Eating Less Meat, a Vanishing Spanish Tortilla, and Dancing Ladybugs

By now you may have realized that the recipes I share lack one similar ingredient — meat. This is because I like animals, I like the planet, and I like being good to my body. Eating a diet free of meat, serves all these aims, and there are plenty of studies out there that have proved it. Even eating less meat can have a large affect, so if you're not a vegetarian consider cutting back on meat, especially red meats.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people who follow a plant-based diet have a reduced risk of cancer, lower cholesterol, and weigh less. Additionally, the World Cancer Research Fund recently said eating red meat even in small quantities can increase the risk of several cancers. Definitely some good reasons to go meatless, or at least eat less meat.

Recipe:

Kale and Potato Spanish Tortilla

If you've never had a spanish tortilla, it is a must-try. This one is heavy on potatoes, light on eggs, and offers the health benefits of kale. Make sure to use organic potatoes and kale, since both are on the dirty dozen.

Ingredients
1-1 1/4 lbs. organic red potatoes
1/2 cup + 1 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 bunch organic kale, chopped with center ribs discarded
5 large eggs
3 egg whites
3-4 oz. Manchego cheese, grated

1) Peel potatoes and cut into 1/3-inch dice (3 cups). Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot, then reduce heat to low and cook potatoes, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.


2) While potatoes cook, put kale in a large pot of boiling salted water until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and run cold water over it to stop cooking. When potatoes are tender, add kale to potato mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Take off heat, and cool 10 minutes.

3) Lightly beat eggs in a large bowl, then stir in vegetables, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cheese. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to clean (oven-safe, if available) skillet until hot, then add egg mixture and cook over low heat, covered, until sides are set but center is still loose, about 12 minutes. Transfer to oven to broil until top is lightly browned or if you don't have an oven-safe skillet, remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10-15 minutes., then cut into four equal parts and flip each part over with a spatula and put back on low heat to brown, 3-5 minutes.

Product:

Schylling Busy Bugs Music Box

I found this adorable music box at Follow Your Heart in Canoga Park and my daughter loves it. It's made of wood and has little ladybugs that spin around dancing as the music plays, thanks to internal magnets. It is also interactive, since kids can place and remove the ladybugs.

“My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.” -Stephen Wright