Stuffed Chard Leaves

It's tough to be creative with swiss chard.  I'm getting tired of serving it sauteed in garlic and olive oil, but love all of the benefits of eating greens.  Thankfully a quick pinterest search gave me a few new ideas on how to use its leafy goodness.

Stuffed Swiss Chard Leaves
you'll need:

• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup cooked red lentils
• chopped red onion
• 6 diced cherry tomatoes
• chopped fresh basil
• chopped fresh parsley
• 1 T liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
• salt and pepper to taste
• lemon zest (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and chill in the fridge while you boil a pot of water for the leaves.

Wash 4-6 large, sturdy chard leaves, leaving the stems on. 

When water is boiling, submerge one chard leaf in the water and hold there by the stem for 15 seconds. 

Remove leaf, lay flat with ribbed side facing up.

Remove the long, uncooked stem with a knife or kitchen shears.

Place 2-3 T of the rice mixture in the center of the leaf.

Fold long edges over, then roll the leaf up, tucking in edges as you go. 

Repeat with remaining leaves. 

Enjoy!

Eating my way through New Orleans

I recently spent some time visiting New Orleans, part conference part vacation.  My mom came with me, and we'll both tell you that the best part of the trip was walking around the city and trying lots of restaurants and food.  Every free moment we had we were out touring, trying to walk down different streets and taking new routes and turns to see everything.

There was so much culture, diversity and variety.  We couldn't see it all, so I can't wait to go back-- especially to try more of the amazing cuisine:

Lilette in the Garden District:

Appetizer of sizzling shrimp-- we were surprised to see that they were served with the heads. 

Lamb with arugala and garbanzo bean salad:

Alaskan cod with sauteed spinach and radishes:

Don't remember the name of this place, but since they touted their thin fried catfish...

...I had to try a catfish po' boy, with garlic fries:

The Ruby Slipper:

Mimosa for breakfast with bacon, eggs, a biscuit and grits with cheese!

Cafe du monde, beignets and cafe au lait:

Random place we stopped for dinner, where I had cajun red beans and rice-- looks like slop on a plate but it was so delicious!

Muriel's in Jackson Square- crawfish crepes:

Vegetable soiree:

Who's ready to pack up and go with me?!