Roasted Beets

OK Please don't shudder away! I know beets, for most, sound disgusting. BUT I truly believe that if you try Beets when they are roasted you will love them! They have a strong earthy taste which is similar to... well... dirt! And when they are roasted the natural sweetness comes out.  But before you judge just try ONCE... the heath benefits from beets to are so immense

"The Facts:

One cup of raw beets is high in carbohydrates and low in fat. It contains phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as fiber, vitamins A and C, niacin, and biotin. Beets contain folic acid, which is recommended for pregnant women because it may lower the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in newborn infants"

For more information on these delicious hunks of dirt... go here  :)

http://www.aimforherbs.com/remakingbeets.html

Take your beets and scrub clean, pat dry. Drizzle with Olive Oil and bake at 375 for 40 to 60 minutes

Pull out of oven and cool slightly till you can touch them. Rub your fingers on the skin and it will start to rub off. IF NOT- take a butter knife and rub the beet with the textured side of the knife

 When you serve them drizzle a little more oil and sprinkle with a little bit of salt

Chicken Cheese and Avocado Panini

It has been FOREVER since I have last blogged. I apologize... We recently returned from a long month away from home, and it feels so great to be back home and cooking again! Don't get me wrong, vacations are a good way to take a break from the every day routine and chores, but it makes me more then ready to start cooking and baking when I get home.

Who doesn't love warm, toasted, crunchy goodness? The everyday sandwich is nice every once in a while,  but a PANINI... now that's a different story. The melted cheese, the caramelized piping hot vegetables, those are the ingredients that really make a sandwich


INGREDIENTS

2 slices whole wheat bread (Dave's Killer Bread is the best)

Chicken breast

Cheese (quantity and type to your liking)

Avocado

Tomatoes

Onion

Bell Pepper

Mayo

Thaw and cook your chicken till cooked all the way through (no pink)

Take one slice of bread and spread mayonnaise out to the edge of the crust. Slice your avocado, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and cheese. Caramelize your onions and bell peppers until desired softness or crunchiness.

Pile all your delicious fix ins on your bread and grill until golden brown and cheese is melted.

This sandwich is perfect to serve with a bowl of tomato soup or butternut squash soup. Enjoy!