over the weekend.....

we ate winter foods and snuggled and napped.I played with Lauren, and we went to Jen's  most delicious cooking class.We learned about winter greens and what to do with rutabagas (do you know?)

the end.

black bean and rice soup

Most mornings I wake up with some idea....an inkling at least of what we'll have for dinner. 

This day I had no idea.

I opened the fridge, the cupboard......nothing. 

I opened the freezer......spanish rice from a few weeks ago. 

What would I do with that?

The same thing I do with every other left over ingredient.....throw it in soup.

And so this soup was born....and it's kind of one of

seasonal cooking class!

Hey Utah friends! Have plans this Saturday? Meet me down at Jacob's Cove (11:30-1:30)for a cooking demonstration taught by the talented Jen and Melissa.
Menu includes:
The Easiest Winter Veggie SoupMom’s Homemade CornbreadCreamed Polenta with Braised Winter Greens and Summer Sun-Dried TomatoesRoot Vegetable Gratin over a Bed of Greens
They only have a few spots left--head over here to register (

spinach turkey burgers

So it's the new year and while I am still trying to detox from the holidays, I'm in search of healthy food, but also simple food.  December was for decadent dishes and in-the-kitchen-all-day recipes, but January, oh January, seems like the time to lighten and simplify.  I don't know if you can get more simple than these turkey burgers.  However, if you are still feeling the urge to be complicated, you could go crazy with toppings or even make your own buns.  However, I preferred topping these with all those little extra bites of things I had leftover in the refrigerator and because I have eaten enough carbs in the past couple of weeks to last me a lifetime, we went for a bunless version.  Hope your January is off to a great start.

From my little kitchen to yours... Enjoy.

Spinach Turkey Burgers
Makes 4 to 6 patties
Recipe Notes
I topped these with feta cheese, avocado and sliced red onion.  If you choose to top yours with cheese as well, set the oven to broil, add cheese and place skillet in oven for just a few minutes until melted.  Add other toppings and serve... with or without a bun.  The easiest way to thaw the spinach is to follow the directions on the back of the package to microwave.  Make sure you drain spinach well.  This is easiest to do by wringing out the spinach in a clean dish towel.
Ingredients
1 pound lean turkey meat (93 percent fat free)
1 package McCormick taco seasoning
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well (see note above)
Topping Ideas: feta, avocado and red onion; cheddar cheese; tomato and goat cheese
Step by Step
In a medium sized bowl, mix together all three ingredients until well combined.  Form patties.  Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray lightly with a non-stick cooking spray.  Cook patties over medium heat until cooked through.  About 5 to 10 minutes on each side, until all pink is gone from the turkey meat.  (If you have meat thermometer, use it to help you get to the exact temperature, 165 degrees).  See recipe notes for toppings.

the proof is in the pudding

Actually, the proof is in the Supersized Fries, but that title isn't as catchy, is it? 
Last week I asked us all to become more aware of what/how we are eating--the good and the bad. If you're just joining us, see Part One here.
The point of this post, (if there actually ends up being a point more than just making myself look gross), is that people can change. People that have no desire to change

winter wednesday

We all lived through one more week of winter.....hooray! It dipped down around 5° the other night.....brrr...
Thank you so much for all your fun comments on last weeks post! Today I'll ask for your help again--to share your own winter secrets....
Survival Tip #2:take care of your skin! Now I am not talking about facials (wouldn't that be nice) or makeup (I am clueless), or how to get glowing

Waterlogged



Our newly built bridge - the normal river level - one year ago



I'm standing on the side of our bridge. Two days ago.
The water's dropped.  It reached almost to the top
of the concrete.  Unbelievable.


The gates have been shut so that the cows cannot get to the river.  If they tried to cross they may well get washed away if the river rises again.  Best not to risk it.



Hello Elfy. This was my potty calf that we raised at our home in the suburbs.
She is so happy on the farm.  Maybe not in the cattle yards. But certainly
with her own kind roaming the hills. The other heifers love her too.
 Stay safe Elfy.



A water cabbage sits at the edge of our pool. This the high side.  When too full, the water overflows on the other side.



We don't swim in our pool. It was converted long ago into a goldfish haven.
 No more chlorine. No more chemicals.  No more expensive power bills. No
more worry about pumping out the water. Nature can take it's course.


 PS:  I just got off the phone from Hubby.  As of this morning, the water over the bridge has risen dramatically.  And rising.  Oh dear.

Five Hours Later:  I raced to the farm with Hubby this afternoon.  He opened the gates for the cattle to get down to the flats.  And the big shed.  This way they have some permanent shelter.  I just hope they don't go near the water.  A couple of the calves have bad scaling over their poor little bodies due to the big wet.  They need sun. Desperately.   Another week of rain has been predicted.   Latest pics of the river.



Our four wheel drive could go no further



I'm not attempting to walk this one



The trees are coping the wrath of the river