Harvest Chili with Kale

I'm practicing fall recipes, wishing for the weather to turn sooner rather than later.  This chili is so simple and quick to make and combines lots of delicious flavors.  I really love butternut squash in this recipe, but carrots will work too.  I prefer no-salt added beans and tomatoes, trying to keep my blood pressure in check!  Even though the 'already chopped kale' is convenient, it's too tough for this recipe.  Buy fresh.  Check here for more information on kale and its benefits.  Enjoy!

Non-dairy sour cream!

Ingredients:
1 T safflower or coconut oil
2 cups diced butternut squash (or carrots)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bunch of kale leaves, washed and chopped (about 2 cups before cooking)
1 T chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
15 oz. can organic black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. can organic kidney beans, drained and rinsed
28 oz. can organic diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Dash of Cayenne for heat (optional)

Directions:
In a large sauce pot, heat oil on medium.  Add onion and squash and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes.  Add garlic, kale, salt & pepper, and cook a few more minutes until kale is wilted.  Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook 1 minute, stirring.  Stir in tomatoes and beans.  Simmer10 minutes until heated through.  Eat with my yummy cornbread! Makes 4 servings.

G-F Blueberry Quinoa Muffins

I don't have a gluten intolerance, but I like to eat gluten-free as much as possible.  I feel better and more energized when I leave out bread.  I still eat plenty of whole grains, don't get me wrong!  I love brown rice, oats, millet and quinoa.  Actually, quinoa is not a grain, it's a seed related to the spinach plant.  It has a nutty, ricey flavor.  I love these muffin because they are gluten-free and packed with protein.  And you know me, I love blueberries and think they should be eaten every day for their many benefits.   These muffins are sweetened with pure maple syrup, a favorite of mine.   No white flour or white sugar, yay!

Perfect protein, fiber snack!

Ingredients:
1 cup corn meal
1 cup of rice flour (or other g-f baking flour)
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup of cooked quinoa (Hint: make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking and use water, not veggie or chicken stalk)
1/2 cup organic pure maple syrup
1/2 cup of rice or soy milk
1/2 cup of natural organic apple sauce
1 Tbl. of lemon juice
1/4 cup canola or safflower oil
1 cup of blueberries, fresh or frozen

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Use paper baking cups or grease muffin pan (makes 1 dozen).
In one bowl, mix together dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients, plus the cooked quinoa.   Add wet mixture to dry mixture until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.  Bake 20 minutes.
Yummers!