Healthy Lunch from Leftovers in the Fridge

This morning was really a busy one.  I was doing some housework and laundry

and John our pest control miracle worker was coming over for our quarterly

spray to wipe out unwelcome Texas critters from the garden and house.

After John finished up and all the laundry was folded, I felt really

hungry.  I had skipped my usual oatmeal and berries and only had

a cup of tea ….

What can I eat???

I try to eat a healthy diet every day.  It's my own attitude about health

insurance.  I pay for it but seldom use it.  When I can stay out of the 

doctor's office, I am a happy camper.  Anyway ~ let's check the fridge ….

Left over brown rice from last night.  What can I do with this?

I grabbed a handful of slivered almonds and tossed them into a dry

skillet to toast for a bit.  Not too long, I don't want them to burn, only

to bring out their natural oils and enhance the flavor.

What else?  I have brussels sprouts in the veggie drawer.  I know David

won't eat them, but I do love them.  So I took a few, washed them and

started peeling off the outer leaves until I had a nice little pile.

I took the toasted almonds out of the pan and set them aside in a little

dish.  Then I added some olive oil to the pan, let it get hot and dumped

the brussels sprouts leaves into the hot oil.  I cooked them long enough to

get all glistening and hot but not brown.

Then I whisked together some olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard

in my vintage measuring cup.  I added some salt and pepper,

and whisked again.

I put the rice on a plate, covered it with the brussels sprouts leaves,

the toasted almonds and a couple of chopped up dates and drizzled

over the dressing.  

I filled one of my favorite hobnail glasses with ice water and lemon,

put everything on a wicker tray and headed out to the family room 

to watch an old movie and pray that we don't get anymore

thunderstorms and tornado warnings this afternoon.

How was the salad from leftovers?  Really good!

That's what I have been doing on this Friday before the long

holiday weekend.  What have you been up to?

By the way ~ Bentley always has to give John a big

greeting when he stops by.  John and his wife have a Yorkie

too ~ a little female.   Hmmm….  Puppies perhaps???

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley