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Showing posts from May, 2011

ALMOST FAT-FREE BANANA PUDDING

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Some people might would ask why you would want to eat fat-free banana pudding...others would probably say that they are watching their waistlines and that is the reason why...either way, I never met a banana pudding that I did not LOVE! 3 cups skim milk 2 large packages fat-free sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix 1 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk 16 ounces fat-free Cool Whip 1 package reduced-fat vanilla wafers 2 or 3 large bananas, sliced Combine the skim milk, pudding mix, condensed milk and Cool Whip in a mixing bow, beat until smooth. Alternate layers of the vanilla wafers, bananas and pudding mixture in a large trifle bowl until all of the ingredients are used, ending with the pudding mixture. Serves 6 to 8

GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM SANDWICH

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Memorial Day weekend requires the use of the grill and this recipe will be fabulously accommodating to the 'thrill of the grill". This sandwich will literally melt in your mouth! 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh basil 1 (6oz.) portobello mushroom cap 2 slices Swiss cheese 1 kaiser roll-split mayonnaise 1 slice red onion 2 slices fresh tomato lettuce leaves salt & pepper Combine the olive oil, garlic and basil in a bowl, mixing well. Brush both sides of the portobello with the olive oil mixture. Place on grill rack on preheated grill. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once. Top with the Swiss cheese and continue grilling until cheese melts. Remove from heat. Grill both sides of the roll then spread the mayonnaise over each grilled side. Place portobello on 1 side of bread, top with onion, tomato and lettuce; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with remaining half of roll. Serve with vegetable chips. 1 sandwich "I never m...

Kale Smoothie

Created by Melanie 2 Cups Kale 1 Medium Banana 1 Cup Kefir or Plain Yogurt 2 Tbsp Ground Flaxseed or 2 Tbsp Chia Seed 1/4-1/2 Cup Orange or Apple Juice 1 Tsp Coconut Oil

Chocolate Tiffin Cake

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With all the delicious desserts that have preceded this post I felt it was time to get back to something more staple what better way to do that than a Chocolate Tiffin Cake full of delicious ingredients such as Biscuit,Cherries,fruit and of course Chocolate what a combination. This combination would grace any lunch box especially in today's economic times this Tiffin cake will give you the energy and lift you at any time of the day to carry out your daily tasks and even make you happier in those tasks hopefully. Give a try and please let me know. Ingredients 200g butter 2tbsp golden syrup 200g dark chocolate chopped (50%60% cocoa solids ) 200g digestive biscuits crushed 50g walnuts chopped 50g glac� cherries halved 50g desiccated coconut 50g raisins Instructions Melt the butter syrup and chocolate together in a saucepan (or in a microwave on medium setting). Stir in the next five ingredients and combine well. Pour the mixture into a lightly buttered 24cm rou...

Hawaiian Asparagus

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I took this recipe that Tracy shared on her daily blog.  This works as a low carb recipe so I posted it here.  I don't particularly like Asparagus so I was thinking you could use fresh green beans from your garden this summer as a substitute! Hawaiian Asparagus 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut in 1-inch diagonal slices 2 T. olive oil 1/4 c. beef broth 4 to 5 slices bacon, crisply cooked and cut into bite-size pieces pepper to taste 2 T. sesame seed, lightly toasted In a skillet over medium heat, cook asparagus in oil for 2 to 3 minutes.  Add beef broth; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until asparagus is cooked to desired tenderness.  Stir in bacon, pepper and sesame seed.  Serves 4.

Whisky chocolate mousse in marbled chocolate bowls.

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Today  I have decided to do something a bit different, I am going to combine a dish which is really nice and strictly for adults. With a technique that I usually use for kids parties so just to clarify the dish is a Whisky Chocolate Mousse served in marbled chocolate bowls this is a very different way of serving a dessert and a bit of a novelty and a good talking point at a boring dinner party, not that I can imagine any of you ever have boring dinner party guests.These bowls are easily made and you can improvise and use whatever designs or chocolate you want to create the effect you want I.E. dark chocolate and milk chocolate or white chocolate or even pipe names or slogans on the bowls or if your guests are that boring even insults the perfect way to end a dinner party maybe just write good night. I have used different images to try and give you some ideas and to show the possibilities are endless. A light marbled effect Ingredients Chocolate cups 300g good quality whit...

Granola

I tried my hand at making granola yesterday. I've always liked granola, but it tends to be pretty expensive. Also, I'm not a big fan of raisins, which seem to be a part of most granolas. So I set out to make my own version of homemade granola. I started with a very positively-reviewed recipe (called Megan's Granola) from allrecipes.com and then made some minor alterations based on my personal preferences. For example, the original recipe calls for 1 cup sunflower seeds. I don't dislike sunflower seeds, but they seemed like an odd ingredient for granola. Plus, I didn't want the additional expense. I also didn't add the two cups raisins or craisins (No offense, but yick to craisins!) for the reason mentioned above. But you are welcome to add raisins or craisins (yick) if you so desire, after the granola has cooled. I also adjusted a few of the ingredient amounts, though nothing major. Anyway, I quite liked the finished product. Very nutty and oaty. Tasty! I will c...

Mexican Vanilla

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For anyone out there who knows how delicious Mexican vanilla is, I just found a local source that sells it. In fact, the company is just two blocks west of where I live in Springville. Who would have thought?! Until fairly recently, my family always knew people who knew people (including a former 100+-year-old neighbor) who could get us Mexican vanilla directly from Mexico. We put it in whipped cream, cookies, custard, ice cream, and anything else that called for vanilla. It made everything better. Well, now you can get Mexican vanilla without any special connections. It isn't cheap, but I urge you to give it a try. It's called Blue Cattle Truck Mexican Vanilla. It has won awards and been featured on the Martha Stewart Show. Check out this link .

Coco-Cream Pudding

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Bicolano�s own interpretation of Crem� Brule�, a melt in the mouth cream dessert made with local and affordable ingredients. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6 - 8 WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 1 cup white sugar 1 cup coconut milk 1 tetrabrick 250ml NESTL� All Purpose Cream 6 egg yolks 2 whole eggs � cup condensed milk grated rind of 1 dayap HERE'S HOW: Caramelize the sugar in a llanera or in a round baking pan. Heat together coconut milk and NESTL� All Purpose Cream. Set aside to cool. Beat the egg yolks and eggs together. Slowly add beaten eggs in to the coconut and cream mixture. Add condensed milk and dayap rind. Strain twice before pouring into the prepared container. Cover with foil and steam for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Invert on a platter to serve. Nutritional Content: Calories: 310 Carbohydrates (g): 22 Protein (g): 6 Fats (g): 22

STRAWBERRY SALSA

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It's strawberry time! This is one of the very best salsas ever....the flavors just burst forth in your mouth not only from the ripe berries but from all the other fresh ingredients. Use it to accompany toasted pita triangles, grilled fish, shrimp or chicken. 1/2 of a medium red onion, thinly sliced 1 jalapeno, sliced and minced 1/2 each of a red, yellow and green bell pepper-juilienned 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, shredded 1/2 pint fresh strawberries, sliced 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper Combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 4 hours. Before serving, remove from refrigerator 15 minutes so it loses some of its chill. COOKS NOTE: You may also substitute blackberries or blueberries.

Low Carb Snacks!

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 Almonds are a great snack when you are hungry.  They have about one carb per 10 almonds.  They really do curb your hunger.  I have a bad habit of just looking for something in the kitchen to eat.  Grab a handful of these and feel better.  I am so glad I found these.  These taste great when you are looking for a chocolate fix that is quick.  They are kind of pricey, about a dollar a bar but I think they are worth it.  Strawberries with Stevia!  Yum!  Strawberries and Grapefruit are good low carb fruits. I found these in the freezer section!  Only four carbs per bar.  The bars are rather small but it satisfies the ice cream craving especially when everyone else in the family is eating the other bars. Other good snack options are: Pepperoni slices Olives Deviled Eggs made with mayonnaise not miracle whip Celery with just a taste of peanut butter on top Celery with cheese Any Atkins candy bars String Cheese Any kind of nut or...

Decadent Chocolate Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting

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Your old fashioned chocolate cake with chocolate icing - a dreamy dessert to enjoy with your soothing cup of coffee Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Servings: 12 WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Dry Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup chopped cashew nuts 2 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 cup NESTLE Cream 1/4 cup butter 1 tsp vanilla 2 pcs eggs 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled Icing: 1/4 cup butter 2 oz unsweetened chocolate 2 cups powdered sugar 2/3 cup NESTLE Cream mixed with 2 tsp calamansi juice 1 tsp vanilla HERE'S HOW: Preheat oven to 350 degees F and grease or line 2-9 inch round layer cake pans. Set aside. Sift all dry ingredients together in a bowl. Stir in the rest of the ingredients for the cake. Beat at low speed for about 1 min. Then beat at high speed for another 2 min. Pour into prepared baking pans and bake for 35 min. or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool. To prepare icing, melt butter and chocol...

Crunchy Mani-a

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An icebox cake for the peanut butter fan � chunky layers of peanutty cream, assorted nuts, biscuit, and cornflakes. Preparation Time: 20 minutes plus 4 hours chilling time Cooking Time: Servings: 8-10 WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 2 250ml NESTL� All Purpose Cream � cup condensed milk 4 tbsp peanut butter � cup chopped assorted peanuts (peanut, cashew nuts, walnuts) 14 pcs graham crackers � cup crushed NESTLE CORNFLAKES HERE'S HOW: Mix together NESTL� All Purpose Cream, condensed milk, and peanut butter. Arrange Graham Crackers on a square glass or aluminum container. Spread about � cup of the peanut butter-cream mixture on top of graham crackers for filling. Sprinkle generously with chopped nuts. Sandwich with another layer of Graham crackers and finish it off with the remaining peanut butter-cream mixture. Top with crushed NESTL� Cornflakes and more nuts if desired. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Nutritional Content: Calories: 384 Carbohydrates (g): 27.1 Protein (g): 11.1 Fats (...

Low Fat Banana Cupcakes

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Low fat yet delicious banana cake for a healthful snack Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 12 WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup NESVITA Oatmeal 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup bananas (cavendish or bongolan) mashed 3 tbsp NESVITA PRO-WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Non Fat Milk dissolved in 1/2 cup water 2 eggwhites 1/2 tsp vanilla HERE'S HOW: Preheat oven 350 degrees F and line 12 muffin pans with paper cups. In a bowl, combine flour, NESVITA Oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, mix bananas, dissolved NESVITA Non-fat Milk, egg whites, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until moistened. Fill prepared muffin cups to about 1/3 full with the batter. Bake muffins for 20 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool thoroughly on wire racks Nutritional Content: Calories: 140 Carbohydrates (g): 31 Protein (g): 3 Fats (g): 1

Lasagna with broccoli

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Delicious! All I did for this recipe was to exchange the noodles for broccoli.  This was delicious.  Just make your lasagna like normal, taking care to watch the carb count in the tomato sauce that you use.  Instead of layering the lasagna noodles with the meat sauce and cheeses, I just dumped the broccoli, cottage cheese, meat sauce and the mozarella cheese all together and mixed them up.  Then I added more mozarella cheese on top to make a nice crust.  Cook it until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through at 400 degrees. My husband liked this better than the pan of lasagna I made for the boys.  It stayed more moist and had a great flavor.  I think you could use cauliflower or any other vegetable you would like.

MALTED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

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Your favorite chocolate drink in this popular no bake dessert, which would surely be a favorite too! Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 1 cup MILO 1 tsp gelatin, unflavored 3 tbsp butter 1/4 cup NESTLE All Purpose Cream 3 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp. brandy (optional) 3 egg whites NESTLE All Purpose Cream, chilled and whipped HERE'S HOW: Combine MILO, gelatin, and 1/4 cup water on top of double boiler. Cook until melted. Turn off fire; stir in butter, NESTLE Cream, sugar and brandy. Cool. Beat eggwhites until stiff; cut and fold into cooled chocolate mixture. Pour into individual serving cups. Chill. Top with a dollop of NESTLE Cream before serving. Sprinkle MILO on top for garnish. Nutritional Content: Calories: 235 Carbohydrates (g): 18 Protein (g): 6 Fats (g): 15

PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE

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This is for all the mothers out there....Happy Mother's Day! 1 (20oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained, reserve juice 1/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons flour 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup Ritz cracker crumbs 1 stick butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With a wire whisk, combine pineapple juice, sugar and flour. Add pineapple and cheese, pour into a buttered 9-inch pie plate. Top with cracker crumbs and pour melted butter over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until nice and golden. " Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever."~Anon

Vanilla Icebox Cookies

2 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla (or you can substitute lemon or orange peel for a slightly fruity flavor) 1 cup chopped walnuts Combine dry ingredients and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, beat until fluffy. Mix in dry ingredients. Add nuts and stir until combined. Shape dough into a 1-inch roll and chill. Once dough is chilled, cut into slices and bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly golden around the edges.

Mocha Marble Cheesecake

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Luscious coffee-flavored cheesecake bars with chocolate crust Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Servings: 8 WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Crust: 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 cup confectioner's sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/4 tsp baking soda 3/4 cup cold butter Filling: 1 cup cream cheese, softened 1 301ml condensed milk 1 1/2 tbsp NESCAFE Classic dissolved in 1 tbsp water 2 pcs medium eggs Garnish: 1 oz semisweet chocolate, melted HERE'S HOW: For the crust: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press onto bottom of a 9"x13"x2" rectangular pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 minutes. For the filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add in the condensada, then the coffee and the eggs. Beat until combined thoroughly. Pour over baked crust. Return assembled cake to bake in oven for 20 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack then chill in the r...

Waffles

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Waffles 4 large eggs 2 tablespoons heavy cream 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 packets Stevia 2 or 3 ounces of crushed pork rinds (I am going to try Almond Flour) 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3 Tablespoons melted butter Beat the eggs then add the cream, water, and vanilla extract and beat some more. Mix the Stevia with the cinnamon and then add that to the eggs. (Mixing the cinnamon with the Stevia before adding helps to keep the cinnamon from clumping up). When well blended mix in the ground pork rinds or Almond Flour. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens. Then stir and check the consistency. It should be quite thick, but not to thick to spoon easily. If too thick, add a little water. If too thin, add a little bit more pork rinds. Just before you're ready to put into waffle iron, stir in about 2/3 of the melted butter. Brush the waffle baker with about half of the remaining melted butter, then spoon in about 1/4 to 1/3 of...

Chocolate Candy!

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These little beauties are Russell Stover French Mint Sugar Free candies.  There are a total of 23 carbs.  One carb is fiber, so substract that.  22 grams of carb are sugar alcohol, so go ahead and subtract that.  That leaves you with 0 carbs!!!  That makes me happy!  These taste great.  I have to keep my Jacob from eating these before I can put them away in a safe place!