What’s up with this?! You thought this blog was about adventurous travel, overcoming hardship, embracing risk and growing a strong relationship. What’s this little, really little, plate of food got to do with anything. Well, all those things are true, but like any endeavor, a full life requires food, good food, joyously prepared and enjoyed food, hopefully with someone(s) you love.

So, now and then we’ll share a meal on this site. This one might look at first like something you would avoid, too much green stuff, not enough red meat, and where are the potatoes swimming in butter? Well, this is good stuff, but healthy stuff, that will give you the energy to overcome any obstacle, even that grumpy boss, or recalcitrant teen, or a bicycle ride across the U.S., or an Ironman. It could happen.

Recipe for two:

Ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, garlic, ginger, three or four colorful vegetables, one onion and 1/2 cup mixed dried mushrooms re-hydrated. For vegetables I chose broccoli, onions, carrots and red peppers; what’s on sale. You can’t have too much of any of these!

Whole grain rice, 1/3 cup dry

Skinless boneless chicken breast, one

White wine, your choice, one or two glasses per person.

1/4 cup nuts, optional, your choice

Two 8 inch desert plates. Chopsticks.  When you taste this you will think these two ingredient are cruel, but trust me the plates will hold enough to satisfy, and the chopsticks will assure that you eat mindfully, slowly.

Preparation:

Cook rice per directions.

Pour the cook a glass of wine to keep his creativity sharp.

Fry chicken breast in LOTS of extra virgin olive oil, with spice of your choice (I used Trader Joe’s 21 Salute seasoning) don’t overcook, put aside.

Chop veggies and onion, not too small, and stir fry in LOTS of olive oil, as soon as the rice is done. Do not over cook; should be bright in color and a little crunchy. You should use at least 1/4 cup of olive oil. Keep adding it, it is the secret to keeping your weight in check and your heart healthy.

Dice chicken and add with several cloves of pressed or diced garlic, and a couple of tablespoons, or more of grated fresh ginger (don’t bother to peel, it’s good for you too). Fry for a couple more minutes, but don’t overdo the veggies!

Divide rice on two plates, add stir fried veggies and chicken and nuts.

Serve with more wine. Clink your glasses, look into your partner’s eyes and appreciate your good fortune.

Later a plate of fruit, sliced pears is a favorite of ours. Later still, have two or three squares of dark chocolate.

All this is to be enjoyed with your favorite music, candles if you like. Concentrate on your company and your food. Absolutely NO TV. TV can ruin the best meal.

Try it and let me know what you think.