Dream It, Write It, Do It – Making and Fulfilling a Life List

By Michelle Vessel

Grocery lists, wish lists, to-do lists–sometimes it can seem like our busy days are all chock-full of high-priority tasks that only add to our sense of feeling frazzled, rushed and pulled in 20 different directions at once. Ever thought about making a list that could help you escape the crush of everyday responsibilities and achieve a greater sense of perspective and purpose in your life? That’s exactly what a growing number of life coaches and personal development experts are suggesting: a tool known as a ‘life list’.

The concept is popping up everywhere. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman explored the subject with plenty of mischievous wit in the 2007 buddy flick The Bucket List. Then, in 2009, renowned life coach Caroline Adams Miller published Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide and, with the help of her co-author, a respected clinical psychologist, provided scientific evidence to back up her claims that life lists can help average Joes and Janes realize even their wildest dreams.

Help or Hype

In light of the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding life lists these days, it may be tempting to blow them off as just another wacky self-help craze. Besides, what’s the point of putting all of your wildest dreams down in black and white? Isn’t that just setting yourself up for inevitable disappointment? Well, yes and no, according to Steven Danish, P.h.D., professor of psychology, preventive medicine, and community health at Virginia Commonwealth University. This exercise can “help you learn to be goal-directed, or it may leave you confused because you don”t know where to begin.” However, most life list proponents say that the mere act of thinking about what you want and narrowing your desires down to a manageable number of tangible goals will give you a head start toward happiness and fulfillment.

The real challenge lies in distinguishing between tough but achievable goals and unrealistic pipe dreams. For example, if you’re 55 and have never sung a note in public, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to cross “star in a Broadway musical” off your bucket list anytime soon. On the other hand, it’s definitely within your power to sign up for singing lessons and plan to stage a recital at next summer’s family reunion. The scale of the accomplishment might be somewhat more modest, but the sense of satisfaction that you’ll derive from the experience won’t be. What matters most is the process of giving your heart’s desire a name and then working gradually toward it.

Drafting Your Life List

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and explore what you want to accomplish, understand, or experience before your time here is up. There’s no wrong way to go about the process of compiling a life list; in fact, experts say that the success of the exercise will likely depend on the degree to which you can make it personally meaningful and unique. Some life-listers like to set aside a solitary afternoon or weekend to brainstorm, making meticulous notes in a journal before settling on a final list. Others collect crumpled notes-to-self, ripped-out magazine pages, and other sources of inspiration in spare moments over a period of weeks or even months. 

No matter which approach you take, experts usually caution that it may take longer than you expect to feel comfortable with the process. So much of our attention and mental focus is funneled into day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that it can take a while to get back into the groove of dreaming big. It’s important to give yourself the time and space necessary to really get flowing with the life list process. After you’re satisfied that you’ve dedicated enough time to the brainstorming process, create a written copy of your life list. Whether it’s typed into a computer file, handwritten in your secret journal, or scrawled on a cocktail napkin that you carry around in your purse, your life list needs to be a physical artifact that you can access and look at to remind yourself of your goals.

Tools, Themes and Cool Examples

So maybe you like the idea of creating a life list, but the prospect of sitting down with a pen and pad and waiting for inspiration to strike doesn’t exactly sound like your cup of tea. Or perhaps the traditional “things to do before I die” approach strikes you as morbid. If so, don’t despair; there are plenty of angles from which to approach the process of creating a life list. Here are a few out-of-the-box ideas to help you get started.

Virtual Inspiration: If you’re the plugged-in type, SuperViva.com allows users to create public or private life lists. And if you find yourself stuck for ideas, you can browse other public lists for inspiration (or just to satisfy your curiosity). If SuperViva.com doesn’t float your boat, 43Things.com offers a slightly different take on the same concept. 

Themes: If you already have an interest in a particular hobby or leisure activity, you can use it as an anchor. For example, bird-watching enthusiasts have long used the concept of the life list to keep track of the rare species they have spotted or want to see in the future. Use activities like travel, food, museum-hopping, dancing, surfing or skiing to create a life list that will have more personal meaning for you.

The Granddaddy of All Lists: In an essay published in a 1993 edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, explorer John Goddard recounted the experience of sitting down at his family’s kitchen table at the age of 15 and drafting a wildly ambitious life list that included goals ranging from exploring the Nile to climbing Mt. Everest. The kicker is, Goddard actually went on to accomplish many of the goals he set for himself as a teen. You can check in on the octogenarian’s continued progress at www.JohnGoddard.info.

A Lady’s Way: San Francisco-based writer, online-shopping mogul and blogger Maggie Mason has honed life-list-making into a fine art. Her current quest to taste 1000 different fruits and document the process landed her in a recent issue of Gourmet magazine. Other items she’s crossed off the list this year include overseeing a massive food fight in a San Francisco park and signing up for tap dancing lessons. Check her out at MightyGirl.net.  

One more word to the wise: although life lists can be an excellent tool for helping you define what you want out of life, it’s important to remember that they don’t have to be set in stone. What you think you want when you’re 15 or 25 is likely to change as you gain more experience and perspective. The best life list is one that reflects the ever-changing nature of life itself and, above all else, helps you make the most of what poet Mary Oliver called “your one wild and precious life.”

Out and About

Out and About

Linda Fogg Phillips

By Callie Thomas

It seems as though everyone has gone “social.”  Who’d have thought that in six short years, 500 million web users would become active in what has been deemed by Compete.com as the most widely used social network in the world?  Yes, Facebook has emerged as the new way for young and old alike to connect, and anyone age thirteen and up can join in on the “friendly exchange.”  With that fun, however, comes a whole new set of rules for participating safely in the information super highway.  Furthermore, there are some important safe guards that everyone, especially parents, should know of  in order to protect their young ones.  Resident of 89148, author, public speaker, philanthropist, wife and mom of eight, Linda Fogg Phillips has made it her career to ensure the safety of our children online.  “One of my objectives is to help parents understand Facebook and other forms of technology that their children use,” says Phillips.  “I also teach parents and adults best practices when using social media and how to protect their children online.”

Linda Fogg Phillips is the author of two books, Facebook for Parents: Answers to the Top 25 Questions and The Facebook Guide for Parents, which will be released in March.  Additionally, for the Online Therapy Institute, she writes the Facebook curriculum for Psychologists and Parents.  “I personally had the need to understand and learn more about the virtual world that our children live in and are natives of in order to ensure their safety,” she said.  “This motivated me to jump into social media and study it from a parent’s perspective.”   Phillips was invited to Stanford University to both teach a course and conduct new research on her subject through the Persuasive Technology Lab called Facebook for Parents.  As the main headquarters for the social media giants is in Palo Alto, California–mere minutes from the University–her regular commute from Las Vegas to Stanford University has proved very fruitful.  She has developed a strong working relationship with the network.  “Facebook recognizes me as their strongest critic and greatest advocate.”

With children aged 12 to 27, Linda has no shortage of experience in the highs and the lows of parenting.  “I have had much experience raising children with challenges–children with learning disabilities, ADHD, leukemia and the loss of my 20 year old son in 2008 to an accidental overdose.”  That devastating experience became a catalyst for Linda’s overall aim: reaching out to parents and helping them understand the needs of their children whilst strengthening their relationships.  It is also why Phillips chooses to support charitable organizations that benefit children in need.  PTAs, PTOs, church youth groups, Candlelighters, Best Buddies and Team in Training are just a few of her charitable outings.  Linda has also coached girl’s softball and currently runs equine horse camps for children. 

A specific organization that holds a special place in her heart is CHOICE Humanitarian where she is a very active board member.  The aim of this group is to provide sustainable development in third world countries.  “I’m responsible for the development in Guatemala,” Phillips said.  “We take people to remote villages where the natives do not have electricity, running water and live on dirt floors in small huts.  We build schools, medical clinics, churches, water systems and bring in medical care when needed.” She has also been known to bring her children with her on expeditions “so they can learn to serve others that are not as fortunate as they are,” Linda said.  “It has helped to teach my children how one person can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

Besides being a mother, humanitarian and advocate for security within the social media realm, Linda Fogg Phillips speaks to and teaches groups both big and small here in Las Vegas and all over the map. Her favorite quote is, “Service is the rent we pay for living,” but those are just words; her actions speak much louder.  “The best way to help a child build his self esteem is by providing him opportunities to serve his community.  Example is the best teacher.”

Maria Silva

By Callie Thomas

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

It is most likely that growing up, 89144 resident Maria Silva never dreamed she would become the first news anchor, reporter and executive producer at Univision Las Vegas, a Spanish-language television station.  But she did.  It is also most likely she obtained that position through hard work and determination, becoming fluent in two languages and letting her powerful need to make her family proud guide her to the successful career she has today.

Silva is a nearly native Las Vegan (a resident for almost 30 years) and is currently part of Fox 5’s MORE team.  “I’ve been in the business more than 11 years now,” says Silva.  “I’ve been fortunate to start my career at Univision in Las Vegas and continue my career at Fox 5.  I used to say I was an entertainment reporter trapped in the body of a hard news reporter.  Now I’m doing entertainment news!  The best part of my job is that it allows me to get involved in the community as a whole.  Las Vegas is my home!” 

Silva is an active supporter of many local organizations, including Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Shade Tree, Safe Nest, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Opportunity Village, Adams Place for Grief and Extended Hands Cancer Ministries, to name a few.  There are some, though, that have struck a chord with Silva on a personal level. One is the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. 

One of Silva’s close friends, Stacey Escalante, former news reporter at KSNV and skin cancer survivor, has encouraged her to become involved with the Action Network.  The group directly advocates the goals of the American Cancer Society.  Efforts are targeted at specific cancer-related issues including Access to Healthcare, Cancer Research Funding, Tobacco Regulation, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and Judicial Advocacy Initiatives.  Silva will assist by participating in events and making time to support initiatives.  “It will be a special way to honor my beautiful Mama’s memory,” says Silva.  “I lost my amazing Mama to cancer November 9, 2007.  She was my biggest supporter and I miss her advice.  I still live to make her proud.”

Another favorite organization is Kids to Kids.  The nonprofit group collects new and gently-used books and gives them to at-risk students.  Some of the children have never owned their own book. “Laurie Porter and her crew have done such an amazing job putting books into the hands of deserving kids.  I’ve been fortunate enough to emcee some of their fundraising events,” says Silva.

Maria especially enjoys helping organizations that help kids.  She has also supported the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra by emceeing several of their fall concerts. “I hope to do more for them–they are about to lose their rehearsal location.”

She also co-founded an organization called Si Se Puede Education Foundation with her close friends, mom and daughter team Nora and Chelsea Campbell, to help Hispanic children learn English as a second language.  Unfortunately, the project was stalled after each of the founders had lost loved ones, but they hope to start the program up again in the near future, adding services for not only Hispanic children but other non-English speaking children as well.

Maria Silva remains part of a large family.  Her family at home–which includes two brothers, four sisters, six nieces and four nephews–as well as her community family both inspire her to be a better person within the community. She is proud to serve as a positive role model for our children.  “I tell them about my family’s struggles and hardships.  We didn’t have much growing up.  We’ve overcome so much adversity.  I was the first in my family to graduate from college, UNLV.  I make sure to tell kids, ‘If I can do it, so can you!’”

Dr. Darian Parker

By Callie Thomas

They call him Dr. D. “D” for Darian, but more likely for his dedication and determination in becoming a positive influence toward the overall health and welfare of our community.  The 89135 resident has made it his life’s mission to lead others down the path of health and well-being. 

“I grew up in a very athletic household where my parents encouraged me to be physically active in sports and recreation,” says Dr. Parker. “I played sports throughout high school and received a track and field scholarship from James Madison University.  I ran track for JMU for four years while majoring in Kinesiology.” 

Kinesiology is the study and detailed understanding of how the human body works, moves and responds to mental messages–that the mind and body are inexplicitly linked and that one has a vital affect on the other.  Darian graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, obtained his Master’s Degree and eventually earned his P.h.D. in Sports Education Leadership here in Las Vegas at UNLV.  “I never felt done with school so I decided, with the encouragement of my family and professors, to pursue my P.h.D.,” said Parker.

While on his educational journey, Darian worked as both a university/career college instructor and a personal trainer.  In 2007 he decided to focus his energies on the personal training and fitness management side.  He earned a position with WTS International (a spa, fitness activities consulting and management firm) as a personal trainer at Club Ridges, a private residential fitness facility located within the gates of The Ridges in Summerlin.  After three years, Dr. Parker became the General Manager of Club Ridges. He also is a Regional Account Specialist for WTS International. “My jobs with WTS allow me great flexibility to get out into the community and network with a variety of people inside and outside my industry,” Darian said.  Through those relationships he realized the need to better the community and developed a program for advocacy and the continuing education of local health and fitness professionals. He founded a nonprofit, community organization called Connect to Fitness.  The group offers helpful resources including job postings, seminars and networking events. “I chose to create Connect to Fitness because I felt there was and is a need for fitness professionals to come together to help each other become more successful.  I wanted to create something where we could all give back to each other, which in turn created a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community at large.” 

Since its inception a year and a half ago, the group has seen enormous growth and great success in landing jobs and opportunities for hundreds of locals interested in health and wellness.  Today, Dr. D manages the needs of hundreds of members, guiding them, providing networking opportunities and job placement.  In addition, he continues to serve his peers and the industry by circulating health tips and advice through his regular email blasts, website and social media networks. “So many people have seen their lives change because they now have steady employment.  I love it when Connect to Fitness members contact me and tell me how the organization has given them so many new outlets for work, education and volunteering.” 

Through the group, Dr. Parker has had the opportunity to work with charitable organizations including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay for Life.  He serves as a fundraiser and participant in the yearly breast cancer walk and enjoys setting up and cleaning up as well as participating in the Relay for Life event.  “Being married to my wonderful wife Michelle has also been influential and a changing moment in my life because it let me know that I needed to think beyond myself and be more aware of giving back; not only on a large scale, but on a smaller scale every day.  It’s how you treat others that matters. If you are building giving relationships versus taking relationships then you are truly thinking beyond yourself.”

Sandy Marsh

By Callie Thomas

“Never tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” – Author Unknown

For 89113 resident Sandy Marsh, shooting for the moon is an everyday occurrence.   In fact, just covering the bases isn’t enough for this impassioned Vegas resident.  At least, not until every four-legged creature that roams our community has a loving and forever home–even if it is just one paw at a time.

Before Marsh began helping abused and abandoned pets in the Valley through the not-for-profit organization Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. (FUPI), she led a successful career in the newspaper business.  It began while she was in college working in the advertising department for the San Mateo Times in California.  She remained there for sixteen years until moving to Southern California, then to Las Vegas where she continued her career at the Las Vegas Review Journal until her retirement.  In addition to her work at the papers, Marsh and her husband Paul have always stayed busy, hosting over 30 exchange students through the Lion’s Club in California; racing their sailboat out of Newport Beach; giving tours through the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village to over 5,000 children on school field trips; and being a Weight Watchers leader for 15 years in our community.

Dedication and hard work have not only been a part of Marsh’s daily life, they are important aspects of her being. “When I retired from the Review Journal I wondered what I was going to do to keep busy. Not anymore,” Marsh said. “Unfortunately Las Vegas still ranks as number one in the foreclosure market and people are still losing not only their homes but their jobs and their pets.”  With that cause close to her heart, it seemed only natural that Sandy found the perfect fit with the FUPI organization, dedicated to the rescue of domesticated animals that have been abused and/or abandoned by their owners due to economic hardship, home foreclosures, loss of employment or death and illness.

Although Sandy won’t tell you she’s a founder of FUPI, it’s pretty safe to say she has played an important role in the success of the organization, along with one of the original Co-Founders, Everett Croxson. On the ground floor of the organization nearly three years ago, she helped FUPI build its foundation by securing donated materials such as flooring, paint and other items integral to the creation of the organization”s  main headquarters. Once a five bedroom foreclosed home at Eastern and Bonanza, the house is now a comfortable, temporary home for the city’s abandoned animals.

In her position as a board member, Marsh tackles the marketing efforts for the group, spearheading adoption events as well as training and overseeing her volunteers (which she praises as among the best) each weekend at various Petsmart and Petco locations. In addition, Marsh heads up several other adoption outlets such as segments on KLAS Channel 8 each Thursday and on KTNV Channel 13’s Morning Blend show every other Wednesday.  She has also forged a relationship with the real estate community, meeting regularly with the teams who notify the group when they find abandoned pets at foreclosed homes.  “It is also important to remember to make arrangements for your pets in your will,” recommends Marsh.  “People forget to do this and these members of your family are left without homes.”

While FUPI has a main headquarters, the group primarily relies on foster homes and is in need of more foster volunteers.  Sandy and her husband Paul are already parents to three “fur kids”, Lhasa Apsos Max, Molly and Bobby, a FUPI puppy from a foreclosed home.  “I’m passionate about finding homes for these abandoned ones–foster and forever.  It means everything to me.” For further information, visit www.forecloseduponpets.org; email forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com or call (702) 272-0010.

Maddux/Harmon Celebrity International

Indeed, million dollar business deals have been made on the golf course. With the Greg Maddux-Butch Harmon Invitational, however, it’s not so much business as usual as big time charity for a good cause. A long-time Vegas resident, Greg Maddux formed the Gregg Maddux Foundation to quietly raise funds and awareness for several worthy Las Vegas charities. In 2001, Maddux teamed up with fellow Las Vegas resident, accomplished PGA player and golf instructor Butch Harmon to hold the Maddux/Harmon Celebrity Invitational.

Since its inception, the celebrity invitational has been bringing world-class athletes and entertainers to Las Vegas to compete in the golf tournament, not to mention raise much needed funds for local charities. This year’s event was held on October 23^rd-25^th at the Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club. The 2010 invitational turned out to be a benchmark for the celebrity duo’s endeavors, pushing the benefit tally to over $1 million.

“This is what it’s all about for me,” says Maddux. “This is our home and we are thrilled to have an event that can continue to support local charities and our community.” Boys and Girls Clubs, Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer and Child Haven are among the benefactors for the 2010 event. Visit www.eventiausa.com/lvci/index.asp to learn more about the Maddux Foundation.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Three Square

Three Square Food Bank was established to end hunger in the valley by providing wholesome, nutritious food to nonprofit organizations in Southern Nevada. Alone, their efforts have been valiant with far reaching effects; by joining forces with other charitable organizations, their impact is even greater. Their Wall of Fame, filled with stars representing the contributions of these partners in philanthropy, shines brighter each day.

Recently, a new gold star was added in recognition of Bank of America’s ongoing support. As part of a $1.1 million donation to Feeding America–a nonprofit dedicated to connecting low-income families with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)–the Bank of America Charitable Foundation presented a $50,000 grant to Three Square.

In Nevada, only 52% of those eligible for SNAP benefits actually receive them. This grant will allow Three Square to increase SNAP outreach and visibility in the community as well as enable more comprehensive application assistance outreach through the Las Vegas Valley and rural Southern Nevada locations. That’s what we like to call a star performance. For more information, visit www.threesquare.org or www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

American Heroes Challenge

On the big screen, superheroes are a dime a dozen, possessing mysterious powers of flight, webbing and awesome crime-fighting gadgets. In the real world, our heroes have no such sci-fi magic, only carefully honed skills and the courage to put their lives on the line to protect their country and communities. On November 6^th and 7^th, residents got to see these real heroes in action at the American Heroes Challenge.Held at the Clark County Shooting Park, American Heroes Challenge participants competed in a two-day, multi-stage live fire firearms and tactics competition. Twelve teams of five competed in seven stages including live fire skills test, live fire stress course, post raid search, sniper challenge, tactical shooting team relay, informant contingency rescue and active attacker response and trauma care. Approximately 8,000 people attended the unique event, making it the largest of its kind, as well as the only one to benefit charity.

All proceeds from the event go toward the goal of raising at least $1 million for the construction of the world-class Las Vegas Veterans Memorial, which is designed to honor past, present and future veterans and their families. For more information on the American Heroes Challenge nonprofit organization, visit www.americanheroeschallenge.com.

The Magical Fruit…Let’s Have Beans at Every Meal

By Aly Wagonseller

Most of us fondly remember that famous schoolyard sing along.  You know…the one that touted the not-so-secret side effects of the fabulous, fibrous and protein friendly morsel…the bean.  Snickering aside, as grown-ups we’ve come to realize the tasty legume–which, in reality, is classified as a fruit–is a versatile and healthy addition to our family’s diet.  From stretching your meat dollar further, to adding color and texture to soups, salads and main entrées, beans are a great way to save money, bulk up on fiber and cut back on dietary fat. But there’s more.

The real magic of beans comes from their ability to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and balance sugar and insulin levels in the body. Soluble fiber’s the key. That’s the indigestible portion of plant food that’s responsible for pushing chow through the digestive tract, removing cholesterol and creating even distribution of insulin as it travels through the blood stream.  A study conducted at the University of Kentucky has shown that by adding just one cup of beans a day to your diet, you can reduce your cholesterol an average of 19% in just three weeks. This equates to reducing your risk of a heart attack by up to 40%. Diabetics (and sugar-hyped children) reap the benefits as well, especially early on in the day,  because beans stabilize sugar levels in the bloodstream, keeping those highs and lows to a minimum. Certain chemicals in beans have also been proven to reduce some forms of cancer.   Data from 41 countries has demonstrated a correlation between bean consumption (or lack thereof) and morbidity of breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Although we’re sharing some bean-a-licious recipes, some obviously made with beans and others not so much, getting the entire family on the bean-eatin’ bandwagon may require some trickery. Try adding them to hearty meat or lasagna dishes, putting them in soups and stews, or hiding them inside your favorite enchilada or meatloaf recipes.  For the super stubborn set, consider pureeing beans and using them in cookie recipes, like the oatmeal chocolate chip version found at Epicurious.com.  And, there’s no need to spill the beans to the family either, sometimes what they don’t know certainly won’t hurt them, in fact, it may add a few years to their lives! 

Santa Fe Chicken Chowder

Serves 6-8

• 2 Tbsp minced fresh green chile peppers
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 3 cups diced sweet potatoes (Precut available in the produce dept.)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced red or green bell pepper
• 1 can fire roasted, diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

In a large, heavy pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add the chiles, onion, cumin, coriander, oregano and salt. Saute, stirring frequently until onions are clear, about 10 minutes. Add the carrots, sweet potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 more minutes. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, corn and zucchini; stir to combine. Cover and cook over medium high heat for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Transfer 3 cups of the soup to a blender. Add the cream cheese, cheddar and milk, processing until smooth.  Add the puree, along with the black beans and shredded chicken, back to the soup.  Heat over medium low heat until thickened to desired consistency.  Serve with tortilla strips, black olives and sour cream, if desired.

Chili Crusted Black Bean Tart

Serves 6

•  1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut into bits
• 2 Tbsp ice water
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup refried black beans
• 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp olive oil, divided
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen corn, thawed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 
• 1/2 cup cilantro, cleaned and chopped
• 1 3/4 cups coarsely grated Pepper Monterey Jack 
• 1 can chopped jalapeños, drained
• 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp sour cream, divided
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice or to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Combine 1 cup sour cream and lime juice until well blended.  Refrigerate.

Combine the first five ingredients in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add ice water and pulse until mixture forms a dough. Press onto bottom and sides of a 10-inch tart pan. Chill 15 minutes, or until firm. Line shell with foil and fill with rice or pie crust weights. Bake shell until edge is set, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove foil and rice and bake 10 minutes more, or until golden. Cool. 

Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium high heat, adding the onions and bay leaf and sautéing until tender. Add 2 cups canned black beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan, discard bay leaf, and place in a large bowl. Set aside. Heat the additional 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the corn and sauté over high heat for about two minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste. Add corn mixture to the beans, along with the bell pepper, cilantro, cheese, jalapeños and green onions. Season again with salt and pepper.

Mix the refried beans with 2 tablespoons sour cream.  Spread evenly onto the cooled crust. Fill with the bean/corn mixture, pressing down gently. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted.  Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Serve with lime sour cream.

Tuscan Ribollita

Serves 6

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 3 (15 oz) cans cannellini or white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 package baby spinach
• 1/2 cup toasted, fresh bread crumbs
• Shaved Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil and red wine vinegar for drizzling

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and onion, sautéing 2-3 minutes.  Add the carrots and celery, sautéing for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute approximately 2-3 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and their juices, along with the beans, broth, and rosemary. Simmer, covered, until the beans break apart, about an hour.

Add the spinach and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more. Cool to room temperature.  Before serving, add the bread crumbs to the soup and gently reheat. Serve, drizzled with olive oil, vinegar and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Moroccan Short Ribs

Serves 4-6

• 1 Tbsp dried thyme, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 6-8 beef short ribs
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (16 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges
• 1 med fennel (anise) bulb, cut into thin wedges 
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 package roasted garlic flavored couscous
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/3 cup dried currants
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl mix the thyme, salt, ginger, pepper and cinnamon. Dry off short ribs with a paper towel.  Sprinkle with the spices, messaging into the meat. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Brown the short ribs, working in batches to ensure space in between ribs. Drain the fat. Deglaze the pan with a bit of the beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Pour into a 6-7 quart slow cooker.

Layer the remaining broth, beans, tomatoes, onion, fennel, carrot and garlic in the slow cooker, ending with the short ribs on top. Cover and cook on low setting for 8-9 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours.

About 20 minutes before the meal, prepare the couscous according to package directions, adding the almonds and currants to the pot along with the dry couscous. Serve with 1-2 short ribs and a healthy serving of vegetables.