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Showing posts from December, 2015

List of New Year Resolutions ~ Pope Francis

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1. Don't gossip. 2. Finish your meals. 3. Make time for others. 4. Choose the 'more humble' purchase. 5. Meet the poor 'in the flesh'. 6. Stop judging others. 7. Befriend those that disagree. 8. Make a commitment, such as marriage. 9. Make it a habit to 'ask the Lord'. 10. Be happy ~  The Joy of the Gospel. Good luck with keeping your new year resolutions??.

Sour Cream Whole Wheat Donuts

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A great childhood memory is when my oldest sister's boyfriend would stop by our house on Saturday mornings with 2 dozen donuts from a local bakery ~ Schuler's Bakery  ~ in Springfield, Ohio. Since we were a family of 9, donuts were a real special treat. H e'd always bring chocolate cream filled bismarcks, white iced jelly filled, glazed and whole wheat ~ Yummy!!!  When I saw this recipe in Cooking Light recently, it reminded me of Schuler's whole wheat donuts, so I thought I'd give it a try. They are delicious, and at only 200 calories a donut, they're  half the calories of a donut-chain version (partially because they're smaller...). I freeze them ~ to help me remember to eat only one a day ;o) Makes 10 donuts Ingredients 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 Tbsp butter, softened 1 large egg 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp light sour cream (divided) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups white  whole wheat flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 t...

Brussels Sprouts and Pickled Wheat Berries Salad

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This is great tasting, healthy ~ and pretty~ salad! Serve it with a soup, such as Kale and Butternut Squash Minestrone or Veggie Cassoulet, for a hearty meal. Serves 4 -1 lb (about 4 cups) brussels sprouts -1 small red onion, thinly sliced -2 Tbsps walnut oil -1 tsp cider vinegar -1/4 tsp kosher salt -1/8 tsp pepper -2 mini seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced -4 mini red peppers, seeds removed and thinly sliced -1 cup pickled wheat berries (see recipe below ) -1/4 cup dried cranberries -4 Tbsps chopped walnuts, toasted 1. Cut off bottoms of sprouts and slice very thinly. Place in medium bowl. 2. Combine oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in small bowl. 3.  Add onion, cucumbers, red peppers and oil/vinegar mixture to brussels sprouts; toss to coat. 4.  Arrange brussels sprouts mixture on a platter (or 4 individual salad bowls). Sprinkle with pickled wheat berries. Dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. 1/2 cup uncooked wheat berries 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 3 Tbsps sugar 1 tsp kosh...

Ricotta Dumplings with Dole� Raspberry Sauce

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I am so honored to be a part of the fun with  Dole Packaged Foods   �Live on Green�  Food Blogger Blast Party 2016 Rose Parade where   Dole California Cook-Off Champion Ally Phillips of   What's for Dinner, Ally's Kitchen  will perform live cooking demonstrations and share quick and fun recipes featuring Dole Packaged Foods� products.   She   will showcase this recipe and several others at the Dole Bistro where she'll be cooking 'live on green' December 29 and 30th as part of the  Tournament of Roses Parade . On January 1, tune in to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade where  Dole Packaged Food �s float, �Soaring Over Paradise,� explores the world�s rainforests. The float includes four waterfalls, a zip line that travels through the rainforest canopy and a flock of Macaws that appear to take flight over the floral gardens. 3/4 cup ricotta cheese 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 package (8 oz....

Veggie Cassoulet

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This is a healthy and great tasting soup ~ with sweet potatoes, turnip, fennel and  cannellini beans. You might not think you'd like  fennel in your soup because of its licorice-like flavor, but when cooked it has a mild and kind of sweet taste. Fennel contains fiber, potassium and important nutrients. -4 cups unsalted vegetable stock -8 ounces fresh mushroom, stems removed and chopped (shiitake or baby portobello recommended) -3 Tbsps olive oil -2 large yellow onions, chopped -2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4" pieces -2 turnips, peeled and cut into 3/4" pieces -1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced -2 tsps fresh thyme leaves -1 14.5-ounce can Fire Roasted   Tomatoes  ( Hunts ) -1/2 cup dry white wine such as sauvignon blanc -1 bay leaf -2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans (white kidney), rinsed and drained -Salt and pepper to taste -Parmesan cheese, shredded, for topping Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and onion and cook 10 min...

Spinach & Black Bean Tostadas

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Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 6-8 ounces spinach or Swiss chard 1 1/4 cups black beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup sour cream 1 lime 4 corn tortillas 2 ounces feta cheese 2 Tbsp roasted red peppers 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium heat until hot; add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and allow to cook, turning frequently, for 1 minute.  Add beans to pan of vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and cook an additional 2 minutes until thoroughly combined.  In a small bowl, combine sour cream and the juice of 1/2 lime. Place 2 tortillas on each plate. Top with cooked vegetables and beans. Garnish with roasted red peppers, feta cheese, sour cream-lime juice mixture, and cilantro. Serve with the remaining 1/2 lime, if desired. * If you prefer toasted tortillas, lightly drizzle both sides of tortillas wit...

It's getting to look a lot like Christmas!

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Miniature Dole� Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

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I am so honored to be a part of the fun with  Dole Packaged Foods   �Live on Green� Food Blogger Blast Party 2016 Rose Parade where   Dole California Cook-Off Champion Ally Phillips of   What's for Dinner, Ally's Kitchen  will perform live cooking demonstrations and share quick and fun recipes featuring Dole Packaged Foods� products.   She   will showcase this recipe and several others at the Dole Bistro where she'll be cooking 'live on green' December 29 and 30th as part of the  Tournament of Roses Parade . On January 1, tune in to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade where Dole Packaged Food �s float, �Soaring Over Paradise,� explores the world�s rainforests. The float includes four waterfalls, a zip line that travels through the rainforest canopy and a flock of Macaws that appear to take flight over the floral gardens. 2 cans (20 oz. each) Dole pineapple slices 1/3 cup butter, melted 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed 1 package (18.25 oz.) yellow or ...

SO EASY Christmas Popcorn..

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SO EASY Christmas Popcorn.. If you are looking for a last minute gift to give neighbors�or a snack to take to a friends house for a party�might I suggest this fabulous�and OH SO EASY�Christmas popcorn. You will need to visit this link:  http://easiepeasie.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-popcorn.html

Oreo Truffles Two Ways, Try this Christmas

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Oreo Truffles Two Ways.. Ingredients: 39 Oreos, divided (Orignal NOT Doublestuff. This is one entire 15.5 oz pkg) 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 16 oz. vanilla almond bark or candy melts Directions: Set a long sheet of wax paper over a cookie sheet, set aside. Place 36 Oreos in a food processor (entire cookie, DON'T remove cream filling) and pulse until finely crushed (alternately if you don't own a food processor you can place Oreos in a large Ziploc bag, seal bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely crushed). Pour crushed Oreos into a mixing bowl along with cream cheese and using a the back of a spoon, stir mixture while pressing it along the bottom of the bowl, until well combine and evenly moistened. Scoop mixture out and form into 1 inch balls (if you happen to have a kitchen scale, the should be about 16 grams each) then align on prepared cookie sheet. Place truffles in freezer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile crush remaining 3 Oreos. Melt almond bark according to dire...

Vanilla Carmel Truffle Latte

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If  you want to save money and calories, try this Vanilla Carmel Truffle Latte (only 128 calories per serving!). Instead of running to my favorite coffee house for an afternoon pick-me-up, I've been whipping up this easy ~ and pretty tasty ~ substitute ;o)  Serves 2 Ingredients 2 cups 1 percent milk (or your preference) 1 cup water 2 cinnamon sticks (or substitute a touch of cinnamon) 3 Vanilla Carmel Truffle tea bags 3 tsp sugar In a small saucepan, bring milk, water and cinnamon to a boil (I wait for the milk to get kind of frothy). Remove pan from heat and add tea bags. Let sit for a few minutes and then remove tea bags and cinnamon stick. Stir in sugar and enjoy! ~Adapted from Bob Greene ; The Best Life Diet

Make your own salad dressings!

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A salad is usually a very healthy meal option ~ unless you make the wrong dressing choice! Most brands include high-fat and unhealthy ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes and preservatives . Just simply add a bit of olive oil (with or without the same amount of balsamic vinegar), along with salt and pepper, to enhance (not overwhelm!) the vegetables in your in your salads. A study from Purdue University found that olive oil might be the best choice of salad dressing when it comes to absorbing nutrients from the vegetables.  Several light, simple and delicious salad dressing recipes can be found under my "Salads and Dressings" tab ~ happy dressings ;o)

Salad Dressings

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Whisk all ingredients together to emulsify (or place ingredients in jar; secure with lid; and shake to emulsify). If fresh herbs are not available, use dried. The ratio is generally 1:3 (i.e., 1 tsp of dried herbs for every 1 Tbsp of fresh). Can store in refrigerator a few days. Before serving, bring to room temperature and whisk or shake before serving. Basic Vinaigrette 1/4 cup apple cider or white wine vinegar 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper Pinch of sugar Herb Citrus Vinaigrette 2 Tbsps orange juice 2 Tbsps lemon juice (and/or lime juice) 1 large clove garlic 1 tsp Dijon mustard 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp fresh cilantro, minced 1 tsp fresh parsley, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper Pinch of sugar Italian Vinaigrette   1/4 cup red wine vinegar 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsps fresh oregano, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette 1/2 cup fresh r...

Confessions Of People Suffering From Anxiety Might Hit A Little Too Close To Home

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Anxiety disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, but "collectively they are among the most common mental disorders" in America, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They are so common, in fact, that about 40 million Americans, 18 years old and over, are affected. It's likely you, or someone you know has experienced anxiety, and sometimes the most helpful thing is to simply know you are not alone. One way to feel more connected to others with anxiety is to visit Whisper , an online platform where people can anonymously post confessions. Though Whisper, people have shared their experiences living with anxiety, and how it affects their lives. Recently, BuzzFeed compiled just a few of these confessions in a video, making for a powerful reminder of just how many people suffer from these debilitating feelings. "I hate how my anxiety makes me feel like I'm drowning in normal day situations," confesses one person. "My anxiety is so s...

Santa's Snack Mix recipe - A fun christmas idea that everybody LOVED!! Easy to make.

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Santa's Snack Mix recipe - A fun christmas idea that everybody LOVED!! Easy to make.. For Santa�s Snack Mix, you will need:   8-10 cups of popped popcorn 2-3 cups holiday-shaped pretzels 1 cup of holiday sprinkles 1 package of DOVE dark chocolate candies 2 cups of peanuts 3/4 cup corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1 package of M&M�s Holiday Baking Minis, Holiday Mint Candies, or White Chocolate Peppermint Candies. See directions at: smartschoolhouse

A Very yummy recipe for Italian butter cookies, These are a great holiday treat..

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A Very yummy recipe for Italian butter cookies, These are a great holiday treat.. Italian Butter Cookies Recipe from Grandmothers Kitchen.. Ingredients List: Cookies 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature � cup granulated sugar 1 � teaspoons vanilla extract 1 egg 2 � cup all purpose flour � teaspoon salt Garnish 1 jar maraschino cherries Directions: Preheat oven to 350. have ready a large baking sheet. In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla and egg. Slowly mix in flour and salt. Use star tip fitted on a piping bag to make a swirl and then press a cherry into the center. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool on rack.. Credit: Source

Cole Slaw

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Try this quick side with Mexican Tacos (recipe also located under Healthy Options tab). Serves 8 (1/2 cup servings)  Ingredients 4 cups cabbage, shredded 1/2  cup radishes, shredded 1/2 cup carrots, shredded 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil  1/4 cup green onions or leeks, very thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, minced Juice from a lime, about 2 Tbsp 1 Tbsp pure cane sugar (or granulated) 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Combine shredded cabbage, radishes, and carrots in medium bowl; toss until well blended. Set aside.  Whisk olive oil and balance of ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour olive oil mixture over cabbage mixture. Toss until well blended. Refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours before serving.

Mexican Tacos

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Make your own tacos tonight using one of these simple and tasty fillings. Make filling and then place filling on top of a 6" corn tortilla. Each version is 200 calories or less. Serve with Cabbage Slaw  (recipe can be found under the Healthy Options tab). Mahi & Mango 1 Tbsp thinly-sliced red onion 2 Tbsp mango 2 Tbsp avocado 2 ounces mahimahi fillet Classic 1 Tbsp light sour cream 1 Tbsp Montery Jack cheese 1/4 cup shredded lettuce 1 1/2 ounces seasoned lean ground beef Black Bean Fiesta 1 1/2 Tbsp feta cheese 1/4 cup black beans 1/4 cup saut�ed zucchini  2 Tbsp charred corn 1 Tbsp  salsa Fajita Style Steak 1 1/2 ounces grilled flank steak 1 Tbsp guacamole 1 Tbsp pepper-jack cheese 1/4 cup grilled peppers and onion ~The Food Lover's Healthy Habits Cookbook with Janet Helm

Healthy Habits

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I  have found many easy and healthy recipes in  The Food  Lover's Healthy Habits Cookbook with Janet Helm, RD. The book also includes tips on how to improve your health by focusing on changing behaviors. Instead of being diet-focused, it encourages readers to concentrate on 1 of 12 healthy behaviors for an entire month - in hopes that they will turn into habits. These are the 12 Healthy  Habit Goals Cook at least 3 more meals per week Eat a healthy breakfast every day Eat 3 servings of whole grains each day Be active for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 3 times per week Eat 3 servings of veggies each day Make seafood the main entree of 2 meals per week Increase healthy fats and decrease unhealthy fats every day Go meatless 1 day a week Add strength training at least 2 times a week Reduce the amount of sodium you eat Find ways to help decrease "mindless" eating Be mindful, purposeful, and joyful each time you eat I'm working on increasing the number of meals I c...

Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Salad

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Last Sunday, I was looking for a quick and easy lunch.  I came across a recipe in Martha Stewart Living and decided to try it out. I made a few modifications to use ingredients I already had. The modified recipe is below! Next time, I think I'll add edamame or chickpeas for even more protein. I hope you enjoy!  Ingredients 1 cup quinoa, rinsed 1 tsp lemon zest; and 2 Tbsp lemon juice from 1 lemon 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 8 ounces brussels sprout, trimmed and shaved (very thinly sliced) 1/4 cup toasted almonds, thinly sliced or slivered 1 leek, thinly sliced 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Salt and pepper, to taste Lemon slices, for garnish, if desired Put quinoa and 1 1/2 cups water in a small sauce pan and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Whisk lemon juice and olive oil in salad bowl. Add zest, Brussels sprout, almonds, leek and red pepper flakes; mix until nicely blended. Add quinoa and stir to...

The PERFECT soft sugar cookie. Plus How to Ice your cookies the EASY way!

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The PERFECT soft sugar cookie. Plus How to Ice your cookies the EASY way! You definitely need to know this method, anyone can do it!! No complicated ingredients, no raw eggs, this icing is only three ingredients that you probably already have on hand! INGREDIENTS Sugar Cookies 5 and � cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 and � cup butter (3 sticks) room temperature 2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Outline Icing 1 cup powdered sugar � teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons milk (I used 2%) Food coloring-optional Flood Icing 1 cup powdered sugar � teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons milk or water Food coloring-optional.. See full instructions at:  http://houseofyumm.com/easy-iced-sugar-cookies/

Gingerbread Cookies | Christmas Cookies

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Gingerbread Cookies | Cooking Classy Ingredients Cookies 3 cups (425g) all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 3/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup (165g) packed dark brown sugar 10 Tbsp (142g) butter, softened about halfway (it should still hold it's shape pretty well and be cool) 1 large egg yolk 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup (172g) molasses (not blackstrap) 1 - 2 Tbsp milk Icing 3 (420g) cups powdered sugar 1 1/2 Tbsp (15g) meringue powder 4 - 6 Tbsp water 1/4 tsp vanilla extract. See directions at:  http://www.cookingclassy.com/2015/11/gingerbread-cookies/

Broccoli, Avocado and Lime Salad

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Serves 3 - 4 Salad Ingredients 2   ripe avocados 1 broccoli head Handful of fresh cilantro 2 limes  Dressing Ingredients 1 Tbsp tahini 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp tamari 1 tsp honey or pure maple syrup Dash of salt Slice the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces and steam them for about 7 minutes, until cooked but a little crunchy. Place aside to cool. Slice the avocados in half, peel and remove seeds. Then slice the flesh into small cubes.  Chop the cilantro into tiny pieces and mix with the avocado and broccoli in a bowl. Squeeze lime juice over avocado and broccoli. Mix salad ingredients together and pour over the avocado and broccoli.  ~ adapted from   deliciouslyella.com

Southern Whole Hog Bar-B-Que & Rice and Hash

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The Elliott family always has a big BBQ for big occasions around the holidays. Years back they were held at "The Cabin", way back in the swamp behind my parent's and Grandparent's homes. Oh, the memories that it all brings back. The men would get together early in the morning and BBQ a whole hog over live coals.   That's what we call a "Pig Pickin"! Whole Hog BBQ  The "good" meat under the ribs! When I was growing up we had hog head hash. It is made with the head, heart, and the liver... no part of the hog was wasted. Now, I use Boston Butts. (which  is a cut of   pork   that comes from the upper part of the shoulder from the front leg and may contain the blade bone) In pre-revolutionary  New England  and into the  American Revolutionary War , some pork cuts (not those highly valued, or " high on the hog ," like loin and ham) were packed into casks or barrels (also known as "butts") for  storage  and shipment.   The way th...

Using one cookie cutter to make something else!

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How to make a Reindeer.... Using one cookie cutter to make something else..!! Love it and have to try it.  Thanks.... Credit: Source

Snowy Marshmallow Mountains

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Snowy Marshmallow Mountains.. � cup (125ml) warm water 2 tablespoons gelatine powder 1� cups (330g) caster (superfine) sugar ? cup (230g) liquid glucose (see tip) � cup (125ml) water, extra 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped vanilla snap cookies 125g unsalted butter, softened � cup (110g) caster (superfine) sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1� cups (225g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted icing sugar mixture 1� cups (240g) icing (confectioner�s) sugar, sifted � cup (35g) cornflour (cornstarch), sifted Click here for more details:  https://www.donnahay.com.au/recipes/snowy-marshmallow-mountains