Less is more - Eating healthy

I just might dedicate this post to my sweet friend Caroline, the healthiest person I know!  You are rubbing off on me, sweet Caroline -   I am not ready to give up Tab but sometimes I do eat healthy!

Less is more... but let me set the record straight.  I love food.  I love to cook and eat and feed other people.  I love food.  For further information, see post "The Language of Love".  I love food. 

So I am not suggesting a fast here.  (That might be another post because I actually do think that is a great idea!  But I digress...) And my man is a meat and potatoes guy. He does NOT think macaroni and cheese is an entree!  What I am saying, though, is that we can do with a little less meat from time to time.  And I have a recipe for you that makes the thought a little more palatable.  (Plus, it's easy and requires LESS time in the kitchen which is good all around!)

This is adapted from the Saving Dinner cookbook.  Enjoy with a bowl of rice and a big salad and when you eat your fill, you will think you have had more, not less!!

Crock Frijoles

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 small onion, chopped (not optional - this adds flavor in a big way!)
3 cloves garlic, pressed (not optional - see note on the onion)
5 cups chicken broth
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
1 pound pinto or red kidney beans (the dry kind - and you have to soak them overnight)

Saute the bell pepper, onion and garlic in a little bit of olive oil.  Then dump all that and all the remaining ingredients into a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours.  At some point in the process, add a little bit of Texas Pete or Tabasco -type sauce. Salt and pepper, too.  To suit your taste.  I like a pretty good bit!

And if your man just cannot survive without some meat, fry up few slices of bacon and toss them in.  Or slice up some kielbasa.  It is yummy that way, too.

And while we are on the subject of eating....today is declutter day for the kitchen.  This could take a while.  I suggest a large glass of TAB to get you started :)  Same drill as the den and the bathroom - two bags...but you might want black trash bags.....Give away your usable excess to a local missionary home.  If you live in the Athens area, message me and I'll give you specific suggestions.