Spilling the Beans

It is the Fourth of July weekend and we will have four "kiddos" home. Oh, beautiful for spacious skies have opened up and delivered two sweeties, two more are on their way!

A real cause for sparkles and celebration!

Here is some of the food we will be having...spilling the beautiful beans on our holiday fare.

For amber waves of grain, I made up San Miguel Granola, the one we had at that magical B and B in Mexico. It is really different from my Natural State Granola and a fun taste change.

For purple mountain majesties, I will be making the Blackberry Cake from last year.

For above the fruited plain, we will be having a coconut, mango, bean and brown rice dish made with gorgeous heirloom beans, soaking away as I write this...

and a wonderful Wheat and Snow Pea Salad.

Also, a Gingered Fruit Bowl and this amazing Nopales and Tomato Salad (Gracias a ti, Victoria!)

and Stuffed Portabellas.

I also plan to make up this recipe I got yesterday, from my pal Dr. Barnard.

Mango Lime Sorbet

2 cups pureed partially frozen mango
1/2 cup agave nectar
Juice of 2 limes

This recipe works best if the mango is frozen, and then allowed to thaw for about 15 minutes. Once it has partially thawed, puree the mango along with the agave and lime juice. Pour the puree into a shallow glass or metal bowl and then place it in the freezer. After 30 minutes, stir the puree, then repeat every 15 minutes thereafter until you are ready to serve.

To make it simpler, use store-bought frozen mango to avoid peeling and deseeding several fresh mangoes. The freezing process accentuates tartness and reduces the sweet flavor. That means the puree should be slightly less tart and slightly sweeter than you expect the final product to be. Serves 6.

For brotherhood, we will be doing lots of hanging out and waving flags and marching in our neighborhood's parade.

and for from sea to shining sea, with the pursuit of health and happiness for ourselves and Mother Earth in mind, we will be declaring our independence and living free from harmful chemicals...all sinks, all showers, all bodies now cared for with liberty and justice for all!!

xoxoxo Have a great weekend! I have a new camera and cannot wait to get snapping!