HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

VEGAN HALLOWEEN APPLES!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NNMR7l2Jc4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Italian Lentil Salad

Here's a healthy and yummy recipe to try as a side dish with any meal.
Ingredients;
1 1/2 cup of cooked green or red lentils
1 clove of minced garlic
1 large chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped basil
Red wine vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
toasted pine nuts
Mix all ingredients together, toss and top with toated pine nuts.
Serve.

The spiritual renewal offered by nature is always available 24/7.

A Warm October Loaded with Sunshine!!!!

This October has been the best yet in terms of weather. It has been mostly sunshine and warm,  with temeratures ranging from the 60 s to the 80s!
I have been planting my garlic and cleaning up my veggie garden in tank tops, instead of a coat and I am not complaining!
It will remain warm and sunny the rest of this weekend, so I look forward to finishing my garlic planting in the warm sun :)!

Lentil and Black Bean Chili

This meatless chili is high in protein and low in fat. To my surprise, my daughter even enjoyed this dish last night!
Ingredients;
1 cup of cooked brown lentils
1 chopped onion
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 green sweet pepper, chopped
1/2 finely chopped sereno pepper
6 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tbs or more olive oil
1/2 cup of water
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp coriander
1 cup of cooked black beans
Chop onions, garlic and peppers.
Heat oil in large skillet, and add vegetables. Saute over medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
Add chopped tomatoes, spices, water and salt to vegetables. Cover and continue to cook over medium heat stiring occasionally. After 15 min, reduce to simmer.
Cook for about 15 more minutes, or until tomatoes and veggies are soft.
Add lentils and beans. Cook about 5 minutes longer and serve.

Lentils

Lentils have alot going for them. Originally from the Mediterranean region, they date back  thousands of years.
Lentils have the most protein of any edible plant, and are also rich in vitamin B6, folate, fiber, thiamine, iron, copper, and zink.
Available in red, green, orange, brown, black and yellow, lentils are a healthy and hearty meat substitute.
Be sure to store dried lentils for a maximum of 6 months.
To prepare lentils;
1. Rinse dried lentils in cool water. Drain.
2. In large saucepan, combine 1 pound of lentils in 5 cups of water. bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, covered.
stir occasionally. Cook until tender approximately 25 to 30 minutes for brown, green, and yellow varieties.
Red lentils take 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Drain excess cooking liquid.
6. Cooked lentils will keep in a covered container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Infomation taken from;
" The Food Encyclopedia" and from "Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet".

Happy Birthday To My Son!

9 years old now!

Spinage and Chickpea Soup

This vegan soup is perfect for for a light dinner on these chilly autumn nights and it's also full of fiber. I made this for dinner the other night and I absolutely loved it! The recipe is from Lidia Bastianich's "Commonsense Italian Cooking". 

Ingredients;
1 lb dried chickpeas,
Soaked overnight
2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 large bunches of spinage
1 tbsp salt
1/3 cup olive oil
8 thinly sliced garlic cloves

Place to chickpeas in a large pot with leeks, celery, carrot, bay leaves and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cover with 8 quarts cold water and bring to a rapid simmer over medium heat.  Once simmering, partially cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours, or until chickpeas are almost tender. Add spinach and salt, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until greens are tender.
when soup is ready heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. when oil is hot, add garlic and remaining red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, or until garlic is just beginning to turn golden and fragrant. Ladle in 2 to 3 cups of soup and stir to combine. Transfer oil mixture to soup pot; mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired and serve immediately.