A few summer nights in my life! New recipes, a solo night & fair date!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ย. 2024
- A few summer nights in my life! Tuesday night we tried a new recipe for a sweet potato "pizza"?!? Soooo good. Wednesday I had a night to myself so I cooked myself some dinner (and chicken!!), shared my painting/sketching process and skincare! Thursday was date night at the fair (the CNE for the toronto girls) which was sooo much fun!! It was a great few days in the life :)
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PS if you’re reading this, comment “sneaky fam!!!!!!”
welcome to a few nights in my life!!! can't believe we're at the end of summer already :(((((
I'm loving how happy you are looking😊
Love the Ferris wheel
Tara, you can cut the chicken horizontally and make 2 pieces and use a mallet to make it the thickness much smaller and they cook much easier. When using the mallet- put plastic wrap over the chicken. Just my thoughts doing a great job !!!! Or grill it outside and the Put it in the oven cook the inside. 😊
The final days of summer - that feels odd to say. Where did the time go? 😭
Tara girl I've been praying that you'd find a good man that would actually take care of your heart like it should be and I can't think of anyone that deserves all the happiness more then you. And I'm so unbelievably happy for your mama!! I knew she was a fighter. I've got 3 more weeks of my chemo so praying for good news!!! ❤ sending you so much love from Nebraska ❤
She has a boyfriend
I can tell from this post that you are also a fighter! I wish you the best success in your fight! I also pray that all this love that you are giving will grow big and strong and then return to you!
I wholeheartedly agree ♥️
Prayers for you 🙏🏻🕊✝️🌸♥️
Looove this idea of vlogging your nights! So different and creative!! 🤗
yayyyy im glad you liked it :)
The sketches are my new favorite part of the vlogs. I love watching the progress.
I’m going through a pretty tough time at the moment, struggling with mental health & several sad losses in my family, and this notification made me a little bit happier🤍 thank you for that Tara
sending all my love!!!!
Tara, the secret about chicken is to put a bit of water in the pan once they are sealed. Put the cover on the pan, slow heat, and wait for the water to evaporate. Repeat if you think its still a bit raw. Then its gonna cook the chicken on the inside too! Thats how i do it and the chicken always turns out cooked and yummy! Also, if u still find it hard to cook it on the inside, maybe cut it thinner slices and try the water trick! Hope it works ❤
Hey! So I think you should definitely get an air fryer and cook chicken breasts in there. I don’t have this same phobia but as someone who just cooks a lot of chicken, it’s my favorite way. They’re never over cooked or undercooked. Highly recommend!! ❤
Some times with the thick chicken pieces I just cut them up to make sure they are cooked
Sorry to hear about your mom. Glad you are staying positive for her and you. Stay strong Michelle. ❤
You talking about your chicken anxiety makes me feel so validated!!!! I am EXTREMELY picky with chicken and one single bite of a sus texture is game over lol
Me too! That's why I usually eat vegetarian tbh cause it's easier than being worried I'll get grossed out by my food a couple bites into it
When the chicken breasts are thick girls, cook it on lower heat. Also try baking them. I personally love chicken thighs because are easier to cook and so much juicier. Great job!!
Immediately put my book down for this. Seeing the notification just makes me happy
Heyy tara! So proud that you’re trying to cook the chicken breasts, i recommend cutting the chicken breasts in half (horizontally) so each piece wouldn’t be so thick, (maybe even cut it into 3 thinner pieces) and then you cook them as you did. Also you could add a little bit of hot water in the pan and cover them with the lid on low heat, and flip them after some time. When the water evaporates you could check if there’s cooked. Also you could add some cooking cream and season it as you likee and you will have the best chicken sauce🤩
I am happy for your mum Tara and you for being her strength during all this
I love “Every summer after” and read “This summer will be different” a month ago. I really enjoyed it as well!
As long as the chicken is the right temp in the thickest part your golden. Keep it mind it continues to cook once u take it off the heat. So glad it turned out. I used to be the same way. The.sweet potato pizza looked amazing. I will have to try that. My husband doesn't like sweet potato so more for me lol. Have a great week. ❤
Here for the vlog!!! Excited to watch 🤍
Love you, Tara! Have a great week 🫶🏻
Hi Tara! If you’re worried about the thicker part of a chicken breast cooking through properly, you could always pound it out with a meat tenderizer to make it all even before tossing it in the pan or oven ❤
Currently watching when you are making a grid on the picture you’re sketching and I think leaving it faceless will be beautiful! I hate faces and never thought of just leaving them out! Been watching since the beginning of your TH-cam career and love to grow with you!
I have chicken anxiety too! lol Cover the chicken the entire time! If you beat the chicken in a bag to make it more even it will cook evenly/ stay juicy. 8-9 minutes per side is usually perfect! I’m so glad you finally got a thermometer! That never fails! ❤
Girlll.. AIR FRYER CHICKEN. Lifechanging. Cooked through but still has a perfect texture and minimal handling
Love seeing your progress of cooking chicken!! I also get weird with chicken so I pound mine with a meat pounder to thin it out and it cooks inside so much easier and quicker!
For the chicken breast I find it easier to put it in the oven for 30minutes at 400 F … it turns out amazing every time I swear by it😋
OMG I can totally relate to those summer nights! 🍕🌙 That sweet potato pizza sounds interesting! I might have to try that! Also, love how you take time for yourself. Self-care is sooo important! 💖 Can't wait for the next vlog! 🎉
Hi Tara! I have meat insecurity as well and one thing that I've found to be a major help is to pound the chicken breast out to a thinner, more uniform size. A lot of people will tell you to butterfly it but I tend to have issues with handling the meat too much when its raw so I just use a meat mallet to flatten it out. Then you can cook it for less time and it still gets cooked all the way through and evenly!
Tips for your chicken, I do 3 mins on each sides on medium/high heat and then I place it in the oven at 400F for 13 minutes and it comes out perfect and juicy 👌🏻 I let it rest for 5 before slicing it
Watching you sketch and paint is sooo relaxing and theraputic
13:20 SYMPHONYYY 🐬🫧💦✨
So excited you got Momos! I’m Tibetan so I had homemade momos all my life-they are good but you should try the flattened/fried version of them called ‘shapaley’-that is my favourite 🤤
Hi Tara, I love the amazing artwork you should put it in the art gallery! ❤
Tara will love the chicken!! 😍
So proud of you for facing your anxiety! ♥️🥳
Great job on the new sketch! I feel you on drawing fingers / faces. I had difficulty doing life drawing back in college. My advice - watch as many tutorials as you can! There’s a simple trick to drawing fingers and faces using basic shapes and then put it all together. I remember back in the day I used the “sausage” technique to drawing fingers. 😅
Tara! I cut mine up while it’s still on the stove so I KNOW that fatter center is getting cooked through, that helped me so much!
Use a meat tenderizer so it makes the chicken breast all equal & easier to cook through!!
I cheered so loud for you when you “liked” your chicken, I knew you would get there!
so excited i can get cozy in watch my fave show (your vlogs lol) before falling asleep!
When you're in New York:
--The Whitney Museum (contemporary art museum with really interesting exhibits and an absolutely gorgeous city view from the cafe)
--Juban (the best sushi spot) ask for their mushroom noodle dish (whether or not you find it on the menu, you can ask for it)
--Shake Shack (best spot for lunch) might actually make the best burgers in the country
--Central Park (enter at the West 72nd Street entrance to Strawberry Fields)
--Broadway Show (because Broadway Show!)
--Longo Bros and Capizza (both restaurants were in Hell's Kitchen and both are cozy Italian)
For chicken breast, cut the chicken breasts in half (hamburger style)! It cuts cooking time in half, and then you have more chicken! Also lowers the risks of any contamination in the thicker parts of the chicken. Hope this helps!!!!
I was going to suggest this too! Or say she can buy the breast filets which are cut for her in case cutting them gives her the ick
Aw that was so cute to watch! At then end I was like “I think that was my fave new vlog. Yay! Love her glad she’s having a great life” lmaoo 😂❤
Hi! I love your vlogs. They are so relaxing to watch!!!!!
Things to do in NYC:
Slate- Bar/club vibe. Huge slide for adults. Bowling, pool tables, arcade room.
Swingers Crazy Golf - Mini golf, multiple bars and food trucks
La barca cantinas- tacos, tequila on a boat that sails around the Hudson River.
Circle Line Cruises- Cruises that take you around NYC landmarks.
NYC recs!
The Cauldron - book the cocktail potions class, lots of fun!
Mace -creative cocktails
The Uncommons - board game cafe. They have a massive selection to pick from and a great start to a night in the Village.
Forge - the chicken here is amazing!
I am so excited about the idea of you building a capsule wardrobe! I've been wanting to do the same and I'm hoping you can be my guide.
Ok so target sells these frozen chicken tenders. You stick them still frozen in the oven for 25 min and bam chicken! I just put what ever seasonings I want on the frozen chicken and send it
As someone who can gets nervous cooking chicken too, recommend cutting it in half to make it thinner and/or buy a meat mallet to help make it thinner. Makes it easier and less nerve racking to cook!
The CNE is the best the pickle fries look so good
You are not alone with the chicken 😂 I’m 35 but do cook it regularly now. With large chicken breast, I slice it in half. I need to venture out and give sweet potatoes a try. I never liked them. Even butternut squash. Never had it.
Hey Tara, if it's a texture issue, which I can relate to, I've found the best chicken to buy is air chilled. I have found them at Sprouts and Whole Foods, in a vacuum sealed package. You might try checking whatever healthier grocery stores you have around you.
whatever you did different to your makeup at 15:15 is EATING!!!! inner corner liner maybe? 😍😍
omgggg Tara for nyc recommendations -> West Village is the most aesthetic neighborhood go to “do not feed alligators” coffee shop😍 and the best pizza I’ve ever had in this spot called “Mama’s too” which is a few minutes walk from the coffee shop! Also: if u want a fun date that’s actually an unreal experience go to the “Summit” . The view is insaaanely beautiful, you can go during sunset too and the ticket is roughly $50-$60 depending on if you want drinks included or the time of day etc but girl SO WORTH IT!
A tip for chicken cook . If you add a little wine when you cooked add flavor and cook slowly . Try ones you are going to loved
New Yorker here 🙋🏼♀️! Mezze on the River in Battery Park (amazing water views/Statue of Liberty) book a table outside for sunset. It’s in one of my favorite spots in the city. Also explore Central Park but further uptown at the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. Promise both won’t disappoint especially for September weather. 🤗
Hi Tara! Try getting thin sliced chicken breast or slice your chicken breast into thin slices. Much easier to cook that way. Also have you tried baking your chicken?
I love cutting chicken breast into two thin, flat pieces. It’s actually really easy to do! Look at youtube videos how. Problem with chicken is the outside gets overcooked by the time the inside is done. This way it cooks so much more evenly.
Quick tip If you have one big chicken breast cut it in half that way it will cook through faster and will be cooked throughly :)
I currently live in NYC, and the best food/bars are in the Upper West Side!!
I cook so many different meats in our air fryer it’s sooo easy and I feel like it’s always cooked so well and still juicy!
Love this! ❤
smorgasburg in williamsburg, brooklyn - its like an outdoor food market. they have a bunch of restaurants come and set up tents and there are soo many different options/kind of foods and drinks to order. its a great time and the view of NYC is beautiful :)
I personally usually bake chicken breast versus pan frying them but when I do pan fry, I like to try these methods:
1. flatten the breast with a meat mallet so it's thinner and cooks more evenly and faster. Pan frying chicken has always been 50/50 for me, I always overcook them because I'm afraid of it not being cooked through.
2. When cooking with the cover on, I add in a tablespoon of water so that it keeps moisture in the breast and leaves a nice crust on the breast and when it evaporates and I cook longer with the lid, I'll add more water.
Tara will Love them😋😋😋
Tara I'm so impressed you didn't use a ruler to draw that grid, it was so straight! You are such a great artist, can you do another big canvas one day?
Hey Tara, when you are drawing hands just draw the basic outside shape of the hand and maybe add a line or two to suggest fingers but don’t draw each finger exactly. The human eye fills it in and you will recognize it as a hand with fingers. It can be a stylized version of a hand not necessarily realistic. Just a suggestion, hope it helps. 😊
Make sure you temp them in multiple spots! As long as they’re all 165 or over you’re good to go! Great job cooking and facing a fear!!
I get the chicken anxiety, I have it slightly and honestly, best way is cut into it on the thickest part and if it’s white all through, you’re set 👌🏻 I always, always do this and it’s the only protein I eat! X
With the very large chicken breast steaks, you could slice them in half to pan fry, that would take away some of the worry for you about it being cooked. Or just put them in the oven for 30mins
Coming from PEI, I knew the places that were mentioned in the book. I really enjoyed the book. Hope you love it too.
Enjoy what's left of summer😊
For NYC- Take the NYC Ferry from Hunter's Point South in Long Island City to Dumbo, Brooklyn. The best views ever for $2.75. I like the Time Out Market in Dumbo for food (food hall). Also go to the Panorama Room on Roosevelt Island. This is a bar on the roof of the Graduate Hotel that many people don't know about. It is never crowded. I have never had issues getting in. Highly recommend sunset!
I live in NYC!! LOVE Belmelmans piano bar in upper east, johns on bleeker pizza is fab, KiKi’s is a great greek restaurant in china town thats walk in only but you put your phone number down and there are amazing bars in the area in lower east side to go to while you wait! Also Django Jazz bar in the basement of the Roxy hotel is so fun.
You should totally try crock pot chicken recipes!! it cooks for hours and there's no way for it to be under done, and it makes the house smell delicious while it cooks :)
Love them!
When you cook your chicken breast, cook it in the stove, not on top of the elements. It’s better in the stove because it cooks faster and better.
turned out great the way I did it!
You should try cooking chicken in the crockpot! Set it and leave it, cooks all the way through and doesn’t stress me out!
the only way I can cook chicken is if I cut it into cubes before I cook it!! I used to be the same way but once i started cutting into cubes I’ve had no problems
I love seeing that you've adopted a sketchbook habit -- I wonder if you've noticed a benefit to your health, whether it's feeling calmer or having better sleep?
can't confirm if it's doing anything for my sleep, but I really enjoy it as an activity! it's very relaxing and it gets me off my phone & out of a doom scroll!!
My guess is Tara will love the chicken. After the first bite I’d say you’ll get used to it. If you want a different option to cook chicken, I’d go with air fryer. Based on the comments cooking chicken in there is healthier and more easier. Maybe try that 🤷🏽♀️
Side note they make a ton of vegetarian/vegan chicken and mock meat alternatives that have a ton of protein, so you don’t have to worry as much about cooking properly! Just an idea :)
I’m from NY, I don’t go into city often but when I do it’s The Moxie in Times Square… rose mansion was a great time..230 fifth rooftop bar has the best views! Tony DiNapolis for dinner 😍
Nubeluz bar has an amazing view and the bar is super aesthetic. Zinc bar is a really good speakeasy and it’s walking distance to the comedy cellar
If the chicken breasts are quite thick, I usually slice them in half length ways to help quicken the cooking time. Alternatively an air fryer is amazing!
I saw you make the spaghetti squash and chicken meatballs. I made it last night, we loved it
Air fryer for your chicken, or you could filet them so they're thinner and cook them that way. Or cook them on the stove top first and then throw them in the oven for a little while. Either way should help you get perfect chicken. 😊
I hate cooking chicken, lol. What works best for me, though, is when I cook them in small slices or cut them in thin layers before I cook it.
Ruby’s is a nice australian/italian restaurant to try and Rubisrosa is a pizza place known for their vodka pizza but you have to reserve beforehand because its always busy.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with chicken phobia ! So strange I will eat it as long as I don’t see it being made 🤣
put them in tin foil pockets with some veggies and oilive oil and spices for 30 mins make sure the packets are sealed and on a baking sheet. that will help
I looove that you watch BB. Can you talk more in vlogs about your thoughts about the episodes? I love finding people that also watch to chat about it!!
Highly recommend an air fryer for cooking chicken. Makes it so easy to
love love love
I love yr home design
Good job!
NYC Recs!
Laser Wolf - amazing food with amazing views in Williamsburg
Gertie - perfect brunch spot in Williamsburg
Little Branch - speakeasy in West Village
Chloe (fka byChloe) - all vegan menu and all delicious in West Village (more of quicker lunch spot)
This Bowl - yummy, healthy bowls with lots of different options in NoHo (more of quicker lunch spot)
Raku - delicious udon (a few locations)
All'Antico Vinaio - for the huge, viral Italian sandwiches in West Village or Midtown
For a cute, outdoors drink vibes, you can't go wrong with checking out the South Street Seaport - a lot of great outdoor bar options right on the East River with views of downtown
Bway Shows: Six, Hadestown, &Juliet, The Outsiders
I definitely recommend Anixi for a restaurant in NYC. It's a super good vegan mediterranean restaurant and has a beautiful atmosphere!
You look so happy and it makes my heart happy. You are always 100% yourself and you are truly inspiring me to do more of my fav old hobbies. Thanks for being you. 🫶🏼
Also, if you are hesitant to cook regular chicken breast again try chicken breast cutlets! They are thinner and don’t take as long to cook so I find that I can keep them from drying out quicker. I get your fear though! I only eat chicken and fish and I hate even touching them. Lol
In New York , you should check out Holey Cream and get a donut ice cream sandwich. We went like 8 years ago and my husband still brings it up on a regular basis 😂
Hey Tara a suggestion when mastering your chicken , I think you should use a meat tenderizer !!😅
highly recommend pounding the chicken into thinner breasts that are equal thickness all the way across. Cooks evenly and helps with the texture!
My serious show rn with my bf is Chicago Med, non serious Full House which is bringing back all the nostalgic vibes. I have also been convincing him to watch One tree hill, in exchange for me watching with fast and furious movies 😂
Restaurant Recommendation: The Smith. 1150 Broadway NYC. (they have 2 locations.) I love the vibe and the food. It's my fave restaurant in NYC
How did you make the pizza crust with sweet potatoes!?! Looks sooo good