When I first saw this recipe, I was a little leery. I love sweet potatoes, but the combination of vinegar and sweet potatoes was just odd to me. Anyway, I tried it, and it was delicious!
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Slice sweet potato in half lengthwise and put cut side down on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast 20 minutes or until easily pierced with fork. If it is a big potato, you might need about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, let cook 5 minutes, then peel.
Place potatoes in bowl, add 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (per potato) and mash with fork.
Season to taste with salt. I used sea salt.
The vinegar seems to draw out the sweetness of the potato. Be adventurous. Give it a try!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Another Delicious Breakfast Idea
Quinoa Oatmeal
Heat up 1/2 c milk just until milk starts to steam. Remove from heat.
Stir in about 1 c cooked quinoa to warm through.
Add 2 T raisins or cranberries, 1 chopped apple. Stir.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Heat up 1/2 c milk just until milk starts to steam. Remove from heat.
Stir in about 1 c cooked quinoa to warm through.
Add 2 T raisins or cranberries, 1 chopped apple. Stir.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Chickpea Salad
This is delicious--and healthy!
Mix together 1/2 c each cucumber, chopped tomato, red and green peppers.
Add 1/2 c chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 5 Kalamata olives pitted, and sliced, 1/4 (or less) red onion, thinly sliced.
Toss with 2 T red wine vinegar and 1/2 T olive oil. Sprinkle with 2 T crumbled Feta cheese.
Mix together 1/2 c each cucumber, chopped tomato, red and green peppers.
Add 1/2 c chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 5 Kalamata olives pitted, and sliced, 1/4 (or less) red onion, thinly sliced.
Toss with 2 T red wine vinegar and 1/2 T olive oil. Sprinkle with 2 T crumbled Feta cheese.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Grocery Shopping Hint
As you know, stores have advertised sales and unadvertised sales. Their marketing strategy is amazing. You see something on sale and need to get it because you have a coupon and it won't be on sale next week. Look at the little tag on the shelf very closely. Often it will tell you the end date for that sale. You may have 1 or 2 more weeks to get that item. You usually won't see that in the flyer, so shop carefully.
Breakfast
For me, it seems that healthy, creative breakfast ideas are the hardest to find. I want some variety rather than just eggs, toast, pancakes, etc. So, if you are like me (which I figure a lot of you are), I decided that when I find something, I would share it.
Broccoli Parmesan Egg Scramble
Whisk together 2 eggs; set aside.
* When making scrambled eggs, I always like to add a little milk before whisking. It keeps them moist
and fluffy.
Add a dab of butter to coat pan. Saute 3/4 c. broccoli florets 2 minutes.
Add eggs and scramble.
Once eggs are cooked, sprinkle 1 1/2 T. grated Paremsan.
Serve with one slice whole wheat toast.
Broccoli Parmesan Egg Scramble
Whisk together 2 eggs; set aside.
* When making scrambled eggs, I always like to add a little milk before whisking. It keeps them moist
and fluffy.
Add a dab of butter to coat pan. Saute 3/4 c. broccoli florets 2 minutes.
Add eggs and scramble.
Once eggs are cooked, sprinkle 1 1/2 T. grated Paremsan.
Serve with one slice whole wheat toast.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Granola Bars
I made these on Monday. I don't remember where I got the recipe, but I modified it a bit to our tastes.
2 c. oats
3/4 c. wheat germ (or puffed brown rice or puffed millet)
3/4 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. chopped nuts (various nuts or chocolate chips, coconut)
2/3 c. sucanat
1/2 c. honey
4 T. butter
2 t. vanilla
1/2 t. sea salt
8 oz dried fruit (same or mixed)
Toast oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and nuts in the oven.
Put brown sugar, honey, vanilla, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cook gently until butter and sucanat are dissolved.
Combine all ingredients (including cinnamon) and toss together in a large bowl to coat evenly. Press firmly into a parchment lined baking dish (9x13). Turn out onto a cutting board and cut when mostly cool. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or waxed paper and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
2 c. oats
3/4 c. wheat germ (or puffed brown rice or puffed millet)
3/4 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. chopped nuts (various nuts or chocolate chips, coconut)
2/3 c. sucanat
1/2 c. honey
4 T. butter
2 t. vanilla
1/2 t. sea salt
8 oz dried fruit (same or mixed)
Toast oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and nuts in the oven.
Put brown sugar, honey, vanilla, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cook gently until butter and sucanat are dissolved.
Combine all ingredients (including cinnamon) and toss together in a large bowl to coat evenly. Press firmly into a parchment lined baking dish (9x13). Turn out onto a cutting board and cut when mostly cool. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or waxed paper and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Apple Bran Muffins and More
After a crazy couple of weeks, I find that I have a few minutes to sit down and blog again. These next couple of recipes are things that I have tried at home, and have found that the kids actually enjoy eating them. They are in a cookbook, but I have made a few modifications for my family's tastes. The best part is that the sweetness does not come from any refined sugar whatsoever.
Apple Bran Muffins
3 T oil
3 T molasses
1 c plain yogurt (I prefer Greek, but regular would work as well.)
1/2 c apple juice
1 c whole wheat, brown rice, or barley flour (I used freshly milled whole wheat.)
1 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1 1/2 c wheat or oat bran (I cut back just a bit here.)
1/4 t sea salt
1 apple grated (If it is a small apple, you might need 1 1/2.)
1/2 c sunflower seeds or walnuts, minced (I used sunflower seeds b/c that is what I had, but I would probably omit the nuts next time b/c I do not like nuts in things. However, that is just my taste. There are many health benefits to eating nuts.)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Oil muffin tins (or use muffin liners). Beat together oil, molasses, egg, yogurt, and juice until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together. Stir in salt and bran. Mix yogurt mixture into flour mixture. Stir in apples and nuts. Pour batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Muffins keep well in refrigerator or freezer.
Pinapple-Carrot Cake
**Because of the fruit, this cake turned out so nice and moist.
2 beaten eggs
1/3 c maple syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup (I used honey.)
1/3 c plain yogurt
1/4 c oil
1 3/4 c crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 c grated carrots (about 3)
3/4 c minced walnuts, almonds, or pecans (I used walnuts in this recipe.)
1 1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour (or milled soft wheat)
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground ginger
1/4 t ground nutmeg (I might go a bit more next time. I like nutmeg.)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Oil a 9-inch spring form pan. Beat together eggs, sweetener, yogurt, and oil until smooth. Stir in pineapple, carrots and nuts. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir in flour mixture gently into carrot batter. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 60-70 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Frost cooled cake with Pineapple Yogurt Frosting or Cream Cheese Frosting.
Pineapple-Yogurt Frosting
16 oz. plain yogurt
1/2 c crushed pineapple, drained
2 T unsweetened coconut
Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth. Place a dish underneath to catch drippings. Pour yogurt into center of colander. Let yogurt drain in refrigerator overnight. Place yogurt cheese in bowl. Gently mix in the pineapple. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Sprinkle with coconut.
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 t vanilla
Sweetener to taste (maple syrup or honey)
Whip together. I might add a dash of cinnamon.
Apple Bran Muffins
3 T oil
3 T molasses
1 c plain yogurt (I prefer Greek, but regular would work as well.)
1/2 c apple juice
1 c whole wheat, brown rice, or barley flour (I used freshly milled whole wheat.)
1 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1 1/2 c wheat or oat bran (I cut back just a bit here.)
1/4 t sea salt
1 apple grated (If it is a small apple, you might need 1 1/2.)
1/2 c sunflower seeds or walnuts, minced (I used sunflower seeds b/c that is what I had, but I would probably omit the nuts next time b/c I do not like nuts in things. However, that is just my taste. There are many health benefits to eating nuts.)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Oil muffin tins (or use muffin liners). Beat together oil, molasses, egg, yogurt, and juice until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together. Stir in salt and bran. Mix yogurt mixture into flour mixture. Stir in apples and nuts. Pour batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Muffins keep well in refrigerator or freezer.
Pinapple-Carrot Cake
**Because of the fruit, this cake turned out so nice and moist.
2 beaten eggs
1/3 c maple syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup (I used honey.)
1/3 c plain yogurt
1/4 c oil
1 3/4 c crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 c grated carrots (about 3)
3/4 c minced walnuts, almonds, or pecans (I used walnuts in this recipe.)
1 1/2 c whole wheat pastry flour (or milled soft wheat)
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground ginger
1/4 t ground nutmeg (I might go a bit more next time. I like nutmeg.)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Oil a 9-inch spring form pan. Beat together eggs, sweetener, yogurt, and oil until smooth. Stir in pineapple, carrots and nuts. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir in flour mixture gently into carrot batter. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 60-70 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Frost cooled cake with Pineapple Yogurt Frosting or Cream Cheese Frosting.
Pineapple-Yogurt Frosting
16 oz. plain yogurt
1/2 c crushed pineapple, drained
2 T unsweetened coconut
Line a colander with several layers of cheesecloth. Place a dish underneath to catch drippings. Pour yogurt into center of colander. Let yogurt drain in refrigerator overnight. Place yogurt cheese in bowl. Gently mix in the pineapple. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Sprinkle with coconut.
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 t vanilla
Sweetener to taste (maple syrup or honey)
Whip together. I might add a dash of cinnamon.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Box Pie
1 c. vanilla yogurt (I like Greek Yogurt. Get high quality yogurt--worth it.)
8 oz cream cheese
3 T honey granules
1/2 t vanilla
1 c diced strawberries
graham cracker crust (strongly recommend homemade)
Cream cheese and honey granules.
Blend in yogurt and vanilla.
Fold in strawberries.
Pour into crust.
Freeze 2-3 hours.
Refrigerate 15 minutes before serving.
8 oz cream cheese
3 T honey granules
1/2 t vanilla
1 c diced strawberries
graham cracker crust (strongly recommend homemade)
Cream cheese and honey granules.
Blend in yogurt and vanilla.
Fold in strawberries.
Pour into crust.
Freeze 2-3 hours.
Refrigerate 15 minutes before serving.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Caramel Macchiato Pumpkin Tart
This recipe can be adapted to a more healthy version. It is delicious!
1 box of 5.25 oz gingersnap cookies, ground (1 1/2 c).
**I used graham crackers. You can make them homemade, or buy healthier ones at a natural food store. (Mi-del makes a decent ginger snap.)
1/3 c butter, nelted
1/4 c. honey granules
3 c. Starbucks Caramel Macchiato ice cream. (I make my own coffee ice cream).
1 c. canned pumpkin (or make your own)
1/3 c. sucanat
1/2 t. ground cinnamon (I think 1 t. would be better.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-in tart pan. Set aside.
Combine crumbs, butter, and honey granules in bowl. Press onto bottom and sides of pan. Bake 10 min. Cool on wire rack. Freeze until ready to use.
Beat ice cream in bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until stirrable. Beat in remaining ingredients until smooth. Turn into prepared crust and freeze 4 hours or overnight.
Garnish if desired with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
1 box of 5.25 oz gingersnap cookies, ground (1 1/2 c).
**I used graham crackers. You can make them homemade, or buy healthier ones at a natural food store. (Mi-del makes a decent ginger snap.)
1/3 c butter, nelted
1/4 c. honey granules
3 c. Starbucks Caramel Macchiato ice cream. (I make my own coffee ice cream).
1 c. canned pumpkin (or make your own)
1/3 c. sucanat
1/2 t. ground cinnamon (I think 1 t. would be better.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9-in tart pan. Set aside.
Combine crumbs, butter, and honey granules in bowl. Press onto bottom and sides of pan. Bake 10 min. Cool on wire rack. Freeze until ready to use.
Beat ice cream in bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until stirrable. Beat in remaining ingredients until smooth. Turn into prepared crust and freeze 4 hours or overnight.
Garnish if desired with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Cinnamon and Honey Cookies
3 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c toasted wheat germ
1 T ground cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3/4 c butter, softened
1 c sucanat
1/3 c honey
1/3 c milk
Mix flour, wheat germ, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter, sucanat, and honey with an electric mixer until well blended. Add flour mixture in thirds alternately with milk, mixing to blend after each addition. Divide dough into thirds. Pat each portion to a flattened rectangle. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill one hour or until firm enough to roll.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets.
Roll one third of dough at a time between two sheets of wax paper into a rectangle slightly larger than 6 x 8 in. Remove top sheet and trim dough to a neat 8x6 in rectangle. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 min until tops feel firm when pressed. Cool on wire racks.
1/2 c toasted wheat germ
1 T ground cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3/4 c butter, softened
1 c sucanat
1/3 c honey
1/3 c milk
Mix flour, wheat germ, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter, sucanat, and honey with an electric mixer until well blended. Add flour mixture in thirds alternately with milk, mixing to blend after each addition. Divide dough into thirds. Pat each portion to a flattened rectangle. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill one hour or until firm enough to roll.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets.
Roll one third of dough at a time between two sheets of wax paper into a rectangle slightly larger than 6 x 8 in. Remove top sheet and trim dough to a neat 8x6 in rectangle. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 min until tops feel firm when pressed. Cool on wire racks.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tip #19
Watch those condiments. Looking for a way to cut back? Watch how much salad dressing and extras such as croutons you are adding to your salads. Those extra calories can add up quickly. You want your calories to be quality ones.
Watch how much ketchup and extra sauces you use on your hamburgers and hot dogs. Cut out the mayo.
When you eat at a restaurant, order your salad dressing on the side. You can control how much you use. If you like Caesar, they even do that on the side.
Don't use margarine, but use real butter. Remember, you want a little butter with your bread, not a little bread with your butter.
Watch how much ketchup and extra sauces you use on your hamburgers and hot dogs. Cut out the mayo.
When you eat at a restaurant, order your salad dressing on the side. You can control how much you use. If you like Caesar, they even do that on the side.
Don't use margarine, but use real butter. Remember, you want a little butter with your bread, not a little bread with your butter.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Update on Meal Planning
So I mentioned before that I was trying to eat 6 smalls meals a day instead of 3 larger ones. I wanted to give it some time before I commented on this new idea. Well, new to me idea.
Awesome! I have been very pleased with the results. After starting round 3 of Supreme 90, I decided I would try the meal plan since I wasn't seeing the results I wanted. Sure, I could see some toning taking place in my arms and legs, but I still had that blasted pooch in my stomach. I chalked that up to having two kids within 28 months. I was prepared to live with it.
One caveat here, I don't eat rice cakes. I don't find much nutritional value in them. I also find a few other substitutions for things I don't like, but they must be of equal nutritional value.
The meal plan does involve drinking a lot of water. I drink a lot already, but was having trouble meeting the recommended amounts and finding time to take care of my children between trips to the bathroom. I did have to cut back to my usual, but don't really feel any different.
I have lost 6 pounds since I started and the pooch that I have had as long as I remember is shrinking. Of course the intense ab workout may have something to do with that too. :) I am not really on a weight loss mission at this point. I just want to tone up and work on the jiggles.
I believe the key to all of this is more protein, portion control, and no refined sugar. I do let myself splurge a bit on the weekends, but it's usually something healthy I have made at home.
This type of eating does not leave you hungry because you are eating every 3 hours. I am not craving the sweets that I craved before. I have a mouth full of sweet teeth. Usually, right after I eat, I brush my teeth. That helps reduce what I crave. Plus, I just don't keep junk in the house. We don't need it. One thing I could improve on is more fish. I like it, but not all the time. I need to find some new recipes to try. If I find some good ones, I will post them.
Awesome! I have been very pleased with the results. After starting round 3 of Supreme 90, I decided I would try the meal plan since I wasn't seeing the results I wanted. Sure, I could see some toning taking place in my arms and legs, but I still had that blasted pooch in my stomach. I chalked that up to having two kids within 28 months. I was prepared to live with it.
One caveat here, I don't eat rice cakes. I don't find much nutritional value in them. I also find a few other substitutions for things I don't like, but they must be of equal nutritional value.
The meal plan does involve drinking a lot of water. I drink a lot already, but was having trouble meeting the recommended amounts and finding time to take care of my children between trips to the bathroom. I did have to cut back to my usual, but don't really feel any different.
I have lost 6 pounds since I started and the pooch that I have had as long as I remember is shrinking. Of course the intense ab workout may have something to do with that too. :) I am not really on a weight loss mission at this point. I just want to tone up and work on the jiggles.
I believe the key to all of this is more protein, portion control, and no refined sugar. I do let myself splurge a bit on the weekends, but it's usually something healthy I have made at home.
This type of eating does not leave you hungry because you are eating every 3 hours. I am not craving the sweets that I craved before. I have a mouth full of sweet teeth. Usually, right after I eat, I brush my teeth. That helps reduce what I crave. Plus, I just don't keep junk in the house. We don't need it. One thing I could improve on is more fish. I like it, but not all the time. I need to find some new recipes to try. If I find some good ones, I will post them.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Chopped Salad
I got this recipe from a friend in SC during a recipe swap. Want a super healthy, super tasty salad?
1 red, green, and yellow bell pepper
2 Granny Smith apples
1 or 2 cucumbers, peeled
1 or 2 tomatoes
1 vidalia onion (or sweet onion)
Lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to taste
Dice all veggies really small. Toss in juice and oil. Chill and serve.
1 red, green, and yellow bell pepper
2 Granny Smith apples
1 or 2 cucumbers, peeled
1 or 2 tomatoes
1 vidalia onion (or sweet onion)
Lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to taste
Dice all veggies really small. Toss in juice and oil. Chill and serve.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tip #18
Clip Coupons, Read the Sales Fliers, Sign up for Grocery Store Savings Programs.
Yes, this all takes an exorbitant amount of time, but it worth the savings. Some stores double or even triple coupons. Pair that with an item on sale and you are saving a bundle. This helps to make those grocery dollars go even farther.
Yes, this all takes an exorbitant amount of time, but it worth the savings. Some stores double or even triple coupons. Pair that with an item on sale and you are saving a bundle. This helps to make those grocery dollars go even farther.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls
3ish cups flour
2 T honey
2 1/4 t. yeast
1 1/4 t sea salt
1 t balking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1 c. warm buttermilk (120-130 degrees) *will appear curdled
1/2 c oil
1/3 c warm water (120-130 degrees)
melted butter
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, honey, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the buttermilk and water; beat until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (not stiff like bread dough). Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes.
Roll out to 1/2 in thickness; cut with a 2 1/2 in. biscuit cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake 400 degrees 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with butter.
2 T honey
2 1/4 t. yeast
1 1/4 t sea salt
1 t balking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1 c. warm buttermilk (120-130 degrees) *will appear curdled
1/2 c oil
1/3 c warm water (120-130 degrees)
melted butter
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, honey, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the buttermilk and water; beat until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (not stiff like bread dough). Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes.
Roll out to 1/2 in thickness; cut with a 2 1/2 in. biscuit cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake 400 degrees 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with butter.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Shredding Chicking
This really isn't a nutritional tip, so I am not going to number it. However, this is a kitchen tip I wish I knew about a long time ago.
It takes forever to shred cooked chicken. I don't have any fancy shredding equipment. Usually, I would just take two forks and have at it. Well, one day, my husband came home from work and pointed to my stand mixer. What in the world did that have to do with chicken?
If you have a counter top stand mixer, put one piece of chicken at a time in the mixing bowl. Attach the flat beater (not the dough hook or the whisk attachment). Simply turn on the mixer to the stir or #2 level. Run until it is the desired consistency. What used to take me about 15 minutes to do is now done in seconds. Hope that saves you some time too.
It takes forever to shred cooked chicken. I don't have any fancy shredding equipment. Usually, I would just take two forks and have at it. Well, one day, my husband came home from work and pointed to my stand mixer. What in the world did that have to do with chicken?
If you have a counter top stand mixer, put one piece of chicken at a time in the mixing bowl. Attach the flat beater (not the dough hook or the whisk attachment). Simply turn on the mixer to the stir or #2 level. Run until it is the desired consistency. What used to take me about 15 minutes to do is now done in seconds. Hope that saves you some time too.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Tip #17
Make your own salad dressing.
If you read the labels to a lot of bottled salad dressing, you will see they are laden with preservatives and chemicals. Try making your own. There are a lot of recipes on line. One thing you need to watch out for is sugar. I like a basic balsamic vinaigrette.
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
3 T. balsamic vinegar
1 t. dijon mustard
dash of salt
If you read the labels to a lot of bottled salad dressing, you will see they are laden with preservatives and chemicals. Try making your own. There are a lot of recipes on line. One thing you need to watch out for is sugar. I like a basic balsamic vinaigrette.
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
3 T. balsamic vinegar
1 t. dijon mustard
dash of salt
Monday, June 11, 2012
Tip #16
Popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack right? Well, not the microwaved kind. Look at the list of ingredients and all the preservatives and extra additives on the list.
Invest in an air popper. They are not that expensive. You are then in control of the amount of butter, salt, or other things added to your popcorn. It wastes a lot fewer kernels as well. We like a little butter and salt, but also some Parmesan cheese.
Popcorn is a healthy snack right? Well, not the microwaved kind. Look at the list of ingredients and all the preservatives and extra additives on the list.
Invest in an air popper. They are not that expensive. You are then in control of the amount of butter, salt, or other things added to your popcorn. It wastes a lot fewer kernels as well. We like a little butter and salt, but also some Parmesan cheese.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tip #15
Rice
Swap out white rice for brown rice. Just about any variety comes in brown. You will get much more nutritional benefit than just starch. The additional whole grain and fiber will help to keep you feeling full longer.
Swap out white rice for brown rice. Just about any variety comes in brown. You will get much more nutritional benefit than just starch. The additional whole grain and fiber will help to keep you feeling full longer.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tip #14
Peanut Butter
If you read the ingredients on the average jar of peanut butter, you will find that fully hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, as well as a large amount are listed. Hydrogenated oils are trans fats, which is possibly one of the worst things you can eat. Instead, look for natural peanut butter. Some people don't like the oil separation that occurs. Whole Foods does sell a natural peanut butter with no sugar and no oil separation in their 365 brand. However Kroger does not have a bad store brand either. If you have to have the sugar (which truly is not necessary), Skippy Natural and Great Value Natural are better choices. They do not have the oil separation either.
However, if you want to get really brave, try making your own.
2 c. dry roasted, unsalted peanuts
3/4 c. coconut oil
2 t. honey
1 t. salt
Add ingredients in a blender. Pulse a few times to get nuts moved around. Blend/chop until smooth.
I have made this before, and it is quite possibly the best peanut butter out there!
If you read the ingredients on the average jar of peanut butter, you will find that fully hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, as well as a large amount are listed. Hydrogenated oils are trans fats, which is possibly one of the worst things you can eat. Instead, look for natural peanut butter. Some people don't like the oil separation that occurs. Whole Foods does sell a natural peanut butter with no sugar and no oil separation in their 365 brand. However Kroger does not have a bad store brand either. If you have to have the sugar (which truly is not necessary), Skippy Natural and Great Value Natural are better choices. They do not have the oil separation either.
However, if you want to get really brave, try making your own.
2 c. dry roasted, unsalted peanuts
3/4 c. coconut oil
2 t. honey
1 t. salt
Add ingredients in a blender. Pulse a few times to get nuts moved around. Blend/chop until smooth.
I have made this before, and it is quite possibly the best peanut butter out there!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tip #13
Replace mayo with plain yogurt.
Ok, of course you would not replace mayo with yogurt every time, but....
I like chicken salad. This time around, I replaced the mayo with plain yogurt (equal ratio), and seasoned as normal. I cannot really tell a difference, and any difference there is is a good one. Mayo is not all that good for you anyway. I am amazed at all the people here that eat it on their hamburgers. That is just gross to me. When I do use it, I prefer the Spectrum brand made with flax oil. Remember up to 93% of all corn and soy products in the US are genetically modified. Soybean oil is the predominant oil used in mayo. Yogurt takes care of all of that. I do prefer Greek yogurt, but that is just a preference.
Ok, of course you would not replace mayo with yogurt every time, but....
I like chicken salad. This time around, I replaced the mayo with plain yogurt (equal ratio), and seasoned as normal. I cannot really tell a difference, and any difference there is is a good one. Mayo is not all that good for you anyway. I am amazed at all the people here that eat it on their hamburgers. That is just gross to me. When I do use it, I prefer the Spectrum brand made with flax oil. Remember up to 93% of all corn and soy products in the US are genetically modified. Soybean oil is the predominant oil used in mayo. Yogurt takes care of all of that. I do prefer Greek yogurt, but that is just a preference.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Tip #12
This one was surprising to me.
Use unsweetened applesauce to sweeten cereals such as oatmeal and cream of wheat as well as smoothies. If you are trying to cut back on the amount of refined sugar you are using, this is a healthy alternative. Yesterday, I used it in my oatmeal smoothie.
Another great way to cut back on your sugar intake is to buy plain yogurt and put fruit or apple sauce in it. Make sure it is unsweetened. A lot of regular apple sauce has added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, both of which are big no-no's.
Use unsweetened applesauce to sweeten cereals such as oatmeal and cream of wheat as well as smoothies. If you are trying to cut back on the amount of refined sugar you are using, this is a healthy alternative. Yesterday, I used it in my oatmeal smoothie.
Another great way to cut back on your sugar intake is to buy plain yogurt and put fruit or apple sauce in it. Make sure it is unsweetened. A lot of regular apple sauce has added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, both of which are big no-no's.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Delicious Hummus
1 15oz can of garbanzo beans
2 cloves fresh garlic
2 T extra virgin olive oil
3 T tahini paste
2 T lemon juice
1 t all purpose seasoning (see tip #1 for recipe)
1 t paprika
Drain liquid from beans. Set aside.
In blender, combine the remaining ingredients and 5 T bean liquid.
Blend until a smooth paste forms. Add more liquid if necessary.
2 cloves fresh garlic
2 T extra virgin olive oil
3 T tahini paste
2 T lemon juice
1 t all purpose seasoning (see tip #1 for recipe)
1 t paprika
Drain liquid from beans. Set aside.
In blender, combine the remaining ingredients and 5 T bean liquid.
Blend until a smooth paste forms. Add more liquid if necessary.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Something New to Try
I have been doing some more reading on nutrition and health and have decided to try something new. Instead of eating 3 large meals each day, I am going to try 6 small meals. I don't really want to call this a tip, because I haven't tried it yet. However, from what I have read, it makes sense.
Here is an example:
Meal 1--1/3 c. dry oatmeal cooked in 2/3 c water topped with 2 T ground flax seed and 3 T unsweetened applesauce; 2 scrambled eggs with tomatoes and spinach, seasoned with salt and pepper
Meal 2-1 small apple with 2 T natural nut butter
Meal 3-1 1/2 c mixed steamed broccoli and peppers, season with salt and pepper; 4 oz grilled fish, season with lemon juice
Meal 4-Protein shake
Meal 5-1/2 c cooked brown rice, steamed asparagus and brussel sprouts, 4 oz grilled chicken
Meal 6-1/2 c keifer with 1/2 c chopped apple
By the end of the day, I am supposed to have 12 cups of water to drink. It is definitely going to take some more planning on my part, but I want to do the best I can to take care of myself for my family. I will let you know how it goes.
Here is an example:
Meal 1--1/3 c. dry oatmeal cooked in 2/3 c water topped with 2 T ground flax seed and 3 T unsweetened applesauce; 2 scrambled eggs with tomatoes and spinach, seasoned with salt and pepper
Meal 2-1 small apple with 2 T natural nut butter
Meal 3-1 1/2 c mixed steamed broccoli and peppers, season with salt and pepper; 4 oz grilled fish, season with lemon juice
Meal 4-Protein shake
Meal 5-1/2 c cooked brown rice, steamed asparagus and brussel sprouts, 4 oz grilled chicken
Meal 6-1/2 c keifer with 1/2 c chopped apple
By the end of the day, I am supposed to have 12 cups of water to drink. It is definitely going to take some more planning on my part, but I want to do the best I can to take care of myself for my family. I will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tip #11
This isn't anything profound, but a helpful tip I learned a few years ago.
After washing your lettuce, pat it dry with a paper towel or put it in a salad spinner if you have one. Dry lettuce will keep longer.
After washing your lettuce, pat it dry with a paper towel or put it in a salad spinner if you have one. Dry lettuce will keep longer.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tip #10
Exercise!
Get up and move. Find a routine that works for you even if that means getting up earlier or going to bed earlier. Turn off the TV. Play with your kids (if you have them). Move!
I can highly recommend the Supreme 90 workout DVDs. The nutrition plan isn't bad. I modify it slightly to fit our needs. These DVDs are about 30 min a piece. I can fit that into my day. I have definitely seen results.
However, just find what works for you and get moving. You can eat right, but if you don't move, you won't see all the benefits of good nutrition.
Get up and move. Find a routine that works for you even if that means getting up earlier or going to bed earlier. Turn off the TV. Play with your kids (if you have them). Move!
I can highly recommend the Supreme 90 workout DVDs. The nutrition plan isn't bad. I modify it slightly to fit our needs. These DVDs are about 30 min a piece. I can fit that into my day. I have definitely seen results.
However, just find what works for you and get moving. You can eat right, but if you don't move, you won't see all the benefits of good nutrition.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tip #9
This really isn't necessarily a food tip, but a household tip.
I like to look for cleaners that are more natural and not toxic. There are times when bleach is appropriate. We have ceramic tile flooring in our kitchen and bathrooms, so my floor cleaning options are limited if I want to take care of them appropriately. I have discovered a wonderful all-purpose cleaner from Shaklee. It is super concentrated so it lasts a very long time. It's also made out of organic materials, so if you fill a cleaning bucket, you can clean your floors and then water your plants with the same water. It is super safe to use around children. My daughter was just crawling when I started using this, so I wanted something safe.
Click here to see.
You can also use vinegar and/or baking soda for cleaning, but the odor is not as pleasant.
I also like to use products on my skin that are natural and free of chemical products. Google some of the products in your shampoo, lotions, and cosmetics. Many of them are derived from petroleum. Do you really want to be rubbing that on your skin, the largest organ in your body?
I like this for my skin care. The 5 step skin care makes my skin feel so smooth and healthy. With this product a little bit goes a long way. The fragrance is so fresh and pleasant. I have tried other products from Green Living Bath and Body. I LOVE every single one. Since this is a local company, I feel great supporting local business.
For my children, I like to use Burt's Bees products. They, too, are a local company. (read the bottle).
Tom's of Maine is another line I have tried, although, they tend to be more expensive.
Do your research. Sometimes we overlook what goes on the outside of our bodies. The outside is just as important as the inside.
I like to look for cleaners that are more natural and not toxic. There are times when bleach is appropriate. We have ceramic tile flooring in our kitchen and bathrooms, so my floor cleaning options are limited if I want to take care of them appropriately. I have discovered a wonderful all-purpose cleaner from Shaklee. It is super concentrated so it lasts a very long time. It's also made out of organic materials, so if you fill a cleaning bucket, you can clean your floors and then water your plants with the same water. It is super safe to use around children. My daughter was just crawling when I started using this, so I wanted something safe.
Click here to see.
You can also use vinegar and/or baking soda for cleaning, but the odor is not as pleasant.
I also like to use products on my skin that are natural and free of chemical products. Google some of the products in your shampoo, lotions, and cosmetics. Many of them are derived from petroleum. Do you really want to be rubbing that on your skin, the largest organ in your body?
I like this for my skin care. The 5 step skin care makes my skin feel so smooth and healthy. With this product a little bit goes a long way. The fragrance is so fresh and pleasant. I have tried other products from Green Living Bath and Body. I LOVE every single one. Since this is a local company, I feel great supporting local business.
For my children, I like to use Burt's Bees products. They, too, are a local company. (read the bottle).
Tom's of Maine is another line I have tried, although, they tend to be more expensive.
Do your research. Sometimes we overlook what goes on the outside of our bodies. The outside is just as important as the inside.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tip #8
Plant a Garden
There is no better way to get organic vegetables than to grow them yourself. We have somewhat expanded our garden this year. We grew lettuce for the first time last year. It was so delicious. If you don't have the space to put a garden in the ground, you can always do raised beds or vegetables in pots. Start small so that you don't become overwhelmed.
There is no better way to get organic vegetables than to grow them yourself. We have somewhat expanded our garden this year. We grew lettuce for the first time last year. It was so delicious. If you don't have the space to put a garden in the ground, you can always do raised beds or vegetables in pots. Start small so that you don't become overwhelmed.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tip #7
Stretching your meat....
Have you noticed how expensive meat is getting? One way to stretch your meat is to mix it with beans. There are a couple of ways to do this.
1) cook up a batch of beans until they are soft. Mash them. Use 1/2 mashed beans and 1/2 meat. An example of this would be taco meat. Pintos work great. If you season them with your usual blend of spices, then this not only stretches your meat, but is actually quite healthy. Cooked beans freeze great. So, cook up a big batch and freeze in little batches. Pull out what you need.
2) use whole beans mixed with meat. I have a wonderful sloppy joe recipe that uses black beans.
You can also use rice to help stretch your meat as well, but to be honest I prefer the beans because of the added protein. Both of my kids love beans, so it's not too difficult to do.
Yes, there is that added side affect from eating beans, but your body will adjust if you keep them in your diet.
Pinto beans are the beans I use the most, but if you don't like pintos, then use what you do like.
Have you noticed how expensive meat is getting? One way to stretch your meat is to mix it with beans. There are a couple of ways to do this.
1) cook up a batch of beans until they are soft. Mash them. Use 1/2 mashed beans and 1/2 meat. An example of this would be taco meat. Pintos work great. If you season them with your usual blend of spices, then this not only stretches your meat, but is actually quite healthy. Cooked beans freeze great. So, cook up a big batch and freeze in little batches. Pull out what you need.
2) use whole beans mixed with meat. I have a wonderful sloppy joe recipe that uses black beans.
You can also use rice to help stretch your meat as well, but to be honest I prefer the beans because of the added protein. Both of my kids love beans, so it's not too difficult to do.
Yes, there is that added side affect from eating beans, but your body will adjust if you keep them in your diet.
Pinto beans are the beans I use the most, but if you don't like pintos, then use what you do like.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tip #6
Living on a budget does present some challenges when grocery shopping. I like to buy organic when I can. However, there isn't always enough money. I keep a list of things on my fridge called the dirty dozen and clean 15. The dirty dozen are the things that are highest in pesticides. I try to buy these organic when possible. The clean 15 are those lowest in pesticides.
Dirty Dozen
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear
Clean 15
1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn (I still prefer to buy this organic b/c up to 93% of corn and soy products in the US are genetically modified.)
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet potato
Dirty Dozen
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear
Clean 15
1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn (I still prefer to buy this organic b/c up to 93% of corn and soy products in the US are genetically modified.)
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet potato
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Cranberry Duff
1 3/4 -2 c. Flour (I used 1 3/4 c. of my freshly milled hard white wheat)
1 c.. honey granules or 1/2 c. honey would also work
1/2 t. salt (I used sea salt)
2 t. baking powder (aluminum free)
1 t. cinnamon
2 c. whole raw cranberries (mine were dried b/c that's all I had)
1 c. milk
1/4 c melted butter
1 t. vanilla
Butter Sauce
1/2 c. butter
1 c. honey granules
3/4 c. half and half or whipping cream
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the dry ingredients. Add the cranberries, milk, melted butter and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into 8 inch square buttered baking dish. Bake 350 for 40 minutes. After the duff has been in the oven for 25 minutes, make the butter sauce by combining the butter, sugar, and cream in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat. Stir in the vanilla and cinnamon and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve the duff warm, drizzled with sauce, with extra sauce on the side.
1 c.. honey granules or 1/2 c. honey would also work
1/2 t. salt (I used sea salt)
2 t. baking powder (aluminum free)
1 t. cinnamon
2 c. whole raw cranberries (mine were dried b/c that's all I had)
1 c. milk
1/4 c melted butter
1 t. vanilla
Butter Sauce
1/2 c. butter
1 c. honey granules
3/4 c. half and half or whipping cream
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the dry ingredients. Add the cranberries, milk, melted butter and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into 8 inch square buttered baking dish. Bake 350 for 40 minutes. After the duff has been in the oven for 25 minutes, make the butter sauce by combining the butter, sugar, and cream in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat. Stir in the vanilla and cinnamon and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve the duff warm, drizzled with sauce, with extra sauce on the side.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tip #5
Do not store your potatoes and onions next to each other. The onions will spoil the potatoes.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Split Pea and Barley Soup
This recipe is so delicious and extremely healthy. My kids LOVED it!
1 c. dried split green peas
1/2 c. pearled or semi-hulled barley
1 bay leaf
2 qts. water (you could also use a little chicken stock)
1 t. celery seed
1 onion, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 white potato, diced
1 sweet potato, diced (you can omit this, but it does at a sweetness to the soup that is yummy)
1/2 c minced greens of your choice (I used spinach b/c that is what was handy. It was a 10 oz bag)
**kale, collards, chard are also acceptable
1 t sea salt (I used all purpose seasoning)
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t dried basil
1/2 t dried thyme (I omitted this b/c I don't like dried thyme.)
2 T miso
Place split peas, barley, bay leaf, and water in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hrs. Add remaining ingredients, except miso. Simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and soft. Remove from heat. Stir in miso.
1 c. dried split green peas
1/2 c. pearled or semi-hulled barley
1 bay leaf
2 qts. water (you could also use a little chicken stock)
1 t. celery seed
1 onion, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 white potato, diced
1 sweet potato, diced (you can omit this, but it does at a sweetness to the soup that is yummy)
1/2 c minced greens of your choice (I used spinach b/c that is what was handy. It was a 10 oz bag)
**kale, collards, chard are also acceptable
1 t sea salt (I used all purpose seasoning)
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t dried basil
1/2 t dried thyme (I omitted this b/c I don't like dried thyme.)
2 T miso
Place split peas, barley, bay leaf, and water in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hrs. Add remaining ingredients, except miso. Simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and soft. Remove from heat. Stir in miso.
Tip #4
Quit drinking soda and replace it with something healthy, such as water. Sweet tea does not count. Unsweet tea would be ok. Soda contains a TON of sugar,which is empty calories. A 12 oz can of soda contains 42 grams of sugar. There are 4 grams to a teaspoon, which means you have over 10 teaspoons of sugar in one can. There are 3 teaspoons in a tablespoon. So you've got roughly 3+ Tablespoons of sugar. That is almost 1/4 c of sugar in your can of soda. That is pretty much your DAILY allowance for sugar.
Before I started to make our drastic diet changes, I read that if you quit drinking soda for a year without replacing with an equally sugary drink, and did nothing else, you would lose 10 pounds. I must admit, I was skeptical. Well, I decided to give up soda. It was much easier than I anticipated. I replaced it with just plain water, or sometimes water with a little lemon. That was in January of 2006. That August, I had to have my appendix removed. After that ordeal had ended, I stepped on the scale. I was 7 pounds lighter than in January. (On a side note, your appendix is about as big as your pinkie finger, so that alone did not lighten me by 7 pounds.) At that point, I hadn't really made too many changes other than milling our wheat. When you look at the amount of sugar in a can of soda, it should make you think twice about drinking it.
Also, as my chiropractor so kindly pointed out, the phosphates found in soda are very hard on your bones, which can lead to osteoporosis, among other things. Your body is not properly able to process calcium. By giving up soda, not only was I able to drop some pounds, but I am strengthening my bones too.
Before I started to make our drastic diet changes, I read that if you quit drinking soda for a year without replacing with an equally sugary drink, and did nothing else, you would lose 10 pounds. I must admit, I was skeptical. Well, I decided to give up soda. It was much easier than I anticipated. I replaced it with just plain water, or sometimes water with a little lemon. That was in January of 2006. That August, I had to have my appendix removed. After that ordeal had ended, I stepped on the scale. I was 7 pounds lighter than in January. (On a side note, your appendix is about as big as your pinkie finger, so that alone did not lighten me by 7 pounds.) At that point, I hadn't really made too many changes other than milling our wheat. When you look at the amount of sugar in a can of soda, it should make you think twice about drinking it.
Also, as my chiropractor so kindly pointed out, the phosphates found in soda are very hard on your bones, which can lead to osteoporosis, among other things. Your body is not properly able to process calcium. By giving up soda, not only was I able to drop some pounds, but I am strengthening my bones too.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tip #3
Whatever you do, do NOT use artificial sweeteners. The reason that they are zero calorie is because your body recognizes them as a toxin. I have written about this before, so I will not go into specifics here.
Reduce/eliminate your use of refined sugar. Empty calories. Instead, use honey. Yes, it does contain calories, but there is some redeeming nutritional value to honey. Yes, it is expensive. This is a good way to cut down on all that sweet stuff. Make it a treat rather than a staple.
Reduce/eliminate your use of refined sugar. Empty calories. Instead, use honey. Yes, it does contain calories, but there is some redeeming nutritional value to honey. Yes, it is expensive. This is a good way to cut down on all that sweet stuff. Make it a treat rather than a staple.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tip #2
When using baking soda, look for soda that is aluminum free. Aluminum goes straight to your brain and is not safe to use. Also look for aluminum free bake ware such as, ceramic, baking stones, stainless steel, or glass. When cooking with aluminum pots and pans, aluminum is leeched into the food and absorbed by the body. This too is unsafe.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Kitchen Tips
I must admit, I have been quite slack this past year in keeping up with my blog. It isn't due to lack of desire, but lack of time. So while I take much more time to research new topics, I thought I would write brief entries on some of the little things I do to make our meals healthier.
So.....
Tip #1--To Much Sodium??
If you are concerned that you are getting too much sodium in your diet, then there are a couple of things you can do to decrease that. But before you do, measure how much you are consuming each day and compare that to the recommended daily amounts. Read labels because salt hides everywhere.
1. Use sea salt. It has less sodium than regular table salt.
2. Use an all purpose seasoning mix. My dad gave me this recipe (see below). I use it in cooking when something calls for salt. Obviously, this would not be something you would use in sweet treats.
1 c. salt
1/4 c. black pepper
1/4 c. onion powder
1/4 c. garlic powder
Mix and store in an air tight container. Use the same amount you would use if a recipe would call for just salt. (ex. 1 teaspoon salt = 1 teaspoon seasoning mix) I like it because it adds a little extra flavor.
Tip #2 soon to come.
So.....
Tip #1--To Much Sodium??
If you are concerned that you are getting too much sodium in your diet, then there are a couple of things you can do to decrease that. But before you do, measure how much you are consuming each day and compare that to the recommended daily amounts. Read labels because salt hides everywhere.
1. Use sea salt. It has less sodium than regular table salt.
2. Use an all purpose seasoning mix. My dad gave me this recipe (see below). I use it in cooking when something calls for salt. Obviously, this would not be something you would use in sweet treats.
1 c. salt
1/4 c. black pepper
1/4 c. onion powder
1/4 c. garlic powder
Mix and store in an air tight container. Use the same amount you would use if a recipe would call for just salt. (ex. 1 teaspoon salt = 1 teaspoon seasoning mix) I like it because it adds a little extra flavor.
Tip #2 soon to come.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Mocha Brownies
2/3 c butter
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t instant coffee crystals
1 c granulated sugar (I used 3/4 c agave nectar, or you could also use 1/2 c. honey or 1 c. honey granules)
2 eggs
3/4 cup flour (a little less if you are using hard wheat)
1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 t. finely grated tangerine peel
Grease an 8x8x2 in baking pan. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Stir in cocoa powder and coffee crystals. Remove from heat. Stir in the sugar (or substitute). Stir in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Beat lightly by hand just till combined. Stir in flour. Stir in chocolate pieces and shredded peel.
**you can omit the peel if you don't like it.
Spread into prepared pan. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. If desired, top with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.
For some added chocolate, put about 1/2 c chips on top of brownies as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them soften a little and then spread on top like icing.
1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t instant coffee crystals
1 c granulated sugar (I used 3/4 c agave nectar, or you could also use 1/2 c. honey or 1 c. honey granules)
2 eggs
3/4 cup flour (a little less if you are using hard wheat)
1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 t. finely grated tangerine peel
Grease an 8x8x2 in baking pan. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Stir in cocoa powder and coffee crystals. Remove from heat. Stir in the sugar (or substitute). Stir in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Beat lightly by hand just till combined. Stir in flour. Stir in chocolate pieces and shredded peel.
**you can omit the peel if you don't like it.
Spread into prepared pan. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. If desired, top with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.
For some added chocolate, put about 1/2 c chips on top of brownies as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them soften a little and then spread on top like icing.
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