09

Jan

Happy New Year!

My sister-in-law, Maura, & me on Mt. Hood (new place in Oregon…check!); Jake (bro in law) the “bear” in the background


Happy New Year!

Can you believe it’s 2014? It’s a big birthday year for me so, to get ready for it, I’ve decided to step out and try some new things. I’m going to be brave, messy, and pack in some adventure before turning 30. To do such, I’ll do 30 things before 30…

30 Before 30

1. Read 30 classic children’s books
2. Bake 30 breads/pastries/new recipes.
3. Write a letter/note to 5 great people.
4. Write a song…and share it.
5. Assemble a model of something (car?).
6.–10. Watch 5 children’s movies I’ve never seen.
11.–15. Visit 5 new places in Portland.
16.–20. Visit 5 new places in the U.S.
21.–22. Make some plans for the next 5 years.
22.–26. Read 4 books.
27.–30. Workout 3X a week for 6 weeks.

  
So, as you can see from the list, there are more than 30 things total here; however, I tried to break it down into 30 manageable tasks to accomplish. Sure, it’s a little scary, and I’m not known for taking on “too little.” 🙂 But I’ll do my absolute best to finish these in the next 50 days (I started on Sunday.). Wish me luck!
Do you have any goals that you’ve been working on? Is it time to set some? If we’re not moving, we’ve chosen to sit still, and there’s too much research and evidence to show that setting goals is important for mental/physical/emotional/spiritual/relational health. Why not try to set some reasonable goals for yourself? And please check in with me here on Memoir Munchies to see how I’m doing (the “30 Before 30” tab at the top).
 Much love, peace and baking! And safe travels for my MIL and her friends, going to Hawaii for a yoga retreat today (How do you spell j-e-a-l-o-u-s??). I hope it’s relaxing and amazing for her soul.  🙂
-Laurel   
~Laurel~

12 years ago Short URL

07

Dec

Jump-start Jollity

You’ve eaten all of the turkey (and ham). The potatoes, the dressing, the pie, and even that pesky green bean casserole. It was good for a while, but geeze!, we’re over it. Let’s move on. Our brains and wallets and stomachs need a jump-start. Back to a healthy life. This dish is easy, quick, and uses stuff you already have at home.


Jump-start Jollity

If you need a jump-start from holiday frivolity and overinduging, try this! If you like it a lot, make it a regular on your grocery list. Feel full, not bloated. Be nourished and energized.
1 cup of dried quinoa (cook as directed on package)
4 cups of raw veggies (zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, bell peppers, greens, carrots, etc.)
2/3 cup water
1/4 olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
5 garlic cloves, chopped
Spices: (your choice of a few dashes of) red pepper flakes, rosemary, basil, sage, salt, pepper
 Step one: Start cooking the quinoa. Meanwhile, chop the raw veggies. I sliced my squashes and peppers into bite-size/rounds, but the broccoli were bigger chunks (because they cook faster, and I don’t want overcooked broccoli).

Step two: In a large skillet/wok on medium heat, add the water and create steam. Drop in the 4 cups of veggies, add the lid, and let steam for 5-7 minutes, or until almost fully cooked. Remove from heat and transfer veggies (do not drain) to a casserole dish or large heat-safe bowl. Set aside.

Step three: In the same skillet/wok, add the olive oil and heat. Add the onions and saute for 1 minute, then add the garlic. Salt and pepper. Stir with spoon until mixture is toasted and lightly brown on the edges. Add the spices you’d like at let ‘toast’ in the olive oil mixture for 1 minute. 

Step four: Add the veggies (and water they’re in) back in to the skillet and stir veggies into the sauce. Add the cooked quinoa and stir, adding additional spices if needed. Salt and pepper.

Serve piping hot. So healthy, so delicious!

  

Happy eating! Laurel

~Laurel~

12 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

03

Dec

Day 15: Cinnamon Pecans and Almonds

These cannot be more simple…cinnamon pecans and almonds.

They’re a fun snack but, since I have trouble with self-control (and eating the entire bowl in one sitting), I like to sprinkle them on salads or oatmeal. Let’s make them.

Cinnamon Pecans and Almonds
Recipe from George Stella
4-6 snack-size servings
2 TB butter
1 1/2 cups nuts (I mixed pecan halves and slivered almonds)
1/4 cup sugar (your favorite kind)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

In a saucepan on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the rest of the ingredients and saute for 3 minutes, or until slightly crispy. Remove from the heat and store in a glass bowl. Let cool and enjoy.

Happy snacking!
Laurel

~Laurel~

12 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

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