Veggie Quesadilla Super Simple Super Tasty

I love quesadillas! 
I have tried so many different combos Chicken Club, Bbq Chicken , cheese and green onion, steak, shredded pork, and don't laugh I have even made a hot dog one.  It was pretty good so don't knock it till you try it. 
Last week while perusing one of my go to recipe sites I stumbled across a recipe for Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas and thought hay I've never had just a veggie one and this one looks like a good start.  When I looked at the original recipe I thought that maybe just a little plain and I may just have to give it a little bit more omph. Of course we were out of corn so I could not get to making it right away. 
Yesterday was grocery day and corn was on the top of the list.    When I walked over to the freezer section sitting right next to the bag of corn I wanted was Birds Eye " The Ultimate Southwest Blend" with sweet corn, black beans, mild poblano chilies, red pepper and roasted onions. BINGO! and It was on sale no less! It was a sign not only was this mix going to help jazz it up but it was going to be super simple.
When lunch rolled around today I was really excited to whip one up.  It was so good warm and melty with a crisp tortilla, a tiny bit sweet form the corn, the poblanos added a touch of smokiness not really much heat, the onion and red pepper played together well and the black beans rounded it out to make it filling. 
I truly guessed at the proper measurements because I love to stuff mine until the filling starts to fall out if you think your could use a little bit more or if you have larger tortillas add as much more and you would like


Veggie Quesadilla

2 flour tortillas, soft taco size roughly 6 to 6.5 inches
2 TBL shredded cheddar cheese divided
2 TBL shredded Monterrey Jack cheese divided
1/4 c Ultimate Southwest Blend veggie mix
salsa and sour cream and guacamole to serve with.

1.Place the veggie mix in a small microwaveable dish and warm on high 45 sec to 1 min until defrosted. 
2. Heat a dry pan over med high heat
3. lie first tortilla down sprinkle with 1tbl each cheddar and Monterrey jack,with in an 1/2 in of the edges so there is not much over melt. next even distribute the veggies on top of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the veggies and lay the other tortilla on top of it all. 
4. using a spatula carefully lift the side to peak at the underside checking to see if it is light brown.  3-5 min depending on your heat source.
5 once the first side is done slide the spatula as far under as you can go and quickly flip the whole thing over. *
6. Heat on the other side 3-5 min until light brown.  This side may go quicker so check sooner than the previous side.
7 remove from pan to cutting board cut in half turn and cut in half again making 4 triangles.
8. serve warm with favorite toppings.


If you are defiantly achen for some bacon or any meat try with diced or shredded cooked chicken.

Also note I did not use any oil or butter in my pan to crisp up the tortilla a dry pan works great and I saved you 20 calories your welcome ;)

*If you are not sure you can do it with out loosing the filling try placing your finger in the middle of the top tortilla and pulling away quickly before dropping it in.  If that is still to scary try sliding the whole quesadilla out of the pan on to a plate then turn the pan over the plate and flip the plate upside down.

Homemade Coffee Creamer

A couple weeks ago my best friend and her family were over for dinner.  I had asked her about her success with her weight loss.  Which then turned in to a discussion about reduced fat or fat free products and their additives vs. whole foods just less and more exercise. 

After much consideration of what we had talked about, research about food chemicals and additives 30% of cancers can be linked to foods.  My family has decided to join the whole food real food movements.  This will not be an easy change to be made overnight.  There are a lot of things that maybe hard to give up or change.  A big hurdle for me is coffee creamer.  I have to have at least one cup of coffee in the morning or I am non functional ok usually two.  I am not a dash of milk and a spoonful of sugar kinda girl, I love flavored creamers I am partial to caramel or hazelnut.  I was not sure how I was going to jump this one.  Last week my bestie posted a link on FB to check out www.deliciouslyorganic.net and her recipes for homemade coffee creamers.  Last night I made my first batch and drank with coffee this morning loved it!!! I also tried a splash in my chi tea to make a latte.

 

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

½ cup homemade caramel sauce

Whisk together cream milk and caramel in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  When mixture begins to stream, remove from heat.  Pour into a glass bottle and store in the fridge Shake before adding to your coffee. 

You can find the original recipe here including using cane sugar to make the caramel sauce and a couple different flavors.  She also has a page dedicated to dairy free and sugar free, not by chemicals but date paste.  For the other recipes click to recipe tab on top then under the misc heading and scroll thru to find the other coffee cream recipes. 

 

I did not have sugar cane to make my caramel and I could not wait another week to buy some so I used Ina Garten’s Caramel Sauce recipe using regular sugar. 

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Mix the water and sugar in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Do not stir. Increase the heat to medium and boil uncovered until the sugar turns a warm chestnut brown (about 350 degrees F on a candy thermometer), about 5 to 7 minutes, gently swirling the pan to stir the mixture. Be careful – the mixture is extremely hot! Watch the mixture very carefully at the end, as it will go from caramel to burnt very quickly. Turn off the heat. Stand back to avoid splattering and slowly add the cream and vanilla. Don't worry - the cream will bubble violently and the caramel will solidify.

Simmer over low heat; stirring constantly, until the caramel dissolves and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature, at least 4 hours. It will thicken as it sits.

 

Ingredients in a commercial brand caramel coffee creamer

WATER, SUGAR, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN AND/OR COTTONSEED OIL, AND LESS THAN 2% OF SODIUM CASEINATE (A MILK DERIVATIVE)**, NATURAL AND ARTIFICAL FLAVORS, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CELLULOSE GEL, COLOR ADDED, CELLULOSE GUM, CARAGEENAN, DEXTROSE.

Ingredients in coffee creamer from deliciouslyorganic.net

Cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, water

 

Real Food Whole Food Movement

Now a days it seems when you read an ingredient list for a packaged food you need a chemistry degree, or at least a dictionary to help with pronunciation and definition of what exactly you are putting in to your mouth.  What is Monocalcium Phosphate( spell check dose not even know what this word is) and why is it in my crackers? More important is my body able to break it down and use it properly or dose it just sit there and aggravate my white blood cells because they think it is a foreign contaminate?  Research indicates that 75%-80% of cancers are caused in part by environmental factors, and about 30% of those are related to what you eat.* In 2005 Harvard published a study that showed a correlation of French fries and breast cancer.  “…found that preschool girls who consumed French fries on a weekly basis raised future breast cancer risk by more than a quarter.”** Really 25% increase from French fries?  I know that French fries are not by any means healthy but I had not idea that they were that detrimental to my boobies and overall health.

 We have become a culture that is pressed for time and anything to make your life easier by taking less of your time is in great demand.  Trust me I know there are some days that I am tired and over whelmed and a trip thru the local drive thru for burgers and fries or chicken is easier, convenient, and makes less work out of dinner and doing dishes later that night.  We ate out twice last week.  But we can not place all the blame on fast food either.  Prepackaged convenience foods are everywhere.  There is a newer commercial out for a prepackaged dinner mix convincing you that eating it is way better than drive thru food but truthfully I think it may be just as bad.  Look at the ingredient list from the package Ingredients:Enriched Pasta (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Corn Starch, Sugar, Salt, Tomato (Dried), Maltodextrin, Monosodium Glutamate, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Paprika, Natural Flavor, Basil, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Parsley (Dried), Oregano, Color (Yellows 5&6, Yellow Lakes 5&6, Red 40 Lake), Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Nonfat Milk  When prepared and served there is over 1660 mg of sodium and that is if you have a small portion.

I recognize 9 ingredients of being a natural in origin even though “dried” is not its natural state.  What is “natural flavor” you see it a lot on prepackaged foods. I could make this same dish and not use one unnatural ingredient or so much sodium.  When prepackaged version is prepared and served there is over 1660 mg of sodium and that is if you have a small portion.

A few months ago in my year of self improvement I began to loose weight.  My first step was to get an outline of what and how I should really eat.  I have a pretty good idea but wanted to know what an expert would tell me.  So I had an appointment with the Registered Dietitian at my healthcare clinic.  She talked about all the fruits veggies grains and meats I should include.  Portion control being my biggest lesson, I tend to be an overeater and suggested serving size some times seems to be a cruel joke.  Then she talked about I what I call flavor enhancers sour cream, butter, coffee creamer salad dressings ECT.  Of course in wanting to choose the items with less fat and calories a lot I was told to use mostly “reduced fat, no fat” versions of these things.  I started to buy these things and learning to like that no fat aftertaste (not really).  Then I really looked at the ingredient labels on these so called healthier options.  What I saw bothered me there were so many chemical additives and very little real ones. 

Later in the year I had two health scares both involving the possibilities of tumors.  Thankful they were false alarms, one finding out that I have lumpy breast and the other learning that I have a sever vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency.  A healthy b12 level should be between 800 and 1,000 ppm mine was closer to 100 ppm.  Vitamin D should be 30ppm mine 10ppm.  I wondered how I had developed these deficiencies I take multi vitamins.  I found out that when I was taking prescription strength antacid medication and over the counter antacids I destroyed my bodies inability to breakdown and absorb these vitamins.  They just pass thru my digestive system into waste.  Even when I orally take a vitamin of 5,000mg of D very little if any stays in my system.  I now have to have vitamin injections every month.  I had been taking so many antacids in part to all the foods I was eating and the other to I do not handle stress well and internalize everything. 

We really started to think about what we eat and how it affects us.  Google food allergies, food and cancer or food and behavior problems and you will see hundreds if not thousands of articles and medical studies that are showing correlation to processed unnatural foods.  French fries and breast cancer, diet soda and dementia, food dyes and behavior problems or allergic reaction. 

We have turned down this road here in our farmhouse.  Real and natural foods are what we are striving to eat.  I would rather eat ¼ cup of regular vanilla yogurt in my parfait with more fruit to bulk up the snack than to have a ¾ cup of light yogurt which includes things like aspartame, acesulfame potassium and food dyes.  I prefer to have 1 tablespoon of sour cream and spend and extra 10 min walking tonight than to have 2.5 tablespoons of fat free.  We are trying to grow and buy more organic fruit and vegetables, free range organic chicken eggs, and grass fed beef.  The fewer chemicals used to grow your food the less you eat yourself.  Also more foods in their natural state are better they offer more nutrients and vitamins they are also easier for your body to process. 

Will it be easy to shift our way of thinking about food and break so many habits?  Probably not, I just had chicken salad with mayo for lunch and crackers with Monocalcium Phosphate in them.  I will keep at it and try to make better and better decisions. 

You should not fear nor hate food.  Food is what sustains your life.

*“Foods that fight Cancer” Cat Vasko www.standup2cancer.org

** International Journal of Cancer Aug 2005 http://www.dole.com/LiveRight/WomensHealth/WomensHealthDetails/tabid/867/Default.aspx?contentid=4734

Banana Strawberry Smoothie

I needed a snack that met many requirements : quick, low calorie, treat my sweet tooth and cool off from this heat.  I went to the fridge and this is what I was able to whip up in about 5 min.

5oz Almond milk, vanilla flavored
1/2 banana
4 strawberries
6oz Very Vanilla yogurt, low fat ( I like yoplait thick and creamy)
1 cup ice (crushed if you can )

In a blender pour in ice and milk then fruit and yogurt cover and blend on high until creamy.

* I think any fruit combo would be really good try what you have on hand or like.

This makes about 2 8oz servings and little extra.

8 oz nutrition info:
74 Calories
7 calories from fat
.8g fat
0g sat fat
0 trans fat
1mg cholesterol
79mg sodium
14.8g Carbs
1.2g Fiber
9g Sugar
2.5g Protein

 

A great dinner

I hope I do not get in trouble for linking other sites.
We just had Asian Grilled Salmon, Ginger Veggie Stir Fry and Forbidden rice for dinner and it was SO GOOD all three items rocked. The serving size for salmon is 3.5 oz without extra sauce, Veggies 5oz and Forbidden rice 1/3c Total the cal count is about 438.  I know that is high but the majority comes from the salmon and the many other benefits of salmon out weigh the calories every once in a while. Hope you like it too.

Ginger Veggie Stir Fry- Allrecipes
1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 1/2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root, divided

1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

1 small head broccoli, cut into florets

1/2 cup snow peas

3/4 cup julienned carrots

1/2 cup halved green beans

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 1/2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 tablespoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, blend cornstarch, garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until cornstarch is dissolved. Mix in broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and green beans, tossing to lightly coat.
2. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook vegetables in oil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Stir in soy sauce and water. Mix in onion, salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger. Cook until vegetables are tender but still crisp.               

Asian Grilled Salmon Ina Garten

• 1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 pounds)

For the marinade:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons good soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

Light charcoal briquettes in a grill and brush the grilling rack with oil to keep the salmon from sticking.

While the grill is heating, lay the salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Whisk together the mustard, soy sauce, olive oilgarlic in a small bowl. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill; discard the marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon will be slightly raw in the center, but don't worry; it will keep cooking as it sits.
Transfer the fish to a flat plate, skin side down, and spoon the reserved marinade on top. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Forbidden Rice
1c black forbidden rice
1 3/4c vegetable stock unsalted
1 tsp butter

In a med sauce pot over med-high heat melt butter add rice and saute about 3-5 min. Add stock bring to boil cover reduce heat to low and cook 40 min.  Then remove from heat and let sit 5 min Fluff with fork and serve

Pico de Gallo

To quote a commercial for another product.  "I put that SH*^ on everything"
Below is a guestimate of how much of each item I just eye it and taste and add more.  Make it up adjusting for personal taste. 

 3 medium tomatoes diced
1 half red onion diced*
1 jalapeno diced
.5 oz cilantro chiffand
1 clove garlic either pressed diced or grated**
1 large or about 2 small limes juiced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

In a large bowl combine everything adjust salt and lime to taste.  Your best bet on getting the right amount of salt is to taste with a chip. 

nutrition 2oz serving 10 cal .1g fat 196mg sodium 2.3g carbs .6 g fiber 1.2g sugar .4g protein
 * if you are not a fan of the raw onion flavor as I am not try this dice the onions place in a med bowl fill with water let sit about 5 min drain in strainer put back in bowl add more water soak 5 min more drain add to mixture.

** great Rachel Ray tip slice the top and bottom of clove off peel then grate over bowl with a micro plane I do it every time I need fine garlic to mix into something.

Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

I promise you these are amazing! Even if you despise Brussels sprouts like my husband and I do give them a try and see.

1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
1/2 bacon diced
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste

Trim the stem end off and remove the outer layer of leaves each Brussels sprout. Rise then pat dry place Brussels sprouts on cutting board and cut each in half and then in half again to make 1/4
In a large skillet over med-low heat fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Drain all but 1 tbl bacon grease into a small bowl, do not toss will use more later.
Place pan back on the heat add the Brussels sprouts and the salt. Saute for 20-30 min stirring frequently and adding about 1tbl of bacon grease each time the pan becomes "dry". The Brussels sprouts are done when they are dark brown but not burnt. Remove from heat and add the bacon back to the pan and a little bit of pepper, toss lightly then serve.

In a pinch I have used frozen Brussels sprouts thawed and drained on paper towels for 15 min. It is not as good so try try to use fresh!

Artichoke Cheese Bread

I was inspired by another recipe that called for olives instead of artichoke but we are not olive fans in this house except EVOO :) I did not have the right amount of the cheese called for in the original recipe so I came up with a good mix of what I had on hand. Enjoy, feel free to change it up please share any successes

14.5 oz can Artichoke pieces drained
2 green onions
1 stick butter
1/2 c mayonnaise ( not the MW stuff from Kraft)
6oz monterey jack grated
6oz mozzarella grated
2 oz Parmesan grated
1 roasted red bell pepper in oil diced (optional)
1 loaf crusty French or Italian bread unsliced.

Pre-Heat oven 325
In a large bowl blend the butter and mayo for 2-3 min until almost fluffy. On a cutting board place the artichokes and give a rough chop add them to the bowl. Place green onions on the cutting board slice thin and then give a little cross action chop add to the bowl. Add all the cheese and the bell pepper if using mix together well. Slice the bread in half length wise spread the cheese artichoke mixture in an even layer on each half. Place bread on a sheet try and put in the oven. Bake 20-25 min until the cheese is thoroughly melted and beginning to turn light brown and bubbly. Remove from oven cut into diagonal slices and serve immediately.

ps. You could also use this as a dip with pita chips, pretzels or some other tasty vessel. :) After making the cheese mixture spread into a pie pan or other shallow oven proof dish bake until golden and bubbly.

100 Ways to make your Marriage Rock

Found this posted my a friend on Facebook. I made a copy to hang on my office wall to remember each day. I say you can pick and choose to do what makes you and your partner comfortable. If you want to see the original or join in on the conversation regarding #20 and #21 check it out at www.wearethatfamily.com

1. Write him letters
2. Go on regular date nights
3. Write his name on lipstick on the bathroom mirror
4. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
5. Pray together
6. Hide notes in secret places
7. Go to bed at the same time
8. Listen to music together-share earbuds
9. Send him on a scavenger hunt in the house
10. Buy him gifts he will love
11. Hide a treat in his glovebox or desk at work
12. Read the Bible together
13. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
14. Praise your spouse to other people
15. Let them overhear you
16. Read a marriage devotional
17. Porn-proof your home
18. Be best friends
19. Sleep in his t-shirts
20. Look to him to make the big decisions * see below
21. Let her make the small ones
22. Don’t nag him
23. Put down the seat, pick up your socks for her
24. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
25. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
26. Fight naked
27. Tell him you like him
28. Receive his compliments
29. Pick your battles
30. Show her you love her and tell him you respect him
31. Go away together at least once a year
32. Frame your wedding vows
33. Her: Read For Women Only
34. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
35. Kiss in front of your kids
36. Make his favorite dessert
37. Have pictures of just the two of you made
38. Make sex a priority
39. Spend time apart occasionally
40. Learn to enjoy something he loves
41. Surprise each other
42. Meet him at the door
43. Dreamstorm
44. Text each other from across the room
45. Be accountable to each other
46. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
47. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him
48. Be affectionate
49. Him: Read For Men Only
50. Leave work and come home early
51. Wash, vacuum her car. Keep it full of gas.
52. Give each other romantic coupons
53. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
54. Compliment each other
55. Touch your spouse several times throughout the day
56. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
57. Let each other sleep in
58. Be spontaneous!
59. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
60. Kiss every day
61. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
62. Forgive quickly
63. Be honest.
64. But not hurtful
65. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
66. Look your best as often as you can
67. Guard your marriage
68. Get out of debt (and stay out)
69. Laugh together
70. Have a date night in
71. When your together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
72. Talk about your favorite memories together
73. Tell him he’s sexy just because
74. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it
75. Make him breakfast in bed
76. Do her chores for her
77. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
78. Read a book out loud together
79. Dance together-soft music (alone) or rocking music with the kids
80. Bring her/him a favorite drink during the middle of the day
81. Exercise together-hikes, bike riding, etc
82. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behavior/disappointment
83. Tell him a secret he doesn’t know about you
84. Thank your spouse just because, often
85. Sit on the same side of a booth at a restaurant
86. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
87. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
88. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
89. Teach your kids about marriage
90. Stop what you’re doing, look them in the eye and listen to their answer
91. Create art together
92. Support each other’s goals
93. Know when to talk and when to hush
94. Consider counseling (even if there’s not conflict)
95. Doodle his name
96. Bring her flowers (even when she says they are too expensive)
97. Wear something he loves
98. Share furniture-sit in his lap
99. Fight for your marriage
100. Remember your spouse rocks-even when they don’t
*I included the “small, big decisions” because my pastor taught about marriage and he was referring to decisions you are hung on… Don’t let those standstills cause serious conflict and even divorce. If it’s a small decision like paint color or home decor or preschool, etc, yield to her. If its big, like a new career, move, yield to him. This advice was more for the husbands..don’t engage over little things. And of course, most decisions you make in marriage are or should be decided together, but don’t have a war over a decision. Of course, this is my opinion. Feel free to disagree.
And yes, I should have put don’t nag each other. I was writing from personal experience there and my hubby never nags me!

Photo A Day Feb 11 and 1

While finally checking out the newest rave website Pintrest I found the Photo A Day Challenge. For the entire year you are challenged to take one theame picture a day. Google Instagram Photo A Day there will be returns with all diffrent blogs facebook and twitter accounts all partcipating you can also find the months list of things for each day. This months list was done by Fat Mum Slim who can be found here http://www.fatmumslim.com.au or Twitter @fatmumslim.
This is so cool I read an article last year on Mental Floss He Took a Polaroid Everyday Until he Died http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/21344 The photographer Jamie Livingston took one picture a day some funny some interesting some very sad as his health was declining. I loved the idea but soon forgot until last night. I was so excited I printed out the list and January's too hoping to back track the time I missed as I move forward.
At the end of each month I hope to print out a collage to hang on the wall and at the years end I hope to scrapbook the whole project. I think it is a great way to document everyday life from a diffrent angle.

So here are my pictures for today.

Feburary 11 2012
Makes you happy. After 2pm a coke and cup of Ice makes me happy and re-energized.











Because I am also back tracking
February 1 2012
your view today. My kitchen I am cooking for the Soup contest tomorrow at church and meatloaf for the community meal.

P-A-D January

Photo a day January Catch up

January 3 2012
something I adore
My three beautiful kids I have been blessed with. HKLS: RCHK: MKGK





January 28, 2012

Light
I caught this at the right moment looking out the window of my bedroom just before bed last night.

Granola Yum!

Sometimes I am really bad at eating breakfast. Not that we do not have a lot of choices always cereal on hand for the little ones. Pancakes, waffles and french toast in the freezer. Eggs are always an option in this house, having 30 chickens helps,and I have an arsenal of egg recipes. Yet some morning more often than not I just have 2 or 3 cups of coffee. We can talk about the negative effects of that later.
This morning though I made a conscious effort to eat something healthier. So a 1/2 c of vanilla yogurt topped with 1/4 c granola I whipped up last week. It is so good!
This recipe is not mine it's called Lizzie's Granola from Chef Michael Symon of Lolas in Ohio and also know as a IRON CHEF on Food Network. Give it a whirl I am sure you will not be disappointed. Kids love it too.

Two hints use sliced or slivered almonds the whole ones can be kinda tough on your jaw. Second if you do not have kosher salt use on 3/4 tsp you do not want it to be to salty a mistake I have made but it was still edible.

Lizzie's Granola

Ingredients:
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened coconut
2 cups almonds
1 cup cashews
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp kosher salt

Toss together to coat and bake on sheetray at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden stirring half way. Let cool completely in pan. Add 2 cups of dates and dried cherries & serve or store in airtight container and add dried fruit to order.

Better Choices

So last night I whipped up this tasty smoothie to curb my sweet tooth. My lil guy loved it too. Is it the healthiest smoothie ever? Probably not but it was a healthier choice the eating an entire bag of oreos. Not that I am anti oreo in fact I love them! Maybe a little too much. Give it a whirl or tweak it your own way.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie
1/2c vanilla yogurt
1/4c milk
1/4c frozen blueberries
1 frozen banana pre cut in to smaller pieces
1 tbl honey or less
In a blender add milk yogurt blueberries and banana. Top with cover and whip on high or smoothie setting if you have one until all is mixed. Turn off remove lid and taste add honey if needed. Serve immediately

Blueberry Peach Baked Oatmeal

When I was visiting family in Texas last November my awsome sister-in-law made me a banana baked oatmeal. Since then I have been a quest to make a great baked oatmeal base and I think that I have found one. I have made it with apples and rasins then yesterday I thought to combine two of my favorites blueberries and peachs. YUM YUM YUM!
I used the peaches that I canned last season but I canned peached diced or maybe even frozen would work just as well. I kept the blueberries frozen so they would not get all mushy dye the whole this purple but I am sure defrosted are ok too. I can not wait to get a pint from the farmers market in the summer.
If you do not have unsweetened applesauce I am sure that regular would be great. Also if you do not have nutmeg just replace with more cinnamon.

If you want to try with apples and rasins increase the milk to 1/2c

2c Old fashion Oats
¼ c flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¾ tsp salt
¼ c brown sugar
2 eggs beaten
½ c unsweetened applesauce
¼c milk
1 tsp vanilla
½ c frozen blueberries
1 c diced peaches
Preheat oven to 325 grease 11x8 pan
In a large bowl combine oats flour baking powder cinnamon nutmeg salt and brown sugar
In a medium bowl wisk eggs applesauce milk and vanilla stir into dry ingrediants fold in frozen blueberries and peaches pour into baking pan place in oven and bake for 35 min until lightly brown and cooked thru