Hot Dogs & Eggs

When I was younger my mom use to fry up hot dogs split in half and create a sandwich. Such memories, I also remember eating eggs with ketchup, really? I did that? This morning I wanted something different, so I decided to fry up some hot dogs with onions and add some eggs.

About the Meat

While I am a meat eater I do not want any animal to live a horrible life, be treated cruely, eat something other than the natural vegetation they were created to it, or die in a inhumane way. It is for this reason that I learn everything I can about where my meat is coming from and all of the above. We usually buy Organic Prarie, but they were out, so we bought Hebrew Nation instead. 

Hebrew Nation is kosher which if you know anything about kosher is just as good as organic. They have a great taste, are pricy, but sometimes Target has them on sale, so I keep my eyes for that. Okay let's get cooking

Ingredients

Butter

Onion

Hot dog or dogs

3 - 4 Eggs

Seasonings of choice I used pepper, garlic, dill, and paprika

What To Do

While you dice the onions get the butter melted, toss in the onions, and let them cook as you cut up the dog/dogs then toss those puppies in. Let them cook until they brown on each side, add the eggs, seasoning, and chow down.

Have you ever had fried hot dogs?

What else would you add to this dish?

Check out the post "Kombucha for Healthy Skin?" on my other blog, Heavenly Bodies.

Spaghetti Squash & Quinoa Fritter Pancakes

I had bought some spaghetti squash and wanted to make a dish with eggs. After searching I found a recipe for fritters to draw from and went with it. I am a fly by the seat of my pants cook thanks to my southern man, so you will not find a lot of measurements here.

Ingredients 

Cooked spaghetti squash
Quinoa
Kale
4 Organic eggs
3 Tbsp gluten free flour
Shredded cheese
Seasonings: Sea salt, pepper, dill, chives, all purpose seasoning, minced onion, minced garlic

Of course you can use whatever seasonings you like. I learned this trick from a chef on how to test to make sure a dish is seasoned correctly. Heat up a pan with butter or coconut oil making sure it is good and hot. Take a small amount of the combined ingredients and cook it in the pan. Taste and see if you need more seasoning or not. This has saved me from creating bland dishes. If you need to add more seasoning do another test. Once you are happy with the seasonings simply cook a bigger one until brown and crisp on both sides.

I didn't want fritters so I made mine into pancakes. My teen and I agreed they tasted very much like potato pancakes and wanted to top them off with applesauce. However, we did not have any, but we tried them with sour cream. It was okay, but I think applesauce would have pleased my taste buds more.

Do you have any tips for testing your seasonings?

Fenugreek Sprouts for Women's Health

In January I will be giving a talk to a group of women at the local library on health benefits of three different sprouts for women. Fenugreek is one of the sprouts that I have chosen to speak on. While fenugreek has many health benefits we are going to focus on the benefits for women.

I will also talk about the smells and taste of fenugreek, how to sprout it, use it, and how long it lasts. Because fenugreek has other benefits not just experienced by women I will mention those also.

Photo credit

 

 

 Breast Cancer

Fenugreek may aid in preventing breast cancer or prevent it from returning. They aid in creating healthy cells within the breast, also in detoxing the lymph nodes, and the whole lymphatic system. As you can see from the image women have an extensive amount of lymph tissue within our breasts. Breast cancer tends to start in the axillary lymph node located under the arm pit. While the number of nodes in the axilla contains anywhere from 30 - 50 lymph nodes they vary from woman to woman. From there it spreads through the rest of the lymph tissue into the breast. While fenugreek can help in detoxing the lymph nodes which can detox themselves there are some other things we can do to prevent breast cancer. Avoid deodorants with aluminum which is not just a heavy metal, but also clogs the axillary node. Avoid wearing underwire bras and those that do not fit properly as they prevent lymph nodes from draining.

Benefits for Women

The majority of health benefits women receive from Fenugreek is geared towards the breast. Some of you might be happy to know that it is known for increasing breast size. Increase milk flow in nursing mothers, it is also said to aid with PMS along with postmenopausal and menopausal symptoms. It also said to aid in sexual arousal. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid taking fenugreek as it stimulates the uterus.

Fenugreek does contain estrogen, but it is plant estrogen read more about them here.

Other Benefits 

• Lower cholestol
• Lower blood sugar
• Anti-inflammatory
• Stomach issues
• Kidney issues
• Heart health
• Bowel movements
• Aids in weight gain
• Dandruff 

Sprouting 

1. Large mouth mason jar
2. Sprouting screen
3. Filtered water
4. Organic fenugreek seeds

Place the seeds into the jar and cover with filtered water, let it sit for 8 hours or overnight out of direct sun light. Drain the water, rinse, drain and set the jar on an angle to let any access water drain out. Do this 2 - 3 times a day for 3 days during the sprouting process you will smell maple syrup this is normal. However, once they are done sprouting that smell disappears.

It is said they have a bitter taste and should be eaten with another sprout. I always add them to soups, sandwiches, or salads and have never experienced any bitter taste.

Healthy Egg Salad for One

2 - 4 Hard boiled organic eggs
Pepper
Paprika
Garlic
Dried onion flakes
Green onion
Dill
1/2 tsp Chia seeds
1/2 tsp Nutritional yeast
Mustard
Vegenaise
Fenugreek sprouts

Add all seasoning to taste and mix together for a healthy dish. This is a great way to get nutrients into loved ones who would turn them down if they knew what was in it.

Precautions & Disclaimer   

If you are taking medications fenugreek may prevent the absorption of them. If you are taking medications for any of the above issues you should consult with a health care provider. The information here is strictly for educational purposes always consult with a health care professional before taking any herb.

Butternut Squash Delight

I have never had butternut squash before, but Whole Foods had organic on sale, so I bought two. On the way home as the southern man drove I used my smart phone to seek recipes. The ones I found were all basically the same. So, I decided to be creative and create something sweet.

Ingredients 

2 Butternut squash
Raisins
Pecans
1 Fuji apple
Maple syrup
Brown sugar
Butter

Heat oven to 350 degrees, cut and deseed squash, cut once again so the pulp is visible, lay them on a baking dish flesh side down in a little bit of  water on the bottom and cook until the pulp is soft. Peel the skin off and place in a bowl, crush the pecans into pieces and add to the bowl, core the apples, I left the skin on, cube and add to the bow, add the rest of the ingredients adding the syrup, brown sugar, and butter to taste.

You could also omit the sugar for a sugar free dish and add some cinnamon for flavor.

This sweet dish was a true delight, even the teens liked it.

Have you created any sweet dishes with butternut squash?

20 Uses for Leftover Spinach Dip

Spinach dip or even spinach/artichoke dip is very versatile as I discovered this weekend. I doubled the recipe and landed up with a mass of spinach dip. I started thinking how else I could use it outside of dipping our root vegetable chips in it.

We made some squash, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers to go in a salad. Instead of using salad dressing I added some of the dip to the salad which was to die for. Wish I thought to take pictures, but I was hungry and have been so busy with the magazine the thought never crossed my mind. Okay so these are the other ways I came up with that spinach dip could be used.

1. Salad dressing
2. Spread on a cracker and top with cucumber, olives, or whatever you fancy
3. Use it on a baked potato
4. Spread for sandwich, wrap, or roll
5. Use as a sauce on top of noodles, rice, or quinoa 
6. Use to create a layered dip
7. Use as a sauce on flat bread to create a cool veggie pizza
8. Add it to mashed cauliflower 
9. Topping for potato pancakes or various fritters 
10. Make quiche 
11. Stuffed shells
12. Omelet or add to scrambled eggs
13. Soup
14. Deviled eggs
15. Bagel spread
16. Burger topping
17. Chili topping
18. Grilled cheese
19. Quesadila
20. Fish dip

You might have to change the consistency by adding some milk or cream for a soup or sauce. I only used sour cream and mayonnaise so it is not as thick as if one used cream cheese. One can be totally creative when creating some of these dishes adding whatever you want to for a totally unique dish.

Do you have any other ways to use leftover spinach dip?
Have you tried any of these?

Stop by and get in on the 25 Paleo Mug Muffins e-cook book giveaway.

Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Coconut Pudding GF DF Vegan

I have a strong desire these day to create sweet treats with sweet potatoes. My first creation was sweet potato cookies which turned out too mushy, but tasted amazing. I will be making these again, but revamping the recipe more than what I did.

After the cookie episode I decided to create a pudding using sweet potatoes. I figured if it turned out too mushy it would not matter, hey it's pudding. Sooo, I set out to find a recipe and settled on one to revamp.

Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Coconut Pudding

Potato, Pumpkin, Coconut Pudding
2 Cups cooked sweet potatoes
1 - 15 oz can of pumpkin
1/4 Cup can sugar
2 tsp Ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp Clove
4 Eggs
1 Can coconut milk
1/4 Cup coconut flakes
1 Package of graham crackers

Preheat oven at 350 degrees

Take the sweet potatoes, place them in a baking dish and bake until soft. Peel the skin off the potatoes and place in a food processor, add pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, and clove mix well. Pour into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes let cool and top with coconut milk whip cream.

I baked the sweet potatoes the night  and peeled them because they take an hour and a half to two hours depending on the size.

Coconut Whip Cream

1 Can of coconut milk that has been refrigerated over night very important
Maple syrup to taste
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Five minutes before you make the whip cream place a bowl (I use glass) in the freezer for five minutes. Drain the liquid from the coconut milk into a bowl and save for smoothies. Using only the thick cream put into a bowl with the other ingredients and mix with a hand mixer until peaks form.

This whip  cream is fantastic and does not taste like coconut making it great for hot cocoa, frosting, and on other desserts.

It's Your Life Natural Living Magazine

Late last night my awesome dream life coach and creative designer Krista Nelson from Just Get it Done Now made this happen. Running a magazine is no easy task even before this issue was published I have articles coming in for August/September issue. At the same time I would not want to do anything else. I love all of our contributors who share the same passion that I do, to help others live happy, healthy, natural lives.

I want to thank all those who read, subscribed, and shared our first issue. We had over 15,000 views and it is still climbing, thank you for your support. I also want to say that we have decided to keep this as a free magazine. However, you can subscribe to be notified when a new issue is released. If you want to know when the next issue is released receive a free monthly unique article on natural living go to the Updates page on our web site.We have also set up a Blog Talk Radio account and once that gets going you will be updated along with receiving when new shows are recorded, guests, and the topic they will be discussing.

So, what can you expect to see in this issue? We have alot, but our focus is on dairy month.

Awesome Photography Spread

Once again Krista Nelson my dream life coach and creative designer for the magazine is a woman of many talents take a look at her spread on the inside cover and first page.

Organic Cooking with a Teen

Alexia a 15 year old homeschooler share her joy for cooking organic meals page 9

Dairy Alternatives & Recipes

Dr Jennifer Weinberg MD, MPH, MBE is a lifestyle, wellness, and environmental health consultant and certified health coach article on page 12.

The Three P's of Successful Homeschooling 

Lynda Ackert founder of Christian Homeschool Hub a place to meet other homeschoolers her article is on page 15

What it Means to be Organic: USDA Organic Standards Explained

This article is a reprint from the Botanie/Soap blog for organic soap making supplies or personal label which can be found on page 19

Blacksmith Class for High School Homeschoolers

Joyce Wheeler from It's Your Life blog and publisher of It's Your Life Magazine page 20

DIY Ginger Tincture

Mary Smith from Mary's Heirloom Seeds GMO free seeds article on page 23 

Cooking With Carob

Diane Hurst from the Gentle Shepherd  homeschool curriculum site & more article is on page 25

6 Ways to Make Fitness a Family Affair 

Aimee Shilling from the blog Forty by Forty Fitness is a marathon who shared this article on page 28

Developing Language Skills in Children Naturally

Katie Glennon from Katie's Homeschool Cottage Charlotte Mason & unit studies article on page 30

Benefits of Raw Milk

Marla Gates from Organic 4 Greenlivings is a natural living blog find her article on page 33.

Purification  

Gonzalez blogs at Rehab to Riches is a homeschool mom and Living Young distributor see her article on page 35

How to get your Kids to Eat Veggies without Losing your Cool (or your mind) 

Lindajean Luca CNHP helps others live natural lives through the use of foods and His--n-Herbs supplements her article is on page 38



Be sure to visit the It's Your Life web site where you can submit a question for Mary about gardening or Dr Weinberg about natural health. Select questions will appear in the magazine and web site. If you are interested in being a contributor visit the Contributor's Guidelines page.

Crustless Bacon, Cheese, & More Quiche

Lately I have been on a quiche kick, I am literally craving it on a regular basis. We bought some from Fresh Market, but it was 10 BUCKS!!!! I can make my own for less than this and I can do without the crust. I set out to find a recipe to use as a place to start, after all I never follow recipes.

Fist off all the ones I viewed required milk, sour cream, or half and half of which none did I have. As you will see my friends I found a solution for that. Now I knew I wanted to make a big portion to feed the teens and have some left over for me and southern man for breakfast. It was for this reason I used the 12 egg recipe as a starting point, but that was it.

Crustless Bacon, Cheese & More Quiche

1 lb Turkey bacon
Coconut oil
12 Cage free eggs
1 6 oz pkg Mexican Blend Cheese
1/2 C Pacific Cream Of Mushroom  Soup
1/2 C Filtered water
1/2 Can Petite diced tomatoes fire roasted with chipotle peppers
Pepper, Sea Salt, Chives,  All-Purpose Seasoning,  Minced Onion, and minced garlic to taste

Preheat the oven on 350

Put some coconut oil in a pan to cook the bacon in this helps to make it nice and crispy. While the bacon is cooking  add the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. After the bacon has cooked and cooled crumble it up into smaller pieces

My hope was that the bacon would be crisp enough to put in a baggie and crush with a rolling pin, but that did not happen. Some of it did and I added that to the bowl using my fingers to break off the other pieces into smaller ones.

I love cooking shows and learned a trick from one of them. You see the first time I made quiche it was not seasoned properly, so I used a ladle to put some in a pan and cook it. Once it was cooked I was able to taste it and make sure it was seasoned well enough. I had the teens each take a taste to make sure it met with their approval. Once the taste test was complete it was into the dish and the oven to bake.

The cream of mushroom soup worked well to replace the milk, but next time I think I will use the whole box. I think this will give it a more creamy texture.

Parsley Pesto

I wrote an article for a client on the benefits of Parsley, and they wanted me to incorporate a recipe. Because I know the best way to receive all the health benefits of any herb, vegetable, or fruit is to eat it raw. But, hey I am not eating parsley by it self raw, so pesto was the best option.

Well, not only have I never made pesto before I never even had it before. I found a recipe, but revamped, one because that is what I do and secondly I did not have everything I needed. So, without further ado on to the recipe.

Parsley Pesto

3 Tbsp Walntus
2 Cups raw Parsley
2 Cloves of Garlic
3 Tbsp  Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Oil from sundried tomatoes
2 Tbsp Powdered Cheddar Cheese

Steam 1 cup of parsley for about a minute which will steam down to 1/2 a cup. Add the steamed parsley with the rest of the ingredients in a food processor and combine until well blended. With the measurements used it will form into a ball.

Now as you can see from the image my pesto is thick which is great for using it as a spread for crackers, or dipping vegetables. Also the amount in the image is what was made with these measurements. If you want it thicker just add more olive oil, also I had purchased a jar of sundried tomatoes. It still has some tomatoes in it, but I love using the oil in various dishes as I did here.

I have a new batch of parsley which I am going to use to make a raw/vegan parsley pesto.

If you would like to read the full article on the benefits of "Parsley" just click here.

Not Your Normal Healthy Turkey Salad

Creating a healthy turkey salad from left overs is easy. I just cut up the turkey and through into a bowl. From there I add the following all to taste.

•  Black pepper
• All purpose seasoning
• Chives
• Paprika 
• Garlic
• Dill
• Onions
• Celery
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise I like Follow Your Heart vegan soy-free

Even though I am not a vegan, obviously I try to cut back on animal products where I can. Animal products are harder on the digestive system.

Pack in the Nutrients
For various health benefits I also added, chia seeds, flax, nutritional yeast, and bee pollen.

• Chia Seeds - Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidant, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin (B3,) and zinc.
• Flax - A great source for fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidant, and is said to aid in combating diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
• Nutritional yeast - Includes B complex (note all brands contain B12,) trace minerals, 18 amino acids it is great for hair, nails, tremors, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, PMS, mood changes, irritability, and it is great for the memory improvement.
• Bee pollen - Bee pollen is noted as being the most nutrient dense food. It contains high levels of protein, not found elsewhere, free amino acids, B complex, and the benefits are to many to list. To see a list visit my post "Why I Eat Bee Pollen."

Don't tell the teens I just added flax and nutritional yeast to their burgers, shhhhh.

How do you make your food healthier?

10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes

I bought some sweet potatoes and have combing the web to find some great healthy recipes.

First up is this awesome Sweet Potato Kale and Quinoa Fritters from Yes, More Please!, love that name.

How about some Sweet Potato Grain Free Brownies from Make the Best of Everything.

Oh man this looks good, I'll minus the bacon, but this Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet with Bacon from Allergy Free Alaska sure sounds good.

Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadila from Health.com

Sweet Potato Pudding from Health.com

Check out this sandwich Roasted Sweet Potato, Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwich from the Kitchn.

Sweet Potato & Kale Gratin from Oh My Veggies, love the organic ingredients.

Sweet Potato Glow Spirals from Happy, Healthy, Life

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Cheesecake from Serious Eats

Check out this healthy Sweet Potato Smoothie That Tastes Like Ice Cream from MindBodyGreen

Which recipe would you like to try? Me? All of them.

Fried Sliced Potatoes

I woke up this morning wanting something different to eat. I tend to get in a rut eating the same things all the time which isn't good. When we eat the same things all the time our bodies adjust to those foods and if you are trying to take off some weight you will come to a stand still. It is just like with our workouts, we need to mix it up, throw our bodies a curve ball, make it go hey where did  that come from. These are two secrets to not only getting that fit toned body you want, but also for maintaining.


Okay this is soooo easy and soooo good.

What you need.

Russet potatoes

Coconut shortening

Butter

Sea Salt

Melt shortening and butter in a pan, slice potatoes, add potatoes to the pan, sprinkle with salt. Check for browning and flip when it is golden brown crunchy, sprinkle with more salt, place on plate covered with paper towels to absorb access oils and enjoy.

Yes, they are similar to potato chips, but better that the inside is still soft. If you slice them real thin you will end up with chips, so be sure to cut them thicker, but not too thick. By the way if they are a little dark like those in the picture they have a great outside crunch. I haven't had this in a longgggg time, mmmmm, can't stop eating 'em. This is great as a side, or a snack, oh my bet they would be great with a dip.

Blueberry Recipes From Around the Net

Tomorrow I am getting a gallon of blueberries from a local farm. I want to create some great healthy recipes so I went on a hunt for some I'd like to try. I went to Pintrest for my inspiration and here is what I came up with. All the links go directly to the site, and not Pintrest.

The very first pin I found was for 56 Healthy Blueberry Recipes. From those 56 I chose just one! Really?

Magical Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam she used the chia seeds as a thickener, nice.

Next I visited 100+ things to do with blueberries, let's see how many of these peak my interest. When I found out all the recipes came from one site it turned me off, so just one.

Easy Blueberry Syrup just takes blueberries and maple syrup.

                                                     Vegan Banana Blueberry Bread

Found this Churn Free & Gluten Free Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, needs revamping.

 

Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins

 Paleo Blueberry Cobbler

Berry Green Smoothie

 

Yogurt Blueberry Lemon Pie

 

Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake

 

Okay I'm done searching, but I'm happy about my choices though a few will need healthier ingredients. The ones my taste buds would like to indulge in are the jam, ice cream, and smoothie how about you?