From the Desk of April

Rice Cooker Oats

2010-06-27T09:34:00.002-05:00

I posted a while back on cooking oats in my crock pot. I liked that recipe, but have found a better one using my rice cooker.

Before heading to bed I load my rice cooker with 1 cup Oat Groats or Steel Cut Oats. Then for every cup of oats I add 3 cups water. I add a few table spoons of honey and cinnamon and raisins (if desired).

Set the rice cooker on warm all night and the oats will be ready and warm in the morning. They are not dry, but moist.

Rice Cooker Oats

1 cup oat groats or steel cut
3 cups water
honey to taste
cinnamon to taste
raisins (optional)

Summer Garden Water

2010-06-25T15:03:00.004-05:00

We picked out first cucumber this morning. How they grow so quickly. One day I walk past and they are tiny green nubs and blooms...the next day they are laying on my counter.

Our garden is also being over taken by mint. I love the fresh scent it gives as we brush by it about the garden. Our girls love to chew on it and collect it and put it in their 'mud pies', 'mud teas' and 'real teas'. It's something everyone with a yard should have...maybe in a pot though.

Today I filled a glass pitcher with sliced cucumber, fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. I filled it with water and ice and let it 'steep' for a little while.

It's pretty enough to keep on the counter all day, and it is a reminder to drink it also. I just filled it up with water and ice as needed through out the day. We called it "fancy water". Yummy.

Fancy Water

1/2 cucumber sliced thin
5-10 leaves of mint
1/2 lemon sliced
water and ice

Guiltless Chocolate (chip) Muffins

2010-06-07T11:54:00.002-05:00

I am a woman, I love chocolate. I know that's not the best food for me...let's be real. It's just comfort food...aka "mommy food".

I have been on the look out for something to satisfy my sweet/chocolate craving with hopes of it being healthy at the same time...

With a few other recipes combined and some practice baking, I came up with this Guiltless Chocolate (Chip) Muffins.

It truly is guiltless. The batter has no egg, no oil (except for spraying the muffin tins), dairy-free, sugar free (if you omit the choco chips), and can be caffeine free if you replace the cocoa with carob.

Then you have the chocolate chips which are the guilty party. The muffins came out moist and fluffy.

We made them for Daddy's birthday cake.

Guiltless Chocolate (chip) Muffins

1 1/4 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
1/2 cup honey
1 Tblsp bran
2 Tblsp cocoa (or carob powder)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3 Tblsp apple sauce (I use one snack cup)
1/2 cup almond milk
1 tsp vanilla
chocolate chips (optional) maybe 1/4 cup or so...

Mix all ingredients in bowl or blender, except the choco chips. Spray mini muffin tins. Fill the muffin tins and I add a chip or two on top (or in the middle) of the batter. It makes a yummy surprise when you bite into the muffin... :)

One of my little helpers like to add a choco chip on top, the other likes to mix a handful of chips in with the batter then fill muffin tins. Yummy!!! A girl after my own heart...

With or without chocolate chips they are top notch.

Makes 36 mini muffins.

Crock-Pot Steel Cut Oats

2010-06-06T12:53:00.002-05:00

I felt I was super mom with the Crock-pot the other day. I had soaked some red beans the day before, put them to cook all day. I separated the cooked beans in 2 quart jars, then the rest I made a red bean chili in the crock.

The 2 quarts of red beans will be for dinners later on in the week.

So, after the chili was done for supper that evening, I washed the crock and set it for breakfast!
It cooked all night and was warm and ready to eat when we woke. Easy peasy!!!

Crock-Pot Steel Cut Oats

2 cups steel cut oats
6 cups water
1/3 cups honey
1/2 cup raisins
2 tsp cinnamon (or more to your liking)

Stir all ingredients into crock and set for 6 hours and 30 minutes on low. My new wonderful crock has a timer and once the time is out it automatically sets to warm. Very nice.

You can check out my new crock and the vegetarian tortilla soup recipe here.

Baked Oatmeal with Cranberry & Walnuts

2010-06-05T07:36:00.002-05:00

This is going to be my next favorite breakfast. It's super simple to throw together and while it's baking you can be getting smoothies/coffee/setting the table or just taking a breather before the day begins...

Baked Oatmeal w/ Cranberry & Walnuts

Combine the following ingredients in small bowl and set aside:
1 3/4 cup almond milk
1/2 c apple sauce (I tossed in one snack cup)
1 T flax (milled)

Combine the following ingredients in mixing bowl:
2 cups rolled oats
3 T honey
1/3 cup cranberries (or raisins)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon

Add the wet ingredients to the dry oatmeal mixture and stir. Pour into sprayed dish.
Bake 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

Pretty Pink Beet Smoothie

2010-06-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

Once I saw GreenSmoothieGirl's hot pink breakfast smoothie I just had to try it. It was just too pretty. What a way to wake up in the morning, drinking a great pink drink...and it's all natural coloring.

It is beet season around here and the beets I found had beautiful green tops that I could not toss, this time. So, I added them.

My recipe is not the same as the original GSG's hot pink smoothie, surprise...I modified it! But, some days it all differs to what I have available (or what I remember to put in it). This morning I forgot the vanilla, big difference! :)

Pretty Pink Beet Smoothie

1 1/2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup cashews
5-7 baby carrots (or just grab a handful out of the bag)
1/4 cup cranberries
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 beet (peel the beet and quarter)
2-3 beet tops
7-9 frozen strawberries
1 Tblsp rice protein powder (optional)

Blend away, maybe even twice to get it all silky smooth. It will happen, if you have a blendtec. I sometimes add a banana too.

If it's too thick, add more milk and pulse. I like my smoothies thin enough to drink with out a spoon. It's all about getting it down for me, and moving on...

Slow-Rise Yeast Pancakes

2010-06-02T09:57:00.001-05:00

This pancake recipe is different from my other pancakes. I have never made pancakes using yeast and was interested in trying this one out. It was a hit from the beginning.

The pancakes are moist in the middle and have that yeast-y bread flavor. I just love the rise the batter makes the next morning while in the fridge all night.

This is what it is supposed to look like the next morning.

Slow-Rise Pancakes

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/4 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt
2 tsp honey
1 1/2 cup almond milk
2 Tbl applesauce (I just dumped a snack cup in)
1 Tbl flax + 2 Tbl water (or 1 egg)

Blend this in your blender (Blendtec users hit 'batters'). Set in fridge over night.

The next morning add 1/3 cup almond to batter and 'pulse' in blender a few times. Pour into hot, sprayed skillet.

It's just fun to have breakfast ready to go the next morning, like waking up with both your tennis shoes on...aka two-tennis-shoe-speed...ready to go!

All you need now is a great breakfast smoothie...(but wait until morning to do that).

Raw Vanilla Macroons

2010-06-01T09:33:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for a simple and 'good' dessert I have just the thing. The greatest thing about vegetarian/vegan desserts is they are usually all good and you can eat them anytime, before dinner, after dinner, before breakfast...that's the way I like desserts...

Raw Vanilla Macroons (or Almond Joy)

2 cups shredded coconut
2 Tblsp agave nectar or honey
2 Tblsp nut butter (I used Natural Peanut)
1 Tblsp vanilla
pinch of salt

To make this recipe alittle more joyful add:

handful of whole almonds
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or carob is you like)

Mix up the first 5 ingredients in a bowl and mold into balls and freeze.

To make Almond Joy squeeze a whole almond into the center of the coconut mixture (before freezing). Freeze. Melt chocolate in microwave bowl and dip almond coconut balls in melted chocolate. Freeze again...they can be set in fridge before serving.

I went back and doubled the recipe.

Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

2010-05-31T09:19:00.009-05:00

My Blendtec turns 300!!!

One of the cool features of the Blendtec Total Blender is its counter. It counts the number of uses, cycles run. I guess it's like a blender odometer...pretty neat.

Well, I have had mine since February 8th, just less than 4 months! Wow, that is some serious blending!!! 300 and counting...

So, my 300th blend was an Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie. It is so yummy with oats and raisins and cinnamon...slurp! It was quite interesting eating my oatmeal for breakfast...and very filling. It doesn't have to be for breakfast, the first time I made this was 11pm. :)

Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

2 bananas (frozen)
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup milk (I used almond)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash of cardamon (optional)
1 T raisins

Blend and enjoy!!!

Prairie Grit Cakes

2010-05-23T10:49:00.001-05:00

To keep with the Westward Expansion era of American history we have been studying I made some Prairie Grit Cakes.

The grits were milled just down the road and all I added was a pinch of salt and pepper (and of course had to cook in water).

Follow directions to cook whatever grits you have on hand.

Scoop a small round into a warmed and sprayed skillet.

Smash down with the back of a spoon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn once and serve with vegetable fritta.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onion on Kale

2010-05-23T09:40:00.004-05:00

I came across this recipe which I believe is a weight watchers recipe. It looked yummy and I had all ingredients on hand. It was quite tasty.

My girls wanted to know if the potatoes had pumpkin pie spices in them.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Red Onion Salad

2 Large sweet potatoes (peeled & cut into bite sized pieces)
1 Large Red Onion (chopped in bite sized pieces)

Roast these 400 (degrees) for 45-55 minutes.

In a small bowl mix:
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 Tblsp white (or red) wine vinegar
1 oz (~2 Tblsp) frozen OJ concentrate

Pour dressing over potatoes and onions and lay on a bed of sauteed (or steamed) kale.

Vegetable Fritta

2010-05-23T00:24:00.002-05:00

I wanted grits and eggs one evening - an easy supper after a long day. My fridge was packed with lots of fresh veggies but my mind was at a loss at what great meal to make with them all.

I pulled the eggs out and found the grits.

Then grabbed a red bell pepper. It was so pretty.

The asparagus was washed and ready to use, simple enough.

I had just made some fresh almond milk that morning. (I usually add milk or water to my eggs to make them fluffy and go a little farther with out adding more eggs.)

And of course I must get the spinach, since I have all these other great, beautiful vegetables...

I had out a bell, so I grabbed an onion... they just go together ALWAYS!

The almond milk is still being strained through the orange colored cheese cloth on my 'milk' pitcher.

So, let's see what I can do with this...

Dice the bell pepper, onion, asparagus and spinach. Add to warmed skillet and saute in a bit of water (if needed).

While that is cooking, crack 3 or 4 eggs with some milk and whisk together. Add salt & pepper to season.

After the vegetables are soft, pour the milk/egg mixture into the skillet.

(not a great picture, but bear with me - I'm not a photographer...yet). Turn the heat on low and cover to cook. I had to work the spatula around the edges to get out pretty wedges when serving.

Serve with Prairie Grit Cakes and a slice of tomato.

Granola recipe

2010-05-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

I have wanted to make granola for awhile now and have had most of the ingredients from Green Smoothie Girl's granola recipe on hand for awhile now. I finally made the time to do this!

I found this recipe in her 12 Step book and it looked simple enough. It is also on her video 1 page #9.

I actually did not change much at all to her recipe, which is not like me. I usually have to add or take away something...but, not this time. Her ingredients were simple to find and it was all easy to do.

I did, however, half her recipe. In her video she says she doubles her batch, but for my first time I wanted to make sure we liked it before investing so many ingredients into it. It was a hit!

I have sprinkled it on our morning cooked grains, such as barley, oat groats or steal cut oats with fresh fruit and coconut milk. I have eaten it plain with coconut milk and served it in a plastic cup with a spoon for an afternoon snack.

This is the halved recipe I used. To make the full recipe...just double the amounts I have listed.

Into a large bowl, combine:

4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/8 cup sesame seeds
1 Tblsp cinnamon

Into a sauce pan add:

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup (or molasses)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 Tblsp vanilla

Heat this on the stove until barely melted. Stir well and pour over dry mixture.

Mix liquid and dry ingredients until distributed evenly. Bake 250 degrees, stirring every 20 minutes for 1-1 1/2 hours (or until dry).

Granola keeps in the pantry for 2 weeks or in the fridge for 6 weeks.

BlendTec Whole Wheat Pancakes

2010-04-19T22:03:00.005-05:00

Here is an easy and plentiful pancake recipe. I used this in my BlendTec and call it:
BlentTec Whole Wheat Pancakes.
The original recipe came from the book by Mildred A Martin Prudence and the Millers.
This recipe serves seven.

I blended 3 cups almond milk (that I made fresh with my blendtec ) with 1 egg and 3 Tblsp flax and 6 Tblsp water and 1 snack cup of natural apple sauce (no, I did not blend a whole apple, but that's a good idea!).

To the wet mix I add 3 cups fresh milled whole wheat flour, 2 Tblsp baking powder and 1 tsp. salt. Press the batter button.

Every time I have made these pancakes my consistency has been great. Not too runny and not too thick.

This recipe makes plenty of pancakes for everyone to come back for more. Be sure to have plenty of Maple Syrup on hand for these.

The left over pancakes store well in the fridge to be warmed up during the week for a quick, easy and healthy breakfast.

You can also add flavorings, fruit to the mix or nuts...

BlendTec Whole Wheat Pancakes
3 cups milk ( I like almond)
1 egg + 3 Tblsp ground flax + 6 Tblsp water
1 snack cup of apple sauce
3 cups whole wheat flour
2 Tblsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Blend in blendtec blender and enjoy!

Black Bean Sloppy Joes

2010-03-12T19:40:00.002-06:00

I got this recipe from Stephanie and we really love it. I think it is best as left overs, then it seems to take on more of a 'Sloppy Joe' taste.

Black Bean Sloppy Joe's

1 bell pepper
2 chili jalapenos (Optional)
1 red onion (I use white)
2 garlic cloves (I use many more)

Cook together in a pot.

2 (15 oz) cans black beans
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander

Stir beans and seasonings into veggies. I mash up some of the beans.

1 can 15 oz fire roasted (or diced) tomatoes
1 Tblsp brown sugar
1 Tblsp Worcestershire sauce

In a bowl blend tomatoes, sugar and W. sauce. Then add to bean mixture and simmer 3 minutes.

Salt and pepper to taste and garnish with lime (optional).

We have tried it on onion buns and it's really good. And for an extra healthy meal eat with home made whole wheat bread, carrots and a smoothie!!!

Tortilla Soup

2010-03-12T19:10:00.005-06:00

My newest appliance now is a Crock-Pot. I think I have appliance issues. When will it stop? Are there meetings for these problems...is it real? Can anyone help me, or does anyone understand???

Well, I felt I (we as a family) needed an upgrade from our old crock. It was and still is a great appliance. I inherited it when I married my wonderful husband. He had it first and used it often as a bachelor, I'm sure. It's one with "low, high, off" and a plastic lid with lots of cracks. I had to put a towel on it when cooking. Really, it works, but...like I said, I have a problem.

My new Crock has a digital timer and when it is done...it goes to warm! Sweet!!! I like it. My fancy -shmancy rice-cooker has a sister...and it's a pretty red! :)

So, this post is supposed to be about the great recipe I cooked in my fancy-schmancy Crock-Pot. This recipe is adaptable for the stove or crock. I love this recipe and have been cooking it for years.

It has a list of ingredients, but I don't mind because a large majority are fresh. I like to chop and mix... other wise I guess you could go simple and use the frozen or canned or dried...your choice.
Tortilla Soup
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can enchilada sauce
1 med. onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic (I love garlic! You can add more or less, or powder)
1 stalk celery chopped1 can chopped green chilies (optional)
2 cups water
14.5 oz veggie broth (or veggie bullion)
1 tsp cumin (be generous)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt (again, be generous)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 can corn (or 10 oz. frozen corn)
1 can red beans
1 can pinto beans

Chop and put all ingredients into crock. You can add shredded cooked chicken if you like.

Serve with tortilla chips and pico de gallo with fresh line slices!

This is also a great dish to make ahead of time and take camping. Just put in jars and heat up at the camp site.

Get 15% off Lamplighter Illustrated Books

2010-02-23T22:10:00.007-06:00

I have written before about our much loved Lamplighter Books. These books are a treasure both from the inside and outside. The first set of books we purchased from Lamplighter Publishing was the illustrated Collection. We have read many of these books over and over to our little girls. This package has books that appeals to both girls and boys.

I am super excited to be an affiliate for Lamplighter Books. That means when you buy through my link or use my UTN (unique tracking number) when ordering you get 15% off your order on regular priced items. My UTN LAMP04 .

Feel free to pass this UTN LAMP04 on to whomever you please. Just be sure to mention the UTN LAMP04 if you call also.

One of our favorites of the Illustrated books is The True Princess. This is a sweet book of what it takes to be a true princess in Jesus' eyes.

The little princess' father has to leave the kingdom for a while and to protect the princess she must also leave the castle to work in a little bakery. She learns how to dress herself (with no maids), make her own music (with no musicians), and laugh at her mistakes (with no jesters). She learns to serve just as our master served us.

No matter what others say, if we know we are a true daughter of the King, we know we have what it takes to be a true princess.

The scripture reference is placed at the end of the book.

Matthew 20: 26-28

"...Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

I recommend this book to any little girl. If you are interested in buying this book and getting 15% off click The True Princess.

If you are interested in getting 15% off the entire Illustrated Collection (which I highly recommend too) click here Illustrated Collection 2010.

And don't forget when you are buying to use my UTN code LAMP04 .

BlendTec Chocolate Pudding

2010-02-23T21:02:00.005-06:00

It's nearly bed time and of course this is the best time to make a quick evening smoothie before the kids head off to bed.

Tonight my 5 year old (soon to be 6yo) wants to make chocolate pudding.

Last time we made chocolate pudding before bed the kids were up late giggling... what made me think to give them cocoa before bed...but tonight we opt for Carob Pudding.

But, it can go either way, depending on the time of day.

We peeled and plopped 3 bananas into the jar.

Then spooned in some Carob powder. The recipe we created initially called for 1 Tblsp of Cocoa Powder, but my 5 yo is making this and feels we need 3 Tblsp of Carob powder (she's our little chef). Okay...go for it, girl.

Then we pour in 'some' rice milk then a glob of natural peanut butter. (These measurements are normal around our house.)

No added sugar is needed in this, the bananas are plenty sweet.

It's all set up and in the blender. Pretty, isn't it!

Now it's time for 'lift off'. All little hands on deck go straight to their ears and I ask "Who wants to push the button?"

They look at me like..."Huh?"

So, I push the button.

Blending... all smiles around the kitchen.

Done! It's oh, so creamy!

Just like out of a box, only better...

it's natural and this pudding you can eat before or after dinner.

And again...I know what's in it!

And It's dairy-free!

We love our BlendTec!

Recipe for Blendtec Chocolate Pudding

3 Bananas
1 Tblsp Rice Milk (or Almond Milk)
1 Tblsp Cocoa or Carob Powder
1 Tblsp Rice Protein
1/3 cup Natural Peanut Butter

Blendtec 101

2010-02-14T20:54:00.004-06:00

Well, we did receive the much awaited for and admired Blendtec Total blender right on schedule. We were eager to pull it out and start blending, but we did keep self control and watched the video that came with it, looked over the very nice and informative cook-book and scanned through the instruction manual.

So, It's time to start blending... We, of course, started by making a green smoothie.

I had not planned very well and was out of fresh bananas so I used frozen ones I had put up weeks before awaiting for this exact moment...drum roll please....

We did manage to easily place all the required ingredients into the very pretty and clear jar and hit "smoothie". It was like a small jet was taking off on my counter. My 5 year old takes off to the back of the house pretty scared and I am wondering if I had just broken it! My 7 year old has a look of "Is this Right Momma???" on her pale face...and I am wondering the same thing.

The blender does finish the cycle and shuts off on its on. (But I was carefully holding on to it to keep it from coming off the counter...really, it does sound like a jet taking off) Done, finally, I am shaking and I carefully pour the smoothie into glasses. I was expecting a completely liquefied smoothie, like a green juice with no lumps or bits to flow from the jar...then plump!...part of the frozen banana falls into the glass! I am pretty shaken up by now and am not doing a good job of hiding my disappointment.

My 5 yo is yelling from the back if I'm through blending yet (and after a week of having this blender, she takes to the back for blending). Yes! It's ready, but kinda lumpy. She does not taste it, I chug it because that's all I know to do.

I was not giving up. I have seen the videos and will not be defeated by this costly machine. We have seen it blend up golf balls, rake handles, surely it can blend a banana. On to hummus...

We try chick peas. I am waiting for a nice smooth consistency like what we get at Sams (but with out the added oil). I can't remember which button I pushed, but at the end of that 1 cycle it was a clumpy mass of chick peas...and some garlic bits.... Ugh...

What about wheat...I will persevere!!! At this point I am really trying to keep my composure and will not let this thing get the best of me. I have invested a lot of money in buying this machine and I want my money's worth!!!

"Grab the wheat, girls, we're going to see what this machine is made of!" Out comes the wheat and I follow the written directions for grinding wheat in the cook book. 50 seconds later...beautifully ground flour. It does work! Yeahhhh! So, I grind a couple more cups of wheat. Beautiful once again...

I add a cup of hot water to the empty wheat jar and a drop of soap to wash. Pulse for 5 seconds. Presto, clean...but not like the pretty, clear jar it once was. Again, my heart drops, my jar is beat up by the wheat grinding at...300 mph (or something like that). The polycarbonate jar could not take the (w)heat. It's branded for life.

Later, I find this is normal and wheat does scratch the jar; you have to kinda play with the controls until you get a feel for them and you really can't hurt the Blendtec by continuing to hit 'smoothie' again and again or 'speed up' to 9 and letting it run the cycle over and over until that frozen banana is smooth! It can be done! Don't give up.

It's been over a week and I am using my Blendtec Total blender every day...from 3-6 times a day. Our diet the first couple of days was pretty much liquids, but now I am using it mainly for smoothies, ice creams and hummus and of course grinding. Occasionally I will use it to blend soups, such as my sweet potato and lentil soups.

I have made pancakes and muffins using the blender and I really like that! Clean up is easy and it's just too simple to use anything else.

It has held up to its reputation this short time I have had it. It is quite loud so I keep ear plugs for all the ears that stick around while blending. I feel this purchase has been a wise investment for my family and our nutrition. We are having lots of fun experimenting with different kinds of fruits and veggies going into the blender. We found a papaya at the nearby produce store...wonder how that tastes in a smoothie...don't know yet, but it's cut up and freezing awaiting it's appointed time to be blended smooth and creamy...

I am looking forward to posting some of our most favorite Blendtec recipes.

If you have a great smoothie or blender recipe let me know and if I absolutely love it...I'll post it!

Quick Rice Dish for Dinner

2010-02-05T23:02:00.004-06:00

This evening was a whirlwind of an evening. I had not done a good job at all for planning out dinner earlier in the day, but I got it together at the last minute and was pleasantly surprised at what I came up with.

I knew I had rice from last weeks red beans and rice. With my new rice cooker I had made extra rice for evening such as this. :)

I opened my fridge and pulled out the left over rice, had some fresh broccoli and a few cherry tomatoes. Hmmm, what to do with all this goodness...certainly something fantastic... and healthy.

I cut the broccoli into little bite sized pieces and cooked in a couple of teaspoons of Braggs Liquid Aminos. Then added the rice and a can of garbanzo beans (rinsed) and tomatoes with some seasoned salt and another splash of Braggs. I warmed some Naan I had in the freezer and BAM! dinner is served.

Quick Rice Dish

1 cup bite sized broccoli
1 cup cooked rice
1 can garbanzos
1/3 cup cherry tomatoes
1 TBSP Braggs Liquid Aminos
Seasoned Salt or seasoning you like

Banana Strawberry Yogurt...any one???

2010-02-02T14:56:00.003-06:00

Well, my yogurt is still coming out great.

Today I blended some strawberries and banana with a cup of yogurt and made a wonderful creamy drink for the girls.

Yummy! And the best thing is I know everything that went into it.

Dairy-Free Yogurt Recipe

2010-01-30T19:45:00.008-06:00

We were not big yogurt eaters until I tried my hand at making our own dairy-free yogurt. Dairy-free yogurt can get quite pricey, especially when you want soy-free yogurt too. It is possible to find some at the nearby health food stores, but again, you are paying highly for it. And, it comes with added sugar...

I searched and found a recipe that I like, but am still in the process of experimenting with other ingredients. The recipe I have used and like consists of: 1 can of coconut milk, almond milk (the amount of the coconut milk), gelatin and SoDelicious Coconut Milk Yogurt (as my starter).

The original recipe had 2 cans of coconut milk and that totaled to 28 grams of fat. I am not sure about how great the coconut fat is, but did not like the fact that we ate all of the yogurt in one day. Of course when the new wears off the homemade yogurt we will not eat it as often, I just didn't feel good feeding it to my family.

This time I substituted 1 can of coconut milk for almond milk. I have seen recipes that call for low fat coconut milk, but have not come across any in my grocery store.

Before beginning I plugged in my yogurt maker so it would be warming.

I poured my can of coconut milk into a bowl and sprinkled the gelatin all over the surface.

While that is setting I filled the empty coconut can with the Almond Milk and poured that into a microwavable bowl and heated for 45 seconds at a time until the temperature reached 108-112 degrees. If it gets too hot, just wait and let it cool. Once this temperature was reached I added my yogurt starter and stirred well.

At the same time I had my little helper (age 5) stirring my coconut and gelatin until it was dissolved.

I added my Almond Milk/starter into the coconut/gelatin mixture and stirred well. Then I immediately poured this mixture into my already warmed yogurt maker.

Directions for the automatic yogurt maker say 9-12 hours. I checked it after 12 hours and the taste was okay, but did not have much of that tart yogurty taste. So, I took most of the cups of yogurt out to refrigerate them and left one cup in to see what it would taste like in the morning.

I went to bed and slept late until it had nearly been in the warmer for 24 hours.

After 24 hours this last cup tasted more like yogurt and was liked best by the adults in the household and less by the little squirmies (which like the fruit and maple syrup more than the plain yogurt). So, next time I will try to time it for 18 hours of warming and see how that tastes. (Without having to set my alarm to get up in the middle of the night.)

I have read that in order for the bacteria to grow it must have something sweet to eat on. So, using unsweetened coconut milk and unsweetened almond milk might have been the reason it took so long to 'make'. I thought of adding some turbinado or honey or even maple syrup to the mixture at the beginning and see if that would shorten the incubation time.

By adding the gelatin the cold yogurt takes on a more yogurty look. I have also read, but have not tried yet, you can add tapioca also for this same effect.

We have mixed our yogurt with different frozen fruits and added granola, added it to (green) smoothies and have made a frozen yogurt (this was done by accident and was a great hit - even though it's so cold outside - but I can't seem to do it again!).

We really love and are looking forward to trying different kinds such as: 100% almond yogurt, 100% rice yogurt among a few.

My next batch will be using a free-dried yogurt starter I found at the health food store. The thing I don't like about his starter is that it does contain milk. I have found a site that sells a dairy-free yogurt starter and will most likely purchase this if the yogurt thing works out. But for now, I am going to perfect my yogurt using Yo'Gourmet starter.

I know I can use some of my yogurt as starter for my next batch...but it's usually already smoothied up before I think of taking some out! :)

Curried Pumpkin Soup

2009-12-12T16:14:00.003-06:00

I have been wanting to try a pumpkin soup recipe this year. Every fall the girls and I choose several great pie sized pumpkins. This year, the last pie pumpkin has been designated for soup!!! Needless to say, the one who picked out this pumpkin was quite disappointed.
But, it is I who does the cooking!!! So, I get to say what goes in the pot and today it's the last of the pumpkins!!!

Some time back I tried a great recipe for Thai sweet potato soup. I found the recipe in a veggie cookbook from the library and was quite perturbed when I realized I had not copied the recipe before returning it! But, I will get it back and be sure to post it! I was fantastic...but that's for Sweet Potato Soup post... However, that soup had some ingredients I really liked together. Lime, coconut milk and curry. I know, what a combination! I would have never put that together...but it works.

So, when I found this Curried Pumpkin Soup recipe with those ingredients...I jumped on it.

I found this recipe in the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook. Special edition for Dillard's on page 151. I altered it very little...

1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
2 (15-oz.) cans unsweetened pumpkin ( I used about 3 cups fresh pumpkin)
1 cup water
32-oz. container vegetable broth
1 (13.5-oz.) can lite coconut milk (I used regular coconut milk and it was fine,I guess calories are the difference between the two kinds)
Juice of 1 lime.
2 1/2 tsp. salt

If using fresh pumpkin: cut pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds and stringy things, bake or microwave until pulp can be spooned out easily--all this should be done ahead of time.

Saute onion in hot soup pot over medium heat until tender. ( no oil is needed) Add garlic and next 4 ingredients; saute 1 minute. Add pumpkin, 1 cup water and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; add coconut milk, lime juice, and salt, and simmer, stirring often, 25 minutes.

Remove from heat and process mixture in blender or hand mixer/blender until smooth. Return to soup pot and heat until warmed.

I served with whole wheat Naan. Yummy!

Enjoy!

Our Favorite Green Smoothie Recipe

2009-11-17T19:37:00.004-06:00

Just today it was mentioned that this was the absolute best way to eat spinach. Spinach was actually requested in her smoothie. All this came from our 7 year old!

Here's the recipe:

Start with blending some spinach and water
Add 2 bananas
some fresh ginger
juice of one lemon or lime
and apple cider to top it off.

Kale is also a green we have not yet tried in our smoothies, but the taste is mild enough to not have that 'green' taste. It's coming along nicely in the garden, so that's next. Arugula is another mild tasting green. Haven't tried that yet either.

This is the first time I have used fresh ginger and it could easily become a staple in my smoothie cabinet. A hint on peeling it: use the edge of a spoon to scrape off the peeling. I found that freezing then thawing makes it soft. Another hint is to keep it in dry scotch, for those who have that just lying around the house.

We are open to different ingredients to your green smoothies. Preferable with out scotch.

Saturday morning pancakes

2009-09-02T21:13:00.008-05:00

Saturday mornings are my favorite! I love getting up late and moseying into the kitchen to fix breakfast for my family.

I am usually the last one up, and the first one to the coffee...rather the only to the coffee.

The kids and daddy are patiently awaiting mommy to get up and get moving, while passing the time playing games or snuggling together with a good book.

Here is my favorite pancake recipe. Some days I add more or less, but here is the basic recipe:

Whole Wheat Pancakes
1 cup whole wheat
1/4 cup milled flax
1/4 cup wheat germ
maybe some bran if you have
1 snack cup of apple sauce
1/4 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
dash of cinnamon
1 egg (or can use flax and water as a replacement)
1 cup water (or rice milk or OJ)
bluberries, pecans or choco chips

Mix all ingredients. Add more liquid as needed. Add berries, pecans or choco chips. It varies with the quantity of flour added so, I don't know how many pancakes it makes. I usually have to make several tiny cakes for the kids and normal size for us adults.

Our Garden Bouquet

2009-09-01T20:43:00.007-05:00

What can make up a very pretty bouquet? Anything you can find! I picked the last Gerbera Daisy by the mailbox, added a few stems of rosemary,

and a few stems of periwinkle flowers in pink and white,

and a few stems of snapdragon blooms,

and a few stems of mint and sage.

Presto! You have a beautiful bouquet full of character.

Easy Vegitarian Corn Chowder

2009-09-01T20:32:00.005-05:00

I pulled this recipe out this morning from my recipe cards and altered it somewhat to our taste. I used evaporated Goat's milk and added an extra can of corn, beans and took out the ham and bacon.

Here is what I came up with:
Easy Vegitarian Corn Chowder

1/2 medium onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
4 small red potatoes unpeeled chopped small
2 Tblsp flour
1 can vegetable broth
1 can evaporated Goat's Milk
1 can creamed corn
1 can whole kernal corn
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed
2 Tblsp chopped chives
salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion, bell pepper, celery in few tblsp water. Stir in flour; heat until bubbly. Gradually add broth, milk and corn. Stir until well blended. Add potatoes; bring to boil then reduce heat; cook uncovered until potatoes are tender. Stir in chives.

Tastes great with homemade whole wheat bread.

No Fried-Fried Okra

2009-08-10T22:14:00.009-05:00

How many different ways can you cook okra? Well, there is deep fried, pan fried, slimy cooked (no way!), and then just add to tomatoes! I love fried okra but know that anything cooked outside of oil is better...so I gave it a try and who would have guessed......

I must give credit to Grandma. We ate it at her house first and then I tried it at home. Here's the recipe:

Cut up okra and steam in microwave for ...oh, several minutes. Until it's cooked, but still firm. Toss with cornmeal and seasonings until each okra piece is coated. Like you would before putting in to the frying pan. Then spread on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 425 degrees. Then after it is crispy (may 20 minutes or so?) broil it until the breading is nice and brown. Really, no one will know it's not fried.

Blue-berry smoothie

2009-06-03T09:34:00.003-05:00

I picked a small handful of blue berries off an early blooming tree the other day. All year we have enjoyed blue berries in the form of smoothies. I thought I'd pass along our recipe.

Fresh blue berry smoothies
2-4 fresh bananas
1-2 cups frozen blue berries
some fresh or frozen strawberries (if you have them)
a pinch of stevia
1 tsp of vanilla
2 Tblsp milled flax
1 Tblsp wheat germ
2 Tblsp rice protein
Orange juice or soy milk if needed

Blend all and enjoy. I have added sprouts and any other fruit that might blend well, like black berries.

Dairy-free Chocolate Mousse

2009-05-30T08:41:00.003-05:00

We made this chocolate mousse for Rob's birthday, in addition to yummy whole wheat brownies (Hodgson Mill). We really could not believe the mousse was tofu! We have NOT had good experiences with tofu, but when we found this recipe on the Engine 2 website, we thought we'd try it. It is so good and healthy that this dessert would be good to have every day.

E2 Chocolate Mousse
1 pkg Silken Lite Tofu
2 Tblsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar

Blend all ingredients and chill.

I think next time I will add some peanut butter for variety. It takes maybe 5 minutes to blend and a couple of hours to chill. No one would believe it's not dairy!

Best Veggie Burgers I have made

2009-05-27T18:19:00.005-05:00

Here is another great meal I just made. Once again, dairy-free, oil-free and meat-free. But not by any means good-ness free. This recipe comes from www.TheEngine2Diet.com. I have added some ingredients and I still have some perfecting to do...but it is definitely a keeper. You must go heavy on the seasoning.

E2 Dinner - New York Times Veggie Burgers
Makes about 8 patties

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can tomatoes with or without zesty mild chilies, drained
3 garlic clove, minced or pressed
1 Tbl sp onion powder
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
1 Tbl sp flax seeds (for flavor, I tell the kids)
2 Tblsp wheat germ (for color, I tell the kids)
some splashes of Bragg Liquid Aminos
1 cup parsley or cilantro
Handfull of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
2 cups quick rolled oats
8 whole grain buns
Fresh veggie toppings and healthy condiments

Preheat oven to 450º. Process the first eleven ingredients using an
immersion or a regular blender or food processor. Remove contents into a large bowl and stir in the oats. Form into patties, place on a sprayed baking sheet, and bake for 8 minutes. Turn oven up to broil and cook for 2 more minutes, until the tops are nicely browned. Toast the buns and pile on your favorite toppings.

These patties actually stay as patties; they are quite firm, like a meat patty, after they are cooked.

Please let me know if you added any extra seasoning to spice them up a bit. I think some Tonys or hot peppers would go well if you don't have young children to feed.

Add some roasted new potatoes tossed with fresh herbs and a splash of water and you have a nice easy meal.

Dairy-free, Oil-free Tortilla Casserole

2009-05-26T11:29:00.007-05:00

I found this recipe in the book: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure by Caldwell B. Esselstyn.

It is called Tortilla Pie, which we changed the name to Tortilla Casserole and added a few more ingredents. It is so quick and simple to put together with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Tortilla Casserole

6 no-oil Corn tortillas
1 can fat-free refried beans
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 pkg frogen corn
1 jar salsa
1 onion diced
1 bell pepper diced
3-4 cloves garlic smashed
1 tomato chopped
1 can black olives
cilantro
jalepeno chopped

Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic in a bit of water. In a casserole dish layer: 2-tortillas refried beans, sprinkle some of the black beans, some of the corn, some of the salsa, some of the sauted veggies. Repeat layers until all are used. Top with chopped tomato. Bake for 60 minutes at 360 degrees. Sprinkle top with black olives, cilantro and jalepeno pepper.