Lentil and Potato Bake

Another great Autumn recipe when you feel like something hearty but less fatting.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp of olive oil

2 onions, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 tbsp of turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp of cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp of ground ginger

3 medium-large carrots chopped

3/4 cup of red lentils 

1 can of chopped tomatoes 

2 and 1/3 cups of veg stock

2 lbs of (1 kilo) of Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes ( if in the US then some more mashing)

1/2 cup of mature cheddar cheese

1/4 cup of butter

1/4 cup of sour cream 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 200C. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the onions and gently cook for 10 mins until soften but not coloured. Stir in the garlic, spices and cook for a further minute. 

Add the carrots and red lentils and toss well in the spices and onion. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stock and mixed together well. Cook, uncovered, over a gentle heat for about 30 minutes until the lentils are cooked and tender, the carrots is very soft and the sauce has thickened. 

Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large saucepan of water, bring to the boil and cook for 20 mins until the potatoes are soft and can be pierced with a knife. Drain well and return to the pan with the cheese and sour cream. Mash together with a potato masher until creamy. Season

Tip the lentil and carrot mixture into the bottom of a baking dish or shallow round dish, then spoon the potato mash on top, leaving it quite rough with some added cheese so it will leave a nice crispy crust. Bake for 25 mins. 

Serves 8 

Yummy Black Bean Burgers

Here is a great substitute to your normal everyday beef burgers. They are so tasty and filling, you will want more.

Ingredients:

1- 16 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked Quinoa (1 Cup of uncooked Quinoa makes 2 cups)
5 Cloves of Garlic Crushed
2 Tbsp olive
1 shallot, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp sea salt (for veggies)
1/4 tsp smoked sea salt (for beans)
Cilantro leaves, loosely packed

Optional 1/2-1 cup  panko bread crumbs

Instructions:

Begin by sautéing the bell pepper, cumin, and shallot in 1/2 Tbsp of oil till the veg starts to soften, then add the garlic and sea salt, sauté for a minute or two more, turn off heat and set aside.

Next, in a food processor, add the beans, cooled veggies, paprika, and smoked sea salt. Pulse until just combined.

Then add the quinoa and cilantro, again pulse until combined.

Hand form into palm-sized burger patties.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then coat each side in panko bread crumbs, being sure to push down to adhere the breadcrumbs to the burger.

Pan fry in remaining oil (perhaps a bit more) for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Enjoy like a burger.

Crimini Mushrooms

Decided to make my famous Summer Pasta tonight. Its a light healthy dinner that can be whipped up in about 20 minutes or less. While I was contemplating on what mushrooms to use, I came across Organic Crimini Mushrooms. I'v heard about these mushrooms so I thought I would give them a try. I usually use just white mushrooms which are ok but not the best. White mushrooms to me seem to produce to much water when sauteing and I wanted to see how these would turn out.

After sauteing them with some olive oil, a bit of chopped garlic, salt and pepper they turned out to be the best tasting mushroom in my opinion for pasta or salad. They taste really great.

So here is a bit of info about them. Crimini mushrooms, which are darker than the more common button mushrooms, are especially packed with nutrients. Some research has even suggested that eating niacin-rich foods like crimini mushrooms can help prevent Alzheimer's Disease. Some of the most popular ways to cook crimini mushrooms is to saute, grill or roast them.

 Mushrooms are a delicious way to add vitamins and anti-oxidants to your diet. 

Roasted Asparagus

Easy Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus spears (thick spears are best for roasting) 

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt
Freshly black pepper
Lemon juice

Optional: plum tomatoes.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse clean the asparagus. Break the tough ends off of the asparagus and discard.

Lay the asparagus spears out in a single layer in a baking dish or a foil-covered roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over the spears, roll the asparagus back and forth until they are all covered with a thin layer of olive oil. (Alternatively you can put the asparagus and oil in a plastic bag, and rub the bag so that the oil gets evenly distributed.) Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub over the asparagus so that they are evenly distributed.

3 Place pan in oven and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, depending on how thick your asparagus spears are, until lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Drizzle with a little fresh lemon juice before serving.

Refried Beans

Here is my recipe for homemade refried beans. These taste a lot better than store bought plus you know what you are getting/eating. I love to eat refried beans especially now I'm trying to stay vegan. Refried beans for soft taco's or just some dip for some nacho chips is always good to have around. So here is the recipe

Ingredients:

1 Can of Pinto Beans Drained and Rinsed
1 Can of Borlotti Beans Drained and Rinsed
2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Small Onion, Chopped
2 Tsp of Cumin
1 Tsp of Smoked Paprika
1//2 Tsp of Salt
Pepper.
Some Organic Sunflower oil (or oil of your choice)

You can use more of less of the Cumin or Paprika if you choose..The measurements that I put is just the way I like it.

Directions:

Chop the onion and garlic, put some oil in pan and bring it to warm then add onion and garlic and saute for about 3 mins on medium heat. Then add the beans, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper and saute for a further 5-8 mins. Once done add to a food processor and blend till smooth (add about a tbsp of oil or butter to make it more creamy).

Enjoy.

Pay Attention To What Your Kids Are Eating!

As parents it's out duty and our responsibility to know what our kids are eating. Their health is our responsibility. If they have a failing diet it's because we are not taking control. If our kids are sick all the time or are constantly in the hospital then parent's it's time to change what your kids are eating. Kids should have the healthiest immune systems and be healthy themselves because they are still young and fresh and their bodies should not be polluted with toxins and junk at such early ages. If we start feeding our kids with food loaded with hormones, toxins and chemicals then its no wonder they have issues and are constantly sick, for example colds, runny noses, blocked ears, constant skin irritations etc. These are pretty much all contributed from a poor diet. Something to think about. 

This picture not only applies to US schools but can be applied to the UK schooling system as well as households no matter what country. 

24hr Detox Drink

This drink can be used in a 24 hour super detox along with drinking hot water with lemon and mineral water and nothing else. This will give the system a break from any heavy digestion and flush the system. It's great for cleaning the liver and kidneys, building blood and flushing the systems of impurities. It's also great for pre  and post workout.

Loaded with Vitamins A, B and C, potassium, boron, coratenes, folic acid, manganese, calcium and iron.

Whats in it: 
1 inch piece of raw beetroot
1/2 apple (Royal Gala is what I used)
1 inch pineapple slice
1 inch slice of lemon with rind, if unwaxed
3/4 liter of mineral water or filtered

Directions:
Juice the beetroot, pineapple, apple and lemon. Mix with water in a 1 liter bottle. Shake well and drink. Enjoy

Brown Sugar Salsa

Here is a new salsa I came up with tonight. Tried and few things different this time. Try it and see what you think.

Ingredients: 

6 Tomatoes 
1 White Onion
3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1 Lime, Juiced
Handful of Cilantro, finely chopped (Coriander)
2 Tbsp of Tomato Paste
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
1/2 Tsp of Salt
1 Tsp of Brown Sugar
1/4 Tsp of Cumin
1 Green Chili, Sliced or chopped (de-seeded if needed)

Directions:

Chop the veg and put into a food processor add the rest of ingredients and blend to desired texture. Then put into a pan, bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 mins, let cool, serve.

Chicken and Brown Rice Chow Mein

A simple, quick and filling dinner to make is this Chicken and Brown Rice Chow Mein. A lot of protein and would be great for after workouts, running etc. Great for leftovers as well.

 Ingredients:

2-3 Chicken Breast
1 Red Onion
2 Tbsp of Tamari Sauce
1 Tbsp of Sunflower Oil
pinch of salt and pepper
2 Cups of Brown Rice
2 pkts of Chow Mein Sauce

Directions:

Put 2 cups of brown rice in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 20 mins. When there is about 10 mins left on the rices,

slice or dice the chicken, slice the red onion, put 1 tbsp of sunflower oil in a wok or deep frying pan on medium-high heat. Place the red onion in the pan and saute for a min or so, then place the chicken in and mix. Add the Tamari, pepper and salt and stir. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Once the rice is done you can add this to the pan if you choose. Add the chow mein sauce and stir all together. Enjoy.

Serves 6

Flavored Water with Chia Seeds

Here is a simple and great way to have healthy flavored water with chia seeds. Chia seeds are great in and on just about anything.

Ingredients:

Water
Squeezed Lemon
Sugar
2 Tsp or more of Chia Seeds

English Muffin Pizza's

This is a simple snack for the kids, kids and their friends, friends or yourself. Can also be great for a quick lunch if your on the go. Simple to make and great tasting.

English Muffin Pizzas

Ingredients:

English Muffin
Tomato Paste
Basil
Oregano
Red Onion
Slice Tomato
Pepperoni
Fresh Mozzarella

Just have fun with the toppings. Easy. Enjoy.

Sometimes its All You Need

Sometimes just having a salad for lunch or dinner is all you need.

Mixed Greens, Apples and Avocado with a Honey Mustard Dressing.

Easy Lunch

Want something quick and easy for lunch especially after you just made all that pesto. Here is something easy to make if you are in a hurry or want a lite lunch.

Ingredients: 

Nice Crusty Bread
Pesto (check out my recipe on here)
Chorizo (if you want)
Tomato
Olive Oil
Pepper

Directions:

Toast the bread, spread with pesto, add the chorizo, add a slice of tomato, drizzle with olive oil and pepper to taste.

Thai-Style Sweet Potato Soup

So tonight I decided to try and make a soup. This is the first one that I have really put together on my own. It came out really nice actually. When I was eating a similar one a few weeks back I told myself I need to create this. It took me a while to get around to it, I finally did today. This can be eaten as an appetizer or a main meal for lunch or dinner. Serve with nice crusty bread.

Ingredients: 

2 Large Sweet Potatoes
2 Large Sweet Onions
2 Tbsp of Brown Sugar
4 Tbsp of Peanut Oil
2 Tbsp of Thai Red Curry Paste
2 Tbsp of Ground Ginger
2 L of Chicken Stock
200ml of Coconut Milk (Half a Can)
Handful of Cilantro (Coriander)
1/2 Cup of Chopped Spring Onion
Juice of 2 Limes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 200C, peel the sweet potatoes and slice in half, do the same for the sweet onions. Place on baking tray, scatter brown sugar and half of the peanut oil over the top of the veg making sure to cover most of the veg. Bake the veg for about 45 mins, making sure to turn the veg a few times throughout them baking. Once baked the veg should be golden brown, caramelized, not black.
Then take a large pot and add the rest of the peanut oil, Thai Red Curry Paste and ginger, cook over a medium heat for about 3 mins. Then add the baked veg and mix. At this point don't worry if the veg isn't chopped etc. Mix the best you can. Next pour in the chicken stock and simmer for 15 mins.

What I did next was I took out all the veg the best I could and placed them in a blender with most of the stock and blended till smooth. Put the smooth mix into another pot, then blend the rest, add all together and stir. Add the coconut milk, stir, simmer for another 3 mins, add the cilantro, sweet onions and lime juice. Serve while warm

Serves about 6

Vegan and Mormon

Here is a great blog article I came across the other day while reading about being vegan etc. Its a great read for Non-Mormons and Mormons alike. If you are thinking about changing your diet or becoming Vegan and you are a Mormon please read because you know what the WOW (Word of Wisdom) says we should be doing when most of us are not.

http://bring-joy.com/2009/04/20/vegan-and-mormon-an-anomaly/

The Cure

Here is a health tip for you..Think about it!

Simple Mixed Salad

Here is a simple salad to make for a dinner, snack or starter. Its a yummy one.

Ingredients:

Spinach
Lettuce
Sweet Pepper
Apple
Salad Onions
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Parmesan Cheese

Mix how you want..Enjoy :)

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Here is one of my favorite recipes. I really enjoy a good creamy chicken pasta. I have had only a couple of great ones in my life so I decided to create one. Its a really simple recipe and I know you will enjoy it as well.

Ingredients:


3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1pkt of linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente (I used whole spaghetti)
1-2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms (not to small)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 paprika
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

First bake or grill the chicken in the oven on 180C (350F) for about 20 mins. While you are waiting for the oven to warm fill a pot of water, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once the oven is heated up place your chicken in the oven. About 10 mins left with the chicken your water should be boiling enough to add the pasta. 10 mins for the pasta should be sufficient.

During the last 10 mins of the pasta and chicken cooking mix all your ingredients for the sauce. In a large saucepan add the heavy cream, tomatoes, mushrooms, basil, salt, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika and heat through. Set aside till chicken is finished cooking. 

Once the chicken is done, take out of the oven and slice. Add to the sauce. Drain the pasta and mix the sauce in the pasta. Finish

Serves 5-7

Chia Seeds

Been doing some studying lately on seeds and I have come across chia seed time and time again and the benefits they provide. Chia seeds are loaded with Omega-3, protein, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Benefits of the Chia seed include blood sugar balancing, lose weight without starving, more energy etc. The Chia seed is a small seed that you won't notice when adding to food, salad dressings or drinks. So far I have added the seed to my home made salad dressing. They add quite a nice taste to the dressing actually. This is a seed that can't be missed in your daily diet.


For more info on what this seed can do check out  

http://www.mychiaseeds.com/Articles/Top10ChiaBenefits.html

Herb of the week/HCG

What is hCG? 

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a natural hormone produced in large quantities during pregnancy to ensure proper nutrition for the developing baby. hCG triggers the hypothalamus to move stored fat into the bloodstream to be burned as energy. It is believed to reset the metabolism and to protect the body's good fat and keep muscle tissue from breaking down, which occurs in other low calorie diets without the use of hCG.  hCG ezTrim drops are a premium grade homeopathic hCG weight loss product that is made in the USA in an FDA GMP Certified Pharmaceutical Facility.

hCG is a great and natural way to lose weight. It's a healthy way to go as well. There are cleanses you do with it as well that are really beneficial. Not only for losing weight but for cleansing your body which most of us could probably/should do even if you are dieting.

My wife and I tried it for a couple of weeks just to see what it would do. We wanted to see if what was being said about it worked. It did work to our surprise. I guess if we did the cleanse and the meal plan it would have worked better. We just gave it a go on our normal diet and we still lose over 5 pounds in two weeks.

For more information, meal plans, directions and  how to order check out

http://www.herbsfirst.com/descriptionsmisc/hCGProtocol.html

or go to http://www.herbsfirst.com/ and search hCG