Make Your Own Almond Butter

Posted on September 29, 2011 by admin
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Make your own almond butter and save a tone of money!   I was online searching for raw almond butter yesterday and couldn’t bring myself to pay $15 for a 16 ounce jar.   I searched for a DIY recipe and found Raw Recipe:  Almond Butter by Rawmazing (now my favorite site for Raw Food Recipes!)

Finished product!The recipe is as easy as tossing 2 cups of raw whole almonds into a good sturdy food processor and processing it for 12 to 14 minutes.   You can then add salt, honey or sugar to taste if you like.

Here’s a slide show of the almonds being turned into butter:


Nutrition Facts Serving Size 0 Servings 2Tbs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 136 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12gg 18%
Saturated Fat 1gg 5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mgmg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 5.15gg 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars: ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

I’m sure the crowd will want to know why I’m remotely interested in eating raw.   Stay tuned for an explanation post coming soon :D elicious:

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Vintage Mushroom Rice

Posted on September 27, 2011 by admin
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My Grandma Harris used to make this amazing mushroom rice that was always creamy and buttery and very flavorful. What gave it all that amazing flavor? Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup!   So much for cooking from scratch – - and from someone who had a degree in Home Economics too. :) I carried this recipe on for her and it became the favorite at potluck dinners and family get-togethers but then… I developed a very strong sensitivity to the MSG that the canned soup contained. We had to resort to the new healthy version that was minus the MSG. Well, there went all the flavor.

As I continued to learn how to cook from scratch I discovered ways to bring out flavors without chemicals. Here’s Grandma Harris’s Mushroom Rice revamped.

Recipe: Mushroom Rice

Summary: Goes great in this old fashioned meal of pork chops and peas :)

Ingredients

  • 8 oz butter
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms
  • 3 gloves garlic chopped
  • 3 cups rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pan and saute onions until tender
  2. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds
  3. Add the mushrooms and saute until soft
  4. Add the rice and brown for 1 minute
  5. Add the broth and water, stirring until well mixed.
  6. Bring to a boil
  7. Lower the temperature to simmer and cover.
  8. cook covered for 20 minutes. Do not stir again until it’s done.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 0 Servings 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 208 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16gg 24%
Saturated Fat 10gg 50%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 40mgmg 13%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 13gg 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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Seth the Salad Maker

Posted on September 21, 2011 by admin
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Seth is my 19 year old who has been making unique salads since he was 12.   Last night he was feeling nostalgic and creative and put together this not-so-light salad.  He hasn’t lost his touch!   You really don’t even need dressing with this one :)

Recipe: September Salad

Summary: Not sure what else to call it

Ingredients

  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz can black olives drained and sliced
  • 1 cup pinto beans
  • handful of Tortilla chips crushed
  • small onion thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 8

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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Say Goodbye to Tasteless “Egg Mugs!”

Posted on September 21, 2011 by admin
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I have really struggled to like the diet recipes for eggs – especially the “egg mugs” by Hungry Girl.  Bleh!   Anything cooked with just egg whites is fairly tasteless as well.   Now that I’m trying to lose a few pounds so I can gain it all back during the Holidays, I thought I would give a light omelet recipe one more try.    This one is so good you won’t feel like you’re being cheated out of taste and nutrition!   Lots of flavor and very satisfying too!

Note:  I’ve added the youtube video of Julia Child making an omelet at the end of this post.  Don’t miss it!

Recipe: Goat Cheese and Herb Omelet

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs whites
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbs goat cheese
  • 1 Tbs skim milk
  • 1/4 tsp parsley
  • 1/4 tsp basil
  • 1/4 tsp mint
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Beat egg whites and egg until well blended
  2. Add a dash of salt and 1 tbs water to the eggs
  3. Mix goat cheese with skim milk and herbs until smooth.
  4. heat a non stick skillet sprayed with Pam or oil, lightly.
  5. Add egg mixture and cook until almost set.
  6. Add the goat cheese mixture – pouring down the center then spreading to one end.
  7. When omelet is almost completely set, fold it in half and continue to cook until fully cooked.
  8. Serve hot with extra herbs, salt and pepper.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 5 minute(s)

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 0 Servings 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 150 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8gg 12%
Saturated Fat 3.43gg 17%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 193mgmg 64%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 2gg 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)


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Melody’s Almond Milk Biscuits

Posted on September 20, 2011 by admin
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I have always chided my daughter, Melody, for not following a recipe.  But this time I have to say she’s managed a big hit!   These are the best biscuits I’ve ever had – - not low calorie mind you :)   but well worth an extra mile around the neighborhood for just one more.

Recipe: Baking Powder Biscuits

Summary: Almond milk really adds an interesting flavor to this recipe!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbs baking powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup almond milk

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder
  2. Work in the butter
  3. Add milk and stir until combined
  4. Turn out onto a floured surface and roll out dough to about 1/2″ thickness
  5. Cut out circles
  6. Bake at 450 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Serve piping hot

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 biscuit Servings 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories 250 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12gg 18%
Saturated Fat 7.43gg 37%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 31mgmg 10%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 30gg 10%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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Boiled Peanuts – A Traditional Snack of the South

Posted on September 19, 2011 by admin
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It is believed that boiled peanuts have been a southern tradition since at least the Civil War (1861-1865), when Union General William T. Sherman led his troops on their march through Georgia. As a result of General Sherman’s campaign in Georgia, the Confederacy was split in two and deprived of much needed supplies, especially bread and meat.  Peanuts became an important nutritional source.

We devoured a bowl full of boiled peanuts on Saturday.   I don’t know of anyone around here that doesn’t like them.   Here’s how I made them:

Recipe: Boiled Peanuts

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds green (raw) peanuts in shells
  • 4 quarts water – or enough to cover all peanuts
  • 1 cup salt

Instructions

  1. Wash unshelled peanuts with cold water.
  2. Soak for 30 minutes
  3. Cover the peanuts with water in a large heavy pot
  4. Add salt and stir
  5. Boil for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Begin to test peanuts for saltiness and texture
  7. Continue to cook until they are cooked to your satisfaction.
  8. Drain

Preparation time: 30 minute(s)

Cooking time: 3 hours

Boiled Peanuts can be frozen and canned.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 cup in shell edible yield Servings 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14gg 21%
Saturated Fat 2gg 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mgmg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 14gg 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

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Hot and Steamy Boiled Peanuts

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Make Your Own Soda – Honey Ginger Ale

Posted on September 13, 2011 by admin
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We recently purchased a SodaStream, a soda maker that carbonates water in a BPA-free, reusable one-liter bottle in less than 30 seconds, without electricity or batteries, and with no clean-up.  Now we can make our own soda with healthy syrups and save money while we’re at it.

Here’s a super healthy ginger ale made with honey!  The ginger can be replaced with just about any herb you like such as Peppermint, sassafras or sarsaparilla.

Recipe: Ginger Ale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh ginger minced
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Steep 1 cup of finely chopped ginger in 2 cups of water for 10 to 20 minutes.
  2. Strain
  3. Bring to a boil then add honey.
  4. Stir until completely dissolved.
  5. Cool Completely
  6. This makes 3 cups of syrup
  7. To make the ginger ale, add 1/4 cup syrup to 1 cup club soda or SodaStream carbonated water and mix.
  8. Add ice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1.25 cup Servings 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92 Calories from Fat 0.54
% Daily Value*
Total Fat .06gg 0%
Saturated Fat .02gg 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mgmg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 24.7gg 8%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)


My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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Cucumber Succatash

Posted on September 9, 2011 by admin
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Fresh spring and summer vegetables provide a very satisfying yet light side dish or healthy lunch.

Recipe: Cucumber Succatash

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lima beans
  • 2 cucumbers seeded and sliced
  • 2 tsp sunflower oil
  • 2 tbs red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (about 2 ears)
  • 2 tsp tarragon, fresh or 1 tsp dried

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over low heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until transparent – about 5 min.
  3. Raise the heat to medium and add the cucumber and lima beans.
  4. Cook until tender – about 5 minutes
  5. Add the corn
  6. Season with salt, pepper and tarragon.
  7. Cook an additional 2 minutes.
  8. Serve hot or cold.

Preparation time: 10 min

Cooking time: 10 min

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 cup Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 114 Calories from Fat 29.25
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.25gg 5%
Saturated Fat .42gg 2%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mgmg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.45gg 6%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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Sweet Heat Grilled Salmon

Posted on September 8, 2011 by admin
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The marinade for this salmon is slightly sweet but with the heat of a chili sauce of chopped chilies and whole seeds. Definitely the very best way to flavor salmon.

Recipe: Sweet Heat Grilled Salmon

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 – 3 lbs Salmon fillets
  • 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
  • 4 tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 4 tbs lemon juice
  • 4 tbs green onions, chopped
  • 1/3 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 2 tbs fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

  1. In a bowl combine all ingredients except Salmon.
  2. Pour over salmon
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours – the longer the better.
  4. Grill or broil 4 minutes on each side.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 5 oz Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 285 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19gg 29%
Saturated Fat 2gg 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 26mgmg 8%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 5.45gg 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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Butternut Squash Soup – - A Taste of Fall

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin
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This is a filling but light puree of squash and apples with just a small taste of fall spice.

Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 cups low fat chicken broth
  • 1 lb butternut squash peeled and cubed
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/8 tsp nutmet
  • Optional toppings: Shiitake Mushrooms, pine nuts or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large pot combine the broth, squash, onion and apple
  2. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat
  3. Uncover and reduce heat to low
  4. Simmer until quash is very tender, about 10 minutes
  5. Puree soup in pot using an immersion blender
  6. Season with salt, pepper an nutmeg
  7. Top with optional items and serve hot or cold.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 4.4 oz Servings 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories 33 Calories from Fat 4.68
% Daily Value*
Total Fat .52gg 0%
Saturated Fat .14gg 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mgmg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 5.45gg 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. wp-nutrition-label

My rating 5 stars:  ★★★★★ 1 review(s)

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