For the Chipotle Burrito Bowl Lover: Black Bean Soup Over Cilantro-Lime Rice!

I have been trying to branch out with my recipes lately and what better place to browse and search?  I'm sure you can probably guess...one of my best friends, Pinterest!  So I have been experimenting with a few this week one of which I am in love with that I made just this evening.  Nate and I are kind of obsessed with Mexican dishes and I love the fact that it's easy and cheap to make.  We also are in love with Chipotle, a chain "Mexican fast food" that is soooooo good and healthy!  I would probably be there weekly if my wallet would allow but we try to make an appearance maybe once a month or so.  When I found this recipe that I made tonight, I was in my glory.  It is a Chipotle inspired "Black Bean Soup over Cilantro-Lime Rice" and tastes very similiar to the burrito bowls that you would get there.   Eli ate a huge portion compared to his normal dinners so I'm guessing that's a thumbs up to make it again :)  I always have my cabinet stocked full of black beans because I like to put them in a lot of recipes which came in handy for this one.  Without further ado...here is the recipe!

Black Bean Soup over Cilantro-Lime Rice:
Adapted from: http://iowagirleats.com

Ingredients: 
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped  (Recipe called for 1/2 onion minced but I like more and I chopped into small pieces)
2 garlic cloves (I used 4 because mine were small...all a matter of preference)
salt and pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder (I used at least 1/2 to 1 tsp more than it called for because I went according to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cumin (I used at least 1 tsp because I went according to taste)
2 cans seasoned black beans, drained but not rinsed (I used Trader Joe’s Cuban-style beans)
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup chicken broth (I used water with a couple boullion cubes)
4-5 dashes green Tabasco sauce (I used Sri Racha hot sauce because I didn't have any Tabasco.  I put 2 to 3 small squirts in since Eli was eating with us. I kept it very mild.)
Toppers: sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream

For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:1 cup long grain white rice (I used left over rice in the refrigerator from our meal last night)
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
juice of 1/2 lime
3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper, then saute until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute for no more than 30 seconds and then add the chili powder and cumin.
2. Add drained beans, water, and chicken broth. Bring soup to a boil, then lower heat slightly and simmer for 15 minutes or so. At this point you can do one of two things.  Either scoop 2 ladle-fulls of soup into a blender or food processor then blend until almost smooth or do what I did and use a quick-prep hand immersion blender.  I received this as a gift for Christmas and it is the best invention.  I used to use my food processor but found it to be so messy and a huge pain in the middle of making soup.  This quick-prep immersion blender blends it right in the pot without making a mess.  I highly recommend it :)  If you are using the immersion blender, blend about a 1/3 of it in the pot. Add desired amount of hot sauce at this point.  I let my soup simmer longer than it said because I think soup always tastes better the longer it simmers since the flavors have more opportunity to blend with all the ingredients.  I simmered it for at least 45 minutes.
3. For the Chipotle-Lime Rice: While soup is simmering, bring water, oil, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice, place a lid on top, then turn heat down to medium-low and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir to fluff then add lime juice and chopped cilantro.
4. To serve, scoop cooked rice into bottom of bowls then top with hot soup. Top with sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream, etc. I also put a little Mexican cheese on top.

This recipe is amazing and you won't be sorry that you tried it!  I also made a dish the other night that I didn't document but I would recommend it.  It is Pesto Shrimp with Snow Peas over Quinoa.  Eli devoured this one as well and it was even better heated up the next day.  I would eat the snow peas again by themselves with the pesto, lemon and garlic on them.  That in itself would be a great side dish to something else.   Any Chipotle lovers out there...let me know what you think if you try this recipe! Enjoy!!

Dear Eli...It's Florida Time!

Dear Eli,

I have dropped the ball on blogging the last couple weeks since we have been super busy between Auntie Su-su visiting us for a week and then our first "official" family trip to Florida.  We have just returned from a fun filled week in your favorite place "Mickey Territory."  You were anticipating this trip for weeks because Mickey Mouse and all his friends are your hero's right now.  They are your favorite and you like to watch them every morning when you wake as part of your morning routine.  Your day is not complete until Mickey is part of it.   You sing to the songs and you interact when they ask questions.  We couldn't wait to see your face light up when you would actually meet your special pal in person.

On Friday, February 22nd, we boarded your first plane ride! You went through security like a pro but were stopped so they could check your bag.  Your "milky" unfortunately had to be thrown out.  Sorry buddy... I didn't even consider that your sippy cup could be considered "dangerous.":) You amazed me on the flight!  Not once did you ask to get up out of your seat!  We had a layover in between flights and you made friends at a nearby "Disney" play area by our gate...whoever came up with that is genius!!

When we arrived in sunny Florida, it was really late, but you never complained!  We made our way to our hotel and you immediately climbed under the covers between daddy and I and passed out from the long adventurous day!  You are a great traveler...already can't wait for our next trip :)  Unfortunately you came down with a virus the day after we arrived and were sick on and off for several days.  This made our trip  quite challenging in the sense you wanted to lay low, nap a lot and ate pretty much nothing.  Milk was our only saving grace because you never turn that away!  Every morning when you would wake up you would run to the balcony and feed the ducks (a clan of baby ducklings) and turtles.  They got to know you because before you would even make an appearance they would be waiting there for you each morning :)

You are such a trooper.  Even in the midst of not feeling well, you pushed through and tried to have fun.  The morning we were scheduled to do "Magic Kingdom" at Disney, you woke up acting normal.  You ate some breakfast and you were excited about seeing Mickey.  When we arrived at the park, you started telling me "I don't feel better."  I could see it in your eyes.  It seemed to come in waves.  We were going to go home but you pushed through and by the afternoon you were starting to act more yourself.  You were in heaven when you met Mickey.  You ran right over to him with your autograph book and held onto his nose and said "love you so much."  It was priceless!  This moment was worth the whole trip to see the joy and magical sparkle in your eyes :)  You loved the parades and the firework show that night.  You were in awe at the fireworks and    Tinker Bell flying through the sky.  Your favorite ride that day was the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger.  You ride in these cars while spinning them around shooting at targets in outer space.  You loved it so much that we had to ride it 3 times!

 When you weren't feeling well you would point your chubby finger at us and say "DON'T TAKE A PICTURE OF ME"

 First roller coaster ride :)

Unfortunately, we only had one day that was pool weather, but we enjoyed it even when it wasn't sunny.  Anything beat all the snow that we were getting back home.   We watched a movie out by the pool on a big screen one night.  You fell asleep as soon as the movie started.  It felt amazing to be out at 9:00 at night with just a sweatshirt on!   You road on Great Grandma's walker everywhere we went.  You loved being chauffeured. You will notice that "Tiger Blanket" was your little side kick in many of these pictures.  You are attached to your friend and so glad you had him while you didn't feel well.  He was such a comfort to you! We had fun at Downtown Disney and though you were not completely yourself, you made the best of it!

Animal Kingdom was another Disney park that we visited.  You were completely yourself on this day and we had a blast.  We woke up early to be there when the gates opened.  You loved the African Safari ride.  It felt like we were really in Africa.  You were so excited to see all the animals.  You were able to finally see your "gator" that you had been asking about all week.  You kept asking us if you could go catch one, ha :)  Since we couldn't get close to the real thing, we bought you a small one at a flea market and let you go catch it in the bath tub in our room!  You loved the dinosaur ride and "It's tough to be a Bug" 3-D show in the BIG Tree of Life in the Center of the park.  The highlight of this day was visiting Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy at Donald's Safari Lunch.  The characters came up and spent time with you at our table.  The look on your face was awesome.  You blushed when Daisy came up to you:)  You were confused and couldn't figure out where to kiss her because her beak was so big, ha!  It was the cutest! You were incredible at this park.  I couldn't believe how well you did considering it was such a long day and a very busy week at that!

 Asked to sit in the stroller and went to sleep on your own because you were so tired!

 Donald's Safari Breakfast at Animal Kingdom!

You started "roaring" like a tiger a lot this week.  Now you randomly walk around the house roaring...it's hilarious!  You have started saying the funniest phrases lately.  You ask what everything is and how everything works. You talk NON-STOP and you keep me laughing all the time with the words that come out of your mouth.  Your new thing is saying "sure" when we ask you a question.  I asked you to do something yesterday and you said "sure I can mommy."  You tell me everyday, "my belly doesn't feel better...maybe I need to poop.  That might help."  This might be too much information, but at this age, these are the things that make it so joyously real in living life.  As I've stated before, there is never a dull moment here.  We were shopping at Trader Joe's this week and you told Daddy while searching in the spice section, "It's ok daddy, go ahead and get it", haha...like you are the parent:)  Tonight you were playing the fish game with Daddy and you had your rod pushing down on the game.  Daddy asked you what you were doing and you said "I'm just a really nervous boy."  I think you were anxious to catch a fish while they were spinning around so you associated this feeling with being nervous.  I thought that was so funny and pretty amazing to make that connection!   You and Daddy were drawing yesterday and he drew a caterpillar for you.  You said to him, "that's not a caterpillar, that is a centipede"...You cease to amaze me! I have no idea where you learn some of these things!   I just realized this month that you have stopped calling yourself "Li Li."  You are growing up before my eyes and though I am happy to welcome the new milestones, it also makes me very sad because I know I will never get these moments back.  We still call you  Li Li even if you don't.  I think this nickname has stuck, thanks to you little man :)

Daddy and I are so proud of you.  We have our moments and power struggles often since you are such an independent spirit, yet we would not trade it for anything.  You tell us where to go, how to do it and how to get there.  You are quite bossy (wonder who you get that from;) but at the same time you have such a sensitive spirit.  If you think someone is upset, you get concerned and go over to the person and hold on saying "I'm sorry." I wish I could get inside your little head and see life from your perspective.  You live life to the fullest and you exude so much joy that it's contagious!  I love your giggle and you can make anyone's face light up.  You are full of Jesus and it shows :)  I will be back with another letter sooner than later this time.

Love you so much,

Mommy

Cauliflower Breadsticks...Just Like the Real Thing!!

I have been wanting to try these cauliflower breadsticks for a while, but have not gotten around to it till now.  I had half a head of cauliflower left in the fridge and I knew if I didn't use it soon, it was going to go bad.  I couldn't let that happen so it forced me to make something with it and so glad I did :)  I've been trying to come up with some simple healthy lunch alternatives for Eli and myself and this is super easy and amazingly healthy which seems like an oxymoron when you taste it!  I ate these breadsticks with a soup I made a couple nights ago, but you could eat them by themselves with marinara sauce or make a pizza out of it.  I think this week I'm going to try a pesto version of the recipe.  I semi followed this recipe but didn't measure completely and it still came out amazing! You are going to be amazed at this cheesy, chewy goodness!:)

Recipe: (adapted from keyingredient.com)

• 1/4 of a large head of cauliflower "riced" ( I used 1/2)
• 1 tsp of olive oil (I used a little more)
• 2 garlic cloves (I used 2 large cloves and it was plenty with the amount of cauliflower I used.  I think this is a matter of preference)
• 1 egg (white) lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (I didn't measure this...I measured with my eye :)
• 1/2 tsp. dried italian herb seasoning (I used basil because I was out of Italian season blend)
• marinara sauce for dipping (optional....I dipped mine in the soup I was eating)   

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray.  I used a 9x13 pan for mine and lined it with foil and cooking spray.  I patted down the cauliflower mixture in the center and made it into a rounded/square shape about 8x8 size.

Now you need to "rice" the cauliflower which you do with a cheese grater.  With a 1/4 head of a cauliflower you will get approximately 1.5 cups lightly packed of the riced cauliflower.  I used 1/2 a head so mine was slightly more and I'm sure it will very according to the size of the cauliflower head as well.  The cauliflower will look somewhat like when you grate cheese.  Place it in a microwaveable safe bowl and microwave it till its soft.  I put mine in for about 5 minutes and it was perfect.  You do not need any water in the bowl!

While you are waiting for the cauliflower to soften, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over low and add your garlic until softened.  Once the cauliflower is softened, add the garlic/oil mixture, the lightly beaten egg white, Italian seasonings and the mozzarella cheese .  Stir together, mix well and spread it into the pan.

Bake until it starts to turn golden brown.  It was approximately 30 minutes for me.  Remove it from the oven, flip it over (I used a spatula for this and slowly lifted each corner before flipping it entirely.  If its too large to do that, cut it into sections before doing so) and if you like put more cheese on top.  I used some Parmesan, but you could use more mozzarella too if you desired.  Put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes or so until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Let cool slightly and cut into pieces.  Enjoy with marinara sauce!

Let me know if any of you end up trying this and how it comes out!  I was completely impressed with how it tasted and even it's appearance.  It looked and tasted like a breadstick in my opinion!  This is a great way to be sneaky and get your kids to eat some veggies as well :)   Enjoy!

Any other cauliflower recipes out there that you have tried?  I'd love to know!!

Getting My Organization On...

So today is another snowy day and I decided not to venture out on the roads.  Eli and I have had a pajama day and I thought it would be a good time to take advantage of doing a little organization in the basement, pantry, refrigerator, and junk drawer.  I reorganized mine and Eli's closet the other night so I think that jump started me on wanting to get more in order elsewhere.   Organization used to be more of a strong suit for me but when life gets busy things often get misplaced and it soon looks like chaos.  If I have a place designated for certain things then when I go to put them away it makes it easier to keep it more in order, otherwise, things just get piled on top of one another and then I'm swamped.  This gives you a good idea that my house is so far from being perfect and it's just like anyone else's.  I do love when my house feels organized though because it makes my life feel so much better in every area.  It's truly amazing how it can effect the mood of your entire life!  With that said, today I got my organization on and hoping to tackle more as the week goes on!

First up on the agenda was the basement.  It was in total disarray and I wanted to tackle the storage section of the basement where all our totes and boxes are stored.  There were totes opened and off the shelves everywhere from trying to find things.  I had miscellaneous items laying around waiting to be either stored in a tote or put in a Goodwill box.  The basement still needs more functional shelving and I need more totes to make it feel more "orderly", but for now I'm feeling so much better after what I accomplished this morning. In the future here soon, Nate has plans to build wood shelving down there and buy more totes and label everything so it feels more uniformed and easy to find everything.  Post to follow once we get to that step!

Before...

 After...

 Before...

 After...

Next up on the agenda was my small little pantry.  I would LOVE a walk in pantry closet someday but for now I am thankful for what I have.  This too needs some revamping in the future as well.  We have wire shelving which is started to warp in the middle because of the weight of the goods that are stocked on the shelves through the years.  Hoping to remove those and replace with real wood shelves to make it once again more functional.  I went to the dollar store recently and found small plastic totes with the chevron pattern on them.  They had other ones with different geometric shapes as well that were very cool and modern looking.  I knew immediately that I wanted them for some sort of organization in the house.  When I was glancing at the pantry this week I realized that's where they belong. I spent a total of $5 on these plastic boxes and it gave the pantry a nice face lift.  I also found some other containers laying around (2 from Ikea) and a glass jar that wasn't being used as well as some canning jars to help organize the food and give it a more aesthetic appeal :)  The bottom of the closet is where we put our recyclables which should be picked up tomorrow. Here is before and afters...

Before...

 After...

 Close-up of the boxes and containers I used.

 Very top shelf is where we store water pitchers, popcorn maker and things that we don't use that frequently since it is hard to reach.  Second shelf down is this one below.  To the left we have extra pantry items on hand in the back in case we run out.  We often buy in bulk at Sam's so we store some of the extra here or in our jelly cabinet.  The plastic box is our treat box with something for the sweet tooth and gum.  I have some of my canned tomatoes (that I canned this summer) sitting on the shelf along with my rice and pasta that I have stored in canning jars as well.  I usually keep my oil over by my baking area but the bottle is too tall for my cupboards so it stays in the closet.  I need to get a smaller glass bottle to transfer the oil over and keep it with the rest of my baking items.

 Third shelf down is home to some of our snacks and cereal.  We always have cheeze-itz and animal crackers on hand.  The other tall container has cereal in it and it's great for that.  I purchased those at Ikea this past year.  In the box is granola and rice krispies that I use for making granola bars.

 Bottom shelf is our snack area.  Eli likes to help pick out a snack so I put this one at his level.  One of the boxes has nuts/dried fruit, one has chips (we always have tortilla chips in our house since chips, salsa and avocado is a favorite here) and the other box houses miscellaneous snacks.

Next up was our junk drawer.  I had bought an organizer at Ikea this past year as well as another dollar store bin so this drawer looked neat and orderly months and months ago, but again it became mass confusion after a while.  The plastic bin that I used in this drawer has several compartments which is nice to split things up.  One compartment houses tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, measuring tape and flashlight that we like to have accessible.  Another compartment has cords to our computers and phones in it.  Some of the smaller compartments have extra batteries, paint swatches, sticky notes, etc.  In the bin to the right I have pens, extra paper, coupons and menus to local restaurants that we like to have available.  In the back in my address book and stamps.  Everyone needs a junk drawer for those small miscellaneous things that need a home...I just like to have one that has some sort of order to it so when I'm looking for something I know where it is at a quick glance.  Here is the drawer...

Before...

 After...

 Lastly, the refrigerator got some love but I didn't document it with pictures.  Nothing too exciting happened here, but it does feel clean and more organized. I like to do this every time before I go grocery shopping so when I come home with groceries I can put them right away without fighting for a place to put them.  Anyone else have any handy tips on organization?  Or have recommendations for organizational tools.  I find that the dollar store has an abundant of tools for smaller spaces/closets.  Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for stopping by!