For Lent this year I gave up meat. My mom thought I should give up alcohol, but it really is my only vice and way too big a part of my social life. There is nothing like a fantastic glass of wine at the end of a long day--and actually pretty heart-healthy in moderation. And the occasional dirty martini...bourbon and 7...well, ya got me there. So anyway, I chose meat for my Lenten sacrifice. Meat being pork, turkey (gobble-gobble,) chicken and beef. I do still eat fish, mostly salmon, but I really do love all seafood. Look, I gotta be honest, I think in my heart I will always be a carnivore. My favorite meal has got to be a quality RARE steak, loaded baker, Caesar salad, greens of any sort, and a really great Cabernet Sauvignon. HOWEVER, I rarely eat this meal. Most of the time, I do attempt to eat quite a bit healthier.
Those that have known me a long time, know I have a passion for not only eating, but cooking! I love to cook! Turn up some Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, or bootie-shakin'-funk and pour me a glass of wine. I'll be all up in your kitchen! It's kind of sad when I'm cooking just for myself, but hey--lots of things freeze and last. My two beasty dogs are always entertained by the kitchen smells and my grooving moves. Ha! I guess that will have to do for now. Principessa here can really make some meat-a-balls! And, it's been a while, but I can fry up some chicken, too! HOWEVER, this blog is about my NON-meat experience. I want to share a few quick staples that I made in this one skillet for non-meat-eating-sista-on-the-go this Lenten season! These are all so fast and so easy....really idiot-proof, I promise.
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Black bean burgers. Chopped red and green bell peppers, salsa, an egg, 2 cans black beans, and oatmeal. Mix and knead with love in a large bowl. Add oatmeal until ground-meat-like consistency. Form patties and cook on skillet with olive oil. I eat without a bun--just guacamole and tomatoes. Easy to freeze. Excellent re-heated. I am addicted to black bean burgers! I have also tried to cut back on dairy, but cheese would be a nice addition to these. I think rice would work well in these, too. |
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Portobello ginormous mushrooms in red wine, Worcester, onions, and garlic.....pretty self explanatory. I just use the last of previous night's red wine and go! Garlic is fantastic fresh on most of these meals. |
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Shrimp-fajita salad. I saute in olive oil and water, onion and bell peppers. Add shrimp, cumin, chili powder, and of course garlic...heat til shrimpies done and serve over a bed of lettuce with tomatoes and guacamole. If I had had black olives, probably would've been a good addition. |
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Shrimp fajita salad--see above. |
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Chop onion and saute in olive oil and water. Add garlic. Chop tomatoes and add. Salt sliced eggplant and add to skillet. Italian seasoning. Simmer/steam until desired consistency. OOOHHH...this is a great eggplant dish and can be modified over pasta with cheese. I eat sans pasta and cheese--but nice addition.
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I think coming up with new recipe ideas can be creative and so much fun! Cheers! I probably won't give up meat entirely, but these dishes helped get me through this Lenten season.
Sweet dreams.....
Mmm, this reminds me of the way Allison cooks with that magic touch of putting yummy things together and making it delicious.
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