Tasty Tuesday: 15-Minute Vegetarian Chili

Today’s recipe is an “old” tried and true Weight Watcher recipe.  I have made it many times AND love it reheated.  It is actually one of hubby’s favorites too.

Prep time: 7 minutes      Cook time:  8 minutes     Serves: 4

7 PointsPlus Value

 

Ingredients

• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
• 15 oz canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 14 1/2 oz canned stewed tomatoes
• 15 1/4 oz canned yellow corn, drained
• 15 oz canned tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp chili powder (Or substitute Pigs Can Fly seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (eliminate if you use ^^ seasoning)
• 1/4 cup(s) dehydrated onion flakes
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 Tbsp low fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, onion flakes, and pepper; stir well.
4. Increase heat to high and bring to boil; cook, stirring frequently, until chili is thick and flavors are concentrated, about 5 minutes.
5. Spoon into serving bowls and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Yields about 1 1/4 cups chili and 1 tablespoon cheese per serving.

I LOVE using spice mixes from Wicked Good Spice Mixes Company.  The combination of spices is perfect and I only have to have a few things in the cabinet instead of a zillion bottles of spices only I only once or twice.  Pigs Can Fly is made for all things pork…but not too shabby on chicken or beef! Makes mouth watering chops, lip-smacking ribs and scrumptious roasts!  Ingredients: cumin, hot chili powder, allspice, brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt.  Be sure to add a little at a time so you don’t set your mouth on fire!  LOL.

My all time favorite thermal anymore is the Around the Clock Thermal. I have been using this one lately for my craft/vendor shows.  I can hold LOTS of snacks and bottles of water to last me for the whole day.  It is one of Thirty One’s most versatile totes, the Around The Clock Thermal is great for lunch or snacks anytime, anywhere—work, school, festivals, road trips, pool, beach, golf course, boating or sporting events. The water-resistant thermal lining keeps contents cool and makes cleanup easier. A removable shoulder strap means you can carry it any number of ways, including crossbody for hands-free movement. An interior mesh pocket and exterior front zipper pocket provide separate storage options when needed. Makes a great gift for friends, neighbors, kids, teachers and everyone else on the go!

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Winter Squash Stew

On this Tasty Tuesday, I want to wish my AMAZING daughter Belinda a “happy birthday”.

Thank you Alene Brennan for today’s recipe…

I know we had a summer relapse last week with temps near 90 but I think the fall weather is finally going to settle in OR at least I hope it does.

Prep Time: 5 minutes     Cooking Time: 15 minutes     Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 1 winter squash, seeded, peeled, chopped (butternut, acorn, pumpkin, delcata)
• Veggie or chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

Directions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until onions become translucent.
2. In a pot place squash and fill with stock until just covered.
3. Add curry powder, cumin, onion and garlic.
4. Boil until squash becomes tender and remove pot from heat.
5. With an immersion blender purée squash until smooth. (I prefer mine chunky)

Notes:   Add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and/or toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish.

I’m the only one who eats squash in my house so there would be some leftovers….. Did you know Thirty One has a cool way to send your kids off with school lunches?  Our thermals got got a makeover with the Off to Lunch Thermal! This soft (but structured) insulated cooler bag is perfect for the school cafeteria or to add a dash of fun to the office. It also makes a great travel snack bag for road trips, the pool or daycare. A webbed top handle makes it easy to carry this reusable lunch bag, and an interior thermal lining keeps food cool or warm.

The best part about this cute thermal is it is part of Thirty One’s Online Extras…….so it is on sale for $24 BUT if you spend $35 on any item, you can get this for 1/2 price (plus one more item) for this month only.  That is a deal, right?

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Beef and Arugula Stir-Fry

Thank you Alene Brennan for today’s recipe.  This is from Terry Wahl’s MS Protocol cookbook but it definitely yummy for everyone!

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes    Cooking Time: 15 minutes     Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin strips (organic grass fed is the best)
• 2 tablespoons of oil (I use Wicked Good Spice Mixes Garlic Oil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 medium red peppers, cut into thick strips
• 1-2 bunches arugula, well washed
• 2 teaspoons kuzu (a root – optional)
• 2 tablespoons tamari (a Japanese sauce)
• 2 tablespoons rice or cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Stir-fry beef in pan with 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes or until browned.
2. Remove beef with tongs or fork, allowing excess oil to drip off and set aside.
3. With remaining oil, stir-fry ginger and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes and then add bell peppers. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Mix together fresh arugula and bell pepper mixture in a serving bowl.
5. In a small bowl, combine kuzu, tamari, vinegar and water.
6. Place mixture into skillet and cook over medium heat until sauce starts to thicken.
7. Return beef to skillet and cook for 1 minute, just enough to warm up beef.
8. Add beef to serving bowl with arugula and bell peppers.
9. Mix and serve warm.

There are always leftovers in our house…..I usually cook for 4 – 6 people despite the fact there are only two of us and then hubby gets meals for work. One of my favorite Thirty One thermals is the Thermal Tote which is the perfect-sized lunch bag for work, school, play dates, sporting events, golf outings, fishing trips or travel. The thermal lining and zipper closure help keep your food cool or warm, while an exterior pocket is the perfect place to keep your cell phone, wallet or other important small items. Also makes a great gift for your kids’ teachers, tutors and babysitters, or your coworkers, neighbors and friends!

Have a blessed day!

Teacher Solution Sets

I can’t believe Summer is almost over.  It won’t be long (maybe a week or so) before many will be leaving the sunshine and sand while they head back to school.

Summer may be leaving BUT  it isn’t so bad when there’s so much fall fun to look forward to! Cozy sweaters, leaf piles and of course the hustle and bustle of back to school are right around the corner. I can see many moms doing the happy dance now.  LOL!

Who knows more than teachers about starting the school year off right? From classroom heroes to bus duty buddies, here are eight of  Thirty One’s top styles to create save-the-day solution sets for the ones who put the cool in school (or anyone else who needs to get organized)..

For taming the desk mess

From paperclips and pencils to staplers and snacks, teachers ask a lot of their desks. Make it more manageable with the desktop organizing combo of a Littles Carry-All Caddy (or two), Get Creative Slim Pouch and Get Creative Rectangle Pouch.

This durable, wipeable caddy is perfectly sized to fit a small box of tissues or extra coffee pods for your morning brew, while its exterior mesh pocket can stow paperclips, sticky notes and rubber bands at hand. Pop your markers, pens and pencils into the slim pouch, and use the rectangle pouch for large index cards or to keep loose bits and bobs in one place. Plus, both pouches are made of clear PVC, so you’ll always be able to see what’s stashed inside!

 

For manic mornings and laid-back lunches

One of a teacher’s many superpowers is getting up and ready before the sun, so make mornings a little brighter with a tote-ally perfect pairing that’ll pull double duty. The Crossbody Organizing Tote is one of our top styles for the season, and teachers know why! With all the pockets you could ask for and a spacious design, this tote is an organizing dream. Perfect for the ones who have to take their work home with them (we’re talking grading papers galore), plus the adjustable crossbody strap means hands-free organization, even on the go.

This functional work tote only gets better when paired with our tried-and-true Thermal Tote, its lunchtime partner in crime. Make lunch hour sweeter with an insulated tote in tons of fun prints, and add a personalized embroidered design for a thermal tote that’ll be the talk of the teachers’ lounge. Getting up early might be tough, but packing your lunch in the morning doesn’t have to be!

For classroom clutter

With kids comes mess, but that mess doesn’t have to equal stress. Meet your new all-star organizing team: the Large Utility Tote (our #1 style for the season!) and Double Duty Caddy. With its top handle and two side compartments, the Double Duty Caddy is just the structured sidekick teachers need to store cleaning supplies, art materials, papers or even plates, napkins and plastic utensils for classroom parties!

You already know there are a thousand uses for the LUT, so here are just a few ideas fit for the classroom. And don’t forget to add a custom embroidered message or design in Thirty-One’s personalization studio – just click the “personalize” button under Large Utility Tote to see your design come to life!

• Stash toys and stuffed animals for indoor recess
• Fill with books for a portable classroom library
• Stow pillows and cushions for story circle time
• Tote playground equipment to and from recess
• Organize craft supplies for art projects
• Make a portable lost-and-found!

For after-school fun

When the backpacks are packed and students are on the bus home, it’s time for teachers to take some time to unwind and focus on themselves. No matter the after-school destination, whether it’s a dinner out with the family, running to a yoga class or going out for drinks with the girls, the Boutique Backpack and Perfect Cents Wallet are your go-to duo.

Backpacks are perfect for the ones who are always on the go, and the Boutique Backpack’s faux leather finish elevates it to a statement piece that can also hold all your essentials with ease! And we can’t forget a coordinating wallet to keep your cash, cards and ID neat and organized.

For even more great back-to-school solutions, browse our hand-picked collection of school-ready gift ideas!

Have a blessed day!

Sheet-Pan Sausage & Pepper

Thank you Hungry Girl for this yummy recipe….. I usually do sausage and peppers on the stove top butI figured I would give this a try.  I’m cooking lots more meals right now since hubby is off work for 2 weeks.  Trying new versions of old things so I have yummy dinners with some leftover to freeze for when he goes back to work.

1/2 of recipe (about 1 3/4 cups): 299 calories, 14g total fat (3g sat fat), 648mg sodium, 27.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 7.5g sugars, 17g protein  Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 8*

Prep: 10 minutes     Cook: 30 minutes      Makes:  2 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. (about 2 links) fully cooked chicken sausage with 8g fat or less per 3-oz. serving (like the kinds by Al Fresco), sliced into coins
• 6 oz. (about 3) baby red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 cups sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• Dash ground thyme

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Combine all ingredients and seasonings in a large bowl. Toss to coat.
3. Spread mixture onto the center of the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Flip/rearrange mixture on the baking sheet. Bake until veggies have softened and potatoes are tender and lightly browned, 10 – 12 minutes.

Be sure to pack your leftovers for lunch the next day in Thirty One’s Around the Clock Thermal.  This is one of our most versatile totes.  It is great for lunch or snacks anytime, anywhere—work, school, festivals, road trips, pool, beach, golf course, boating or sporting events. The water-resistant thermal lining keeps contents cool and makes cleanup easier. A removable shoulder strap means you can carry it any number of ways, including crossbody for hands-free movement. An interior mesh pocket and exterior front zipper pocket provide separate storage options when needed. Makes a great gift for friends, neighbors, kids, teachers and everyone else on the go!  The best part is they are on SALE right now for just $15 with a $35 purchase.  Be sure to check out all of the Sale-a-bration items too with new things released every Thursday.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!