Day 2 Digging in

 

 "There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting. "

First days can sometimes be the hardest, right? So easy to come up with an excuse, any ol' one will do...

the day was particularly hard, I'm still recovering from a cold, the sky is grey... But I had a grocery list and that Oprah show was still motivating me. $150.00 of groceries later, I wondered if much of what I bought would end up unused. But forge ahead I did.


I have learned about wondrous things like Gardein products...not real chicken or beef but looks similar. Good middle of the plate protein source. And quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), a nutty flavored grain-like thing that the Incas held sacred. I will too if it tastes good! And so after three stores and acquainting myself more intimately with the health food aisles, I bought vegies, dark breads, fruits and brown rice. I was feeling healthier just carrying the groceries to the car! This rocks.

So, presenting my first evening's endeavor. My menu:

Bean and Red Pepper Dip with Crudite

Quinoa and Apple Salad with Curry Dressing

Spring Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Grilled Brie Sandwiches on Trader Joe's Fruit and Nut Bread

Fresh and Easy Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds (2 to be exact)

I didn't think to take the picture until I already dug in. I was hungry! The dinner was remarkably easy to fix and this was a lot of food. But was it good? YES!! And filling and flavorful. I traded in my Pepsi for a glass of iced tea with a splash of cranberry. The link to the salad recipe is here: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/quinoa-and-apple-salad-with-curry-dressing 

The dip recipe is below. So easy and truly delicious. Day 2 is a woohoo!

Bean and Red Pepper Dip

(adapted from Moosewood Restaurant Favorites)

1 16 oz. can garbanzo beans

1/3 cup roasted peppers

1 garlic clove, minced

2 T. lemon juice

salt and pepper

Combine all in blender or food processor (or use stick blender) pureeing until smooth. Pop in fridge to chill or go ahead and eat it!