Red Bean "veggie" Patties

I just HAD to share another version of the Black Bean Quinoa Patties.  My husband asks for these weekly!!!  And he's a carnivore!  This is a much healthier and low fat version of a burger.  Find out how I'm getting into Bikini Shape.

This time around I used Red Beans because I had a bunch left over from 
Red Bean Stew.  I cooked 2 small bags (24 ounces total) of dried beans so I had plenty for "burgers" tonight.

Red Bean Veggie Patties

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked red beans
3/4 cup cooked Quinoa
3 eggs
3/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (cayenne)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)


Directions:
Roughly mash the red beans with a fork leaving some whole red beans in a paste-like mixture. 
Mix the cooked quinoa, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, hot pepper flakes, and egg into the RED beans using your hands.

Form the bean mixture into 5 or 6 patties.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook the patties in the hot oil until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add cheese if you would like.

Serve as patties or on a bun like a "burger."  These were so easy to make (again) that I've decided to make a triple batch and freeze for future meals. 

Sharing over at Operation Shape Up , Wildcrafting Wednesday ,
Fine Craft Guild and HERE.

Red Bean Stew

I missed SO many recipe posts this past week!  I shared Dill Potatoes for Meatless on Monday #27 and then all of a sudden it was Thursday!  Do ever have weeks where you just don't know what happened.  Well, I know what happened...Spring!!!  Which means planting time and it also means a HUGE rush on heirloom seed orders.

Friday was an easy one with Fruit and Yogurt.  I'm loving these 4-Ingredient recipes!  However,  I'm taking a little extra time for prep on this one.  I'm really trying to cut out a bunch of food that we eat that may be upsetting husband's stomach.  I'm thinking he might be gluten sensitive but we'll see as we eliminate a few other things first.

I was first inspired to try this recipe from Foodie in WV but I know my husband isn't a big fan of pinto beans.  He says "A little bit goes a long way for me."  But he loves red beans (chili beans).  So I did a little switcheroo and surprise...He loved it!

Red Bean Stew
adapted from Eating Well 
Ingredients

Serve over Quinoa

1 pound dry red beans, soaked (see Tip)

6 cups water

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

2 stalks celery, sliced

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Optional:

Garnish

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup sliced radishes

Directions

Drain the soaked beans. Combine the beans, water, onion, bell pepper, celery, corn, garlic, chili powder and cumin in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on High for 4 hours (or on Low for 8 hours).

After the stew has cooked for 4 (or 8) hours, stir in lime juice and salt.

Cover and cook on High for 1 hour. Serve each portion of stew topped with a dumpling (I skipped the dumplings). Garnish with cilantro and radish.

Tip: Before using beans in a slow-cooker recipe, soak them to ensure even cooking. Start by sorting beans to remove any pebbles; rinse well with cold water. To soak overnight: Place beans in a large bowl, cover with 3 inches of cold water and soak at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours. To “quick soak”: Place beans in a large saucepan with enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.

 
Sharing at Wildcrafting Wednesday and HERE.

It's Vital Minerals and Omega-3

Yesterday I had an announcement from It Works! 

In addition to the It's Vital Minerals, they have added 
It's Vital Omega-3.  I'm looking forward to adding Omega-3s!

March 23, 2013

The bone-boosting It’s Vital™ Minerals and heart-healthy It’s Vital™ Omega-3 found in It’s Vital™ Complete Nutrition Pack are now available for individual purchase! It’s Vital™ Minerals Item# 319 Loyal Customer Price: $23 USD Need a bigger boost of Vitamin D and superior calcium absorption to support bone health? You can keep those bones strong, your heart healthy, and your body nourished with It’s Vital Minerals. Powered by sea-algae derived Aquamin® premium mineral blend, It’s Vital Minerals helps your body maximize calcium absorption through a superior combination of 250% of the RDA of Vitamin D and Vitamins K1 and K2 (MK-7), ensuring calcium stays in your bones and boosting support for your cardiovascular health. Support for healthy bones and teeth with 250% the RDA of Vitamin D Maximize calcium absorption with Vitamins K1 and K2 (MK-7) to ensure calcium stays in bones Keep your heart strong with Vitamin K2 support for cardiovascular health Nutrient-rich, sea algae-derived Aquamin® premium mineral blend with over 74 trace minerals It’s Vital™ Omega-3 Item# 320 Loyal Customer Price: $23 USD Want even more heart healthy omega-3 in your diet? Boost your heart health with It’s Vital Omega-3, a triple strength blend of fish oil-derived DHA and EPA fatty acids that supports your cardiovascular health, helps fight minor inflammation to keep those joints moving, and helps you reclaim that youthful glow. Along with superior strength fatty acids, It’s Vital Omega-3 also adds a purifying rosemary-based antioxidant blend to fight the effects of free radicals—all in an easy-to-swallow softgel with a hint of lemon flavor. Boost your heart health by supporting healthy cholesterol levels Promote healthy joint movement and your body’s response to minor inflammation Nourish skin, hair, and nails for a youthful glow Fight free radicals and support healthy cell growth with rosemary-based antioxidants Get your bone-boosting minerals and triple strength support for heart health today!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. NOTE: Product availability varies by country/region.

4-Ingredients: Fruit and Yogurt Snack

Last night we were craving something sweet but not loaded with sugar and NOT high in fat.  I came up with this little treat from ordinary stuff that I always have on hand.

Fruit and Yogurt

Ingredients:
Yogurt  *organic/fat-free/french vanilla*
Fruit, fresh or canned (1can of Mandarin Oranges)
*I used fresh strawberries last time*
Almond Slivers
Cinnamon
coconut flakes, optional

Directions:
This is so easy and you can add as much as you want!

Place your fruit in a bowl.  Top with yogurt.  Sprinkle with almond slivers, cinnamon and coconut flakes.

Enjoy!!!

4-Ingredient Series (so far):

Veggie Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta

Peanut Butter Protein Snack 

Thanks for stopping by.

I'm partying over at LHITS ,  The Creative HomeAcre Hop and HERE.

4-Ingredients: Dill Potatoes

Another 4-Ingredient creation just in time for  
Meatless on Monday #27!  These are so easy to make and they were GONE before I had a chance to take a picture.  Oh well, you'll have to use your imagination.

Homegrown Dill

Dill Potatoes

Ingredients

1 lb white or red potatoes, cubed

1 ½ tablespoon dill

1 small garlic clove, minced

1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

Toss all ingredients together.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20, then broil for a couple of minutes until brown.

So easy!!!!

Did you see the HUGE Giveaway announcement?
Don't miss it!

4-Ingredient Series (so far):

Veggie Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta

Peanut Butter Protein Snack

Thanks for stopping by.

I'm partying over at The Creative HomeAcre Hop and HERE.

4-Ingredients: Peanut Butter Protein Snack

This isn't something I make all that often so it's definitely a treat.  It requires no cooking or baking with little or no dishes.  The peanut butter coupled with the right kind of bread make this a high-protein, high fiber, healthy-fat snack.  All around fantastic!!  

**I don't normally specify but most of the ingredients I use in all of our meals are organic**

PB and Honey Protein Snack

Ingredients:

whole wheat flax bread or roll

peanut butter

honey

cinnamon

Directions:

Spread the peanut butter over one side of your bread or rolls.  

Drizzle with Honey.

Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Try not to make a total mess when you eat your snack.

Enjoy!

4-Ingredient Series (so far):

Veggie Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta 

The point of this series is to create and share simple, healthy recipes.  Sometimes if a recipe looks complicated I won't even attempt to make it.  With 4 Ingredients you just can't go wrong!

4 Ingredients: Creamy Chicken and Pasta

How did you like my first 4-Ingredient meal?  Simple? Easy?  Definitely healthy!  I'm keeping up the momentum this week.  

I feel like I have slacked off in the recipe department lately.  Not because I'm not cooking but because some of our meals are just boring.  I've already shared my Pumpkin Smoothie (YUM) and my Blueberry mango Smoothie.  Last week I made Quinoa Black Bean "burgers" again.  My husband just can't get enough!

My plan is to make our meals in advance so we save money AND time, plus it should cut down on any unhealthy "last minute" choices.  I used chicken that I had made in the slow cooker so it was nice and tender.  I save the "juice" to use in this recipe

It may not look like the much but it was yummy!

Creamy Chicken Pasta 

Ingredients:
Chicken (4 breasts)
Pasta (1 box)
Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans)
Broccoli (or whatever veggie you like)
*Water: 3 cups*  If you would prefer, you can use broth instead

Optional: Chicken or Veggie broth
Optional: salt and pepper

Directions:
Cook your pasta, drain and set aside.  

In a large pot, add cream of mushroom soup, water/broth and Broccoli (or any veggie).  Cook on low for 5-8 minutes to combine water/broth and soup and to lightly cook veggies.

Add in cooked pasta.  Serve hot! 

Wrap Party Weekend!

I had an AMAZING weekend!  Wrap Party Saturday.  In the garden AND a private wrap party Sunday!!!

The Ultimate Body Applicator AKA It Works! Wrap ACTUALLY works!  Some were skeptical, others were on a mission.  Our first "model" slimmed down 1 inch, our second 2 inches!!!
In 45 MINUTES!

I promised I would not share before and after pictures so I won't.  However, I can show you sample pics of others who have tried the wraps and other products.

I learned something NEW this weekend about the It Works! Products.  You can use the Greens and the Defining Gel with just a few drops of water to make a GREENS FACIAL!

Greens + Defining Gel

YES!  No more expensive spa treatments! Tone up the skin on your face AND detox at the same time.  Don't need a facial?  You can add the greens to water and drink it.  With 38 fruits, veggies and herbs it is a great additional to your day!

Check out My It Works!  You can purchase products or ask your questions!  Still not sure?  Check out MY RESULTS!
This is a HUGE motivator for me to continue eating right and exercising!