Coconut Red Lentils

All right everyone, here it is. Despite my exhaustion yesterday I still had a few dinner ideas...well, cooking.



This past week I had been challenging myself to use up all the food we already had at home instead of making an expensive trip to the supermarket. We had some things from Thursday's farmer's market -- peppers, onions, leeks, eggplant, chard, cabbage, carrots and corn. That's a lot when you add in pantry items like beans and grains and some frozen meat.

It was the extras I was worried about. We usually have lots of fruit (and other snack/lunch food) available and I knew our supply was meager. But I also knew how often I end up throwing things out. We were running low on bread but had plenty of eggs and milk from our co-op.

So how did I do?*

The kids and I did go for some greasy lunches but we didn't really have to. We just wanted to! Otherwise we had plenty to eat during the day and I got a respectable dinner on the table every night, which everyone ate.

I used to think I was more comfortable having a fridge full of food. I believed it meant I had more options. In the future I plan to challenge myself to buy less at the supermarket knowing how far a few things can stretch. In fact it seemed easier to come up with ideas when there was less to work with.

It looks like we'll need to go shopping today. We're running out of coffee and that's one thing I can't do without.

Coconut Red Lentils
Serves 2-4

I was already cooking leeks for the filling in my Parmesan-Leek Quiche. After sauteing the leeks in butter and a little olive oil I removed most of them, leaving about 1/2 cup in the skillet. Onions would work too.

I added 1 cup of red lentils, 1 cup of water, 1/4 tsp of curry powder, 1/2 tsp of cumin and a can of coconut milk. Covered and simmered gently for about 20-30 minutes adding a bit more water as they cooked. Salt to taste.

We have a very spicy curry powder blend and even 1/4 tsp made it too spicy for some of the diners in my cafe. So curry powder amounts really depend on your blend and your appetite for heat.

We ate ours over cous cous but I think it might be even better over rice.

I should mention there are no photos of the lentil dish. Red lentils are delicious but not photogenic...and I was hungry.



* In case you were interested...

Monday - Lentil and Kale Soup
Tuesday - Grilled chicken , cole slaw, corn on the cob
Wednesday - Black Bean Soup and corn bread
Thursday - Parmesan-Leek Quiche, Coconut Red Lentils and sweet potato circles
Friday - oh dear...what am I making tonight?

From My So-Called Knitting Basket

I knit this hat last fall using some extras from my stash. It didn't really fit either girl (and it wasn't pink) so I threw it in my knitting basket and forgot it. Looks like we finally have someone to wear it...and sooner than we thought.

Why is it that September 1st just feels like fall? Could summer really be over? I'm ok with that.

I have been spending a lot of time in front of the computer lately. Researching activities for the girls, recipes, knitting patterns, homeschool philosophies, blogs and more blogs.

Sometimes when things get this way, and my eyes are crossing from looking at the screen too long, I feel a need to simplify. Pen and paper. Knitting needles. Books. Libraries. Taking a walk instead of worrying about dance vs. gymnastics vs. art class.

One thing I have been reading more about is Montessori. Since moving in we haven't really taken the time to try and create spaces for the kids...something integral to the Montessori philosophy. Renting has a way of making you say, "Why Bother?" So while we won't create the ideal environment I will be spending some time making a few modifications.

And we will be taking more walks, bike rides and trips to the library.

We'll be back soon. I can never stay away for long.