Vegetarian does NOT = Boring!

Tofu chili, with a delicious “sweet” tamale.
My tummy is happy after eating this veggie chili. I grabbed a home made tamale out of the freezer and threw it on top of the chili, yum!!

TOFU CHILI
1 package of tofu, baked (see recipe below)
2 15 oz cans of pinto beans (or refried beans) (do not drain)
2 15 oz cans of red kidney beans (do not drain)
1 15 oz can of of diced tomatoes
1 medium sliced zucchini
1 2.25 oz can of sliced olives
1 packet of taco seasoning (1 tsp for tofu, the rest for the pot)
1/3 cup of whole grain brown rice (any rice is fine though)
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
2 green onions diced
3 TBsp olive oil.

Baked tofu:
Drain tofu and lightly press with paper towel to absorb a little of the water. Slice tofu length wise and place on greased cookie sheet. Using about 1 teaspoon of the packet of taco seasoning, Light dust top and sides of tofu with taco seasoning. Safe the rest of the taco seasoning for the cooking process. Place in pre-heated over 400 degrees, for 20 min. After 20 min, turn tofu to brown on another side, bake for another 15, repeat one more time. Total baking time about an hour. Let tofu cool and dice into small chunks. Set aside. You can bake up to a day ahead of time.

Heat olive oil on high, until hot. Toss in the onions, garlic, rice and cooked tofu. Stir constantly while browning, about 2 min. Turn heat down to medium heat. Put in all ingredients except the zucchini. Bring to a quick boil, then put on low heat. Cook for five minutes, then toss in the sliced zucchini, then turn off heat. DONE! Let sit for up to half hour before serving, it will thicken up nicely while waiting. Salt to taste 🙂 Even better the next day!!
Enjoy!

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Audrey’s Fancy Egg Salad Sandwich

Boil 4 eggs, peal and chop
2 avocado’s chopped-Avo’s should be firm, not squishy, if possible
1 Table spoon blue cheese
1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
3 Tablespoons plain, non fat yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients. Toast 2 pieces of your favorite bread, place a piece of iceberg lettuce to cover toasted bread. Scoop desired amount of egg salad onto lettuce, top with 2nd piece of toasted bread. Yields about 4 sandwiches.

Try a variety. You could also add any or all of the following; pickles, relish, black olives, green olives, garlic, finely chopped cucumber. Play with it 🙂

Pot Stickers

Not only is this recipe super easy to throw together, but it’s quick and delicious! These little guys also freeze really well. I love making a giant batch of these pot stickers and freezing them for whenever I want them. You can also make them slightly healthier by going full steam on them and skipping the pan frying all together. You can also skip out on “fancy” crimping and go straight-edged if you prefer.

Pot Stickers
Makes 30

Ingredients:
pork filling:
12 ounces ground pork
1 baby bok choy, diced
6 water chestnuts, diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten

1 egg, lightly beaten
30 round wonton wrappers
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

choganjang:
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons gochujaru (Korean chili powder)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions:
1. Place all filling ingredients into a bowl and mix together until well combined. Set aside.
2. Brush perimeter of a wonton wrapper with the remaining egg and fill center with 1 heaping tablespoon of pork filling. Seal and crimp together.
3. Set dumplings aside and repeat until all wrappers have been used.
4. Heat a large, heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil.
5. Add 5 to 6 pot stickers to pan and pan fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip pot stickers and continue to fry for 2 minutes.
6. Add 1 tablespoon water to the pan and cover for 1 minute or until the wonton wrappers have softened and steamed and the filling has finished cooking through.
7. Remove from heat and repeat until all pot stickers have been cooked. Serve immediately with choganjang.
8. Choganjang: Place all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together. Serve with pot stickers.

For the full recipe, visit the link below
http://www.spoonforkbacon.com/2013/09/pot-stickers/

Grilled Cheddar, Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches

This is “comfort” food at its finest! Easy and delicious!
Life is good, eat cheese
Audrey~

Ingredients
•8 thick-cut bacon slices
•8 slices country-style sourdough bread (cut on deep diagonal into 5x3x1/2-inch slices)
•2 cups (packed) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
•8 tomato slices, seeds removed, slices drained on paper towels
•4 tablespoons mayonnaise

Preparation

Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels and drain. Wash and dry skillet.

Place 4 bread slices on work surface. Press 1/4 cup grated cheese onto each slice. Top each with 2 tomato slices. Sprinkle with pepper. Place 2 bacon slices atop each, breaking into pieces if necessary to fit. Press 1/4 cup grated cheese over bacon on each. Top sandwiches with remaining bread slices, then spread 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise over top of each sandwich. Heat 2 heavy large skillets over medium heat. Add 2 sandwiches, mayonnaise side down, to each skillet. Place plate atop both sandwiches to weigh down. Cook sandwiches until bottom is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Spread top of each sandwich with 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise. Turn sandwiches over, mayonnaise side down. Top with plates and cook until golden brown on bottom, about 2 minutes. Transfer sandwiches to work surface. Cut sandwiches crosswise in half and serve

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Cheddar-Tomato-and-Bacon-Sandwiches-103128#ixzz2iCU7i7cz

Cheesy Avocado Potato Salad

http://dinnerofherbsblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/cheesy-avocado-potato-salad-packed-lunch-edition/
This recipe is from a blogger that I follow. This is the perfect lunch! You have a bit of carbs, good oil from the avo, some tangy cheese and some flavorful cilantro!

Ingredients

2 cups potato, diced

1/2 avocado

1 1/2 tsp lime juice

garlic powder

cilantro

salt

Romano cheese, shredded

Servings: 2-3 servings

Place the diced potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes. In another bowl, mash the avocado and stir in the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt. Stir the potatoes into the avocado mixture. Top with romano cheese and serve immediately. Or pack for lunch for the next day. Enjoy!

Life is good, eat well
Audrey~