Using what we have on hand at home has taken on a whole new meaning for the global community. Could our time spent at home possibly lead us to bring a new dimension of order into our lives, homes, and relationships?

Yesterday I was thinking how great it is to be creative with just what we have on hand, without going out to a store or market. Of course, I applied this thought to food.

Then I pulled out food that needed to be used RIGHT NOW and let my creativity flow. I hope this time of social distancing has in some way given you the time and courage to become more creative, organized, thoughtful and reflective. It certainly has for me!
It can be fun to take just what is in the pantry and refrigerator and come up with a whole new dish or meal. Just take your time – you might end up being very proud of yourself. I had these items on hand and half an hour later, voila` the dish was ready.

Now, the photos took much longer.
The secret here is to keep on hand a variety of culinary spices and herbs such as: turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cardamom, thyme, and parsley to name a few. They add flavor to your food, health to your body, and also support healthy eating habits.

For this dish rinse red quinoa thoroughly. Combine 1 cup to 2 cups water, cook by directions. Saute onions, garlic, peppers. Add spices and herbs, then stir in tomatoes and cook over low heat. Rinse red lentils, but do not soak. Add lentils, broth or water, and continue to cook over low heat. Keep an eye on water level. Cook for 10 minutes then add kale finely chopped, let everything simmer stirring occasionally. The lentils will absorb the liquid. The spices, herbs and pepper give this dish sass. Serve the red lentils over quinoa with a squeeze of lime. Taste and adjust seasonings.

I would love to hear the creative dishes you have pulled together with just what you had on hand in your house.