When it comes to sharing who I am professionally, my articles and posts aren’t what you’d typically expect to see on some social platforms. I believe in bringing all the elements of my journey to the forefront, whether it’s my life as a digital nomad, a global traveler, or a travel chef. These experiences shape me, but they don’t define me entirely. What truly defines my work is my commitment to doing everything with intention and in every professional role, I strive to deliver my best—putting thoughtful effort into everything I do.
My journey has taken me across the globe, and it’s this diverse experience that I infuse into every aspect of my work. Today, I’d like to share something close to my heart and my palate: a recipe for Agua Fresca, a refreshing Mexican favorite, with a twist that reflects my personal taste. For those unfamiliar, Agua Fresca is a hydrating drink that you can find at vendor pop-ups across many regions of Mexico, especially where I am now. I’ve added a little twist to the traditional recipe by incorporating fresh pineapple—one of my favorite fruits—to bring a sweet zing. To brighten the flavor, I’ve added limes, and to enhance hydration, I’ve included cucumbers. A touch of natural sweetener and a pinch of salt turn this into an electrolyte-packed drink that’s both delicious and revitalizing. I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I’ve created a video to walk you through the process—just click the link below to watch on my YouTube channel. [Click here for the full recipe video] A heartfelt thanks to American Airlines for their friendly gate and travel service team and consistently getting me where I need to go, and to American Express for their exceptional global customer service and top-notch lounges around the world. Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey. Buenos Días!
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This is a short story about why I decided to move to Mexico. But let me start a little further back. Five years ago, I began to feel a bit restless living in the United States. I knew I had a passion for cooking, but I was also deeply interested in content creation. I had always maintained a YouTube channel where I shared plant-based recipes, gardening tips, visits to produce markets, and other food-related content. Despite this, I still felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied, like something was missing. To find some clarity, I began journaling about the things I truly wanted to do. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I knew I wanted to travel and cook. At the time, I had a full-time job that I enjoyed, along with the company of my colleagues. However, over time, I felt confined within the four walls of my office, restricted in my ability to fully express my skills and creativity. I longed to pursue something more fulfilling and true to my calling. So, I shifted my focus to what I wanted instead of what I didn’t. Journaling helped me clear my thoughts, and I realized I wanted to live in Mexico. I had always loved Mexico—it felt like a second home outside the U.S. I also knew I wanted to cook, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. Did I want to be a personal chef? A traveling chef? VA digital nomad? All I knew was that I wanted to combine cooking and travel. With a strong background in plant-based cooking, I saw an opportunity to serve expat communities in Mexico who were adhering to plant-based diets. I started considering which part of Mexico would be the best fit for me. Should I live in Baja? The Yucatan? Mexico City? I wasn’t sure, so I dove into research about different states, cities, and colonias (neighborhoods). Whenever I had the chance, I traveled to Mexico to explore these areas, gradually piecing together my vision for this new chapter in my life. Fast forward, I met a woman in one of my travel groups who suggested I apply for Mexican residency. I hadn’t really considered it before, but her idea sparked my curiosity. With the help of another member of the group, I began the process on the U.S. side, gathering all the necessary paperwork and information for approval. Around that time, there was a shift at my job, and I found myself unexpectedly let go from the job I once loved. But as it turned out, this created the perfect space for me to not only apply for residency but also to take a step back and consider the new life I wanted to build in Mexico. Once I was approved in the U.S., I had 180 days to finalize my residency in Mexico. I diligently completed all the steps, did thorough research, and finally set a date to begin this journey. Arriving in Mexico was a whirlwind of emotions—wonderful, scary, exhilarating, and joyful all at once. But in that moment, I knew I had made the right choice. Initially, I hadn’t considered San Miguel de Allende, but the person assisting me with my residency paperwork, a Spanish national, required me to be in that city to complete the process. After researching San Miguel de Allende about three months prior to my move, I thought it might be a good place to settle temporarily and see if it felt like home. I completed my paperwork, booked an Airbnb for a week, and then was lucky enough to find a beautiful house in an upscale neighborhood for a two-month stay. Now, I’m living my best life in San Miguel de Allende, enjoying luxury in this stunning city. As I sit on the rooftop terrace of my home, overlooking the city, watching the sunrise and sunset, I can’t help but reflect on how this vision I had five years ago has come to life. It truly feels like home. There were many moving parts in my journey here, but every challenge was worth it. I’ve met incredible people who have made my transition smoother—from the locals to fellow expats, some who look like me and some who don’t. Whether it’s the local flower shop owner, shoe cobbler, or friendly supermercado associate, each interaction has helped create a soft landing for me in this new chapter. If you’ve ever thought about moving abroad, expanding your horizons, or simply exploring life in a new country, I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for advice, guidance, or resources, I’d be happy to help—just reach out through the link below or contact me via WhatsApp. This move has been the best decision of my life, and I’m excited for you to find your own path, wherever it may lead. Happy wanderlusting! WATCH VIDEO: Why I Ditched The U.S. To Travel Abroad From Farm to Fork: Mastering the Art of Preparing Farm Fresh Eggs for Optimal Health and Digestion9/13/2024 Lately, I’ve been making weekly trips to Bazar Los Frailes, a local market in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, that offers farm-fresh eggs in their natural, unpasteurized state—no refrigeration, just fresh from the farm. If you’ve been curious about how to safely handle and store these gems, you’re in the right place. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know—from sourcing to cooking your eggs in a way that retains their nutritional value and flavor. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to create a balanced plate that supports your overall well-being. So, are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with farm-fresh eggs while keeping it healthy and easy on your digestion? Keep reading. 1. Finding Farm Fresh Eggs To get the best quality eggs, look for local farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or even local farms that offer direct sales. Fresh eggs often have brighter yolks and a richer taste compared to store-bought options. 2. Sanitizing and Storing Farm Fresh Eggs When you bring farm-fresh eggs home, it’s important to handle them properly. To sanitize, gently rinse the eggs under warm water without soap, or wipe them with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking them, as this can remove the natural protective bloom. Store your eggs in the fridge to maintain freshness, ideally in the carton or a covered container to prevent odor absorption. 3. Cleaning and Sanitizing Before Use If you prefer to clean your eggs right before cooking, lightly rinse them under warm water. For extra precaution, you can use a solution of water and a little vinegar to wipe the shells. 4. Preparing Eggs for Easy DigestionTo make your eggs more digestible, especially if you have digestive sensitivities, cooking them as a soft scramble is ideal. This method helps retain moisture, making the eggs softer and easier on your stomach. Here’s how to do it: • Soft Scramble Technique: Whisk your eggs with a bit of water, which creates steam during cooking and helps keep the eggs fluffy and moist. • Add Healthy Fats: Incorporate a healthy fat like olive oil, avocado oil, or a small amount of butter to enhance the creaminess and improve nutrient absorption. • Steam for Moisture: Cook on low heat, stirring gently to create soft curds. Adding a splash of water will steam the eggs, preventing dryness and locking in moisture. 5. Balancing Your Plate for Optimal Nutrition Round out your meal with nutrient-rich additions like steamed spinach, fresh tomatoes, avocados, or a side of raw veggies. This not only boosts the nutritional profile of your meal but also adds fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded plate. For a step-by-step tutorial on preparing the perfect soft scrambled eggs, follow the link to my YouTube channel. Let’s cook up some fluffy, nutrient-packed eggs together! |
Regina DillardMom, "Gigi", Travel Chef, Global Concierge, Author, Wanderlust Archives
November 2024
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