Gratitude and 3 “Before-You-Know-It” Bean Dips

Hello friends! After an adventurous 2 month hiatus, I’m happy to report that I’m back in the saddle. No, I’ve not given up my morning blog, although I must confess at times, I had considered it. But to have awoken to this most gorgeous of morning skies, after a week or grey and rain, was truly inspiring. How can I not share it !!

Tuesday’s Terrific Tip:

Yesterday morning, I began a free on-line meditation program entitled “21 Days of Gratitude” offered by MentorsChannel.com. Yesterday’s program featured a splendid visual meditation, filmed by Louie Schwartzberg. If you are familiar with the works of Ken Burns, Louie’s video photography of people and the nature world are of equal talent. And I can’t think of a better way to offer my gratitude over the next three weeks, as we approach Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays.

The presentation will focus on three areas for gratitude over coming weeks: Inner strength, family and friends, and the beauty of the living universe and the awe of nature.  Twenty-One different mentors will share their personal experiences with gratitude.  The visual patterns of nature will help the mind be free of distracting thoughts, and open the heart to the beauty around us.

I hope you’ll join me in experiencing this truly lovely gift to yourself.  To Learn More and to Register, please visit:

http://www.mentorschannel.com/LouieSchwartzberg/21DaysofGratitude/LandingPage2/ 

Finding Your Purpose – Change to my Blog Format

The meditation theme and mantra yesterday was “Finding Your Purpose”. It couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve never had 8 weeks go by so quickly. And while my experience was truly amazing – a quick layover with my in-laws in St. Louis, vacationing and hiking Glacier National Park followed by 3 weeks of workamping at a Sugar Beet Harvest in Montana – I came back to find myself feeling more adrift than ever. But also truly ready to explore my purpose here on this mother earth. As I contemplated giving up my writing, I was filled with sadness. And I had to ask, why I was even considering it ?

As I sat with the question, I was struggling with the fact that “Reflections on Sunrise” was taking all of my time away from my other blog “The Twisted Vegan”. And that I am just as passionate about my food blog as I am talking about spirituality and spreading lovingkindness. And writing daily “Reflections” has been a heck of a lot easier than the intermittent style I’ve been sharing over at “Twisted”.

So I’ve decided to merge the two blogs. Which means you’ll be getting more content from me than ever 🙂

Vegan followers, I hope that my morning sunrise photo, quotes and thoughts on spirituality from a yogic and zen perspective will be uplifting for you. And Sunrise followers, I hope you’ll enjoy my food posts. I hope to be a trusted resource should you ever find yourself considering a switch to plant-based living (or have the concept recommended by your doctor), adding Meatless Mondays to your family’s weekly menu, or having a child announce that they are no longer eating meat or having me over for dinner, my hope is you’ll find what you are needing at TheTwistedVegan.com.

Recipes for 3 “Before-You-Know-It” Bean Dips

As I mentioned, our vacation started with a short layover in St. Louis to visit Spencer’s parents. The night of our arrival, we got in late, and my mother-in-law, Terry had prepared the most wonderful homemade bean dips, which she served with bruschetta from Sam’s Club (topped with vegan cheese substitute I might add!). This week is very busy for me, as I re-open the villa for a check-in on Friday. I know this time of year can be hectic for most everyone. Terry was kind enough to share her recipes with me over the weekend, which I’ve adapted slightly per her notes. Using on-hand ingredients, these dips come together in no time !! Perfect for unexpected company or healthy snacking.

Simply blend the ingredients until smooth in a Magic Bullet (my favorite appliance), food processor or blender.

Enjoy! And as always, I offer gratitude to you for taking time out of your day to read my thoughts. Namaste !!

Sesame Garbanzo Bean Dip

Adapted from the Cookbook “Dropping Acid”

1 15.5 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

5-6 tablespoons vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Serve with Edamame and Rice Crackers

Zingy White Canellini Bean Dip

Adapted from Yahoo.com

1 15.5 oz can canellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1/2 Lemon (1+ tablespoons)

1 small clove garlic, minced (1/2 teaspoon)

1/2 teaspoon salt

* For a seasonal kick, add in some fresh Rosemary

Serve with cut veggies and Pita Chips

Savory Black Bean Dip

Adapted from The Magic Bullet Cookbook

1 15.5 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup roasted red pepper (pimentos, canned or jarred)

2 tablespoons vegetable broth

1 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 small clove garlic, minced (1/2 teaspoon)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Serve with cut veggies (I loved this with baby carrots) and Corn Chips

I’ll add a PDF for download later today.