In this video . . . I get a little too excited about the beauty of Swiss Chard. My authentic “Renee-ness” comes out!
Than you missed out but . . . I sauté it, add it to soups, stir fry and use the stems for a really nice casserole.
[Tweet “I learned something new on Renee’s Kitchen today! I can’t wait to try Swiss Chard.”]
I can take it or leave it. In the summer time, I do love frozen chocolate (Dr. Collins doesn’t read my blog so I’m safe in sharing this secret–I promised him that I wouldn’t eat frozen chocolate anymore. He did an awesome job at fixing my tooth). When I was a little girl my mom would put snickers bars in the freezer so they wouldn’t melt in the cabin–no AC (just hot knotty pine). After a long day on the boat/beach/fishing–I loved coming into the cabin and eating a frozen snickers. Frozen chocolate was the end to a perfect summer day. Now, I love frozen peppermint patties!
What the haywire? Have you ever heard of such a thing? I didn’t. So . . . when I was at Target shopping (because I’m always at Target!) I found this product. I had to try it!
[Tweet “Why am I always at Target? And why do I always spend $100 no matter what?”]
I instagramed it right away I was so excited.
I use instagram as primarily my vegan/plant based food diary so if you are interested in eating a plant based diet–you may want to follow me here.
The Kitchn is a website that I go to for inspiration. I was amazed when they posted the powdered protein post on the same day that I bought it. They show pictures of how it looks when it is reconstituted with water. The Kitchn has a great review, check out that post is you are interested in learning about using the powder as peanut butter.
If you keep up with the blog you know that I have these BIG ideas. Everything from making quilts for all the kids to knitting myself a skirt. (I’m leaving out the idea about having a farm animal sanctuary.) I admit that my excitement begins lots of projects that never get finished. A character flaw but I’m growing into my own as I get older. I am multi-passionate . . .
My big idea is to create a Vegan smoothie that tastes amazing and everyone will eat–so delicious that the “vegan” part won’t even matter. This time I think I’ve done it! The only change I would make to this simple recipe would be to add chocolate chips. Or a bit of leftover coffee. or hemp seeds if I’m making it for Dana :-)
How simple is this? You could add ice chips or frozen bananas if you wanted a thicker/frothy drink. I will say that this was surprisingly filling. The idea of being a vegan hack is very fun for me, making plant based food fun, easy and delicious is my goal. My intention was to the powdered peanut butter in smoothies. I never planned to use it for sandwiches (unless I really needed too).
Since everyone always worries about my kids and I getting enough protein, I want everyone to rest easy! This recipe has 6 grams of protein!
Go out right now and make up some awesome PB and B/dark chocolate almond milk smoothie. Ok, we need a shorter name!
Leave a note in the comments for a name!
I’ll post the winner on Twitter and Facebook!
Be Blessed. Nourish your family with L.O.V.E.,
Renee
My husband and I love really great authentic mexican food. It all started when we moved to Texas.
In Michigan, where I grew up, the selection of fruits and vegetables were limited and we certainly didn’t have cactus leaves or cow heads in the grocery store! Yes, the first time I saw frozen cow heads I screamed!
Not just a little gasp . . . I screamed AND ran! The staff had a huge laugh about a “gringo” shopping in their store–but were always very helpful despite my broken Spanish.
Very close to our home was a Whole Foods store that had cooking classes each week. I never intended to go to any of these classes but one night . . . I stopped to watch the demonstration. It was fascinating. The Whole Foods Chef made cooking authentic Mexican food seem easy . . . and it was–IF you had the correct ingredients. My best friend and co-worker Paula took me to stores that I would have never ventured into by myself. With her help I bought lime presses, a tortilla press, a terra cotta tortilla warmer and lots and lots of candles that had Jesus, Mary and almost every saint I could think of. For two years I went every couple of weeks to the Whole Foods to learn more and more.
I highly recommend taking free cooking classes or demonstrations–it is a great way to learn something new without a huge time or money investment.
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I love this flavored oil. I use a little with pasta and veggies or with rice and more lime (I love limes!). My husband cooks up a batch once a month for me and I feel blessed each time I use it. It is like his gift to me. Awwwwwhhh. (Garlic is my love language!)
If you want daily inspiration you can follow me on Instagram, twitter or on the Renee’s Kitchen Facebook page.
Be Blessed.
L.O.V.E.,
Renee