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.

Our Guest From Mom's Across America

On our podcast tonight, Friday April 1, 2016 via Wolf Spirit Radio from 6 - 8 pm central, our guest is Zen Honeycutt from Mom's Across America. For those of you who don't know here is the mission of Mom's Across America. We will be discussing her family's journey back to health, glyphosate, found in Roundup, and more. Join us for this educational podcast and there is a live chat for questions. Please pass this on to every mom you know.

Mission

"Our Mission is to raise awareness about toxic exposure, empower leadership, and create healthy communities. We support local activities, initiate campaigns and share solutions nationwide to improve our health and freedoms."

Zen Honeycutt

"Zen Honeycutt, is the Founder and Director of Moms Across America, a non profit National Coalition of Unstoppable Moms. With the motto "Empowered Moms, Healthy Kids " Moms Across America has grown rapidly, over 400 leaders have created 700+ community events in all 50 states in the first 3 years of inception. Moms Across America empowers and amplifies the voice of the mom locally and nationally to create healthy communities by raising awareness about GMOs and related pesticides in our food. Zen has three boys with allergies and autism symptoms which greatly improved when they went GMO Free and organic. She discovered that thousands of Moms are seeing the same results and MAA is expanding to Mothers Across the World with co creator Vandana Shiva. Zen has been featured on CNN, the Dr.Oz show, the Wall Street Journal, CSPAN, and Moms Across America has been on Fox News, Reuter's, ABC and more. She is an international speaker, powerful leadership coach, speaker and writer. She is currently working on a book called " Unstoppable Love: Empowering Community Leaders to be Global Game Changers."

Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts should be one sprout that is consumed by everyone. Why? Because it contains sulforaphane which is a known cancer cell killing beast.

Sulforaphane

It is known to activate enzymes which prohibit the growth of cancer cells and inhibits the growth of tumors. While sulforaphane is found in a variety of vegetables it is most predominant in broccoli sprouts. Studies done by the John Hopkins Center have determined that the greatest amount of sulforaphane is found in the sprouts when they are 3 days old, 10 - 100 more. They also detox the body from cancer causing carcinogens.

Other Benefits of Sulforaphane

• Arthritis 
• Blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Anti aging
• Improve immune system
• Heart health
• Autism
• Respiratory health such as asthma 
• Skin health
• Prevent Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the gut which can lead to cancer
• Hypertension
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes  

Minerals 

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Magnesium 
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Trace elements
• Chorophyll 
• Amino Acids Antioxidants 
• Protein 

Vitamins

• A
• B
• C
• E
• K

Sprouting

1 Quart size wide mouth mason jar

1 Sprouting lid

Filtered water

1 tsp seeds

Put the seeds in the jar, add about 3//4 cups of water, and add the lid. Let it sit out of direct sunlight for 8 - 12 hours. With the lid on drain the water, add some more water and swish it around making sure the water touches all of the seeds. Drain well, shake the seeds around to separate them some, and set it on its side with a towel under the lid to catch any access water. Repeat the rinse and drain process 2 - 3 times a day for 4 - 5 days or the first leaves appear.

Broccoli sprouts leave a hull behind. It is advised that these be removed due to their heavy water content which could cause the sprouts to mold. To remove the hulls place the sprouts in a bowl with some water. Gently separate and swish the sprouts around, the hulls will float to the top, remove and add to your composting, or garden. Place between two towels pat dry, separate, and let sit for 2 - 3 hours. Store in glass container in the fridge for about a week.

Eating 

These sprouts should be eaten as the chewing process is what activates the sulforphane. Add them to salads including egg or chicken, pasta dishes, soups, stews, sandwiches, pizza, and what ever else you would like to. Personally I would not cook them into foods as the heat will remove some of the vitamins and minerals.

Learn More Updated February 23, 2016 

Believe it or not there are even more benefits from sulforphane and you can find it on my other blog Heavenly Bodies on the post "Broccoli Sprouts Extract for UV Protection."

Sprouting 101

When I mention eating sprouts to others the one comment I hear is, but I have no room for a garden. That's fine you don't need a garden, you don't even need sun!! Sprouting is one of the most amazing and nutritious things I have done.

What Can We Sprout?

It would be easier to tell you what you can't sprout. Basically anything that is a seed, grain, or bean can be sprouted. 

Sprouting

There are various ways to sprout trays, bags, but the most popular and inexpensive way to sprout is using a wide mouth mason jar with a sprouting lid. You can also use a tight woven cloth on the jar as well. The important thing is that the seeds get oxygen and can be easily drained of water. I have read about using cheese cloth, but I tried it once and the seeds got stuck in it, I'll stick with a sprouting lid.

The basics of sprouting are to add so many seeds to a mason jar. The  amount varies depending on how much you want to grow and what you are sprouting. Once the seeds are in fill the jar with filtered water so all the seeds are covered nicely and let sit out of direct sunlight for at least 12 hours. I will do this at night and tend to it in the morning where I drain the water. I add more water swish it around to make sure all the seeds are off the sides, drain the water, and prop the jar on an angel for any access water to drain. This should be done 2 - 3 times a day. 

The amount of time it takes for sprouts to be done depends on 2 things, you and what you are sprouting. Depending on the taste you want will determine how many days you let the sprouts grow. Some rules to follow if you are just starting, when the sprout is a big as the seed, when leaves start to grow, or to taste. Personally I don't see the taste part an issue for me as I always add them to something else and never really taste them. I have found that most sprouts are ready within the most 5 days.

Storing & Using Sprouts

There are some sprouts that leave hulls behind which need to be removed before storing. To do this pour the sprouts in a bowl of filtered water and gently swirl them around, the hulls will float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and add to a composting pile, toss them outside, or onto your garden. I know some people do not remove the hulls, so I'm thinking this is a personal preference. Once the hulls are removed, drain the sprouts and place them between two towels, gently pat any access water out. I uncover mine and spread them out to dry, if there is to much moisture the sprouts will mold. Sprouts can be stored in a container in the fridge for a week or more depending on the sprout and if they last that long. There are some that will last outside of the fridge and for a longer amount of time, do your homework.

Sprouts can be added to a variety of foods, juices, or smoothies. If you have one you really like the taste feel free to snack them. Personally I have never been brave curious enough to try them on their own. I like to add them to a tomato and cucumber sandwich, soups, salads, and more. Some add them into their foods while cooking, I feel it takes away from the medicinal properties of these super nutritional foods. 

Superfood

The term super food has been popping up all over these days. If you do a search on what makes a food super you will find different view points on the topic. However, I like the way that David Wolfe described superfoods in his book "Superfoods - The Food and Medicine of the Future." (The link is to a free PDF version of the book, good stuff.) He put it like this....

"Superfoods: These include foods that have a dozen or more unique properties, not just one or two. For example, the goji berry is a source of complete protein, immune-stimulating polysaccharides, liver-cleansing betaine, anti-aging sesquiterpenes, antioxidants, over twenty trace minerals, and much, much more."

sprouts are also considered a superfood. 

Why Eat Sprouts?

There are multiple reasons to consume sprouts.

• Increase in vitamins
• Increase in minerals
• Increase protein availability 
• Increase sodium availability 
• Increase potassium 
• Decrease in calories
• Decrease in carbohydrates 

Depending on the sprout depends on what vitamins or minerals are increased. They can also aid with preventing or healing a whooollllleeee  lot of health issues. We don't have to be sick or take pharmaceutical drugs we have been given everything we need to prevent illness and actually heal rather than just putting a band aid on the issue. This includes both mental and physical health.

Photo credit

The Animals Know

I want to share a story with you. We planted a garden last fall a variety of greens which included kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and more. I went out one morning to see how our small sprouts where doing as things were just looking good. To my horror all of our broccoli sprouts were eaten. Upon further investigation I noticed some paw prints which I knew were rabbit tracks. The rabbits did not eat anything else in the garden just the broccoli sprouts. Broccoli sprouts are one of the most nutritious sprouts jammed packed with total awesomeness obviously the rabbits know this. 

I will be blogging on the benefits of broccoli sprouts before Tuesday. Meanwhile feel free to check out my posts "Fenugreek Sprouts for Women's Health" and "Health Benefits of Radish Spouts."

Update February 23, 2016

Well I ended up writing two posts on broccoli sprouts and here they are.

Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts 

Broccoli Sprouts Extract and UV Protection

If this post was helpful to you please share so others can learn about sprouting.

Has this post encouraged you to sprout? Did it make you realize how easy it is?

Cooling Foods for Summer

Photo credit

There is so much about our bodies we were never told same witht the food we eat. Certain foods actually determine the temperature of our body this is practiced in China. They know which foods to eat to bring a balance to the body along with to cool it or to generate more heat it is known as yin and yang.

Cooling foods fall into they yin catagory and help to rid toxins, cool the body, and calm the blood. Here are some symptoms that one is lacking cooling foods.

• Body feels hot
• Sweating
• Thirsty
• Constipation
• Strong scented stools and/or gas
• Burning sensation of the anus
• Anxiety
• Red eyes
• Red face
• Headaches
• Emotional
• Vivid dreams
• Ulcers of the mouth/tongue
• Cold sores
• Red tongue with yellow coating
• Rapid pulse
• Heart burn
• Dark urine

Even if you do not have any of these symptoms eating cooling foods during the summer months can help in dealing with the heat.

Cooling Fruits            Cooling Vegetables                 Grains, Legumes & Seeds

     Apple                                     Alfalfa sprouts                                     Barley
     Banana                                   Asparagus                                            Buckwheat
     Grapefruit                               Bamboo Shoot                                     Millet
     Kiwi                                       Bitter Melon                                        Mung bean
     Lemon                                    Celery                                                  Soy bean
    Orange                                     Chinese Radish (Daikon)                    Wheat bran
    Pear                                          Cucumber                                            Whole wheat
    Star fruit                                   Eggplant
    Strawberry                               Green leafy vegetables
    Watermelon                             Kelp                 
                                                    Lettuce
                                                    Lotus Root
                                                    Mushroom
                                                    Spinach
                                                    Swiss Chard
                                                    Tomato 
                                                    Water Chestnut
                                                    Watercress
                                                    Winter Melon         

Meat, Seafood, & Diary                  Condiments & Beverages          Spices

           Clam                                                            Chrysanthemum tea                  Cardamom
           Chicken Egg                                                Green tea                                   Cilantro
           Crab                                                             Peppermint tea                          Coriander
           Duck Egg                                                     Sesame oil                                Dill
           Rabbit                                                                                                            Fennel
          Seaweed                                               
                             
There are also neutral foods which are not cooling or warming.

Photo credit

•  Eggs
• Coconut
• White cabbage
• Green beans
• Potatoes
• Peas
• Grapes
• Hard cheese
• Broad beans
• Corn on the cob
• Brown rice

How to easily tell if a food is cooling, it grows in the ground with little sunshine is soft, wet, and cool.

While the teas listed are the most cooling all teas having a cooling effect on the body warm or cold. This would explain why tea is great when we are sick. If you look at this list all of these foods digest quickly. When we eat foods that take longer to digest our bodies uses more energy. The more energy created in the body the more heat is generated. Foods that contain fat, carbohydrates, and proteins all take more energy to digest than the foods listed above. So, while we might think ice cream is a cool and refreshing treat the cooling effect only lasts for a small period of time due to the fat content.

We have so much to learn about our bodies and every time I think I have learned more I find that there is twice as much that I haven't learned. So, stay cool this summer and try to eat foods that will aid in cooling the body.

                                                                                     
                                                                                                                   

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.

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.

Eating Organic While on Vacation

It is about that time again when families will be heading to a favorite destination or exploring a new one. One of our biggest struggles while traveling is where to find healthy (organic) food. Our last trip was easy because we went back to West Tennessee to visit family. Because we know people there who eat organic it was a no brainier to contact them for finding organic food. But what about when you are traveling to a new place where you have no brain to pick?

Springs of Life

My solution for this is easy. I want all the bloggers who eat organic to let me know what state and town you are in and where you go for organic food. This could be a small health food store, farmer's market, or a chain such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. The image to the right is where I had lunch yesterday. It is a cafe attached to a health store. If you do not know about this place you would never find it. It is tucked away off the highway in Covington Louisiana and we are so glad they are here.It is places like this that I am really seeking to promote.  Promote small business owners is our families motto.

I am going to use these to compile an article for the June/July issue. Everyone who participates will have the option of having their picture and blog link in the magazine. Of course there are a few rules, ahhhhhh, sorry guys it's a natural living magazine and I want to keep it clean. That means if your blog is not geared towards natural living, sorry, your blog link will not be allowed. I will personally check every blog to be sure it complies with natural living. Confused about what natural living is, here's a check list.

Natural Living Topics

• Organic Food
• Homesteading 
• Organic Gardening
• Fitness
• Homeschooling
• Healing Naturally with Herbs or Essential Oils
• Living off the Grid
• Hunting/Fishing

I believe you get the idea and those who live the lifestyle know what it means. If there are any recipes on your blog they can show only non-organic ingredients within the image. For instance a brownie recipe can not have any images of Hersey's Cocoa Powder. Yes, seasonings are included, no images of McCormick. If you are not sure of the content here please comment below or email me.

Those who wish to contribute please comment and send me an email at yourlifemag.yahoo.com. In the subject line please put Vacation Destination. Include the name of the establishment, address, phone number, along with the web site and image if available. If you submit a farmers market please include the days and hours of operation. Images should be sent as an attachment. Also include your name, blog link, and an image of yourself if you want that included.

Southern man and I believe their is strength in numbers. There are a lot of great blogs out there on natural living along with healthy (organic) places to get eat. Let's stand together and help others live a happy, healthy, natural lifestyle by sharing our knowledge.
 

New Online Magazine Opportunities

I'm both honored and excited to announce the upcoming launch of the magazine named after this blog. There was a struggle with the name of the magazine, but it was determined that "It's Your Life" fits with the natural living theme of the magazine.

With a desire to educate others in how to live a happy, healthy, natural life the name of the blog seemed to fit. After all it is your life and you have choices to make in regards to how you live it. Do you want to continue living sick and tired or are you sick and tired of it? Now this magazine gives no guarantees, but instead seeks to open minds to the various health and mental problems many suffer. What most do not know is how complex our bodies and minds truly are and what it can take to make or keep them healthy.

Through my journey to a happy, healthy, natural lifestyle I have learned alot and continue to learn. Sharing the experiences I have had personally and the inspiration of others who have also overcome physical and mental health problems without drugs is what this magazine brings to its readers. Striving for a unique magazine that has never been done before we have come up with some great ways to help our readers lead a happy, healthy, natural lifestyle.

What You Will Find in Our Magazine

• Unique articles geared towards natural healing of various health and mental problems 
• Articles geared towards physical fitness its importance and the many benefits it brings
• Self sufficiency on various levels rather you just want to grow your own food or strive to be totally off the grid
• How to avoid GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and improve your health along with unique recipes
• Superfoods are important for our bodies as they bring various vitamins and minerals other foods do not. 
• Herbs for health, healing, and growing
• Detoxing and avoiding heavy metals and other toxins
• World news that makes a difference to our health
• The mind is a terrible thing to waste yet so many of us do find out how powerful your mind is and how it can bring you peace, happiness, and financial freedom
• You will be introduced to coaches who can make a difference in various aspects of you life.
• Homeschooling is an important part of the natural living lifestyle as our children were given to us to raise and bring up. Each issue will include a topic with links for study, knowledge, and fun.
• All advertisements will be geared towards natural living if it be those who create, provide, or can bring to us something that effects our life in a positive manner.

 

This magazine incorporates all these topics into one magazine by writers who are either living what they write about or have a strong passion for the mentioned topics. 

Call To Action

• We are seeking more bloggers passionate about these topics to write for us in exchange for advertisement with a live link and bio.
• If you have a product you would like to advertise geared towards natural living we will do it in exchange for a link to the online magazine on your site, will include a live  link time span to be determined.
• FREE issue for those who will put up a link to the magazine in their sidebar for that issue
• If you have a topic you would like to see written about that no one else has addressed email me @ edjumpoff@yahoo.com.

These terms are for a limited time only to be determined.

The deadline for the first magazine is Monday March 16, 2015 contact Joyce Wheeler editor, writer, publisher, and co-designer for more information @ edjumpoff@yahoo.com.

April is Autism Awareness Month if you or someone you know has dealt with this health problem naturally we want to hear from you. We are seeking an article on a family who done this and know that they are out there. So, many families deal with autism and they need to know that if caught early enough it can be eliminated.

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.

Baked Pears with Blackberry Sauce

Southern man and I went to visit his cousins who he has not seen since he was five and doesn't remember. It was a two and a half hour drive and we knew we were making the day of it. His male cousin works on private planes and rents out three hangers at a local airport. I have never seen a private plane up close and was excited to do so. He even let me sit in his personal push pull plane for a picture. To bad I'm on the wrong side to be driving, lol it was fun.

We went back to house where my husband and his female cousin and southern man looked at pictures from earlier days. It was getting late time to head home, but not before we were giving a dozen  eggs  from their chickens, a bag of pears, and some pictures. His cousin's wife said she was  not sure what type of pears they were, but felt they were for cooking and not eating as is.

It was almost a week before I used the pears and some of them went bad. I decided to bake the pears like my mom use to bake apples with butter and cinnamon. There were some frozen blackberries left over from an earlier barter and I took them out to thaw not knowing what I would do with them.

Baked Pears with Blackberry Sauce

10 Baking pears
8 Tbsp butter
Cinnamon

Core and peel the pears, slice into bite size pieces. Be careful with how small you cut them they will shrink. Pre-heat the oven for 350 degrees, put 5 Tbsp of butter in a baking dish and melt it in the oven. Place pears in the baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon and mix everything together. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until tender.

Blackberry Sauce

4 Cups of blackberries
1/2 cup raisins
4 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Add everything to a pot and cook on medium heat stirring as you go while gently smashing berries with a fork. Add the raisins after you have smashed up most of the berries cook until it starts to boil and remove from heat.

Once the pears are done add the blackberry sauce and enjoy. I took this to Bible study and it was very popular with the kids up point it is sugar free.

Mashed Cauliflower with Veggies & Cheese (GF) (DF)

I have fallen in love with mashed cauliflower, but became tired of eating it the same way all the time. So, yesterday I created a new dish pretty simple really. I had some green beans from the garden and decided to use those. Than I remembered the other day I had a taste for corn so I threw that in.

We have Bible study on Saturdays and I was going to do something else until I found out taco salad was being served. I decided to make some cheese using nutritional yeast and spice it up for a Mexican flare. Then I thought how perfect is this for the 21 Day Fix, especially if someone who is vegan is doing it. Thus this post was born.

Mashed Cauliflower and Veggies

1 Head of cauliflower
Corn
Green beans
Salt, pepper, garlic, all purpose seasoning, celery salt, onion powder

My green beans and corn were frozen so I just threw them in the pot with the cauliflower and cooked them until the cauliflower was tender. After it was cooked I cut up the green beans you could do this before. After the vegetables are cooked add the seasonings to taste and with a fork mash up the cauliflower.

While the vegetables were cooking I was busy making pancakes and the cheese.

Nutritional Yeast Cheese

3/4 Cups of filtered water or choice of milk
6 Tbsp Nutritional yeast
1 Tbsp non-dairy butter I used soy free Earth Balance
1 Tbsp gluetin free flour I used Bob's Red Mill corn flour
Salt and pepper to taste along with other seasonings of choice

Melt the butter in a pot and combine the flour and water/milk together in a separate bowl and whisk together. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot and whisk over medium heat until it thickens. It will also thicken more as it cools so if it is not real thick not to worry. Once it cools add whatever other seasonings you want to taste.

Because I wanted mine to go along with the taco salad I added cayenne and Tabasco sauce. This one thing I love about this recipe is you can customize it anyway you want. It also makes a great dip for nachos, or raw vegetables, use your imagination. Use this as lunch, dinner, or a snack.

To finish this dish off for tonight I am going to saute some mushrooms and onions in some butter and garlic. Because the mushrooms have so much water this will be enough to saute both. Once that is done I am going to poor everything into the vegetables and mix it together. The cheese I made is spicy and because there will be children there I am leaving the vegetables and cheese separate.





Do you like my image? I created it on Polyvore, wondering if anyone else uses Polyvore to create images for their blog, or even know about it? Post coming soon on how to use Polyvore to create graphics for your blog.