Monday, March 8, 2010

Product Reviews (and a Giveaway) & Spinach, Rice & Bean Recipe

Thank you all for the sweet comments on our Jamaica trip! Yes, I did keep this a secret! I always feel a little strange posting that we will be gone/out of our house for an extended period of time, so I figured I'd just wait until we got back to tell you ;). The rest of my Sunday was lovely! I ran six miles outside (the speedy time was due to the chill in the air- I just wanted to get back inside!!):
And got the house organized(laundry, cleaning, ironing, cooking, etc)! I also broke into my stash of Galaxy Granola that the company sent me.
I tried the Vanilla Almond and it was super yummy! I'm not a big fan of overly sweet granola, so this hit the spot! It is very light, super crunchy, and has 50% less fat than other granolas. I cannot wait to try the other flavors and will report back on my thoughts! I will be trying them mixed into the new Caramel and Chocolate Oikos that I was FINALLY able to find yesterday!
Last night for dinner, I made up a spinach, rice, bean and turkey (for Josh) mixture, inspired by this recipe on Dawn Dishes It Out. This recipe can be made vegan without the turkey and is pretty yummy!
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (more as needed)
  • 1/2 lb ground turkey (or eliminate and use additional beans for vegan version)
  • 8 ounces canned vegan/vegetarian pinto beans (or favorite bean)
  • 8-14 ounces tomato sauce (depends how saucy you like it)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
  • Desired quantity fresh or frozen spinach
  • Brown Rice

Directions:

Cook Brown Rice according to directions on box.

Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet. Add onion and garlic and cook 3-4 minutes. Add turkey (if using) to onion/garlic mix and cook until no longer pink. Add all seasonings, beans, and tomato sauce and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Add in desired quantity of spinach and cook until wilted into mixture. Combine cooked brown rice and turkey, bean & spinach mixture. The result:

If you're not vegan, you can also top it with some Parmesan cheese. I used my favorite brown rice in this recipe, Success:

I love this rice! Whats your favorite brand? Success recently sent me a coupon for a free box. Do you want to try Success too? 10 lucky Itzy's Kitchen readers will win their own coupon! To enter, simply leave a comment below! For an additional entry, tweet or buzz about this contest and leave me a separate comment letting me know you did so! The contest will be open until Wednesday night, March 10 at 11:59 PM!
How is your Monday going so far? I taught Body Pump this morning and am now working away. I am hoping to meet up with my parents later for some coffee. Enjoy your week!!

57 comments:

The Blonde Duck said...

Beans and rice make a complete protien too! Down here in Mexican food land, it's all most folks eat!

Nicci said...

I've been loving the Galaxy Granola too. Oh what a great rice dish you have there. I was thinking about making some rice tonight. love brown rice

Katie said...

Thanks for the review! I've seen this granola all over and can't wait to try.

So funny you posted this recipe today... I was literally just thinking when I woke up that I wanted rice and beans! I'd love to win some quick rice :-) Thanks!

Stephanie @cookinfanatic said...

I can't wait to get that granola, I think mine must be lost in the mail or something what the heck?! Ah well... the beans and rice meal sounds deelish, such a complete meal :) Happy Monday to you girl!

homecookedem said...

That rice dish looks so good!! Happy Monday!! :)

Ashley said...

I can't wait to try some Galaxy Granola. And you can never go wrong with rice - so versatile!! Great giveaway!

Pam said...

Your dish looks awesome! Nice job on the review!

Enjoy your coffee!

xoxo

Jessica @ How Sweet said...

That rice + beans looks soooo delicious!!!! Yum!!

Molly said...

I love any easy brown rice!
Such a great source of gluten-free carbs and it makes beans a complete protein! And, of course, its delicious!

Anonymous said...

That granola looks good. They're all out of the free samples on the website. :(

Rice is good too!

I Run for Fun said...

Just caught up on your last post. Looks like you and Josh had an absolute blast. Awesome pics!

You are one super speedy woman...that's a fast 6 miles.

whatkateate said...

its smart not to tell the whole internet your leaving for vacation! im jealous of everyone getting their hands on the caramel oikos - i must find it soon!

Naomi(Onefitfoodie) said...

i am seeing this granola everywhere! it looks so good!! I cant wait to try it :) that rice dish looks awsome, erica you are so creative!

~M~ said...

I LOVE that boil in a bag stuff! It's easy peasy and tastes great!

~M~ said...

PS- I have all the stuff right now to make it so I think you solved my dinner dilema :)

Britt said...

Awesome run speedy lady! I need to try that granola, keep hearing about it and it sounds delish!

I need to do rice more often... the quick stuff is usually best cause I always think of it at the last minute!

Krista said...

I'll have to see if I can find that rice when I'm in Buffalo next week...

Lauren @ Eater not a runner said...

What a great run!!! I love the galaxy granola :-)

bhealthier said...

Hope coffee was fun!

my monday was good, 4 miles, lots of homework, class ALL day, presentation went well on RD .... sigh.

im slowly learning to like rice more! hope you had a lovely weekend!

Julie said...

wow dawn is a genius! by the way so are you because we had sloppy janes AGAIN tonight bahahaha. my mom literally bbmed me while i was at work saying "sloppy janes?" i'm like sure i'm so glad that i'm coming home to make you dinner..

mmm i'm bookmarking this recipe bc it sounds super easy and something that my fam would definitely enjoy! thanks girly :)

Maria said...

We like short grain brown rice. I buy it from the bins, so I don't know what brand it is:) Have a fun week! Glad you are back:)

Mom on the Run said...

I like any rice in the brown and quick form. Great giveaway!!!

EricaH said...

I have been looking for some good ground turkey recipes so I might have to give this one a try.

thanks for the giveaway also. :)

Rose said...

That dinner looks delicious. It's actually making me hungry right now, and I'm getting ready to fall asleep!

Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com said...

Mmm awesome recipe! I love using ground turkey lately!
Have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Susan said...

Ohh that granola looks super bomb - I'll have to keep my eye out for it! Glad you had a good run and good Monday

Averie @ Averie Cooks said...

enter me baby.
ok so your vacay comment made me laugh bout not advertising to thiefs that you'd be gone. When we were gone in dec for a month i told a few ppl in advance and then they'd leave these really specific comments for me and i was like how the thieves arent reading LOL

xoxo

Juliana said...

Nice meal, indeed very complete! Never heard of this granola, from your description it is a must try ;-)

Miz said...

uncle bens :)
does that date me?

Jessica said...

I don't think we have that rice in canada! I've never really had rice from a bag, maybe I'll start browsing it in the store.

This Galaxy granola is everywhere! I may go to the website and see if I can order some.

momgateway said...

Granola is one of my fave breakfast and snack. Rice and beans are tops too...have you ever tried rice and beans pudding?

K from ksgoodeats said...

I love the name of that rice! Especially because this blogger once burned rice...in a microwave. Definitely not a Success!

That granola sounds fabulous and WOOHOO for the new Oikos! I can't wait to hear if you like it or not because I have yet to try it myself. That dinner sounds great! Haha - nothing like cold air to get you to run faster! Hope you got in a coffee date with your parents! Have a great Tuesday :)

Unknown said...

i tried that galaxy granola awhile back, it was pretty good and the ingredient list is much better than others ;) looks like you two had a FABULOUS trip, too :)

Anonymous said...

That looks so good!

Anonymous said...

I still cannot find that Okios Chocolate or Caramel, I am on the hunt though!

That is the exact same rice that I use - I love that it is perfectly portioned : ) I usually cook a bag and add blackbeans & pineapple then sprinkle with Tabasco Chipotle hot sauce - soooo yummy!

Anonymous said...

That recipe looks goood. Will have to try it out.

Amy (Super Healthy Kids) said...

Beans and rice... so good for so many reasons! I'd love to win.

Anonymous said...

The turkey with rice looks so good! I am not vegetarian, but I never know what to make with ground turkey/chicken so just buy pre-cooked when I do eat it.

Don't enter me in the giveaway because I am so far away, but for the record, brown rice = awesome and I could eat it at every meal. Yum!

Anonymous said...

DARN! i just wrote a long comment about how I love rice and beans and wordpress deleted it.


grrrrrrrrr

Holly said...

ahhhh i am SO GLAD you and josh got to getaway for a week in the bright, shiny sun! that is so great, and it looks like you two had a great time. love, love, love it!

i am excited because i should be getting that galaxy granola anyday. and i would LOVE to win some brown rice! i have never tried that kind before!

love ya girl!

Natalie said...

I've never even heard of success rice, I usually stick with Uncle Ben's...but I'd love to try this! :)

Holly said...

Yum, I want to try that granola so badly! Granola is something I don't buy often mostly because it's SO expensive, but also I'm afraid it wouldn't be around long. :-)

tam said...

Everyone seems to be eating that granola at the mo ot looks delish x x

Nutritious is Delicious said...

Awesome! I bet I could make that in my microwave! lol Oh college... ;)

Laura E said...

Thanks so much for the opportunity! I love rice so much! In fact, I just had some for supper today :)

marie said...

I'd love to try that rice in that recipe! Thanks for sharing the recipe and holding the giveaway.

And my Monday wasn't too bad, as I had a great Pilates class.

Paige (Running Around Normal) said...

I totally understand feeling weird posting about when you're going to be away from your house. You never know what creepos are our there reading your blog!
That dinner looks awesome! I like Uncle Ben's, but i haven't tried many different brands.
Have a great week!

sophia said...

It's Tuesday today! But my Monday went swimmingly...I just can't wait for this weekend to come already, though!

Ana said...

I really want to get my hands on some Galaxy Granola and Caramel and Chocolate Oikos...mmm that just sounds sooo good together!

Sylvia said...

Love beans and rice.

Unknown said...

I am an editor at Ampere Media. I am currently working on a website called fitandfabliving. While the editors contribute most of the articles, we are always looking for a broader perspective and audience. After perusing your blog, you seem like you would be a great contributor to the site.

We are looking for bloggers who are knowledgeable and passionate about health and fitness and are interested in getting published on a high-quality website. If you don't have the time to write new articles, we also accept previously-written content.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer monetary payment, but we can offer the following benefits:

--Free, quality, inbound links to your blog
--Association with a reputable brand
--Potential to gain a wider readership (we have thousands of subscribers to site)
--"Expert" classification among an elite group of bloggers
--Excellent writing exposure with minimal extra time commitment from you

Here is some more information about our site:

Name: Fit&FabLiving – “Look and Feel Your Best”
Mission Statement: Fit&FabLiving is a health and beauty community focused on helping everyone look and feel their best. Comprised of thousands of hints and tips, Fit&FabLiving brings the latest expert advice, user-submitted content and thousands of tips on fitness, health, fashion, beauty and more.

We’re still in the early development phases of our site. It is our goal to develop a website with fantastic content from you and other expert bloggers, as well as user-generated content from the website community. We have extensive experience building online communities and have already achieved great success with our recipe website Recipe4Living .

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact me. Also, feel free to send along any article ideas or writing samples.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Anonymous said...

That looks super good--I've been craving beans and rice lately and always have spinach on hand so may have to give it a go!

The Galley Slave said...

The rice looks wonderful. Would love to try it.

Diana said...

Can't beat quick rice! I love rice but yeah the cooking time can be a deal breaker.

Lovin my Galaxy Granola too! Glad to have 3 big ol bags - we'll see how long they last!

elise said...

i keep seeing the galaxy granola all over the blogs lately, thinking i should give it a try!!

CaSaundraLeigh said...

Sadly, I've never been a huge rice fan--but this does sound surprisingly simple and good!! And Galaxy Granola is always a staple in my pantry--so good!

Erica said...

aevans- please email me at itzyskitchen at gmail dot com! Thank you :)