Kale and White Bean Stew

Three superfood recipes.  You’ll only find me trying the following recipe.  I’ll eat my beets plain; I’ll skip the cobbler!!

Kale and White Bean Stew
Serves 4

This adaptation of a Tuscan dish is a filling nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber, iron, vitamin C and vitamin A. It’s even more delicious the next day, after the flavors have deepened.

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
5 cups (packed) thinly sliced kale (about 1 large bunch)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth, organic boxed or homemade
1 teaspoon dried basil, or 1 tablespoon fresh
1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 2 teaspoons fresh
1 pound white beans (cannellini), cooked and drained (dry beans are cheapest)
1 pound finely diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil and grated Romano cheese (to garnish)

1. In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil, garlic and red pepper over medium heat for 1 minute. Add kale, vinegar and broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat; add basil and thyme. Cover and simmer until kale wilts, about 7 minutes. Add beans and tomatoes with juice. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Ladle stew into shallow bowls. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and pass the grated Romano cheese.

 

Counting my blessings !!

This is thethree-year anniversary of a major revelation.  I was so sick, I thought I would die!!  On February 9th, 2009, I sat at the computer determined to find a solution to my health problem.  Click on the “anniversary” link (above) and read the details.  My Acute Ozone Poisoning Experience Published on Consumer Affairs web site.  All the details were published in an article titled Indoor Ozone Poisoning from EcoQuest Ozone Generators. (Of minor importance: The last reference should not have brought up the document in a word-processing program!! Another change [previously unknown to me] that Google inserted into Blogspot. It just reinforces my frustration with Google Blogspot!! I’m “counting my blessings” that I found WordPress!!)

Delicacies for my salads

Yesterday I purchased organic potting soil, and some inexpensive planters.  Today I planted nasturtium seeds.  Nasturtium flowers are good in salads!!  Dandelions are good to eat, too.  I almost picked numerous dandelions that bloomed overnight. Maybe tomorrow?!  FYI: I’m growing Alfalfa sprouts, too.

Are you bored with my trivia??

…we live alone, ….

This quote came to my attention last night and I felt a nudge to add it to my blog.  I can’t explain why it touched my heart.  Well, I could explain but it would take many pages comprising numerous chapters.  I’ve experienced a very unique life!!   (But haven’t we all??)

 

“We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone.  

Only through our love and friendship can we create

the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone.”

― Orson Welles

Look who came to dine

Just outside my patio door, a possum came to dine on stale bagels (for the raccoons). I received a telepathic message indicating he/she wanted to enjoy the banquet spread for my fine feathered and furry friends.  (“Porch light” only because a flash would scare the possum AND a flash would reflect on the glass.)

Become vegan in twelve minutes

Become vegan in twelve minutes is a great video (in my humble opinion).  In my mind, I’m a vegan.  However, I’ve found it necessary to deviate in social settings.  For example: Tonight we’re invited to our supervisor’s home for a pizza party.  I enjoyed Thanksgiving, and Christmas, dinner with a group.  (I rarely eat meat.)  I’m BIG on salad.  This is my delight!! Every day!!  Mixed organic Spring greens, broccoli, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and other veggies, with home-made olive oil and vinegar dressing—in a big two-quart bowl.

Healthy alternatives

Here are two healthy alternatives to the  “standard American diet” and snack foods.  1) Air popped corn with extra virgin coconut oil (instead of butter) and Bragg organic sea kelp delight seasonings (instead of salt).  2) Green “smoothie” with organic apple juice, frozen banana, frozen blue berries, kale and/or collard greens (with my Vitamix).  ~~~~  FYI: My contribution to the pizza party (tonight) is a BIG green salad (to share, of course).