Healthy Chicks

I am a huge fan of experimenting with new recipes, and I’ll try anything at least once. I remember when I was a young girl, I would love joining my grandmother in the kitchen, carefully watching her every move. I was fascinated (and still am fascinated) by how quick she was with her hands, and by the incredible meals she’d create solely with fresh, simple ingredients.

I also remember what a picky little girl I once was! As my grandma would hand me a “taste test” of whatever she was cooking, be it glazed carrots, celery soup, or venison, I’d always shout out with a disgusted face, “But I don’t like that!” Her go-to response: “How do you know if you don’t like it if you don’t try it?” So I’d try it, and at least I’d learn if the taste suited me or not. And 99% of the time, guess what? I liked it.

That’s when I started to expand my taste buds, and experiment with food. My childhood years helped me overcome my fears of the “unknown” and programmed me to try everything…at least once. It transformed me into the woman I am today, and for that I am thankful. I can now say I’ve tried everything from my mom’s chopped liver to sweet bread, Thai cuisine to Indian, raw food to ultra hot spicy food, and can honestly say I’ve enjoyed the journey.

Well today at lunch there was nothing crazy on the menu, but instead of going with my typical bland humus & veggie wrap, or my go-to salad toppings, I decided to think a little outside the box, and it was definitely worth it.

Organic Broccoli Feta Salad

• 1 c. organic broccoli, chopped
• cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 c. black beans, rinsed
• 2 TB crumbled feta cheese
• dash of chili powder
• dash of cumin
• 1 TB olive oil
• Spritz of fresh lemon juice
• salt & pepper to taste

Mix up in a big bowl and enjoy with a side of hummus and pita or fresh fruit!

Speaking of recipes, I just updated my recipe page over at Zesty Living with 50 nutritious, energizing, zesty combos. Feel free to take a look. Hey, you’ll never know if you don’t try it…

Do you think outside the box when it comes to cooking, or do you stick to your usual daily menu? Are you a daredevil or do you tend to play it safe?