Superfood Stir Fry ~ Meatless Monday

Lately, I've been craving all sorts of deep green veggies ~ raw, cooked, and juiced.  This time I decided to throw a whole bunch of the fresh superfoods into my wok, along with a few other ingredients, and enjoy a quick, healthy dinner.  I had some prepacked bagged veggies in the fridge, so it was a snap to get my meal on the table.  To make this I simply...

Superfood Stir Fry

Warm a little olive oil in a wok, over medium high heat, and then throw in handfuls of...

• chopped kale
• baby spinach
• baby bok choy
• sliced onion
• sliced red bell pepper
• broccoli florets
• garbanzo beans
• toasted slivered almond
• dried cranberries
• minced ginger
• minced garlic

Toss the veggies until they begin to wilt.  Then add to taste...

• Bragg's Amino Acids (or soy sauce)
• sriracha sauce
• red pepper flakes
• Chinese 5-Spice

When the veggies are as crisp/cooked as I like, it's time to eat!  Easy-Peasy!

I'm Going Coconuts!

In the past, I've been hesitant to add much coconut to my diet, all that saturated fat scares me a bit.  I've used it here and there in the blog, but I've not fully embraced adding it to my diet yet.  That being said, a lot of articles and reports talk about the benefits of including it in your diet.  Hmm.  Well, I've decided on a compromise...I'll include it, but in moderation.  These are some of the products I've added to my pantry and fridge.  I've always loved the taste of coconut, and these products do have some of that classic coconut flavor, but it's not overpowering in the 'frozen pina colada'  sort of way.

To me, the Coconut Palm Sugar has a light, brown sugar/molasses type of flavor and is a bit less sweet than regular sugar.  It tastes nice in tea and coffee, and it's supposed to be low on the glycemic index.  It has no saturated fat, so this one is off the hook for that issue.  :)   I've not baked with it yet, but it looks promising.

The Vanilla Coconut Milk Beverage, from Trader Joe's, is good.  It adds a really nice 'richness' to my smoothies.  I don't really like it that much in my tea or coffee, I have to use too much of it to get my beverage just the way I like it.  Go figure ~ great in a frosty smoothie or in a glass by itself...meh, in my hot beverages.

The Califia Farms ~ Coconut/AlmondMilk Blend, Toasted Coconut flavor ~ is a trip.  It's nice added to my morning coffee, giving it a similar/almost hazelnut flavored quality.  I really like the not-too-strong 'toasted coconut' flavor, and the 2 carbs/50 calories per cup is great...of course, almost all of those calories comes from fat.  (this is  my inner moderator voice talking now)   Yippee! It's only 50 calories a cup!  ~ Yes, but it's mostly fat calories. ~ Yeah, but it's ONLY 50 calories a cup! ~ Yes, BUT.... You can see my dilemma here, right?  :)

The Olivio Coconut Spread is a nice change from my regular margarine.  I like it as a splurge, usually when I happen to want a piece of toast or an English muffin.  A little, sorta/kinda, coconut-ish, taste treat.

I've been a huge fan of Coconut Water for some time now.  It's refreshing, low in calories and has nutrients and electrolytes.  The only thing I have to watch out for is hidden sugar, some of the coconut waters I've seen have it added.  It's 100% coconut water or no-go-to-my-home.  I enjoy it chilled, straight from the can, over ice, maybe with some rum, or mixed into a fruit smoothie.  I'm new to using Coconut Milk in my kitchen/cooking, and I'm looking forward to seeing what mischief I can get into with this lite version.  :)

Now that I'm letting more coconut into my life, I just  have to remember my new coconut motto ~ Everything Coconut, just in moderation. 

David's Home Baked Bread with 'Chocolate Gravy'

My nephew, David, likes to make this fun, sweet treat ~ Home Baked Bread with 'Chocolate Gravy' ~ for his sons.  A while back he mentioned it on Facebook, and he continues to tease us with photos whenever he makes it. When I asked him where he got the inspiration from, this is what he shared with me ~ I had heard about this many years ago. I looked at a few recipes online and then made my own. :)

I just love it when a certain food inspires you make it, even if it takes you years to get around to it.  It just goes to show... When the timing is right, the kitchen magic happens.  :)  Thanks for sharing your recipe, David!

David's Home Baked Bread with 'Chocolate Gravy'

Ingredients

For the Home Baked Bread...

• use one box of of your favorite Beer Bread mix, made according to the box instructions, BUT substituting Sprite for the beer

For the 'Chocolate Gravy'...  

• 3 tablespoons Ghirardelli 100% cocoa
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 cup milk
• pinch of salt

Directions

In a large sauce pan combine cocoa, flour, and sugar. Add hot water and cook over low heat until dissolved.  Stir constantly.  Once completely combined, stir in milk and salt.  Continue stirring until it becomes thick.  You now have your ole 'Chocolate Gravy'. To serve ~ just slice the bread & dunk.  Enjoy!

Steamed Kale & Veggies with Sriracha Sauce & Almonds ~ Meatless Monday

Steaming kale has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy eating this superfood.  It softens the kale and makes it really tender.  I've been adding whatever veggies are lurking in the fridge to the steamer basket, and steaming them until the veggies are just tender.  Currently, my favorite way to dress them is with some Sriracha Sauce and a little Bragg's.  I like to sprinkle on a few almond slivers, crushed red pepper flakes (for a little more heat) and lunch/dinner is served.  Super easy, super simple, super fast & super tasty!

Wheatgrass-Coconut Superfood Green Protein Smoothie

I've always wanted to try a freshly squeezed shot of wheatgrass...but, I'm a chicken.  Ever since I saw the face Samantha & her man-of-the hour (in an episode on the classic show, Sex & the City) made when she/he tried one, I've been hesitant, to say the least.  I mean, drinking grass juice?  You've got to be kidding, right?  Even if it is supposed to be healthy for you...you are supposed to mow it, not drink it.

Well, I finally stood up to my fear, and decided to give it a try...but, not the traditional kind.  I found a powdered version that looked and sounded less threatening ~ it came in a little packet that you mixed-up into whatever cold beverage you wanted to add it to.  I controlled the amount of green wheatgrass flavor by adding the right amount of water for  me ~ it turns out that 8 ounces of water is just perfect for my tastes.  I was pleasantly surprised when I found the reconstituted wheatgrass drink to be almost sweet, with a very subtle 'green taste'...and it's not yucky at all!  I actually even liked it.  So much so, that I'm going to add it to my daily diet.  Now, that was an unexpected surprise.  Not only is it just fine mixed with water or fruit juice, it's also really at home in a smoothie, and gives it a light hint of green.  Such an easy way to have a superfood green smoothie.  Cool.

My cute, little, single-serving packet of organic wheatgrass powder, from Amazing Grass, only cost about $1.50 at Whole Foods. (after a bit of sleuthing, it looks like some wheatgrass powders are made from dried wheatgrasss juice & others from the entire dried blade of wheatgrass ~ from what I've been able to decipher, Amazing Grass is the latter kind...I think...I'm such a wheatgrass newbie!) The best thing about it, was that it let me see if I liked it before buying a whole container. Sample sizes are so handy, for trying out a product or for an easy, single-serving, take-along size. Now that I know I like it, I'm going to buy a container of it.  I found a really good price over on Amazon, so I'm going to order mine from there.  Maybe someone should tell Samantha there IS a way to actually enjoy drinking a shot of wheatgrass.  Nah, I'd rather just watch her make that face.  heehee   :)

Wheatgrass-Coconut Superfood Green Protein Smoothie

serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk beverage, like the vanilla one from Trader Joe's (or your favorite kind of juice/nut milk/milk)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 single serving packet wheatgrass powder (or single serving scoop)
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• couple drops of stevia extract (or sweetener of choice ~ optional)
• 4-6 ice cubes

Directions

Place all ingredients in blender & whirl away until smooth & frosty.

Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Hemp Hearts Seeds

Hemp Hearts Seeds were the perfect addition to my Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry dinner.  I just sprinkled them over the dish, right before serving.

Hemp Hearts ~ from Manitoba Harvest

I always wanted to try hemp seeds, but never had. Something about eating hemp seeds just didn't sound right to me.  But, I kept seeing articles about the benefits of this 'superfood'...and if it's good enough for Oprah to give it a thumbs-up, there must be something to them. They are a bit pricey, so I didn't want to commit to buying a big bag, just in case I didn't like them. Finally, I found a small packet of Hemp Hearts, raw shelled hemp seeds, over at Whole Foods, so I decided to give them a try. 

I must say, I'm so very happy that I did!  The flavor of the seeds is fantastic, they have a delicate, little 'crunch' and have a rich, 'nutty' quality that I really enjoy.  I think they're just as good eaten out of hand, as they are sprinkled over any recipe you are so inclined to add them to.  If you're like I was, on the fence about eating hemp seeds, why not give them a try?  I hope I come across a sample of Hemp Milk sometime...I'd like to try that hemp product, too.  At least for now, I've got a new tasty treat to add to my pantry staples.  Yay!!  :)

Green Smoothies Galore! ~ a look back at all the glorious ways I drink my greens ~ Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Looking for a 'green beverage' (that's not green beer :) to start off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations?  Lucky for you, I've shared a lot of green smoothies on the blog.  Here's a look back at them.  Of course, any of the smoothies I make can be turned 'green', just throw in some spinach, your favorite baby greens or some green tea/wheatgrass powder, and you're good to go.

~ Happy St. Paddy's Day! ~

Oatmeal Cookie Dough Green Smoothie

Spiced Carrot Cake Batter Smoothie

Green Cake Batter Smoothie

Mint Smoothie

Green Tea Swappuccino

Green Goodness Protein Smoothie

Greek Green Goodness Yogurt Smoothie

Green Tea Protein Smoothie

Green Smoothie with Chia & Flax Seeds

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Bloody Caesar ~ the perfect way to toast ~ The Ides of March

 

Bloody Caesar ~ the perfect cocktail to enjoy on The Ides of March!

Today is March 15th, aka The Ides of March.  Today is the day I traditionally consume something with the name 'Caesar' in it.  Today, instead of making/ordering something for lunch named Caesar, I decided I'd rather drink an adult beverage called a ~ Bloody Caesar ~ just to shake things up a bit.  It's similar to a Bloody Mary...but with a beachy attitude.   Some Bloody Caesar recipes are a Clamato juice version, and others a mix of tomato juice and clam juice version, and there are even vegan versions and bacon vodka versions ~ just pick your poison.  After learning about what happened to Caesar, on The Ides of March, that drink is aptly named, I must say.   I was first introduced to this cocktail a couple of years ago, by my dear, old friend, Captain Rick.  It was in a little bar I used to frequent, waaaay back when I used to live/work in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in a place known as Club Med Sandpiper Bay. (you can see my Sandpiper Bay reunion post here)  Ya gotta love foodie friends who will share their favorite foods and drinks with you.   Now, you will have to excuse me, it's brunch time...and time to get this party started.  See ya at the next reunion, Capt'n!   :)

Green Smoothie with Chia & Flax Seeds

Still loving my green smoothies, especially when they've got an extra hit of goodness coming from chia and flax seeds.  Besides, who doesn't love a green drink this time of year?  How I like to chase away the late winter blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhs.   Come on spring!!  :)

Green Smoothie with Chia & Flax Seeds
one serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Bolthouse Farms ~ Green Goodness Fruit Juice Smoothie
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1/3 cup sliced frozen banana 
• 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp ground flax seeds
• 1 packet Equal or sweetener of choice
• 6 ice cubes

Directions
Toss all ingredients into a blender & whirl away until smooth & frosty.  Enjoy!

Homemade Minion Cake & Cupcakes ~ making a birthday fun!

Our friends, Cheryl & Bill, recently baked up some Minion birthday fun for their grandson's big day.  To help make his birthday cake extra-special, they searched for inspiration on Pinterest, as so many of us do, looking at all the different varieties of Minion cupcakes & Minion sheet cakes that other families have made.  They decided to make lots & lots of Minions, both big & small. I just love the adorable homemade treats they came up with.

Thank you so much for sharing your Minions with us ~ we really enjoyed them!!  You guys ROCK!  :)

To make the Minion cake they:  trimmed up one end of a sheet cake to get the correct Minion shape.  Cut the 'nose & bushy eyebrows' off of a pair of silly kids party glasses to make the perfect, easy to use goggles.  Peanut Butter Cup buttons, colored icing & licorice whips helped finish off this Minion cutie.

To make these Minion cupcake cuties they used:  Confetti cake/cupcake mix, topped with leftover blue icing from the cake above. Then they stuck 1/2 a cut Twinkie on top of the icing & created the Minion with ~ bits of cut black licorice whip for their hair 'stubble & some bought 'candy eyes' that they attached with a bit of chocolate icing to create their goggled look.  So adorable!

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie ~ Meatless Monday

Our PBS station is having a marathon 'all things Irish' session, probably due to the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebration.  Since I now have a craving for one of my favorite Irish dishes, Shepherd's Pie, I decided to give it a vegetarian spin...and a version that would be on the table pretty quick, too.  An easy lunch or dinner, perfect for two, is now served!  ~ Enjoy ~

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Shepard's Pie

serves 2

double recipe for 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup ready-to-eat crumbled 'beef' substitute (TVP)
• 1 cup frozen peas & carrots, cooked according to directions
• 1/4 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed dried basil
• salt/pepper, to taste
• 2 servings of instant mashed potatoes, cooked according to box directions
• 2 Tbsp shredded cheddar cheese
• paprika/basil for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine the 'beef', peas/carrots, mushroom soup, onion powder, basil & salt/pepper until well mixed.  Divide the mixture into two individual casserole dishes that have been sprayed with Pam.  Divide the prepared mashed potatoes & spread evenly over the filled casseroles.  Finally, top them with the shredded cheese & garnish with a little paprika/basil.  Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.  (if you don't want to heat up the oven, just nuke it until the food is hot all the way through) (if you don't want individual servings, just layer it in a bigger casserole dish and bake just a bit longer, or until bubbly & hot)

    

Steak with Mushroom Sauce on Steamed Kale

A simple, low carb meal that really satisfied.  I started with a bed of steamed veggies ~ kale, onion, sliced garlic and carrots.  Then I topped it with leftover steak, that had been tossed in an easy 'mushroom sauce', a drizzle of Sriracha Sauce, crushed red pepper flakes and fresh cracked pepper.  I made the 'mushroom sauce' from a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup that was mixed with a little water, just enough to thin it until I got it to the right 'sauce' consistency.  Nothing fancy...pretty quick...but, really tasty.  Sometimes simple is best.  :)

 

Ruby Red Fresh Fruit & Veggie Juice ~ Two Ways

I'm still on the fresh juice kick.  This time I tried making it with a beet.  What a deep, red color that one little beet gave the juice!  I tried it two ways ~ just the juice...and then the fresh juice blended with the leftover pulp, a couple of other goodies and then some protein powder.  I liked it both ways.  I'm sold on having beets in my juice, I'll have to use them in my fresh juices more often.   :)

Ruby Red Fresh Fruit & Veggie Juice ~ Two Ways
serves 1~2

Ingredients

• 1 apple, seeds removed
• 1 carrot
• 1 small red beet
• 1 celery stalk
• 3 kale leaves, with stems
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1/4 Meyer lemon, seeds removed
• 1/2 inch slice of ginger

Directions
To make the Fresh Juice version:
Process all the fruit/veggies through the juicer.  Enjoy!
 
 ~ Include the following for the optional High Protein-Fiber version ~

• 1~ 2 cups water (depending on amount of leftover fiber you use)
• one scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 Tbsp ground flax seed (optional)
• 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)
• leftover fiber from juicer ~ use as much as you like
• 3 ice cubes
• stevia or other sweetener, to taste (optional)

To make the High Protein-Fiber version:  Once the fruit/veggies are juiced ~ add the fresh juice to a blender.  Add remaining ingredients and blend on high until nice and smooth.  Add more or less water, depending on the amount of leftover fiber you added to the blender.  Serve over ice, if desired.

Vegetarian Tex-Mex Chili ~ Meatless Monday

The day I came up with this recipe, I was craving chili.  So, I started throwing things into my big soup pot ~ a little of this and a bit of that...and came up with this satisfying, easy vegetarian version.  Just because it's meatless doesn't mean it's missing any of the full-bodied flavor that I like in my chili.  It was great the first day, and was just as good the next day (maybe even better)...just a little thicker.  Yum!  Either way, it's a tasty bowlful of chili pleasure.   I'm really happy with how this recipe turned out.  Hope you like it, too! ~ Enjoy!

Vegetarian Tex-Mex Chili
makes a big pot full

Chili Ingredients

• 6 cups canned chopped tomatoes, with juice
• 2 cups, ready-to-eat/rehydrated TVP crumbles, 'chicken' or 'beef' (or you favorite meat crumble substitute)
• 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind - optional)
• 1 can chili beans, in sauce
• 1 can kidney beans, with juice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, packed
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt/pepper, to taste

Garnish with ~

• crushed tortilla chips
• fat free Greek yogurt/sour cream
• shredded low fat cheese
• cilantro for garnish

Directions

Add all chili ingredients (tomatoes to garlic) to a large soup pot.  Bring ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.  Simmer for about one hour, stirring every so often.  Add a little water, if desired, to get the chili to the thickness you like.  Taste, add salt/pepper as desired.   Serve the chili garnished with ~ a handful of crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro & a dollop of Greek yogurt/sour cream.