Changes
It was time for a change.
A fresh start.
"Out with the old and in with the new," as they say.
So, instead of getting a wardrobe makeover or a haircut or a pedicure, I thought I'd change up some things here on the blog (though I'm crossing my toes that I'll get to redeem a gift card my generous MIL gave me for a pedicure posthaste!).
I wanted more color, and I found this blog background with the gorgeous, brilliantly-colored pillows and knew it was the one. I edited a few things, added a bit more color here and there, and took some things away. I like it very much, and I hope you like it, too! It feels so summery to me, like a fresh bouquet of flowers on the table, or a new comforter on the bed, or freshly-painted, neatly-trimmed toenails. Y'all I really need a pedicure. It's em-barrassing.
*Ahem*
So, there's that, and here's this.
At 11:00 last night, you know that time when great ideas tend to smack you around until you get up and do something about them, I decided to look up fun black bean recipes. Since starting to adhere to The Trinity Diet, I've become more conscientious of the amount of protein The Husband and I are getting daily. Before, I was sort of ho-hum about the whole thing. I'm not a fan of meat (I just don't care for the taste or texture of most meats), so I was solely getting my protein from small amounts of nuts/dairy/eggs/fish and the like. And, because I'm the one who fixes most meals, my poor husband was doing likewise. After meeting Steve, the author, at a Bible study months ago, and then reading this book and seeing what an amazing benefit can be had when one eats a meal consisting of proteins, carbs, and good fats every three-four hours, I decided to find other ways of getting the right amount of proteins in yummy, healthy ways. We're pretty good about eating healthy carbs (fruits, veggies, whole grains) and good fats (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.), so my main concern right now is getting us at least 60 grams of protein in our diet a day (split into four or five meals...so roughly 15 grams per meal). I can't speak for The Husband, but I sure am enjoying the extra energy I've had since beginning to eat healthier. Anywho, I typed in "black bean crockpot recipes" (since black beans have a good amount of protein in them per serving) on my iPod because I have mad-googling skills like that, and found one that I liked but wanted to change up a tad. So, here's the link to the original recipe.
But like I said, I changed it up a bit.
Now, be warned. It is incredibly detailed, and you might not be able to handle all of the prep work and the endless amount of measurements and the tedious cooking specifications, but you know I am an expert when it comes to all things kitchen, so, well, just try your best. *thumbs up*
I took one package of black beans (the cheap ones from that superstore) and soaked them overnight in cool water.
I drained and rinsed them off this morning and poured them into the crock pot (one of my most favorite wedding gifts of all--thanks Michelle!).
Then, Imeasured dumped out at least half a jar of mild salsa (you could choose medium or hot, but we had the mild kind in the fridge) and a little over 1/2 tsp of garlic powder and mixed those in.
Finally, I added a can of chicken broth to moisten everything, and stirred it all well enough to make sure the beans would stay covered by the liquid.
Everything cooked on low for eight hours.
I stirred well and ladled out some into a bowl.
I plopped a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkled on some gorgonzola cheese crumbles (mostly because we're completely out of shredded cheese and partially because I just love me some gorgonzola cheese crumbles and will eat them with almost anything). I also steamed some asparagus. Yum!
The Husband took a bite and said, "Mmmm!"
I liked it, too!
--with an extra sprinkling of gorgonzola for good measure :)
A fresh start.
"Out with the old and in with the new," as they say.
So, instead of getting a wardrobe makeover or a haircut or a pedicure, I thought I'd change up some things here on the blog (though I'm crossing my toes that I'll get to redeem a gift card my generous MIL gave me for a pedicure posthaste!).
I wanted more color, and I found this blog background with the gorgeous, brilliantly-colored pillows and knew it was the one. I edited a few things, added a bit more color here and there, and took some things away. I like it very much, and I hope you like it, too! It feels so summery to me, like a fresh bouquet of flowers on the table, or a new comforter on the bed, or freshly-painted, neatly-trimmed toenails. Y'all I really need a pedicure. It's em-barrassing.
*Ahem*
So, there's that, and here's this.
At 11:00 last night, you know that time when great ideas tend to smack you around until you get up and do something about them, I decided to look up fun black bean recipes. Since starting to adhere to The Trinity Diet, I've become more conscientious of the amount of protein The Husband and I are getting daily. Before, I was sort of ho-hum about the whole thing. I'm not a fan of meat (I just don't care for the taste or texture of most meats), so I was solely getting my protein from small amounts of nuts/dairy/eggs/fish and the like. And, because I'm the one who fixes most meals, my poor husband was doing likewise. After meeting Steve, the author, at a Bible study months ago, and then reading this book and seeing what an amazing benefit can be had when one eats a meal consisting of proteins, carbs, and good fats every three-four hours, I decided to find other ways of getting the right amount of proteins in yummy, healthy ways. We're pretty good about eating healthy carbs (fruits, veggies, whole grains) and good fats (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.), so my main concern right now is getting us at least 60 grams of protein in our diet a day (split into four or five meals...so roughly 15 grams per meal). I can't speak for The Husband, but I sure am enjoying the extra energy I've had since beginning to eat healthier. Anywho, I typed in "black bean crockpot recipes" (since black beans have a good amount of protein in them per serving) on my iPod because I have mad-googling skills like that, and found one that I liked but wanted to change up a tad. So, here's the link to the original recipe.
But like I said, I changed it up a bit.
Now, be warned. It is incredibly detailed, and you might not be able to handle all of the prep work and the endless amount of measurements and the tedious cooking specifications, but you know I am an expert when it comes to all things kitchen, so, well, just try your best. *thumbs up*
I think I just heard EVERY SINGLE PERSON that knows me in real life hit the floor and burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
Seriously, it's one of the easiest meals I've ever prepared. It smelled so amazing all day as it cooked. I wish I could have taken a picture of the smell and posted it on here. Did you just get that mental image? You, seeing that I posted a scratch-and-sniff photo, leaning into your computer monitor, and reaching out a tentative finger nail and lifted nostrils? I saw it. It was awesome. :)
Ok, on to the details and the pictures.
I took one package of black beans (the cheap ones from that superstore) and soaked them overnight in cool water.
I drained and rinsed them off this morning and poured them into the crock pot (one of my most favorite wedding gifts of all--thanks Michelle!).
Then, I
Finally, I added a can of chicken broth to moisten everything, and stirred it all well enough to make sure the beans would stay covered by the liquid.
--with an extra sprinkling of gorgonzola for good measure :)
I like the "changes!" The black beans look pretty good, too. You may have to go through all that elaborate preparation for us when y'all come for a visit. The recipe looks far too complicated for me to reproduce!!!! LOL Love you.
ReplyDeleteProud of you for trying a new recipe! Looks good. Love the new background, it's totally you as well. :)
ReplyDeleteBusy people love that crockpot, that's for certain! So many recipes out there for people who love having the meal cooking all day without too much work. You'll be using that device for a very long time! Good job!