Macho Nachos

First of all, I have to apologize for the hour.  This is technically for Meatless Monday but it is not coming in until 9:40 PM.  Suffice it to say I was simply not home all day and my baby has been in need of his mother all evening.  I think he is finally asleep now so I'll share with you a recipe that really allows you to sort of purge your pantry and veggie drawer.  It also takes something that is sort of naughty and turns it into something very nice.  :) 

 

Macho Nachos

Tortilla chips

Red kidney beans or black beans (drained and rinsed)

diced Jalapenos or diced green chiles

Cheese of choice (I use extra sharp cheddar cheese)

Cumin, Garlic powder, Chili powder or Cheyenne pepper

That's basically the gist of it.  Then you can add what ever other veggies you have or want to put on there.

Corn

Black olives

Bell pepper

Avocado 

Tomato

Layer the chips on a plate that can be put in the microwave or a dish that is oven safe.  Top with drained beans and season to taste with seasonings.  (The cumin is what's going to give it that smokey "Mexican" flavor.)  Add jalapenos and whatever veggies you like and top with cheese.  (I would leave the avocado and tomato until after you have toasted the nachos.)  You could make multiple layers if you wish-- I usually do.  Then either microwave or broil until the cheese is nice and melted.  Top with avocado and tomato if desired and watch these fake-out nachos disappear! 

Italian Vegetable Soup

Here's another family favorite. :) It's a great soup to put leftover veggies in, too.
















Italian Vegetable Soup

1 1/4 cup onions, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, sliced
1 3/4 cups turnips, diced
2 cups zucchini, diced
3 mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup green beans
2 - 28oz. cans diced tomatoes
1/2 - 15 oz. can tomato paste
4 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. dried parsley

Heat water and tomato products to a boil. Add all veggies except zucchini. Bring to a boil once again, turn down heat and simmer until veggies are 1/2 done. Add zucchini and seasonings. Continue cooking till done. Serves about 16.

Meatless Monday ideas

The Word of Wisdom says a lot of things that we know and have down pat.  We know not to smoke, drink alcohol, coffee, or tea, and to not use drugs.  However, there is a part that is not as emphasized that speaks of eating grains and fruits in their season.  And probably the hardest part, at least for me, is that meat, while ordained for our use, is to be eaten sparingly.  So, in that light I present to you Meatless Monday! 

It also should be noted that having at least one vegetarian/meatless meal a week will greatly reduce your grocery bill.  A head of lettuce or can of beans is significantly less expensive than a pound of ground beef.  Just sayin'.  However, the point of Meatless Monday is not to make you have to gag your dinner down.  No, in fact there are many many meat free dishes that are exceptionally satisfying and incredibly tasty!  And that's what we hope to bring to you -- veggie main dishes that are tantalizing to the taste buds!

And we will.  Next week.  This week I will present some ideas to help get your gears turning when it comes to veggie dishes. 

-Pasta is a super easy way to have a meat free dish.  You don't even have to add veggies to it, but why not?!  I'm a big fan of broccoli and penne with ricotta.  I'll share that recipe later so keep watching.

- There is also the option of veggie burgers, either pre-made patties or you can make them yourself.  (Again, watch for the recipe!)  The key here is to make sure your bun is super tasty.  I'd suggest something whole grain and toasted. 

- Breakfast...pancakes do not have meat in them.  At least I've never had one.  Nor do waffles or french toast.  Scramble some eggs for protein and you're ready to roll. 

- You can use beans in place of meat or to stretch meat out in more recipes than you would think.  Case in point, Mom's enchilada recipe says that she uses a can or two of beans sometimes.  But wait, there's more!...later. 

- There are a ton of soup options that are meatless!  A ton.  I don't think I'm exaggerating either. 

I hope those got you thinking and I hope you'll join us in trying to be a little more healthy.  I don't know about you but when I run, I get weary.  ;) 

Stay tuned for the FHE treat of the week.