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

HOMEMADE FIG, PEAR, & GOAT CHEESE PIZZA

I can hardly call this a recipe because putting together a homemade pizza is so quick and easy (plus no measurements required!).  Hunter would maybe eat pizza everyday if he could and since cooking can be a task some nights, I've had to come up with some healthy alternatives to one of our favorite foods.

 This night in particular, I cheated with the crust and bought a ready to embellish gluten free one from the store.  You could buy whatever crust for this or make your own if you're feeling realllll ambitious.  I lightly brushed the crust with olive oil.  Next I added arugula, just barely covering the crust.  Then I added the pears and figs (I use about 3/4 of a pear and maybe 5 figs cut in half for this one).  I then added some finely chopped onions. Lightly sprinkle the goat cheese on top (or heavily if you're not on a "diet" like me, because goat cheese is amazing!).  Finally, I seasoned with black pepper and rosemary.  Bake on 425 for about 10 minutes (or follow directions on the crust if using a pre-made one). 

And enjoy! xx