Chipotle Black Bean Enchiladas

A week or so ago I made these enchiladas. And if I do say so myself, they were the best I've ever made. But before going into that, let me give a little update on things around here. 

Last weekend, I ran my second half marathon! It was also a great excuse to take a long weekend trip back home to Little Rock. The race went quite well. The weather was great and, aside from two rather daunting hills, I reached my goal of running the whole thing. Mind you, I do not run fast. In fact, I think at one point a speed walking old woman past me...but that's not the point. I finished and it felt great. It was also so wonderful to see my family and dear friends. I miss them all so much. 

Now back to the enchiladas. These are not vegan, but I think you could easily make them vegan by using vegan sour cream and then omitting the cheese all together or using a cheese substitute that you like. One thing I did that might be a little unusual is use flour tortillas instead of corn. I know that may enchilada blasphemy, but they are so good, i just don't care. I strongly suggest using whole wheat tortillas though, as they stand up better to the sauce and won't be as soggy the second day. Or I suppose you could use corn if you're a purist.

Ingredients (this makes a 9x13 pan's worth):
10 whole wheat flour tortillas 
1 lg (19 oz) can enchilada sauce
1 can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted is good or Rotel style)
2 cans black beans, drained but not rinsed
a couple of spoonfuls sour cream
1/2 tbsp cumin
about 1/4 cup salsa
1/2 block of Monterrey jack cheese, shredded 
a few spoonfuls sauce that chipotle peppers come in


Heat the oven to 375. In a large bowl, mash the beans with a potato masher. You don't have to massacre it, but you want it to resemble re-fried beans. Mix in the salsa, sour cream, cumin and chipotle sauce. Add a couple large spoonfuls of the bean mixture down the center of the tortillas and roll. Line a 9x13 casserole pan with the enchiladas - 5 on each end. Next, pour the sauce and diced tomatoes evenly over the tortillas. I like my enchiladas really saucy. If you don't, use a smaller can of sauce. Cover the tops with the shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the sauce is good and bubbly and the cheese is nicely melted. 


Garnishing with some fresh chopped cilantro would also be nice. If you can't handle things too spicy, go easy on the chipotle. Don't leave it out though because it adds a wonderful smokey flavor.

DIY Natural Deoderant and Face-Wash

Today I am posting recipes of a different sort. Over the past long weekend I experimented a little with making some of my own personal care products. Why, you ask? Well, toxins are really beginning to concern me. It seems they are everywhere and in everything and I personally don't think we know enough about what they are doing to us. I know I can't rid my life of them completely, but it is a lot easier than I thought to make a switch to using natural, everyday items in place of commercially produced products for a variety of purposes. Not to mention, it is generally way cheaper! 

I have found it very empowering to make my own products. However, I wonder if Brian thinks I've lost it a little. I was so excited to show him what I'd made. His response: What are you now, Amish? (No offense to Amish people. But come to think of it, they wouldn't be reading this anyway.) I know he was only teasing me (I think). Although, he has yet to try any of my concoctions...   

There are several things that I am trying, or plan to try, but I'll share two that I have tried so far and am quite pleased with: deodorant and an oil-based face wash. ( I know that last one sounds strange, I thought so too. But really, it is great.) 

Thanks to my new Pinterest obsession, I find all these great ideas for do-it-yourself projects. See, it isn't a time waster at all...Anyway, one thing I came across was a recipe for deodorant at this site. I have tried buying natural deodorants before and been very disappointed...and, well, smelly. I was pleasantly surprised by this concoction. I've used it for two days now and at the end of each day I am still stink-free. Promise.  

The recipe is quite simple: 

1/4 c organic coconut oil

1/4 c arrowroot powder

1/4 cup baking soda

5+ drops essential oil of your choice 

You mix all of the ingredients together to form a paste. I personally found the coconut oil to be quite hard as it was, so I put the jar in some hot water to melt it and then mixed it in. I added probably a tablespoon more than the above recipe because it still seemed a little dry. Also, I didn't buy any arrowroot powder and just used cornstarch instead. I had bought some peppermint essential oil for the homemade toothpaste I'm trying out so I just used that for the scent, but you could really use whatever you like the smell of. Then I stored it in a small mason jar and I just use my finger to take a little bit and rub it in. Once the oil hits your skin, it softens and dissolves very well.

Another option for deodorant is maybe the simplest thing I've ever heard: 99% isopropyl alcohol. Yep. And you know what? It works. You do not end up smelling like alcohol either.

Now on to the face wash. I am very excited about this one. It sounded very strange to me to use oil to wash your face, but the lady on the site said her skin had never looked better so I was willing to try it. Especially considering it only takes two ingredients! One I already had in my house. 

You simply mix one part castor oil (yes, the stuff in the drug store you take for constipation) with one part either sunflower or olive oil. I used olive oil since I always have some in the house. Since my skin is sometimes on the oily side, I did two parts castor oil to one part olive oil. 

To use, you massage a quarter-sized amount into your skin for about a minute. Then run a wash cloth under very warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and lay over your face for another minute. Next rinse the wash cloth and gently rub the remaining oil, dirt, make-up, etc off your face. 

My skin feels really smooth and not too dried out like with some cleansers. It also acts as a great eye make-up remover and doesn't sting your eyes. It's cheap, does a great job at removing make-up, and makes my skin feel great. I don't think I'll ever go back to using cleanser again.  

It feels really good to know exactly what is in the products I use and know that they are safe. Admittedly, I'm not actually a great environmentalist, but the fact that these things don't hurt the environment either is an added bonus. 

Bonus tip - You can also use coconut oil to shave your legs!   

Update: I had to stop using the deodorant; it was giving me rash. I went back to using regular deodorant for awhile and am now trying out various store bought natural options. I also stopped using the oil face cleansing method. My makeup was not staying on my face during the day and as soon as I stopped using the oil, it was back to normal. Oh well. Worth a try.  

Vegan Potato Soup - with cilantro!

Alright, I confess to being a total liar when I've said that I was going to start posting again and didn't. In my defense, it is so much easier to be inspired in the spring and summer when surrounded by all the beautiful garden produce. It's not too late to make a New Year's resolution, right? Me being an accomplished procrastinator and all, I figure late February  is about the right time. 

So before I get into the recipe, a few things that have been going on with me recently (because I know you are bursting with curiosity. Do try and contain yourselves.)


1. Two weeks until the Little Rock Half Marathon...my legs have been sore since Christmas.

2. I have recently become addicted to Pinterest. Seriously, someone may need to stage an intervention. But hey, at least it cuts down on Facebook time and you get so many cool ideas. If only I could get away from the computer long enough to try them... 
 
3. We bought ourselves a juicer for Christmas after being inspired by the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. Planning a juice fast in March after the half marathon.

4. In an effort to cut down on toxins from everyday commercial products, I have started researching DIY natural products from laundry detergent to face wash. I'll let you know how it goes. If anyone has any suggestions, please do tell. 

5. And finally, on a more serious note, God has answered some prayers in our life recently concerning various matters. We have been really blessed. 

Now, on to the soup. Admittedly, I don't have a very precise recipe to give for this. I usually just keep adding stuff until it tastes good and I don't always remember what that is. The real reason I'm posting this is because I was so excited by how good adding cilantro to it is! I got this idea from my dad who is trying to watch his salt intake. He said that adding cilantro gave it so much flavor, he didn't really miss the salt. I admit though, I did use salt as well, but I think it helps cut down on what I would normally add to potato soup, which is probably enough to turn Lake Ouachita into the Red Sea...I also use Yukon gold potatoes and cook them in vegetable broth instead of water. The Yukon gold potatoes have a better, creamier texture and more flavor and you don't need to peel them. 

So here is a rough idea of what I use for a big pot:

1 lg onion, chopped
3-4 carrots, peeled and chopped 
3-4 celery stalks, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
about 5 or 6 Yukon Gold potatoes, (maybe more if they are small) cut into chunks
enough vegetable broth to cover the vegetables in the pot (if you run out, you can always add water)
several tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 
salt and pepper to taste  (I also add some Cajun seasoning, season salt, or Greek seasoning depending on my mood, but I could not tell you how much, just keep tasting)
some hot water on hand to thin it out if needed  


Put all the chopped vegetables in the pot (except the cilantro) and cover with broth. On high, bring the vegetables to a boil and then let boil for about 20 minutes or so. You want the potatoes to be soft enough to smash easily. I just use a potato masher and mash until I reach a consistency that I like. It could be quite thick at this point so I add some hot water until it thins out how I like it. Now add some seasonings. I like lots of black pepper in my potato soup. You might want to hold back on the salt and let everyone salt their own bowl after the cilantro is added. Once the soup is in individual bowls, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top and stir in. Then add more salt or pepper if needed. 


I think the potatoes are creamy enough on their own and don't need added cream or milk, but if you wanted to, you could use some soy creamer and stir it in after the vegetables are mashed. 

Adding the cilantro is really tasty and different. So good on cold, winter nights.

BBQ Tofu Sandwiches

Tofu is a scary word to most non-vegetarians it seems. I've noticed it's one of the main things at which people cringe and refuse to try. I honestly haven't used tofu a lot at home, but I'm trying to experiment more with it and use processed soy meats less. 

These sandwiches were so easy and turned out very tasty. Word of advice: it will be as tasty as your BBQ sauce so make sure you choose a good quality sauce. I had some Trader Joe's BBQ sauce in the fridge so I was in good shape. Don't skimp on the quality of the buns either. I also recommend using a sauce with some spice to it but adding jalapenos will do the trick as well (for perfection, do both!). I'm not much for sweet flavors but if I can balance the sweet with some spice then I really enjoy it. 

Ingredients:
1 package extra-firm tofu, sliced somewhat thin
about a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (enough to generously coat tofu in the pan)
vegetable oil for browning tofu
good soft wheat buns
sliced tomato
jalapenos
Whatever else sounds good as a topping!   

First, heat some oil in a large non-stick skillet on med-high heat. When oil is hot, add the tofu slices and cook on both sides until lightly golden brown (you might need to do this in a couple batches). Set the cooked tofu on a paper towel and drain the excess oil from the pan. Lower the heat to low and add the tofu back plus the BBQ sauce to generously coat the tofu slices. Let this simmer together for several minutes on low to allow the tofu to absorb the flavor. I also grilled the insides of the buns  - yummy. Done! Now you make your sandwiches. They have a ton of flavor and are very satisfying. 

Don't be afraid of tofu. It's your, and your arteries, friend!

"Spanish" Couscous and Homemade Wheat Tortillas

Who doesn't love homemade flour tortillas? I don't know why I haven't tried making these more considering how much I drool over them. I finally got the motivation to try it out last night. Wanting to go for a healthier version, I tried a whole-wheat recipe I found on this blog: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/whole_wheat_flour_tortillas. I swapped the shortening for vegetable oil though. I made one batch with all wheat flour and one with half and half all purpose. They were both good and very hearty. However, could someone please tell me how to make them so perfectly round?!


Of course, one cannot live on flour tortillas alone (even as I write that I'm not so sure). So I decided to throw together something with couscous instead of rice as a side. I love couscous. Partly because it's idiot proof and so fast. I also think it has a nice texture. It turned out quite tasty as an alternative to Spanish rice. 


Ingredients: 
1 cup whole-wheat couscous (or regular) 
1 cup vegetable broth (or water, but I think vegetable broth adds more flavor)
1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies 
half an onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tbsp cumin
roughly 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
a few tsp of the juice from a can of chipotle peppers (adjust depending on your heat tolerance. If you can handle it, I would chop a few up and add it to the mix) 


In a small skillet, cook the onions and garlic for a few minutes over medium heat. Meanwhile, heat the broth and diced tomatoes to a boil. Remove from heat and throw in the remaining ingredients. Mix well, cover, and let set for five minutes or so. Then, fluff with fork and taste and add more seasoning or spice if needed. Another idea would be to add a can of drained, rinsed black beans. I would have, but I was serving some re-fried beans on the side.


This is low-fat, vegan, and super easy to make!

Getting tribal, playing with ham, and other pearls of wisdom

Finally, this semester is OVER! I have about one lovely month to look forward to free of students, planning, and grading. Honestly, that is the best Christmas present ever. (Ahem, that is not to say that I would not appreciate say, a spa package?...) The passing of another semester means that is time for everyone's favorite, deep thoughts from the students at the ELI. 
  

Well, at least they're honest...

Three specifications that a lot of men want in a wife are respect, ethics, and money.

Perhaps Yoda was a guest lecturer this year. 

 Also, give spies the poles and car fire to go help people maybe you are let die. Before you must be don’t quick drive tailgating. 

Well I'm glad we cleared that up.                                                                            People do not get responsible by a curtain age; it is not like growing a mustache.

Because who better to take care of your grandmother than the guy who robbed your house?                                                                                                                        If criminals get a job to take care older people or orphans, it can help society and take mind off crimes, also criminals volunteer for people, they learn about love between people.

I don't know about you, but I just can't live in a society where criminals lose their confidence.                                                                                                       However, there are also disadvantages that criminals feel bad and can lose their confidence. For example, criminals want to go public restroom, but they always to go there with the officer, so they feel uncomfortable and they feel shame.

Something you never hear on House Hunters:                                                          Thus, the lactation of the city is an important reason for moving to another city.

You hunters and your egos.                                                                                      Some hunters like to show off to make people think they are smart, and strong.

No wonder I can never convince people to be vegetarian.                          Furthermore, some hunters are thing the meat from the animals or the birds have powerful for the sex, mind, bone, and muscle such as turkey’s meat has much protein.

I'm really going to have put Frazier on a budget...                                                     The price of meat is expensive compared to vegetables because animals spend more money than vegetables.

Hmm. Perhaps our students could learn a thing or two from Sesame Street about safety.                                                                                                                     First of all, people should introduce themselves do not wait another person to do it. After that, they should tell strange person their name.

Well if you didn't have a mental problem before reading this...                              Though the mental tests are very important for people who have mental problem, people who have mental problem are tested by this tests. If people who have mental problem can’t be tested exactly, they can’t be treated for their mental problem.

No comment.                                                                                                                               Furthermore, casino will create many jobs such as dealers, servicers and security employees.

Ah, the quilting life.                                                                                              Some young people seek the dream of big money or good job, and they move to some big city. Some people enjoy quilting life, and they move to villages.

Don't you think it's about time they get a title? Geez.                                               Four months ago the Untitled States government’s got one of the people who adding wrong information in a clear website.

They get tribal? Try reading the papers.                                                                    Most of the student got tribal when they researching for their papers because they do not know if the information in the website is correct or not.

Facebook only for parsons?                                                                                        Fore eyras ago I opened Face Book, and this is for any parson in the world, so I had friend in England from 1 year ago, because I was study there.

Those sneaky parsons                                                                                              Many countries have department to fix the information’s that are not correct and clear, and see the parson who add that wrong information.

Fun with paraphrasing.                                                                                       Original: large-scale prostitution emerged
Paraphrase: extensive prostitution aroused

Where were these websites when I was writing my thesis?                                         For example when student need to do research for any subject look like the internet, they should know well website to get the good information they went, such as Wakabedi, Yoho, and so on. 

Springfield - the place to be for cheap love!                                                                In conclusion people from South America, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, Spain Italy, etc. prefer Springfield to start to study English, and to love in a cheaper way.

Wait. I have a dumb phone. Where is my massage?!                                                 Before smart phone, people use dumb phone which can only get massages and calls.

Many times this semester I wished I'd had a lap for pouting...                                 Also, the schools should have lap for pouting all computers inside.

This is just sad.
For example, when I was in England I play bowling everyday and to mouth. I play with ham sometime. 

These next two explain a lot about several of our students...                                    The second way for make a friend is work.  I had work when I was in my country. I had money friend in my country for example, I knew one friend such as my idea in the work, when the manger need me or he has a lot of work, because I am high my friend in the work. 

Also I went to trip with my friend about work.

The lost advice of Miss Manners:                                                                           Always be happy when gritting someone.

Darn those house stealers. 
 In addition, there are common kinds of crime happen frequently in Saudi Arabia. For instance, houses stealing, murder, kidnapping, teenagers steal cars, and some foreigners stay in the country illegally. 


Something you didn't learn from Law & Order:                                                      There are various crimes such as murder, rape, violence, and outrage. 

And finally, my personal favorite - an interesting solution for the healthcare crisis.       For example when people have tooth decay, the rule can change to limit the dentist to cure three of them, and then if the patient wants to cure more teeth, they have to pay for the treatment themselves.

Which teeth will you choose?  

Thanks to all my co-workers for sharing these. They keep from smashing my head into the computer screen during finals grading time. Happy Break!!  

Did you miss me?

Yes, yes. I know. It has been forever since my last post. Honestly, I have not been cooking a lot of original things lately. Between work, more work, dog school, house work, and trying not to neglect my husband, coming up with new recipes and posts unfortunately went by the wayside. 

Thank goodness for all the yummy stuff we picked up at Trader Joe's. 

However, there are only a few more weeks left in this semester (thank goodness, I've had about all I can take of apathetic, lazy, and immature students) and I hope to cook up a storm come break!

My plan is to add more vegan recipes as I am interested in cutting out more animal products from my diet. Don't fret. I don't eat things unless they are super tasty and vegan recipes will be no different. 

So let's see. What else is new? Oh yes, I have decided there is really not enough torture in my life, so I signed up to run the Little Rock half marathon again in March. Yep, let the crying and cursing...I mean training begin. I did my first half marathon two years ago and due to a hip/knee thing, couldn't finish the race running and had to walk some. The perfectionist goober in me cannot let this go and is forcing me to try it again. 

Darn you, perfectionist goober. 

Stay tuned...