Today is Earth Day! Be nice and walk, ride, stay inside... But more importantly, go Veg today! Eating meat is worse for the environment than driving!! See my previous post about this. Mom - I took this picture this morning for you! My tree is blooming already... pretty early in the season because it has been BEAUTIFUL this month. This is the view from my office!
I know I said that I was going to update this BLOG all month with earth friendly fare, but um, I have actually been working a lot... sorry! I have to get these albums done before the season heats up! I know you forgive me. Especially those of you that are getting said albums...
* Go to http://hes.lbl.gov/ for a do it yourself audit on your home!
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*Shipping by air (the most energy intensive delivery method) uses 40% less fuel than driving to the mall! Order online!
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*Up to 90% of energy used by washers goes to heating... use cold water instead.
Websites for the Eco-Chic Bride:
http://www.thegreenbrideguide.com/
http://www.ecochicweddings.com/
Back by popular demand....
Heather's version of Black Beans:
1 can of rinsed black beans (I use 2 15 oz or one 28 oz can)
1/2 jar of salsa (or cut up peppers, onions, etc and spice it up yourself)
1 tbsp. paprika (or more)
1 tsp. cumin (or more)
shake of garlic powder (or the real thing)
shake of onion powder (or the real thing)
your choice of chili pepper, cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste (tsp. or more)
Optional:
small can of corn (makes it more of a salsa)
small can of other beans added (kidney makes it more of a chili)
Start by rinsing black beans, then placing in a 2 qt. sauce pan. Fill with water until you see the water under the beans (more if you want to make a soup). Then add all other ingredients and cook on med/med. high for 5-10 min... when the beans are starting to get soft. Smush about 1/2 of the beans against the side of the pan to break them open (this thickens it all up). Bring everything to a slow boil for a few minutes, stirring often. Decrease to a simmer and let a lot of the water cook off. Everything thickens up a lot after cooking, so add enough water in the beginning depending upon your desire for a soup or a salsa or a chili. None of this is an exact science and it comes out different every time. Just add whatever you have on hand. I use a ton of paprika and cumin to flavor and those two spices are REALLY good for you. Sprinkle on a little cheddar cheese if you want. Eat alone or with tortilla chips! Yum!
