20120112 - Meat Free Cookbook, Black Beans and Rice

OK! So we're two weeks into 2012. How's everyone doing? I don't know about you all, but I really enjoyed myself these past holidays, so when New Years Day rolled around I was ready to clean up my diet and cut way back on sugar, fat and alcohol. I do miss my wine and chocolate but I'm feeling much better. Thank God those 5 weeks only happen once a year! I have to admit, I love my regular routine. It really helps to keep me in line with my diet, on schedule at the gym and a lot less frazzled. My oldest son Zach just kind of rolls his eyes at my need to stay organized. Well, that's the beauty of being 19; you've got a lot more energy and brain cells to keep loose ends together...and a lot less of those ends to deal with too!

This month I've got some great ways to stay on course if you're looking to increase your healthy menu choices. I'm really excited about a great new cookbook, I've got a wonderful, super-healthy recipe for your culinary repertoire and thoughts on the world's best seasoner. Don't forget to become an LAFW Facebook fan. Click Here to get daily updates on the happenings in our kitchen.

Wishing everyone a year filled with wonderful things and lots of good stuff to eat. Looking forward to cooking with you soon!

The Meat Free Monday Cookbook

Back during World War I and II, both the US and the UK had campaigns called Meatless Mondays to help ease the pain of food rationing. (The US also had a Wheatless Wednesday). Today we don't have those same food worries, but cutting down on meat consumption has many health and environmental benefits, as well as economical ones. We all know that too much red meat consumption can be not very good for us. In addition, the methane produced by growing all livestock has been linked to major contributions to greenhouse gas levels as well as deforestation. Eating seasonal fruits, vegetables and grains can also be an economical alternative to buying expensive meat and fish. Paul McCartney and his family started addressing these issues by introducing their own campaign call Meat Free Mondays a couple years back. Now they are set to release a gorgeous cookbook!

I have been practicing a meatless day of the week for a couple of years now but sometimes it's hard to figure out interesting and seasonal dishes to prepare. That's why I am so excited about this new cookbook coming out in March. It's so beautiful and provides simple, seasonal and very DOABLE recipes and menus for a meat free day every week of the year! I've pre-ordered mine and can't wait for it to hit my kitchen just in time for all the amazing spring fruits and veggies on their way!

This is a dish that people never seem to tire of! It has been on my menu for both family and LAFW events and whenever I serve it, it's completely devoured! Super quick and simple to make, these black beans are a great addition to any meal. You can serve them as a side dish for a Latin based menu, or make them the main dish and serve with a lovely green salad, guacamole and some sliced fruit. You'll be amazed at how delicious vegetarian can be!

In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 more minutes. Then add tomatoes and cook for about 2 more minutes.

Stir in cilantro, cumin, oregano, black beans and tomato paste; mix thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry, add back in some of the drained liquid from the beans to reach your desired consistency. Reduce heat to low and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve this with steamed rice, some warm tortillas and a fresh green salad and you have an amazing Meatless Monday Meal!

Makes 8 servings, per Serving: 123 Calories; 3g Fat (20.1% calories from fat); 6g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 348mg Sodium.

People often ask me what are the newest trends in food. Lately I have to say one of them is the use of exotic salts and using salt in fun and unexpected ways. Salt is nature's most basic seasoner and brightens the flavor of everything, including desserts. There are so many varieties out there in local gourmet shops and even our national grocery stores. Last week at Ralph's I saw Pink Himalayan Salt on their shelves! Does it really matter what kind of salt you use? Most cooks say yes! In my kitchen we almost exclusively use Kosher salt. You can grab it with your fingers, so it's easy to work with and it dissolves in food better and faster than table salt. For baking we use regular Mortons so it blends into batters evenly. To finish dishes, I like to sprinkle something a little more exciting. I've got salts from all over the world in my pantry and they have the power to impart such wonderful nuances without overpowering a dish. So the next time you're out and about and see some beautiful salt available to take home, do it. Sprinkle a little on your next salad or even some chocolate cake. You'll be amazed at what it does to all your food!

WANT TO USE THESE TIPS AND RECIPES IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you do not alter the information in any way and include a credit that reads "by Rose LeBoeuf, www.lafoodworks.com, Interactive Cooking Classes, Parties, and Corporate Team Building Events for Groups Looking for a Fun and Unique Dinning Experience."

Ideal for Team Building, Holiday Parties, Client Entertaining, Birthday Parties, Showers and Private Gatherings.
Let LA Food Works make your party one which your guests will not soon forget!

No previous cooking experience required!
Just willingness to put on an apron,
get your hands a little messy,
indulge in some great food
and have lots of fun playing in the kitchen!

We also happily design Custom Cooking Parties. If you have a group of 10 or more foodies who love great food and playing together in the kitchen, contact us and we will design a custom menu or theme class for you and your group.

Our interactive cooking parties both unify and entertain...perfect for any occasion that requires great food, interesting activities and lots of fun!

For information or to book your event, contact Rose LeBoeuf at 310-288-0100 for an event planning kit, pricing and availability.