Easy Appetizer: Southwestern Eggrolls

   I love a quick appetizer for dinner when I'm not hungry enough nor have the stamina to cook a full meal. I'm also a sucker for super simple recipes with few ingredients that come out tasting fantastic! These Southwestern Eggrolls are exactly that! Easy, filling, and so delicious! The best part is, you can mix up the ingredients to your liking and they will still come out perfectly delectable.

   I used to love the Southwestern Eggrolls at chain restaurants like Chili's and Applebee's. When I became a vegetarian I had to give them up, however, because at the restaurant they contain shredded chicken. This recipe excludes any type of meat product, but feel free to add chicken, ground beef or turkey, crumbled seitan or tempeh, or anything else you desire. The recipe also calls for black beans but I'm sure it would be great with pinto or even red kidney beans. Veggies and cheeses are also adaptable to your palate's liking. Not a fan of cheddar or Mexican Chihuahua cheese? Try it with Monterrey Jack, Havarti, or Muenster. The options really are limitless here! I just can't believe it took me 6 years to figure out I could make these on my own sans the meat..! :)

   Here's what you'll need:

• Ready made eggroll wrappers (you can usually find them near the tofu in the produce section)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 can mixed tomatoes and chiles (like Rotel), drained
• 1 cup shredded Chihuahua/cheddar cheeses
•  3/4 cup frozen corn
• cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder
• grapeseed oil for frying (or whatever you have on hand) 
• mixing bowl, frying pan, metal tongs or spatula, and a spoon
• glass with water and a pastry brush if you have one (if not you can use your fingers)

   *Side note: I love onions, so I normally add some chopped red onion in addition to the green. If you have any avocados on hand, including a few slices will make these heavenly. Trust me. I also find this dish an excellent way to sneak greens like collards and kale (finely shredded) into a "green-haters" belly. No complaints so far. ;)

   What to do:

• First mix all ingredients (minus oil and wrapper) in a large bowl.
• Lay out your eggroll wrapper so that it looks like a diamond facing towards you.
• Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the wrapper and wet the top two sides of the diamond with either your fingers or pastry brush dipped in water.
• Fold the bottom up, wrap a little ways, tuck the sides in, and then finish rolling. (There will be directions on the back of the package on how to fold the wrappers as well.)
• Continue until you run out of the bean/veggie mixture. (or just make a few and save the rest!)
• In a preheated frying pan with oil, place the eggrolls and fry until lightly brown and cripsy on all sides. If you have a deep fryer, feel free to bust it out! They will be worth it! 
• Once they are cooked, drain the oil by placing them on a few paper towels or a wire rack. 
• Allow to cool, serve with hot sauce or buttermilk dressing, and ENJOY! 

   This is one of my current favorite recipes and I hope you try it out soon! Until next time, stay clean Azuma readers! :) 

How To Have a Healthier Memorial Day

   Memorial Day is just around the corner, and like many of you I am looking forward to my extended weekend! Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our brothers, sisters, and neighbors. It is also a time to gather family and friends near the most accessible body of water and have one heck of a cook out! For most Americans this means hamburgers and hotdogs, chips and ranch dip, and a whole lot of soda or beer! I am going to offer a few tips so you can toss these old standbys and have a more healthful Memorial Day! :)

Appetizers
Snacks are essential to any type of outdoor activity. Lots of people will stick with the old Fritos/bean dip, Lays/french onion dip, tortilla chip/queso route. Why not do something different for a change? Try a roasted red pepper hummus with some warm, soft pita bread. Toss some pico de gallo and a couple of avocados with a squirt of lime for a fresh homemade guacamole, served with veggie sticks! Still hankering for something salty? Try kale chips!

For the Grill
There are lots of options when it comes to grilling that don't always involve tubed meat. Try some veggie shish-kebabs or add a lean, organic protein if you prefer! Grilled corn, portabellos, and "baked" potatoes are always delicious and wholesome choices as well. Something I've been aching to try, grilled pizza!

Beverages
Most people flock to fizzy and sugary beverages to quench their thirst. The actual fact is that these drinks are not really satisfying that thirst and creating more dehydration. The only way to beat dehydration (which is very important when you are out in the sun all day!) is to drink water! Don't like water? Try adding lemon or lime, berries and other fruits, herbs, and various other goodies to spruce it up! Cucumber lime mint water sounds so much more appetizing than just water, don't you think?

   There are so many options when trying to cut back on the processed, fatty foods of our culture. Keep an open mind and eat things that have life force! I can guarantee you, you will enjoy that day at the lake so much more! Not to mention your swim suit will look better! ;)

Stay clean and have a safe, healthful holiday weekend!