Mexican Rice

Ahhh...the ever famous and easy company meal.  With something for everyone (even the kids), it is always a crowd pleaser.  Mix it up the night before in the crock pot, refrigerate, and start it slow cooking just 4 hours before your guests arrive.  Love this easy dish!  Serve with black or re-fried pinto beans to make it especially fancy.


Mexican Rice Recipe

2 lbs. beef
2 large onion chopped
1 T. garlic
1 T. chili powder
1 T. oregano
1 T. cumin
1 T. salt
1 T. honey
4 c. cooked brown rice
2 cans of kidney beans
3 c. chopped tomatoes (I use my blendtec to chop these). 
4 c. sweet potato soup


Cook the perfect pot of brown rice by using a large pot.  Bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, pour in 4 cups of brown rice.  Cover and turn heat to low, and cook for 40-50 minutes.


Meanwhile, brown beef and onion, and then pour into the bottom of 7-quart crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients and the rice when its finished.  Mix well.

Refrigerate overnight or cook immediately on low for 4 hours.  

 

Toppings:
Tortilla Chips
Romaine Lettuce chopped
Tomatoes chopped
Olives chopped
Avacado chopped

Shredded White Cheese (optional)
Ranch Dressing (recipe here)
Salsa (recipe here)
Cilantro


Layer your salad with tortilla chips, chopped romaine lettuce, Mexican rice,  tomatoes, olives, avacado, ranch dressing, salsa, shredded white cheese (optional) and chopped cilantro. 

Easy Green Smoothie

So you've heard all the hype about Green Smoothies.  You even 'like' green smoothies, and want to have them often, but what about when you're traveling?  Or in a rush?  Or you've run out of one of two of the ingredients?  If you want something healthy, satisfying, and delicious, this is my go-to green smoothie in pinch (and a lot of times when I'm not).  It's the easiest way to start my day, and I so I do just that...more often than not. (Bonus:  All of the ingredients can be stored in your food storage too!)

Easy Green Smoothie

Love 'N Peas (pea protein)
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/love-and-peas-675-g/sku-3082.aspx

Natures Harvest
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/natures-harvest-465-g-15-servings/sku-3090.aspx

Ultimate Green Zone
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/greenzone-ultimate-powder-368-g/sku-1103.aspx

Diatomaceous Earth (optional--thickens the shake and it kills parasites)
https://www.earthworkshealth.com/detail.php?id=3&prod=DE-10LB-BAG
______________________________

RECIPE:
1 scoop of each and 8 oz of water, 
shake well (in container with tight fitting lid)

When you order from Nature Sunshine, you can sign in and make your own log-in.  It will invite you to become a free member and ask you for my account number which is (2347856).  Now you'll receive member pricing.

Egg Salad Anyone?

It's not what you're thinking, but it is oh so good!

Romaine and red leaf lettuce topped with mung bean and alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, and boiled eggs . . . yum!

Use your favorite salad dressing or make you're own! Today I drizzled a little olive oil,  sprinkled a little rice vinegar, and topped it off with sea salt, coarse black pepper, and tarragon.  What do you like on your salads?

Who would have thought?

Surprisingly delicious!

This is one of those meals that just came together from odds and ends that I had in the refrigerator and pantry and what a lovely combination it turned out to be. 

Chicken salad, steamed red beets, nori wraps, and romaine lettuce. . . delish!

The chicken salad can be folded into the nori wrap or the lettuce or both!

Chicken Salad Recipe:

1 12 oz. can of white chicken
1 generous spoonfuls of mayonaise
1 t. dijon mustard
1/4 c. diced onion
1/8 t. minced garlic
1 stalk of celery chopped fine
3 T. craisins
salt and pepper to taste
tiny dash of red pepper or paprika

Note:  If you have a green onion or red onion, use one of those as they add color and the flavor is fabulous.

Lean & Green

 

How many different ways are there to make a lean and green meal (protein and vegetables)?  As many as you have imagination for!  As one who thrives on consistency and repetition, I was pleasantly surprised that each of these dishes had it's own flare despite the fact that they are made from essentially the same few ingredients.  Take a look.  

This simple salad...

...became an easy lean & green with the addition of some lentil sprouts to add some protein.

Celery dipped in almond butter.

Aren't the colors beautiful???  A few soaked almonds or nuts and this meal is complete.

Black bean quinoa, steamed zucchini and crooked neck with some raw carrots.  

Raw veggies and hummus to dip.

 
Mixed sprouts and lightly steamed broccoli.

Sprouted lentils, steamed vegetables, olives, and grape tomatoes.

Black beans, tomato, avocado, lettuce, hummus, blue corn tortilla chips, carrot and celery strips.

Chicken, lightly steamed green beans, olives, and alfalfa sprouts.

Akmak whole wheat crackers. Celery, jicama, and carrot strips.  Hummus and soaked almonds.

Steamed green beans, sprouted lentils, tomatoes, and olives.

Bed of lettuce, white cabbage, canned chicken, tomatoes, avocado, and soaked almonds.  

Fried kale, tomatoes, olives, sprouted lentils, and chick peas.

Bed of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, cubed jicama, steamed asparagus and baked chicken breast. 

Steamed green beans, grape tomatoes, and sprouted legumes.

Bed of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cubed jicama, steamed green beans, and baked salmon.

Bed of lettuce, purple cabbage, mung bean sprouts, cucumber, and tomato.

Steamed green beans, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, olives, sprouted lentils, and adzuki beans.

Steamed zucchini, yellow quash, red peppers, olives, and sprouted legume mix.

Raw sweet potato chips, green pepper, soaked almonds, and hummus dip.

Bed of spinach and lettuce, cilantro, purple cabbage, tomato, cucumber, and sprouted legume mix.

Bed of lettuce and spinach, cilantro, cucumber tomato, soaked almonds, and sprouted legume mix.

Crooked neck squash, yams, olives, spouted legume mix and alfalfa sprouts.

Fried zucchini, tomatoes, olives, and alfalfa sprouts.

Luau Salad.  

Bed of lettuce, black beans, avocado, tomato, red pepper, and cucumber.

Quinoa, black beans, avocado, and tomato.

Steamed zucchini, broccoli, red pepper, boiled egg, and soaked almonds.

Raw broccoli, celery, and cucumber with hummus dip.

Steamed broccoli and sprouted lentils.

Steamed zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, tomato, olives, and sprouted legume mix.

Bed of lettuce, black beans, chick peas, tomato, avocado, and craisins.

Sprouts...It's what's for Breakfast

Have you ever thought of ...starting your day with greens?  What a novel idea!  There is no rule that says that you can't have vegetables for breakfast you know.  I really enjoy this combination...check it out!

Sprouted Lentils

Black Olives

Steamed Zuchini

Crooked Neck Squash 

& Green Beans

If you'd like a little more protein, try topping the whole thing with some Garbonzo Beans seasoned with garlic, onion, cumin, and salt.  Yum!

the perfect lunch

Umm umm . . . good! Always delicious. Always nutritious. Always filling. Always make me feel great! This is the way to go when you love your body. Makes a great lunch (or dinner).

STEAMED VEGETABLES

1-Wash and chop the vegetables of choice.

2-Steam lightly (usually 5 min.) Be careful to steam only long enough that the flesh can be stabbed easily with a fork, and the color is still a "bright" and vibrant green color.

3-Spray lightly with olive oil or dab with coconut oil and sprinkle with REAL salt. Serve immediately.

My favorites include:


a bed of Asparagus garnished with Grape Tomatoes


Broccoli & Cauliflower w/ Red Onion


a plate of fresh cut Green Beans & Olives


Zucchini & Summer Squash w/ Tomato


power packed meal of Brussels Sprouts


Mix if up! Cauliflower, Broccoli, Zucchini, Crooked Neck Squash, with Red & Green Pepper