Easy Summertime Lunch

It's summer. It's hot. It's sticky. Life is rather mundane. Just ask Marvel.

Of course, things usually perk up when the deer come around. I know Marvel certainly does. Some of the does are finally bringing their fawns out into the open.

I spend most days hunkered down in my office. I mean, if I'm going to escape the heat, I may as well be productive, right? But, occasionally, I have to venture to the other end of the house for sustenance and here's a quick lunch that is super easy, healthy and full of flavor.

There are only four simple ingredients. Lettuce, low-fat cottage cheese (3/4 cup), black beans (1/3 cup, rinsed) and your favorite salsa (1/3 cup). You could also add some shredded chicken or leftover taco meat for a heartier meal. One that's every bit as good as those so-called power bowls. 

Now that's lunch in a hurry. And you didn't even need a microwave.

What's your favorite go-to quick lunch?

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, one sassy pup, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com

Quick and Easy Low-Carb Lunch

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed these days. I can't attribute it to any one thing, just several things, that when you bundle them all together, start messing with my psyche.

Makes me wish I was back at the ranch,

 playing peek-a-boo with the deer,

or simply relaxing beside the campfire.

But that was last week. 

I went down to help my SIL prepare for her son's wedding reception. He got married in Vermont last month and since Vermont is a bit of a drive from Texas, most of their friends weren't able to make it to the actual nuptials. 

So, we celebrated them in Texas style. 

Or maybe that should be Star Wars style.

Hans and Lea never looked so good.

These were made by a good friend.

Talk about cute!

But we also had real food that didn't come from a galaxy far, far away.

Things like ham, sweet potatoes, pumpkin bread and fruit salad.

And lest we forget dessert.

Apple quiche (must get the recipe), pecan tassies and lemon bars.

Makes me want to stuff myself silly.

Actually, I think I did.

So now it's back to the good stuff. I mean good for me stuff.

Low-carb, no carb and yummy in its own right.

I have a new quickie go-to lunch I want to share with you. And while it may seem a little strange, trust me when I say it tastes just like a taco salad, but without the guilt.

Four ingredients.

Lettuce, low-fat cottage cheese (3/4 cup), black beans (1/3 cup) and salsa (1/3 cup).

Ta-dah!!

Mix it all together and dig in.

So simple. So tasty. So good for you.

Of course, it's getting difficult to think about salads when the temps are plummeting. 

Ruthy, are getting gobs and gobs of snow? Jan?

Here it looks like we'll beat our average first freeze by a week. And it does appear that we're going to stay chilly for a while. Which means stews and soups will be appearing a lot at my house.

So long as I intersperse it with some chicken fried venison, my boys should survive.

What's up with them not liking soup, anyway? 

Maybe if I made it something exotic like gator noodle soup, they'd be more interested.

Hmm... tastes like chicken, right?