Monthly Archives: December 2022

So many ingredients/So little time

I make smoothies regularly and I just love the fact that they can count as your fruits for the day, your veggies for the day, and with a few simple additions a smoothie can fill in the blanks for things you may be missing in your diet even though it is healthy.

I start with berries for a fruit smoothie and then add any kind of fruit yogurt, some 5 Calories Cranberry juice, ice cubes, and a flavorless protein powder. Don’t forget the banana. I am a vegetarian and the protein powder helps me.

For a veggie smoothie I like to use squashes raw, and for the liquid I use V8. Add a couple of ice cubes and drink up. I use pretty much any raw vegetable that I like and this is very good for fiber too.

If either one of these sound not so good to you, I challenge you to make up your own versions. Remember, life is like a smoothie-it is exactly what you make it and you get out only what you put it.

PS Be sure you have a good blender, there are many types out there and most are good, but you want to be sure the one you buy is heavy duty enough for all on your ingredients.

Thoughts Around The Kitchen

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**I think kitchens are such a good place for a metaphor**

I love to cook and be in my kitchen as you know if you read this BLOG. Stop and think for just a bit about how much of value there is in a kitchen. Sure there is food prep, nurture, creativity and so on, but also think about a recipe being many diverse things coming together to make a really good thing. Think about cleaning up after yourself. Think about doing something to make you and others happy. I could go on and pon. Can you think of a few???

Seek Beauty

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Beauty is everywhere but perhaps the most beautiful thing of all is doing an act of random kindness for someone who needs it. You do not have to give $$$, go somewhere for a nice dinner, or even drop by. Something as simple as a card or a phone call can make someone else’s day. Give it a try and maybe someone will do something nice for you, right out of the blue. Pay it forward

Read Yourself Better!

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Heal Yourself In So Many Ways!

I love to read and I mean everything from the Bible to the newspaper to cookbooks. Reading is so relaxing and calming. The next time you cannot seem to quiet yourself mentally or physically, try reading something. Perhaps a woman’s magazine or an inspirational book will help.

I like to read the Bible or any one of Max Lacado’s inspirational books. Often I will just read a cookbook or Good Housekeeping. I find this settles my mind. Try it. Sit in a comfortable place and just be quite.

PS Add a cup of peach tea with 2 teaspoons of sugar!

Is there such a thing as “Rice Cheating”

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So much rice, so little time!

I love rice. I love all kinds of rice too. I used to boil rice or make it in my rice maker, but NO MORE! Instant or semi-instant rice is a boon and a gift to rice lovers everywhere. As you can see, there are tons of options and rice is just as easy as a potato to use in sooo many different ways. This is NOT “rice cheating.”

I serve rice with anything too. Not just the traditional fish or shrimp or Chinese dishes, but as rice salad, a soup additive, or a main dish dressed up with some vegetarian chicken, onions, and mushrooms.

Spanish rice is an easy no brainer. Just make your rice and saute with your favorite salsa. I use Newman’s Own Mango Salsa. Add some warm tortillas, and what a dinner! If you are not a vegetarian, add some ground beef or Morning Star Farm Ground Beef Crumbles if you are.

Try different flavor ideas too. Curry, soy sauce, vegetables, and yes, even making your pasta salad recipe using rice instead of pasta!! Let me know how you like this, and I will also be sharing more recipes. Enjoy!

Read Room Dragon

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This fabulous dragon is the logo for a children’s website that I have maintained for many years. I love to use him because of the way he seems to invite you into his world-the world of wonderful stories. He shares that “dragons” that is our imagined fears, are not really so bad after all. Loose yourself in a good book!

I LOVE those little roll up sandwiches!!

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**Whood a thunk it? Yet another use for tortillas!**

Yes of all of the possibly hundreds of uses for tortillas, here are some more. This is one or those wrap, roll and slice ideas and I use it all of the time.

Spread room temp. cream cheese on a tortilla and lay thinly sliced ham to completely cover the tortilla. Sprinkle with fine grated swiss cheese. Roll up the tortilla very tightly tucking in edges as you go to make a neat roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and roll to make a tight package. Chill for several hours but not too long as the tortilla may dry. Remove from the fridge and slice into small rounds cleaning the knife every so often. These are yummy and can be served fancy on a plate with parsley or just put out on a paper plate at game time. This is also one of those recipes that can be done many different ways.

Spread tortilla with butter and add scrambled eggs and shredded cheese. Follow the same procedure.
Spread the tortilla with pot cheese and sprinkle with pineapple tidbits.
For the kids, how about peanut butter and jelly spread and then sliced. This is a sure fire as they kiddos can help with the process.
Use your imagination!