I Cheated on Chipotle...

 9.24.13

So the other night I stumbled upon a recipe that recreated Chipotle's burrito bowl.  Seeing as I had most of the necessary ingredients, I ran to the store to pick up the remaining items: cilantro, shredded cheese, and corn.

Putting it all together was definitely harder than ordering it at the restaurant, but I have to say it was so satisfying to eat!

Here's what you need:

{the base}
-shredded lettuce
-brown rice
-chopped cilantro
-1/2 lime
-refried or black beans

{the veggies}
-sauteed peppers/onions/corn

{the protein}
-protein of choice (mine was chicken)

{the toppings}
-dollop of Greek yogurt/sour cream
-shredded Mexican Cheese blend
-sliced avocado 

{the kick}
-salsa (Trader Joe's Salsa Authentica is has the BEST flavor)
-hot sauce (Cholula)

To assemble your bowl add desired ingredients.  I made my own cilantro-lime brown rice by making a bag of 3 minute rice, chopping some cilantro and squeezing half a lime.  Then I mixed it all together.  So simple.  Place the rice on top of the lettuce.  Heat up the beans, again in the microwave for ease, and place on top of the rice.  Next, cook the veggies up in some olive oil, salt pepper and add to your bowl.  Add a bit more oil to cook up your protein.  Then pile on the toppings and sauces.  

Take that Chipotle...

One Week

It's crazy to think that I've already been in LA for one week! In some ways I feel like I just got here, but the amount of work accomplished on the apartment makes it seem otherwise.  After spending an extra day in Vegas, we left Nevada and arrived in my new home state:

Prior to arriving in California, the drive from Denver to Vegas was a stunning one.  I had never been to Utah, so my dad and I took the opportunity to stop at some outlooks and take in the views:

Now that I'm closer to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah I will definitely be planning road trips to see some more of these landscapes and sunsets like this:

Though the road trip consisted of many long hours driving in the car, we took advantage of enjoying what each state had to offer, whether it was an original Pony Express station in Nebraska,  great food and entertainment in Vegas, or a night with family friends in Denver.  LA was the end goal, but we certainly enjoyed ourselves along the way!