Artichoke

Growing up in California, I loved artichokes for as long as I can remember... Here is my way of preparing the arti, and the dipping sauce.

Artichoke

1 Artichoke (the bigger, and tighter the leaves - THE BETTER)

2 dashes of salt

2 tbs. of Mayo with Olive Oil

1 tbs. of lemon juice

Turn stove to medium heat. Fill up a small pot with about an inch/inch and a half of water, add salt, and bring to slow boil.

Slice the end off the artichoke, so that there is a little bit of stem left for the artichoke to balance in the boiling water, but make sure it can still sit flat. Cover with lid, and allow to steam for 45-60 minutes. Artichoke will be ready when test leaf is easy to remove (with tongs).

Before serving, mix mayo and lemon juice in small bowl. My bestie, Shelley uses melted butter instead of the mayo dip.

Any sauce suggestions? Please let me know, by leaving a comment below!

Five Bean Chili (vegetarian)

Enjoy this chili with family and friends, as a main dish or as a simple side.

Five Bean Chili (vegetarian)

1 Can of Bush's Chili Beans
1 Can of pinto beans

1 Can of white northern beans

1 Can of black beans

1 Can of dark red kidney beans

1 Can of diced tomatoes with mild chilies (or plain)

Top with:

1 package of sour cream (1 tbs. per)
2 cups of sharp chedder cheese (sprinkle)

Using a large pot, set the stove to low-medium heat. Add the Bush's Chili Beans, pinto beans, white northern beans, black beans, dark red kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir gently to mix ingredients together. Cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Mediterranean Wrap

This recipe is one I enjoy from Jason's Deli! I attempted to make their Mediterranean Wrap at home, it was so delicious and fresh - I know it will become a favorite of yours as well.

Mediterranean Wrap (serving size varies - makes aprox. 6 wraps)

1 Package of Whole Wheat wrap/tortillas
1 Sliced Cucumber (4-5 slices per)

1 Small sliced red onion (6-10 slices per)

1/2 lb. sliced turkey (optional)

1 Container of sliced Kalamata Olives

Hummus (see recipe in blog) (2 tbs. per)

3 Roma Tomatoes (3 slices per)

1 Package of Baby Lettuces

Start with one whole wheat wrap, spread two tablespoons of hummus down the middle of the wrap. Add a few sliced Kalamata olives on top of the hummus, and a handful of the baby lettuces on top of the olives. Place some of the turkey, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions in the center of the wrap - fold, slice diagonal and serve! If you have left over tomatoes, slice and serve with salt and pepper as a side.