Depression Recovery Program

The annual Depression Recovery Conference is being held
September 24-25, from 8:00 A.M. -8:30 P.M.

Yes, two jammed packed days. There is tons of information that will bless anyone that has struggled with depression or anxiety or if you have a loved one that struggles.

I hope to see some of you there!
Sign up soon as it is first come first serve and last year we had to turn people away!

Vegetable Fried Rice

This is one of mine and my husbands favorite meals. We eat fried rice about once a week. It's great for using up vegetables and really is quite filling, plus it's super easy! I always just use left over rice and I always make a double batch so we can have the left overs for lunch the next day.

What you'll need:
- 3 cups cooked rice (can use brown rice but our favorite is Jasmine rice)
- 2 cups vegetables chopped into 1 inch pieces(I used cabbage and peas here. Seriously though, get creative and daring!)
- 3 green onions chopped
- 3 cooked eggs (scrambled into larger chunks)
- 3 T. cooking oil (I use high-heat safflower oil)

Sauce:
-1 T. soy sauce
- 1/2 T. oyster sauce
-1 t. sesame oil
-1 t. sugar
-1 t. fresh minced ginger
- 1/2 t. salt
The How To:
-Combine sauce ingredients and set aside.
-Lightly cook or steam your cut vegetables.
-Prepare rice and chill it. If using leftover rice, separate any clumps with your fingers.
-Heat your wok (or whatever your using) to a high temp. or 350 degrees.
-Add oil.
-Add rice and stir to coat rice evenly with oil.
-Add sauce and stir.
-Then add the rest of your ingredients-- eggs and vegetables.

Total time is usually under 30 minutes for me.

This is my 14 month old, Ryan, chowing down on this stuff. He ate as much as I did!

Home-made Black Beans

Basically, soak 2-3 cups black beans for about an hour and drain well. Empty into a pressure cooker with plenty of water (6-8 cups or more). I had a sister who once let her pressure cooker run out of water and the top exploded off! It really damaged her kitchen so really the more water the better. Cook on high until steam is steady then reduce temperature to low. Let cook for about 30-45 minutes.

Once beans are done it's time to add your spices. I prefer cumin, salt, chili pepper, garlic, and a little onion powder.

To keep beans longer and for your little ones. I put my beans in an ice cube tray then cover them with the bean juice. Covering with liquid helps prevent freezer burn. After thawed these are perfect for making "refried beans."

Black Bean Tacos

I love this vegetarian meal. So quick and simple yet very satisfying full of protein and healthy fats! I use a corn tortilla that I lightly fry in olive oil.

Black Beans:
1 can black beans (or two cups home-made black beans)
1 t. salt (less if using can)
1 t. sugar (none if using can)
1 T. cumin or more, in my book you really can't over do cumin.
1 T. chili pepper
1/4 onion--chopped
1 garlic clove--minced

Combine onion and garlic in a frying pan and let cook until onion is translucent. Add beans and spices. Using a fork smash black beans.

Toppings: you can really put whatever you want on top but here's what I do.
-cheese
-red onion & avocado chopped and mixed with a little cilantro.
-lettuce
-salsa or chopped tomatoes

Raw Ranch Dressing

I love a good salad. However, finding a healthy salad dressing I like has been at best difficult. I am not really a vinaigrette type. I LOVE ranch. Unfortunately, that typically means unhealthy fats and dairy and ingredients I can not pronounce. The other day though, I thought I'd use cashews to make a raw ranch dressing.


Ingredients
1 cups cashew (soak for 1-2 hrs, then drain)
3/4 cup water for blending
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (translates into approx 1/2 lemon)
1/4 cup cider vinegar (or less, like I said I'm not a real vinegar lover)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 soaked date (or 3 T. agava)

1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper



Directions
Blend all ingredients in blender till creamy and smooth.

Put in fridge to thicken.

You can thin down to desired consistency.

I used this as a dip for my fresh vegetables. Also, I put it on my salad of red leaf lettuce, kidney beans and avocado.

I'll post my picture of it soon. ENJOY!

Eat Healthy for Cheap....

Alright, I'll admit sometimes eating healthy can be expensive but it really DOESN'T have to be. Here are few tips I've come up with for getting the most the most bang for your buck produce wise.

1. Buy what's in season. Not only is the produce going to be fresher and more nutritious but it's cheaper too.

2. Check out the Ads. Don't just go to the store down the street because it's the one you've always gone to. Spend a few minutes checking out the best deals for produce and then head to that store. You can also do price matching at Wal-Mart and get all the best deals in one place. (Sometimes my Wal-Mart is hit and miss with it's produce so beware.)

3. Grow your own garden! You don't have to have a lot of land (or any! I use pots.) to have a great garden that produces. Try simple things that will produce a lot like tomatoes, spinach, or lettuce. Or do one of your favorites.

4. Fruit Trees. Have a neighbor down the street that doesn't use all of their apples off their tree. Ask if you can have a few. We go on walks and then make new friends when we notice someone doesn't use all of their grapes on the vine. :)

5. Freeze! If you have produce that is about to go bad don't let it go to waste. Instead freeze it. Most things can be put into a blender later.

6. Farmer's Market. I LOVE the farmer's market. The best deals are to be had at quitting time because vendors want to get rid of their produce before they go home so they are willing to part with it for less.

Well, that's all my ideas for right now. I know you all have some great ideas so please share them when you leave a comment.

Happy Huntings For Healthy Food!