Lentils: It's what's for Dinner

Many set healthy eating as a goal for a new year. Below is an amazing recipe for lentils, which are low fat, low in calories, high in fiber and very delish. Perfect for any eating plan you may be on. Lentils are also super cheap, so if your goal is cutting into the grocery bill, they are a great option. They aren't from my recipe experimentation, they are from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman. I recieved it as a holiday gift (Thanks Hal, Barb and family!) and so far every recipe has turned out fantastic! It's a great book to have on hand even if you aren't vegetarian. Anyway, this recipe here has my modifications added to it...

Braised Lentils, Spanish Style (apparently I'm on a Spanish kick!)

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon Spanish Paprika ( pimenton)
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup whatever wine you have on hand (the recipe calls for dry red - I used the last of some Pinot Grigio I had on hand and it still turned out great!)
2 cups of veggie bouillon reconstituted ( or veggie stock, whatever you have on hand)
1 cup of dried lentils
salt and pepper to taste

Pour your oil in a pan and heat at medium. Toss in your onion, celery and carrot. Cook, stirring frequently about 5 minutes or so or until your onion is nice and soft. Add your garlic and paprika and cook for about another minute. Then, add the rest of your ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and turn down to low. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water or stock if it starts to look dry. They will look nice and saucy when they are done, so be a little frugal with adding.

When they are done, serve them over rice with a big plate o' veggies or even by themselves. This recipe makes four, so if there are leftovers, that is fine. I had them the next day on top of a baked potato and they were even better.

So enjoy and good luck with your New Year!

Color In Your New Year's

For those of you who are over the 'little black dress' and want to make a bright splash on your night, here are a few sweet little numbers that are full of color!

What are you wearing for New Year's?

Once again the joys of a New Year approach and with them come parties. With parties swiftly approaching, the inevitable question must be asked ..what will I wear?

Are you the type who pulls on a simple cocktail dress you already own and go a bit crazy with the latest accessories? Or do you shop like crazy for a little something new in the form of a dress or separates ?

Since Coco Chanel, the little black dress has always been a classic choice.Here are a few adorable ones I found in a variety of price ranges that may begin to help you with that all important clothing decision...

 





See the next post for the next installment of New Year's suggestions...