Rice Scramble

With the TV on and watching, what else, FoodNetwork, I stomped out 30 minutes of running with 8 strides at the end.  Total DREADMILL miles= 5.00 at 8.49 ave. pace.

Weights:  chest, shoulders and abs.  That leaves only a run for Thursday. YAY! Love those easy aerobic only days. 

Walking the dog:  It was a little wet outside so I grabbed the tennis ball and Shane and I went over to the college track.  We ran  little, walked  little and played ball a lot.  Passing the tennis courts on the way home, we spotted 2 lonely tennis balls. More for us!   We went back, grabbed them and continued on.  A total of 2.83 miles. Ted won’t be happy about more balls, they are all over the lawn when he mows it.  

Tonight we have the ride in silence to recognize those hurt or killed while riding a bike.  It’s a 10 mile bike ride in total silence, hand signals only, with a police escort.  We all meet up at 6pm and leave at 7pm.  Can’t imagine what we are going to do in the Rec. Center parking lot for an hour but….whatever.  I’m SO impatient! 

Not sure about Thursday’s ride.  If it’s windy again, I’m calling it quits. That wind has been relentless this year and I’m sick of it. Enough already!  PLUS, my half is on Sunday and those bikers pedal fast on that Thursday ride.  I’ll have to evaluate my leg condition before embarking on a glycogen exhausting endeavor such as 20 miles of riding at 14 – 15 mph with only one stop.  I’m telling you… these people are bike maniacs!  In a good way

Grabbing some grub….

Sometimes you just grab stuff and try to make a meal before you even have a plan as to the end result.  This is what happened when I simply peered into the pantry and grabbed.  It was a good outcome.

RICE SCRAMBLE: Serves 3 to 4 with a side salad.

• 1 pkg. black beans and rice (removed from the BURRITO DINNER package during our private party). *This packet had some spicy mix added to it.  Normally, I would simply cook 1 can black beans with 1/2 cup of rice and then add my favorite spices.
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 4.5 oz jar sliced mushrooms – drained
• 1/2 red pepper, chopped
• 1 small bunch of asparagus, chopped
• 1/4 onion, chopped
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 6.5 oz can chopped clams – drained
• 1 cup Egg Beaters
• salt and pepper to taste

Make the beans and rice according to package directions which were:  Boil 2 cups of water, add the rice and seasoning, reduce heat to medium and cook 12 minutes.  Following the 12 minutes, uncover and let cook an additional 10 minutes to reduce some of the liquid.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Heat oil in pan over medium heat.  When hot, sauté the pepper, asparagus and onion for 5 minutes. Add the spinach and mushrooms and cook until spinach wilts.  Stir in Old Bay seasoning.

Transfer the cooked rice and beans to a  9 x 9  or so baking dish sprayed with non-stick. 

Top with veggie mixture. 

Add the clams

top with the Egg Beaters.  Sprinkle with just a little salt and pepper.

Cook  30 to 40 minutes until Egg Beaters are cooked.  

The rice will not set firm on the bottom but adds such flavor to the entire egg-clam bake.

Light and very healthy.  Enjoy for a perfect summer night meal.

What do you ALWAYS have on hand in the pantry for a quick meal?

Last chance for the GIVEAWAY!  I will select the lucky BISCOFF winner at noon.

Joanne