It was one of those weekends when I just didn’t want to deal with the grocery store, its crowds or its cost. I decided to do one of my frig and pantry dump preps and use up what was in there before it went the way of the trash can. I did stop at my favorite spot for quality produce – Nalls Produce – and picked just a few things to add to my frig contents. Got a yummy watermelon, a pepper, corn on the cob, some lovely mushrooms, baby cucumber and Brussel sprouts. This was less expensive and great quality, plus I love walking around at Nalls.
To these I added those ingredients I had including, romaine lettuce, kalamata olives, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, barley, garlic, apple cider vinegar, oats, chips, beets, bananas, apple, radishes, frozen fruit and some spices and at the end had a full week’s meal prep and a cleaned up frig and more organized pantry.
Sometimes it is fun to do away with recipes and rules and toss stuff together. Using ingredients, I was able to save before they ended up in the trash and a few additions, I think I saved money and have a pretty healthy week of eating ahead of me. It is fun to see how it turns out.
This week’s menu:
- Breakfast: Toss It Together Smoothie
- Lunch/Dinner: Barley Veggie Salad
- Snack: Fresh Watermelon
- Dessert: Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Juice: Gut Healthy Beet Juice
- Water: Always
Toss it Together Smoothie: I went through the frig and freezer and utilized a lot of what was there for this smoothie. My Ninja blender got a workout with this one. Started with a bit of almond milk I had left and added half of the Kefir I had left. To that, added fresh ginger, turmeric, romaine lettuce, celery, spinach, left over broccoli florets, chia seeds, psyllium and a scoop of collagen powder. Then, added a handful of blueberries, pineapple chunks, left over frozen cherries and cranberries and half a frozen banana. I have to say, it turned out very well. Topped it with a few sprigs of fresh mint and they are all ready for the week.
Barley Veggie Salad: I had barley left over from a previous recipe and knew I was unlikely to use it soon so wanted to do something with it. I wanted to go near raw this week so started to assemble a salad that would be filling and healthy. I lightly roasted the Brussel sprouts, mushrooms and radishes (tossed them first in a tad bit of olive oil, garlic, turmeric powder and lemon juice). Kept the veggies al denti. Left the celery and pepper raw and quickly steamed the broccoli. When I cooked the barley, I slightly under did it and then roasted it for 10 minutes in the oven. I wanted a bit of texture and not have it be too mushy. Tossed it all together and it not only looks pretty, it tastes very good.
Made a super simple dressing as well. To about a third a cup of olive oil I added some Dijon mustard I had (Dijon with horseradish), lemon juice and chopped garlic. It is very good.
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies: I had a couple of bananas on their last legs so made these cookies I have made before. I know they are called breakfast cookies, but they are so good and one of the simplest recopies I have ever made. This comes from the Blue Zone Kitchens book, page 251. Oats, apple sauce, bananas and chocolate chips. That’s it. Truly Simply Yum! More at https://www.bluezones.com
Beet-Ginger Juice: I have made several batches of this juice and I am enjoying it and how it has impacted my internal systems. I have modified the recipe a bit each time. This time along with the beet, cucumber, apple and apple cider vinegar I added extra ginger and a few pineapple chunks. It is simple, tastes good and is good for my gut health. I have a glass each morning before my water…and then coffee.
Water: I know this is a weekly message, but I do want to encourage you to stay hydrated. Water alone can get boring yes, but spruce it up a bit with fruit, fresh mint or something else that you like. I have added fresh basil leaves to water in the past as well. This batch has lemon, line, cucumber, ginger and pear. Gives it a boost of flavor and a boost of goodness for me.
As I learn more about foods and their impact on my body and brain, it has been fun to learn too how things I have taken for granted, or thought was just a garnish, or a dip holder actually has great health benefits too. Have some fun with food…. enjoy!
KINDNESS is FREE!
