superfood smoothie

No one eats kale right out of the bag.  

Carrots maybe, kale no.  

If you do, kudos to you.  I generally have trouble eating the stuff unless it's drowning in Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette.  But, lately it's become part of my morning routine.  Somewhere between exercise and getting dolled up for the day, I typically down a Superfood Smoothie. And, what's more, I actually look forward to this smoothie. Packed with kale, spinach, carrots, berries, and bananas, this little number has more fruits and vegetables than most people eat in a day and it's not really too hard to make.  If fact, you probably have all the ingredients on hand. 

Not hard at all, right? I add greek yogurt for a bit of protein, but you could always use coconut milk, nut butter, or protein powder if you are avoiding dairy. I like a bit of a thick consistency, but if it's too thick for your taste, thin it by adding extra oj. 

This smoothie will certainly get you're morning off to a good start and it is great if you take your vitamins in powder form like me.  I usually just dump a scoop in right before the final puree. :) As for taste, even Jason approves and that's kind of a big deal. He rarely approves health food. 

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steve's beef stew

Man food.  Delicious, hearty, and savory, but it doesn't have to be barbaric.  It can be cozy and comforting too, which is entirely appropriate for a frosty, February night in. This stew is my brother, Steve's, absolute favorite winter meal.  Chunks of potatoes, carrots, and celery swimming in a rich, beef broth would win anyone's heart, so I was happy to make a big pot for his starving, stressed out, last semester of pre-med little self. And, getting to hang out with him for a bit made it taste even better. 

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dirty rice bowls

Let's talk comfort food.  Hearty, southern, one-pot meal kinda comfort food. 

We're just settling into that long stretch between January and spring where everything seems to get all out of sorts. In January, everyone is ready for a fresh start, but February brings the evitable crash of our hopes and ambitions.

For the for one thing, the weather is a mess here in the Southeast. One day is bright and cheery with a high of 62, the next is drizzly and 32. Back and forth, up and down. Not helping things... People seem to be a bit of a mess too... moving, job changes, impending weddings, the flu, mid-semester blues... anything and everything stress.

I'm right there with them.  One fine January day, I was up at the crack of dawn and tackling my to-dos, the next thing I know I'm waking up at 7:30 with only have fifteen minutes to toss my hair into a ponytail and rush out the door.  Those "off" days (or weeks... or months), fraught with disaster, matted hair, and grim skies, can be brightened with a little bit of Louisiana cooking.    

Black-eyed peas, olive oil, and diced onions transform sleek, plain grains of basmati rice like a touch of sun livens up pale cheeks.  Warm chicken coated in Old Bay seasoning and baked quickly lends both flavor and heartiness to these saucy bowls of rice. The best part... This meal only takes 30 minutes to throw together. It's quick, nourishing, and simple... just the thing for an achy day.

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