tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57649371553594099512023-11-15T23:18:47.729-08:00Healthy at TimesFinding Balance in Healthy and Fun Eating!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-29802962388757709502013-07-18T20:33:00.001-07:002013-07-18T20:33:30.240-07:00Chocolate Almond Protein BarsGet to the kitchen RIGHT NOW and make these amazing snack bars. They are very filling healthy snack, I even enjoy them as dessert. Lately I have been having one every afternoon for my snack! Let me know if you try them and what you think. I got this recipe from a friend who is very health concious. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kKX01QNeulXQciZy1eXSgwgitRmy4ZSJzmyuNo9O0VBtPu4ut4_UB6vQLqGIa1PXRVVZWaEk-lEqb59TwHpTaPlS18vfldB-7UNFivcK7hugMCbFCAydfCVhY8-ZmHhTou0rM_kpn0iN/s1600/20130714_212034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kKX01QNeulXQciZy1eXSgwgitRmy4ZSJzmyuNo9O0VBtPu4ut4_UB6vQLqGIa1PXRVVZWaEk-lEqb59TwHpTaPlS18vfldB-7UNFivcK7hugMCbFCAydfCVhY8-ZmHhTou0rM_kpn0iN/s320/20130714_212034.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yum, look at that layer of chocolate</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALWYWAKsiMqD8pF5gruFGC40R4MrFlA0oh7G9qyKHuJhW7uiRTy9YRENX0dcurtmPx5o594STccJErSDLLWIwEzNFDL8gJW6lkQBXhWTcGDNFdt__YdvCG0NXBza-lzbyvZm8qUsijW4O/s1600/20130714_212205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALWYWAKsiMqD8pF5gruFGC40R4MrFlA0oh7G9qyKHuJhW7uiRTy9YRENX0dcurtmPx5o594STccJErSDLLWIwEzNFDL8gJW6lkQBXhWTcGDNFdt__YdvCG0NXBza-lzbyvZm8qUsijW4O/s320/20130714_212205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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These are almost as good as peanut butter bars!</div>
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<b> </b></div>
<b>Chocolate Almond Protein Bars</b><br />
1 cup almond flour<br />
1 cup dry roasted almonds (I used unsalted)<br />
1/2 cup flax meal <br />
1/2 cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)<br />
3 scoops protein powder (I used 2 scoops chocolate, 1 scoop vanilla)<br />
1 small packet stevia<br />
2 T honey<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted slightly<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1-2 cups dark chocolate chips (for the top of the bars)<br />
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Place everything except the chocolate chips in food processor. Pulse until slightly ground (depends on how chunky you want the almonds). Press into an 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper. Place in refrigerator. Melt chocolate chips according to package directions (I did mine in the microwave because it is so fast). Pour chocolate over bars and put back in fridge about an hr. Cut into bars and store in fridge (if chocolate is too hard to cut let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes).<br />
Mine made about 10 bars. <br />
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Enjoy:)<br />
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-10224615494169765162013-04-24T15:03:00.000-07:002013-04-24T15:03:29.530-07:00Workout WednesdayHere it goes! I changed up my schedule this week because we are working near a different YMCA. I also plan to get a haircut Thursday so I won't get to go to Body Sculpting. Anyways here is the schedule for the week:<br />
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Monday: Body Pump<br />
Tuesday: Walk on the Trail for 40 minutes<br />
Wednesday: Cardio Circuit (found this on pinterest, looks like fun)<br />
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<img alt="Quick Core and Cardio Circuit" class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/550x/ea/39/14/ea39142047e67aa9bcaec4091dd02a39.jpg" style="height: 454px; width: 440px;" /> </div>
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Thursday: Walk on the Trail</div>
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Friday: Body Pump or Weight Lifting</div>
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Saturday: Walking on Trail</div>
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Sunday: Off or walk </div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-69382316527129151752013-04-23T17:20:00.000-07:002013-04-23T17:20:34.963-07:00What I Ate TuesdayI am so excited about a new breakfast recipe I really like. I have seen it on a couple blogs and have been wanting to try it for a while. It is hard for me to deviate from my normal breakfast smoothie, but I will be throwing this in the mix often! Cliff said, I have to admit I really liked it (he can be a little hesitant with my new healthy recipes)! On to my day of eating<br />
<a href="http://fitnessista.com/2010/08/serious-cereal/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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<i>Breakfast:</i></div>
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You stir the ingredients until they form crumbles<br />
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<a href="http://fitnessista.com/2010/08/serious-cereal/" target="_blank">Recipe: Cookie Dough Oatmeal</a></div>
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I used almond butter instead of sunflower butter. Topped it with bananas and mini chocolate chips. Poured whole milk over it-YUM</div>
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<i>Lunch:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUnBP29Pm1cNK4tc-o2A6RPGhlc1LF6bm8GG1eLUYfquTS8LIgCxlxzBtRrNc3LoG01y0iwHcZ-yBNs73YbXTwnXJNgZXxNvsNS02z1WHcDd4yfvqmb8eX82vxhaQqTuQbp2hL8x3YVt-/s1600/DSCN1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUnBP29Pm1cNK4tc-o2A6RPGhlc1LF6bm8GG1eLUYfquTS8LIgCxlxzBtRrNc3LoG01y0iwHcZ-yBNs73YbXTwnXJNgZXxNvsNS02z1WHcDd4yfvqmb8eX82vxhaQqTuQbp2hL8x3YVt-/s320/DSCN1458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Moroccan Inspried Quinoa Salad</div>
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I got this recipe from <a href="http://www.katheats.com/recipage?recipe_id=6041374" target="_blank">Kath Eats</a> and followed it exactly. Only thing I do different is add the spinach each time I serve it because I didn't want it to get soggy after sitting in the fridge combined. I love this for lunches, it is a great cold lunch.</div>
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<i>Snack:</i><br />
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<i> </i>Cara Cara Orange, which I had at lunch and a smoothie with trail mix in it for a snack<br />
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Dinner:</div>
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Leftover Chicken Burgers<br />
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Snack/Dessert:<br />
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Rice cake with peanut butter and nutella with mini chips, Plus a small glass of milk<br />
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I had a busy day. Work went good and I am exausted. Hope you all had a great day!</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-12976836002691912262013-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:002013-04-22T18:54:20.144-07:00Menu MondayThis day flew by. I am about to take a shower and go to bed early. I have some great meals planned for the week. I will actually start with Sunday<br />
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Sunday: <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2013/04/18/clubhouse-turkey-burgers/" target="_blank">BBQ Chicken Burgers</a> with <a href="http://Baked Zucchini Fries" target="_blank">Baked Zucchini Fries</a><br />
Monday: <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2013/02/potato-nachos.html" target="_blank">Steak Potato Nachos</a><br />
Tuesday: BBQ Chicken Burgers with Sauteed Squash<br />
Wednesday: Goat Meat Tacos with <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2012/01/weekend-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Homemade Refried Beans</a><br />
Thursday: Leftovers<br />
Friday: Free<br />
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I got the Burger Recipe from Iowa Girl Eats (very good burgers) and made the following modifications:<br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken instead of Turkey (what I had on hand) </li>
<li>Add 1 egg</li>
<li>Use less BBQ sauce (about 2 Tbsp)</li>
<li>Splash Worchestershire</li>
<li>Quick Oats instead of bread crumbs</li>
<li>3 strips of bacon instead of 6</li>
</ul>
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Even good without a bun!</div>
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We did them on our panani press because we weren't sure how good they would hold together on the grill. They were fine so next time we will probably make them on the grill. Also, I think it helps if you pat them out a few hrs ahead of time.</div>
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Our Steak Potato Nachos turned out good tonight. I did homemade red enchilada sauce.</div>
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<tr align="center"><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHfgEMh-Afcx2auIZDetd0aXCE9655Rqbg9Sj73TTvqF8UlUQ_sfrIKpC8fOXccV2_T4FYTU_fXF5LJ6JeVT2sy64PowlhXUPu9ygli2KlCUjhuGLc57Fp0-0KKIyry5kQ-iCg19ikivL/s1600/DSCN1455.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHfgEMh-Afcx2auIZDetd0aXCE9655Rqbg9Sj73TTvqF8UlUQ_sfrIKpC8fOXccV2_T4FYTU_fXF5LJ6JeVT2sy64PowlhXUPu9ygli2KlCUjhuGLc57Fp0-0KKIyry5kQ-iCg19ikivL/s320/DSCN1455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We went for a bi<span style="font-size: small;">ke ride Sunday after church. It was nice (it is alwa<span style="font-size: small;">ys <span style="font-size: small;">quite the task <span style="font-size: small;">loading out b<span style="font-size: small;">ikes up)</span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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Well, I think that is it for Menu Monday. Hope you get some good ideas from it and let me know if you have any questions. Have a great week, see you tomorrow for What I Ate Tuesday, I have a new breakfast recipe coming.</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-87381180233638655952013-04-18T17:09:00.000-07:002013-04-18T17:09:32.183-07:00Encouragement ThursdayFrom time to time I struggle with anxiety. This week out of nowhere, I got anxiety, about nothing in particular. Sometimes when I get this anxiety, I am scared that God is not with me or something is wrong with me to make me feel like this. Today I was reading my Jesus Calling Devotional and it spoke directly to this anxiety. Hope it encourages you like it did me. Here is a little piece of the devotional. Click <a href="http://comingaliveinchrist.blogspot.com/2012/04/jesus-calling-april-18.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you would like to see the whole thing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>April 18 Jesus Calling</b></div>
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Just as the Isrealites could not store up manna for the future but had to gather it daily, so it is with My Peace. The day-by-day collecting of manna kept My people aware of their dependence on Me. Similarly, I give you sufficient Peace for the present, when you come to me <i>by prayer and petition with thanksgiving</i>. If I gave you my permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall into the trap of self-sufficincy. May that never be!....<i>Approach My throne of grace with bold confidence</i>, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart. </div>
<br />
Thank you Jesus for this encouraging word to me today. <br />
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<br /></div>
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Scripture reference: </div>
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<b><i>Exodus 16:14-20</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Philippians 4:6-7, 19</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hebrews 4:16</i></b></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-58286334906816780112013-04-17T19:14:00.000-07:002013-04-17T19:14:09.490-07:00Workout WednesdayI am not sure how I am going to approach Workout Wednesday. I think I will start by writing my workout plans for the week. Over time I also plan to write about different go-to workouts that I enjoy. There are so many great workout plans out there. I typically do the same routine each week. It varies depending on when I get off work. Here is what it is looking like for me this week.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday:</b> 50 minute walk on trail<br />
<b>Tuesday:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Biggest-Loser-Workout-Weight/dp/B001GP5TLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weight Loss Yoga</a> (I am not trying to lose weight but that is what the Biggest Loser Yoga DVD is called and I really like it)<br />
<b>Wednesday:</b> Body Combat at the YMCA or walk on the trail<br />
<b>Thursday:</b> Body Sculpting at YMCA (strength training class)<br />
<b>Friday</b>: Walk hopefully (may not have time)<br />
<b>Saturday:</b> Walk<br />
<b>Sunday:</b> Walk<br />
<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-14622424048530063132013-04-16T20:06:00.001-07:002013-04-16T20:06:53.325-07:00What I Ate TuesdayAre you ready for my exciting day of eats?<br />
<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast:</span></i></div>
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Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Oats</div>
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(1/2 cup plain greek
yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 3 ice cubes, 1/2 frozen banana, 3 or 4 frozen
strawberries, sprinkle cinnamon and blend. Add 1/3 cup uncooked oats at
the end, stir up and enjoy. The longer it sits the better the oats
taste)</div>
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Green Tea to go with it</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lunch:</i></span></div>
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This is at lunch after I had added in my spinach, tomato and cheese</div>
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This is the night before</div>
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Quinoa Salad from Breanna (she uses pasta but I use quinoa, both are awesome)</div>
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It turned out really good and the recipe follows</div>
<br />
<i>Snack:</i><br />
Strawberries and 1/2 of a mango (sorry no pic, I ate it on the run)<br />
Baby Carrots dipped in peanut butter (also no pic)<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dinner:</i></span></div>
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Had a little corn tortilla with butter and jelly on the side</div>
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This is the tricky part, I had to flip this, then add toppings</div>
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Sauteed cauliflower, bell pepper and sausage</div>
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Add cheese and fold over. Then I put my corn tortilla in the skillet</div>
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Omlete</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(2 eggs, ground sausage, cauliflower, bell pepper and cheese)</div>
<br />
<i>Snack: </i> Mixed nuts with dark chocolate chips (walnuts, dry roasted peanuts, slivered almonds, tiny amount of dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips. <br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quinoa Salad</b><br />
1 cup dry quinoa, cooked according to directions (makes 3 cups cooked)<br />
1/2 package halved pepperonis<br />
1/2 bell pepper, diced (you could use olives instead, that is how Breanna makes it)<br />
3/4 cup Italian dressing<br />
Cherry tomatoes<br />
1/2 pound mozzarella, cubed<br />
Drizzle olive oil<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients together and refrigerate. Serve over spinach. I made a few modifications to this for my lunch because I didn't have enough pepperoni (so I just used less) and I only had a roma tomato and shredded mozzerella so I decided to add them each time I eat it.<br />
I added the cheese, fresh cut tomato and spinach at lunch when I ate it. DelishLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-79970699709413003372013-04-15T19:35:00.001-07:002013-04-16T19:50:12.994-07:00Menu MondayHappy Monday! I was at a Women't Retreat with our church all weekend. It was a very good experience. I did not have time to prep food this weekend so I am doing this menu on the fly, trying to use up all my groceries. Tonight I made a yeast free Mexican Pizza. The crust was super easy and I would definately make it again. I want to try it with normal pizza toppings (but I needed to use up my refried beans). Anyways, here is the menu for the week:<br />
Monday: Mexican Pizza<br />
Tuesday: Omelets with Sausage, bell pepper, cauliflower (weird but good) and cheese<br />
Wednesday: Sausage, Beans and Rice<br />
Thursday: Leftovers<br />
Friday: Dinner with Kourt and Keith<br />
Saturday: Open<br />
Sunday: Steak Potato Nachos<br />
<br />
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Before baking</div>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKoWqS25o1jb1aYTEthu81uxSt_St-jNJl6l90SIsp_qtUn7kmhiVG7IemtqWh_DfhlMPMitvA1y_kOufyVElTqsyH0k_tPGHiUzL311a5sVTaFfKmEt2mUAHiiTzONRyam93Zdd6OHwO/s1600/DSCN1430.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKoWqS25o1jb1aYTEthu81uxSt_St-jNJl6l90SIsp_qtUn7kmhiVG7IemtqWh_DfhlMPMitvA1y_kOufyVElTqsyH0k_tPGHiUzL311a5sVTaFfKmEt2mUAHiiTzONRyam93Zdd6OHwO/s320/DSCN1430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Topped with re<span style="font-size: small;">fried beans, bell pepper and spinach</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After it is baked</div>
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With a little creamy salsa-yum!</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Mexican Pizza</b><br />
Yeast Free Crust for 1:<br />
1/4 cup oat flour<br />
3 Tbsp. almond meal<br />
1 Tbsp. rice flour <br />
1/4 tsp. garlic salt<br />
1/4 tsp. italian seasoning<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp. olive oil, plus a little on pan<br />
Toppings:<br />
1/2 cup refried beans (I added cumin and chili powder to mine)<br />
1/4 to 1/3 cup cheese<br />
bell pepper<br />
spinach<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 (I used toaster oven). Line your pan with with nonstick foil and a little oil. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and then spread onto your pan and shape into a circle. It will be a little sticky, you can just put some rice flour on your fingers. Bake for 10 minutes. When it comes out of the oven top with refried beans, cheese, bell peppers and spinach (feel free to vary your toppings). Bake for 15 more minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble. Enjoy.<br />
I dipped mine in yogurt salsa (greek yogurt mixed with salsa, it is like sour cream salsa)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Jeremeiah 29: 13-14a</i></b></div>
<br />
Hope you are all off to a great week. See you tomorrow for What I Ate Tuesday.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-62241349831667574612013-04-12T10:15:00.000-07:002013-04-12T10:15:29.076-07:00Blog StructureAs you may know, I have not blogged consistenly in a long time. I really miss it but have found it difficult to get back in the groove because I don't know where to start. After some thought I think structure would motivate me to blog more often!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Menu Monday</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">What I Ate Tuesday</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Workout Wednesday</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Encouragement Thursday</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Free Friday </span></b></span></div>
I plan to have a least one new recipe a week, as well as workouts, Scripture, Faux Finishing and what I typically eat in a day. It should be a fun change. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. In going with the theme of Free Friday, how bout some pictures from our Small Group Camping Trip. Enjoy.<br />
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Me and my Hubby</div>
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Our fearless leader Kyle</div>
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He made it</div>
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We did some intense hiking</div>
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Less intense sleeping, yes that is an air mattress and it took up our whole tent.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim and Aaron on our hike</span></td></tr>
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HILARIOUS</div>
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Good food</div>
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Amber, Shaun and Gig'em</div>
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Drinking coffee-coffee is always better when you are camping</div>
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Didn't mean to take this but thought the tree looked cool.</div>
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Have a great weekend everyone! </div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-42021866184830097532013-04-11T20:46:00.000-07:002013-04-11T20:46:00.308-07:00Where to StartLet me just say I have a lot of pictures in my camera because I have not blogged in a long time. I have still been cooking and trying lots of new recipes. Since my last post my eating habits have changed a lot. I have been trying to figure out what foods cause my stomach problems (also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It has been a rough road but I am starting to feel a lot better. After a lot of reading and a consultation with an alternative medicine clinic, I have come to the conclusion that yeast is my problem (too much yeast in the gut creates a lot of digestive distress. This creates a MAJOR change in my typical way of eating. I have found this <a href="http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/guidelinesforfollowingayeastfreediet.pdf" target="_blank">link</a> very helpful in knowing how to reduce yeast in my diet. I have been eating yeasty foods many times a day for a long time, so it makes sense that my stomach was in pain 80% of the time. These changes have kept me plenty busy in the kitchen trying to find new recipes. Thankfully, there are a lot of great blogs and recipes out there that make this adjustment a little easier. Hopefully my blog can help people in the same situation. What better time to write about a great breakfast option for someone avoiding yeast. I think I shall call it Hearty Yeast Free English Muffin. The recipe I found is for a <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2012/11/microwavable-english-muffin.html" target="_blank">single serve microwave english muffin</a>, but I like to double it and bake it in my toaster oven (I also changed it quite a bit because I didn't want as much almond meal in mine). The results were good and I have made them 2 times in the last week.<br />
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This morning I had an egg and cheese sandwich. I made sausage egg and cheese over the weekend and it was even better.</div>
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<b>Hearty Yeast Free English Muffin (for 2)</b></div>
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3 T. almond meal</div>
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3 T. oat flour</div>
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2 T. rice flour</div>
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3 T. flax</div>
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1 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 T. butter, melted</div>
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2 large eggs</div>
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Spray 2 ramekins with non-stick spray and preheat your toaster oven to 350 (or oven or you you can microwave). In a bowl mix your dry ingredients. Add your eggs and butter and stir until combined. Scoop into ramekins (it is pretty thick batter) and bake for 15-20 minutes. If you want to microwave it, it should take about 60-90 according to recipe. Use a knife to loosen the muffin from the edges and let cool. While that is cooking feel free to fry and egg or some breakfast meat make your breakfast sandwich. I'm sure it would be good toasted with peanut butter and bananas or jelly. </div>
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*My ramekens are about 3 inchs. This morning I used my 4 in. glass pyrex storage container and I liked the size of it better. Either is fine. Also, I'm sure you could play around with the flours and flax as long as you keep the dry measurements the same. </div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-58913612137085168682013-03-08T17:26:00.001-08:002013-03-08T17:26:16.094-08:00Lazy DinnerThis is what you make when you have had a tiring workweek and you are having a night in on Friday-TGIF!!!! Cliff had already eaten at a work party so I decided to make a simple, but delicious bean quesidilla. It was mighty tasty.<br />
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A little oil in the skillet</div>
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Refried beans and cheese inside the tortilla, melted to perfection</div>
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A little sour cream salsa (just add a little sour cream to salsa) to dip. Heat till both sides look brown and toasty. I cooked mine over medium heat</div>
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<span id="goog_1577533784"></span><span id="goog_1577533785"></span>Dessert!</div>
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Happy Friday Everyone</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-67740784915814586092013-03-07T18:46:00.000-08:002013-03-07T18:46:53.836-08:00Busy In The KitchenI have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately. It takes a lot of time to prep for lunches and dinners each week-AND keep it clean with all the cooking. Here is an example my prepping in the kitchen (I try to do most of my prepping Sunday evenings for the work week, it really helps:)<br />
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Washed apples, ready to make applesauce, crock-pot baked potatoes, steamed mixed veggies, the broth ready to make pinto beans.</div>
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Though it creates a big mess, it is so nice to get most of my stuff ready before the work week starts. I like to make my menu and then wash and prep my veggies, thaw my meat and make snacks/desserts/breads. I think it is a lot of fun. Anyways, on to posting a delicious recipe. I know it is a little late in the game to be posting apple recipes, but there are a lot of good apples at the store right now, so take advantage of it. After Christmas, we had so many Red Delicious apples from gift baskets and such. I don't really like the texture of Red Delicious so I decided to make applesauce with them (because they have good flavor). Homemade applesauce is very simple to make, it just takes a while to peel and chop the apples. </div>
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After you peel and chop your apples, just put them in a pot on medium heat with 1/2 to 1 cup of apple juice or apple cider and cinnamon. Let them cook down for about 30 minutes. I used an emersion blender to make it smooth, you could use a normal blender, leave it chunky, or cut the apples smaller and let them cook longer.</div>
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I like to eat it warm! It is good with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream...or just plain!</div>
<br />
<b>Simple Homemade Applesauce</b><br />
3 lbs Red Delicious apples (could use any variety)<br />
1 cup apple juice or cider<br />
1 tsp cinnamon (could vary depending on preference)<br />
<br />
Wash, peel and chop your apples. In a large saucepan heat apples, juice and cinnamon over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Blend or leave chunky. Enjoy<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-70357151701614313712013-02-28T16:38:00.003-08:002013-02-28T16:38:45.864-08:00Roasted Red Pepper HummusI am totally hooked on Hummus. I have been having it every day in my lunches for work (because I have to take cold lunches). I am not sick of it yet. It can get kind of pricy to buy at the store so I figured it was high time I learn to make it myself! I finally gave in and bought tahini (ground sesame seeds found in peanut butter isle) and I am glad I did. I am loving the homemade version even more than the store bought. It is a lot cheaper to make your own. If you like hummus, you need to try this recipe.<br />
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I love it with crackers and veggies.</div>
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<b>Roasted Red Pepper Hummus</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 tablespoons juice from 1 to 2 lemons<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
1/3 cup tahini, stirred well<br />
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling<br />
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or use 3/4 cup dried chickpeas, cooked ahead of time and drained)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 of a red bell pepper chopped, and skilleted until soft and browned<br />
1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1/2 teaspoon)<br />
1/2 teaspoon table salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin<br />
Pinch cayenne<br />
</div>
DIRECTIONS:<br />Combine lemon juice and water in small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk
together tahini and 2 tablespoons oil in second small bowl or measuring
cup. <br />
Process chickpeas, bell pepper, garlic, salt, cumin, and cayenne in food processor
until almost fully ground, about 15 seconds. Scrape down bowl with
rubber spatula. With machine running, add lemon juice-water mixture in
steady stream through feed tube. Scrape down bowl and continue to
process for 1 minute. With machine running, add oil-tahini mixture in
steady stream through feed tube; continue to process until hummus is
smooth and creamy, about 15 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed.<br />
*This stays good for about 5 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy on sandwiches or in wraps, take to a party with pita chips. For my lunches I take cut up veggies (celery, carrots, baby tomatos, bell peppers) and crackers. It is awesome to get my veggies servings in at lunchtime:) Enjoy <br />
Modified slightly from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/12/classic-hummus-three-ways-sugar-rush-reinvented-2.html" target="_blank">Mels Kitchen Cafe</a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-69271159904337092112013-02-27T19:40:00.000-08:002013-02-27T19:40:20.717-08:00Spinach Artichoke Dip PizzaPizza is one of our favorite foods. We have been really inventive with pizza lately: bbq chicken pizza, breakfast pizza, spinach artichoke dip pizza. The Spinach Artichoke Pizza is not all that healthy, but I made a few changes to help us out a little. I got the idea online and used a recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip from my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. It was a very fast weeknight meal for us. I used a store bought dough (had one left over from our breakfast pizza, the pack comes with two). All I did was make the dip, top the crust, then added some cheese and chicken. I really liked it!<br />
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YUM</div>
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Spinach Artichoke Dip</div>
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Layer dip, extra spinach, mozz cheese and shredded chicken</div>
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Dinner was done in 30 minutes flat!</div>
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<b>Spinach Artichoke Dip Pizza</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Dip:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup greek yogurt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup mayo (I like the olive oil mayo, might also be good with cream cheese here)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dash white pepper (or normal pepper)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 can (14-oz) drained artichoke hearts, coasly chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup spinach, coasly chopped (will use a little more next time)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. dried onion flakes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>For Pizza:</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 pizza crust, 12in (pre-made or homemade)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup mozzarella cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup shredded chicken (more or less) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Italian seasoning over the top</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pre-heat oven to 400. Top pizza crust with Dip (use all of it, it is the perfect amount). Top with cheese and shredded chicken (I also put a little extra spinach, but next time I will just put the spinach right in the dip). Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble. Cut into 6 slices. Enjoy</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dip recipe modified from: <a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/29217/baked-artichoke-spinach-dip.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens</a></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-38012831566249842722013-02-27T03:57:00.000-08:002013-02-27T03:57:46.019-08:00Tomato Soup and SaladI am so excited to tell you I have an excellent Tomato Soup recipe now. I always figured tomato soup was too difficult to make homemade (tried it once and it wasn't great). I came across this simple recipe in my Taste of Homes Magazine. I made it for friends and we really enjoyed it. It tastes great leftover too. It is really cheap to make, I don't know if I can go back to the canned tomato soup after having this recipe!<br />
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Cozy Sunday evening meal</div>
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It is good with a little dried basil on top</div>
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I made and awesome salad: spinach, grilled chicken, bell peppers, carmelized onions, tomatoes, croutons, and avocado. Drizzle with BBQ Ranch and you are set!</div>
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<b>Best Tomato Soup (Serves 6-7)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="recipeCookingIns"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationOuter" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;"><span class="duration" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationFormat" style="display: block; text-indent: -1000px;"><span class="value-title" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationISO" title="PT30M"></span>
</span>
</span>
<span class="clearfloat"></span>
</span>
</span></div>
<span class="recipeDetails"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ingredient"></span></span></span><i><span class="name">2 cans (14.5 ounces <i>each</i>) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained </span></i><br />
<i><span class="name"></span></i><span class="amount">3 Tbsp. <i>tomato paste</i> </span><br />
<span class="amount">1/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">butter</span></i><span class="amount"> </span><br />
<span class="amount">1/2 cup </span><i><span class="name">finely chopped onion</span></i><i><span class="name"> </span></i><br />
<i><span class="name">2 garlic cloves, minced</span></i><span class="amount"> </span><br />
<span class="amount">1/3 cup </span><i><span class="name">all-purpose flour</span></i><span class="amount"> </span><br />
<span class="amount">1 carton </span><i><span class="name">(48 ounces) chicken broth</span></i><i><span class="name"> </span></i><br />
<span class="name">1/2-1 cup <i>milk </i>(if you want it a little creamy)</span><i><span class="name"> </span></i><br />
<br />
Place tomatoes with juices in a blender; cover and
process until pureed. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high
heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute
longer.<br />
Remove from the heat; stir in flour until
smooth. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth. Add pureed
tomatoes; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to blend. If
desired, sprinkle with cheese.<b> Yield: </b>2 quarts.<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="instructions"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="instructions"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slightly modi<span style="font-size: small;">f<span style="font-size: small;">ed f</span></span></span>rom </span></span></span><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/SiteSearch/FacetSearchResults.aspx?search=simple%20tomato%20soup&st=2&vw=1&page=1&rs=10&sort=0&searchSource=hdrbox-Recipes" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Taste of H</span>omes Magazine</a> (have to have account to see recipe, but can create one easily).<br />
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="instructions">*There are a lot of cool topping ideas with this recipe: popcorn, tater tots, baked tortillas, gold fish, grilled cheese, pretzels, pasta, pepperonis, cheese slices...they had it as a kid-friendly recipe and the kids could have add-ins for their soup, I thought it was cute. I served mine with toasted sandwiches and cheesy tortillas (when we had company). </span></span><br />
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="instructions"></span></span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-59529081282499470402013-02-25T18:36:00.002-08:002013-02-25T18:36:17.946-08:00Weekend EatsI have not had the chance to make a relaxing Saturday morning breakfast in a long time. I made the most of my opportunity this Saturday and cooked one of Cliffs favorites (and mine too!). Breakfast Pizza. We haven't had it in so long it was like a new recipe. I made some gravy the night before, look below for simple recipe. Other than that I cooked it all up Saturday morning. I also discovered a new way to have orange juice. Sometimes I feel like orange juice is a little bitter, so I blended orange juice with frozen peaches and strawberries. It looked super fancy and tasted great. If you are looking for a good weekend breakfast, you need to give this a try!<br />
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Breakfast pizza for two with strawberry peach orange juice</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VTVSQYbtlkz6sdJCmW1f_7Nf6_IYCyQwXblt9IWnOuFULTAhWNokcQmXiCqIyeOQRX9cgWcobVMGINm3DTB9Y2Sb_LEYJ5DpOUt5nRCm0vbeg4eMHc3hAsHra8RBrY8DPr3zgPVhKBu6/s1600/DSCN1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VTVSQYbtlkz6sdJCmW1f_7Nf6_IYCyQwXblt9IWnOuFULTAhWNokcQmXiCqIyeOQRX9cgWcobVMGINm3DTB9Y2Sb_LEYJ5DpOUt5nRCm0vbeg4eMHc3hAsHra8RBrY8DPr3zgPVhKBu6/s320/DSCN1316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Frothy and sweet</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Wk31oQcl2NwH4su-up7ff22-hvndaoN4lCyKgA5gfkwR2abmneianCTre8gNR6zBKDEI8CtZpLLrEu1xviCdhwaJ6yXpoIJpZoH5RkrQdUlbKdctK0qyNDzskqeUmiN_bxmaMh0P8Sl/s1600/DSCN1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Wk31oQcl2NwH4su-up7ff22-hvndaoN4lCyKgA5gfkwR2abmneianCTre8gNR6zBKDEI8CtZpLLrEu1xviCdhwaJ6yXpoIJpZoH5RkrQdUlbKdctK0qyNDzskqeUmiN_bxmaMh0P8Sl/s320/DSCN1318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have made this <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2012/02/pizza-pizza-happy-lauren.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">before</a>, but I simplified the recipe a little and it tasted awesome, so I will put my simplified version below.</div>
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<b>Simplified Breakfast Pizza</b></div>
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Prepared store bought pizza dough (I used Mama Mary's whole wheat-my new go to for this recipe)</div>
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1/2 pound breakfast sausage (I just cooked 1 pound and saved the other half for omelets this week)</div>
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Bell Pepper strips, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a bell pepper, optional could use more or less)</div>
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Butter, just a little fore the pan before cooking the eggs </div>
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6 eggs</div>
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splash milk for eggs</div>
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Seasonings for eggs: salt, pepper, cayenne </div>
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1 cup gravy (made ahead of time, see recipe below)</div>
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1 cup cheese (I used mexican style)</div>
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Preheat oven to 400. Cook your breakfast sausage like you would cook ground hamburger meat, over medium heat. After it is fully cooked remove it from the pan and add your bell pepper (if there is a lot of grease you can drain some, but I did not have a lot of extra grease). When bell peppers are browned and soft add a little butter to the pan (about half a tablespoon). Beat eggs and milk with seasonings and add to the pan. Stir often, and break up clumps so they are easy to put on your pizza. Take off the heat while they are a little moist (almost done). </div>
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Prepare your pizza: Top your crust with gravy, like you would pizza sauce. Layer sausage on top of gravy, then eggs, then cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Serve with Strawberry Peach Orange Juice.</div>
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<b>Simple Gravy</b></div>
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1 Tbsp. Butter</div>
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1 Tbsp. Flour</div>
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1 cup milk</div>
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Seasonings: salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Make sure milk is measured out in measuring cup, set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat melt butter. Add flour and stir until mixed, keep stirring for about 30 seconds. Gradually wisk in milk (pour slowly but constantly). Continue to wisk until flour starts to dissolve. Bring to a boil, stirring frequenly and turn down heat. Stir occasionally until it starts to thicken (usually about 5 minutes could be a little more). My Mom taught me how to make this gravy and I use the recipe all the time. </div>
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*This is also a great base for mac and cheese, all you have to do is add cheese to your gravy and you have an awesome mac and cheese sauce.</div>
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<b>Strawberry Peach Orange Juice</b></div>
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2 cups orange juice</div>
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5 frozen strawberries</div>
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3 frozen peach slices</div>
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Blend until frothy.</div>
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Hope you had a Happy Monday. I was dragging all day, but it was still a good day!</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-19965470077953435652013-02-11T19:09:00.000-08:002013-02-11T19:09:34.686-08:00Slow Cooker Pork CarnitasMy Aunt Kathy makes very delicious Pork Carnitas. Meat usually isn't my favorite thing at food gatherings (I'm more of a sides and dessert kind of girl), but when she makes these pork carnitas, it is my favorite thing. This is her recipe for cooking the pork. She takes the pork from this recipe and stores it in ziplocks until she is ready to use it. When she is ready to use it, she puts pico de gallo in a skillet until it starts to warm, then adds the pork meat until it starts to brown a little. It is so so good. You can make tacos, tostadas, nachos, potato nachos, use your imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJKsuKzcEBCQ-Jnz46PeSj2VcRAKXbNk0ZiiqFTKU-vnvd0dbObQshoaehvLAzvGf5VDT7-yyWEAQf4ouOdpBESA_TsbsBIOlyTN2Y0hNP8YPbcq_uZISyy5R5J13I9mRStaEIeD5S0O8/s1600/DSCN1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJKsuKzcEBCQ-Jnz46PeSj2VcRAKXbNk0ZiiqFTKU-vnvd0dbObQshoaehvLAzvGf5VDT7-yyWEAQf4ouOdpBESA_TsbsBIOlyTN2Y0hNP8YPbcq_uZISyy5R5J13I9mRStaEIeD5S0O8/s320/DSCN1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I prepped this the night before so I just had to put it on the warmer in the morning</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9TfiMWdfbq2WMUMl6cHl09zttQO_7Oue6Sgo-8KVBwjZuqNx60YExc7PhrXb8r3dxd-EaUq68uokVJyMzT6dn1CFV6tmxPU2SWol2nUuE2-tj5cG7xJ7UgoZ3uXjHk4sIHHHd-5iILTW/s1600/DSCN1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9TfiMWdfbq2WMUMl6cHl09zttQO_7Oue6Sgo-8KVBwjZuqNx60YExc7PhrXb8r3dxd-EaUq68uokVJyMzT6dn1CFV6tmxPU2SWol2nUuE2-tj5cG7xJ7UgoZ3uXjHk4sIHHHd-5iILTW/s320/DSCN1220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what it looks like when you get it shredded</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8NY4ihez_UeZpUD4tL07qKOZPL_Mm82SSeaik5Pi-WcRMvyj2Bb1djnbvd6jT39kahbgU2KSom0UvUhUVzgnxFk97s08HWSJRexJCA4L_ovjfTkK_OO7W_8HfO5PSfcyBtdzpcXpE0UU/s1600/DSCN1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8NY4ihez_UeZpUD4tL07qKOZPL_Mm82SSeaik5Pi-WcRMvyj2Bb1djnbvd6jT39kahbgU2KSom0UvUhUVzgnxFk97s08HWSJRexJCA4L_ovjfTkK_OO7W_8HfO5PSfcyBtdzpcXpE0UU/s320/DSCN1221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We made yummy tacos with it and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxtyZSajwa64DMw0AcX4EUcb6d-KsFTP9NQTM8-4sh3rinBv72v6NadWbb2mkjlM1SbHMgr3vpJUg9xvSmwKZNg5d-9za8uDA8t_u20BWOmxcJk31Wy4p22bcqJ_xrq_TjTaTod3Jt81c/s1600/DSCN1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxtyZSajwa64DMw0AcX4EUcb6d-KsFTP9NQTM8-4sh3rinBv72v6NadWbb2mkjlM1SbHMgr3vpJUg9xvSmwKZNg5d-9za8uDA8t_u20BWOmxcJk31Wy4p22bcqJ_xrq_TjTaTod3Jt81c/s320/DSCN1226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Potato nachos..our favorite!</div>
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<b>Pork Carnitas</b><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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4 pound boneless pork butt, fat trimmed and cut into 2 inch cubes<br />
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1 ½ teaspoon salt<br />
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¾ teaspoon pepper<br />
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1 teaspoon ground cumin<br />
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1 onion, peeled and halved<br />
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2 bay leaves<br />
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1 teaspoon dried oregano<br />
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2 tablespoon fresh lime juice<br />
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2 cups water<br />
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1 medium orange, juiced and keep the spent halves<br />
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Preparation:<br />
Place all the ingredients in a crock-pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Cook until the meat falls apart when prodded. Remove oranges and shred pork using two forks. Cool completely and divide into ziplocks bags for future use. <br />
You can eat the pork just like this or if you want to try something really yummy, heat a skillet over high heat. Add a little oil to the skillet and some pico de gallo (really your preference but probably 1/4-1/2 cup). Let that cook for about a minute or two and then add your pork and cook until it starts to brown (I like to put a little garlic salt on it too). Enjoy<br />
*Note, I doubled this and made a 9 pound pork butt. It made a lot, we had 4 freezer bags and one container that we ate on for the week. I recommend using the smaller pork unless you have a lot of freezer room. Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-54124862521938699592013-02-08T20:37:00.001-08:002013-02-08T20:37:59.098-08:00Crock-Pot Peanut ClustersNeed a Valentine Day dessert? These would be great to take to work or make for your sweetheart. As you know I love peanut clusters! I keep them in my fridge at all times and they are often my go-to dessert. <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2011/11/who-wants-car-trouble.html" target="_blank">This recipe</a> is my favorite, but there is a small downside: they need to be refrigerated or they get soft. When I was making my Christmas plates this year I wanted to include peanut clusters so I decided to try my Mom's recipe for Crock-pot peanut clusters (I have only tried them once because she started making them after I had already left home). They turned out amazing...pretty dang close to my favorite recipe and they can be kept at room temp. You can make them in your crock-pot (takes about 3 hrs) and it makes a very large amount, perfect to take to a big gathering or give away as treats. You have to try them. I gave them away on Christmas plates, but they were so good I had to keep a stash for myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl9A8peFJ0bYRP8khtBWiFOz0WdjbMLqNatiG-yrk_nkB-5IcGtguGyobD_KQ57ZqCJNebuVNQDnrlIQ8J_5T3jltAtQQJFeBhs9apxytC6M2qqe7R2topZbSLkpvKWmravSDeO4dKFj2/s1600/DSCN1155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl9A8peFJ0bYRP8khtBWiFOz0WdjbMLqNatiG-yrk_nkB-5IcGtguGyobD_KQ57ZqCJNebuVNQDnrlIQ8J_5T3jltAtQQJFeBhs9apxytC6M2qqe7R2topZbSLkpvKWmravSDeO4dKFj2/s320/DSCN1155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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YUM!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3ZfEHJTlCxhpiJhHCfUBmvHWxqyF0RdkxCHT02M_rwbHVRaohyphenhyphenmBdIpTra1Zn-DmkdRuOw58krG80p3OddsWhrmTcHiUTB_CDBmhGfE92JSTRLBWRANyQ9ZtERw9djMeRJg9DrBxrEKG/s1600/DSCN1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3ZfEHJTlCxhpiJhHCfUBmvHWxqyF0RdkxCHT02M_rwbHVRaohyphenhyphenmBdIpTra1Zn-DmkdRuOw58krG80p3OddsWhrmTcHiUTB_CDBmhGfE92JSTRLBWRANyQ9ZtERw9djMeRJg9DrBxrEKG/s320/DSCN1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are a lot of different chocolates that go in here</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqUUqH_0RdDAGueK42wcvEgP4bt6soHX7HSk2lpt3Wdrcusx2TYBJ4wm5GhK920LZLPAZJpudSqMfpEldVsXvoGpjlnBrGzvfpe91qdol6AZjTGWXC3vV6oTc5fAd5gjiwleTT64FPEWh/s1600/DSCN1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqUUqH_0RdDAGueK42wcvEgP4bt6soHX7HSk2lpt3Wdrcusx2TYBJ4wm5GhK920LZLPAZJpudSqMfpEldVsXvoGpjlnBrGzvfpe91qdol6AZjTGWXC3vV6oTc5fAd5gjiwleTT64FPEWh/s320/DSCN1145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crock-pot on low for 3 hours</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2UO_RpfyHgoC9sxSiADPKZrjSNZZtdyufJIprzcvOcNd1loHQSReHnTsuIKHOJybFC2sY_1Kof2M7wZF9jRD5Yi-lsDuedJDOKp17bldEumgDQai7vLqbuqQ5oGc9ztwZaRLMruj9Xo5/s1600/DSCN1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2UO_RpfyHgoC9sxSiADPKZrjSNZZtdyufJIprzcvOcNd1loHQSReHnTsuIKHOJybFC2sY_1Kof2M7wZF9jRD5Yi-lsDuedJDOKp17bldEumgDQai7vLqbuqQ5oGc9ztwZaRLMruj9Xo5/s320/DSCN1146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When it looks like this, stir it up and drop onto parchment or into cupcake liners</div>
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<b>Crock-Pot Peanut Clusters</b></div>
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32oz dry-roasted peanuts-I used 2 jars (16oz each)</div>
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1 package white chocolate bark</div>
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1/2 package milk chocolate bark</div>
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1 1/2 bags of dark chocolate chips</div>
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1 bar German chocolate baking chocolate</div>
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Pour peanuts into the bottom of a large crock-pot. Top with all of the chocolate broken up as seen above. Turn on low heat for 2-3 hours, keep an eye on it because you don't want it to burn. When it looks melted (as seen above), turn off crock-pot and stir well. Drop into muffin liners until set and then enjoy! I love this recipe because it makes a lot.<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-24976120238231248932013-02-07T18:06:00.001-08:002013-03-07T18:57:26.961-08:00Favorite Healthy Cookie RecipeI am always a little nervous to try new healthy dessert recipes because I have had some major fails!! My friend Kim showed me this recipe and I tried the ones she made-I really liked them. It is always nice if you get to try the recipe before hand. Thanks to Kim I have a great new dessert/snack/breakfast cookie recipe. I say breakfast, but mostly I will eat these for snack and dessert. I am a dessert person (I'm talking every night I want something sweet), so these are a great because they don't have any added sugar (only natural sugar from coconut and bananas)! You have got to try them, see my note at the bottom for my official report!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME3hi2CISLkI-n8CRW-VybhnSrW5g_chKrZqW9ntpJrMZoI6S19nFrAenNy8EvIg5zbiFHLMvpTHJx3h8oPL59IKIKYJADH-kpYqEsg164WsEMj5gB9ExAcNBYolJLFnqU0yIB-68LANP/s1600/DSCN1245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME3hi2CISLkI-n8CRW-VybhnSrW5g_chKrZqW9ntpJrMZoI6S19nFrAenNy8EvIg5zbiFHLMvpTHJx3h8oPL59IKIKYJADH-kpYqEsg164WsEMj5gB9ExAcNBYolJLFnqU0yIB-68LANP/s320/DSCN1245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My new go-to dessert</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQKwa8_XJhhwKtFC4B6L8kELuaSdgjmz4tWw-INlhsoIOi0ckPlove_JRyKgjuBq-Mwp5ctAgDYYbvr7dext8I_Vl-EUsUniz3fPN5UVxAxQyXbxPrhoXqJBHUb9_Rdgk_9kxIzYK0-o6/s1600/DSCN1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQKwa8_XJhhwKtFC4B6L8kELuaSdgjmz4tWw-INlhsoIOi0ckPlove_JRyKgjuBq-Mwp5ctAgDYYbvr7dext8I_Vl-EUsUniz3fPN5UVxAxQyXbxPrhoXqJBHUb9_Rdgk_9kxIzYK0-o6/s320/DSCN1244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are so yummy with peanut butter on top (I'm sure you aren't surprised)</div>
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They created a small disaster</div>
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Wet ingredients</div>
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Dry ingredients</div>
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Place dough on cookie sheet (make sure you make them the shape/size you want them because they don't change while they are baking)</div>
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Bake 12-14 minutes and enjoy!</div>
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<b>Favorite Healthy Cookies</b></div>
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3 large ripe bananas, mashed</div>
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1 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1/4 cup coconut oil</div>
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2 cups rolled oats (I used 1/2 cup old fashioned, 1/2 cup quick, 1/2 cup Coaches Oats, 1/2 cup oat flour-totally optional they are good either way)</div>
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2/3 cup almond meal</div>
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1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (I did a heaping 1/3 cup)</div>
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1 tsp. cinnamon </div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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1 tsp. baking powder</div>
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Chocolate chips or dried cranberries, I divided my batter and did 1/2 cup choc. chips in one and 1/2 cup cranberries in the other</div>
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Peanut butter or almond butter for topping (optional!)</div>
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Preheat oven to 350. Mix your mashed bananas, vanilla and coconut oil in a bowl (you may need to slightly melt your coconut oil if it is really hard, mine was fine to stir in without heating). In a separate bowl mix the rest of the ingredients except the chocolate chips and cranberries. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Divide your batter in half and mix chocolate chips in one half and cranberries in the other half. Drop by big spoonfuls (I used my large cookie scoop) onto a pan lined with parchment or non-stick foil. Flatten your dough balls into the shape you want them to be becuase they won't change shape while baking. Bake for 12-14 minutes. It is kind of hard to tell when they are done. I did mine for 14 minutes and the tops felt like they were set so I took them out. </div>
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*This makes 20 nice sized cookies, store in fridge</div>
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<i>Note: I had these for dessert the first day I baked them (chocolate chip is my favorite). Today I took one for a snack (cranberry is best for a snack) with peanut butter and it was just the right amount of filling. I also had one for dessert tonight and it was great. Keep in mind they are healthy, so don't expect them to taste like a normal buttery, sugary cookie. They are more like a cookie colliding with a granola bar! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do:)</i></div>
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-29013823917726858842013-02-06T19:36:00.002-08:002013-02-06T19:36:36.386-08:00Potato NachosI am totally hooked on Potato Nachos! We discovered them at our favorite <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-weekend-fun-started-last-night-when.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mexican restaraunt</a> (which is why it is our favorite). The other day I made pulled pork in the crock-pot (coming soon) and used some of it to make potato nachos. We both looked at each other and decided that was the best way to eat pulled pork. You could make the nachos with any meat really, but you have to try them.<br />
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Thinly sliced potatoes topped with your favorite meat and cheese</div>
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We served ours with guacamole and enchilada sauce (mild from can)</div>
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First you thinly slice potatoes, toss them in oil and bake (about 30 min total)</div>
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When potaotes are done, top with your favorite meat and cheese</div>
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Bake until cheese melts</div>
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I heated enchilada sauce on the stove to drizzle over our nachos (great flavor)</div>
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<b>Potato Nachos</b></div>
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3 small or 2 large potatoes, washed</div>
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1-2 Tbsp. Olive Oil</div>
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Tony's, paprika (just a little), garlic salt </div>
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cooked meat of your choice (chicken or steak would be really good)</div>
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1 cup shredded cheese or more if you'de like</div>
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1/2 can enchilada sauce (just the normal small can)</div>
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Guacamole or avacado to top</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 400. Thinly slice potatoes (I used my food processor because it cuts them evenly). Try to slice them as even as possible so they cook evenly. Place potatoes in large bowl or large ziplock and toss with olive oil and seasonings. Place on a large cookie sheet lined with non-stick foil or parchment. Bake for 20 minutes, flip the potatoes and bake for 10 more minutes. Top with your meat and cheese and bake for 5-10 minutes longer (until cheese is melted). Heat enchilada sauce on the stove. Plate your nachos and drizzle with sauce. Serve with guacamole. Enjoy</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-44564084444043016422013-02-04T06:47:00.000-08:002013-02-06T19:36:55.357-08:00Super BowlMy friend informed me yesterday the Super Bowl is the 2nd biggest eating day of the year, following Thanksgiving of course! I believe it, the grocery stores are packed and the meat and queso sales are thru the roof. So, what are your favorite things to have for the Super Bowl? I don't know that I have a favorite, but I do like to have some good food and hang out with good friends, which we did yesterday! Our small group got together and had burgers, dips, fruit and dessert. I never thought I would say this but I brought a fruit salad to our Super Bowl party. We have a pretty healthy group of friends and we already had burgers, dip and dessert on the menu, so I decided to bring a fruit salad that I have been making a lot lately. I am hooked on it. It is great for gatherings or to have on hand during the week for lunches. You have to try it!<br />
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It is very simple and delicious (like that burger? It was super good)</div>
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Mix some of your favorite fruits together, and stir in orange juice concentrate!</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Awesome Fruit Salad (from Sandra)</b></div>
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1 pound grapes, cleaned and taken off stem</div>
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1 apple of choice, diced</div>
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1 can mandrin oranges, drained and rinsed (you could also use fresh oranges)</div>
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2 large bananas ***Only use these if you plan to eat the fruit salad that day, because they turn to mush overnight</div>
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1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate</div>
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Combine all your fruits together and then gently stir in orange juice concentrate. The orange juice keeps the fruit fresh and gives it a nice flavor. Cut in bananas before serving. **If you use bananas, they only stay good about a day. I had a little of this fruit salad leftover and I removed all the bananas so the rest would stay fresh longer. Without the bananas this fruit salad will stay good 4-5 days. Enjoy:)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>1 John 1:9</b></i></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-62972113162584814782013-01-02T19:23:00.001-08:002013-01-02T19:23:31.240-08:00Happy New Year Black Eyed PeasYep we have always done black eyed peas on new years day. We would choke them down as my Mom would be saying we had to a least have a couple. It wasn't until about 4 years ago that my Mom started making a really delicious soup with them. Last year I discovered a very <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2012/08/cozy-food.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yummy way</a> to have black eyed peas, so I have come to the conclusion they can be very delicious if you cook them the right way. Even though I love the soup version, a <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/12/29/tex-mex-black-eyed-pea-casserole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new recipe</a> caught my eye this year. I made it almost exactly the same and we really liked it.<br />
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Tex Mex Black-Eyed Peas</div>
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Rice, topped with cheese</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Topped with black eyed peas, rotel, spinach and bacon.</div>
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More cheese and bake!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I topped mine with avocado, sour cream and salsa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just so you know, when I had seconds, I didn't top it with anything and I liked it better without stuff added to it.</div>
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The only thing I changed in <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/12/29/tex-mex-black-eyed-pea-casserole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> recipe:</div>
<ul>
<li>I layered the rice intead of mixing it all together</li>
<li>I used frozen spinach (about 2 cups) instead of fresh </li>
<li>I put the cheese on top to begin with and baked at 375 for about 10 minutes</li>
</ul>
ENJOY!! Also, Cliff said he would like to try it sometime with black beans and chicken instead of black-eyed peas and bacon! I think that is a good idea:) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="text Isa-52-12" id="en-NIV-18709">But you will not leave in haste</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-52-12">or go in flight;</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-52-12">for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will go before you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-52-12">the God of Israel will be your rear guard.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-52-12">Isaiah 52:12</span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-52-12">I feel like this is how God is wanting me to approach the new year! </span></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-25297033701016346332012-12-24T11:09:00.000-08:002012-12-24T11:09:02.405-08:00Cherry FluffRemember that cherry fluff I talked about at Thanksgiving? Well, here it is. This is a tradition with our family, we have it at any holiday gathering. I love to eat it with ham (sweet and salty) or just by itself! It is so fluffy and delicious. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbJMHZ0hpBSGsY8ClnNu4GimkokmibDys8b6J5V1_ObXaLwo2bZj_mwqJsXKl3k1Br_32SHgvY-d28DLhCuukDTMOiiJNMl8k-c2TpbaDM9X8vNXlCGfZUdJpYjCnH-IOQP1kz6ho_Px_/s1600/DSCN1076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbJMHZ0hpBSGsY8ClnNu4GimkokmibDys8b6J5V1_ObXaLwo2bZj_mwqJsXKl3k1Br_32SHgvY-d28DLhCuukDTMOiiJNMl8k-c2TpbaDM9X8vNXlCGfZUdJpYjCnH-IOQP1kz6ho_Px_/s320/DSCN1076.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The li<span style="font-size: small;">ght<span style="font-size: small;">ing isn't great i<span style="font-size: small;">n this picture, so it doesn't <span style="font-size: small;">do it justice!</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvKp5aA2LWGm0tcRYxwQv66RXm8dP39duHuJw5bV0Eu5rKcM2spjxUE7vjNfQYusPIsaq2uIhbwBPgmdcz9kd7xkhn7RZUD8Fi-WcDVLX03vNMDx-wA951gTjXvtxcneIKOn-1GTVm_Dx/s1600/DSCN1072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvKp5aA2LWGm0tcRYxwQv66RXm8dP39duHuJw5bV0Eu5rKcM2spjxUE7vjNfQYusPIsaq2uIhbwBPgmdcz9kd7xkhn7RZUD8Fi-WcDVLX03vNMDx-wA951gTjXvtxcneIKOn-1GTVm_Dx/s320/DSCN1072.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cream together cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-IJADEBoACXmg1VlTzCGqktN2aFYpDXkYAcSuwo9qe2x80QcKuZNS5fik83YWzg0uvL4I9vWYqS54G8foIMuGzW1FMmwQvZEbeVD5BrlEqWqLHjs-pC2mvcnWG-kVDOtc-J5XLVT2JpO/s1600/DSCN1073.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-IJADEBoACXmg1VlTzCGqktN2aFYpDXkYAcSuwo9qe2x80QcKuZNS5fik83YWzg0uvL4I9vWYqS54G8foIMuGzW1FMmwQvZEbeVD5BrlEqWqLHjs-pC2mvcnWG-kVDOtc-J5XLVT2JpO/s320/DSCN1073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add cherry pie filling, crushed <span style="font-size: small;">pineapple<span style="font-size: small;"></span>, and nuts. Stir and add whipped cream and marshmallows!</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-e_YwwdFxrapQqGhFqncy0fA73WFg6UynlFnYIOjGzV5T-MPILEmACEbtcVpJDvkUAzXeqi1TJSVq8tBOIgKi5wAaD0c_R_eGSAvBwuLRIc76H6eFp2-HI2jH9fDiseMLadv5ot4und5/s1600/DSCN1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-e_YwwdFxrapQqGhFqncy0fA73WFg6UynlFnYIOjGzV5T-MPILEmACEbtcVpJDvkUAzXeqi1TJSVq8tBOIgKi5wAaD0c_R_eGSAvBwuLRIc76H6eFp2-HI2jH9fDiseMLadv5ot4und5/s320/DSCN1074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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YUM, dreamy fluffy goodness</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Grandma's Cherry Fluff</b></div>
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1 block cream cheese (8oz), softened to room temp</div>
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1 can sweetened condensed milk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can cherry pie filling</div>
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1 large can crushed pineapple, drained very well</div>
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2/3 cup chopped nuts</div>
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1 small tub cool whip</div>
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1 cup marshmallows</div>
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<br /></div>
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Cream together cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with beaters. Stir in cherry pie filling, nuts and pineapple until well combined. Fold in cool whip and marshmallows. <strike>Eat immediately to make sure it takes right </strike>Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours. I usually make it the day before to make things easier. Enjoy!!!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Merry Christmas Everyone!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">God bless you all and I wish you the best.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-29108149703448111092012-12-13T19:55:00.000-08:002012-12-13T19:55:58.397-08:00Black Bean Potato Burritos-Baked!These are so delicious. In New Mexico, Allsup's is everywhere. It is a gas station, and they have these wonderful little things we like to call "gut granades." I guess if you want the real name it is a chimichanga. A fried burrito that is really good, but not good for you! I used my <a href="http://healthyattimes.blogspot.com/2012/01/weekend-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Vegetarian Refried</a> bean recipe (cut in half) to make black beans. When they were done cooking, I added some skillet potatoes. Then you fill giant tortillas, rub a little olive oil on them, and bake them.<br />
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And toppings to follow</div>
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This was how I had mine</div>
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These sound so good right now, I guess I need to make them again very soon! It looks like the instructions are complicated, but it is pretty simple. If you wanted to make it easier, you could use 2 cans of black beans and drain some of the juice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Black Bean Potato Burritos-Baked</b></div>
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Beans (modified from my Vegetarian Refried Bean recipe)<b> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1 T olive oil<br />
1/2 a medium yellow onion, diced<br />
2 cloves of garlic, minced</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1
jalapeno, diced</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1 cup of dry pinto beans (mine was closer to 2 cups)</div>
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Water or broth (start with 2 cups and may need to add more) </div>
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S + P + garlic powder or fajita seasoning to taste</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
Heat olive oil in med to large pot over med-low heat. Add onion to oil
and let cook. Sort pinto beans (no rotten looking beans or rocks).
Rinse beans well, and set aside. Turn up heat to med and add jalapeno
and garlic and stir. After about 2 minutes (be careful not to burn
garlic), add beans and about 2 cups water. Bring to a boil and then
lower heat to simmer for about 3 hours with lid on. I made sure there
was about 1 inch of water over my beans at all times so keep an eye on
them, stir occasionally, and add water as needed. When beans are done, get your potatoes ready.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Potatoes</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
2 med-large baked potatoes, washed and pierced</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1-2 Tbsp olive oil</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
Microwave your potatoes with a wet paper towel wrapped around each. Start with 3 minutes, flip them and do 3 more minutes. You want them to be a little firm, but tender. Let them cool and then cut into small cubes. Heat your oil over med-high heat. Put your potatoes in the oil, season to taste and cook until browned. Preheat your oven to 450 to get ready for assembly.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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ASSEMBLE!!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
6 Large tortillas</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
Beans and potatoes from above.<br />
Shredded cheese </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
Lightly oil a large cookie sheet. Assemble burritos (tortilla, mix, top with cheese and roll, folding both ends in). Place on cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray or rub on olive oil. Bake 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy. Enjoy with your favorite toppings. We had avocado, pico de gallo and sour cream with ours. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Makes about 6 servings<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend everyone! </div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5764937155359409951.post-9995508275414263882012-12-10T15:33:00.000-08:002012-12-10T15:33:03.626-08:00Stuffed Sweet PotatoesI went to find this recipe on my blog the other day and realized I didn't post it. I made these a long time ago when my Mom was staying with me and we loved them. She told me I need to post it so she has the recipe. I also need to post it so I don't forget how I made them:) Hope you enjoy them as much as we did. Extra bonus: it is meatless! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Make your veggie mixture and stuff those suckers!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Top with cheese and enjoy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Stuffed Sweet Potatoes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 med-large sweet potatoes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tsp. olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped (could use less depending on your onion preference)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup each of broccoli and cauliflower (I used 2 cups of the frozen mixture)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup cottage cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup shredded cheddar, plus a little extra </div>
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Salt, pepper and Tony's creole seasoning to taste</div>
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Preheat oven to 400. Pierce clean sweet potatoes all over. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 50 minutes or until tender (flip over halfway through). </div>
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When you have about 20 minutes of bake time left, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; saute 4 minutes. Add broccoli and cauliflower and seasonings; saute 2 minutes. Reduce heat a little and add 1 Tbsp. water to the skillet. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, until your veggies are tender. Remove from heat and stir in cottage cheese and half your shredded cheese. Split your potatoes; spoon vegetable mixture into potatoes. Top with remaining cheese. Enjoy! I ate the whole potato, it was delicious and filling.</div>
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Happy Monday everyone. Hope you had a good one. </div>
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<i><b>May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>2 Thessalonians 3:16</b></i></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05206830674927396774noreply@blogger.com0