Meatless Monday: Spiced Lentil Tacos

Livestrong lists several health benefits of a vegetarian diet including, lower rates of kidney disease as well as slower progression when it already exists. This could be because vegetarians tend to have lower cholesterol levels and appear to consume less protein. In addition plant-derived proteins may stress the kidneys less than animal-derived.

Start off the week healthy with this recipe!

Spiced Lentil Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 package (2.25 ounce) taco seasoning
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped (use half for less heat)
• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
• 8 taco shells
• 1 1/4 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat (2 percent) cheddar

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic and salt until onion begins to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add lentils and taco seasoning.
2. Cook until spices are fragrant and lentils are dry, about 1 minute. Add broth; bring to a boil.
3.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Mix sour cream, chile and adobo sauce in a bowl. Uncover lentils and cook until mixture thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Mash with a rubber spatula. Spoon 1/4 cup lentil mixture into each taco shell. Top with 2 heaping teaspoons sour cream mixture, lettuce, tomato and cheese.

Recipe originally posted on epicurious.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Live Peace with Special Olympics

Today marks the start of the 2012 London Olympic games! The opening ceremony will take place tonight. You can keep up with the Olympics and Paralympics schedule on their respective websites. However, we must not forget the work that the Special Olympics does year round to support communities around the world.

The Special Olympics have been a worldwide resource and support system for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families since 1968. The games grew out of Eunice Kennedy Shriver‘s vision to create a space for children with disabilities to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.  It is a community that strives to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Special Olympics hosts 50,000 competitions a year – about 136 each day.

 Paige Norton of British Columbia carves a turn in a speedskating event at Special Olympics Canada’s 2012 Winter Games

Youth can be involved in the Special Olympics from the time they are eight years old but can also participate in the Young Athletes program for two through seven year olds. Athletes can also participate in the Special Olympics Unified Sports program which pairs athletes with and without disabilities to expose athletes to greater social stimulus, meaningful inclusion, and mentorship. The Special Olympics has also started Project Unify, an education -based  movement that uses sports and education programs to inspire young people to build their school communities to bring about change to garner respect, dignity, and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics also provides free health screenings and care to it’s athletes as the world’s largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities.

Stephanie Handojo of Indonesia is one of many Special Olympics athletes honored by carrying the Olympic torch in light of the London Summer Olympics

To support the Special Olympics, volunteer, donate, or pledge not to use the word “retard”. For more information visit the Special Olympics website.

Let your Olympic spirit guide you to live peace by cheering on all kinds of athletes.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Décor: Wooden Sculptures

If you’ve ever been to the Center for Living Peace, you know that it was designed in a mindful and symbolic manner that gives it a unique aura. Our space is filled with beautiful artwork that holds meaning and embodies the Center’s mission and focus. We’ll be sharing a bit about different pieces of art and design features of the Center once a month. This month we’ll be highlighting our four wooden sculptures

Each of the wooden sculptures in the Center represent one of our four pillars: environment, peace making and effective communication, arts and culture, and inner work and development. They are oriented facing the four cardinal directions and are associated with different parts of the world. All four sculptures are made out of a walnut tree. They are meant to wade off evil and help maintain peace in the Center for Living Peace.

East: Sekhmet, Egypt  

Environment

Sekhmet is a lion-headed goddess who is known as one of the oldest deities of ancient Egypt. A goddess of war and peace, and healing; she represents the East as a sun goddess with a solar disk on her head, as the sun rises from the East.

West: Snow Lion, Tibet

Arts & Culture

The snow lion is used as the national emblem in Tibet. It represents cheerfulness and a mind free of doubt. Snow lions are seen as the playful protectors and guardians of children. Snow lions were also known to be protectors of the Buddhist temples. The symbol of the snow lion has also been adopted in the western cultures.

North: Raven, North American

Peace Making & Effective Communication

Ancient holy men of the North-American tribes would call upon the raven to help seek clarity and truth behind what the physical eye sees. The raven is believed to be the bearer of magic and healing powers, and is known for long-distance healing. They are also widely used as a totem animal, a guide for humans through the physical and spiritual world.

South: Dragon, Eastern and Western Cultures

Inner work & Development

Dragons have roles in both Western and Eastern cultures and mythologies. They are symbols of wisdom and longevity in Eastern philosophy, popular for their power over the universe and force of nature. In western mythology, they are seen more as mystical creatures, described for their creature-like characteristics as sea serpents. For the Center for Living Peace, however, dragons are seen as a peaceful meeting between the east and the west.

Want to take a closer look at these majestic pieces of art? Our upcoming program schedule is available on our website, or simply stop by for a visit.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Meatless Mondays: Arugula, Mozzarella, Tomato on Focaccia

It’s Monday once again – we hope you enjoy our new meatless recipe! It will be sure to start your week off on a healthy and happy note.

Take a look at International Justice Mission’s campaign for slave-free tomatoes, Recipe for Change. Think about purchasing your tomatoes for this recipe from supermarkets that have joined the Fair Food program to provide only slave-free tomatoes, such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, or shop at your local farmer’s market! You can also join the campaign to bring slave-free tomatoes to your local supermarket. This simple contribution can help to fight human right’s abuses around the world. Learn more from Recipe for Change’s resources.

Arugula, Mozzarella, Tomato on Focaccia

Ingredients:

• 3 large, vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups packed trimmed arugula, rinsed, spun dry, chopped coarse
• Focaccia bread, halved horizontally (enough for four sandwiches)
• 1/2 pound mozzarella, sliced thin (fresh is best)
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl or baking dish, combine tomatoes, onion and vinegar and season with pepper and salt. Marinate 30 minutes.
2. Layer tomatoes, mozzarella, onions and arugula on the Focaccia half. Spread some mayonnaise on the top half of the Focaccia if desired. Press top half over the bottom, hold together with a couple of tooth picks.
3. Enjoy!

Recipe originally posted on Simply Recipes.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Live Peace with Anaheim White House Restaurant

Bruno Serato’s Anaheim White House Restaurant has been helping to feed “motel” kids by serving 300 dinners everyday since 2005. To date he has served 413,400 free dinners and founded the non-profit, Caterina’s Club, in honor of his mother to continue his important work. Bruno was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Cypress College Foundation presented by the City of Anaheim. He was inspired to make good happen when he visited a Boys and Girls Club with his mother and noticed a child eating a bag of potato chips for dinner. His mother suggested that he feed these children in need and he has expanded the project ever since. Serato says “I can’t stop helping these kids.”

The children are transported in vans from their motel home or local Boys and Girls clubs to the restaurant each night for a tasty meal. Bruno consistently holds fundraisers at his restaurant to benefit Caterina’s Club as well as the Boys and Girls club.

To learn more about Caterina’s Club or donate, visit their website. Volunteers to help serve meals are welcome every night at the restaurant. Email info@anaheimwhitehouse.com  or call the restaurant to volunteer!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Aimee Mullins and Her 12 Pairs of Legs

“There’s an important difference and distinction between the objective medical fact of my being an amputee and the subjective societal opinion of whether or not I’m disabled. Truthfully, the only real and consistent disability I’ve had to confront is the world ever thinking that I could be described by those definitions.”

-Aimee Mullins

Speaking from her wide ranging life experiences as an athlete, model, actress, and activist, Aimee Mullins challenges society’s view on the ideas of beauty and disability. Aimee had both her legs amputated below the knee when she was a year old because she was born missing fibula bones. She broke several world records at the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996 as the first person to use woven carbon-fiber prostheses, which were inspired by cheetah legs. Aimee was also the first amputee to compete in the NCAA in US history during her time at Georgetown University.

She has worked with major fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen and starred in movies such as Matthew Barney’s Cremaster 3. Aimee continues to act as a champion for women and the disabled in sports serving on the board of several non-profits and sports foundations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Spire Institute.

Visit her TED profile to watch her other videos and learn more about Aimee’s approach to living peace.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Meatless Mondays: Baked Vegetable Lasagna

Happy Monday! As promised, here is your weekly meatless recipe – enjoy!

Baked Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 (14-ounce) package water-packed firm tofu, drained
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 3 cups finely chopped red bell pepper (about 2 medium)
• 2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• Cooking spray
• 12 cooked lasagna noodles
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375°.
2.  Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add white onion; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute or until golden. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, crushed red pepper, and tomatoes. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in basil and oregano. Cool.
3.  Combine ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tofu, egg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor; process for 10 seconds or until blended. Stir in green onions. Set aside.
4.  Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to pan; sauté 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender and liquid evaporates. Remove from heat; stir in parsley and remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
5. Spread 1/2 cup tomato mixture in the bottom of a 13 x 9–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; top with 3 noodles. Spread 3/4 cup tomato mixture over noodles; top with 1 cup tofu mixture and 1 cup zucchini mixture. Repeat layers twice, ending with noodles. Spread remaining 3/4 cup tomato mixture over top. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes or until bubbly; top with mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Let stand 10 minutes.

Recipe originally posted on Cooking Light.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Live Peace with Human Options

Each week we highlight great organizations making good happen! They truly demonstrate how much each of us can do to help our communities and those in need. Live Peace by finding and supporting a cause that you believe in through the work of organizations like Human Options.

Human Options is a women’s shelter  in Irvine, CA with a mission to help battered women, their families, and their communities end the cycle of domestic violence. It offers a variety of resources such as an emergency shelter and transitional living programs with included counseling, legal advocacy, case management, and job readiness training. They also run a 24 hour emergency, bilingual hotline. Women and their children have access to a Children and Families Counseling Center, K-12 community education, and violence prevention training programs. It also runs a community education program in which their educators present to various schools, organizations, and agencies about issues surrounding domestic violence.

Human Option’s long term assistance and prevention approach has helped thousands of women and children to lead more healthy and violence free lives since they started their work in 1981. Support Human Options by donating fresh produce and spices every Saturday of July, during the Irvine Farmer’s Market, at the Center. Also refer to Human Option’s wish list for donated items or volunteer to help out. Volunteers must be 18  or 16 to work with children’s programs and go through a training workshop.

For more details on the organization’s work, visit their website!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Sir Ken Robinson: Changing Education Paradigms

“Many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not — because the thing they were good at at school wasn’t valued, or was actually stigmatized.”

-Sir Ken Robinson

RSA Animate brought Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk to life with this video addressing creativity and the world educational model. As Sir Ken discusses in his lecture, we cannot afford to stifle children’s creativity and talent if we wish to build a more peaceful world. He has been involved in the discussion of creativity, business, and education on an international scale and has received several prizes for his dedication to the arts and education.  He has written two books, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything and Out of Our Minds, on the connection between creativity and learning.

To view Sir Ken Robinson’s original lecture or his follow up TED talk, visit his TED speaker profile. To learn more about his most up to date projects visit his website.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Meatless Monday: Grilled Mushroom Cobb Salad

Happy Monday! We hope you enjoy this new and refreshing meatless recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 2 inch slices
• 4 portabella mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup of your favorite vinaigrette
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese

Directions

1. Pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat. Whisk the oil, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Brush the red pepper and mushroom slices with the oil mixture. Place the red pepper pieces on a skewer.
2. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the kabobs and cook 5 minutes more.
3. Toss the lettuce with the vinaigrette and transfer on a small serving platter. Arrange the mushrooms, roasted peppers, eggs and blue cheese across the bed of lettuce and enjoy!

Recipe originally posted on Meatless Monday.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!