Tasty Thursday: Watermelon/Kale Juice

We're doing a juice cleanse - for the first time! - and made this tonight.  It is quite yummy.  Maybe you'd like to try it.

Watermelon/Kale Juice

1/2 organic CSA round watermelon
8 stalks organic CSA curly kale
2 apples (we used macintosh simply because that was what we had on hand)
1/2 lemon, peeled
1 beet, peeled

Juice, then pour over ice and enjoy.

What a gorgeous, vibrant, green color this juice has.

Tasty Thursday: Vegan, Gluten-Free Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese

Yesterday I came upon this recipe.  If I had to choose a handful of foods to be stranded on an island with, Mac 'n Cheese would definitely be on that list.  Along with pizza, kale salad, broccoli and fresh fruit.  Hey, no one is ever gong to see me on this island, right?  So I don't have to worry about my appearance after eating all that starch.

But anyway, I read all the comments and saw that modification for the recipe is definitely possible so I was excited to put this in my crockpot right away.  My daughter stopped in and helped me decide what ingredients we would use.  Here is what went in the crock:

4 cups Trader Joe's GF pasta
Roughly 4 cups Daiya cheese, equal parts cheddar and mozzarella ***see update***
A few twists of pink sea salt from the TJ's grinder
A handful of dried farm parsley
Roughly 1 teaspoon dried garlic bits
8 Tablespoons Earth Balance ***see update***
1 1/2 cups almond milk
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 cup water

Just prior to putting the lid on:

I'm wondering if I'm going to regret stirring it, if perhaps the pasta won't cook if it isn't at the bottom covered with fluid.  We shall see...

UPDATE:

You can see how oily the finished product is.  Next time we're going to go with three cups Daiya and no Earth Balance. All the pasta cooked fully, however some were more al dente than others so you definitely don't want to stir the ingredients when you put them in the crockpot; leave the pasta at the bottom so it cooks evenly in the liquid ingredients.

I cut up a few slices of organic farm tomato and topped my bowl of Macaroni & Cheese with it.  Boy was it yummy.   If it lasts the day (we are all home so it might not) I will pack up some to take for lunch tomorrow.

Travel Tip Tuesday: AAA

Even if you're not taking a driving vacation your AAA card can save you money.  If you haven't already done so, create an account at the AAA website and check for discounts at your vacation destination.  You may find that not only can you get a great rate on your hotel, but you'll also save on attractions you are planning to visit. 

Special Sunday Savings Blast: This week's Bob's coupons

Shopping for back-to-school at Bob's between now and Tuesday?  Don't forget to print the coupons and bring your Best of Bob's card to accumulate rewards!

Tasty Thursday: Peniless Parenting's Polenta

I had some organic CSA greens to cook today and wanted something starchy and tasty to go with it.  While reading Peniless Parenting I found just the right thing.  Take a look here for her Perfect Polenta recipe.

I used:

2 cups cornmeal
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water (I'd have used all broth but I didn't have any more)
salt
crushed, dehydrated farm basil
dehydrated garlic bits
a little lemon
a little pepper

After boiling the mixture and brining it to the right consistency I put it in a glass pan in the fridge to set.  

Even my picky French chef son enjoyed it.  I have to thank Penny, this recipe surely is perfect for us!

I Just Joined Smiley360.

My niece referred me to join.  I've just completed my profile and now I'm signing up for a 'mission' on broth.  Can't wait to receive the package and try it.

Please consider taking a look.  My personalized link is: smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

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