Sautéed Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds

Just 5 minutes to make this tasty side dish full of buttery, lemony goodness and extra crunch from Almonds! 

I am grateful that my kids love to eat vegetables or at least are willing to try new vegetable dishes which is why I try to look for new recipes so they don't get tired of the same old fare. The other day I got some haricots verts instead of the usual green beans. Haricots verts are also called French green beans - they look like the regular green beans but with thinner edible pods and smaller seeds. Nonetheless, despite seeming smaller than their bigger green bean cousins - they are more intense in flavor and taste. Well, at least according to my taste buds!! :)

10 Naturally Green Cakes for St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day without fear with these dye-free and naturally green delicious cakes! Perfect desserts to welcome Spring, too!

March is indeed a special month for me. Can you guess why? No, not because of St. Patrick's Day but because it's actually my birthday month. Since my actual birthday falls on the 16th, which is pretty significant in Philippine history as this was the date our beautiful islands were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan, it is also just a day before St. Patrick's Day. This prompted me to make this post as nearly every year since this blog began in 2012 I have made several green colored cakes. I thought it would be just proper to make a collection of these dye-free and naturally green cakes so we can enjoy this day of festivities with all the fun and less the guilt! Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Apple and Lime Green Smoothie

This week I have started a Detox Diet using Dr. Oz' 3 Day Detox Cleanse. It's all liquid for three days and am now surviving :-) my second day. Amazingly, I didn't feel as hungry as I thought I would be though caffeine withdrawal did give me some headache. And I must say it's quite a challenge not to want to chew on food especially when I see a lot of yummy food everywhere! :-)

Sweet-Tart Apple Walnut Salad

In winter, it can be difficult to eat well. The cold weather almost makes you want to reach out to whatever is nearby and that may not be necessarily a healthy snack but since it's sitting on the counter top or looking at you when you open the fridge, it's so easy to grab them and let go! But since the cold weather brings a lot of sickness and bugs and viruses, it's important to keep yourself healthy and assist your body in fighting infections. While there is no cure-all for the common cold you can certainly help your immune system by eating right. And greens are always good for you!

Thankfully, we can still find salad greens around the supermarket and some of them are organic and pre-packed. I actually found this recipe at the back of the package of one of those pre-packed salads. I thought it sounded great so I adapted it. It was wonderful! Now who can say, salads can't be delish? Add some lovely fruits, a little nuts and sprinkle with cheese - voila and you have a salad that's easy to prepare and scrumptious too! Serve it with your favorite dressing though my honey and I love a simple Balsamic Vinaigrette with it (he makes his own version though we always have a bottle handy for days when you don't have time to whip up one!). Have a great lunch!

Ingredients

1 pack or bag (5-6 oz) of Three-lettuce salad blend (baby red leaf, baby green or red romaine or little gem lettuce combos, etc) or make your own combo
2 medium Gala apples, cored and sliced
3/4 cup or 3 oz, chopped Walnuts
1/3 cup craisins or raisins
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (homemade* or store-bought)
1/2-3/4 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

This is how my husband makes his simple Balsamic Vinaigrette - Mix together 2 Tablespoons each of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. He doesn't sweeten it at all but if you wish add - 1/2-1 Tablespoon (or to taste) of honey or maple or even agave nectar as sweetener. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Procedure

In a large salad bowl combine the lettuces, apples, walnuts and craisins/raisins. Gently toss together to mix well. Sprinkle the Feta cheese on top. Drizzle with the Balsamic Vinagrette and mix gently. Serve immediately.

 

Next time I will try crumbled Bleu Cheese with it and also add some green or red grapes! Oh yum!

 



 

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