Pinterest Party & Link-up (Vol 18): Moroccan Style Chickpea Chili

By bobbi
February 11, 2014
No Comments

Welcome to the RoL Pinterest Party. Join me every 2nd and 4th Tuesday as we link up and share how we made, cooked, baked, crafted, planned, organized, followed or created one of the pins on our Pinterest boards OR share something original that others can pin onto their boards.

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Now that we are trying to cut out the processed food and eat “real” food, I am cooking from scratch more. I have been trying new recipes, particularly ones with anti-cancer foods and spices, like turmeric. One of those new recipes I tried was this Moroccan style chickpea chili.

(Not pictured – Butternut squash. I was out so I used winter squash.

I originally got the recipe from my cookbook – Cooking Light: Slow Cooker Tonight.

I also found the recipe online here. I added it to my board – What’s Cooking in the Slow Cooker.

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas
2 quarts boiling water
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 1/2 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth (Use veggie broth to make this a Meatless Meal.)
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained and crushed
4 cups chopped peeled butternut squash
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
6 cups hot cooked couscous
8 lime wedges
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

(NOTE: The second time I made this I added 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. I also added a bit more red pepper since is was on the sweeter side.)

Preparation

1. Place chickpeas in a saucepan; add 2 quarts boiling water. Cover and let stand 1 hour; drain. Place beans in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion; sauté 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in tomato paste and next 5 ingredients (through turmeric); sauté 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add onion mixture to slow cooker. Add broth and next 4 ingredients (through tomatoes) to slow cooker; cover and cook on HIGH 8 hours.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil; swirl to coat. Add squash; saute 5 minutes. Add squash to slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 1 hour; stir in peas. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve over couscous with lime wedges.

As I mentioned, I subbed the butternut for winter squash. I also used brown rice instead of couscous. We loved the flavor and it wasn’t spicy so the kids enjoyed it too. The next time I may try adding a little ginger too. 🙂

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Now it’s your turn.

1. Choose your creation, share about it and snap a photo if you can.

2. In your post, link back the original blogger/idea, rather than your Pinterest pin. That way credit goes to the proper person. 🙂 (But feel free to add your Pinterest profile link so we can follow you!)

3. Add a link back here so others can play along.

4. If you want to use it, here is the html code for the logo:

5. Link up below. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address.

The link up will be active for 10 days. Have fun!

Lastly, you can follow me on Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/rol_bobbi/. 🙂

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. 😉

An InLinkz Link-up

TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 4: Episode 6 (Ep 7 in the UK)

By bobbi
February 10, 2014
1 Comment

Source: ITV

Some of the darker themes of the season are explored, along with the best lighthearted scene of the series.

Anna – It was heartbreaking to see Anna cry at the thought of Mr. Bates leaving with Robert and not being by her side and giving her strength. Thank God Mrs. Hughes told Mary and she intervened. I hope now that Mary knows what happened, it won’t be long until she finds out that it was Green that attacked Anna. Although Anna’s fear about Bates finding out came true. Did you see the look on his face at the end? You could physically see the light bulb click in his head. I just hope that they do not have Bates killing Green and we go through the whole “Bates in jail” storyline again. And they also better not do a “he’s found dead in his house” but we don’t know who is the culprit.

Come on, Fellowes! Let’s see some righteous justice done to Green without any of our beloved characters getting their hands dirty. Here is my suggestion – Mary finds out it is Green. She tells Lord Gillingham. Lord G sacks Green. Green goes on a rampage and does not see a car approaching. The car plows into Green and thoroughly crushes him. Granny happens to be in the car, looks out the window and makes a witty comment about her clean tires now being mucked up. Then shoot to Moseley complaining that they’ll probably ask him to clean up the mess. Yes. Yes. I think that would do nicely. 😉

Edith – The other dark story was Edith and her attempt to have an abortion. Thankfully, she changed her mind at the last minute and did not go through with it. Sigh. Rape. Unwanted pregnancy. Abortion. That’s a lot of heavy topics for just a few episodes. On the one hand, I don’t like it because if I wanted reality I’d look around me or watch the evening news. Viewing DA is supposed to be my brief escape from reality. On the other hand, seeing universal heartache and joy that transcends time is a little reassuring. We see that these issues have all been dealt with before and just as others have triumphed over tragedy, so can we.

Mary & Napier – I feel sorry for Napier. He keeps pinning for Mary and she keeps falling for his friends. He is the Edith of male suitors. I still think he and Edith would be a nice match. And if they wed then Merry Moseley could be the best man.

Mary & Lord Gillingham – Okay, Lord G, I do love you and think you are swoony but you need to know when to call it quits. You are engaged and need to focus on falling in love with your fiance and stop chasing Mary. If you want to fight the other chaps for Mary’s affection, then you’d better break off your engament and fight honorably. (Oh, and fire your valet. There is a car bumper with his name on it.)

Mary & Blake – I said from the beginning that I love Gillingham but he is too “good” for Mary. She needs someone that fires her up. Blake is closer to being that man. When Blake continually talked about being Mary being aloof and privileged, you knew that there was going to be a scene when Blake would see Mary’s inner strength and tenacity. I just never figured and that all the foreshadowing talk of pigs would be key. However, I absolutely loved the pig scene and hearing Mary’s rare laugh. Who knew that some muck and scrambled egg would melt the heart of Blake.This is going to be interesting.

The Countess & Mrs. Crawley – The other great love story (the sisterly version) of Downnton Abbey is between Violet and Isobel. Their exchanges before, during and after Granny’s illness were priceless. It was nice to see how much Isobel loves and respects Violet, despite their differences. It was just as nice to see Violet play cards (“oh, goody”) to show Isobel her gratitude.

Robert & Cora – I thought their exchange was cute.

Cora – “Oh darling. I do think your going to rescue my hopeless brother is an act of real love, and I cherish you for it.” Robert – “That’ll keep me warm as I cross the raging seas.” Cora – “Good. Now kiss me.”

I’m looking forward to meeting Cora’s brother, played by Paul Giamatti.

Random Thoughts

I didn’t make any comments on Rose’s story line. Why is the whole Rose and Jack thing not grabbing my attention?? You’d think it would.

With all the men flocking to Mary, it is about time that Tom gets the chance to stop thinking about running away to America and instead find his own love interest. Enter the woman at the political rally. I am certain this is not the last we’ve seen of her.

Jimmy is becoming the new Thomas with his behavior and snide remarks about Ivy.

Moseley may be an unknowing key ingredient is uncovering the tie between Baxter and Thomas as he overhears their conversation. And could he be feeling a little something for Baxter??

Fave Quotes

Mary: I’ve been married, I know everything.

Mrs. Hughes to Carson: I am sorry you’re suspicious of me, but I daresay we both have the personality to overcome it.

Violet: Try not to let those Yankees drive you mad.

Isobel: Would you like me to come with you.? — Violet : That is the very last thing I would want.

Carson: You’re quite a plotter when you want to be aren’t you. — Mrs Hughes: It’s a skill all women must learn.

Mrs Patmore: I do grudge him the tears and the heartbreak that will flavour my puddings for weeks to come.

Violet to the Doc: I want another nurse. This one talks too much. She’s like a drunken vicar!

Violet: Dr Clarkson when you go can you please take that mad woman with you.

Dr. Clarkson: You’ll be rewarded in heaven. — Violet: The sooner the better.

Best Line of the Night

Mrs. Hughes to Green: If you value your life you’ll stop playing the joker and stick to the shadows.

(Start revving that car engine, Granny.)

Theme Thursday: Church Windows & {pretty, happy, funny, real} vol. 81

By bobbi
February 5, 2014
5 Comments

It’s a photo mash-up as I link up with Cari for Theme Thursday: Church Windows and Like Mother, Like Daughter for {pretty, happy, funny, real} .

{pretty}

I’m linking this photo with Theme Thursday: Church Windows. The lighting was not good and this was the best I could do. It was taken at the church where John-Paul goes to pre school.

{happy} & {real}

It has been crazy busy and I have been having some stressful moments so I was happy to get outside this morning. I went for my walk and the sky was gray and cloudy but the sun was breaking through and reflecting on the water. I took this photo with my iphone and used the filters to give it a dramatic look.

By the time I was done with my walk the clouds had cleared and the sky was a gorgeous blue. I took this shot with my regular camera. It’s the real thing. No filters.

I tried zooming in on this shot to get the bee but it was too high over my head.

{funny}

This guy just cracks me up. He can simultaneously drive me nuts and melt my heart. If we send him to pre school next year (very likely) I will go a little stir crazy not having a bambino in the house anymore. I told Brian he’d either have to get me a dog or another baby. 😉

Five Favorites (Vol 15): Songs, Bakeware & Planners

By bobbi
February 5, 2014
1 Comment

Today started off as one of those terrible days when you just need to go back to bed and have a good cry. I never got to have my cry because there was too much to do. However, the day did get better and for making it through in one piece I now get to spend some quiet time blogging while everyone else sleeps. 😉 Right now it is time to link up with sweet Hallie for Five Favorites.

~ 1 ~

Maria Miller – “You’re Not Alone”

When I went to the hospital to go pick up Brian, I heard this song playing on the radio and I fell in love with it. The lyrics were just what I wanted to say to Brian. Although we may have a rough road ahead with his recovery from surgery and then chemo, he isn’t alone. I will be by his side fighting for him.

~ 2 ~

This Guy

Speaking of my Sweetie, I love seeing him home! And walking outside enjoying the sunshine! I also like this photo because it reminds me of a holy card where the person has saintly rays coming out of them. Lord knows he has the patience of a saint living with me. 😉

~ 3 ~

Cute Bakeware

Trying to switch over to “whole food” cooking means no more running to the market to get some baked goods for a family treat. Now I have to bake things from scratch with healthy ingredients. Well, that can get old fast. So to make it a little easier, I saved up all the free gift cards I’ve gotten at Target (you know, the “buy 3 and get a free $5 or $10 gift card” promos) and I had enough to pay for these CUTE bakeware items from Target. (They are the Cake Boss line.) Now I am just trying to get one or two more gift cards so I can get the matching measuring cups too. 😉 Meanwhile I’ll post the recipe for these carrot & apple cinnamon muffins next week. 🙂

~ 4 ~

Seafoam Green

I think that is what you would call the color of this sweater but I am currently in love with it.

~ 5 ~

Planners

I am a sucker…a sucker for a cute planner! I love to see posts about other people’s planners and how they organize and decorate it. I get giddy in the Martha Stewart section at Staples. Nerd. So I finally shared about my planner here. 🙂

Have a great day! 🙂

A Look at My 2014 Planner

By bobbi
February 4, 2014
4 Comments

I have always loved planners and have always had one. Whether I was a young girl making lists in my Hello Kitty notebook or single and working or staying at home with babies. I have had various sizes – pocket, compact, standard, and binder sized. Each year it changes a little to accommodate my needs.

Last year I posted about my home management binder, my finance binder and my meal planning binder and they have pretty much stayed the same. However, I did get rid of my old planner and started new with a Martha Stewart Discbound Notebook. It worked so well last year that I am using it again this year.

When looking for planner sheets that work for me, they must be colorful and inviting or I’ll get bored and never use my planner. I have found my favorite planner sheets from Jen at I Heart Organizing.

Here is the monthly calendar view.

I like to color code events and appointments with washi tape. I use red for special occasions and outings. Green for school. Blue for doctor and other appointments and orange for birthdays. Sometimes I will also use flags or the Martha Stewart tear drop stickers. It depends on my mood that month. Although I like it colorful, I don’t like it too busy or it just gives me a headache. LOL. 😉

If you aren’t into washi tape, there is also this cute Masking Sticker Set. Each sheet has precut strips and dots you can add to your planner.

This is the weekly view. There is a long column for each day where I keep track of all my To Do’s. For my bookmarker I used one from my Project Life kits and punched holes with my Discbound Punch.

I bought the planner pages that came with a menu section so I could keep track of the week’s meals.

I also love the Discbound because, like a binder, you can add anything you want after you’ve punched holes in it. However, I prefer it to a binder because you can fold it back like a spiral notebook, rather than having to keep it open. I was a little concerned at first about the papers coming loose and falling out but I use thicker sheets so it hasn’t been a problem at all. For my weekly pages I use 32 lb white and I recently started using cardstock (65 lb, white) for my monthly calendars. It has worked perfectly.

I bought two packs of Martha Stewart Discbound tabs and used my own label maker for the months. I like to follow the school calendar so I go from Aug to July. With my 4 extra tabs I have faith, home, blog and projects.

For my dashboard, I keep flags, posts, stickers and my mommy calling cards in the pockets. To keep the sticky pads in place I added glue dots to the back. The ordered the personalized coversheet.

On the other side of the coversheet, I added this collage of the ones I love the most.

The last page of my planner is a plastic pocket where I keep things like stamps and address labels.

This is a photo of how thick the binder is with the standard MS discs. I bought the larger silver MS discs and hated them. I tried the larger Levenger discs (2″ I think) and they worked well but it made the notebook too big. I switched to the 1 1/2″ discs and they work great. I have extra room but it isn’t too big for me.

Now, although my planner is not too big on my desk at home, it is not ideal to carry around in my purse. Last month I decided to get a small planner that I can keep in my purse to take notes while I am on the run and to keep track of my daily appointments.

I thought about getting a Filofax but it was out of my budget and I did not like the plain planner pages that came with it. Instead I bought this Lily binder in aqua from Franklin Covey.

I chose the Her Point of View planner pages.

So far it has worked well. It fits perfect in my purse. I keep track of my schedule. I have space for any To Do’s I think of away from home. And I have a blank page to jot down notes. Plus, it is so cute. 😉

Lastly, my favorite item to go with my planners is still my traveling office. 🙂

If you are looking for colorful planner pages, I also recommend The Rainbow Planner from A Bowl Full of Lemons. I have many of her smaller planner kits and they match my current planner wonderfully. If you don’t want to spend money on planner pages, you can try this one from iheartnaptime.net. Or you can check out this list of free planners put together by Jenny at Plain Grace.

UPDATE: Looking for other planner posts? Check out these: