Random Act of Kindness

I have been in a good mood all evening. You know why? Because I went to Trader Joe's today with my childhood neighbor (we've known each other since we were babies!)

It was her first time, and I casually mentioned that to the cashier at checkout. He stopped the transaction, rang his bell, and directed someone to get a bouquet of flowers- which he then gave to my friend for free! As if that weren't enough, he then gave each of us a reusable shopping bag free of charge! It was such a nice gesture, ugh! I came home with such positive energy. Went for a walk and then felt like being in the kitchen! 

I had this dish going before I left for shopping, but picked up all the veggies at Trader Joe's. I washed and chopped them all and added them for the last hour of cooking. The recipe doesn't call for celery, but I added it anyway, and I also added cooked rice. THIS IS SO GOOD! I can't wait to eat it for dinner tomorrow with cashews and scallions on top!

Last week I brought in red, yellow and green apples for my kindergartners to try and see which they liked best. I had one extra of each color, so I made the apple crumble recipe I made for Ryan's parents' birthday. Mmmm :)

I recently bought these mini muffin baking cups. Did you know that October is fair trade month? Ryan told me today and he found out- out of all places- on his church bulletin. These liners aren't fair trade, but it got me thinking about responsible purchasing. I know my power as a consumer. My purchases are votes on what I want the market to offer. (Yes, I'm referencing Food, Inc.). These are sustainable, chlorine-free, and made in Sweden, so I'm assuming no exploitation of workers. I'm far from perfect on this, but these only cost like 20 cents extra. Hardly a sacrifice to cast that vote. 

Anyway- I turned this recipe into little candies. I made it once before in bar version- very tasty. I didn't have enough macadamia nuts, so I did half cashews. Having made it once before, I must warn you that these have to be stored in a cool place. Don't try to take them to a cookout for a dessert... yah, I did that this summer.