Two Amazing Basics To Love

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to two amazing and healthy foods...they are primarily seen as sides, and they can also be the main star in your primary course! They are both easy to prepare, and versatile to use. And best of all, kids LOVE them!

1. "Petite Pastas" -- orzo, acini de pepe, stars (if you can find them), cous cous (both Israeli, and the more traditional varieties)

2. "Great Grains" -- amaranth, Quinoa, coarse ground cornmeal

Great additions to all of the above :

* Lemon or lime juice
* Feta or goat cheese
* Kalamata olives
* capers
* Roasted red peppers
* Olive oil
* Fresh spices
* Fresh tomatoes (or canned)
* Basil
* Turkey pepperoni
* Fresh diced veggies
* Edamame

Here's a really easy, quick, nutritious recipe to try :

Lemon Orzo Pasta (with or without protein)

Choose one of the "petite pastas" (I will use Orzo as my example). Bring your water to boil on the stovetop with some sea salt tossed in. Once it's to a rolling boil, add the Orzo. Cook as directed on the package, until the pasta is al dente. Drain and rinse in cool water. Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator while you prepare your other ingredients.

To make a dressing for enough to cover a full box/package of cooked Orzo :

In a small bowl whisk together 2 tbl of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp of lemon zest, a pinch of coarse ground sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, and 2 generous tsp of fresh dill weed (you can use dried dill weed if you'd like, but stay away from dill SEED as it imparts a somewhat bitter taste to your dish). Set aside.

Finely chop 1 medium bell pepper (I like the flavor, color, and visual appeal of red peppers in this salad), 1 head of broccoli (raw broccoli can be "grated" on a cheese grater to give some bright green accents to this salad) grated or very finely chopped (no large chunks of broccoli in this particular dish).

Combine all ingredients with the Orzo pasta, toss to coat. At this point you may want to add more dill weed depending on the deepness of flavor that you'd like to achieve. Cover, refrigerate until ready to serve.

This salad is a wonderful, light, healthy option that can play a supporting role in any Vegan summer supper, and also has starring role potential by adding one of the following :

* Freshly grilled chicken breasts (marinate in fresh citrus juice, fresh minced garlic, cracked black pepper)
* Grilled jumbo shrimp (same marinade as the chicken)
* Steamed/blackened/grilled citrus Tilapia filets

And, most important of all : invite someone to share this meal with you! After all, surrounding yourself with positive people helps your lifelong fitness/wellness journey that much easier!

Nehemiah 8:10

"Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'"