Barley--Try Something New

Are you intentionally trying new foods in 2012? If not, I strongly suggest everyone try a new food at least bi-weekly. Most of the best foods for us are not customary to the Western world. A lot of them are recently showing up in our health food stores and a few of our high end grocers; but many pass right by then. Well, Barley is a super food. A few days ago, this dish was posted on a social network and many had questions about barley. I looked it up hoping for a rather simple nutrition explaining but could not give one. It had at least eight different categories that elaborated on why it's so important to eat that encouraged the inquirers to go to http://www.whfoods.org/. It can substitute rice in your meals.

My dish:

 Barley (cooked just like rice); Green Split Peas (stewed down with onions and garlic); and Soya Chunks as my meat substitute which was soaked, seasoned and sautéed with herbs.

Finally tried Steel cut oats

Steel cut oats and I finally met after decades of eating rolled oats; and to be honest, I did not know it existed. It takes longer to cook and does not get "mushy" like rolled oats; according to people I know. When that statement was made, it got me thinking about steel cut oats so I finally bought some. I've have it for breakfast at least ten times now and it is still growing on me. Perhaps I am not cooking it long enough but I'll get to the bottom of it eventually. Ironically, one of my running buddies make bars with it for her family and she'll be showing me just how easy it is. So, look out for that post in the coming weeks. My oats are simply made with water, cinnamon, nutmeg and flaxseed; there is nothing fancy about it but I do enjoy dressing it up as seen in the picture above.

Spinach & chick peas salad

I absolutely love chick peas even though they were not apart of my life prior to my college days. These were introduced to me by a friend's mom in Raleigh, NC just before she drove me to college in Charlotte. I grew up primarily on lentils, kidney beans and black eyed peas in the Caribbean but fell in love with them eventually. And now, they are a staple in my pantry; one of my favorite beans. I even make homemade hummus with them from time to time so expect to see them in many of my dishes.

In this salad, there is organic salad mix, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, chick peas and crumbled homemade falafel with some vinaigrette salad dressing.

Green Goodness-Drink UP!

Green guck is what most would call this but the body absolutely loves and appreciates it. Don't believe me, simply ask any expert in the wellness profession. I love making green smoothies and smile with every sip most evenings when they are enjoyed or with earthy friends. This smoothie had my greens and protein powder in it that packs 22 grams of protein and 24 servings of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. I usually add at least half a banana and some frozen mango and or strawberry chunks to the mix. I wish it was not as expensive as it is but I didn't expect a vegan, organic and certified kosher mix to be less than twenty dollars (unless it was on sale of course). At any rate, I'm willing to pay more to ensure a quality product. Heck, we get what we pay for, right?

Dr. Oz's Breakfast treat!!!

I  love quinoa and finally decided to try it as a breakfast food. A friend of mine asked me to do Dr. Oz's 2 day cleanse and this was the breakfast we were supposed to have for two days. It wasn't bad even though the non dairy milk was left out (I had used the last of my almond milk on the smoothie we were supposed to drink for lunch and refused to buy any more); however it was still edible. In the future, this breakfast will be made the way Dr. Oz intended for me to enjoy it.

The breakfast included: quinoa, prunes, ginger, nutmeg and non dairy milk. I cheated and added the banana. This recipe was found in the O Magazine for February. It's loaded with nutrients so you can remain satisfied until lunch.

Pancake dazzle-Love it!!

I'm certain the vast majority of our society loves pancakes; I included. But, I had to find a pancake mix that was vegan friendly and packed with goodness. Until I begin to make my own, Red Bob's Mill Organic 7 grain pancake mix is the best thing since stoves were created.

I do not have this breakfast treat; yes it's a treat often because I find myself having it for a minimum of 2 days straight. It's never eaten without fresh fruit, raw nuts and organic maple syrup. You've got to try his line of products which includes gluten free. Finding and loving a long-term company known for top quality is very important. I went online to research whether it was cheaper but quickly discovered it wasn't; however, I got introduced to several dozen products that all can be incorporated into my lifestyle. A few that stood were the bread mix, cake mix and various grains to name a few. Just knowing I have a trusted vegan friendly product in the event I want a "regular" staple is key. Naturally, I'm most happy when I eat pancakes for breakfast. And of course, it is always enjoyed with some kind of hot tea.


So, what breakfast food makes you happy?

President's Day Concocted Lunch!!

Awwwww!!! I love this dish concocted by my "right hand" foodie's house on Monday. It was nutritious yet totally delicious. Even the youngest sampler of five had seconds; well she requested from her room to be brough more of the bok choy only and a drink. Hmmm, of course she was ordered to the kitchen to receive her requested items since we did not offer room service. Her little face was too bright and excited as she clearly made her request again. I just had to fulfill her request (LOL).

Our dish: 
Two diced up red potatoes with thoroughly washed canned chick peas curried (add all your fave spices). And in another pot, we sauteed snap peas, bok choy, red onions and mushrooms.