Monday Meals: Fresh Veggies + Penne + Goat Cheese

Inspired by a recipe on Pinterest, I decided to combine some of my recent market and co-op purchases into one dish. I picked up the organic zucchini and spinach at a local co-op last week and had purchased some plain goat cheese a couple weeks ago at the open air market in town. It was lacking spice and needs a bit of a kick, but my spice cabinet is lacking. 

Approximate recipe: 

1 cup penne pasta (uncooked) 

2 cups spinach

3 small zucchini 

2 Tbsp goat cheese 

Fresh ground pepper 

What are your go to spices? 

Recipe: Chickpea and Quinoa Salad {Meatless Monday}

I found this recipe on Pinterest, and gave it a shot. The first time I made this, I knew I had a winner! I love the fresh veggies mixed with the chickpeas and quinoa.

 Our verdict- a Pinterest WIN. I made this again this past weekend and added green peppers and it was a BIG hit! For a dish that is healthy, light, and filling- I recommend checking out the recipe and giving it a shot!

Simple Meals: Stir Fry

Ryan has requested some new meals be added to our routine. While perusing the meat section at my friendly neighborhood organic grocer, I found very affordable pre-cut beef for stir fry. Added benefit- hormone and antibiotic free. Yes please! My mind started racing with ideas, but I went with the obvious and decided to make something inspired by stir fry.

Ingredients: Boil in a bog brown rice, frozen mixed veggies, meat, soy sauce, olive oil (not pictured)

Frozen Veggies + Soy Sauce + Water + Microwave = Easy Peasy

I cooked the beef in olive oil and soy sauce (I don't measure!)

Another simple meal with the thumbs up from the husband-man! Success!!!

Monday Meals: Fajitas and 5 Layer Dip

Ryan loves dips and chips and I love to cook for him. So I decided to make him one of his favorites- a 5 layer dip. We had picked one up at Earth Fare that was tasty, but it was expensive and gone within a couple of hours. My solution was to make a similar homemade version.

Here is what I did:

Layer One:
Amy's Organic Refried Beans (Seriously the best beans EVER!)

Layer Two:
Mix in a small bowl: 2 ripe avocados, 2 tsp lime juice, pinch of salt
Layer over the beans.

Layer Three:
Salsa (We used some acquired from the local farmer's market- YUM!)

Layer Four:
Sour Cream with Taco Seasoning sprinkled on top.

Layer Five:
Mexican Cheese Blend

Don't judge a dip by it's photo:


Because we cannot just eat dip alone, I stayed with the cuisine theme and made fajitas.


Is it wrong for me to be in love with my new cutting boards? One for meats and one for veggies. *swoon*


Tasty goodness.

Monday Meals: Spinach Lasagna

One of my new goals is to start making heathy meals for myself and Ryan. I'm trying to get into the groove of cooking more often and incorporating organic foods into our normal routine.

This week's new meal was a Low-Fat Spinach Lasagna. As it isn't perfected yet I am not going to give out the recipe, but I will tell you what I put in it this round. I will give this another shot soon and share the exact recipe and instructions if it is successful! This is a trial and error process for me.

Low-fat organic mozzarella cheese
Low-fat organic cottage cheese
Frozen (thawed) spinach
Whole Wheat lasagna noodles
Organic pasta sauce
Italian Seasoning
Pepper



It's not really pretty, and I sure could make some improvements, but it won the seal of approval from my husband so that is good enough for me for now!