Vegging Out

Usually I'm not much for new year resolutions, probably because I lack all resolve and willpower when it comes to changing habits. I am the queen of justification. BUT I've been really sick about how I've been taking care of myself, or not taking care of myself as the case may be. I've been eating poorly and have stopped worked out. Dusty feels the same way, in fact we're both pretty disgusted with ourselves. SO, we've decided to make a change. As of January 1st we've started a cleanse of sorts. We are trying to eat clean. No more meat and less processed foods. Smaller portions. Not sitting on the couch all night and all weekend. Gristle is really appreciating the  longer walks and trips to the dog park. Also, no alcohol. (Record scratch) Well, no alcohol during the week. It's only been eight days but I swear I feel a difference. I don't know if we'll stay veggie or not but we're going to stick with it for at least a month. Dusty was vegetarian when we met so I think it will be more difficult for me.

In order to keep us inspired with our new veggie menu I've been looking online and in cookbooks for some interesting dishes. Here are two I tried this weekend- I don't really measure so everything is add to taste/preference for the most part! Both were inspired by recipes found on foodnetwork.com.

Bean and Walnut Veggie Burgers
You'll Need:
1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, finely diced
a few peeled baby carrots, finely diced
1/2 cup of bread crumbs
1 egg
1 cup of chopped walnuts
a few mushrooms, sliced
worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
english muffins
brie
fresh spinach
olive oil

Mash the kidney beans in a bowl. Add the egg, onion, carrots, bread crumbs as needed, walnuts, worcestershire, and salt and pepper. Use hands to form patties. Gently roll patties in remaining bread crumbs.
Heat oil in pan. Cook patties adding a slice of brie on each at the end, set aside when finished. Cook mushrooms in oil and worcestershire. Toast english muffins. Garnish with fresh spinach and top with mushrooms. I used a teensy bit of low fat mayo on the muffins so they wouldn't be so dry.

Huevos Rancheros 
corn tortilla (I used lavash bread because we were out of tortillas)
1 egg
green pepper, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
fresh salsa (made in advance)
black beans
1 clove of garlic, mashed
fresh cilantro
goat cheese
hot sauce
cumin
salt and pepper

Cook pepper and onion with garlic. Add salsa and salt and pepper. Cook until thickens. Set aside. Cook black beans, add cumin and hot sauce. When warm, set aside. Fry egg over easy or sunny side up. Serve egg over warm tortilla with beans and salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro, goat cheese and hot sauce.

Do you have any yummy vegetarian recipes? I'd love to try them!