Veggie Pot Pie

 Ingredients:

 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
2 large carrots, diced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, sliced 1/4 inch wide
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 recipe pastry for double-crust pie

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan. Cook onions, mushrooms, and garlic in oil for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir in cauliflower, green beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, soy sauce, and 1/4 cup water until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Stir into vegetables, and cook until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.

Roll out 1/2 of the dough to line an 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the filling into the pastry lined dish. Roll out remaining dough, arrange over the filling, and seal and flute the edges.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust is brown.

You can use any kid of veggie I think. Last time I forgot to buy green beans and used peas instead. Corn or broccoli would probably be good as well. 

Red Dahl soup

 

• 1 tablespoon EACH: butter AND olive oil (use 2 tbs oil for dairy-free)
•  4 cloves minced garlic
•  1 medium onion, chopped
•  2 stalks celery, chopped
•  ½ teaspoon EACH: ground turmeric, garam masala, AND chili powder
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  2-3 teaspoons curry powder (mild or hot)
•  1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
•  1½ cups red lentils, washed and drained
•  3-5 cups vegetable broth (or chicken stock)
•  1½ cups of coconut milk (I use light coconut milk)
•  3 tablespoons lemon juice
•  Chopped cilantro, for serving

Instructions

SAUTE: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions and celery for 5-6 minutes or until tender and translucent. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1 additional minute. Add the turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and curry powder. Continue to cook the veggies for another 1-2 minutes.

MAKE ON THE STOVETOP: Add the tomatoes, lentils, 4 cups of broth, bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes. Add the coconut milk and allow the soup to continue cooking for an additional 12-18 minutes or until the lentils are fall-apart tender. If the lentils soak up too much of the liquid, use the remaining ½ cup of broth to thin the soup to your liking. 

Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture if you prefer a smooth texture. Leave as-is for a chunkier texture. Turn the stove off and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust with additional salt if the soup needs it.

I leave it chunky and serve with bread. 

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ onion, chopped
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken stock 
  
• 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• Sep 1

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in hot butter until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

• Step 2

  Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat; cook until flour loses it's granular texture, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary to keep the flour from burning, 3 to 4 minutes.

• Step 3

  Gradually pour milk into flour mixture while whisking constantly. Stir chicken stock into milk mixture. Bring to a simmer; cook until flour taste is gone and mixture is thickened, about 20 minutes. Add broccoli, carrots, sauteed onion, and celery; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

• I don't follow step three. After I get the milk and chicken stock mixed in, I dump in all the veggies and let them cook while the mixture is thickening. 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235874/copycat-panera-broccoli-cheddar-soup/

Greek Pasta Salad

Dressing
2/3 cup olive oil
3 TBS vinegar
2 tsp basil leaves
2 TBS chopped green onion
2 TBS Parmesan
1/2 tsp salt and pepper
1/4 tsp oregano

Blend together

Salad
3 cups cooked pasta
1 medium red and green pepper
1 medium tomato
1/2 cup black olives
6oz feta

Pour dressing over salad and refrigerate for one hour.

One Pot Cheesy Mexican Lentils, Black Beans, and Rice

Rachel found this recipe at https://reciperunner.com/one-pot-cheesy-mexican-lentils-black-beans-and-rice/ It's delicious. I could eat the whole pot by myself, it goes down so smooth, but it's enough food to feed a family of eight if six of them are kids or teenagers.

ONE POT CHEESY MEXICAN LENTILS, BLACK BEANS AND RICE
yield: 5 SERVINGS
prep time: 20 MINUTES
cook time: 50 MINUTES
total time: 1 HOUR (if you overlap some of the prep time with the cook time)

INGREDIENTS
1/2 of a yellow onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, grated or minced
1/2 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
1/2 cup uncooked French green lentils, rinsed (red or brown lentils may also be used)
2-3 cups low sodium vegetable stock
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle powder (optional)
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
15 ounces black beans (canned), rinsed and drained
1/2 cup fire roasted tomatoes, drained
4 ounces diced green chiles (canned)
1 small zucchini, shredded
1/2 cup frozen corn, defrosted
1 cup red enchilada sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheese, I used sharp cheddar and part skim mozzarella
Cilantro for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat a large pot or saucepan over medium high heat.
2. When the pot is heated spray with cooking oil and add in the onion and garlic.
3. Sauté for a couple minutes then add in the brown rice and lentils.
4. Add in the vegetable stock, stir and bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low.
6. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils and rice are tender.
7. If there is any excess liquid drain it.
8. Season the rice and lentils with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin and chipotle powder.
9. Add in all of the remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup of the cheese and stir together.
10. Heat the mixture until the cheese is melted.
11. Top with the remaining cheese and cover with a lid.
12. Heat on low until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbly.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: YIELD: 5 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 498 TOTAL FAT: 14g SATURATED FAT: 8g TRANS FAT: 0g UNSATURATED FAT: 5g CHOLESTEROL: 39mg SODIUM: 1274mg CARBOHYDRATES: 65g FIBER: 18g SUGAR: 11g PROTEIN: 30g

Black Bean Empanadas

Baked Black Bean Empanadas

(makes about 20 small empanadas; adapted from Shugary Sweets)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup canned sweet corn
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed (check out this post for tips on How to Cook Dried Beans)
1/4 cup salsa (any variety)
1 tsp cumin, salt & pepper to taste
1/2 lime, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro
1 pkg (14.1oz) refrigerated pie pastry
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Optional: Egg white and small packet Sazon Goya seasoning

Directions:

In large bowl, mix corn, jalapenos, black beans, salsa, cumin, lime juice and cilantro. Set aside.

Unroll pie pastry on floured counter top or cutting board. Use a 4 inch wide cup or round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. Roll out scrap pieces of dough for more circles (I was able to make 20 total).

Place bean mixture and a pinch of cheese on each circle. Fold over and use a fork to press down and seal edges.

Optional Step: Mix one egg white and one small packet Sazon Goya found in the Hispanic food aisle. It is a very inexpensive mix of salt, culantro, garlic, salt, cumin and Annatto (achiote) seeds. I brushed this on before baking to achieve a bright gold color and to add extra flavor.

Lay each empanada on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake in a 450 degree oven for about 12 minutes, until browned. Serve with remaining corn and black bean salsa.

https://hip2save.com/recipes/black-bean-baked-empanadas-spanish-rice/

Quinoa Burgers

I also really like these, but didn't get good reviews with my kiddos. But they really are good. I'll probably make them for lunch during the week. I found the recipe here.

2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)

1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 medium carrot, finely grated (OR 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry)

3 eggs

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 green onions, including white parts

1 /2 teaspoon  sugar

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Olive oil for frying

.

To cook quinoa for the above recipe:

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

In a medium saucepan bring the 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat.  Add quinoa and reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender.  Allow to cool for a few minutes.

.

In a large bowl combine the 2 rounded cups of cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, sugar, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.

(To help them stay in patty form and not fall apart, I cook them on med-low slowly so they have longer to set-up without burning.  Makes them easier to flip, too.)  Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat.  Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick.  Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side.   Makes approx. 10 burgers.

Per burger:  Calories 132; Protein 8 g; Fat 5 g; NET Carbs 12 g; (Fiber 2 g); Sugar 0 g; Sodium 200 mg

Honey-Lime Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

I loved these. The kids weren't as big of fans. L liked it when I gave her the stuffing while the potatoes were still cooking, but wouldn't touch it when it was all together. E saw that it was touching a potato and also wouldn't eat it, but A thought it was delicious. I found the recipe here. I know it doesn't get good kid reviews, but you should still try it. :)

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and rinsed then pierced several times with a fork
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups grilled or frozen corn
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/8 tsp caynenne pepper
• 3 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 3 1/2 Tbsp honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 2 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup)
• Sour cream for serving, optional

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven until tender, about 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until fluffy.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion and saute until tender, about 4 minutes, adding in garlic during last 30 seconds of sauting. Add onion mixture to cooked quinoa, along with black beans, corn, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne, lime juice and honey, 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro and toss mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cut cooked sweet potatoes in half and scoop out some of the sweet potato flesh to create a bowl shape, while leaving about 1/3 to 1/2-inch of sweet potato intact (reserve scooped out potato in refrigerator for another use). Fill sweet potatoes with quinoa mixture, then sprinkle tops evenly with cheese. Transfer to oven and broil until cheese has melted. Serve warm garnished with cilantro and sour cream if desired.
• Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Couscous Bowls with Za’atar Chickpeas and Roasted Cauliflower

I loved this. Steve said it was too much effort, but agreed it was good. I found the recipe here.


For the za'atar chickpeas and roasted cauliflower:
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons za'atar
• 1 tablespoon ground sumac (I substituted a bit of lemon zest for this as I read sumac is citrisy)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups cooked couscous
• 1/3 cup sliced green olives (left these out, I don't like them)
• 1/4 cup chopped dates, dried apricots, or golden raisins


For the tahini-parsley sauce:
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice


For the toasted pine nuts:
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Instructions

Marinate and roast the chickpeas and cauliflower:
1. In a large zipper bag, combine the cauliflower, onion, chickpeas, za'atar, sumac, cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, vegetable broth and olive oil. Marinate in the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight.
2. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F. Pour the contents of the bag into a large baking pan and roast for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Make the tahini-parsley sauce:
3. Meanwhile, toss the cooked couscous with the olive slices and dried fruit. Set aside.
4. To the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-blade, add the garlic, parsley, tahini, water and lemon juice. Process until smooth, then season to taste with salt. Set aside.
Toast the pine nuts:
5. Add the butter in a small pan over medium heat and heat until melted. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until starting to brown, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
To serve:
6. Divide the couscous among serving bowls and then top with the roasted vegetables, a drizzle of the tahini-parsley sauce, and a spoonful of the pine nuts.

Notes

Prep time includes the hands-off time spent marinating the vegetables.

Read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/couscous-bowls-with-zaatar-chickpeas-and-roasted-cauliflower/#SRFFzhfoqmzX9b7x.99

Ginger Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients 

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root, divided
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 cup snow peas
3/4 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup halved green beans
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 tablespoon salt

Directions

. In a large bowl, blend cornstarch, garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until cornstarch is dissolved. Mix in broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and green beans, tossing to lightly coat.

. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook vegetables in oil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Stir in soy sauce and water. Mix in onion, salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger. Cook until vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Note: I sometimes add tofu or peanuts for added protein. 

Black Bean Taco

Quick, simple and tasty! Found it at endlesssimmer.com

Ingredients

2 C. black beans, cooked
½ C. red onion, minced
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
4-6 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 avocado, sliced
Pinch of salt and pepper
8 corn tortillas
Hot sauce
Salsa
Sour cream
Make a Spicy Taco Bake w/ Chips & Sausage

Instructions

1) In a medium bowl, add beans along with red onion, cilantro, and spices. Add a pinch of salt and lightly mash all of the ingredients together. Grate your cheese and have it ready as well.
2) In a large, non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet, add a few tablespoons of oil and heat over medium-high heat.
3) Add one corn tortilla at a time and let each get hot in the oil for a few seconds. Then add about 1?4 cup of the bean filling to one half of the tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese.
4) Using a spatula, carefully fold the tortilla over so it forms a shell. Press down lightly on the tortilla so it holds its shape.
5) As the first tortilla cooks, move it to the side and do a second one. Depending on the size of your pan, you should be able to get 2 or 3 tacos at once. If you have a griddle you can do even more at once.
6) Cook each taco for about 3 minutes per side until they are nicely browned and crispy.
7) When flipping the taco to cook on the other side, use a spatula and flip the taco toward the fold so the filling doesn’t fall out.
8) Serve tacos with toppings like hot sauce, salsa, avocados, and sour cream.
Note: Corn tortillas are resilent to heat. Don’t worry about burning them. They are very flexible. Just be sure to cook them on each side long enough to get them really crispy.here

Grilled Vegetable Burritos

I got this from diabeticlivingonline.com.  It is a bit time consuming, but oh so good. Probably less time consuming if you don't have to also make the tortillas...

1 red sweet pepper, quartered and seeded

1/2 of a small eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices

1 medium zucchini, trimmed and halved lengthwise

1 portobello mushroom, stem removed (about 5 ounces)

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 7 - 8 - inch whole grain tortillas

1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped fresh tomato (optional)

1/4 cup Cilantro Pesto (recipe follows)

1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped (optional)

2 tablespoons light dairy sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. Lightly coat sweet pepper, eggplant, zucchini, and mushroom with cooking spray. For a charcoal grill, place vegetables on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium-hot coals. Grill for 3 minutes; turn vegetables. Grill 3 to 5 minutes more or until vegetables are crisp- tender. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place vegetables on grill rack over heat; cover and grill as above.) Remove vegetables from grill; cool slightly.

2. Coarsely chop vegetables. In a medium bowl toss together chopped vegetables, garlic, and pepper. Divide vegetables among tortillas, placing vegetables just below center and to within 1 inch of the edge. Sprinkle vegetables with cheese. Fold bottom edge of each tortilla up and over filling. Fold opposite sides in over filling. Roll up from the bottom.

3. Return filled tortillas to grill rack. Grill for 1 minute; turn and grill 1 to 2 minutes more or until tortillas are lightly browned. Serve with tomato (if using), Cilantro Pesto and if desired, avocado and sour cream.

Cilantro Pesto

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

1 clove minced garlic

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine firmly packed cilantro leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Cover and blend or process with several on-off turns until a paste forms, stopping the machine several times and scraping down the sides. With the machine running, gradually add olive oil and water; blend or process until smooth. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Servings Per Recipe: 4

PER SERVING: 293 cal., 14 g total fat (5 g sat. fat),  25 g carb. (14 g fiber, 5 g sugars), 18 g pro.

Vegetable Lasanga

I got this recipe from  diabeticlivingonline.com

6 dried whole wheat lasagna noodles (these are impossible to find here so I just use regular no boil                                         kind)

2 1/2 cups zucchini and/or yellow summer squash halved lengthwise and sliced (2 medium)

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup light ricotta cheese

1/4 cup snipped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley

3 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups purchased pasta sauce

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

1/2 cup chopped, seeded tomato (1 medium)

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well. (I have the no boil kind and have not cooked them and it has worked just fine.)

2. Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet cook and stir squash, mushrooms*, and onion in hot oil over medium-high heat about 5 minutes or until tender; remove from heat and set aside. In a small bowl combine ricotta cheese, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. *TIP: Baby portabella mushrooms taste great in this recipe.

3. To assemble, place 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish, trimming to fit as necessary. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with half of the vegetable mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, vegetable mixture, and sauce.

4. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with tomato and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 5 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Servings Per Recipe: 6

PER SERVING: 256 cal., 8 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 30 g carb. (6 g fiber, 5 g sugars), 16 g pro.

Ratatouille

Since being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, I've been looking for good, meatless meals that we can eat.  I've found a few that I thought you'd also enjoy.  There's a lot of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms used.  Steve and I ate this and had some cashews on the side for added protein.

Makes 4 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons dried parsley

1 eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

salt to taste

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 zucchini, sliced

1 large onion, sliced into rings

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 green bell pepper, sliced

2 large tomatoes, chopped

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat bottom and sides of a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

 Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir garlic until lightly browned. Mix in parsley and eggplant. Cook and stir until eggplant is soft, about 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Spread eggplant mixture evenly across bottom of prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Spread zucchini in an even layer over top. Lightly salt and sprinkle with a little more cheese. Continue layering in this fashion, with onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomatoes, covering each layer with a sprinkling of salt and cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.

21 g carbs per serving, 15 g protein

Slow Cooker Bean and Cornbread Casserole

I got this recipe from The Vegetable Collaboration.  I think the website is run by one of Deb's roommates.  Steve and I really like this.  I haven't made the cornbread yet as I tried this recipe to use up some almost inedible corn muffins Big E and I made (they were way to dense and dry).  It was just right.  So I'm sure making it with the cornbread would be delicious. 

Ingredients:

• 1 large green or red bell pepper
• 1 large sweet or white onion
• 3 cloves garlic (or more, if you’re a garlic fiend!)
• 1 can (16oz) red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (16oz) pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (16oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 8-10 oz tomato sauce
• 16 oz diced tomatoes with chilies
• 1/2 can cream corn
• 2 t chili powder (I used a “NM” blend, but any kind will work)
• 1 t pepper
• 2 t salt
• 1 t hot sauce
• 1/2 cup yellow corn meal
• 1/2 cup AP flour
• 1 1/4 t baking powder
• 1 t salt
• 1 T sugar
• 3/4 cups non-dairy milk
• 1 egg replacer mix of choice
• 1 1/2 T vegetable oil
• 1/2 can cream corn

Directions:

1. Chop onions and bell peppers, and mince garlic cloves.
2. Spray inside of slow-cooker with non-stick spray.
3. Sautee onions, peppers and garlic in water in a pan until tender, then add to the slow-cooker.
4. Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1/2 can of corn, spices and hot sauce.
5. Cover, and cook on high for about 1 hour.
6. In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar, then stir in  the milk, egg replacement, oil and the rest of the corn.
7. Ladle over the bean mixture in the slow-cooker, making it nice and smooth.
8. Cover again, and cook for about another 1.5 hours, but sometimes my cornbread takes a little longer to cook all the way through. (ETA: This could take up to an additional 30 minutes, but you can slice into the cornbread to see if it’s cooked)

Makes 5-6 servings 

Notes about this recipe:

1. I am afraid of making things too spicy so I only added a fraction of the hot sauce called for. It turned out mild and could have used a teensy bit more kick but was still yummy.
2. Also, it says to use your choice of egg replacer to the amount of one egg; one real egg works just fine too.

Brown Sugar-Glazed Carrots

This on comes from the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook

1 pound, peeled baby carrots or medium carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 2 inch pieces
1 TBLS butter or margarine
1 TBLS packed brown sugar
Dash of salt
Dash of black pepper

In a medium saucepan cook carrots, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and remove carrots from pan.
In the same saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until combined. Add carrots. Cook and stir about 2 minutes or until glazed. Season to taste with pepper.

I want to try Herbed Glazed Carrots:

Prepare as above, excpet substitute 1 TBLS honey for the brown sugar and add 1 TBLs snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed, to the butter mixture.

Black Beans and Rice

Ingredients
1 cup black beans 
1 Tbsp olive oil 
2 garlic cloves, crushed 
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes 
1 tsp ground cumin 
Salt/Pepper

1 cup brown rice 

Directions
Cook beans either by soaking overnight (which I never remember to do) or by the hot soak method.  

Cook rice.  When rice is cooked add all other ingredients and heat through.  

This was originally a slow cooker recipe, so you can put the beans in the slow cooker after soaking and add the other ingredients except the rice.  Cook on high for about 4 hours.  You'll probably need to add some water, but don't add too much, because you'll just be stirring in the cooked rice and you don't want it too soupy.  When beans are cooked, add cooked rice.  

Greek Pita Pizzas

Pita is really cheap here (27 cents for 10).  So I've been looking for recipes that use them.  Here's one that we had tonight that I'll be making again. I got it and the picture from this website. 

2 Tbsp oil (more for brushing)

4, 8-inch whole wheat pitas

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp. fresh chopped oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)

1/2 small red onion sliced thin

½ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped (or sliced black olives)

¾ cup grape tomatoes, halved (or other chopped)

½ cup hummus

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup crumbled feta

Tzatziki sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 475˚F and brush both sides of the pita with a little olive oil. Arrange the pita on a baking sheet and bake 5 minutes or until light golden. (I found that they didn't turn very golden at all, and got extra crunchy, so next time I might cut this time down by a minute or two.)

2. While the pitas are cooking, combine the vinegar with 2 Tbsp of oil and oregano and bit of salt and pepper. Whisk to blend and add the onion, olives and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.

3. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the hummus over each pita and top with mozzarella. Layer each pita with a quarter of the vegetable mixture and top with the feta.

4. Bake until the cheese melts and the vegetables are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Top with tzatziki sauce if desired.