KITCHEN STORIES : FAVORITE BEANS & RICE

This shouldn't even fall into the category of "recipe" because it's so simple to make.  These days what I look for in a meal is easy, quick, and healthy / low calorie.  I am by no means a cook but in the past I always enjoyed the process of making / baking, photographing food, and sharing it here so I am challenging myself to doing this more frequently again.  

I try to incorporate beans of some sort into most dinners since I am vegetarian.  For Hunter who wants to eat meat every once in awhile, this is the perfect thing that I can whip up enough for both of us and he adds grilled chicken to his. Here's what you need: 

1 cup of brown rice (simmers for about 45 minutes)

1 cup (dry) or canned black beans

1 cup (dry) or canned pinto beans 

chopped onions

chopped red peppers 

fresh basil 

fresh chopped garlic

black pepper 

If you use dry beans they take a little more preparation and cooking before adding vegetables. Otherwise,  combine the canned beans, onions, peppers, basil, and garlic into one pot and let simmer for about 30 minutes.  I don't measure the vegetables, just put as much or as little to your liking.  We added cherry tomatoes and a hint of cilantro to the top.  Sprinkle with pepper, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and enjoy. 

XO 

HOMEMADE GRANOLA FOR LIFE

This is a my idea of perfect snack.  My mom has been making homemade granola for umm forever. You can make a huge batch of it to last all week (or two).  We like to distribute it into plastic baggies, take it to work, pack it in lunches, etc! 

You will need: 

4 cups oats (gluten free if you wish) 

2 cups sliced almonds

2 cups coconut 

approximately 1 cup raisins, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dried apricots 

sprinkle with cinnamon and honey OR agave nectar to sweeten 

This makes a big batch and there is no right or wrong to the measurements of granola.  You can use more of the stuff you like better (thats what I do aka more walnuts, more cinnamon - always!) .  I've also used cranberries rather than raisins and you could throw in any other dried fruit that you fancy. 

I then spread the ingredients on a baking sheet, cook on 350 for about 30 minutes.  I like to check every 10 minutes and stir it up a bit so the stuff on bottom gets browned and crunchy as well.  

Enjoy! xx

JUICING 101 : TIME TO DETOX

I am so ready for a detox after the holidays. Aren't we all? I mentioned not making resolutions, mainly because for me I feel they are too fleeting.  Especially when it comes to health / working out.  With the busyness of life and a weird schedule of working taking care of myself sometimes falls on the back burner (unfortunately).  I know if I am going to be fit and healthy for good then it has to be a lifestyle change.  I am a vegetarian / borderline vegan and sometimes it's hard to find quick solutions for healthy eating...I want to commit more time to preparing healthy meals and perhaps juicing a meal a day.  I began juicing this weekend and was pleasantly surprised by these combinations: 

Citrus Green Tea Detox: 

1 grapefruit

1 oranges

1 cup of brewed green tea

half of a lemon (just squeezed juice)

half of a banana

a few cubes of ice

Green Detox: 

1 peach

handful of fresh spinach

1 cup of pineapples (I used frozen in place of ice)

half of a banana 

coconut milk

The first was a little bitter for me, but super healthy so it was worth it.  The second was pretty delicious despite the spinach (I thought it would taste weird) but it was great! I'll be experimenting with more juices and smoothies this week and will be sure to document my finds.  xx

A ( GLUTEN FREE ) CORN SALAD

I made this salad last week and we ate a little everyday until it was gone.  It was so good! 

You need: 

4 stalks fresh corn

1 red pepper 

1/2 onion 

1 lime

1 c. chopped walnuts

1/2 c. crumbled goat cheese (leave off the cheese to make it vegan as well)

cherry tomatos 

fresh basil

pepper and garlic to season 

This is such a quick and easy recipe.  While the corn boils, chop up all your other ingredients.  Let the corn cool and mix everything together.  Squeeze the lime and stir. Top with your goat cheese and seasonings.  It's best when it's been chilled for a bit.  Also, there's no messing this one up so if you want to add more or less of the above ingredients depending on your taste it will still be superb. 

BREAKFAST FAVES / VEGGIE EGG SKILLET

If only everyday I could find the time to make a delicious breakfast, but I guess that's what weekends are for.  I had been wanting to make my own version of a veggie "skillet" that I love to order at one of my favorite breakfast joints.  For this, I chopped up onions, red peppers, and red skin potatoes.  I let that cook in olive oil, pepper, and garlic for a while before adding the eggs.  Then I went outside a plucked this basil from my plant (that is still alive, yay!).  Served with a fruit cup and of course, giant coffees. 

Happy Saturday, xx

EATS : FAVORITE SMOOTHIE

I've been making this for the breakfast far too often! It's definitely my favorite.  So healthy and delicious. 

ROASTED VEGGIES WITH POMEGRANATE

On June 1st I began a Paleo-Based Diet / Whole 30 challenge.  The idea is getting back to our roots...subtracting processed foods, sugar, dairy, things that are not natural, from our diet.  I read up on the Whole 30 on Free People's blog. It sounds like a great challenge for someone who just wants to try it out or treat is just as a detox or cleanse.  They say anything you do for 30 days becomes habit right?! So anyways, Paleo is based on eating meats, eggs, lots of vegetables, some fruit, and only processed food that have natural and pronounceable ingredients.  I have altered a few things since I am a vegetarian.  I have added eggs and some fish into my diet but otherwise I am substituting with soy protein powder and more beans.  This diet makes total sense.  And for someone who has struggled with food allergies, stomach problems, and weight, I can't believe I didn't start doing this sooner.  In just 5 short days of cutting dairy and sugar from my diet I already feel better and my stomach already looks flatter...no joke.  

I am going to be sharing recipes and healthy snacks that we are eating during this time.  I've started an "eat" category on the left side to organize all of these posts.  I would love to hear other experiences with this diet...have you tried it? 

If you've followed any past food posts, you know I like to keep things simple and I'm unfortuntely not much of a recipe person so bare with me.  The other day I was looking around the store for ways to spruce up my usual dish of baked vegetables.  I saw this beautiful pomegranate and took it home to try out.  I added the seeds and squeezed the juice on brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and onions.  I also squeezed some lemon and added a small spoonful of coconut oil.  I seasoned it with garlic and pepper (remember no salt or butter on this diet! So the juices and spices became the "sauce").  I baked on 350 for about 30 minutes.   Our salad consisted of romaine, tomatoes, mushrooms, strawberries, walnuts, and hard boil egg for more protein.  Again, without using dressing I just squeezed some lemon, added a very small amount of olive oil, and some pepper. 

Happy whole eating!

BBQ GRILLED PEACH PIZZA

We are totally guilty of being huge pizza lovers, it's usually something we save for a splurge night or when we've simply been to busy to shop/cook and delivery is needed.  To me, it is extra amazing when you do have the time to make it homemade!  

For this, I buy the dough from the bakery section at the grocery store.  I used sweet baby ray's bbq sauce in place of your average tomato sauce.  I grilled peaches, cut corn off the cob, threw on lots of red onion and peppers, and covered it all with part skim mozzarella cheese.  Lots of garlic went on top of course!  Baked on 400 for about 30 minutes (depends on how crispy you want your crust) It was so easy to make and seriously delicious.  

QUINOA STUFFED PEPPERS

Umm so good and sooo easy... 

I simply followed the directions for boiling the quinoa (any kind/brand works)

Added onions and mushrooms to the mix

Stuffed red and green peppers with the quinoa mixture

threw some mozzarella, pepper, and garlic on top 

baked for about 20 minutes 

enjoy and be amazed at how quick and easy that was!

Off for a fun day of shooting with my bestie!

HOMEMADE GRANOLA

This is one of my very favorite healthy snacks and its sooo easy to make.  I did my own take on a recipe from my mom.  

You will need:

4 cups rolled oats

2 cups sliced almonds

2 cups shredded coconut 

That is the basis of the granola and for the other ingredients I didn't measure but just threw in what felt right including :

agave nectar, cinnamon, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, golden raisins, figs, dried cranberries, and dried apricots.

Starting with the oats and nuts, I spread them evenly on a cookie sheet and drizzled agave nectar and cinnamon over the top.  Mix it all up, you want to make sure everyone gets some agave nectar so they bake all crispy, golden brown, and nice like.  My mom uses a fourth cup of olive oil, half cup of honey, and half cup of apple sauce, which also turns out amazing but the agave nectar has less sugar then honey and less fat than olive oil.  Bake on 350 for 30-40 minutes, just check them at 30, I like things on the crispier side so I left it for 40.  Then add all your dried fruit and shake it up.  I bought everything in bulk from the local health food store, I wanted to use raw nuts and the lowest sugar/sodium ingredients possible. This is such a delicious, healthy snack and doesn't go bad/stale very fast! And you can make lots of different versions with various nuts and dried fruits. It is also a great gift for friends, packaged all cute mason jars or something of that sort!

Enjoy!