Simple is Sometimes Better

Dinner at the Behne houshold is not always a fancy casserole, decadent layered bake, or homemade pizza.  On the contrary, more frequently than not it is something incredibly simple that can be whipped together in less than thirty minutes.  To that point, we also try to eat produce that is in season.  Which is why, during the summer months, we eat a lot of squash, kale, corn, and tomatoes.

I have also found that good quality produce doesn't need much doctoring to make it taste good.  The earth, sun, and rain have already done 99% of the work for us.  So, why ruin a good thing with too much salt, butter, or oil?

In my opinion, the simpler frequently the better (and yummier).

Case in point:

Potarrot Mash (potato and carrot...get it?!)

Sauteed Kale and Zucchini

Tahini, Molasses, and Lemon Cream

Note: I like to call these kinds of recipes "unrecipes," because I don't think that they exactly warrant a detailed ingredient and/or direction list.  

Usually, around 2:00PM, I take stock of what is available, ripe, and ready to eat in the refrigerator and pantry.  From there, I decided what to do with it.  For this dinner, I found:

• a lone Russet potato;
• three skinny carrots leftover from a 2lb. bag;
• 1/4 bunch of kale; and
• two measly zucchini (none of which would really work as an entree, or even a side, on its own).

However, with a little creativity and a willingness to let their natural flavors shine through, I was able to whip up something that was both delicious and filling.

Specifically, I ended up;

• boiling the potato and carrots and them processing them together with 1T Smart Balance and a little salt and pepper;
• sauteing the zucchini and kale together with a little lemonjuice and EVOO, and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; and
• whisking together a cream of 2T tahini, 2T lemonjuice, 2T water, 1/2tsp molasses, pinch of salt and pepper, and 1/2 packet of stevia.  

The cream added some healthy fats from the tahini, as well as a little more staying power from the protein.  Bo added a few links of sausage, and all in all the meal was fast, filling, and fabulous!

Question of the Day:

So, I'm excited to know, what are some of the simplest meals that YOU whip together?  Please share in the "Comment" section below...who knows, I might want to recreate them in MY kitchen! :)

Blessings,
Ally and Bo

Tahini, Molasses, and Honey Snack Bread

L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore

Love is all that I can give to you

Love is more than just a game for two

Two in love can make it

Take my heart and please don't break it

Love was made for me and you 

(Source)

OK, so I'm kind of in love with this Middle Eastern snack.  In fact, I might have eaten it at least once a day for the last four days straight...

...and force fed it to my husband (he ended up really liking it)...

...and am already planning the next time I can eat it...

...yes...

...you're right...

...I might have a problem.

But just look at that delicious, drippy goodness.  Honestly, how could you say no?!  So, what exactly IS this snack I keep showing you salivating pictures of?!  


Well...

This traditional Turkish dish of tahini and molasses is great to eat on cold winter days.  It gives energy and is very filling.  My mother used to say to me, "if you have it every morning you will never feel the cold."  Tahini does not have any cholesterol, contains B vitamins, and significant amounts of protein.  Molasses is a good source of energy and carbohydrates because of its high sugar content.  It is ideal for daily doses of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.  Plus, it contains lots of minerals. (Source)

Tahini, Molasses, and Honey Snack Bread
Serves 1

1/2 English Muffin (or bread of choice)
1/2T tahini
1/2tsp blackstrap molasses
1/2tsp honey

Directions:

• Toast the English Muffin to your liking.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the molasses and honey with a fork.
• Once the bread is toasted, add a thin layer of tahini to the bread.
• Drizzle the molasses/honey mixture over the tahini.
• Eat immediately while the bread is still warm and the toppings are ooey, gooey, and delicious!

While doing my search for nutritional information on tahini and molasses I ran across this recipe for Molasses with Tahini Soft-Serve.  Seriously, now I can eat this combination in ice cream form?!  Tonight's dessert can't come fast enough!

Question of the Day:


What are some of your favorite, quick, and healthy snacks?!

Blessings,
Ally and Bo