Wednesday, October 29, 2008

heaven...


in the form of a granola ball?


(no bake) Granola Balls
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts or almonds)
  • 1/8 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup crunch peanut butter
  1. Melt peanut butter, coconut oil and honey in small sauce pan over low-heat.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients (its ok if the chocolate chips melt).
  3. Drop mixture by the tablespoon into mini paper cupcake liners. Place on a plate or baking sheet, and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Variations:
Add rice cereal, dried fruits or use almond butter instead of peanut butter, endless possibilities.


I've made this at least 4 times in the last week... a little overboard? Probably. But they are so good, and good for you, I can't stop. I had to share; try it, you'll like it.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Mt Baldy - San Antonio Falls

Last weekend we went camping in Baldy for a night. It was a nice quick getaway. The adventure started out kinda funny, with being pulled over, lost looking for firewood and witness to a car accident... then lots of fun traffic. But once we got there things were just right. Dinner and beer by the fire; nice cool evening. We relaxed in the morning by the fire and went on a nice little hike to a waterfall...

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. HOW? I don't know, I really don't. But Audrey was nice enough to take the second photo below. And I have lots of photos from previous trips up there, so I definitely won't forget the place.

2006

2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

I love Fall


Monday, October 13, 2008

Unexpected Henninger Hike

Love the flare







Tuesday, October 07, 2008

La Familia


It's been a while since we've been together. The times are so far and few between right now that I treasure our gatherings.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

World Vegetarian Day

Happy World Vegetarian Day.

So, I am not a full vegetarian because I eat fish. But other than fish once or twice a week I don't consume other meats - I have a many reasons for this choice (health, environment, animal cruelty, solidarity) but I will spare you my soap box. I will just share one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. Cheers to World Vegetarian Day!



Spicy White Bean Chili

Olive oil

1-2 onions, chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium zucchini, diced
1-2 red bell peppers, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, minced

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (with juice)

1/2 cup red or white wine

1 tablespoon chili powder (what you have on hand)

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

2 cans of cooked white beans (or kidney)

1/3 cup chopped
fresh cilantro

Zest of one lemon

Juice from one lemon

Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish w/ a spoon of greek yogurt
  1. Heat oil over medium heat. Cook onions for 5 minutes than add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add zucchini, red bell pepper, and jalapeño - cook for 5 more minutes.
  2. Add diced tomatoes and their liquid to the pot. Add wine, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and fennel seeds, simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Add beans, lemon zest, lemon juice and cilantro. Salt and Pepper to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Serve with a spoon of greek yogurt on top.