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Showing posts from February, 2016

Easy Chocolate Custard with Oreo and Bailey's Truffles

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I made a dessert for the kids to take on their ski trip this weekend, and I had the ingredients left over to make this custard and truffles!  1 1/3 cups Heavy Cream 1/3 cup Sugar 3/4 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 4 Egg Yolks Heat cream and sugar over medium heat, just to a bubble. (Do not boil) Remove from heat and add chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Beat the egg yolks and temper them (add a tiny bit of the hot liquid at a time until the eggs are warm). Add them to the chocolate mixture and return to heat. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 6-8 minutes. (Do not boil) Cool and pour into 3 ounce custard cups or bowls. Cover and refrigerate until set, about one hour. Truffles: 12 Oreos, ground into crumbs 1 cup Whipped Cream 2 tablespoons Bailey's Irish Creme Combine the ingredients and spoon into a small bowl or pan. Freeze until firm. Scoop with a small melon baller. and serve on top of custar d.

15 Bean & Kale Soup

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I just can't get enough soup during the winter months! And I like making homemade soup because it's an easy way to ensure my family gets plenty of fiber, nutrients and vitamins into their diets, without unnecessary sodium, artificial additives and preservatives??. During the work week, I try to spend an hour or so soaking the beans and preparing the vegetables and other ingredients the night before - then it's a much more enjoyable experience putting everything together the next day. There's just nothing like the smell of this delicious soup on a cold wintery day ~ stay warm and enjoy! Ingredients 7 cups water  1 28-ounce can "fire roasted" diced tomatoes  20 ounces mixed beans, such as 15 Bean Soup by Hurst's    2 cups celery with leaves, chopped  2 cups carrot, chopped  2 Tbsps olive oil  1 large sweet onion  1 large bunch kale, stems and ribs discarded  2 cloves garlic, minced  2 Tbsps vinegar  2 Tbsps chopped parsley   1...

Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

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This is a simple, healthy and tasty salad that I like to serve with falafel or pizza. With a food processor, it'll be ready from start to finish within fifteen minutes. Ingredients 1/4 head of cabbage, trimmed and chopped into pieces that will easily fit through food processor sleeve 3 cups romaine lettuce, very thinly chopped 3 cups iceberg lettuce, very thinly chopped 2 celery stalks, trimmed and halved lengthwise 2 medium carrots, trimmed, peeled and halved lengthwise 1 medium cucumber, seeded and cut into quarters 1 red onion, peeled and cut into quarters 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed Dressing: 1/4 extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp sugar 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning Sea salt and  freshly ground black pepper to taste Recipe   Insert the medium slicing disc into food processor.  Prepare the veggies, except romaine and iceberg lettuces, so they will fit through sleeve of food processor. Add cabbage, celery, carrots, cuc...

Roasted Butternut Squash

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In the mood for some Indian cuisine? This is a simple, healthy and delicious dish that includes a white bean base flavored with curry powder and topped with roasted butternut squash. Serves 4 Ingredients 2 cans cannellini beans, drain and rinse 8 ounces brussels sprouts, cut off ends and pick off the leaves; discard cores 2 cloves garlic, mince 6 carrots, peel and thinly dice 2 butternut squash, peel, cut in half and scoop out pulp and seeds; then  cut into 2" pieces 1 lemon, mince rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest (save lemon for juice) 1 bunch parsley, discard stems and finely chop leaves 1 small yellow onion, peel and  dice 1-2 tsp curry powder Salt and pepper to taste Recipe Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Wash and prepare ingredients. Place squash in medium bowl; drizzle with olive oil and toss to thoroughly coat squash. Arrange squash in single layer on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven...

Spinach & Blueberry Smoothie

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When I make smoothies, I usually make several servings. I place ingredients in individual BPA-free ziplock bags and place in freezer. I remove a serving from the freezer and place in refrigerator the night before I plan on preparing one. Per Serving Ingredients 1 cup fresh spinach (firmly packed) 2 romaine lettuce leaves 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 banana 1/4 cup 100% pomegranate juice (or any juice) 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds 1/2 Tbsp honey To prepare smoothie, blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Top with nuts and/or fruit, if desired.  

Preparing for a Healthy Week??

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Plan ahead for some healthy meals this week ?? Spending a few hours on Sunday preparing food for the upcoming week will ensure you have no excuses for eating healthy ?? Do you love smoothies for breakfast but run out of time in the mornings to make them? Prepare individual smoothie packets in advance and freeze them so you have ready-made smoothies during the work week.  To prepare smoothie, just place the frozen smoothie ingredients i n a blender and blend until smooth.  If you have a single-serve blender, that'll work perfectly! Healthy soups are also a food you can prepare in advance and freeze in individual servings. I struggle to get enough veggies in my diet ~ eating healthy soups seems to be the easiest way for me to get my recommended veggie intake. I absolutely love  Dr. Fuhrman's soup recipes because they're loaded with green leafy vegetables and legumes. I like to make a big batch of soup, eat it for several meals, and then freeze the rest.  (Below is a pi...

Chocolate Caramel Cake

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Baking spray that contains flour can be used to grease and flour the pans. Both natural and Dutch-processed cocoa will work in this recipe. When taking the temperature of the caramel in steps 3 and 4, remove the pot from the heat and tilt the pan to one side. Use your thermometer to stir the caramel back and forth to equalize hot and cool spots and make sure you are getting an accurate reading. Cake 1 1/2 cups (7.5 ounces) flour 3/4 cup (2.25 ounces) cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Caramel Filling 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup water 1 cup heavy cream 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon salt Frosting 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup (1.5 ounces) cocoa powder Pinch salt 1/2 cup li...

MAX'S ALASKAN MOOSE-SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE SPAGHETTI

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A comfort-food dish that you and your family are bound to love as much as my husband Max and I do... Servings (8 to 10) Prep: 20 Mins. Cook: 2 Hrs. INGREDIENTS: Sauce: 1 lb (or so) moose, venison, or beef burger 1 lb (or so) ground Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage 3 ribs celery, finely chopped 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 1/2 of a large red bell pepper, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 (29-oz can) tomato sauce, plus --1 (16-oz. can) tomato sauce 1 (16-oz. can) Italian Stewed Tomatoes, do not drain but chop tomatoes 3 to 4 tablespoons honey, to taste 1 tablespoon dried sweet basil 1 tablespoon dried parsley, or a small bunch of chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning Finish: --Balsamic Vinegar Serve with: --12 oz. prepared thin spaghetti, according to package directions --Freshly grated parmesan --Loaf of prepared garlic bread METHOD In a large, heavy-bottom pot, brown the burger and sausage, then drain. Add the remaining ingredients, in the ord...

Berries & Banana Smoothie Bowl with Granola

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Have you had a smoothie bowl for breakfast yet? A smoothie in a bowl just seems more like a meal ;o)  This smoothie bowl, created by one of my daughters, is turning into a family breakfast staple. Not only is it healthy ~ with fruits, spinach and acai powder ~  but it's refreshing and delicious!!! Single Serving Granola Ingredients 1/4 cup rolled oats 1 Tbsp slivered almonds 1 tsp honey 1/4 tsp cinnamon Smoothie Ingredients 1 frozen banana 1 big handful spinach 1/4 cup frozen strawberries 1/4 cup frozen blueberries 1 Tbsp acai powder, optional Optional Toppings Fresh fruit Cacao nibs Goji berries Recipe Topping:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats, almonds, honey and cinnamon in small bowl and toss until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.  Spread mixture in one layer on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for about 7 minutes. Smoothie:  Blend frozen banana, spinach, strawberries, blueberries and acai powder in a high powered blender and blend un...

Wheat Berry, Golden Raisin & Pistachio Salad

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Whole grain salads are the "new and improved" pasta salad. Whole grains are healthier than white pasta ~ and tastier, with a nutty and chewy texture. This delicious recipe calls for wheat berries, but you can use barley, brown rice, bulgar, farrow, or quinoa. Serves 6 Ingredients 1 cup uncooked wheat berries 3 Tbsp shelled pistachios, thickly chopped 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tsp honey 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup golden raisins 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup hummas (or substitute crumbled soft cheese such as goat or feta) Spring mix (2 cups per serving) Recipe Place wheat berries and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cover with water extending 2 inches above wheat berries and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour, or until tender. Drain and set aside. While wheat berries are cooking, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pistachios on...

Italian Cream Cake

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This is a cake I like to bake for special occasions, especially Valentine's Day?? It was both my father and mother-in-law's favorite cake (and mine too ;o)  The combination of coconut, pecans and butter give this cake its unique flavor ~ and the cream cheese topping is "icing on the cake".  Just a warning, though, make plenty copies of the recipe, because just about everyone who tastes your cake creation will want the recipe! Oven: 350 degrees 30-35   minutes Cake Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 2/3 cups sugar 6 eggs, separated 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups flour 3/4 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp butter flavoring 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup cherries, quartered 1/4 tsp cream of tartar Frosting Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1-8ounce package cream cheese, softened 4 cups powdered sugar 1/4 tsp butter flavoring 3/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped pecans Directions: Prehea...

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

This delectable chocolate fudge frosting is adapted from a recipe on allrecipes.com . 1/2 cup butter 4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate 1 pound confectioners' sugar (about 4 cups) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract About 1/2 cup milk Pinch of salt Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave, or in the top of a double boiler. In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, salt, vanilla, and milk. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture. Let stand until spreadable (frosting will thicken as it cools).

Peanut Butter & Nut Granola Bars

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I get so excited when I try a recipe for the first time, and I'm impressed with the finished product! That's the case with this simple, healthy and super delicious recipe?? Granola bars are like a staple in my diet.  Store-bought bars wrapped in healthy-looking packaging often include high-fructose corn syrup and other unhealthy ingredients and preservatives. If you make your own bars, you can customize the ingredients to satisfy your taste buds, but more importantly ensure the ingredients are simple and wholesome. This is the first granola bar recipe that I've tried that doesn't require baking (although oats are toasted in the oven). I bet you'll be impressed with this recipe too - the only thing I'll be doing differently next time is doubling the recipe. Ingredients 1 cup packed dates, pitted 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter 1 cup nuts (any kind, or a combination) 1 1/2 cups rolled oats Recipe Preheat over to 350 degrees. Spread oats o...

Gourmet Mac n' Cheese

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Do you know anyone that doesn't like mac n' cheese?!!! When I fix a big meal for guests, sometimes I include it as an extra just in case someone doesn't care for the main entree. The basic mac n' cheese recipes on macaroni boxes are always pretty good ~ if you're selling macaroni, you're going to make sure you include a great recipe on the box, right? But if you're looking for an extra special recipe, try this one ~ It includes sharp cheddar,  gruyere, and asiago cheeses.  And if you prefer a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and/or add 1 cup of cooked veggies (e.g., peas, chopped broccoli or carrots). This recipe is as easy to make as traditional mac n' cheese, but tastier?? Serves 8  Ingredients 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/3 cup all purpose flour 3 cups milk 8 ounces sharp cheddar 4 ounces gruyer 4 ounces asiago 1/2 tsp salt  1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 16 ounce macaroni or penne 1/2 cup buttered  breadcrumbs Additional salt and pepper to taste,...

Spring Salad Dressing

This delicious and very simple salad dressing comes from my sister Emily. Although the list of ingredients is short, this is very flavorful. I can't believe how good this is. 1 cup canola oil 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup red wine vinegar (white or apple cider works too) 2 garlic cloves, minced (I used prepared chopped garlic) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Combine above ingredients and serve. This dressing works well with baby spinach or other greens; fruit such as chopped apple, mandarin oranges, red grapefruit, or seasonal berries; avacado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sugared pecans. For sugared pecans, combine 1 cup nuts and 1 cup sugar with 1-2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium/low heat; cook until sugar melts (watch carefully!)

Raw Snickers Slab

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I made Livia's Raw Snicker Slab twice in the past 2 weeks ~ so I guess you could say it's my new favorite snack?????? The chocolate and carmel flavors remind me of a  Snicker's bar and the chocolate and coconut flavors remind me of an  Almond Joy. .. wow, the deliciousness of two great candy bars without the refined sugar, wheat or dairy (not to mention preservatives ;o) I'm sure you'll also love these tasty treats filled with raw chocolate, peanuts, and dates. Since Livia's recipe was in UK measurements, I did  my best converting it to US measurements ~ may not be exact, but they worked for me.  Note : I don't recommend trying this recipe without a food processor?? Ingredients Nougat Base 1 1/4 cups ground rolled oats 1 cup ground almonds  1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp coconut oil 1 1/2 tsp vanilla powder or extract Peanut Carmel   2 cups pitted dates 1/4 tsp salt 3/8 cup natural peanut butter 1/2 tsp vanilla powder or extract 1 Tbsp coconut oil 1/3 cup...

Beef and Broccoli with Cauliflower Rice

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Beef and Broccoli served over rice with a substitution of cauliflower rice for those on the New Year's Resolution diets is the casserole of the week! Comfort food doesn't have to be fattening or loaded with carbs! Cauliflower is a great substitution for carb loaded vegetables and starches. It has a neutral taste that blends well with any flavors it is teamed. Try using it in place of rice or mashed potatoes!  Cut carrots at a diagonal and boil in salt water until tender-crisp. Cut the broccoli into flo rets. I also used some of the stems. I sliced the stems thin and boiled them the same as the carrots. I also sliced onions into large wedges and cooked them in a little butter covered to steam them until tender-crisp also. It is important not to over cook the vegetables. Cooked and cooled vegetables. London Broil, sliced thin against the grain, marinading in 1/4 soy sauce and 2 cloves of minced garlic for an hour or overnight. Bring a skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil to medium hi...