Festival of Flavor – Corn & Black-bean Salad

Fragrant, fresh, and full of flavor – here’s a salad that’s high on health and great taste! Served in a wonderful baked tortilla shell bowl, the result not only looks good but has such an array of fresh ingredients, and it’s sure to please everyone.   This salad is also a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber, which play important roles in keeping your heart strong. Enjoy

Ingredients

2 cups fresh corn kernels or frozen (thawed and drained)
1 can 14.5 oz. black beans – low sodium (rinsed and drained)
½ large red onion, chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
½ red pepper (diced)
2 jalapeño peppers (seeded & diced)
1 medium tomato (seeded & pulp removed, diced)
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime zest
¼  cup fresh lime juice ( about 1 lime)
2 teaspoons rice vinegar (seasoned)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon Fajita seasonings
2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce
4 baked tortilla shells for serving

Steps

In a large bowl, add corn, black beans, onions, garlic, peppers, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and vinegar. Combine well, and then add cumin, fajita seasoning, lime zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Chill for about 10 minutes before serving. Bake tortilla shells according to the directions on the mini tortilla shell molds. You may also serve in regular bowls.

Layer the salad as follows: Put a serving of shredded lettuce in your tortilla bowl and then a serving of corn and black bean salad. Serve with your favorite grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

Creamy Coconut Collard Greens

My Collard greens have a new attitude, are creamy, and have a bold flavor. The special ingredient is Coconut Milk. I come from a long line of wonderful cooks in my family, and if some of them were around today to taste this recipe, they would say, “Carol Anne, girl, dish me up another serving of those greens.”  

Servings 4 – prep time 15 – cook time 15 minutes

Ingredients

     2 Bunches collard greens, stems removed, and cut into ½”   strips
 1 small white onion, diced
 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup coconut milk
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
 Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add collard greens and blanch them for about 2 minutes; remove, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for about 2 – 3 minutes, or until translucent. Then add drained collard greens, coconut milk, and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let greens simmer for about 3 – 5 minutes.
3. Remove the greens and place them in a serving dish. Add lemon juice and serve with your favorite protein and starch. I served my Coconut Collards with fresh roasted beets. 

Note:  If you love a little heat, try some red pepper flakes right before serving. You will love that kick.

Morning Glory Oatmeal Bowl

 

Morning Glory Oatmeal Bowl

Nourishment for the Body and Soul

Ingredients:

·    1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

·    2 cups water or milk of choice

·    1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

·    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

·     1/4 cup chopped apples or berries

·     2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or almonds

·     1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

·      A sprinkle of love and a pinch of prayers!

Instructions:

1. Bring water or milk to a boil in a small saucepan.

2. Stir in oats and reduce heat to a simmer.

3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

4. Stir in cinnamon and honey.

5. Top with apples, berries, nuts, and chia seeds.

6. Serve warm and enjoy with a grateful heart!

Morning Devotion:

"Give us today our daily bread." - Matthew 6:11 (NIV)

As you nourish your body with this warm, hearty meal, take a moment to nourish your soul too. Just as God provides for your physical needs, He longs to feed your heart with His Word, His promises, and His presence.

Before you take the first bite, whisper a simple prayer:

Lord, thank You for today's blessings, both seen and unseen. Nourish my body with this meal, and nourish my spirit with Your love. Guide my steps and fill my heart with Your peace.

Starting your day with God strengthens you for whatever lies ahead.