Fiesta Fiesta Rice

I just want you to know when I wrote Fiesta Fiesta I immediately heard R Kelly and Jay Z in my head- 

After the show it's the after party, then after the party it's the hotel lobby and after the Belve then it's probably Cris and after the original it's probably this! 

And because I answer your hard hitting questions- no I have never tasted Cristal- but I have tried each kind of Andre and I can report you should skip the strawberry and go for the classic Brut. (You're welcome.)

So we're eating more brown rice in our household and this can get pretty boring pretty fast just as my tomatoes are rotting pretty fast- so let's combo the two!

If you're in a pinch (like I was) use a pre-cooked Seeds of Change or you can go ahead with dry rice and cook as specified on the package directions.

Add some lime and cilantro for zip and freshness.

Slice some ripe tomato- yum!

This corn is left over from when I had roasted some earlier this week. (To roast preheat your oven to 350 and roast in husk for 30-40 minutes- easy as that!) Cut straight off the hull and into the bowl.

Season liberally with salt and pepper. I tasted and thought it was missing a little something. So I made it pop with a little smoky cumin and a little spicy chili powder.

Mix and serve with your favorite protein! 

Kale Blomkvist

I just finished reading all three books from the Millennium Series by Steig Larsson(The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest) and Kalle Blomkvist is continually referenced. What a fitting way to start off my kale post!

The lovely three children for whom I used to care for introed me to Kale fries and I fell in love. Their grandfather has an awesome garden and was continually providing them with freshly grown goodies. This is so simple and yet so good!

I cheated and bought my kale, pre-washed and pre-cut. I have no received any in my produce box and was craving it like whoa. I know kale is coming into season so I know it will be in my box eventually. I also HATE that people in this state will cook kale TO death, much like other greens. (Collards, I'm looking atchu!) Seriously, no need for the fat back, ham hocks or other nasty throw away bits from random animals. A little EVOO, garlic and salt with a quick warm through IS ALL YOU NEED. That is right. ALL YOU NEED.

If you gret fresh Kale, fill your sink up with water and soak. They are grown in sandy soil and if you don't do this you can kiss the enamel on your teeth goodbye! This way the sand will sink to the bottom of the sink and you'll have nice clean leaves a floatin' on top. Take out and pat dry. Remove the woody vein from the middle and chop.

Pre-heat your oven to 350. Get a zip lock bag and toss with EVOO. Spread evenly on your cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt. 

Cook for 15 minutes until crispy. 

Store in an air tight container. These are surprisingly crispy and light in flavor. That is why I call them kale fries. SO good. And SO easy!