Beans and Rice

With catastrophes occurring around the world, like the tsunami in Japan, I find it almost depressing to have a food blog. It's a symbol of luxury for me, for while I have the ability to pick and choose what I eat and experiment, photograph and blog about it...that's not the case with many around the world. So while I write this blog, I'm still thinking about those who are not so fortunate.

It's the simplest foods that sustain us the best. Fresh vegetables, meats, whole grains, legumes, nuts...such wonderful, nutrient rich foods. For today, and maybe tomorrow, I have decided to cut gluten, dairy and sugar from my diet. Just to see if I actually can do it. This means two things: 1. I have to do more food prep. 2. I have to be self-disciplined. :D

Here's the salad I made this morning!

Wild Rice and Kidney Bean Salad

2/3 cup wild rice prepared with 2 cups water (simmer 45 min)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 red pepper, chopped
2 stalks green onion, chopped
1/4 sliced almonds (unsalted)
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Season with red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and chinese five spice- all to taste!

The dried cranberries are my one downfall for today, because they are indeed, sweetened. Darn! However, a very small amount won't do much harm, right?

Speaking of simple foods: I've got a container garden in it's planning stages! I've never had a vegetable garden before, but I'm going to give it a shot. I just hope my landlord doesn't mind a crowd of white 5-gallon pails following the sun around our pathetic lawn!