Treasury Tuesday: Savory Cooking Supplies

I would just love if all of these things appeared in my kitchen :) 

I would just love if all of these things appeared in my kitchen :) 

Vegan Garlic and "Cheese" Cauliflower Head

Need a new (easy) recipe for that head of cauliflower sitting in your fridge? 

Instead of cutting into florets, try steaming the whole head! It is SO much easier! Albeit, it does take a bit longer to cook, but then you just have extra time to play with your kids or get some extra housework done. Or, let's get real, watch TV ;)

Place the whole head of cauliflower in a pot with an inch to an inch and a half of water in the bottom. Cover it and simmer it over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes. 

After the time is up, check it by prodding it with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, then it is done. If not, let it cook for 5 more minutes and check it again. 

Cooking time really depends on the size of the head. 

After it's done cooking, stick a fork in each side to lift it out of the pot. Then set it on your serving plate. 

While it's still hot, sprinkle it with garlic salt and plenty of nutritional yeast. 

You can clean of the plate to serve it if you like, but I kind of like the sprinkles on the plate :)

Cut off a portion for each person, or just go ahead and DIG IN! 

Enjoy!

Need a new (easy) recipe for that head of cauliflower sitting in your fridge? 

Instead of cutting into florets, try steaming the whole head! It is SO much easier! Albeit, it does take a bit longer to cook, but then you just have extra time to play with your kids or get some extra housework done. Or, let's get real, watch TV ;)

Place the whole head of cauliflower in a pot with an inch to an inch and a half of water in the bottom. Cover it and simmer it over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes. 

After the time is up, check it by prodding it with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, then it is done. If not, let it cook for 5 more minutes and check it again. 

Cooking time really depends on the size of the head. 

After it's done cooking, stick a fork in each side to lift it out of the pot. Then set it on your serving plate. 

While it's still hot, sprinkle it with garlic salt and plenty of nutritional yeast. 

You can clean of the plate to serve it if you like, but I kind of like the sprinkles on the plate :)

Cut off a portion for each person, or just go ahead and DIG IN! 

Enjoy!

How Yoga and Dietary Choices Go Hand in Hand

As you start this weekend, I thought this video would encourage healthy eating and lots of activity :)

This yoga instructor, Kino MacGregor really explains how food and activity help increase your inner and outer peace and beauty. 

As you start this weekend, I thought this video would encourage healthy eating and lots of activity :)

This yoga instructor, Kino MacGregor really explains how food and activity help increase your inner and outer peace and beauty. 

Healthy Food Products

I have run across a few awesome healthy food products the last couple of months that I really wanted to share with my readers! If you try them out, let me know what you think!! :)

Avocado oil is a great oil for cooking. It is has a very high smoke point, which means it can withstand high cooking temperatures. It also has a very mild flavor so it goes well over salads too!

This is my FAVORITE new product!! I love coffee. It makes me feel warm and cozy :) This coconut creamer tastes nothing like coconut and allows me to have delicious coffee without the dairy creamers!

Another great oil for cooking! When heated, coconut oil does not change much at the molecular level so it retains much of it's nutritional value! Many oils, like canola, olive, and other vegetable oils, are not great for cooking because of this reason. It does have a coconut flavor to it though, remember that when adding it to recipes.

Just like it says on the label, this nut butter is made from RAW almonds. This is one of the best nut butters for that reason. Plus, this one has maple added. One word: DELICIOUS! You will not want to go back to regular old peanut butter!

If you're trying to ditch the dairy, but are finding it hard to give up yogurt, this may do the trick! SO Delicious has many great flavors, still has probiotics, and tastes almost exactly like dairy yogurt! Give it a try and substitute it in your favorite recipes.

Tamari tastes just like soy sauce, but is gluten-free so even those with celiac disease and allergies to wheat can enjoy it!

Most of these foods can be found in the health food section of large grocery stores. The only one I haven't been able to find again is the Avocado oil!! My husband and I ran across this gem at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

I have run across a few awesome healthy food products the last couple of months that I really wanted to share with my readers! If you try them out, let me know what you think!! :)

Avocado oil is a great oil for cooking. It is has a very high smoke point, which means it can withstand high cooking temperatures. It also has a very mild flavor so it goes well over salads too!

This is my FAVORITE new product!! I love coffee. It makes me feel warm and cozy :) This coconut creamer tastes nothing like coconut and allows me to have delicious coffee without the dairy creamers!

Another great oil for cooking! When heated, coconut oil does not change much at the molecular level so it retains much of it's nutritional value! Many oils, like canola, olive, and other vegetable oils, are not great for cooking because of this reason. It does have a coconut flavor to it though, remember that when adding it to recipes.

Just like it says on the label, this nut butter is made from RAW almonds. This is one of the best nut butters for that reason. Plus, this one has maple added. One word: DELICIOUS! You will not want to go back to regular old peanut butter!

If you're trying to ditch the dairy, but are finding it hard to give up yogurt, this may do the trick! SO Delicious has many great flavors, still has probiotics, and tastes almost exactly like dairy yogurt! Give it a try and substitute it in your favorite recipes.

Tamari tastes just like soy sauce, but is gluten-free so even those with celiac disease and allergies to wheat can enjoy it!

Most of these foods can be found in the health food section of large grocery stores. The only one I haven't been able to find again is the Avocado oil!! My husband and I ran across this gem at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Orange Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Oh my goodness. I just made the BEST smoothie ever!

Compare it to something that you would get at Orange Julius, only 10 times better because it doesn't have that weird powdered sugar taste to it AND it only contains 5 ingredients!

I do not have any pictures right now, but I just HAD to post the recipe anyways. IT'S THAT GOOD FOLKS!

Make it tomorrow,

or tonight!

All you need to blend is:

3/4 c. frozen or fresh pineapple
1 1/2 c. fresh spinach
2 oranges, peeled
1/2 c. water
2 bananas

Make sure it is blended well and, for fun, serve it with one of those pretty umbrellas :)

Oh my goodness. I just made the BEST smoothie ever!

Compare it to something that you would get at Orange Julius, only 10 times better because it doesn't have that weird powdered sugar taste to it AND it only contains 5 ingredients!

I do not have any pictures right now, but I just HAD to post the recipe anyways. IT'S THAT GOOD FOLKS!

Make it tomorrow,

or tonight!

All you need to blend is:

3/4 c. frozen or fresh pineapple
1 1/2 c. fresh spinach
2 oranges, peeled
1/2 c. water
2 bananas

Make sure it is blended well and, for fun, serve it with one of those pretty umbrellas :)

Fresh Smoothie Recipe!

I hope everyone's Sunday has been great so far! On this end, neither me nor my husband are feeling well. Unfortunately, we both have some type of head cold. Yuck.

We are working on getting rid of these with lots of rest and sleep, steam from the shower to break up the congestion and nasty stuff in our sinuses, and lots of fruit and veggies to get our body back on track! After all, the immune system doesn't work properly if it's not getting the right nutrients!

One of the best ways to get your fruit and veggies is a smoothie. Full of spinach and fruit, the smoothies we have been drinking are the quickest way to get our calcium, vitamin C, folic acid, and lots of other micronutrients! Even better? Baby seems to like them just as much as me! :)

So grab that blender and make one with me!

We have a Ninja, which we love because of the multiple blade action! There are 6 blades that are spaced halfway up the pitcher which means, no stirring!

Grab your veggies and fruit. I used spinach, cucumber, parsley (which I grabbed from my plant outside), bananas, an apple, strawberries, and blueberries. 

I hope everyone's Sunday has been great so far! On this end, neither me nor my husband are feeling well. Unfortunately, we both have some type of head cold. Yuck.

We are working on getting rid of these with lots of rest and sleep, steam from the shower to break up the congestion and nasty stuff in our sinuses, and lots of fruit and veggies to get our body back on track! After all, the immune system doesn't work properly if it's not getting the right nutrients!

One of the best ways to get your fruit and veggies is a smoothie. Full of spinach and fruit, the smoothies we have been drinking are the quickest way to get our calcium, vitamin C, folic acid, and lots of other micronutrients! Even better? Baby seems to like them just as much as me! :)

So grab that blender and make one with me!

We have a Ninja, which we love because of the multiple blade action! There are 6 blades that are spaced halfway up the pitcher which means, no stirring!

Grab your veggies and fruit. I used spinach, cucumber, parsley (which I grabbed from my plant outside), bananas, an apple, strawberries, and blueberries. 

Perfect Rainy Day Food

What could be better than chocolate chip cookies and a yummy coffee with almond milk and honey? 

It's the only way to pass the time on a rainy day ;)

What could be better than chocolate chip cookies and a yummy coffee with almond milk and honey? 

It's the only way to pass the time on a rainy day ;)

Bite-Sized Apple Pies

What screams summer more than apple pie?! That's right, Nothing! These are a perfect little summer treat as they are bite sized so you don't feel like you have to have a whole big piece. 

Yum.

Bonus: They are super easy.

These are the only two ingredients I used. Of course, you can substitute homemade pic crust and filling with just a tad more effort. 

What screams summer more than apple pie?! That's right, Nothing! These are a perfect little summer treat as they are bite sized so you don't feel like you have to have a whole big piece. 

Yum.

Bonus: They are super easy.

These are the only two ingredients I used. Of course, you can substitute homemade pic crust and filling with just a tad more effort. 

Simple Salad Recipe

I just made this salad for lunch. It is a super simple but absolutely delicious and satisfying one!

Doesn't it just LOOK amazing!?

It is romaine, spinach (feel free to substitute kale!), tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and sweet corn.

For a little extra flavor (not that it needs any) I squeezed a little lime over the top and sprinkled on some sea salt and pepper. It could definitely be made for a large crowd! AND since it doesn't get soggy, especially if you use the kale in place of spinach, it is perfect for a light lunch at work!

Enjoy your spring salads! :)

I just made this salad for lunch. It is a super simple but absolutely delicious and satisfying one!

Doesn't it just LOOK amazing!?

It is romaine, spinach (feel free to substitute kale!), tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and sweet corn.

For a little extra flavor (not that it needs any) I squeezed a little lime over the top and sprinkled on some sea salt and pepper. It could definitely be made for a large crowd! AND since it doesn't get soggy, especially if you use the kale in place of spinach, it is perfect for a light lunch at work!

Enjoy your spring salads! :)

Banana Bars with Melt-in-your-Mouth Frosting

A couple days ago, I had a craving for banana bars. Every recipe I found was full of sugar so I did a little adapting and came up with a great recipe for dense banana bars.

Start by blending your softened butter with a cup of applesauce.

I used natural applesauce so it was about 100 calories per cup. 

 

Next, mix in your sugar, vanilla, sour cream, baking soda, and baking powder.

Don't worry if it bubbles a bit, that's just the baking soda mixing with the fruit.

After that, mix in the egg and mashed bananas. 2 large ones, or 3 medium ones should be about right. 

Lastly, mix in your 2 cups of flour and spread evenly into a jellyroll pan.

Bake for 25 minutes and 350 degrees. When they're still warm cover with the frosting. 

Enjoy your delicious banana bars :)


Banana Bars

1/4 c. softened butter
1 c. applesauce
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 c. mashed banana
1/4 c. sour cream
2 c. flour

Preheat the oven to 350 and grease your 15x10 jellyroll pan. Blend softened butter and applesauce. Mix in the sugar, sour cream, vanilla, baking powder, soda, and salt, scraping down the sides. Next, blend the egg and bananas into the batter. Mix in the flour one cup at a time and pour the batter into the greased jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Melt-in-your-Mouth Frosting

1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tbsp. milk (almond milk works well too)
2 c. powdered sugar

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and leave on the burner until it turns to a nice brown color and starts to smell really nice. There will be little flecks of brown in it and that is the stage you should remove it from the burner and start mixing in the other ingredients. Whisk in the vanilla and milk. Whisk the sugar in cup by cup. Immediately pour the frosting on the bars and spread out evenly.

A couple days ago, I had a craving for banana bars. Every recipe I found was full of sugar so I did a little adapting and came up with a great recipe for dense banana bars.

Start by blending your softened butter with a cup of applesauce.

I used natural applesauce so it was about 100 calories per cup. 

 

Next, mix in your sugar, vanilla, sour cream, baking soda, and baking powder.

Don't worry if it bubbles a bit, that's just the baking soda mixing with the fruit.

After that, mix in the egg and mashed bananas. 2 large ones, or 3 medium ones should be about right. 

Lastly, mix in your 2 cups of flour and spread evenly into a jellyroll pan.

Bake for 25 minutes and 350 degrees. When they're still warm cover with the frosting. 

Enjoy your delicious banana bars :)


Banana Bars

1/4 c. softened butter
1 c. applesauce
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 c. mashed banana
1/4 c. sour cream
2 c. flour

Preheat the oven to 350 and grease your 15x10 jellyroll pan. Blend softened butter and applesauce. Mix in the sugar, sour cream, vanilla, baking powder, soda, and salt, scraping down the sides. Next, blend the egg and bananas into the batter. Mix in the flour one cup at a time and pour the batter into the greased jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Melt-in-your-Mouth Frosting

1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tbsp. milk (almond milk works well too)
2 c. powdered sugar

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and leave on the burner until it turns to a nice brown color and starts to smell really nice. There will be little flecks of brown in it and that is the stage you should remove it from the burner and start mixing in the other ingredients. Whisk in the vanilla and milk. Whisk the sugar in cup by cup. Immediately pour the frosting on the bars and spread out evenly.

Healthy Eating in 2013 - Post 2

A couple weeks ago I posted about eating healthier this year by adding new products into your kitchen. 

This second post is about products I like to substitute in cooking and preparing meals. 

The first two products are grains. I am sure you have heard of the new gluten-free products and diets that have come out in the last few years and maybe you've been wondering if these diets have any merit. 

A couple weeks ago I posted about eating healthier this year by adding new products into your kitchen. 

This second post is about products I like to substitute in cooking and preparing meals. 

The first two products are grains. I am sure you have heard of the new gluten-free products and diets that have come out in the last few years and maybe you've been wondering if these diets have any merit. 

Homemade Chili Recipe

So, after posting about all of those delicious looking soups I just had to make some for myself. What's better than a bowl full of piping hot chili on a chilly night??

Look at that steam....

So, after posting about all of those delicious looking soups I just had to make some for myself. What's better than a bowl full of piping hot chili on a chilly night??

Look at that steam....

Yummy Soups for Winter

Aren't soups just a cozy food for those chilly nights?

I have compiled a few that look especially good!



Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup



Cheddar and Ale Soup (or Beer Cheese) :)

Aren't soups just a cozy food for those chilly nights?

I have compiled a few that look especially good!



Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup



Cheddar and Ale Soup (or Beer Cheese) :)

Thanksgiving Recipes

The feast of Thanksgiving starts in TWO days! Who's excited?? (Pick me! I am!)

The feast of Thanksgiving starts in TWO days! Who's excited?? (Pick me! I am!)

Nutrition Cheat Sheets

Next week starts the beginning of the holidays! (and the notorious weight gain that comes with it)

This year I am determined not to gain any excess weight!

I know, I know, easier said than done, right?

But I've worked hard to get where I am and I won't let a couple slices of pumpkin pie tip that scale back the other way!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings...

Here are some nutrition cheat sheets to get you through the holidays. 

They may not come in handy at the actual get-together's, but they should help you keep your normal days in check.

This first one is for those cravings you might get through the holidays:

"Treat" Cheat sheet

Eat these foods if you're looking for improvement in a specific area:

(couldn't find the source for this!)

Because sometimes reading in grams doesn't help you visualize just how much sugar it actually is...

Amount of Sugar

Reasons why you should eat certain foods together:

Food Combinations

And lastly, don't forget that water!!

Hopefully that reminds all of us to think about what we are putting in our bodies!

Next week starts the beginning of the holidays! (and the notorious weight gain that comes with it)

This year I am determined not to gain any excess weight!

I know, I know, easier said than done, right?

But I've worked hard to get where I am and I won't let a couple slices of pumpkin pie tip that scale back the other way!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings...

Here are some nutrition cheat sheets to get you through the holidays. 

They may not come in handy at the actual get-together's, but they should help you keep your normal days in check.

This first one is for those cravings you might get through the holidays:

"Treat" Cheat sheet

Eat these foods if you're looking for improvement in a specific area:

(couldn't find the source for this!)

Because sometimes reading in grams doesn't help you visualize just how much sugar it actually is...

Amount of Sugar

Reasons why you should eat certain foods together:

Food Combinations

And lastly, don't forget that water!!

Hopefully that reminds all of us to think about what we are putting in our bodies!

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower

A couple weeks ago I pinned this recipe:

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower

We really don't eat a lot of cauliflower, neither my husband or I really like it, but I thought I would give it a try.

And let me tell you: it was FANTASTIC! Still a little crunchy and super tasty!

Of course, it's not chicken and can't be expected to taste like it, but it is a great substitute!

So here's how to do it:

Mix a batter of 2 tsp. Frank's Red Hot, 1/3 c. flour (I used Bobs Red Mill 21192 All Purpose Baking Flour Gluten Free (Google Affiliate Ad)), and 1/3 c. water.

A couple weeks ago I pinned this recipe:

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower

We really don't eat a lot of cauliflower, neither my husband or I really like it, but I thought I would give it a try.

And let me tell you: it was FANTASTIC! Still a little crunchy and super tasty!

Of course, it's not chicken and can't be expected to taste like it, but it is a great substitute!

So here's how to do it:

Mix a batter of 2 tsp. Frank's Red Hot, 1/3 c. flour (I used Bobs Red Mill 21192 All Purpose Baking Flour Gluten Free (Google Affiliate Ad)), and 1/3 c. water.

Spanish Vegan Meal

Tonight for dinner I made Spanish rice and refried bean dip with tortilla chips.

It was delicious.

I'll start with the easy part, the bean dip.

It may not look that good, but I promise you, you will not be able to stop eating it!!

Tonight for dinner I made Spanish rice and refried bean dip with tortilla chips.

It was delicious.

I'll start with the easy part, the bean dip.

It may not look that good, but I promise you, you will not be able to stop eating it!!

Apple Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Glaze

Delicious apple cupcakes just in time for fall!

Doesn't that look good??

Delicious apple cupcakes just in time for fall!

Doesn't that look good??

Scotcheroo Cookies

A twist on the normal scotcheroo bars, these cookies are perfectly portioned and great for a party.

I made these today as a birthday treat for my husband. :)

For those of you who've never made scotcheroos, they are super easy. 

Just mix one cup of sugar with one cup of corn syrup in a saucepan.

Heat that mixture over medium heat until it starts bubbling. Stir often.

In the meantime, unwrap some kisses...

A twist on the normal scotcheroo bars, these cookies are perfectly portioned and great for a party.

I made these today as a birthday treat for my husband. :)

For those of you who've never made scotcheroos, they are super easy. 

Just mix one cup of sugar with one cup of corn syrup in a saucepan.

Heat that mixture over medium heat until it starts bubbling. Stir often.

In the meantime, unwrap some kisses...

Bite-Sized Soft Pretzels

Today I'm going to show you how to make your own soft pretzel bites.

Yum!

This recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend or a football party! AND it will please almost everyone since it does not contain dairy or meat, oil, and you can control the salt content! Much healthier than those oily ones sold in food courts!

Today I'm going to show you how to make your own soft pretzel bites.

Yum!

This recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend or a football party! AND it will please almost everyone since it does not contain dairy or meat, oil, and you can control the salt content! Much healthier than those oily ones sold in food courts!