Mexican Casserole

I got this recipe off of the Engine 2 Diet Facebook page. Its DELICIOUS and super easy! Enjoy!

Preheate oven to 350
In a baking dish:
1 layer cooked brown rice
1 layer chopped tomatoes(thin layer)
1 layer frozen spinach
1 layer black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 layer mixed veggies or corn
1 layer chopped tomatoes(thin layer)
Sprinkle with chili seasoning.
Baked covered for about 35 minutes or until its hot.
Serve with salsa and corn or whole grain tortillas
You can use frozen/packaged or fresh for any of the ingredients listed above. Whatever you have time for. If you use Ro-Tel for your tomato layers, do not drain.
Enjoy! We topped ours with some salsa and a little Valentina for a little heat.

Kitchen Gadgets

I'm just going to get this out there. I LOVE KITCHEN GADGETS! I should probably go to some kitchen gadget annonymous meeting because every time I go shopping, I automatically gravitate toward the kitchen gadgets and tools. They're fun! They come in bright fun colors and there is always something new to look at and buy! I mean whether I really need it or not, I always buy one. So this post will be about gadgets that will help make your journey to being plant based easier!

A mandolin.It is the perfect tool for cutting slices on vegetables. There are usually 3 different thicknesses that your mandolin will make. Thin, Medium and Thick. Thin slices are perfect for potatoes to make your own potato chips. I use the thick slice for home grown tomatoes to put on my Boca burgers! Having a mandolin will keep your veggies all the same thickness so when you're cooking they will all cook evenly. No more raw veggies and overcooked veggies in the same pot! There are many different styles of mandolins out there. I have heard that V shaped blades are the best because they cut the vegetable or fruit easier. I bought one of these, which is available on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-King-Complete-Preparation-Station/dp/B001CM975O/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1339082726&sr=1-1

Not only does it slice veggies, it will also julliene them which is great for stir fry! It also has suction feet on the bottom so it will stay put on your counter. It has a protector handle to keep from slicing off your finger on the mandolin blade. That blade is SHARP! It mixes, it whips, it chops, it slices and juliennes. Its a bunch of kitchen tools all rolled into one! What more could you want? You can find a good mandolin for $25 to a couple hundred dollars. Just make sure you find one that comes with a hand protecting handle so that your fingers are protected as you slice those fresh veggies.

A food processor. This tool will slice, dice, chop, mince, grate, and more. Its perfect for making green smoothies, hummus, salsa and so much more! I bought one of these from QVC.

I paid $150 for mine, but I did look at the food processors at Wal-mart and they had a couple that were about $60 that looked just as good as mine does. I wanted something that would match my appliances at home and that would last me a long time. I figured if I'm going to continue this plant strong way of living then I might as well invest some money in a good food processor. I drink green smoothies for breakfast and the magic bullet I have at home just doesnt shred the kale or spinach up enough for me to be able to drink it. One of the best features on a blender I think is the pulse button. This button gives you the chance to get the consistency you want of whatever it is that you're chopping or blending.

If you don't have these 2 items then get to shopping! They will definitely help you with your plant strong diet! Lets stay fired up for Engine 2!