I've had several requests for this one! :)

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

2 medium sweet potatoes (1 to 1 1/4 lbs.), peeled (I keep the skin on) and diced

1 large red bell pepper, diced

14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 small hot green chili pepper, or more to taste, minced

2 (16-oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 ripe mango, pitted, peeled and diced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 tsp. salt


Directions:

Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes (with liquid), chili and 1 1/2 cups water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender but still firm, 10 to 15 minutes.

 Stir in beans and simmer gently, uncovered, until heated through, about 5 minutes.  Stir in mango and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.  Stir in cilantro and salt.  Serve hot.  Makes 6 servings.

I like to serve this with plain cheese quesadillas - my kids love dipping them into the soup! :)

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chickpeas or 1 16 oz. can chickpeas

5 tablespoons tahini (you should find this in the international aisle at the grocery store or Commissary)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (juice of 1 1/2 to 2 lemons) or in a pinch, use ReaLemon juice (found in juice aisle at Commissary)

2 to 3 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (make sure it's cold pressed)

1/4 cup water or cooking liquid

chopped parsley, for garnish

paprika, for garnish

extra virgin olive oil, for garnish


Directions:

Place chickpeas in a food processor or blender with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add water or cooking liquid from beans a little at a time to get desired constancy. Garnish with chopped parsley, paprika or olive oil, if desired. Stores well refrigerated for at least a week. Makes about 3 cups

This can be served with cut up veggies or whole grain crackers.  My favorite is whole wheat pita bread that's been toasted and then torn into bite size pieces! :)

Back to it Sister!!!  I've been dragging my feet ever since we moved here to Hawaii and I'm feeling something in the air.  Ever had an unsettled feeling and you can't put your finger on what is causing it?  Well,  that's where I've been and I have let that feeling linger for far too long and I've decided to put on my big girl pants and start moving forward!!!

I've updated my website with a fresh new look.  It just feels more "me".  I like to have fun!  I'm a huge flirt!  And I have been known to get a little fresh from time to time! :)  I'm getting some recipes posted for all to enjoy and basically getting myself out there to really motivate and inspire others to take control of their health and have fun while doing it!

There may be other changes in store - big or little - who knows?  It's just time to step up and out to a new beginning - I hope you'll come along for the ride!!!