I have been on a cooking jag lately…it is quite strange for me to cook so much when it is so warm, but I guess the way I cook is casual enough that it isn’t very stressful. Plus with our “mystery project” I am staying home more to be available for questions and to manage the dogs.
At the top of the post is my first pot of peruano beans. I made them with onion, carrot, garlic, and yellow pepper. They were wonderful, creamy but held their shape. Do you see the jalapeño in the picture? I read somewhere that if you make a number of slits in the sides and leave the seeds in you get a lot of flavor without too much heat. Unfortunately, we like more heat than it gave! These were for dinner last night with a flour tortilla and a glass of wine. Today for lunch I had a small bowl with my vegetable juice. I also froze several portions to add to the pan when I do my vegie “scrambles.” I plan on trying all the different beans I see at the store, one by one.
I told you a couple weeks ago that I had started a diet and exercise program. I have been doing quite well – so far have lost 8 pounds and have tons of energy. I have been working out on the Nordic Track most days for thirty minutes, and that along with some sweat inducing projects around here keep me pretty positive.
But with all the sweating, both from exercise and heat, I need to make sure I keep hydrated and healthy. I have a vegie drink almost every day. Check out my meal sized drink from today:
Carrot – Cucumber – Celery – Spinach – Parsley – Onion – Tomato – Zuchinni
I dump it all in the Vita Mix with salt & hot sauce and three ice cubes and some ice water. It made a lot, but I drank it all! Yum.
Below, take a look at the chart with calories (you may need to click to make full size) 108 for the whole drink! What a bargain! (I always look at food in terms of money…is it cheap or expensive…)
Right now I am waiting for the tofu to cook (the recipe from Beth in the comments section to a post is here), and also the roasted broccoli (recipe here.) But the ridiculous thing is, I’m already thinking about what I’ll make tomorrow!
Steve Cotton
July 9, 2009I brought a favorite bean-spinach soup recipe with me. I have been trying various substitutes for the suggested butter beans. I have tried three different varieties, and they all worked well. I may post the recipe simply because it is simple, and it makes a great soup. And proves that substitutions work well in Mexico.
1st Mate
July 9, 2009You’re one of my mentors in the kitchen since we went vegetarian, Nancy.
What do you think about the remark in the broccoli recipe: “The heat kills all the germs,” he said in his French accent. “If bacteria could survive that oven, it deserves to kill me.”
Zoe
July 10, 2009This is one reason I am bringing my large oval slow cooker when I return next month…more tasty local dishes with legumes, etc. Unlike you, with your big, big house, ours is smaller so want to keep the cooking heat to a minimum, even though we DO have three air conditioners! I wish now that I hadn’t sold my vitamix.
I have had two restaurants and am known as a pretty good cook, but living in Mazatlan is like learning to cook all over again in a different way. I sometimes feel like a complete novice.
Nancy
July 10, 2009Steve, I think posting the recipe is a great idea… Which beans did you like the best?
1st Mate, That remark in the recipe cracked me up, too. But I will say if you bake something for 25 minutes at 425 any germs are going to get pretty transformed. Mentor in the kitchen? Yo?
Zoe, A slow cooker will be really useful, I think it is Theresa in Merida who makes bread in hers. We’ve been here two years and I am just starting to get really comfortable with the groceries I can find and substitutions I need to make. Learning to cook all over again says it pretty well!
laurencancun
July 10, 2009That is awesome – congratulations on healthier living!!!
jillian
July 10, 2009way to go, Nancy! I cannot wait to have a kitchen again to make those beans!
Chrissy
July 10, 2009yummy, I am making a batch this weekend.
Jan Ambrose
July 10, 2009You are officially a foodie and a chef! I’m in awe of your weight loss and your cooking!
Nancy
July 11, 2009Lauren, Thank you! It feels great.
Jillian, You’ll love those beans. The next ones I am going to try are the flor de mayo. And I know you’ll love them especially in your new kitchen!
Chrissy, Hope yours are delicious.
Jan, Foodie, yes…chef, I don’t know! I am having fun, that’s the main thing.
mindy
July 12, 2009That does look really good. I really like the veggie drink. We do a good job about eating fresh and lots of veggies but we are totally broke so we have to fill in with lots of pasta and rice too. Oh well. At least it is brown rice. 🙂
I am really happy to hear that you are sticking with your plan and doing well. You are an inspiration.