If Your Face is Ugly - Learn to Sing...part 2

Yesterday morning 5:15 a.m. I heard the rain. I groaned inwardly (I am not sure what that sounds like, but I have never heard anyone use the term "groaned outwardly") I live in the northwest and the rains have begun. Rain makes it harder to get out the door, and easier to justify staying in bed. Cold also makes a wonderful excuse, and I love a good excuse. The problem is that while excuses bring instant gratification in the short term, they aren't going to make your bottom any smaller.

I try hard to keep my "no excuses" policy and go out no matter what (although I do long for the nice warm gym.) It really helps to pray the night before for the desire and ability to go out. I am still not at the point where I jump out of bed excited to run, rain or shine, but I am working on it. I believe one day I will get there, I am trying to say to myself "if the weather is ugly, learn to sing - in the rain". Fake it till you make it baby.

So today for you today, my take on the saying is, "if you are cold from a rainy run, make soup."

Try this recipe: It is dark and spooky, perfect for halloween, delicious with a sour cream ghost on top! Have a great weekend.

Black and Brown Soup
(Black bean and brown rice)

6 cups black beans
4 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion chopped
4-6 cloves of garlic
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tsp oregano
2 tsp salt
2-3 Tbls red wine vinegar

Whirl 2 cups beans with 1 cup broth until smooth, set aside

In large pot, saute in 1/4 cup olive oil:
1 large onion chopped
4-6 cloves of minced garlic
add:
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tsp oregano
4 cups beef stock
4 cups black beans
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
add whirled beans and broth
4 cups black beans
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
2 tsp salt
2-3 Tbls red wine vinegar
cook, and serve with fat free sour cream.