, my very own sequin mini skirt!

Free Sequin Scarf from Charlotte Russe

 
Since my sequin skirt is very shiny, i decided to tone it down with plain black tank top, bomber jacket, thick black belt from Forever 21, boots from Macy's and the Cat's Eyes necklace and earrings from my own collection, Vee.Y Design. Now I'm ready for the New Year!

I also try to pair it up with a grey cardigan from Charlotte Russe for a more casual look.

 

Close up of the Cat's Eyes necklace and earrings

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!

 It is Christmas Eve Eve, and i still have so much to do. I still have to finish up my Christmas shopping. Going to the mall 2 days before Christmas doesn't sound very fun to me. However, i finally finished designing and making the necklace for my mother and sister. Pictures are posted below. I hope they like their presents. *Cross my fingers*

My mother has a passion for pearls so i made her this necklace using fresh water pearls and silver wires

This fun earrings are made using silver wires and amethyst crystals

This is an elegant necklace is made from silver wires and Azul crystals.

My first fashion show!

I had my first fashion show at the Vista Art Gallery 207 two weeks ago. It was a blast. It was such a great experience. Chaotic yes, but exhilarating nonetheless. There is something about watching the beautiful models walking down the runway with your designs. I'm looking forward to more in the future.

From left to right: Susie Hereckova (wearing Rose garden necklace), Anh Bui (wearing Rustic Ocean Necklace), Marisol Gonzaga (wearing Purple Pendant Necklace)
Clothing: London Undergound
Photographer: Alan Buyayo

From Left to Right: Annie Lei (wearing Silver Rosette Necklace), Anh Bui (wearing Rustic Ocean Necklace), Megan Liscomb (wearing Cat's Eyes Necklace and earrings), Dana Orsolio (crochet necklace)
Clothing: London Underground
Photographer: Rising Arts Studio

From Left to Right: Serena (wearing Twilight Necklace), Anh Bui (wearing Eye of the Tiger Necklace),
Megan Liscomb (wearing Drops of Midnight Necklace)
Clothing:California Originals by Kathrine/London Underground
Photographer: Rising Arts Studio

LAUNCHED!!!

Finally, Vee.Y Design line of handmade jewelries had been launch. check out

http://veeydesign.etsy.com

Also, join me on facebook!!!

http://www.facebook.com/veeydesign