Two Tasty Treats!

Both of these dishes are delightful and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  It was my first try at both brussels sprouts and enchiladas.  I love that the brussel sprouts are oven roasted, making them crispy and crunchy and fabulous.  There is also a lot of freedom for variety in spice choices.  I'm always a fan of freedom.  My favorite part of the enchiladas is the sauce, much more natural tasting than the grocery aisle varieties.  Again, lots of freedom here.  Fill the tortillas with whatever you fancy, the sauce is the main star.  ENJOY!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts


Black Bean, Corn, and Zucchini Enchiladas

DOUBLE RECIPE DAY!!!

Hooray for DOUBLE RECIPE DAY!!!  Both of these recipes were full of new culinary experience for me. The result of my efforts was just okay but I would make each of the dishes again to rule out cook's error contributing to the mediocrity.

Falafel with Avocado Spread

I discovered falafel a few years ago and immediately knew it was a gift from Above.  Falafel is kind .of like a pinto bean burger, spiced up and fried.  Mmm.  The avocado spread used in this recipe is FANTASTIC and without a doubt the highlight of the ensemble.  The healthy take on falafel was okay.  I thought it was a tad dry.  When I make this again I will likely use more oil for the pan frying

Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas

My favorite thing about this dish is that it's like a warm little salad.  My acupuncturist is always telling me I need to eat more dark green, leafy vegetables. After the success with Swiss Chard earlier in my recipe making journey I thought I'd give collard greens a try. The nutrient packed collard greens and protein rich black-eyed peas make it hard to doubt the healthy benefits of the dish.

1 large bunch collard greens
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, diced
1 1/2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
Dash of apple cider vinegar
Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper

Remove dry ends from collard green stems and chop leaves into bite-size pieces.

In large Dutch oven over medium heat, saute garlic and onion in olive oil until soft.  Add collard greens and stir until they turn bright green and wilt.  Add water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed to keep greens from burning.

Add black-eyed peas and vinegar and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes to heat through.  Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

SERVES 6

from CLEAN FOOD by Terry Walters

Things I'm looking forward to in 2010:

Presently Peaceful

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to accept your life for exactly what it is at this very moment?  Take the good with the bad, the ebb with the flow and say "Wow, soooo this is my situation right now.  Okay."  I recently tried this new way of thinking.  It was purely by concession and I was wholly huffy about it, but I tried it nonetheless.  You (I) can (could) walk around completely pissed off about something not going your (my) way for only so long before you (I) realize(d) the negative energy being emitted is dragging everything (and everyone) else down.  No body likes a Negative Nancy but few people have the guts to tell you you're being one so mostly people just start avoiding you.  Don't ask me how I know.  But anyway...  At a minimum, it was empowering to step back and look at the whole:

almost 30

married

childless

dog

family

friendships

home in Iowa

career

Actually, it was life changing.  Here's how my perspective changed:

almost 30

happily married

kid-free

beautiful dog

amazing family

unconditional friendships

lovely home in lovely Iowa

providing, satisfying career

Some of my life-situation certainly did not match the perfect picture I painted for myself at the ever mature age of 18.  In reality, very little of it aligned with what I thought my life would be at this point.  However, might I have to give up the abundance of the gifts that have exceeded my hopes to compensate for the pieces that have left me frustrated and fearful?  Is that something I am willing to do?  No.  Thank you.  I like it the way it is.

In no way am I suggesting that individuals displeased with something in their life become complacent.  I am the first person to tell a friend, or even stranger (Thanks Grandma for the ability to make a friend/share my opinion everywhere!) that if something is not what they had hoped, CHANGE IT!  Be that as it may, life and learning is a process, a valuable process.  Complacency and acceptance have very different meanings:  Complacency is halting.  Acceptance is propelling.  Observe.  Create.  Move.  Grow.  Be joyous.

"In acceptance there is peace."  Amy Carmichael

xoxo

Heavenly Hummus!

I love, LOVE hummus.  I recently made it myself for the first time and it was SUPER EASY.  After searching and evaluating several recipes I settled on this one from the book CLEAN FOOD by Terry Walters.  I like it because it uses olive oil and tahini whereas most of the recipes I found used only one.  There is also a lot of freedom for experimentation with more, less, or additional spices.  For variety try adding some fresh chopped parsley or replacing the garbanzo beans with navy beans.  Enjoy!

Traditional Hummus

1 garlic clove, peeled
2 cups cooked chickpeas (I used canned)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tahini
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons lemon juice (Even more is better)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
water

With food processor running, drop in garlic clove and process until minced.  Turn off processor, scrape down sides and add chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, cumin, lemon juice and salt.  Restart processor and slowly add water, making hummus slightly thinner than desired, as it will thicken when refrigerated.  Chill to combine flavors before serving.

Long Live The King!

I credit my parents for instilling a deep appreciation and love of the music of Elvis Presley within me.  Is there any other mainstream artist that surpasses the level of diversity in raw talent this performer possesses?  I am aware of the subjectivity surrounding that question but I honestly can't think of anyone.  Doug received the '68 Comeback Special CD collection for Christmas.  I had never heard Elvis' rendition of "If I Can Dream" before listening to the collection.  The powerful lyrics coupled with his silky smooth, passion filled voice makes this a forever favorite for me.  Happy Birthday, Elvis!

Magnificent and Meatless!

Bela's Stuffed Red Bell Peppers

When I made the Lucky Stew earlier this weekend I decided to soak and cook the black-eyed peas myself.  I used some of the unused legumes and rice to whip up this delightful little dish.  I love the color combination of the chard and red peppers as well as the nuttiness that matches my personality.  Plus, I'd never cooked with chard before.  BONUS!  Way to go Bela!

New Year, New Recipe!

Lucky New Year's Black-eyed Pea Stew

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com.  It's name and inclusion of traditional New Year fare drew me in!  The description on the recipe page is accurate.  It has a delicious balance of flavors, not overwhelmingly cabbage or legumes.  It's stewy foundation makes me think of Ireland and beer!!!  YUMMY!  The serving size is ENORMOUS so I dished six portions rather than four and only used about half of the rice.  It was exciting to work with several ingredients I had never used before.  I think that sausage or chicken would make suitable exchanges for the hocks if desired.  How can making a dish supposing to bring good luck and wealth not be worth the effort?!?!?!