Red Lentil Soup ( Lisa's Family Favorite)

Ingredients

1.5 tbsp Olive oil

1 yellow onion diced

2 lg carrots peeled and cut into bite size pieces

4 celery stalks chopped

1 lg zucchini chopped

2 cups of red lentils soaked for 10 minutes and rinsed well

1 lg handful of baby spinach

2 bay leaves

7 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

1 lemon to squeeze

1 tbsp of Better than Bouillon

1/4 tsp salt (The bouillon adds salt so taste before adding)

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in medium stock pot and add onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté and soften for a few minutes. Add in lentils, bay leaves, broth, and boullion. Stir and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally until veggies and lentils have soften. May add more broth or water if needed.

Remove Bay leaves. Serve and add a bit of lemon, nutritional yeast, avocado, or parmesan cheese if desired. Great the next day or place in a container to freeze for when you need a quick healthy meal or snack.

Lentils are a great source of protein, pre-biotic fiber, folate and potassium. They are low in fat, rich in minerals and a great addition to help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and increase energy. A must on your recipe rotation!

Super Chia Seed Jam

Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses packed with essential nutrients. Rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, they offer so many health benefits. Adding chia seeds to your diet, aids in digestion, promote heart health, and boost energy levels. Additionally, their high antioxidant content can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Try this instead of your regular jam. You ( and your body) will be hooked !

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine the berries and honey or maple syrup over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the berries begin to break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.

1. Mash the berries with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency.

2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice, if using.

3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to gel and thicken the jam.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

5. Transfer the jam to a clean jar and let it cool completely before refrigerating. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

6. Enjoy your homemade chia seed jam on toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.