Sushi & Wonton Chips

Okay so I don't actually use any raw fish, but this sushi is so fun and yummy! Get the kids involved in picking the veggies. The beauty of this recipe is that you can really choose whatever ingredients you want.

Sushi

sticky rice:

1 c. short grain rice

2 c. water

2 T. seasoned rice vinegar

Cook rice and water in rice cooker or on the stove. Pour cooked rice into a 9x13" baking dish and stir in vinegar while rice is still hot. Let cool. (Below is a picture of the vinegar that I used and it turned out great.)

filling:

carrots, julienned

avocados, thinly sliced

cucumbers, julienned

cooked shrimp

imitation crab

seaweed sheets

Press rice onto seaweed sheet (enough to cover.) Then add desired fillings in a line and roll tightly. Slice into 3/4" pieces and serve with soy sauce and/or wasabi.

I happened to have some egg roll wrappers in the fridge, so I also made some wonton chips. They are very simple to make and are very delicious.

Wonton Chips 1 package wonton skins (or egg roll wrappers, quartered)
oil or cooking spray
salt


Preheat oven to 375 F. Lay wontons side by side in a single layer on greased cookie sheet. brush with oil (or spray with cooking spray) and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

I hope you enjoy sushi night as much as I do!

Juicing

Lately I've been trying to eat healthier and adopt a more whole-food type lifestyle. Let me tell you, it's not easy for me because I really love processed foods, but I know how bad they can be for my health. I will never be perfect at this way of eating because I cannot give up sweets and salty snacks entirely, and I will NEVER give up ice cream (it's my weakness!) That being said, I've tried to incorporate more whole grains, fruits and veggies in my diet and less foods like white bread, fruit snacks and sugary drinks.

My sweet husband, aware of the changes I've been trying to make, was so thoughtful and gave me a juicer for Mother's Day. I am very new at this juicing concept, but so far I love it. It's a

great way for me to feel like I've started the day right and also a great way to boost my veggie intake each day! So this week I've been juicing every morning. Today, I tried this juice recipe:

Green Lemonade

3 stalks celery

4-5 handfuls spinach

2 apples

1 cucumber

large chunk ginger

1/2 lemon

Now, I must say it was not the most delicious juice I've ever had, but it wasn't horrible either. Let's just say it tasted healthy. :) I am not accustomed to eating as many veggies as I probably should. By making veggie juice I can pack several into one meal. It's great!

Anyway, I love my juicer and I know that it will help me in my efforts to making healthier eating choices and habits.

Summer Pasta Salad

I love this recipe! It's one of my favorites because it's not very difficult and doesn't take a lot of time! It's great for summer!

Summer Pasta Salad

8 oz. (or so) dry multicolored pasta, cooked

black olives, chopped

cucumber, chopped

tomatoes, chopped

bell pepper, chopped

pepperoni

onion powder

garlic powder

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

Use as much or as little as you like of each ingredient and toss together. I tend to be sparing with the vinegar because it's very strong! You can also add any ingredients that sound good to you. Be creative!

Sometimes instead of using the olive oil and vinegar, I'll just toss it with some ranch dressing. It's also very delicious. Enjoy!