Red Beans and Rice

1 lb. dry red beans
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 T. minced garlic
6 c. water
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. dried sage
1 T. dried parsley

1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 lb. andouille or smoked sausage, sliced

4 c. water
2 c. rice

Soak red beans overnight; drain and rinse.  Add the rest of the ingredients, except the sausage, to the pot and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.  Add sausage and cook an additional 30 mins. Serve over prepared rice.

***If using an instant pot, reduce water to 5 cups, or add 1/2 c. rice to the pot.

Granola Bites

2 c. quick oats
1 c. oat flour
1/3 c. brown sugar, optional  (It is plenty sweet without.)
1/4 c. Quinoa flakes
1/4 c. ground flax or chia seeds
2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. dried fruit of choice
1/2 c. seeds or nuts
1/4 c. dark chocolate chunks, optional
1 egg (OR for Egg-Free: combine 1 Tbsp Ground Chia or Flax seeds with 3 Tbsp HOT water, let sit 5 minutes until gelled)
2/3 c. oil
1/2 c. honey, or maple syrup
1 T. vanilla


Mix dry ingredients together, then add wet and stir til well combined.  Press into a 9x13" pan and bake 30 mins at 350 degrees.  Allow it to cool completely before cutting.

Healthy and delicious!