A glimpse. Day 4. Simplify. Tangy Lentil Dip.

Today is Day 4 of the 12 Days of Holiday Recipes. We are 189 women strong cooking real food this holiday season. In addition to a rockin’ recipe each day, I am giving these women a verb – an action word – to take with them during the day. The goal is to see  what they can do with that word – see where it takes them. Below is a glimpse. There is still time to sign up. Click here.
Dear fabulous you,
Do you make things harder than they need to be? I am guilty as charged. In fact, this morning I did just that. Instead of having this email scheduled in advance, I waited and woke up to no internet. So, I am sending this to you from a local coffee shop, toddler in tow of course. Sigh. Sorry for the delay.
I often wonder how things were many years ago. No computers. No televisions. No battery operated toys. I wonder how our ancestors celebrated the holidays. Real food that they raised on their land. The exchange of homemade gifts wrapped with beautiful material and a simple yarn ribbon. A fresh piece of fruit in their stockings. Simple. Pure. Real.
It is hard to look past all of the stuff. The 600 catalogs that appear in your mailbox this time of year filled with gift ideas. The pressure to “keep up with the Jones” and buy the latest toy for your child that will more than likely end up in a box, forgotten, 6 months from now. My challenge for you today is to look at all the stuff in your life – all the material things. What can you let go of?
Simplify. Today’s word. What can you simplify this holiday season? Maybe make 4 types of cookies instead of 12. Maybe take your child somewhere as a gift in place of a new doll or superhero. Maybe schedule an extra day off from work to get a massage.

We are in charge of our own lives. Each of us has the power within us to make each day, each holiday season, the best it can be.
Enjoy. Breathe. Cook. Slow Down. Spread the Joy.
Oh, don’t forget to participate in the Facebook group. Click here to join in the conversation.
Health, happiness and peace of mind,

 
 
Tangy Lentil Dip
Sometimes the appetizers and finger foods around the holidays are not the healthiest. Try this one on for size. It is so delicious and it is filling so you don’t overdo it with all the main course dishes. It is packed with protein thanks to the lentils. Consider making this for a holiday office party or surprise your neighbor with this instead of a bottle of wine!
Ingredients:
2 cups of yellow or red lentils, cooked
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon capers, drained
3 oz. goat cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a food processor and process until well combines but still with a coarse texture. Serve with raw veggies, whole grain crackers and pretzels.
Note: To cook lentils, boil 1 cup of lentils in about 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes. Enjoy!