Essential Salad

This post is not as much about the recipe,as it is presentation. With the mindset that preparing food is an art, I use the bowl, plate, etc. as my pallet.Combining color as well as texture, is not only pleasing to the eye, it is pleasing to the taste buds!

In this salad, I layered, Spring mix and Romaine. Topped with Chopped Fuji apple, Chick peas, Pecans (unsalted),Grapes, Blue Cheese, and Sunflower seeds. I topped with a light Balsamic dressing.

I have recently begun eating as a  Nutritarian (click the link to see what that is)- so that is why I named this the Essential Salad, as it includes many of the elements of eating to live.(minus the cheese) I am still in transition, and I do throw a little cheese in here and there.

Ground Turkey and Much Veg Chili.

Saute ground turkey, season with pepper, garlic and chilli powder. In a crock pot, put in one large bottle of V8, one container of salsa, one can of black beans, and one can of Kidney beans, 8oz water. Cook in the crock pot for several hours until simmering, top with cilantro, cheese,Sirachi, and Greek Yogurt.

Sriracha Sweet Potato Stir Fry ( Can be Veg-just omit the Chicken and add Tofu)

Ingredients

Stir Fry
2 (8 oz) chicken breasts, pounded thin and sliced in thin strips
1 cup (or 1 small can) red kidney beans, drained
2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
2 cups sweet potatoes, match-stick cut
1 cup red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp sesame oil

Sweet and Spicy Sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp sriracha
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp agave honey

Directions
In large non-stick pan on high heat, add oil and begin to sauté  bell peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli and kidney beans, and quickly sauté for 3-4 mins.

Whisk all sauce ingredients together and add sauce and chicken back to pan (with juices). Toss until coated.

Pour over prepared brown rice and enjoy!

Stir it up!!! Soup season has begun! Italian Turkey Sausage Vegetable Soup

Start by chopping up two potatoes, a quarter cup of each of the following: Red Cabbage, purple cabbage, bell pepper, jicima,carrots, onions, brocolli stems,radish and celery. Sautee in olive oil, adding 1 Tsp of ground black pepper, dash salt and fresh chopped garlic. _

 In the meantime, sautee two (Dirussos) Italian Turkey Sausages in Olive Oil

 When the Vegetables seem soft, add 3 Cups of V8 juice and 2 Cups Beef, Veg or Chicken Broth ( whatever you prefer)- 2 Cups of water, simmer for about 20 minutes, adding the sausage about tem minutes into. Simmer for another ten minutes or so...

 Serve and Enjoy!

I like to pair with a freshly sliced Honey Crisp Apple!

The Elmton, Struthers, Ohio.
The Elmton pizza is like no other, a crispy medium crust, with a unique blend of cheeses, I heard a rumor that they may throw some Swiss cheese in! I really think it is the best pizza around! I also love that when you take home the leftovers they wrap it in butchers paper rather than a box! It just tastes better to dine in, and take in the history of this restaurant which is over 65 years in business! Tiny, divey and worth the time!

Baking Bread...

Baking bread is an art. This is an art that I have not quite figured out...I have had some great attempts, but I really want to figure this one out. Bread has been a staple of so many cultures and generations. It is something I want to master, and then pass on to the next generation. This was my attempt at making French bread several months ago. Do you have a favorite? Do you have bread baking advice?

I will succeed! Mwhoo HHaa HHHaaa!

Natures Candy…

 

Once again my stop at Van Pelts market produced another treasure of local bounty! No sugar needed for these amazing blackberries and sun ripened local peaches! The fruit just melts in your mouth, and I cannot help but think of all the benefits that not only are being provided to my taste buds and my body! I am trying to focus on now, but I keep thinking about not having these wonderful treats in the winter! I will enjoy them while I can !