FORKS OVER KNIVES

PAREMESAN RISOTTO WITH MUSHROOMS AND SPRING ASPARAGUS

This was our Meatless Monday dish this week. Risotto is such a delicious  meal. It's heartier than a regular rice dish so it's perfect for MM because it's filling. Richard wanted something more than the risotto so he also had a couple of bean burritos from the left-overs in the fridge.  I was so afraid to give risotto a try the first time, but once you try it you will wonder why? I guess the only drawback is that it does take some attention. While it's cooking you do need to stir it to keep it from sticking, but if you have everything else ready to go and do the risotto last, the time goes by quickly.  You'll want to serve it as soon as it's done. It takes about 20 minutes or so.

You may be wondering what the title of this blog refers to?? Well, I just heard about another 'foodie' type movie coming out. It's called Forks Over Knives and will be featured on the Dr. Oz show today. I found out about it on FB through one of my groups. I normally don't watch Dr. Oz but I may try to today.  The title refers to  the choice of 'plant protein' vs. 'animal protein' in our diets.  There are several clips on you tube about the subject along with a few trailers of the movie if you are interested. 

I can easily be a vegetarian, but I'm not sure I could go to a vegan diet. I like eggs! I think that we sometimes forget to take baby steps. It's easy to fall off the wagon when  making DRAMATIC choices, but it's much easier to make small changes that can last a lifetime. We've cut back dramatically in our meat consumption, but this new information drives me to include meatless meals as many days of the week as possible. 

I say that, but also think about the big ol HAM in my freezer that I purchased last week because it was on sale and we like ham!!! Once again, I think moderation is as important as anything. My family is not ready to become vegetarians (my daughter already is) even though I might be. Grilling season is upon us and already my 'guys' are talking burgers and brats!

Just thought I'd mention that movie and see if anyone else has heard any 'buzz' about it and what your thoughts are?

Here is my latest fun craft project! I made it last night while watching TV. It cost me a total of $0! I had a large box of butcher paper on hand from when my parents closed down their home. I knew that someday I'd find a use for it. I have so much of it I think I'll make a few more of these to give away!! The white is a nice 'springtime' touch!

STEP 1: TEAR OFF A LONG PIECE OF PAPER AND SCRUNCH IT UP INTO A WREATH FORM

CUT OUT MANY CIRCLES. THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE EXACT. MAKE THREE SIZES.

AFTER SCRUNCHING UP ALL THE PIECES, USE YOUR GLUE GUN TO LAYER SM/MD/LG. TEAR OFF A SMALL PIECE OF PAPER AND FORM INTO A BALL AND GLUE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BLOSSOM.

GLUE THEM TO THE WREATH AND ADD LEAVES EVERY SO OFTEN. CUT OUT A LEAF FORM, SCRUNCH PAPER, THEN PINCH ONE END TOGETHER BEFORE GLUING.