Sweet potatoes shine in a surprising blend of chipotle and honey.
One of the many capes I wear is that of a freelance writer. Currently I’m working on an article on habits, how to make and break them. Did you know that once you’ve developed a habit, good or bad, that the neurons in your brain will always remember? Even if you quit, and then take it up again a year later your neurons will fire along that pathway as if you’d never stopped? This means that your mind, your body, will never forget. This makes me grateful that I’ve eliminated some bad habits throughout the years of which I have no intention of repeating. Like eating junk food, for instance. As a teenager I’d fill up on chocolate bars, ice-cream sandwiches, and chips for lunch (my brain has a specific neuron pathway just for chocolate-dip donuts).
Thankfully I’ve grown up and grown healthier. I very rarely eat junk anymore, except for the occasional “treat,” and I’m starting to eat less meat. It’s no wonder then that when I stumbled upon Naturally Ella, I took an instant liking to the recipes before I even tried them. Food blogger Erin used to be a junk-food fiend, and now she’s creating healthy, seasonal (and affordable) vegetarian dishes that will make your neurons fire. Her Chipotle Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Guac Tacos will blow your mind (I had to say it, ’cause it’s true!). The spicy, sweet, and citrusy potato filling is a perfect complement to the smooth richness of avocado.
These peanut noodles make a great workday lunch.
I grew up eating rice noodles so imagine my surprise when I discovered there’s such a thing as brown rice noodles. They taste wonderful, especially in NE’s Spicy Peanut Sauce with Brown Rice Noodles & Veggies. This is great for the kids or to make ahead of time for work lunches. I found the peanut flavour to be a bit on the milder side so when I made it again I added half a tablespoon more peanut butter. If you can only find regular rice noodles that’s okay, as I’ve tried both, and it was all good. Finishing the dish off with a squeeze of lime like Erin suggests, makes it, as well.
This carrot-ginger rice is such a crowd pleaser that you'll need to make extra.
Naturally Ella has a seasonal section that is broken down into four categories: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Enjoy spring’s carrots with this amazing Carrot-Ginger Brown Rice recipe. You’ll want to use organic carrots, since they are wonderfully flavourful. This is, hands down, the best rice dish I have ever tasted. I think I sighed in pleasure the entire time I ate. It makes a great side dish or main with a fried egg on top. Try it and you’ll see why eating healthfully is a habit worth forming.
All pics via Naturally Ella
