Chicken Lentil Chili

From Kristi's Kitchen

Ingredients:

1 lb. dried lentils
6 c. organic seasoned chicken stock (I make my own and season to taste with garlic powder and sea salt)
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
3 small tomatoes, diced
16 oz. salsa verde (I used World Trade Brand Roasted Salsa Verde)
1/2 tsp. sea salt (this amount will depend on the your chicken stock -taste at this point -start with 1/4 tsp and work up)
1/16 tsp. cayenne
2 c. shredded cooked organic chicken

Directions:

-Combine all ingredients -except chicken and salt- in stock pot
-Bring to a boil -reduce heat to MED-LO and simmer until lentils are tender (about 20 minutes)
-Taste, stir in chicken and salt and simmer for 5-10 more minutes

Serve with "Southern Style Cornbread" and "Fusion Slaw"...for a fabulous vegetarian chili just leave out the chicken and use seasoned organic vegetable stock in place of chicken stock

Makes 6 bowls

Pot o’ Red Beans

From Kristi’s Kitchen

Ingredients:

1 lb. dried light kidney beans, soaked and drained

½ green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 large organic celery stalk, diced

4 pieces organic turkey bacon, diced

3 bay leaves

½ tsp. pepper

¾ tsp. poultry seasoning

1 tsp. garlic powder

3 tbsp. coconut palm crystals

½ tsp. dried basil

1/8 tsp. cayenne

6 c. Beyond Organic filtered water

4 tsp. sea salt

Directions:

-Combine all ingredients in large stock pot –except salt

-Bring to a boil and simmer over MED-LO –stirring occasionally- for 1 hour and 15 minutes

-Add in salt, gently smash cooked beans with a potato masher (this will create a creaminess) and continue simmering for 15 more minutes

-Garnish with fresh chopped green onion and a splash of pepper vinegar or hot sauce to taste

Serve cajun-style over brown rice with a side of sautéed greens OR dish it up with quinoa as its bed –delicious!

Organic or Not...The Frugal's Guide to Shopping...

If you're new to the world of organic, your first inclination is probably to assume that all fruits and veggies MUST be purchased organically. They may be purchased organically- it is the absolute best way to insure that your bases are completely covered- but, if you are on a budget like me you will be happy to note that there is a list of fruits and veggies that may be purchased "conventionally" -meaning not organic...
While talking all things health and nutrition with a friend this afternoon, I realized that this knowledge was not wide spread and might be helpful to put out there...so here it is...The place where Happy Eating and Happy Saving collide! Whoohoo!

Must Be Bought Organically - they drink in the pesticides:

Peaches, Nectarines
Apples, Pears
Sweet Bell Pepper (red, green, yellow)
Celery
Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries
Cherries
Kale, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens
Lettuces, Spinach
Grapes(Imported) - If they're USA grown they may be purchased conventionally
Carrots
Potatoes

May Be Purchased Conventionally:

Onion
Avocado
Sweet corn (frozen)
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet peas (frozen)
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli, Cauliflower
Tomato
Sweet potato
Bananas

The Environmental Working Group has a more extensive list on its website:
http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list/

Another thing to be aware of is that 80+% of the corn and soy crops in our country are ladened with GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). They have not completely uncovered the health ramifications of this so, buyer beware... best to buy corn organically and avoid soy unless its labeled Non-GMO....

Hope this is helpful... Happy Eating and Budgeting!