Fresh and Easy - Tomato and Mushroom Rice

My husband and I had dinner at a neighbor's house this summer.  The family is from Ecuador and they prepared a very simple side: white rice with fresh avocado and tomato (peeled and diced).  It was so simple yet so delicious.  I highly recommend trying it.  This side inspired me the other evening when I was making tamales.  I wanted an easy side and I really didn't have much in the house to prepare.  Alas, I went into the cabinets and fridge and found some whole grain rice, fresh tomato and mushrooms.  While I steamed the rice, I sauteed the tomatoes and mushrooms in a little olive oil with some onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and ground ginger.  It was delicious, fresh and EASY! 

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are a favorite snack in our house and are super easy to make.  Sometimes I use a little creamy peanut butter in place of some margarine.  I made a huge batch of these cookies with two teenagers that live in our developement.  They actually stopped texting to make these cookies : ) Hope you enjoy.

1 c Flour
1/2 tsp. Baking soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 c Margarine
1/2 c Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 Tbsp. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/4 c Oatmeal (quickoats)
1 c Chocolate chips (semi-sweet)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease two cookie sheets.
Combine all ingredients, roll up your sleeves and mix with your hands!
Spoon dough onto cookie sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes.
This recipes makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Lentil and Barley Slowcooker Soup

This soup is easy to make and is full of ingredients that are great for you!  I usually make a large batch then freeze away several containers.  Enjoy!

1/2 lb Lentils (sorted and rinsed)
1/2 cup Barley
1 lb Carrots
2, 14oz cans Cubed tomatoes in sauce
1/2 lb Spinach or Kale
1, 15oz can Corn
1, 15oz can Sweet Peas
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/4 tsp Onion powder
10 cups Water
3 Tbsp Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
** Vegetable stock can be substituted for the water and chicken base**

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.  Sprinkle soup with parmesan cheese before serving.