Mom’s Cookie Energy Bites

I have been craving my mom’s homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies lately.  I was going to make some energy bites and then I thought how can I make these a bit like my mom’s cookies.  Her  oatmeal cookies have chopped walnuts or pecans in them.  I got thinking – why not blend the pecans in my cupboard into pecan butter?  You must be able to.  Then it is just a matter of honey and oats, maybe some chia and ground flax seed and of course chocolate chips or, if you like, craisins.  Read More

Gingerbread Energy Bites

I have been in the mood for these energy bites for a while so this weekend I decided to go for.  They really remind me of the gingerbread cookies I used to make and they are such a healthy options.  The only sweeteners are dates and black strap molasses which is loaded with minerals and vitamins and much better for you.  They are moist and chewy and deliciously spicy without being overly sweet.  They are very satisfying and since they are filled with almonds and molasses they have protein, minerals and B vitamins.  So thank you to Tasty Yummies for creating this awesome vegan, grain-free treat.

Grain-Free No-Bake Gingerbread Cookie Balls {Gluten-Free & Vegan}
makes 18-24, depending on the size

2 cups raw organic almonds, walnuts or pecans (I went 1 cup each of almonds and pecans)
6 Medjool dates, pitted
3 tablespoons unsulphered organic blackstrap molasses
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2-inch nub fresh ginger, peeled or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
dash ground cloves
dash ground nutmeg
pinch of sea salt

Put all the above ingredients in food processor and chop well.

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Gluten Free Coconut Tapioca Pudding

Last week I watched Martha Bakes on PBS.  I know why do I torture myself????

She was baking pies and made an amazing looking coconut cream pie.  I thought about that pie for a couple of days (actually I couldn’t get it out of my mind)  🙂  Anyway I thought…I bet I could make an amazing tapioca pudding that would be similar and much healthier.

So here is the recipe I concocted:

¼ cup maple syrup

5 T. minute tapioca

4 1/4 cup milk (this is one can coconut milk and the balance whole milk)

2 eggs

½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut Read More

No Bake Energy Bites

If you are like me and craving some yummy healthy snacks this easy recipe is a good one. I have been  surrounded by sweets at work and this past week they satisfied the cravings.

No Bake Bites

Combine 1 cup rolled oats Read More

Gluten Free Swedish Meatloaf

I have adapted this recipe from my Betty Crocker meatball recipe that I used for years- I switched out the pork for pasture raised hamburger and cut back the salt a bit.  Also, I substituted the dehydrated mushrooms for the breadcrumbs.  This time when I was making this recipe I did not have an onion in my house so I used dehydrated onion flakes also.  This was so delicious.  You wouldn’t need the gravy, but for a special meal it is nice to do.  I have also made this as meatballs and baked them in the oven instead of frying on top of the stove.  No turning and watching constantly.  But I really like it as a meatloaf – saves time from shaping all the meatballs.  🙂

Gluten Free Swedish Meatloaf

Ingredients

Meatballs

2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

3/4 cup dried chopped mushrooms

1/2 cup finely chopped red or white onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 egg

Gravy

1/4 cup spelt flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 cups boiling water

3/4 cup sour cream

 Directions

• In large bowl, mix all Meatloaf ingredients until well combined. Press into loaf pan
•  
• After baking for about 1hour at 350 degrees remove meatloaf from loaf pan
• and put drippings into skillet.

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Veggie Soup- It’s What is for Lunch!

Day two of cleanse and I am doing ok.  Yesterday started out with 16 oz of green juice, I am allowing myself organic coffee with some coconut milk also.  Yesterday’s lunch was homemade chicken veggie soup, snack of a pear in the morning, an apple in the afternoon.  Last night’s meal was brocoli, onion, chicken stirfry with mandarin oranges for evening snack.  Also, I drank a gallon of purified water throughout the day.  

Today starts the three days of green juice for breakfast and this lovely veggie soup for lunch and supper.  Snacks will consist of pear, apple, grapefruit or berries, depending on my mood and if necessary I will add almonds for some protein.   Read More

Leftovers for Lunch!

Last nights chicken is making a comeback in the form of a yummy and nutritious salad.  I love to mix it up on my salads- different greens, seeds and salad dressings.  The key is to not let it get too boring.

Today I am using spinach since it is already washed and I am crushed for time.  I have decided to make gifts for all my grandkids and kids this year and am not quite done!  Big surprise!  After Christmas I will post some of the things I have been creating but in case any of them are lurking here I shall have to postpone.  🙂 Read More

What’s For Supper?

Since there are only two of us at home anymore I have really neglected cooking.  I like to make it simple, nutritious and delicious.  And when I make food I make enough for leftovers.  I really am not that crazy about cooking, but I really like eating.  🙂  

So tonight we are having roasted chicken breast, roasted brussel sprouts and baked potatoes.  Leftover chicken will be used in salad for lunch and maybe a stirfry tomorrow night.   Read More

Eat Gingerbread Cake

The book Eat Cake is probably not the best book to read if you are trying to improve your diet but we read it for book club and I really enjoyed the story. But be forewarned she does talk about a lot of different really yummy sounding cakes!  Really it was a story about how doing what you love can be a way to make a living too.  It was a fun story about a crazy family dealing with issues ranging from unemployment, dealing with aging parents and teenagers, and learning to believe in yourself.  I highly recommend it as a not too intense, yet thought provoking read.
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