2014 Get it going

Well here we are at the end of 2013. It was a topsy turvy year for many including me. Tomorrow is a new year, a new day and the chance to better your best. I have proclaimed it the take care of Sheila year for me.
 
Let me first say that although I have had my challenges in 2013, this year has been  full of blessings for me too. Still and all 2014.....bring it on!!


I started my 2014 transformation a few days early upon my return from Florida. I cleaned and organized my closets, went grocery shopping for "healthy" food and started putting together thoughts as to my resolutions and goals for 2014.  I made some vegetarian black bean chili with wheat berries, spent some time with friends, had a manicure, pedicure and massage, renewed my workout goals and today had a great healthy lunch.

I had lunch with a friend in Arlington yesterday at a Lebanese Restaurant he frequents called Shatila.  The restaurant atmosphere could use some improvement but the food is darn tasty.

This was my second visit. Both times we had the sampler with Hummus, Baba Ganoush and Tabbouleh. All were delicious and filling.

Since I had parsley in my fridge left over from my cancelled Christmas party (iced out), I decided today to try my hand at a similar lunch.

I had tasted the Baba Ganoush awhile back at WholeFoods and really liked it. The company is "The Mediterranean Chef". In fact, I met the owners at the tasting.

So for lunch today I picked up the Baba Ganoush at Wholefoods then made my own tabbouleh. I cheated a bit by looking at the ingredient  label of tabbouleh Wholefoods sells (same company). I tried before to replicate the Baba Ganoush and failed miserably but felt confident I could succeed with tabbouleh.

So here is what I did:

I took two handfuls of parsley, washed and dried it. I removed some of the larger stems and chopped the rest roughly. To that I added a pinch of dried mint (fresh would be better. I am sure!) a few sprinklings of dried dill weed, minced white onion, minced tomato, minced cucumber (both tomato and cuke seeded)  and a pinch or more of salt.  I then mixed in a little olive oil and lemon juice.  That was it.

Now traditional tabbouleh has wheat.  I liked Shatila's version without it. In their version healthy parsley is the star.  This is very healthy and without the wheat....maybe some of you gluten free folks can enjoy it sans pita bread!

I am not a non gluten person so I ate my meal with whole wheat pita from The Baklava Bakery in Arlington. A little bit of Greek feta and some olives rounded out my meal. Dessert was a few slices of Cara Cara orange.

I wish each of you a happy, healthy New Year filled with clean eating and exercise.  2014....we are ready for you!

Don't like Brussels Sprouts? Try this and help those in need too.

I had a friend in from Florida just before Thanksgiving. Since being a vegetarian, Turkey day does not excite me, I decided to include him in my holiday meal.  In that I bought Brussels sprouts on the vine and used some to roast. We didn't use them all so I was stuck with figuring out what to do next.

A group I am in posted a  note that they would like the members to contribute food for a local women and children's shelter for their Thanksgiving meal.  This particular shelter supports those immigrants that have been victims of human trafficking.  All I could think of is how lucky most of us are and how important it is to help these women and children.

Brussels sprouts are not a favorite for many so I thought I would try something different. Searching the blogsphere I found a recipe that fit the bill,  Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios, Cranberries & Parmesan http://www.cookincanuck.com/2013/11/shredded-brussels-sprouts-recipe-pistachios-cranberries-parmesan/

I had all the ingredients so I thought I would try it.  I didn't want to use the pistachios so I looked up an alternative. Honeyed Walnuts with Rosemary.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/brussels-sprouts-with-candied-walnuts-and-green-apple-recipe/index.html

The combination worked perfectly and I liked it so much I had some for breakfast. The good thing about this salad is that it tasted more like cabbage and less like sprouts. I think even non brussels sprouts lovers may still like it.  The best thing about it though is that it went to the local women's shelter and made their holiday a little less lonesome, knowing that people care.

I hope you will try the recipe, whether you use the pistachios or the honeyed walnuts it will be good. Please also support your local women's shelters. These women and children need to know we care for and support them in keeping them safe.

Safe and happy holidays!