A Surprising Recipe Progression

Hello Fellow Foodies,

I recently had an interesting experience in the kitchen.

I have talked about my not so secret love affair with dried pinto beans and was experimenting with some new recipes. I cooked the dried beans with chicken stock, dried ranch dressing mix, and taco seasoning. I found the result to be a little salty so I added some water and organic brown rice along with a little hot sauce.

I was pleased with the results but just couldn't leave well enough alone. I am after all a foodie fanatic.

I had a lonesome country style pork rib that needed a home so I threw that in with just a touch of barbecue sauce and cooked it slowly overnight. A Dutch Oven works great for this.

Just between you and me, I had two helpings for breakfast.

Frozen mixed veggies or some chopped fresh spinach would add extra nutritional value.

Food never ceases to fascinate and intrigue me. What started as a possible new recipe transitioned into three.

If you are interested in the specific increments just shoot me a comment and I would be happy to share.

Before I sign off, I want share a cooking tip with you.

The easiest way to cook dried beans stress free is to cook them overnight in the oven on a low temperature. Be sure to have enough liquid and your seasonings in, cover with foil and let the oven do the work for you.

You'll love the way the house smells when you wake up.

Until next time,

Eat healthy and be happy!

The Healthy Foodie Fanatic

The Healthy Cowboy Caviar

Hello Fellow Healthy Foodies,

WOW! Isn't that beautiful! The perfect dish to prove food is more than the eating part. All healthy foodie fanatics will surely understand this.

Today our recipe is Healthy Cowboy Caviar. This has many, many versions, but I want to focus on YOUR grown produce and the availability of organic products we can't grow for ourselves. This is a summertime favorite that you can grow 90% of in your own back yard.

RECIPE:

1- 15oz can of black beans-drained (organic)
1- 15oz can of black eyed peas-drained (organic)
1-2 cobs fresh corn, roasted and cut off the cob (can you say, just picked?)
1 heaping cup full of fresh grown tomatoes-diced small (one of the best treats of a back yard garden)
2 Tbsp finely chopped scallions (yes, you can grow these yourself)
2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro (this herb can bolt in hot weather, but worthy of a spot in your herb garden)
1 ripe avocado-cubed (wait till the very end for this ingredient)

Special note on avocado: This healthy food is on the top of the clean food list. I always recommend growing your own as the healthiest food alternative or buying organic when you can. Well, avocado is one area where you can save your organic dollar. Check out the clean food list here.

FOR THE DRESSING
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Juice of one organic lime
2 medium cloves of garlic-minced fine
1 Tbsp salad oil
2 tsp hot sauce
S & P to taste

Mix all ingredients with the dressing, cover and allow to sit for about 30 minutes or even overnight. This can be served cold, but I really like it at room temperature.

TIPS:

• Black eyed peas have an earthy flavor to them, so feel free to substitute with garbanzo beans or your favorite pea or bean.
• Cucumbers from your garden can be peeled, seeded, & chopped and added for extra crunch. They also can be served as an alternative to chips.
• Red, blue, and yellow corn chips make for a nice presentation.
  

You just can't go wrong with this recipe!

Until next time

Stay Happy and Eat Healthy

The Healthy Foodie Fanatic