Not Dead!

Just super busy. School's attempt at consuming me is kind of working. But only kind of!
I've still been cooking, things like these carmelized onion and olive rolls, a quinoa/lentil/bean chili with biscuits, Coconut Red Lentil Soup (If you don't have yellow split peas, leave them out or add more lentils to compensate), and a Cuban Black Bean soup. Wow, that list makes it abundantly clear that fall has come, in case you've been living in a quarantined basement and haven't noticed the vibrant, colorful and crispy evidence everywhere else.  I do have a seasonal obsession with soups and stews, but it's totally manageable. I just don't have time to make a real post right now, but I will as soon as I get through this chunk of tests and projects....
But in happy news, I guarantee enjoyment listening to Alec Baldwin's silky voice say things like "a volcano of procreation" in this clip from the new upcoming National Geographic series "Great Migrations." November 9th, people. Set your Tivo. You're welcome.
Peace!
Jen

Indian Spiced Chickpeas and Lentils

I do actually have a midterm tommorow that I should be studying for. Instead, I made this. My regrets are few. I'm going to Denver on Thursday and have vowed not to spend money on groceries until then, so I knew I was in for a couple days of lentils and rice but, damn, this was good. A big pot of pan-fried chickpeas, lentils, and spinach with all the best warm Indian spices. One more success for my kitchen. And it can be your success, too!

Barley Risotto with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Spinach

A hearty, creamy delicious bowl of sauteed mushroom, plump and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes, and chewy, slowly cooked barley, flecked with spinach and lemon zest. Perfect for the coming cold weather, or alternatively, after a few late nights when your body needs some love and care.

Mediterranean Pepper Salad

Isn't it pretty? Looking at this picture makes me sad all over again that it's gone. I make this  all the time--it's easy, fast, and addictive. The crunch of the fresh vegetables, salty briny goodness of the olives, and the easy red wine vinegar dressing is enough to make my mouth water. After this picture was taken, I may or may not have sat down with a fork and eaten the majority of the bowl. Hey, I left some for my roommates! But seriously, make this salad.

Beginner Basics: My tips for a healthy kitchen

Here are some of my tips for having a successful whole foods kitchen. Interestingly enough, it's hard to cook healthy with a house full of only diet dinners, ranch dressing, and tequila. You're probably going to have to go to the store, but with the following main staples, you will always have something to throw together and give yourself a delicious and wholesome meal!

Curry Noodles with Tofu and Kale

 Otherwise known as my lunch, otherwise known as whatever I could throw together and eat before class. Protein-packed soba noodles, cancer fighting kale, and some leftover tofu, fragrant with red curry and a squeeze of lime. Delicious, nutritious, and easier than you may think. This whole dish came together in under 30 minutes, giving me time to write this post before I have to run off to class.