How are ya? Things are pretty good over here. I'm looking forward to the weekend as I have a ton of "stuff" to catch up on. You know, bills, cleaning, wedding things. I think its going to be absolutely frigid here, which makes it a perfect weekend to snuggle up inside and get things done.
So, I wanted to update you on a little something fantastic that I have been doing with my oatmeal. Yes, oatmeal can be fantastic. I'm sure this is old news to many of you, but cooking oatmeal IN almond milk makes it pretty freakin amazing. The oatmeal has a much creamier consistency, and I personally think it's a bit more satisfying than just boiling the oats in water. Replace 1 cup of almond milk where you would usually add 1 cup of water. Side note: Citrus fruit is AMAZING this time of year.
I know this pic is hard to see, but I made the most AMAZING ginger lemon lentils the other night. You must make these. I enjoyed my yummy lentils with roasted brussels and miso dipped tempeh. This was my first experience with tempeh, and I have to admit that I am not a fan. I actually threw it out and opted for a piece of chicken. I'm sure if tempeh is cooked right it's ok, but to me it just tasted like a chicken imposter with a freaky consistency. Ok, back to the lentils.
(photo credit: The Real Life-RD)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks of celery, peeled and chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger
3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 1/3 cups red lentils
1-2 teaspoons of sea salt [to taste]
3 1/4 cups of waterHeat the coconut oil over medium high heat and add the onions, cooking for about 8-9 minutes until they begin to cook and tenderize and then start to caramelize.Then add the garlic, carrots, celery, jalapeno, ginger, and lemon zest and cook for 6-7 more minutes until the veggies become soft. Add your lentils, water, and salt and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils become tender, but not mushy. You still want them to hold their shape but be soft when you eat them. Add more water 1/4 cup at a time if needed. Stir in the lemon juice and serve!
1/2 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks of celery, peeled and chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger
3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 1/3 cups red lentils
1-2 teaspoons of sea salt [to taste]
3 1/4 cups of waterHeat the coconut oil over medium high heat and add the onions, cooking for about 8-9 minutes until they begin to cook and tenderize and then start to caramelize.Then add the garlic, carrots, celery, jalapeno, ginger, and lemon zest and cook for 6-7 more minutes until the veggies become soft. Add your lentils, water, and salt and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils become tender, but not mushy. You still want them to hold their shape but be soft when you eat them. Add more water 1/4 cup at a time if needed. Stir in the lemon juice and serve!
Another delicious dish I made was this kale soba noodle bowl with avocado miso dressing. This yummy noodle bowl is great on its own topped with some protein packed edamame, or it can be served as a a side dish. If you haven't tried soba noodles, please do! Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and have a correspondingly strong, nutty flavor.
In other news, I have become a total tea- aholic. Like my momma, I have alway had a love for a warm cup of tea, but as of late I have been experimenting with lots of new blends.
This sweet rose tea is definitely worth noting. I didn't know that it was possible for tea to taste like a rose...in a good way. I have been enjoying this aromatic, comforting cup of goodness with a little dash of almond milk in the evening. You must try.
Among many other interesting items, I purchased the tea off of Vitacost.com. I highly recommend paying a visit to their online store which is full of discounted health foods. I received free shipping, plus I googled "Vitacost Coupon" and received an additional 10% off. Winning.
As of late, I have been thinking a lot about the word inspiration. It's an amazing feeling to BE inspired, and I believe that when you are inspired, you inspire others. For me personally, knowing that I have inspired someone is one of the greatest gifts in the world. So, I thought I would leave you with a few things that inspired me this week.
This article <~~~ amazing perspective.
You can't please everyone, so stop trying
This photo:
By Robert Sturman
This quote:
And this one...
Have an amazing weekend :)
Something to think about:
Hey Girl - For Tempeh, check out the Candle Cafe cookbook. I once served it at a party on skewers and non-vegans went back for more :) I can always pull out the recipe when I get home. And thanks for the continued yoga-inspiration. Happy Weekend. Lisa
ReplyDeleteI will check that out and give it another whirl! Thanks for the recommendation, and of course, thank you for reading :) You and your mini muffin have a great weekend, too!
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to start writing again!! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteWill definitely be trying those lentils, but that chia pudding still 'freaks me out a little!" ;-) Loving the Honey- Lavender Yogi tea you gifted me. xo
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