Wondering and wandering.

When you're being bitter that's bad. But did you know that there's something bitter that is actually good for you? Something that's edible and has tons of health benefits for you? I'm talking about Cacao Nibs yo!

Cacao nibs are cacao beans that has been hulled then roasted. This is where your favorite chocolate bar starts. That sweet and creamy chocolate that you love to indulge especially when you're feeling blue. Or ladies, when you are PMSing. *wink wink* Ugh! So good. Mmmm! But stop right there. Don't think about it too much because you just might go and grab that bar even if it's not cheat day yet. 

So the next time that you crave for some chocolate go eat some Cacao nibs. Why? They are less processed which is why they are the healthier choice. This tiny but mighty morsels are packed with antioxidants even more than red wine. It also controls your appetite therefore helping lose excess body weight. It's also good for the cardiovascular system as it dilates blood vessels, reduces blood clotting, and regulates heartbeat and blood pressure. Thus lowers the risk for stroke and heart attack. It also acts as an anti-depressant (Where was this when I was young and naive? Haha) and balances brain chemistry. It also helps you focus and maintain alertness. Cacao nibs can also detoxify the liver. Find out more of Cacao nibs' health benefits here: http://www.healthysmoothiehq.com/chocolate-superfood-smoothie-recipe

When eaten correctly and incorporated in a healthy diet you can reap the health benefits this superfood has to offer. It is bitter and nutty in flavor. You can add cacao nibs to oats, blend it with your smoothie, or munch on them with trail mix. 

I added 1/2 a tablespoon to a cup of cooked whole grain rolled oats with some banana.

Here's a fun, easy, healthy, and sure fire yummy way to enjoy your rice. This recipe uses brown rice which is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Also you get some more antioxidants from the spices you will be using.It's kid-friendly spicy too. So, go! Put on your sombrero and start cooking. Ole!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Cumin

1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Paprika

1/2 white Onion, finely chopped

1 cup Brown Rice, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon Tomato Paste

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups water

2-3 Sweet Red Pepper, finely chopped

Procedure:

1. Heat oil in a pot. Add cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

2. Add onion and saute for a minute.

3. Add brown rice and stir until it is covered with the spice mixture.

4. Add tomato paste and salt. Pour in water.

5. Bring to a boil. Then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the  water is absorbed about 30-40 minutes.

6. Turn off the heat. Add the sweet pepper and stir.

Serve and enjoy! You may garnish it with some green onion leaves or cilantro. Squeeze some lime or calamansi over it. This dish is easy to pair with veggies and dry-cooked or braised lean meats.

This recipe makes about 3 cups of cooked rice. You can portion them in microwavable containers and keep it in the freezer for later. They keep well and easy to reheat especially when you're in a hurry.

I have always wanted to try those Spinach Pasta dishes. Since we don't have regular spinach around here I used "Kangkong" or water spinach. 

This is a quick, yummy, and healthy recipe. Enjoy! :)

Ingredients:

1-2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 clove of Garlic, minced

2-3 handfuls of Kangkong

2 tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese, grated

1 cup pasta, cooked

1/8 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a medium pan. Add and saute garlic. Add Italian Seasoning. Cook for a bit and be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the Kangkong and cook until it is wilted. Set aside.

2. Bring a pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook "al dente". Drain pasta and add to the Kangkong mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan and mix together.