Pizza; It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Photo WholeLiving.com

Try these fun pizza ideas for a late breakfast or brunch.  Above, add an egg to a pizza with pesto and cheese. We substituted the pesto with zaatar (a middle eastern spice made with oregano and other spices) on the one we made.

Or below – try sliced figs, thyme and ricotta cheese. Drizzle with honey.

Photo WholeLiving.com

Other ideas included yellow cherry tomatoes and basil; tomato, sausage and arugula. Best – use what’s already in your refrigerator and invent your own.

Add hot, French roast coffee (fair trade, of course) or maybe a Bloody Mary?

You may also like Lox, Stock and Bagel, Simplifying Our Kitchen and Tasting Caviar.

“On the Side” Casual Dining

Vegetarian chili treehugger.com

With New Year’s visiting and celebrations just around the corner – how do you put together a fun meal that takes various diet considerations into account? Why, “on the side” of course!

Byerly’s Real Food magazine (Winter 2011) offered some terrific chili recipes, but in every case, the Chorizo sausage, turkey or seasoned, cooked ground beef is served on the side. This is an excellent idea for many reasons:

1. It encourages guests to stop and think about how they will incorporate meat into their meal, or even if they will add it.

2. The meat is used as a flavoring, rather than the main course. This is a very healthy and planet-friendly way to eat.

3. It’s respectful of those who don’t eat meat or would rather not eat meat at the moment.

4. Guests can control the amount of meat so there is less waste and overall less meat consumed.

This can be done with chilis, with casseroles like chili mac or tuna casserole, fajitas, burritos, Asian stir-fried dinners and with salads.

Allowing guests to create their own meal combination means less work for the host. Simply place the ingredients on the coffee table or buffet – ready to go. Guests grab a low bowl or plate and take what they need. You enjoy your guests. Everyone wins.

For other fun and easy meal ideas you may also like Another Fabulous Friday, Chocolate Eclair Dessert, Super Easy Crock Pot Lasagna and No Cook Marinara & Pasta.

Christmas – God Within Us

CelebratingMyHome

Today’s the day we celebrate that God is incarnate (or “enfleshed”), meaning within each and every human person. God became a human person in Jesus, who was truly human. Therefore human beings are appropriate dwelling places for God.

God lives within each of us and loves each of us. God (Reality) is fundamentally good, holy and whole. We are a part of this.

How do we celebrate? Well, to begin with – ignore “Hallmark” Christmas ideas. These are based on cultural fantasy. Likewise, shopping, stress, and over-scheduling will not do. These activities won’t make anyone feel grateful, peaceful or mindful of the sacred within.

How do YOU want to celebrate the Spirit, Life Force or life energy that’s living in you? What will make you – and your family – feel sacred, holy and whole?

Some may want to volunteer or assist those who are struggling. The existence of poverty and hunger is an abomination to the very idea of Christmas. Some may want to rest. Others may want to share their abundance with friends or family. At your house maybe it’s a movie & popcorn? How about a silent retreat?

Consider clicking on one of the On-line Retreats above. Maybe a walk in the woods? A bubble bath?

At our house, we may have a late morning with pizza (post about this to follow) and time with friends. We shall see . . .

Merry Christmas to all. God lives in you.

You may also like Stars and Spirit Sightings, Celebration of Family and Winter Solstice.

 

 

 

Pasta 43 Ways

FoodNetwork.com

Christmas and Hanukkah greetings to you!

If you are planning on a more relaxed holiday celebration, here’s a great article from the New York Times (it’s also a slide show) with 43 fast and easy ways to combine pasta with just 2 or 3 more ingredients. The combinations are a bit unusual, but look really good and healthy too.

Try one with salad for a more casual, lighter holiday meal.

 

You may also like Christmas Dinner is Served, Spend Less on Groceries – Eat Better and Christmas Craziness or Christmas Spirit?