Leeks, Bikes & Split Pea Soup

I rode my bike to the MAX station this morning then into work from the transit center.

It's the 2nd time that I've done this and I'm starting to feel like this could turn into a long term journey.

I bundled up more this morning and bought a helmet over the weekend so I felt much more secure riding next to the cars.

While riding along the path I realize how much more in control I feel on a bike that I ever did behind the wheel. Especially with the morning rush hour craziness that happens every day!

Since becoming more eco-conscious I want to let everyone know that even though you may have to get up 20 minutes earlier and invest in some good biking equipment (especially for the rainy Oregon winters) there are so many perks to riding to work instead of driving.

The price I paid in gas every week while driving a V8 Durango was insane.

Now, I pay a little over $10/week to take the MAX into downtown Hillsboro... on top of that I'm getting my cardio everyday going to and from on my bike.

Eco wise, I'm not burning fossil fuel, I'm not adding any smog to the atmosphere from my tail pipe and I'm setting an example for those who drive to work that, "Hey, if I can do this, so can you!" Just something to throw out there on a side note.

Last night I made a super delish dinner... Split Pea & Leek Soup.
It was divine. The whole house smelled so good for the hour while it simmered... reminded me of a raining day sitting around the fire watching old movies.
Recipe:

1 lb of dried split peas - rinsed and sorted
1 medium leak - cut and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot - diced
1 stalk of celery - minced
6 cups of low sodium vegetable broth
2 cloves of garlic - minced
1 jalapeño - chopped
1 tsp of thyme
2 Tbs of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste.

I've never used leeks before but they look so inviting while I was shopping at Whole Foods that I had to think of something to put them in.

I chopped them just below the dark leaf and just above the root core.

From there I thinly sliced them and threw them into a big bowl of cold water. The leeks will float and the grit will sink. I gave each section a good once over with my hands and then let them sit for a few.

While the leeks soaked I chopped up my garlic, carrots, celery and jalapeño. I put 2 Tbs of olive oil into a large pot and turned it to a medium heat. Added all the veggies and let them cook for about 8 minutes.

From there I added the sorted split peas and the 6 cups of veggie broth. I let that cook for about 1 hour and 15 min then added the thyme.

It was enough for about 3 or 4 servings. Just enough for leftovers! MMM

It was a pretty quick and simple meal with lots of good stuff inside

Fruits, Food and Fun!

Hello one and all:

More like just one because that's all I have for a following right now but oh well! If you're reading this, Welcome and thank you for coming.

Up until recently I've been doing really well with not eating animal products but last night I cracked and had a few bites of carrot cake, which actually didn't taste that great!

So, besides my cravings for scones and coffee cake in the morning being vegan has been going pretty well!

Two nights ago I made a vegan mac n cheeze dish (which was a little bland but I'm going to perfect it!)

Tonight I'll be making a vegan split pea soup & I'll post the recipe later. I'm thinking of adding some leeks and potatoes to it which sound so delish right now.

 

The other day I was cruising the internet for information on fruit. I found some extremely interesting topics that I thought I would share...

Fruits! Fruits! magical fruits the more you eats the more you... ;)

There are more than fifty varieties of watermelon

Black cherries are recommended against anemia due to their high iron content

Pineapple Lessens time and degree of inflammation

avocado helps aid in red blood regeneration and prevent anemia

The mineral content of figs closely resembles that of human milk

mangos Are good to combat stomach acidity

Grapes:

There are four classes of grapes: wine grapes, table grapes, raisin grapes, and sweet juice grapes

Grapes help promote the action of the bowel, clean the liver and aid kidney function

Due to their high water content they add to the fluids and help eliminate hardened deposits that may have settled in any part of the body

papaya Helps to maintain the acid –alkaline balance of the body

passion fruit has somniferous properties, taken before going to bed they help relax and sleep during the night

bananas that are ripe may raise mood and help sleep. Carbohydrates eaten with little protein are known to have a soothing effect by stimulating serotonin, a substance that raises mood

Peaches are diuretic, depurative and detoxifying so they are wonderful to eat on a weight - loss program

Dark orange fresh apricots are one of the top fruits for beta-carotene & are Exceptionally high in beta-carotene.

Lemons are antiseptic, natural and secure against stomach and intestine fermentations

Grapefruit when taken before bedtime, is conductive to a sound sleep

Melons are an excellent supply of distilled water that contains the finest mineral elements

oranges are Excellent for treating over acidic body conditions, constipation or a sluggish intestinal trac

Tangerines: Due to its high content in phosphorus and calcium the tangerine benefits the development of the skeleton

Prunes clean and unclog the liver, the digestive system and helps to overcome infections and intestinal fever