Winter Soup Cure All

This week has been a kick in the butt.  It started with Kevin getting over the flu, then both kiddos got the flu.  This was Izzy's 2nd time within a month.  So between doctor's visits and the price of Tamiflu, I blew through my grocery budget.  Luckily yesterday was my day to pick up my co op produce.  What's a girl to do with fresh organic veggies and no grocery budget?  Make soup!  I decided that I would make a spicy winter soup for the week using our organic veggies from the co op.  This spicy soup will help make us all feel better (I currently am battling a cold).  So here's what I used:

• 1 chopped white onion
• 4 cloves fresh organic garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 leaves Red Chard (finely chopped)
• 1 cup of Spinach (finely chopped)
• 2 cups of Cabbage (coarsely chopped)
• 1 sliced Jalapeno
• 1/2 pound Green Lentils
• 1 tablespoon of Salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 4 Shiitake Mushroom stems
• 8 cups Water

Directions:
In a large bowl, pour boiling water over lentils and let sit for 15 minutes.

In a large pot on medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with the olive oil, add the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, creole seasoning, thyme and cumin.  Saute for about 10 minutes or until onions become translucent.
Add the Chard, Spinach, Cabbage, Jalapeno and continue sauteing for about 5 minutes, until the greens begin to wilt.
Add the Water, tomato sauce, lentils and mushroom stems.  Cover and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to simmer and let cook for an hour or until lentils are cooked through.  Viola!

I Joined a Co-Op!

I had been struggling to find a place where I can get locally grown, organic fruits and veggies.  Luckily I stumbled upon this great little store south of Dallas called Urban Acres.  Every 2 weeks you pick up either a 'half or full share' of organic fruits and veggies!  Urban Acres has several "farm stands" throughout the metroplex, so I pick up my share at a local church about 20 minutes away.  Although you do not get to pick what you want, it's fun trying new recipes with the veggies you get. 

Here is our share for this week!

and here is little Miss Izzy washing our veggies!

Happy Sunday! My Anti-Inflammatory drink :-)

Lately, I've been on a health kick.  Everyone in my family as come down with either strep or the flu within the past month.  All, except for me, so far.  So with all the sickness going around I want to start incorporating more fresh veggies and fruit into our diet.  THIS HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE.  Anyway, yesterday I decided to make an anti-inflammatory drink for me and the hubby, who's currently battling the flu.  Here it is!

Here's what I used:
8 oz. of juice or water. I used blueberry Pom juice.
3 celery stalks
2 carrot sticks
Handful of spinach
Half an apple
Half a peeled lemon
1 beet (but next time I'll use a cucumber) the beet overpowers.
Couple of ice cubes
Blend until a smoothie!

My Pantry Jan 2013

I wanted to take a couple pictures of my pantry so I can look back a year from now to see what I've accomplished as far as food and storage.
So here is my pantry currently!

Its been awhile

I started this blog last year with the intention of actually blogging about my purchases, etc.  Well, of course, life happened and I dropped the ball!

See...what had happened was, nah just kidding!  Seriously, though, I stumbled upon Netflix and became obsessed with the documentary section.  I've developed somewhat of an obsession with documentaries related to food and health.  So, these documentaries have literally rocked my world.  I decided for 2013 me and my family are going to eat healthier.  What I mean by that is, we're going to eat more plant based meals.  As Dr. Joel Fuhrman says in his books and practice H=N/C (Health = Nutrients over calories).

Also for 2013 I personally am going to actively practice Yoga.  I have dabbled with it on occasion and have always been fascinated by people who practice regularly.  I am intrigued by the stillness, calmness and happiness that Yogi's claim to have, so I am making it my goal for 2013 to actively practice!

So, this blog is going to be my journal for everything food and health!  I am going to record my recipes and thoughts on them, how they turned out and whether they were a hit or not at the dinner table.

My goal is to look back next year and see where my family and I have traveled with our eating habits, health and spirituality.