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15 Bean Soup and Rice Recipe

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I had a bag of 15 bean soup sitting in my cupboard for the longest time, so I decided to finally use it. It came out so good and so tasty! It was good in that way that you know you’re eating something really healthy and antioxidant rich while also tasting delicious, so you want to drink up every bit of the sauce at the end of each bowl (or sop it up with a piece of Italian bread). Here is how I made my 15 bean soup and rice.

**Keep in mind that you need to soak the beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Also, this is a slow cook meal so start it in the early afternoon for dinner.

Ingredients

– 1 pack of 15 bean soup
– 1 package of turkey kielbasa (or your favorite sausage) sliced into small pieces
– 2 slices of bacon for flavor (optional)
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 4 handfuls of spinach
– 1/2 thin sliced white onion
– 1 half of a chicken bullion cube
– 3 pinches of 3 Italian cheese mixture (parmesan, romano & asiago)
– seasonings (a pinch of turmeric, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder) – start with about a teaspoon of each (other than the turmeric) and add as needed to your taste

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Instructions

Soak the beans in a pot of water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Pour out the old water and boil the beans in a separate large pot of clean water (fill about half the pot). Add the rest of your olive oil. Add all seasonings and the half a cube of chicken bullion.

Fry the bacon, then remove it and chop them up into smaller pieces. Remove the bacon grease from the pan and add olive oil. Fry the kielbasa or your sausage of choice until it’s browned with your sliced onions. When they’re cooked and tender, add that mixture and the chopped bacon to the boiling pot of beans.

Allow the beans and meat to cook on medium-low heat for about an hour. Then add your spinach, mix into the soup and allow to slow,cook on low heat for another hour or longer. About a half an hour in as it’s thickening, add your 3 pinches of 3 Italian cheese mixture. Taste the soup to see if you need more seasoning. (If you like it a bit thicker, add a bit of corn starch mixed with water.)

Serve over garlic rice.

Enjoy!

Posted by Jasmine

 

 

 

 

Homemade Mini Chimichangas Recipe

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Homemade chimichangas are one of my favorite recipes to make at home.  They are delicious little flaky pockets filled with Mexican inspired ingredients.  I can remember the first time that I tried them.  It was a cute Mexican restaurant located on West 4th Street in Manhattan.  It was love at first bite!  I was totally surprised to find out, later on, that they were not originally an authentic Mexican dish.  I also, realized that there is no wrong way to make them.  Chimichangas are basically burritos that are deep fried.  However, I do my best to stay healthy, so needless to say, that I am not keen on deep frying anything these days!  I figured out a healthier version that maintains its flavor and is very satisfying.

Ingredients

image58-10 Tortillas
1- 2 Skinless Chicken Breast
1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese ( or cheese of your choice )
1/2 Cup Refried Beans
1/4 Cup Finely Diced Mushrooms ( optional )
1/2 Cup Finely Diced Onion
1/2 Cup Finely Diced Green Pepper
2 Tablespoons Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce
2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
1 Tablespoon Cumin
2 Teaspoons Salt
1/4 Cup Vegetable (or Peanut) Oil
4 Tablespoons Water

Instructions

In a large non stick skillet, set heat on medium, add two tablespoons of water and add chicken breast to thoroughly cook breast(s) for about 3-4 minutes each side.
Remove breast from skillet and shred breast in a large plate using two forks.

image1Now, on medium heat, add to skillet:
Onions
Green peppers
Mushrooms
Sauté until soft

Add shredded chicken to skillet and add:
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chipotle
Cumin
Salt
Water
Combine well

image2Simmer for about 3 minutes and remove from heat with lid on

In a large skillet place 1/4 cup of vegetable oil on medium high heat

Assemble the chimichangas.
First, warm tortillas in microwave for 30 seconds. Then, spread approximately 1 teaspoon of refried beans on a tortilla, image4add cheese and 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture.  Next, fold tortilla in half, then fold in the sides and roll over. Repeat.

Place Chimichangas in oil, folded side down until golden brown on each side.

Optional Garnishes
Sour cream
Salsa
Pico de gallo
Guacamole
image3Iceberg lettuce (shredded)

Enjoy this Homemade Mini Chimichangas Recipe!

Posted by Eve

Have a Meaningful Valentine’s Day for Under $200

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Here is a concept for a special and meaningful Valentine’s day with your love without breaking the bank. Everything suggested here will cost under $200 for both of you!

Step 1: Book a Hotel $100

This is the most expensive but most important part of your meaningful Valentine’s day by far: book one night in a hotel room. There’s something that’s just delightful about spending a night at a hotel instead of in your usual room or apartment.

There are now hotel booking apps that offer last minute deals, like Hotel Tonight. It’s so easy to find a room for $100 or less (even on V-Day). In fact, some sites offer special discounts for Valentine’s and other holidays at discreet but beautiful hotels.

With the Hotel Tonight app, you’ll receive $25 for signing up when you use the code NNONE9, so you just might find a hotel room for well under $100 including tax.

Step 2: The Decorations $25

Check in time for your hotel room will be around 3pm. Get there about an hour before that and try to check in early so that you’ll have more than enough time to decorate your room for your love. Keep it simple:

  • 4 red balloons (two tied to either side of the hotel bed)
  • A red comforter or satin sheet (if the hotel can’t provide, bring one of your own!)
  • A red table cloth or runner (you can find these at the Dollar store) for your champagne and goodies)
  • Rose petals shaped into a heart somewhere in the room (and some waiting by the bathtub)
  • A wall sticker with a message of love (these can easily be peeled back off in most cases)
  • A CD player or iPod playing soft and romantic, yet meaningful music (something like Beck’s Grammy award winning Morning Phase)
  • If you want to step it up a notch, install a portable bed canopy with a red or white sheer curtain.

Step 3: The Feast $40

There’s no need to order room service and rack up a large bill. Just bring a delicious feast that you can eat on ice or at room temperature. Here are some ideas for a Valentine’s feast in your hotel room:

  • Shrimp cocktail (find a large one at BJs Wholesale Club or Costco)
  • A hero sandwich shaped like a heart (also sometimes available at a wholesale club)
  • Deviled eggs
  • Sushi
  • Box or basket of candy / chocolates or cupcakes for you to share…

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Step 4: The Bath Together $20

One of the most meaningful and special moments you’ll have together on Valentine’s Day is a lovely, warm bubble bath together in your hotel tub. When you’re both fed and satisfied, run a hot bath with relaxing, romantic soap (if your love has sensitive skin, make sure it is the right formula) and sprinkle the rest of your petals on top. Light a fragrant candle on a safe place on the sink and enjoy. Take this time to tell each other something that will bring you even closer. For example:

  • What was the moment that you knew you loved this person?
  • What were you thinking about each other when you first met?
  • What is your favorite thing about your beloved?

Everything that happens after this point is up to you! Leave any and all negativity at the hotel desk. Have fun, be safe and love one another!

Posted by Jade

3 Good Cappuccino (Espresso) Makers Under $75

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Almost every time I visit a coffee shop, whether it’s Starbucks or a neighborhood cafe, I get an extra shot of espresso in my cup. I really enjoy it and it gives me a boost for my day and when doing work. Yet, what I do not particular enjoy is the cost per cup! I decided to browse Amazon.com for an affordable, durable and stylish cappuccino maker that I could put on my kitchen counter and use every morning. Here are the 3 interesting espresso maker machines, all under $75 (as of the publishing of this post), that I’m considering:

Krups XP 1000 Steam Expresso Machine With Frothing Nozzle For Cappuccino

Krups cappuccino machine.This machine resembles an “old school” coffee pot, only much smaller. It has a 3-way switch to adjust the strength of your cappuccino and froth the milk. The brew time is just 3 or 4 minutes. It’s a very compact espresso machine that will probably tuck comfortably into a small nook on your kitchen counter.

Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

Hamilton Beach Espresso and Cappuccino machine.I like this machine because it looks a lot like the machine you might find in Starbucks or another popular coffee shop. It advertises “café quality results,” which is definitely what I’m looking for. It has a 15 bar Italian pump that presses out the espresso, and steams and froths the milk for a perfect white-topped cappuccino. It also can brew two individual cups of espresso at the same time, so you can make one for you and one for your love. A nice way to start the day.

Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker.This is a traditional espresso maker that’s popular in Italy. You add water and your favorite coffee to the bottom compartments and the espresso brews its way up to the top compartment in about 5 minutes. It’s comes in a 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 cup size depending on how much you like your espresso. While this doesn’t make cappuccinos, it is considered the premier way to make an authentic strong cup of espresso, takes up little space, and can be carried from room to room for serving to guests. It’s also reasonably priced at about $30.

I was really impressed at the choices and prices for these cappuccino maker machines on Amazon. I’m currently leaning toward the Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker because it’s right in the middle and gives me every option I’m looking for.

Posted by Jade

3 Must-Have Stylish & Practical Kitchen Appliances

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Having the right kitchen appliances are key to preparing meals successfully and beautifully. They should also add to your decor and be very functional.

I knew that Amazon would have a great selection of modern appliances to choose from, so I decided to do some browsing to see some of the latest products available. Here are 3 appliances that caught my eye—they will add style to your kitchen and assist you in preparing meals a lot easier.

Keep it Sharp

knife sharpenerOne of the most time consuming tasks that you have to accomplish when cooking is to chop up your vegetables and meats. The key to making this job quicker is to ensure that your knife is nice and sharp. The KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener efficiently and quickly sharpens your existing knives so that you’ll make quick work of your fruits, veggies and meat. And it’s under 7 bucks, worth every penny.

How Do Chefs Make Everything from Scratch?

food processorIf you are wondering how cooks, chefs and bakers are able to make everything from scratch, it’s because they always have a good food processor handy. The Cuisinart FP-8SV Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor in Silver is a highly rated, stylish machine that will do the job. Just slowly add your ingredients to the processor and allow the machine to do the work for everything from a perfect pie crust to a special sauce or salsa. You can also use it to chop up your vegetables in a hurry for a quick recipe. It’s easy to clean and has 350 watts of power.

Make Pasta like the Masters

pasta rollerIf you love pasta as much as I do, you definitely have to have a pasta machine in your kitchen! The Roma 6 Inch Traditional Style Pasta Machine is a handy little appliance that allows you to make homemade pasta just like the Old World chefs (like Lidia Bastianich) do. No preservatives or additives — just natural ingredients. Just make your pasta (use this recipe and your food processor), place the dough into the machine and turn the roller to create your spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine or lasagna. You can also make ravioli (yum).

Have fun with your new kitchen appliances!

Posted by Jade

Homemade Banana Cake Made Easy

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I love baking for my friends and family. Especially, in the winter months. An added bonus is the lingering aroma of freshly baked goods, that permeates throughout my home. What everyone should realize is that, baking delicious desserts doesn’t always require purchasing expensive ingredients. For example, just last night, I realized that my bananas were turning brown. So, instead of throwing them away, I decided to make a homemade banana cake to enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. This recipe is super easy and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

2-3 Ripe Bananas
1 Cup Flour
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
2 Teaspoons Butter
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Directions

Preheat Oven 350*
Now, in a medium size bowl add peeled bananas and mash with a large fork. In a large bowl, add sugar and butter. Blend until creamy.
Add egg, vanilla and bananas and stir together until blended. Add flour, baking powder and salt to the batter.
Pour batter into a nonstick cake pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown (you will know it’s done when you insert a butter knife into the middle of the cake and knife comes out clean)

Enjoy your homemade banana cake!!!

Posted by Eve