Things that make you say: "Mmmmm"!

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cupcakes

2013-05-21T16:16:00.001-06:00

These cupcakes are just awesome. I make them and then want to eat the whole batch! They are so yummy that I don't think they even need frosting. I haven't put any on them yet & I've made them several times. The filling is so moist with the chocolate chips and cheesecake in there that they are just perfect all on their own.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/3 c sugar

1 pinch salt

1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips

1 c sugar

1 1/2 c flour

1/4 c cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 c. water

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 Tbsp vinegar

1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, egg, sugar & pinch of salt. . Add chocolate chips and set aside. This will be the cream cheese filling.

Mix the remaining ingredients well to make the batter. Fill muffin tins, sprayed or lined with paper cups, 1/3 to 1/2 full with the batter. Drop a large spoonful of cheese mixture on top. Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.

This will be sure to give you your chocolate fix!

Whole Wheat Roasted Garlic and Potato Bread

2013-04-25T18:50:00.002-06:00

Delicious.

Crusty.

Flavorful.

Hearty.

Healthy.

This bread is good.

Wanna make some?

Ingredients:

1 head of garlic (roasted)

6 1/2 c. wheat flour

1/4 c. ground flaxseed

1 tsp of mixed herbs (equal parts rosemary, thyme, basil, marjoram)

1 1/2 Tbsp yeast (or 2 packets)

1 Tbsp salt

1/4 c. vital wheat gluten

1 large raw unpeeled potato, cut into small 1/4" cubes

3 1/2 c. warm water

To Roast Garlic:

Wrap it in foil and bake for 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Allow it to cool, cut off the top of the head and squeeze out the garlic.

For Bread Dough:

Mix together flour, herbs, flaxseed, yeast salt and wheat gluten. Add the potato, water and garlic. Mix well. Cover and let it rise about 2 hours.

You can use it immediately or refrigerate for up to 10 days in a lidded (not air-tight container)

To Bake:

Dust the surface with flour and cut off 1/2 to 1/3 of the dough. Dust it with more flour and quickly mold into an oval shape. Let it rest another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. While preheating, put a baking stone on to heat up with the oven. Also place a small metal pan on the bottom rack. Let both of these heat up in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with water. Slash the top of the loaf with a few slits with a bread knife. Slide the bread dough onto the preheated stone. Pour 1 c. of hot water onto the other pan on the bottom rack. Close the door quickly and bake 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and firm.

EASY Homemade Brownie Mixes

2013-04-22T08:39:00.000-06:00

I tried something new and love it.

I really like store-bought brownie mixes. I have made lots of homemade brownies before and I like them, too. But there is something special about those boxed ones that I just can't describe. I decided to make my own brownie mixes and it worked GREAT! I haven't bought brownie mixes for a while now because these ones are really just as good! Plus, they are cheap and easy to throw together.

The first time I made the brownies my son said: "Mom these taste like real brownies!" This really made me laugh that he thinks "real brownies" can only come from a box mix. But, I was happy to score a point for having them taste like the box mix brownies he is used to!

Here is what you need to make the mixes:

1 1/4 c. flour

2/3 c. cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

2 c. sugar

Mix all of these together and store in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container.

To prepare the brownies add:

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. melted butter

Mix and pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes.

Quick Vanilla- Almond Granola

2013-04-07T14:28:00.002-06:00

Finally.

I have been trying to find a good granola recipe for years. I had all but given up, but decided to try one more time. This one is THE WINNER! I am in love.

I have had to make it a few times because my family keeps eating all of it. Good thing it's easy to make.

Ingredients:

4 cups of oats

1 cup of sliced almonds

1/3 c. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. of salt

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/4 c. ground flax seed

1/3 c. vegetable or coconut oil

1/4 c. honey

2 Tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with oil. I use coconut oil in my recipe & it tastes SO good! Plus, it's much better for you. In a large bowl, mix oats, flax, almonds, salt ans cinnamon. In a small pot combine the oil, sugar and honey. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add in vanilla. Mix into the oat mixture. Pour onto the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Do not stir during cooking if you want it to be in big chunks. Remove from oven and cool about 5 minutes- then stir it. Cool completely and cool in an air-tight container.

This granola is wonderful with yogurt and fruit, or just with milk... however you like it.

Ultimate Blog Party 2013

2013-04-06T14:39:00.002-06:00

Hey there! Thanks for coming by! I am taking part in the Ultimate Blog Party this year.

A little about me...

I started this blog to share family recipes because I was tired of everyone calling me to get them! My family loves food. I grew up with a mom who made everything from scratch. I got a degree in college in Home Economics Education & taught high school foods classes for a few years until I had my kids. My grandma went to culinary school & passed along her amazing recipes. I LOVE cooking & experimenting with food. I love dessert, but also really love healthy fresh foods.

I write 2 different blogs- this one and Teach Beside Me- a Homeschool focused blog. Yup... I homeschool my 3 kids & love it!

Some of my more popular recipes are listed along the side of my blog. I hope you will take a few minutes to explore and find some more good food to eat. Follow along- I always love new friends!

Mango Chicken Salad Wraps

2013-04-01T13:32:00.002-06:00

These wraps are so delicious and so very healthy, too!

It makes a great fresh lunch or a nice light dinner.

Mango Chicken Salad Wraps

2 small ripe mangos, peeled & diced

1 c. plain Greek yogurt

1/4 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 c. precooked & diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper

1 c. shredded romaine lettuce

1 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro

4 large tortillas

Sauce:

Place yogurt, 1 mango and cumin in a blender & puree until smooth- add a little water if necessary.

Salad Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk garlic, salt, lime juice and olive oil. This will be for the salad dressing.

Place the chicken and lettuce in a large bowl and add the dressing, cilantro, and diced mango. Place about 1/2-3/4 c. onto a tortilla and spread 1 Tbsp of the mango sauce over the top. Wrap up and serve with extra mango sauce for dipping.

Saltine Cracker Toffee

2013-03-21T04:00:00.000-06:00

OK, I know this sounds weird, but trust me on this one. Really. It is SO good!

And... it is REALLY easy to make.

Here is what you need:

4 oz. Saltine Crackers

1 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar

2 c. chocolate chips

Optional chopped nuts for a topping

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil, then lay the crackers out in a single layer. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Bring it to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Pour evenly over the crackers.

Bake for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let them melt, then spread them.

Top with chopped nuts if you like them. Cool in the refrigerator (if you want to eat them sooner. . .).

Break apart to eat.

Irish Beef Stew

2013-03-20T08:47:00.004-06:00

A delicious, hearty meal, in honor of St. Patrick's Day!

I have Irish ancestors, so that must be why I love this stew. . .

Last year at Zupas they were having a tour of soups spotlighting different soups from around the world. My husband fell in love with the Irish Beef Stew. We were watching eagerly for it to come back this St. Patrick's Day & were happy to see it on the menu last week! Well, I decided to make one of my own. I isn't the same, at all, but it certainly was divine! Typically this stew is made with beer, but I don't like to cook with alcohol & never have it around the house. So this is my alcohol free version.

Irish Beef Stew

1-2 Tbsp. oilve oil

1/4 c. flour

2 lbs beef stew meat

6 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups beef stock

2 c. water

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. thyme

1/2 tsp. sage

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. black pepper

3 lbs potatoes chopped

3-5 celery stalks, diced

1 onion, diced

2 cups chopped carrots

1 Tbsp. dried parsley

1 c. frozen peas

Combine the olive oil, meat, onions, and garlic and cook until meat is browned. Add in all the remaining ingredients (except the flour). Bring to a boil and simmer until meat and vegetables are tender- about an hour to an hour and a half. About 10 minutes before serving, remove some of the broth- about 1 c. and stir the flour into it. Mix it back into the soup and allow it to cook until thickened.

It is great served with a thick hearty bread like this one.

Apple-Berry Crisp

2013-03-06T17:01:00.001-07:00

This dessert was ah-mazing! We finished it off so fast.

I had the last little bit for breakfast the next day... Fruit & oats are breakfast foods, at least that's what I told my kids when they saw the empty pan.

Apple-Berry Crisp

3 cups sliced and peeled apples

1 bag frozen mixed berries

2 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp flour

1-1/2 cups oats

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

1 stick melted butter or margarine

In a large baking pan 9x13 size put the fruit and mix it with the 2 Tbsp. of flour & 2 Tbsp. of sugar. Combine butter, cinnamon, nutmeg brown sugar, oats and flour. Crumble evenly over the top of the fruit mixture. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crisp topping is golden.

It is great served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream- but also wonderful without, too!

Sorry, I didn't save any for you.

Lemon Balsamic Broccoli Salad

2013-02-27T17:00:00.003-07:00

You know that broccoli salad that everyone used to make with mayonnaise, and bacon and lots of sugar? It's so good... remember that one? Well, I was craving a broccoli salad, but couldn't really stand the thought of putting all of that stuff on my broccoli. So, I created a new fresh & delicious one. It is SO good and very healthy. I took it to a potluck the other night & had 2 people ask for the recipe. So, here it is- in all it's glory!

Salad:
1 Large Bunch of Broccoli, chopped into small pieces
3 Green Onions, diced
3 carrots, diced
1/4 c. Roasted/salted sunflower seeds

Dressing:
1/4 c. Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 Lemon- juice & zest
Salt & pepper
Garlic powder- few dashes

Toss all together & refrigerate until read to serve. Add the sunflower seeds just before serving.

The Balsamic Dressing that I use is also homemade, but it is SUPER simple:

Get one of those Good Seasons Italian Dressing packets that comes with the dressing container. I make it with those Italian dressing packets, olive oil, & Balsamic Vinegar. I just fill to the fill line on the bottle.

Berry-Filled Crepes

2013-02-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

This morning for Valentine's Day we had berry-filled crepes for breakfast. It was delicious & so very easy to make. I know that they sound all gourmet, but really, they aren't. I had these a lots as a kid and haven't really made them much as an adult, so my kids were not too sure about it. They changed their minds quickly, though after trying them!

For the Crepes:

1 1/4 c. milk
2 eggs
1 c. flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. melted butter (cooled)

Blend the crepe ingredients with a whisk or in the blender until smooth. Heat a small 10-inch skillet on the stove over med-high heat. Lightly grease the pan. Pour in a small amount of batter (about 1/3-1/2 c.) enough to just thinly cover the pan. Pick up the pan and rotate it around a little to evenly coat the pan with batter.

Cook until the edges begin to pull away from the side of the pan and the underside is lightly browned. Flip over and cook the other side until lightly golden-1 to 2 minutes. Place on a plate and fill with berry filling (about 2 Tbsp.) down the center. Fold up and dust with a little powdered sugar.

For the Berry Filling:

1 lb. of fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Mix the berries and sugar and heat in a small saucepan. Whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch and ad into the berry mixture. Cook on low until it thickens.

Makes about 10 crepes.

I think tonight I am going to make more & do a dinner one with chicken, cheese and broccoli. Mmmmm!

Family Fondue Night

2013-02-12T14:25:00.004-07:00

Do you make a special meal for your family on Valentine's Day? My husband works fairly late, so I decided to have ours on Sunday instead so that he could be there to enjoy it with us. I invited other family that live near to enjoy it, too. We had a big fondue night. I have decided that it will be a regular Valentine's Day dinner tradition for our family. It is a really fun, and really delicious dinner! I made cheese fondue, chocolate fondue and cheesecake fondue.

I have a great Cheese fondue recipe that I have been eating since I was a kid. It is made with Monterey Jack & Swiss cheeses. It is so delicious & flavorful! Click here to see that recipe ( I posted it a long time ago).

For the dinner portion, I had French bread, sautéed steak (I marinated it in Italian Dressing for flavor), and a huge vegetable platter for dipping into the cheese. Use vegetables that are easy to put onto a fondue fork. I had cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, olives, and cucumbers. Slice the French bread and meat into bite-size chunks so they are also easy to dip and bite.

For dessert, I made a pound cake- see the recipe here. We also used fresh fruit- strawberries, pineapple, bananas, and coconut as well as marshmallows. We had 2 dessert dips. The Cheesecake dip can be found here in another past post. Then I made a chocolate-coconut fondue that was delicious!

To make the Chocolate-Coconut Fondue:

1 bag of chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate)
1 can coconut milk
1 tsp. coconut or vanilla extract
1/4 c. cream

Cook together the chocolate and coconut milk until the chocolate is melted. Add in remaining ingredients and cook until warm. Pour into fondue pot or crockpot to keep warm.

Make dinner special for your family!

Super Simple Chicken Cordon Bleu

2013-02-09T16:12:00.002-07:00

This was a huge hit at my house and was such an easy thing to prepare. I have always loved chicken cordon bleu, but it is not the easiest to prepare. This one is fast & easy, but delicious. Just my style. Hope you like it!

Chicken:
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half length-wise
4-6 slices of sliced deli ham
1 cup bread crumbs ( I like the seasoned ones, but you can also easily make your own)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4-6 slices of Swiss cheese

Parmesan Cream Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

To Prepare:

Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Lay the cut chicken breasts in a single layer in the pan. Layer each chicken breast with one slice of ham and top with 1-2 slices of Swiss cheese, making sure the entire chicken breast is covered with ham and cheese. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the chicken.

Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through completely, and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

While the chicken bakes, make the sauce... Or if you are like me, 1 minute before it comes out of the oven quickly turn it on high and make it FAST!

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Stir in the chicken bouillon granules and salt. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Keep the sauce warm until the chicken is finished baking. Drizzle over the top of the cooked chicken on each plate.

Challah Bread

2013-02-06T15:21:00.004-07:00

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I was so lucky to do a semester abroad in Israel as a college student. Here is a wonderful recipe from that time- Challah Bread.

Challah is a traditional Jewish bread eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays (except Passover, when leavened bread is not allowed). On Shabbat every Jew is commanded to eat three meals (one on Friday night and two on Saturday). In Judaism, a "meal" includes bread. Hence, Jews will traditionally eat challah at the beginning of their Shabbat meal. As with any other type of bread, the blessing "Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth" is said before the meal.

Challah (Shabbat) Bread

1/2 c. warm water
2 Tb. yeast
1 Tbsp sugar

Mix and let the yeast proof.

6 c. flour
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 Tbsp honey
6 Tbsp sugar
1 c. warm water (with 3 Tbsp taken out & reserved)
1 Tbsp salt

For bread topping:
1 beaten egg
sesame or poppy seeds

Mix together flour, 2 eggs, oil, honey, sugar water and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add in the yeast mixture. Mix well for 3-5 minutes. If the dough is really sticky, add in a little more of the reserved water. If mixing by hand, mix until smooth and elastic.

Remove from the bowl and oil the bowl. Return the dough to the bowl, turning to grease all sides. Put the whole bowl into a plastic bag and knot it closed. Let it rise for an hour. Punch down and re-seal in the bag. Let it rise 1/2 hour, repeat one more time rising another half hour (3x total).

After risen 3 times, divide into 3 equal pieces and braid the dough. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise another 1/2 hour. Before baking, brush with an egg wash (1 beaten egg). Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Multi-Grain Pancake Mix

2013-01-28T12:04:00.001-07:00

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I have been making this pancake mix for quite a while now and we really enjoy it. I found the recipe and modified it A LOT to make it whole/multi-grain. I make a big batch and keep it in a canister to be mixed up whenever we want it for breakfast. It is cheap and easy to throw together. It is amazing paired with homemade buttermilk syrup or topped with all fruit spread & fresh berries.

Multi-Grain Pancake Mix

4 c. Whole Wheat Flour
1 c. Oats- pulsed in a blender or food processor
1 c. Powdered milk
1/4 c. Ground Flax Meal
1/4 c. Sugar
2 Tbsp Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Salt

Mix and store in an air-tight container.

To Make into Pancakes:
1 1/2 c. mix
3/4 to 1 c. Water
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 egg
1/4 c. Applesauce or Canned Pumpkin
Splash of Vanilla or dash of Cinnamon for more flavor

Mix and cook on a griddle or in a frying pan. Makes about 6 large pancakes. Top as desired.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

2013-01-03T13:04:00.002-07:00

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I have never made homemade cinnamon rolls before. I'm not really sure why because I really like cinnamon rolls. I always buy the canned ones. I think I will not likely go back to those canned ones now. There is no comparison! This was our breakfast Christmas morning- they are SO good! This recipe is from Paula Deen, but I made it with a cream cheese icing instead of the glaze she uses. Everything is better with cream cheese.

Dough:

1 Tbsp yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup scalded milk

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter or shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for pan

3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
1/4 c. brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing:

2 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened, approximately 1/4 cup

3 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Place in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread melted butter all over dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough. Beginning at the 15-inch side, role up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices using a strand of dental floss.

Coat the bottom of baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake for about 30 minutes or until nicely browned at 350 degrees.

For frosting: whisk together ingredients until creamy. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.

Chocolate-Filled Candy Cane Pops

2012-12-17T17:33:00.001-07:00

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Do you need a last minute Christmas gift for a stocking, or for friends or neighbors? I have the perfect thing for you! They are simple and sweet and they show people that you care!

It only requires a few simple ingredients:

Mini Candy Canes
Chocolate for melting (white, milk or semi-sweet will do)
Lolli-pop Sticks
Sprinkles
Mint Baking Chips

Place the candy canes together in pairs making them into heart shapes on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper of a silicone baking mat.

Bake in an oven preheated to 250 degrees for 8-10 minutes- until slightly melted and sticky. Quickly put the sticks into the bottom end of the heart and press together lightly. It is ok if they don't stay together perfectly. The chocolate will hold it all together.

While the candy canes are baking, melt the chocolate in the microwave. Spoon in a small amount once the sticks have been placed in. Decorate as desired with mint chips and sprinkles. Let them cool completely before removing them from the tray.

Candy Cane Cookies and 75% off Holiday Cards

2012-12-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas time is all about family traditions, and lots of good food! I have so many great memories of baking different cookies with my family as a kid. At Christmas time we always made all of our favorite cookies. I love doing the same with my kids now and creating those memories for them.

One new favorite recipe we have been making for a few years are is Candy Cane Cookies. The kids and I love making them together. They are such a fun cookie to give away, too, since they are so festive! I love sharing our family traditions, but this picture is just a little teaser... read on.

I would like to send you a personalized card with this recipe included! (See the details below.)

Whether it's a personalized card or cookies right out of the oven, I love sharing the warmth of the holiday season with my family, friends and, of course, my readers! Comment below and I'll mail you a card featuring my favorite cookie recipe, and Cardstore will share a coupon code for 75% off holiday cards so you can whip up a special batch of cards for the people you love.

Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Leave a comment below sharing your recipe for a happy holiday.
Step 2: When the registration box appears, complete the form.
Step 3: That’s it! My recipe and a coupon code from Cardstore will be sent to you by mail!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cardstore. The opinions and text are all mine.

Microwave Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin

2012-11-29T13:31:00.001-07:00

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Once in a while I crave something sweet but really don't want to make a whole batch of anything for fear of eating ALL of it. So on those occasions, I like to make something small. I tried this recipe recently & it is so quick & easy!! I hope you like it, too!

Microwave Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin (for one)

3 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp canned pumpkin (or applesauce if you don't have pumplin)
pinch cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp baking powder
dash of salt
1 Tbsp of chocolate chips
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp of milk
1 tsp veg. oil
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Place in a greased ramekin dish, or a mug. Microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes. It will be spongy feeling on top when done.

Grab a spoon & share if you are willing... yum!!

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate (Almond Milk)

2012-11-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

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More and more people seem to be having trouble with dairy lately. Several people in my family cannot eat dairy. How sad to be able to miss out on such a yummy winter treat. Replacing the milk with almond milk in hot chocolate is a delicious and healthy way to be able to still enjoy this tasty drink. Plus, a little dash of cinnamon gives it such a unique taste.

Diary-Free Hot Chocolate

4 cups of Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1 oz. square of unsweetened chocolate
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt

Combine all ingredients, except vanilla. Whisk together in a medium size pot. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring regularly to melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and add in vanilla.

Serve hot with marshmallows or whipped cream in your favorite mug. Isn't that snowman cute?
What is your favorite thing to make with almond milk?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

Simple (20 minute) French Baguette

2012-11-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

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This recipe is amazingly easy, and amazingly delicious!! There are only 5 ingredients, and you don't need to wait for it to rise. Yes, isn't it getting better by the second? I always think about making bread for dinner a little too late, since bread has to rise for a few hours. This recipe can be done in about 20 minutes. No, I am not joking.

Mix:
1 1/2 Tbsp yeast
1/2c. warm water
1 tsp. sugar
Let the yeast proof~ get bubbly

In another bowl mix:
3 1/2 c. flour (you can use ANY kind of flour~ even gluten free flours work well)
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water.

Add in yeast/water mixture & mix well. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Break into 2 chunks and foll (from the inside out) into long strips. Make one long thin slice down the middle of the loaf. Cook in an oven preheated to 450 for 12-15 minutes.

Slather with butter while hot and eat half a baguette, 'cause you just can't stop yourself.

Healthy Oatmeal-Carrot Breakfast Cookies

2012-10-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

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Did you know that October 29th is National Oats Day? Quaker Oats is celebrating this day by encouraging everyone to cheer "YAY OATS!"

Why are oats so great?

They have cholesterol-lowering benefits

Whole grain oats have a variety of benefits from heart health to digestive health

The dietary guidelines for American recommend at least half of all grains consumed be whole grains- we, as Americans are not living up to that standard! Are you?

I have been trying hard to be more creative with breakfast lately. My kids seem to want the same old cereal every day. So I have started a new breakfast routine where each day of the week is a different theme.

Monday- something baked- pancakes, muffins, french toast
Tuesday- oatmeal
Wednesday- yogurt & granola or smoothies
Thursday- cereal
Friday- eggs & toast
Saturday & Sunday are their choice.

This schedule keeps the kids from getting into too much of a rut with their eating choices. Having more variety in their diet also gives them a variety of nutrients. I always give them some fruit & a glass of milk with their breakfast to round it out. It has actually helped them branch out a little & they don't always request the same old cereals anymore.

My latest breakfast creation, in honor of National Oats Day, is this delicious and healthy breakfast cookie. I have had this one in my head for a while since I saw something similar in a magazine a while back. But I wanted to make it much healthier so I didn't feel any guilt about giving it to my kids for breakfast. These are super healthy and delicious! It is a cross between carrot cake and oatmeal raisin cookies. I used coconut oil instead of regular oil & it gave it such a delicious flavor.

Here is how I made these delectable little breakfast cookies:

Ingredients:

1 c. whole wheat flour

1 c. Quaker Oats

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 c. coconut oil- melted (or canola oil)

1/3 c. applesauce

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 Tbsp white sugar

1 c. finely shredded carrots

1/2 c. raisins

1 egg

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp ground flax meal

1 tsp. vanilla extract

6 oz. light cream cheese

2 Tbsp. maple or agave syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, flax meal, and oats. Mix sugars, oil, applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, egg, carrots and raisins in a separate bowl and combine with the dry ingredients. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Press the dough out to flatten so they are easier to make into sandwiches later.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. I always tend to undercook my cookies so they stay soft longer. While cooking, mix the filling by mixing cream cheese, syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla.

After the cookies are cooked, let them sit for a few minutes then remove from the tray to a cooling rack. When cool, fill the cookies by spreading the cream cheese filling on the flat side of the cookie- put 2 together to make a sandwich. These can be made ahead, wrapped and chilled for several days.

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Simple Roasted Sausage & Veggies

2012-10-17T19:40:00.000-06:00

I made such a simple and tasty dinner the other night. I had some turkey kielbasa sausage and a whole bunch of vegetables that needed to be used. So I combined them to make a most delicious meal! It will definitely be made again.

1 Package of Kielbasa turkey sausage

1 Onion

1 Bell pepper

celery

Carrots

Potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Green beans

2 Cloves minced garlic

2 Tbsp olive oil

Fresh rosemary

Chop up all the vegetables.

Toss them all together with some olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh rosemary.

Pour onto a large cookie sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for about 45 minutes- or until everything is cooked through. You may want to mix it half way through.

It had so much flavor & since I used the turkey sausage it was so healthy, too. It got a big thumbs up from the whole family

Beef & Brown Rice Cabbage Rolls

2012-09-29T16:29:00.001-06:00

I have been trying to lose those baby pounds from a year and a half ago. I got most of the way back to my baby weight, but the rest just never came off. So, I have been working my tail off the past few weeks to get rid of the rest of it. This recipe is from Weight Watchers. It is light, delicious, & filling.

Beef & Brown Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1 /2 head uncooked cabbage- whole leaves peeled apart
1 c. cooked brown rice
1/4 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1 shredded carrot
1/2 c. shredded zucchini
1 onion, minced finely
2 cloves minced garlic
1 large egg white
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 can spaghetti sauce
2 tsp olive oil
1 lb uncooked lean ground beef

Instructions
Wrap cabbage leaves in moist paper towels and microwave on high power for 2 minutes, until soft. Cut off the thickest, white portion of the spine of each leaf to make leaves pliable and easy to fold; set aside.
Combine beef, rice, bread crumbs, carrot, onion, zucchini, garlic, egg white, salt and pepper in a large bowl; mix well.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef mixture onto the centre of each leaf. Fold up bottom of leaf to cover filling, tuck in sides and then continue rolling to make loose rolls.

Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add rolls and sauté until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally.

Pour tomato sauce over the top and bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until cooked through, checking the pan every 15 minutes and stirring to prevent sticking. Cook about 1 hour. (If sauce thickens or reduces, simply add water.) Yields 2 rolls per serving.

Crispy Coconut Chicken Salad

2012-09-15T12:09:00.004-06:00

Years ago, when my husband and I were first married we used to eat at TGI Friday's a lot. There was a coconut chicken on the menus that my husband ordered pertty much every time we went. One time when we got there they had changed the menu and it was no longer on there. He was so upset! I was thinking about that recently & tried to make some coconut chicken for him. This recipe is really healthy- pretty sure the other one wasn't. This one is baked, the other was fried. My husband LOVED it! It was simple to make & very delicious!! I served it over a salad with a simple homemade honey mustard dressing.

2 skinless boneless chicken breasts- cut into strips
10-15 whole grain Ritz crackers- crunched into crumbs
1 c. flaked coconut- I uesd sweetened- but unsweetened would be good, too.
1 egg, beaten
Lettuce & other salad toppings

To make chicken: pulse crackers in a food processor until they are just crumbs. Mix cracker crumbs with coconut. Beat the egg in a bowl. Dip the chicken in egg then into coconut mixture. Place on a greased cookie sheet (or to have less mess, line tray with foil). Bake at 375 degrees for about 35-40 minutes- until golden brown and cooked through. Place on top of a bed of greens, carrots, tomoatoes & cucumbers (or with any of your favorite salad toppings) for a delicious main dish salad. Top with honey mustard dressing.

Easy Honey Mustard Dressing:
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp dijon mustard