This morning started with a new-to-me breakfast combo.  And I liked it.  However, I know that if it weren’t for my upset stomach that I had throughout the whole morning from yesterday noon, I would have loved today’s meal! 

Check this bowl out!

It looks like any other average joe oatmeal bowl, but an oatmeal bowl it is not.

This pretty little bowl contains overnight couscous, which is a grain that has cross features between pasta and rice.  It is widely consumed in Africa and this little grain boasts a great deal of health benefits. Believe it or not, it contains a decent amount of protein per 100 calories.

Delicious, fluffy, and nutritious?  I’m all for that mon!

Last night I had cooked more couscous than I needed, so I decided to refrigerate it with about 1/4 C almond milk, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cinnamon, 2 drops of Stevia, cashews, and ground flax.  After taking it out of the fridge today I put a huge dollop of crunch peanut butter, banana, berries, sunflower seeds, a drizzle of maple syrup and coconut butter.

Since I just mentioned about having cooked couscous yesterday, I guess it would be nice to post about what I made as a result!    Greg and I had 카레 오무라이스 (Korean for Curry Omelette Rice) and as I made Greg’s plate with a mix of different kinds of rice, I proceeded to make my omelette rice with couscous.

Omelette rice is a traditional Korean (and for some Japanese people) dish that kids just love!  The traditional way of eating it is by stir frying rice, peas, carrot pieces, cubed potatoes, salt+pepper, and covering it up with a thin layer of egg.  Then, the mother of the excited child will lovingly squirt a bunch of ketchup on top of everything.  Nowadays however, it is also served with curry and if you take a look at Japanese curry menus, they will most likely offer this dish.

And now for that perfect turkey burger…

Perfect Turkey Burger {Healthy}

This turkey burger is the perfect alternative to regular beef burgers.  It is made of lean ground up turkey and it contains onion and garlic, which give this dish a savory and flavorful taste.  For some people like myself, turkey meat is easier to digest than beef.  In addition, this can be a healthier and lower fat option for celebrating the 4th of July!

Makes 6 thick patties

Ingredients

• 20 oz. turkey meat (I used Jenny-O’s Lean meat)
• 3 TBSP whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
• 1 TBSP lime juice
• 1 whole egg
• 1/4 of an onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• dash of salt+pepper
• 1/2~1 TBSP butter for cooking (or oil)

Directions

1. Add the turkey meat into a food processor and grind it until it becomes finely textured.  Then add all the rest of the ingredients minus the butter.  Process until everything is fine and thoroughly incorporated.
2. Melt the butter (or oil) in the largest skillet possible on low-medium heat.
3. Grab about a palm-full of the turkey mixture and begin forming it into a patty shape.  Repeat with the rest of the meat and carefully place them on the skillet.  Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side.
4. Place the patties on a baking sheet and broil it for about 10 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.

I used my brain this time and used disposable gloves (Korean Kimchi gloves) when handling the meat because uhhhh I’m scared of Salmonella.  Works like a charm because I didn’t have to worry about washing my hands every 3 minutes.

I love onions and mushrooms so much!  So I had fresh onions while Greg had caramelized onions, and I had caramelized mushrooms while Greg had none because he despises them.   But shhhhh every now and then, I sneak in some mushrooms like in the omelette rice and he doesn’t even know it! Muahahahhaa.

*Hoping he doesn’t read this*

Okay so before anyone thinks to him or herself, “Umm girrllll that meat is charred, not cooked!” I first say to you, you are correct!  My patty was cooked a little bit too long.  But it was delicious regardless because I just picked at the un-burnt parts of it.

I was originally thinking that this would be a good recipe for tomorrow’s get-together with my family (4th of July), but I decided to go with some different ideas:

• Shish Tawook Grilled Chicken
• Shrimp and veggie skewers
• Pasta salad with homemade Asian dressing
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Some kind of light dessert.  I’m thinking maybe a trifle?

So excited for tomorrow!  I can’t wait to see the family at our home, as it will kind of be like a house warming at the same time.  Also, ever since the health scare of my nephew last week, I am more than looking forward to play with him and spoil shower him with LOVE. 

Hope you guys have a truly blessed and enjoyable Independence Day!

PS:  Lately I’ve been asking God throughout the day to help me see through His eyes.  Wherever I go, whatever I do, I want to be a blessing to others and a fragrant aroma to His senses.  I am always reminded that thanksgiving is so important because not only is He pleased with that, but it changes my own perspective on everything.  How are you living your life today?

Do you have any plans for tomorrow?

-If your family isn’t into celebrating things, then I suggest that YOU start the tradition of gatherings!  That’s what I did with my family slowly but surely…and before we knew it, we’re trying to celebrate as often as possible.

Are you into traditional American food that has been tweaked with healthier ingredients?

What was your favorite dish while growing up?

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: family, Fourth of July recipe ideas, God's blessings, gratitude, grilled food, healthy eating, relationships