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.....
