Tabouli!

As fun to eat as it is to say. If you've had it in a restaurant and think you don't like it, try making it yourself. I adapted this from the recipe in Vegetarian Planet. So tasty! LOVE IT.

1 cup bulgur wheat (Pour 2 1/4 cups boiling water over bulgur wheat in a bowl. Put a plate on top, let it sit 20 minutes. Then drain.)
1/4 cup lemon juice (or juice of one lemon)
1/4 cup olive oil
one clove garlic, minced
small onion diced (optional, I didn't use)
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh parsley (optional. mine is delish w/o it!)
Salt and pepper to taste
*whatever chopped veggies you want: tomato, cucumber, celery, radishes, carrot...
*chopped walnuts if you like, or currants.

I love this because it's versatile. Traditionally it's made with cucumber and tomato, but I didn't have those so I used carrots, celery, and radishes. It's so yummy!

Quinoa & Lentils

My neighbor wants to start cooking with this mighty grain and lovely legume I can't stop talking about, and asked for some recipes. Here are few of my favorites:

Quinoa, White Bean, And Kale Stew
This is also great with kidney beans. And I love it with hot sauce. YUM!

Chipotle Lime White Bean and Corn Quinoa
I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS SALAD. It's my favorite new recipe of 2010. Thanks to my friend Julie who made if for me to eat at the Brandi Carlile concert, because it's vegan. So kind. And now I can't imagine life without it!

1 Cup uncooked quinoa
3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley
1 teaspoon adobe sauce (from can of chipotle peppers)
1 can yellow corn, drained
1 can white beans, drain and rinsed
1/2 Cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves, chopped
2 chipotle peppers, chopped
1/2 Cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 Cup green onions, chopped (the green parts)

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. In a small bowl whisk the lime juice, olive oil, salt, parsley and adobo sauce. Pour into quinoa and mix in corn, beans, cilantro, chipotle peppers, red bell pepper and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.

Red Lentil Soup I have no words to describe how much I love this soup. I made this for a friend visiting from out of town and she stated quite seriously while sipping, "I'm not leaving without this recipe." Yeah, it's amazing.

Julie, I hope you enjoy these recipes! More to come...

Perfect Chocolate Birthday Cake

One of the best chocolate cakes I've ever had. I made it for my daughter's birthday and her friends were overheard saying,"This is the best cake ever!" :)

Healthy Fast Kid-Friendly Food!

Been trying recipes from this awesome food blog and they've ALL been a big hit with the kids! I can't believe how quick and easy they are! I'm sure these will become regulars at our table.

Chili Mac It's basically homemade vegan hamburger helper! And total kid food. Just don't make this to impress your hubby. But I loved it!

Lo Mein I used whole wheat linguine. Kids gobbled it UP!

Smoky Refried Bean Soup I'd serve with warm tortillas, and top with avocado and cilantro. This IS RIDICULOUSLY easy! I doubled it and ate it for lunch for a few days! LOVED. I want to try it with homemade beans.

TLT SandwichesThis was so good I went out the next day to buy more tempeh so I could have it for lunch AGAIN! It was really yummy as a salad with arugula and avocado, and a simple vinaigrette.

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies LOVE that these are low sugar and healthier- and the kids love them as much any other cookie!