If I can, you can!

Rosemary Butternut Squash Soup

2012-10-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us and nothing says fall quite like butternut squash soup! The great thing about soup is that you don't have to be exact so this recipe is just a general guideline, feel free to get creative!

In a large pot over medium heat add oil. Chop onion and garlic and saute. Add rosemary.

Peel butternut squash as you would a carrot and cube. Add to pot. Add carrots. Saute all vegetables for about 5 minutes.

Add water until it just covers all vegetables. Add bouillon and salt. Cover. Cook on high until boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until all vegetables are fork tender.

Allow mixture to cool. Working in batches using a blender or food processor, puree soup adding 1/2 cup of milk or 2-4 tbsp of cream cheese to each batch. Pour pureed soup into large bowl. Once all soup is pureed, mix soup by hand in large bowl. You may want to add more salt at this point as well.

Reheat and serve.

To freeze soup, place a sandwich bag into a cup as you would a garbage bag into a garbage bin and add 3-4 scoops of soup. Seal bag, removing air, lay flat and freeze. Makes 10 servings.

Rosemary Butternut Squash Soup

1 tbsp oil

2 cloves of garlic

1 medium onion

1 tbsp dried rosemary

6 cups (approx) cubed butternut squash

2-3 cups baby carrots

*2 bouillon rectangles

6 cups (approx) water

2 cups milk OR 1/2 - 1 cup cream cheese (both optional)

salt to taste

* I used reduce sodium, organic bouillon as most others have MSG.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 115 Fat 3.2g Sodium: 187mg Carbs: 20.8g Fiber 1g Sugar 7g Protein: 3.3g

Key Hanger

2012-09-13T12:04:00.001-07:00

After losing my car key for 45 minutes one day, I decided it was finally time to make this key hanger that I've been meaning to make for almost a year!

Supplies
Picture Frame
Hooks
Measuring Tape
Drill
Pencil

When choosing a frame, make sure it's durable enough to drill into. For the picture I'm using an awesome caricature of my house that my cousin gave to us for our wedding.

Remover backing and glass. Measure frame, making marks where you want to drill and insert the hooks.

Drill holes using a drill bit slightly smaller than the threaded end of your hooks.

Twist in hooks.

Replace glass, insert picture and hang. It's just that easy! I hung mine with a few command adhesive strips.

*Bonus Tip*
My car key no longer has a hook to hang it so this is what I did:

Using an old travel size soap bottle, trace a line where you want to cut the bottle. I found kitchen scissors work well.

Cut out the shape (low in the front, high in the back). Punch a hole in the top.

Tada!

Peanut Butter and "Jam" Date Balls

2012-09-06T21:49:00.003-07:00

Super simple but these little balls pack a lot of flavor! This is a small recipe so feel free to double or triple it.

Add all ingredients to a food processor.

Process about 2 minutes or until able to form into balls.

Tada!

PB and J Balls

1/2 cup Dates

1/4 cup Puffed Wheat

1/4 cup Peanuts

1/4 cup Dried Cranberries

Makes: 10

Nutritional Information: Calories: 43 Fat: 1.4g Carbs: 7.2g Fiber: 0.7g Sugar: 5.5g Protein: 1g

*Alternate Recipe*

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 cup Dates

1/4 cup Puffed Wheat

2 tbs Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup Peanuts

1 tbs Cocoa Powder

Healthier Nuts and Bolts

2012-08-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Nuts and bolts can be a decently healthy as far as party snacks go but all the recipes I found added almost of cup of butter. Completely unnecessary.

Preheat over to 350F.

Mix pretzels, peanuts, bagel chips, cheerios and wheat squares in a big bowl.

Melt margarine. Add Worcestershire sauce and spices. Pour over dry mixture.

*Tip: Pour margarine mixture on edges of bowl instead of directly on mix. This allows for better overall coverage instead of the wet mixture getting absorbed by a few bagel chips.*

Put mixture into one or two baking pans. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes. Toss every 5 minutes.

Enjoy!

Healthier Nuts and Bolts

3 cups pretzel sticks

4 cups Bagel Chips

1/2 cup peanuts

3 cups cheerios

3 cups wheat squares

3 tbsp margarine

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 - 2 tsp spices or seasoning (ie: BBQ, taco etc)

Makes 13.5 cups

Nutritional Information: per 1/2 cup

Calories: 103 Fat: 3.3 Carbs: 16.6 Fiber 1.7g Sugar: 2.3g Protein: 2.9g

Bagel Chips

2012-08-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Bagel chips are a great way to use up old bagel s and make for a tasty snack on their own or can be added to other snack mixes. You can use cinnamon raisin or blueberry bagels for a sweet chip.

Cut bagel in half. Half that half and half it again. So cutting the bagel in to 8ths. From this, cut into thin slices. I find cutting this way gives you the most uniform chips possible.

Lay out of food dehydrator. You can season with your favorite spices but I think this everything bagel has enough flavor. Dehydrate at 135F approximately for 1-2 hours or until crispy.

Enjoy!

1 bagel = approximately 50 chips

Blueberry Preserve

2012-08-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

I love jam, who doesn't? What I don't love is that most recipes call for a one to one ratio of sugar to fruit. Isn't fruit sweet enough? This is why I made this recipe. I call is a preserve because it's not quite as thick as jam but not as thin as a sauce. This is not only great on toast and pancakes but also on ice cream and definitely in yogurt. If you don't want to go through the trouble of canning it, you can either make a small batch to keep in the fridge or freeze a large batch in small air tight containers and defrost as needed!

All you need is blueberries! (And canning supplies if you are canning).

1 cup blueberries = 1/2 cup preserve

Clean blueberries.

Heat jars and lids.

Place blueberries in large pot over medium heat. Stir frequently. As you stir some blueberries will start to squish.

Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

Boil 5-10minutes or more depending on the thickness desired (boil longer = thicker)

Ladle hot jam into hot jars and cover with hot lid and ring. Allow to cool and make sure all jars seal. Enjoy!

Blueberry Field

2012-08-11T18:38:00.002-07:00

This is a simple, delicious, low calorie dessert that is a bit cheesecakey.

Put dates, almonds, peanuts and puffed wheat into a food processor.

Process until it sticks together and can be formed with your hand. About 1-2 minutes.

Spread mixture in bottom of 9x13 or 12x12 dish.

Rinse out food processor and add cream cheese, milk and lemon juice. Blend.

In a large bowl, add cream cheese mixture and fold in Cool Whip.

Spread mixture over almond mixture.

Layer blueberries on top.

Chill 2+ hours.

Blueberry Field

1 cup pitted dates

1/2 cup peanuts

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup puffed wheat

1 1/2 cups (1 1/2 containers) low fat cream cheese

1 tbsp milk

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 large tub fat free Cool Whip

* You can substitute almonds and peanuts for any other nut

Makes 24 servings

Calories: 112 Fat: 5.3g Cholesterol: 10mg Sodium: 88.7mg Carbs: 11/8g Fiber: 1.3g

Sugars: 6.8g Protein: 2.5g

Hard Boiled Egg White

2012-07-12T13:53:00.003-07:00

Eggs are high in protein and make for a great lunch but sometimes I rather not have the added calories and cholesterol of the yolk. Yes I could easily hard boil a couple eggs and simply throw out the yolk but that seems rather wasteful so I cam up with this idea.

You'll Need

Small glass jar

Tight fitting lid*

Egg whites

*If using a canning jar and lid, use a previously use lid or else you'll end up with canned egg whites!

Place desired amount of egg white in to jar. I did a quarter cup which is equal to two egg whites. Place lid on jar and tighten.

Fill a deep pot with warm water. Submerge the filled jar into the warm water, allow to sit for about a minute to warm the jar and egg white. Turn stove to a medium heat. Boil for about 10 minutes.

*Do not put jar into already boiling water as it will break (found this out the hard way!)*

Carefully remove jar from boiling water and allow to cool or run under warm water until you are able to open the lid.

Scoop out egg whites into a bowl and add with your favorite egg salad mix-ins. I added a little low fat mayo, mustard and cayenne pepper.

I make mine into a pita with homemade guacamole, pickles, cheese and spinach.

Chocolate Dipped Fruit Bouquet

2012-07-04T20:33:00.003-07:00

Easy but effective, chocolate dipped fruit is a healthier option you can bring to your next gathering or give as a gift.

You'll Need:

Fruit ( I used strawberries and bananas)

Chocolate (I used dark chocolate chips)

Nuts ( I used walnuts and pistachios)

Coconut

Skewers

To melt chocolate, use a double boiler. If you do not have one, do what I did and use a metal bowl bigger than your pot. Make sure no water gets into your chocolate.

Crush nuts. Place is containers suitable for dipping.

Dip tip of skewer into chocolate.

Place chocolate end into fruit.

Place skewered fruit into a cup to allow chocolate to set (5 minutes or so)

Dip fruit into chocolate and then into a topping. If your fruit doesn't stay on the skewer while dipping, try using a spatula to spread chocolate over fruit.

Repeat with all fruit. Place in glasses to allow chocolate to set.

Arrange in a glass or vase, add a ribbon if you like. Tada! A bouquet anyone would love.

Packed Bran Muffins

2012-06-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

A lot of muffins these days are higher in fat and calories than doughnuts and cake but this recipe really puts the healthiness back into muffins and obviously tastes great too!

Preheat over to 350F. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ground flax, oats bran, cinnamon baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine egg, egg white, milk, sugar, honey and applesauce. Whisk. Set aside.

Using a food processor or by hand, grate apples and carrots. Set aside.

Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in wet mixture. Mix well!

Add carrot, apple, walnuts, raisins and dried cranberries. Combine.

Drop large spoonfuls into line muffin tin.

Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Packed Bran Muffins

1 1/2 cups wheal wheat flour

3/4 cup ground flax

3/4 cup oat bran

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1 egg

1 egg white

3/4 cup milk (any kind - I used coconut)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp honey

1/2 cup applesauce

2 cups carrots, grated

1 apple, grated

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Makes 25 muffins

Nutritional Info: Calories-98 Fat- 2.6g Carbs- 18.2g Fiber- 3.1g Sugar- 9.1g Protein- 3.1g

Whole Wheat Buns

2012-06-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Making bread used to scare me because I was always afraid of the yeast not working but this recipe makes it super easy and almost foolproof!

Measure room temperature applesauce, leaving a small amount of room in the measuring cup.

Add oil to fill cup.

In a large bowl, add warm water, yeast, sugar and applesauce-oil mixture. Whisk well. Set aside for about 15 minutes to allow yeast to grow.

Meanwhile, mix white flour and whole wheat flour in medium bowl. I find that if you don't add some white flour that the buns don't rise as well.

Once yeast has grown, whisk in an egg.

Gradually add flour and mix.

Once dough starts to form, knead on floured counter.

Knead for about 5 minutes. Dough will have a very slight stick to it still.

*Depending on your flour and climate, you may not need all the flour*

Break off pieces of dough into egg sized balls

Place, far a part, on greased cookie sheets.

Cover buns and place somewhere somewhat warm. It just happened to be a sunny day so I put them outside.

Depending on the ambient temperature, buns will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to rise completely. Cook buns at 400F degrees for 8 minutes or until golden on top. Rotate pans half way through.

Enjoy! Makes 16 buns.

Whole Wheat Buns

Apple sauce + oil = 1/3 cup

2 tbsp dry active yeast

1 cup warm water

1.5 tbsp sugar

1 egg

1.5 cups white flour

2.5 cups whole wheat flour

Per bun: Calories: 115 Fat: 2.1g Carbs: 21.3g (Fiber 3.6g, Sugars 1.7g) Protein: 4.6g

Here is a video with a slightly different recipe; using all oil and a little more sugar to make a sweeter bun. Can definitely substitute applesauce for oil.

Apple Cranberry Flax Muffins

2012-04-17T16:31:00.002-07:00

This muffins are packed with delicious whole fruit and healthy flax seed. They make great mini muffins or regular sized one too.

Mix plain yogurt, apple sauce, egg, egg whites and brown sugar in a medium bowl.

Add ground flax, baking soda, baking powder and whole wheat flour, mix well.

Chop apples.

Add chopped apples and cranberries.

Spoon into sprayed mini muffin or regular size muffin tin.

Bake at 400C for 15 -20 minutes. Enjoy!

Apple Cranberry Flax Muffins

1/2 cup plain yogurt

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 egg whites

3/4 cup ground flax

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 frozen cranberries

2-3 apples

*Variation*

Chocolate Orange Apple Cranberry Muffins

Add:

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tbsp orange zest

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Watch a video on how to make the muffins at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpekUKN8vJg&list=UUabpoRgDeqV5JkYX45bRxag&index=27&feature=plcp

Walnut Date Oatmeal Cookies

2012-04-17T15:53:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that these cookies have only a tablespoon of added sugar because they are just so sweet, soft and delicious! You can get creative with you mix ins too!

Mix bananas, milk, brown sugar, egg whites, applesauce and cinnamon in a food processor. Alternatively, you can mash it by hand.

Transfer to a medium bowl and at oats. Mix well. Let stand for at least 15 minutes.

Add dates and walnuts. Mix well.

Drop onto cookie sheet. Bakes at 350C for 15- 20 minutes. Cookies will still be somewhat soft and moist when done.

Enjoy!

Walnut Date Oatmeal Cookies

3 bananas

1/3 cup sweetened almond/soy milk

1/3 cup applesauce

1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup egg whites

1-2 tsp cinnamon

2 cups oats

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup chopped dates

iPhone Case

2012-03-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

This is a super easy way the get a custom iPhone case for under two dollars!

You will need:

- Clear iPhone case

- Picture or scrapbook paper

- Hole punch

- Pen

- Scissors

I bought my iPhone case online for 1 dollar including shipping. You may also be able to find them at the dollar store.

Trace iPhone case onto picture/paper and cut out.

Place picture in case and trace around camera lens opening.

Using a hole punch, punch out the opening

Place you phone in the case. Tada! So simple!

I Love You Because...

2012-03-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is a really wonderful thing to make and display for you and your loved ones to write special notes. I made mine into a magnet but you can definitely just leave it as a regular picture frame and put it on a table or shelf.

You'll Need

- A picture* or paper with the words " I love you because..."

- Picture frame

- Strong magnets

- Glue or glue gun

- Tape

* To print words on a picture, simply go into the Paint program on your PC and add the words. Make sure to "Save As" under a different name or else you could wreck your original. Then print picture via a regular print or photo printer.

Remove backing from frame. Place picture in desired place and tape if needed. Because this is going on the fridge, I removed the cardboard stand from the back as well.

The back of my frame was inset a bit so I cut the cardboard stand and attached it to my magnets to give them some height.

Glue magnets on back of frame. Make sure you find strong magnets. I found this a bit challenging and ended up testing a whole bunch in the store.

Attach to fridge. With a dry erase marker, write your message.

Organize Your Pantry

2012-03-11T22:20:00.001-07:00

Yikes! This is my pantry cupboard, filled with miscellaneous bulk store bags. Don't judge because I have a feeling I'm not alone! With a quick trip to the dollar store though I managed to tame the beast. You will have to find basket/jar combinations that work best for your needs.

You'll need

- Several large jars with lids

- A few small jars for smaller items

- Low profile baskets or trays

- Dry erase maker

- Small scoops

- Self adhesive whiteboard paper, chalkboard paper or high gloss labels (optional)

- Large punch

* Whiteboard paper is optional because you can write directly on the jars*

First soak all the jars in hot soapy water to clean and remove and price tags or labels. Air dry completely.

Punch out shape from whiteboard paper.

Affix label to top or front of jar.

Place canning funnel in jar and fill.

Add a scooper is desired.

Label jar. Repeat.

Small jar for smaller items.

Once labelled and filled, place jar in baskets. Put basket in cupboard.

Tada! Pantry heaven!

Jars with lids = $15
Small jars = $4.74
Whiteboard paper = $8
White board makers = $1
Baskets = $4.50
Scoops = $5

Total = $38.24

Organization and finding what you need while you bake:
PRICELESS!

Cutting Fruit

2012-03-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd share a few simple tricks for cutting some common fruits. Some you may already know and some may be brand new tips.

Mango

Find which way the pit runs. The pit is flat and wide. Cut it on the flat side on either sides.

Then cut around the other sides until you have something that looks like this.

Make horizontal and vertical cuts, but do not cut the skin.

Flip it "inside out" and cut or remove each square by hand.

Cantaloupe

Cut in half and scrape out the middles with a spoon.

Set one half aside. Flip other half downward onto cutting board and cut into three segments; two ends and one middle. Cut the two ends into three. Cut the middle in two. Repeat with other half.

Stand up one segment on end. With a sharp knife, cut off the skin. Use your other hand on the back of the skin to hold the fruit steady. Repeat for each segment and cut into smaller pieces if desired.

Pineapple

This may not be the quickest way to slice a pineapple but it definitely wastes the least amount of fruit.

Twist off green top. Cut the skin off the top and bottom.

Slice the skin off as thinly as possible around the whole pineapple.

You'll be left with this sort of polka dotted pineapple. Find the natural diagonal direction of the "polka dots".

Cut wedges around each line of "dots"

I learned this in Thailand, they do a much better job!

Cut in four. You can remove the core if you like. Cuts into smaller pieces if desired.

Kiwi

I think most of us know this trick but thought I'd throw it in.

Cut each end off of the kiwi and cut in half.

Wedge a small spoon between the flesh and the fruit being careful not to break the skin. Using counter pressure with your other hand, slide the spoon around the whole kiwi until the skin comes off.

Puffed Wheat Squares

2012-03-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

These are a delicious treat that I think every kid remembers their mom, dad or grandma making at some point. I say treat because, although they are relatively low in fat and calories, the ingredients aren't that healthy but they are just as delicious as I remember!

Mix brown sugar, corn syrup and cocoa powder in large sauce pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until a low boil starts.

Add margarine and return to a boil.

Mixing constantly, let mixture boil vigorously for one minute (very important to do it for at least a minute, the more it boils the stickier it becomes).

Remove from heat and mix in puffed wheat. Mix until all puffed wheat are coated.

In a 9x13 nonstick pan, spread mixture. Cover with saran or wax paper (and a towel if too hot) and press puffed wheat very firmly into pan. Let sit until cool (about 20 minutes).

Flip onto cutting board.

Cut into desired size squares.

Puffed Wheat Squares

1 cup brown sugar (or 1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar - cuts down on calories!)

1/2 cup corn syrup

3 tbsp cocoa powder

1/3 cup margarine

9 cups puffed wheat

Simple Muesli

2012-03-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

Apparently muesli is a common breakfast in Europe and Australia but I actually got addicted to it while visiting Thailand. I had muesli with fruit and yogurt for breakfast for basically a month straight and still can't get enough of it so now I make it at home. Very simple to make too!

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss with a spoon or hands.

At this point, if you choose, place mixture in a 9x13 oven safe pan and toast for 15 to 20 minutes at 350F degrees, making sure to toss mixture ever 5 minutes or so to evenly toast and prevent burning.

But I just like to eat mine as is, untoasted. Raw oat flakes are surprisingly good! Store in a convenient container.

Serve on top of fruit and top with yogurt. Mmm breakfast, the reason I get out of bed!

Simple Muesli

5 cups large flake oats (rolled oats)

3 cups Special K, Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 dried cranberries

2 tbsp Chia seed (optional)

2 tbsp flax seed (optional)

1 tbsp cinnamon

* Feel free to add 1/4 cup of any nuts or seeds such as chopped almonds and pepitas or any other dried fruit*

Granola Bars

2012-02-28T13:40:00.001-08:00

One bowl, one pot, one pan is all it takes to makes these delicious granola bars. These might not be the lowest calorie granola bars out there but they are definitely packed full of healthy goodness and are a perfect alternative to store bought.

Preheat oven to 350F. In a food processor, blender or by hand crush peanuts and almonds.

In a large bowl, toss together crushed almonds and peanuts, oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, pepitas, coconut and cinnamon.

Spread mixture in a 9x13 pan.

Toast in oven for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes so mixture toast evenly. Let mixture cool.

Put mixture back in bowl and add cranberries, flax seed and chia seed. Toss.

Line the 9x13 pan with saran wrap or wax paper. Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, add brown sugar and honey. Bring to a boil on medium heat.

Add butter and return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.

Add honey mixture to oat mixture and stir quickly.

When oat mixture is almost completely coated in honey mixture, add chocolate chips and mix once or twice more.

Add entire mixture to prepared pan and it spread out.

Add another piece of saran or wax paper on top and firmly press the mixture into the pan evenly. If mixture is too hot, place a towel on top. Let cool for about one hour.

Once cooled, flip onto a cutting board and remove saran wrap or wax paper. Cut into desired sizes.

To individually wrap: Cut off a piece of saran wrap about 12 inches long. Place 3 bars on the top edge.

Take the edge of the saran and roll bars over. Add 3 more bars at the bottom and repeat.

Cut wrap width wise and length wise to separate each bar. Fold over lose ends.

Tada!

Homemade Granola Bars

3 cups oats

2/3 cup peanuts

2/3 cup almonds

3/4 cup wheat germ

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seed)

1/3 cup coconut

1 tbsp cinnamon

2 tbsp flax seed (optional)

2 tbsp chia seed (optional)

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/2 cup honey

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Cornflake Quiche

2012-01-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

Mmm, who doesn't love quiche? Unfortunately with the pastry crust, we can't afford to love it too much but by eliminating that it can be quite a healthy dinner or even breakfast dish. The one key ingredient to give it that "quichey" taste is a flavorful Swiss cheese.

Place cornflakes in a bag and crush with hands.

Lightly grease and 8x8 pan. Sprinkle about 2/3 of crushed cornflake evenly in pan.

Chop up broccoli and onion. Mushrooms and pepper would also be great in this dish. I also had some dill lying around so I added that.

Lay chopped vegetables on top of cornflakes. Add preferred precooked meat.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, flour, milk, dry mustard, salt and pepper.

Pour mixture over vegetables/cornflakes/meat.

Sprinkle cheese and remaining cornflakes on top.

Bake at 350F for 35-45 minutes or until center is cooked.

Cornflake Quiche

1 1/3 cups cornflakes

1/2 onion

1 small floret of broccoli

1 tbsp dill (optional)

1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)

1/2 bell pepper (optional)

2/3 cup precooked meat (ham, sausage etc.)

4 eggs

2/3 cup egg white

1 1/3 cup milk or unsweetened soy/nut milk

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp dry mustard

Pinch of salt and pepper

1 cup Swiss cheese

Thin Crust Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

2012-01-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is a super easy recipe with delicious results. This recipe is also great for the BBQ, just lay dough right on the grill, cooking 3 or so minutes each side and then topping with minimal, precooked toppings.

In a medium bowl, mix yeast flour and salt.

Add oil and applesauce. Mix.

Form a well and add warm water. Mix until dough starts to form.

Lay dough and floured surface and knead for about 3 minutes.

Place dough back in bowl, cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour (it won't rise a huge amount)

On a pizza stone, baking sheet or other surface, form dough into a sausage shape and begin gently stretching dough from all ends trying not to tear it.

Stretch until unable to stretch anymore. This will not be a perfect pizza shape as you can see.

Bake at 375F for 5 -8 minutes then switch oven to broil setting (maintaining same temperature) and broil for 2-3 minutes or until golden.

Top with favorite toppings and precooked meat. Bake at 375F for about 12 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. Enjoy!

Pizza Dough

1/3 cup white flour

2/3 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 tsp instant yeast

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp oil

2 tbsp applesauce

1/3 cup + 1 tbsp water

Ch-ch-ch-chia Pudding!

2012-01-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

This pudding is easier than instant pudding and much better for you. Chia seeds have many health benefits and are packed with Omega 3 fatty acid. The end product has a texture of tapioca and berry seeds.

Add chocolate milk to a bowl (see below for chocolate milk alternative recipe).

Add Chia seeds.

Mix well. The seeds tend to float so make sure they are all submerged in the milk.

Put in fridge for an hour or, mixing at least once.

Chia Pudding

1/2 cup almond, soy or regular chocolate milk

2 tbsp chia seed

No chocolate milk? No problem

1/2 cup almond, soy or regular milk

1 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tsp sugar or sugar substitute

2 tbsp chia seed

How To Video:

Crunchy Salmon and Dill Potatoes and Green Beans

2012-01-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

Crunchy Salmon

Lay foil on a baking sheet, add a large fillet of salon.

Cover and bake for 15- 20 minutes at 375F. (Until just about cooked)

Put cornflakes in a plastic and crush with hands.

Add nutritional yeast, egg white and mustard. Mix.

Remove salmon from over, spoon on mixture. Leave uncovered. Broil for 3-5 minutes (watch carefully!)

Crunchy Salmon

1 fillet of salmon

1 1/2 cups cornflakes

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

2 tbsp egg white

2 tbsp mustard

Dill Potatoes and Green Beans

In a double boiler, steam potatoes, green beans and dill.

Heat a frying pan, add garlic and margarine. Saute. Add potatoes and beans. Toss until slightly brown.

Dill Potatoes and Green Beans

15+ baby potatoes, halved

1 cup green beans, in thirds

3 tbsp fresh dill

1 tbsp margarine

Enjoy!

Everything Cookies

2012-01-07T11:34:00.001-08:00

Everything cookies aka hunter cookies aka deliciousness! I don't know what it is about these cookies but we are so addicted to them. I make a batch every few days and the fact that they have no butter and therefore are low in fat and have about 50 calories each, they are also guilt free! I rarely measure the ingredients when making this recipe so they always turn out just a bit different and over the years I have made several versions. Here's the latest version.

In a food processor add bananas, pumpkin puree, egg white, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, applesauce, brown sugar and sugar substitute.

Blend until pureed.

Transfer to a large bowl. Add flour and mix.

Add oats and rice krispies. Mix.

Using a grating blade or a cheese grater, grate apples.

Add carob chips, cranberries, apple and any other mix ins! Mix.

Drop onto cookie sheet. They can be put fairly close as they don't expand much. Bake at 350F for 15 -20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Everything Cookies

1 1/2 - 2 bananas

1/2 cup egg white

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup applesauce

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup sugar substitute

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups rolled oats
2 cups rice krispies

1 1/2 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup carob or chocolate chips

1/2 cup of any other mix ins*

Makes 70 small cookies.

*Mix ins suggestions: sunflower seeds, coconut, pepitas, chopped nuts, raisins or any other dry fruit.

Here is another variation on the cookies: