Apple Walnut and Feta Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

This is the perfect salad for fall and embraces many of those flavors I love! If I had to pick a component I love best I would definitely say the vinaigrette because I think the dressing totally makes the salad and this one is divine.  It's light and fresh and only slightly sweet, perfectly complimenting the salad. 

I do love everything about the salad though, it is a perfect combination from the sweet-tart and chewiness of the dried cranberries to the crispness of the apples and the soft and saltiness of the cheese.  All together it is one great salad.  I made extra vinaigrette so we can keep this salad on hand for a while.


Apple Walnut and Feta Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
For the salad:
1/2 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 large apple, sliced and chopped (I used golden delicious)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (can also substitute another soft, salty cheese such as queso fresco)

Chop lettuce and place in a large salad bowl.  Layer the rest of the ingredients on top in the order given. Serve with raspberry vinaigrette.

For the vinaigrette:
1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or unsweetened thawed frozen)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. honey
salt and pepper, to taste

Mix everything in a blender and blend until smooth.


SOURCE: Vinaigrette from Giada De Laurentiis

Menu Plan Monday October 2012

Well, this week we're playing catch-up.  On top of having a sinus infection, we had a flood a few weeks ago.  Worst day ever waking up to water dripping everywhere!  But, the repairs have finally been finished! No more laundry room taking over my baby's room, bathroom taking over my bedroom and construction crew coming in and out of my house all day. I'm happy to have my house put back together.

Although the house is back to normal I'm still trying to kick the sinus stuff.  It's being very stubborn and has left me exhausted. So, this week I'm trying to keep it simple.  Cook once, eat twice, have leftovers and quick and easy will be my go to words this week.

Monday
Simple Sesame Noodles and Veggies

Tuesday
Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup

Wednesday
Dinner in a pumpkin

Thursday
Spaghetti Squash with Sage, Roasted Garlic and Browned Butter
Roasted Cauliflower

Friday
Leftovers

Saturday
Caprese Lasagna Roll-Ups
Italian Salad with Basil Vinaigrette


Sunday
Homemade Pizza
Leftover Italian Salad with Basil Vinaigrette


Other things we'll be having:
Pepita Granola with Pumpkin Butter 
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Fauxtisserie Chicken
Overnight Applesauce
Ginger Sweet Potato Muffins

Fresh Spaghetti Sauce

I've been home canning my own spaghetti sauce for years.  I love gathering the last of the tomatoes in the fall and filling up my jars that line my pantry throughout the winter until next year.  The first sauce I used to make was from a dry mix, and although I loved it, it wasn't my husband's favorite. So, the last few summers I've been trying different recipes, searching for "the one." 

The last couple years I made this Tomato-Basil Simmer Sauce which I actually do love, but I also wanted a sauce that was more substantial, something that would stick to the noodles without running off.

 This, my friends, is "THE ONE," the very sauce I will can for the rest of my existence! Ok, well maybe not that long, but I think my search is over. This recipe uses fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes, but also uses just a little canned tomato sauce and paste which allow the sauce to thicken without cooking it to death, thus preserving that fresh tomato taste (and not keeping you in the kitchen all day).

I love the sweet bell peppers in this sauce.  I chose to use only about half green pepper and the rest red.  I find the green ones have a more bitter taste, but any other colored ones (yellow, red or orange) work perfectly. I think next time I will replace all of the green pepper with a different color.

This recipe makes roughly 12 cups, 6 pints.  If you're not a canner, you can also freeze the sauce in 2-4 cup portions in zip-loc freezer bags or freezer safe plastic ware. You could also just half the recipe for short-term use.

Fresh Spaghetti Sauce
makes about 6 pints
 
8 cups vine-ripened tomatoes (best from the garden), peeled and chopped (about 10-12 large)*
2 cups onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups sweet bell pepper, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. canning salt (if you don't have canning salt, just salt to taste)
2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. fennel seed
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
16 oz. tomato sauce
12 oz. tomato paste

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Blanch and peel tomatoes.  Pulse in blender until desired "chunkiness" and set aside.  Drizzle a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot and add chopped onions and peppers.  Saute over medium high heat about 5 minutes.  Add tomatoes, garlic and the next 8 ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.

To can sauce you must use a boiling water bath canner.  Pour hot sauce into hot jars.  Wipe mouth of each jar clean and place a lid and ring on each jar, only screwing lid to finger tightness. Process pint jars 15 minutes.

*To blanch and peel tomatoes, bring a pot of water to a boil and fill the sink with cold water.  Using a knife, serrated works best for me, score the tomato by making an "x." Place as many tomatoes in the pot as will cover the bottom in ONE layer.  Boil for 60 seconds, then ladle them out and immediately put them in the sink filled with cold water. Continue with the rest of the tomatoes.  

You will notice the skins already starting to peel off where they have been scored.  Slip off the skins, they come off easily, and core them and place them in a blender or food processor to chop or puree, whichever you prefer.

Make sure you do enough tomatoes to equal 8 cups, chopped.

Winter Squash Sage and Pine Nut Pizza

One thing I love about our family pizza nights is that we always get to try new things!  Now granted my 4 and 6 year old daughters will eat nothing but cheese pizza, but hubby and I love experimenting.  Pizza is another great way to embrace the flavors of seasons, so that is exactly what I did.  Sage and winter squash are a perfect pairing and get used a lot around this time of year.

Pizza does not have to be boring!  We've had weekly pizza nights (give or take a week here and there) for quite a while now and I never tire of it because were always thinking of something new to put on top.  It's a fun tradition to do with my family that creates memories and a tradition I hope to carry on for a while.

Winter Squash Sage and Pine Nut Pizza
1 recipe Whole Wheat Crust
1 cup butternut squash puree (you can either roast your own squash and puree it or buy it already pureed)
1 small onion, sliced thin
2 tsp. fresh sage leaves, minced
10-12 fresh sage leaves, whole
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded
1-2 Tbsp. pine nuts
4 Tbsp. butter

Mix dough according to directions.  Allow to rise. 

While dough is rising, caramelize onions.  Drizzle 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil in a saute pan and heat over medium-high heat.  Add onions and allow to cook until translucent and browning; about 10-15 minutes.  Meanwhile, melt the butter. Add whole sage leaves and cook until crisp and butter is browned and has a nutty fragrance.  Remove sage leaves and set aside.

Preheat pizza stone and oven to 450 degrees F.

Stir the squash puree, nutmeg, salt and pepper until mixed well.  Stretch pizza dough over pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper.  Spread squash mixture over the top, leaving about 1/2-inch border.  Brush the edges with some of the browned butter.  Top with caramelized onions, minced sage, mozzarella cheese, pine nuts and Parmesan.

Slide pizza into the oven onto preheated pizza stone or an inverted cookie sheet, no need to remove parchment if using, just slide it right in there with the pizza. Bake 8-10 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly. 

Remove pizza from oven and drizzle with some of the remaining browned butter and crisped sage leaves.

Menu Plan Monday-October 2012 (Week 4)

I was all ready to put up a Halloween meal plan but realized it's still not until next week.  Do you have any Halloween meal traditions?  I've tried soup in a pumpkin before without much luck and haven't attempted much since.  Having young children, it's always fun to celebrate everything!  Keeps life exciting don't you think?

I've got lots of comfort food going on this week, I'm so excited!!! I wish I could make it all at once. I think I'm mostly excited about the soup.  We'll see if the kiddos go for it.  One thing I know they're going to love is spaghetti night.  I found a new sauce recipe this summer which I love.  Can't wait to share that!

If you are new this week, recipes that are linked have already been shared on the blog. Other menu items will be shared within a week or so. So if you spy something good, don't forget to come back and visit!

October Menu (Week 4)
Monday
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Asian Slaw

Tuesday
Thai Chicken Salad (this is going to happen this week or else!!!)

Wednesday
Lemon and Oregano Roast Chicken
steamed broccoli
Sourdough Baguette (half)
Apple, walnut and feta Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Thursday
Spaghetti
Sourdough Baguette (half)
fresh steamed green beans
leftover Apple, Walnut and feta Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Friday
Vegetable Curry
Couscous

Saturday
Yellow Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup with Pepitas

Sunday
Family Pizza night

Other Things We'll be having:
Bulgar Tabbouleh
Chocolate Coconut Bread Pudding
Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Baked Oatmeal

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

'Tis the season to make anything apple. I'm always looking for a reason to make a yummy dessert and Sunday night family dinner is no better time. In the fall I crave anything with apple, from pancakes, to oatmeal.

This is a simple dessert with a taste that will blow the socks off of anyone! It may seem like a lot of steps but it really comes together quickly. I used the leftover caramel sauce from these pancakes but feel free to use store bought if you prefer.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

For the crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

For the cheesecake filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the apple topping:

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped 

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg 

 

For the streusel topping:

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour 

1 tsp. cinnamon 

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1/2 cup caramel sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

 

In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or 2 knives) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 

 

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Beat to combine. Pour over warm crust. 

 

In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.

For the streusel topping,  combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Cut butter until mixture is crumbly and resembles a coarse meal.

Sprinkle streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Filling should look a little wiggly in the center but firm everywhere else.  Cheesecake will finish setting once cooled.

 

Once cooled but still warm, cut into squares, drizzle with caramel sauce and whipped topping, if desired.

SOURCE: Adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Crispy Quinoa Sliders

At first glance atf these, I knew I wanted to make them, but was a little apprehensive.  I wasn't sure how my all-of-a-sudden picky eater oldest daughter would handle these and it didn't seem like they would be flavorful enough. 

With my oldest daughter I thought I would pull THIS trick and just serve it to her like it was a regular hamburger and not let her on about it.  Hmm, that didn't work so much.  She looked at it, then looked at me and asked why it was that color.  Needless to say, daughter #1 didn't eat it. Daughter #2 needed a little coaxing and distraction, plus some ketchup dipping action, and she ate hers right up.  Daughter #3 eats just about anything, so we're good there.

Hubby and I actually really loved these.  As it turns out they really are flavorful!  Never underestimate the power of simple ingredients.  It is really key in this recipe to get the patties nice and golden.  It not only helps them stick together, it really adds to the flavor.  I love that these patties are so healthful.  Lots of protein from the beans and quinoa and some good, healthy (and tasty) fats from the olive oil and avocado. I opted for just the avocado rather than the mayo to top my patties, in keeping with the whole foods idea, but top yours however you desire and enjoy!!


Crispy Quinoa Sliders

2 cups quinoa, cooked in chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup cooked white beans
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
12 whole wheat slider buns or dinner rolls
2 avocados, mashed
1/2-1 tsp. chipotle powder

Cook quinoa in chicken or vegetable stock, according to package directions.

Mash avocado and add chipotle powder according to your likeness.  Set aside. 

Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and saute onions and carrots over medium high heat until soft and onions are translucent.  Add garlic the last 30 seconds of  cooking.  Mash beans and add them to the onion mixture.  Place mixture into a large bowl, along with the cooked quinoa and allow to cool slightly.

Once mixture is cool, add eggs, cheese, bread crumbs, salt and pepper and olive oil. Either using hands or a wooden spoon, stir together until all ingredients are well-incorporated.

 

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a couple drizzles of olive oil. Once good and hot, make the patties.  I found it easiest to use a large scoop, like a muffin scoop, to make the patties and just just scoop it out right into the pan, flattening it out a little bit with the tips of your fingers.  Add 5-6 quinoa patties, or however many fit in your pan, and cook until DEEPLY golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. If you cook it any less, patties will be too tender and will begin to crumble. Gently flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove and continue with remaining olive oil and patties.

Serve warm on slider or dinner rolls topped with mashed avocado.  (Feel free to embellish here.  You can add mayo if you like, or my daughter even liked them dipped in ketchup!)

Menu Plan Monday-October 2012 (Week 3)

Well, my friends, as luck would have it, we had a flood in our house mid way through the week last week and had to leave until today. Lucky for us we have family close by we were able to stay with.  But, not so lucky for my menu because I didn't get very far down the list before we had to leave.  I did, however make the quinoa sliders from last week's menu which were absolutely delicious, so keep your eyes open tomorrow for that post.

Since I already have the groceries from last week's menu, I'm keeping those meals the same.  I've thrown in a few others to fill the rest of the week.

 October Menu (Week 3)
Monday
Tortilla Soup with Southwest Cabbage Slaw

Tuesday
Bean Curry
Thai Coconut Rice

Wednesday
Pizza with Garlic Bread Crust


Thursday
Thai Chicken Salad

Friday
Ginger-Garlic Salmon
Asian Cabbage Salad

Saturday
Sesame Noodles

Sunday
Fresh Tomato-Basil Soup in homemade bread bowls (I will have an updated recipe and add a picture as well to this post-an oldie but a goodie.)

Other things we'll be having:
Baked oatmeal
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Scones
Apples and Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa

Snickers Pancakes

Happy Saturday!  It is high time for a new pancake recipe around here!  Believe me, we still eat plenty of pancakes but I've been mostly sticking to these for convenience. Ever since school started, my oldest just started kindergarten, I feel like a crazy busy woman.  Weird how just one little thing can cause such a dynamic change! So we have been sticking to quick and easy, but healthy too.  Well, except for maybe these this morning.

Now these are not your every day pancakes. They ARE named after a candy bar, so I wouldn't go eating them every day.  But they are much better than a candy bar and not incredibly bad for you either.  With whole wheat flour and oats and just a pinch of added sugar and light on the add-ins, it's only slightly more indulgent than your every day pancakes and syrup.  You're going to love this easy caramel sauce too!!! Divine.


Snickers Pancakes
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
splash of vanilla (optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup oats
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for garnish, if desired)
1/4 cup salted, roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)

Simple caramel sauce (recipe below)

In a mixing bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, butter and vanilla.  Whisk to incorporate.  Add the rest of the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.  Add chocolate chips and peanuts last and stir briefly to combine.

Let batter sit while griddle heats up.  Drop batter by 1/4 cup onto griddle and cook until bubbles start to form and edges start looking dry; about 2-3 minutes.  Flip and cook another minute or two.  Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve warm and garnish as desired.



Simple caramel sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. water
1/3-1/2 cup heavy cream

In a saucepan combine sugar and water over medium heat.  Swirl together rather than stir.  Cook until light brown in color, about 10-15 minutes.  Gently remove from heat and add in cream.  Whisk until well incorporated.  Mixture will bubble profusely the moment you add the cream so be careful, but it should settle down right away. If you have any hardened bits in the pan, just put it over the warm burner again and let it melt back into the mixture.  Store in a small glass jar with a tight fitting lid in the fridge.

SOURCE: Adapted from Minimalist Baker

Book Review: The Healthy Happy Family

I was given the opportunity by my good friend Emily to review her new e-book, The Healthy Happy Family: A Family Guide to a Healthier Home on a Budget. Of course I accepted because she is my friend but I also think it has some wonderful information for those looking to "clean" up their diet.

In their book, Emily and her husband, Derek, discuss how to incorporate whole and natural foods into your diet, tips to getting kids to eat healthy foods, and how to eat a whole foods diet without breaking the bank! If that sounds like what you need, go check it out! You can find Emily at her blog Eat Yourself Healthy and  Happy, and you can find her Ebook on Amazon here. 

Vegan Broccoli Soup

 

Brrrr. This week has brought on the chill! Fall is definitely in the air.  But that makes it no better time to make some warm soup.

I love finding dairy-free options for creamy soups that don't taste....well, weird.  Some dishes can be "vega-fied" by using soy cheeses and such which I am just not a fan of, and it's not just because of their taste.  Remember how I said we've been switching our diet to more whole and plant-based foods and taking out the processed?  Well, although those soy products do not contain dairy, they are still processed, thus not being a whole food and contain...SOY (one of the most genetically modified foods).  So, I try to steer clear of those products.

This delicious soup gets it's creaminess from pureed cashews, which works amazingly well!  And it's even more healthified by tons of broccoli! This fits the bill for me in more ways than one.

 I crave soup practically all the time during the cold months, I'm glad to add another delicious one to my recipe box!

Vegan Broccoli Soup

1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for 1 hour then drained

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 heads of broccoli, chopped into bite-size florets

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

fresh ground black pepper to taste

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 Tsp. Worcestershire sauce (or vegan Worcestershire)

about 4 cups of water

Soak raw cashews in water for 1 hour.  Drain and puree in blender.  Set aside.

Steam broccoli until fork tender. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat,  add olive oil, and onions.  Cook until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook for one minute more.  Add cumin, salt, mustard seed, and black pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.  Add cooked broccoli florets, water and cashew cream reduce heat to a simmer.  With an immersion blender blend soup until smooth.  Alternately, you could work in batches and blend it in a blender until smooth.

Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.  Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.

Serve warm.  Soup will last, in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. 

SOURCE: Adapted from The Three Day Cleanse via Joy the Baker

Menu Plan Monday-October 2012 (Week 2)

Here we are heading into the second week of October and it's getting CHILLY!! My heat finally kicked on about two nights ago when the temperature dropped into the 30s, so at least we're staying toasty inside.

You'll notice some more fall-inspired meals on the menu this week (soup!), as well as some that we didn't get to last week (that happens often here-does that happen to you too?). I'm also still including lots of salad!  I love to eat salad all year round but I do eat more cabbage salads in the winter because they are hearty, last forever in your fridge and go so well with Asian-style dressings (which I love). Cabbage is also full of good nutrition too.

You'll also notice lots of breakfast food!  If you haven't been a reader long, you'll quickly find out we are totally breakfast lovers here!  I usually make mostly hot breakfasts almost every morning, including pancakes (fave!), eggs and toast, oatmeal, cream of wheat, granola and oatmeal smoothies.

If you are new this week, recipes that are already on the blog have been linked. The rest will appear within a short time, pending family approval!

October Menu (Week 2)
Monday 
Creamy Caprese Pasta
steamed broccoli
Grilled Tuscan Panzanella

Tuesday
Quinoa Sliders w/ avocado
leftover Panzanella and veggies
 
Wednesday
Bean Curry
Thai Coconut Rice

Thursday
Thai Chicken Salad

Friday
Yellow Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup w/ Pepitas

Saturday
Ginger-Garlic Salmon
Asian Cabbage

Sunday
Pesto Pizza with Butternut Squash (this may change, but I do have pesto to use up)


Other things we'll be having:
Cherry Almond Granola
Homemade Burger Buns (whole wheat and slider size)
Grilled Apple Pie Breakfast Stack
Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies
Orange Dark Chocolate Pancakes
Snickers Pancakes

Apple-Sausage Pizza on a Whole Wheat Crust

Nothin' screams fall like apples!  Apples go good with so many things, like cheddar, bacon, chicken sausage, caramelized onion, so why not just throw it all together on a pizza?  Yup, that's what I did....oh so delish.   The whole wheat crust is perfect for this pizza because it can stand up to all those wonderful toppings and still deliver a great taste. 

We have pizza night about once a week and I'm always looking for ways to change it up for the hubs and I.  My girls are not very venturesome when it comes to pizza, so I make one cheese pizza for them and a different one for the "adults."

Apple-Sausage Pizza on a Whole Wheat Crust 
For the crust:
1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. instant yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3/4 cup warm water

Place all ingredients except the water in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Pulse a time or two to evenly distribute everything.  Add water and mix for about 30-60 seconds.  If dough seems too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.  If it is too wet, add more flour, about one tablespoon at a time.   Let dough knead for about 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.  Place dough in a greased bowl.  Cover lightly with a lid or damp kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size.


For the pizza:
cornmeal, for dusting
1 recipe whole wheat crust
1 Tbsp. Dijon or coarse-ground mustard
1/2 pound chicken sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 apple (I used Gala), thinly sliced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
4-5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (I used white cheddar, but not necessary)
1/4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

*To caramelize onion, place onion in a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil and cook on medium to medium-low for about 8-10 minutes or until slightly browned and soft.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  If using a baking stone, place it in the oven as well to preheat.  Dust a pizza peel or parchment paper with cornmeal and roll out pizza dough.

Drizzle olive oil over the top of the crust, and brush around the edges.  Spread the mustard evenly, leaving about 1/2-inch border at the edge.   Top with about 3/4 of the cheddar cheese, sausage, bacon and caramelized onions.  Tuck in the apple slices, then sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella.

Slip pizza from the peel onto the hot baking stone, or if you're using parchment paper, just slide it right onto the stone. Alternately you can use and inverted cookie sheet. Bake for about 7-10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Menu Plan Monday-October 2012 (Week 1)

I've decided to bring the menu plan back to the blog! I think menu planning is an important step to feeding your family healthful, well-rounded meals, as well as keeping you on track with a budget.

When I posted my previous menus, they were monthly menus, but I'm switching to weekly menus.  The main reason is that our diets have changed to include much more plant food (i.e. salads and veggies) so I shop for those more frequently than I would with once a month shopping. The other reason is that if you are new to menu planning it's easier to start small.  At first even taking on a week at a time may sound daunting.  Hopefully you can start getting some ideas and inspiration from the new weekly menu posts and start creating your own!

I'll list mostly our dinner menu and link recipes that are already on the blog. Meals that are not linked will show up hopefully within a week, if it is something our family loved.  I'll also link other things I plan on making.

October Menu (week 1)
Monday
Whole Wheat Pasta with Cilantro-Peanut Pesto
fresh corn on the cob
salad

Tuesday
Blackened Salmon Tacos w/ corn salsa
Southwest Cabbage Slaw

Wednesday
Lemon and Oregano Roast Chicken
fresh steamed green beans
Sweet Potato Cakes

Thursday
Vegan Broccoli Soup
Sourdough baguette

Friday
Quinoa Sliders w/ avocado on homemade whole wheat dinner rolls
Italian Salad w/ Basil Vinaigrette

Saturday
Bean Curry
Thai Coconut Rice

Sunday
Homemade Pizza (toppings to be determined)

Other things I'll be making
Crunchy Oat Cereal (with almond pulp)
Apples and Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa
Grilled Apple Pie Breakfast Stack
Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade Peanut Butter

Creamy White Bean and Chicken Sausage Pasta

I'm so glad it's fall!  And can you believe it's already October?  That mean's Halloween is just around the corner, cooler weather and lots of holiday cheer for months to come.  I absolutely love this time of year.  It's my favorite.

One of my most favorite things about fall is the FOOD.  I love not only eating but also making warm, comforting food that makes my belly full and happy.  The great thing about this dish is that it delivers all that plus it's healthy too (minus the bacon). I'm not usually a leftover person, but I ate this for the next two days after I made it, it was that delicious.

Creamy White Bean and Chicken Sausage Pasta
2 cups whole wheat pasta shells
1/2 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 roasted red pepper chopped
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
1 Tbsp. butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 can lite coconut milk (or 1 cup full-fat coconut milk plus 1 cup water)
1/2 cup almond milk (not vanilla flavored!)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 lb Chicken Sausage (omit dried apples), cooked and crumbled*
4 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
10-12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

*This dish comes together pretty quickly, but to make even more effective use of your time, make and cook the sausage ahead of time.  Keep it warm while you're making the rest of the dish.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Drizzle a bit of olive oil in the pan  and add onions, tossing to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.  Stir in the garlic the last 30 seconds or so, then toss in the red pepper, beans and chicken sausage.

When pasta is done cooking, drain and add to the skillet with the rest of the ingredients.  Keep it on low while you make the sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt butter.  Whisk in flour.  When it starts to bubble, cook for about a minute.  Whisk in both milks, then bring the mixture to a boil; stirring constantly. Let simmer about 5 minutes, until it thickens a bit.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Remove the bean and pasta mixture off the heat and pour in the sauce, tossing to coat.  Stir in the bacon and spinach and let sit about 5 minute.  The sauce will slightly thicken and get absorbed by the pasta and the spinach will begin to wilt. Toss in the tomatoes and fresh basil at the last minute, right before serving.  Garnish with parmesan cheese.



SOURCE: Adapted from How Sweet It Is

Mug Brownie (Vegan)

You're either going to love me or hate me for this post. Love me because it's soooooo delicious, so good and so quick. Hate me because it's addicting, and not very high up there on the healthy factor.  But hey, you can't be 100% all the time.  A girl's gotta have her chocolate once in a while!

Brownie in a mug is the perfect treat for one (or 2) when you've got an intense craving to satisfy, or you don't want to make very much.   I've tried a few "mug" recipes and I really absolutely love this one.  The brownie comes out nice and moist and has a deep chocolate flavor.  NO cake-like brownies here!

This is vegan only because there is no dairy or eggs, but don't let that fool you, it has one of the best flavors in a brownie that I have tasted!

Mug Brownie
 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
pinch salt
splash of vanilla
2 Tbsp. almond milk
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
4 Tbsp. flour
(Optional: tiny splash rum extract OR tiny pinch cayenne pepper and cinnamon)

Melt coconut oil in mug of choice.  You only need to microwave it for about 10 seconds or so, it melts pretty easily. Add sugar, salt and vanilla and stir well.  Add milk; stir.  (You don't want to add the milk with the coconut oil because it will harden back up since, so add it after the sugar is mixed in.) Add cocoa powder and flour and stir well.  Microwave for about 45-70 seconds, or until cooked.  Time will depend on your microwave and your mug.  I used 2 different mugs; one was done at 45 seconds, the other, closer to 75.  Check as you go, starting at about 45 seconds. Enjoy!

SOURCE: Adapted from Industrious Justice

Split Pea Soup with Curried Brown Butter

So, just as I was hanging on to summer with my last post, I'm stepping into fall with this one!  I just love soups in the fall.  Not only are they a vehicle for an incredible amount of nutrition, they just warm you body and soul!

I know it's not technically fall yet and the weather is still reaching the mid 80's, so I take  chose the coolest day of the week last week (85 I think) to make this soup.  I was kind of holding my breath because I had no idea the kind of response I would get from my girls-it's green and kind of thick and maybe looks like something Shrek would eat (according to my kids anyway). Well, actually getting them to take the first bite was the hardest because they actually loved it! I was kind of in shock-not that it wasn't delish though, just that they ate it.

This is an absolutely delicious rendition of the simple split pea soup I ate as a child. Cooking the veggies in coconut oil really adds depth of flavor and gives it just a hint of coconut-divine!  You won't be sorry about the curried brown butter either-I mean who doesn't love brown butter? And the curry is the perfect spice for the peas.

I served the soup up with a sourdough baguette, but just about any other artisan loaf would be delicious as well.

Split Pea Soup
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, ghee, or extra-virgin coconut oil

1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

5 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 1/2 cups green lentils or green split peas, picked over and rinsed
 1/2 cup coconut milk

Curried Brown Butter
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 tablespoon curry powder


Combine the 2 tablespoons coconut oil, onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a large soup pot over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the onions soften, a couple minutes. Add the vegetable broth and lentils and simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, but can take as long as 50 minutes.



In the meantime, warm the 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and let it brown. When it starts to smell nutty and fragrant, stir in the curry powder and sauté until the spices are fragrant, less than a minute.



When the lentils are finished cooking, remove from the heat, stir in the coconut milk and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and puree with an immersion blender. You can leave the soup a bit chunky if you like, or puree until it is perfectly smooth.

Stir in half of the curried butter, taste, and add more salt, if needed. Serve drizzled with the remaining curried butter.



SOURCE: Adapted from 101 Cookbooks, originally from Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Every Day.

Zucchini Bites

I know I'm totally hanging onto summer with this post, but I know there are some of you out there that still have zucchini coming out your ears and need something to do with it besides make bread....for the tenth time!

I love that each of these is one perfect little mouthful. You can pop them almost as mindlessly as chips or tater tots, but feel no regret because they are totally healthy!

These haven't quite yet made it to the dinner table because they are just do darned good to snack on, but they would make a great addition to any dinner menu!

Zucchini Bites
Yields 24

2 cups finely shredded zucchini, water squeezed out
2 eggs
1/2 cup whole grain or panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup onion, finely diced
4-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.

Squeeze as much water out of the zucchini as you can, otherwise it will become soggy.  Place everything in a mixing bowl and either stir with a spoon, or you can use your hand and give it a few good squeezes through your fingers to get it all nice and mixed up.

Using a tablespoon, or I like a small cookie scoop best, scoop mixture into prepared pan and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until slightly golden. Remove to a cooling rack and cool completely.  Enjoy!


SOURCE: Adapted from The Curious Country Cook

Peaches and Cream Steel Cut Oats

My friend introduced me to steel cut oats this year and I am forever in her debt! I love them as well as my family. We eat a lot of oatmeal anyway, but since we don't really buy boxed cereal, it's nice to have a variety of hot cereals to eat, especially with fall and cooler temps just around the corner.

One thing I love about steel cut oats is that although it does take longer than rolled oats to cook, you can cook it once, then eat it the rest of the week. I love to portion it out into little bowls with lids and pull a couple out each time we want to eat it. It's pretty perfect for those school mornings when you don't have 25 minutes to make breakfast; you can just pull it out of the fridge, warm it up and you're good to go.

I love to flavor my oats with fresh fruit. It add delicious flavor and extra nutrition to an already healthful breakfast. In this recipe, I have pureed the fresh peaches because my kids have a thing about chunky-things-in-food, but you could easily just chop and mix them in.


Peaches and Cream Steel Cut Oats
1 cup steel cut oats
3 1/4 cups water
pinch of salt
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
1/2-1 cup pureed fresh peaches
1 tsp. vanilla

Toppings (optional): diced peaches and walnuts

Bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in oats. Reduce heat to about medium and cook about 25 minutes or until desired tenderness, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pan. After 25 minutes, remove oats from heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Return to heat for another minute or two. Serve warm or divide into smaller portions and refrigerate for later consumption.

End-of-Summer Smoothies

Not having my computer is totally killing me. My husband has a MacBook Air, which I have been using a little but I don't like it. I can't wait to get my own laptop back! I just couldn't wait another second to post though, I know it's been sparse the past few weeks. I've got not one but TWO wonderfully delicious end-of-summer smoothies to share with you today. Have a great holiday!!

This first smoothie was born out of necessity. Like, howmagonnauseupallthosepeaches my mom just gave me (from her tree)? I know, what a problem right? I knew I liked peaches and blueberries in my green smoothies, but had yet to try them in just an all fruit smoothie (something my girls would more likely like and finish). So, my first trial was a big score, didn't have to change a thing. It was absolutely love at first sight.

Fresh peaches at their peak are the most wonderful thing in the world to eat. I crave them every summer and am always very sad to see them go. If you can get your hands on some before they're gone, you gotta give this a try!

Blueberry Peach and Basil Smoothie
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 fresh, ripe peaches, peeled if you prefer and pitted
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup almond milk
about 4 fresh basil leaves

Put everything in your blender and whiz away!

I couldn't get this next smoothie out of my mind after I saw it. I think I made it that very day. Watermelon is another one of those quintessential fruits of summer that only lasts so long. So we gorge ourselves on it while it lasts then bid farewell until next time.

This smoothie is also paired with basil. I know you're thinking really??? c'mon here! Not more basil. But, seriously, don't underestimate the basil. It adds flavor and life to so many things. It's a subtle flavor that just knocks your socks off. If you're really not a fan, fresh mint would actually be a great substitution.

This is a super refreshing smoothie with the watermelon and cool cucumber. No need to add any extra liquid because the fruit is already full of it.

Watermelon Strawberry and Basil Smoothie
2 heaping cups watermelon
1/2 cup cucumber
1 cup frozen strawberries
3-4 fresh basil leaves

Put it all in your blender and whiz to you liking. Slurp away.

Enjoy!


SOURCE: Watermelon smoothie from My Green Diet

Berry-Oat Breakfast Smoothie

Oh my goodness, I know I have been MIA for the past two weeks. Things have been crazy around here with school starting. My oldest is starting kindergarten and I'm kind of freaking out about it-ahhh! Plus, my computer is being worked on so I have to steal my husband's mac when he's not looking for only tidbits of time here and there. Hopefully I'll get it back soon and I can start kicking out regular posts again! But for now, enjoy this breakfast smoothie, perfect for the start of school.

We have been rockin' these smoothies lately and my girls especially love them. The first one that I made was just strawberry though, so they probably loved it FIRST because it was pink and only SECOND because it tasted good. Regardless of why they like it, I'm glad they do and happy they drink it. At least I know they're getting good nutrition at least ONE meal a day.

This would be a perfect meal to tuck away in your breakfast arsenal for those crazy school mornings. Quick. Easy. Delicious! It only take a few minutes to throw together and is loaded with healthful ingredients that are sure to send everyone off to a great start for the day!


Berry-Oat Breakfast Smoothie
1 cup ice
1/2 cup frozen berries (single berries or a mix)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp. honey
1 cup water (or other liquid such as almond milk, coconut water, low-sugar juice)

Put everything in a blender and blend until completely smooth.


SOURCE: Martha Stewart

Chicken Bruschetta

I love seasonal food for all different reasons and summer food is no different. I love that it is fresh, bursting with flavor, you don't have to cook it most of the time and it is usually quick to prepare.

Some of my favorite hallmark flavors of summer include anything grilled, fresh herbs (mostly basil), garden fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and fresh picked peaches and raspberries. I got to play farm girl for a couple of years a while back while we rented a house and it ruined me forever! Now all I want to be when I grow up is a farmer.

So, anyway, back to the topic of this delicious chicken. As you can tell from the list above, this has many of my favorite summertime flavors all wrapped up in one. My mom made something similar for me a while back when we were at her house for dinner and I couldn't wait to recreate something at home, just as delicious. I got to share this chicken with some friends a few weeks back and got thumbs up all around, even two from the chicken-haters club. So I'd say it's pretty tasty!


Chicken Bruschetta
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied to make two thin halves
olive oil
Garlic butter seasoning (Like Johnny's)

For the bruschetta topping:
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
5 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
2 pints grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 Tbsp. balsamic binegar
handful of fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
salt and pepper, to taste

freshly grated parmesan cheese


Prepare chicken breasts by slicing them thin. Place them in a large baking dish. Generously drizzle them with olive oil and give them a good sprinkle of the garlic butter seasoning. Using your hands, make sure all the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture. Cover and chill several hours. (Make sure you take chicken out of fridge about a half hour before you are ready to grill them.)

In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon og olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir, lightly frying for about 30 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Add tomatoes, balsamic, basil, and salt and pepper to the bowl. Toss to combine, then taste and add more basil if needed, and more salt if needed, making sure not to over-salt. Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two, if possible.

Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan, then grill until done in the middle; about 4 minutes per side.

To serve, give the tomato mixture a final stir. Arrange chicken breasts on a plate then spoon a generous amount of bruschetta topping over the top. Sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Use extra topping on slices of grilled baguette!


SOURCE: Slightly adapted from Pioneer Woman

Cool Cucumber-Melon Minty Smoothie

Wow, there have been several times over the past few days that I thought I was just going to melt! Don't get me wrong, I like summertime, but when we have day after day of near 100 degree weather, I just want to put on the least amount of clothes that I can get away with and sit under a fan. I get cranky, my kids get cranky and we need something to cool us off!

Did you know that peppermint essential oil is used as a cooling agent, like in reducing fevers? So, how genius is it to put mint leaves in a smoothie and cool your body from the inside out? Pair that with a cool cuke and honeydew melon and you'll be shivering in no time!

I know the combination of ingredients may seem a little odd, but I liked them a lot more than I thought I would, especially feeling that cool mint tingle down my throat and stomach, making me feel cool inside, and minty fresh.


Cool Cucumber-Melon Minty Smoothie
1/2 cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup honeydew melon, cut into chunks and frozen (preferably)
1/4 cup fresh mint, rinsed
juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp.)
1 cup pear juice (or water and sweetener, if desired)
handful of ice

Put everything in a blender and process until smooth.


SOURCE: Whole Living

Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes with Blackberry Salsa

I know it's not fall and sweet potatoes are kind of a fall thing, right along with butternut squash, but burgers and things that come in patties are kind of a summer thing and I'm always on the lookout for meatless meals that pack a nutritional punch and are full of flavor.

Enter sweet potatoes and quinoa. Sweet potatoes, besides being slightly sweet and absolutely delicious are high in fiber, vitamins A, C and B6 and quinoa is high in protein, iron and calcium (nutrients found often in animal products). So, I can feel good about having a meatless meal and not having to worry about my kids not getting the right nutrients.

My husband and I both really enjoyed these "griddle cakes," if you will. I even fed some to my 8 month old and she couldn't get it in her mouth fast enough! I didn't venture to give them to my other two because that would have been all out war, but I'm ok with that for now. Baby steps. The salsa is a great accompaniment and makes for a great combination of flavors.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes
1 medium sweet potato (about 6 oz), peeled and chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil, plus more for frying cakes
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil. Add in sweet potato, onion, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, stir, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potato is soft. Remove lid and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.

Transfer potato mixture to a large bowl (slightly mashing potato with a fork) and add quinoa, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, remaining salt and pepper and mix well. Once combined, add in egg, then mix until moistened. Using your hands to bring it together, form four equally-sized patties. Heat the same skillet over medium heat and add coconut oil. Add cakes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Serve with blackberry salsa.


Blackberry Salsa
1 pint fresh blackberries, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 jalapeno, finely diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
the juice of 1 lime
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and mix.


SOURCE: How Sweet It Is

Sweet and Salty Popcorn

It is absolutely ridiculous the amounts of this popcorn I have been making and consuming lately and haven't even bothered to share it with you until now. It's been my little secret. Well, actually not, it's just that I typically make it an night for a movie or game night and by morning (when the light is good), it's mysteriously gone!

I don't have much self control when it comes to popcorn, except microwave popcorn (ewwww), so if there's some left in the bottom of the bowl, it won't be there much longer.

I don't feel too bad about eating a WHOLE bowl, ok, half a bowl, of this popcorn though because it's actually not too bad of a snack, although it tastes pretty indulgent. Since it's cooked in coconut oil, you get all those health benefits and there's just a bit of sugar and salt. SO, no, I really don't feel bad eating it.

And you shouldn't either. This should be your new favorite snack too. It takes about 93 seconds to prepare. And you can get it ready while everyone else is getting the movie set up.

Bring paper lunch sacks. And fold them down to hold the popcorn. My girls thought that was the best trick ever!


Sweet and Salty Popcorn (AKA Kettle Corn)
4 Tbsp. coconut oil
2 Tbsp. white sugar
2/3 cup popcorn kernels
salt, to taste

Put everything in a tall pot and begin cooking over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, place the lid on it and swirl it around as the kernels begin to pop. You kind of want this part to go fast so the last kernels to pop don't get burned. Quickly pour the popcorn out into a very large mixing bowl and immediately sprinkle with salt and stir until evenly coated.

SOURCE:My friend Melanie

Vegan Oatmeal Banana Pancakes with (not so vegan) Chocolate Chips

I think my pancake addiction keeps getting worse and worse! I NEVER tire of eating them. They are just so versatile. You could make a different recipe every week for a year and never repeat.

So the other day I was thinking about making these pancakes that I LOVE, one of my favorites, but decided to try to make them healthier, by omitting the dairy, egg and added sugar, and using whole wheat flour.

Well, all the little tweaks paid off, because I think the pancakes are just as fabulous. I used a super ripe banana so it would add all that natural sweetness instead of adding white sugar. I replaced the chicken egg with a flax egg, definitely multiplying the health factor and supplying the fatty acids that my growing girls need. The whole wheat flour is pretty much a no-brainer for me any more, it's the norm, as well as the almond milk.


Vegan Oatmeal Banana Pancakes with Chocolate Chips
1 very ripe large banana, mashed
1 cup almond milk
1 flax egg (1 Tbsp. ground flax + 3 Tbsp. water)
2 Tbsp. oil
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oats
pinch salt
1 tsp. baking powder
3 Tbsp. chocolate chips (vegan-friendly if you choose)

Preheat skillet.

In a small bowl, stir together the ground flax and water. Let sit about 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, add mashed banana, milk, flax egg, oil and vanilla. Whisk until well-incorporated. Add the dry ingredients, stirring to combine, tossing in chocolate chips in last.

Pour batter by 1/4 cup onto preheated skillet. Cook until bubbles start to form and edges look a bit dry. Flip and continue cooking another minute or so.


SOURCE: Adapted from Minimalist Baker

Coconut Lime Ice Cream

I came up with this recipe out of necessity, 'cause ice cream is a necessity, didn't you know? I LOVE anything coconut but coconut and lime are so delicious and refreshing. I had an abundance of each and they were just begging me to throw them together to make ice cream. You just can't have enough during the summer.

I came across a few recipes using a custard base and no coconut milk and I just thought that was ridiculous. Coconut ice cream NEEDS coconut milk and NO eggy aftertaste. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good custard base but they are not fit for every kind of ice cream.

This is a no-cook base, gotta love that, and it comes together super fast so you can get it freezing in no time at all. I hope you enjoy this cool and refreshing treat.


Coconut Lime Ice Cream
1 14-oz can coconut milk (full fat)
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
1 lime, zested
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Whisk everything together in a bowl and refrigerate it until chilled.

Pour ice cream base into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Scrape out into a freezer safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Freeze 4 hours or until firm before serving.

Melon Mozzarella Salad

This is another salad that epitomizes summer for me. Fresh cool crisp melons and grapes, heloooooo juicy slurpy peaches, scrumptious strawberries and I told you already I swoon over fresh basil. Kind of an unexpected little burst of flavor, but oh so delish! What's also fun about this salad is the little bites of salty, soft fresh mozzarella, also a little unexpected here, but I'm loving the contrast. All of this is paired with the delicious lemon poppy-seed dressing from this salad and you've got yourself a perfect little dessert for a hot summer night. Sweet and filling and won't weigh you down. You'll be luvin' it too

Melon and Mozzarella salad
3 cups peeled, coarsely chopped fresh peaches (about 1 1/2 lb.)
1 (8-oz.) tub fresh small mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing
4 cups seeded and cubed watermelon
4 cups cubed honeydew melon
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 cups seedless green grapes, cut in half
Garnishes: mint leaves

Toss first 3 ingredients with 1/4 cup Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing

Add all salad ingredients into a large glass trifle dish or tall glass bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours. Toss with remaining 1/2 cup dressing just before serving. Garnish, if desired.


SOURCE:Southern Living

Double Bean Burgers with Avocado-Basil Cream

Haha, I'm so proud of myself for pulling off this meal with my kids. I hijacked their normal burger and replaced it with this delicious and flavorful double bean burger and they weren't even the wiser! My oldest daughter even told me how yummy it was and ate most of it as well.

I had to give my husband the "ojo" across the table to make sure he didn't spill the beans about the beans in the burgers. Cause I know if my girls got one wiff of the fact that there were beans on those buns instead of a "real" burger, they for sure would have turned up their noses at it and not eaten another bite. Luckily the man caught my drift and we were safe.

I have actually been wanting to make bean burgers forever. I've bookmarked many many recipes, only to delete them thinking it would be a waste of my time because no one would eat them but me. I finally got up the nerve when I saw this recipe. They looked yummy and flavorful, but to tell you the truth the basil avocado cream totally SOLD me. Anything with basil and I SWOON.

Truly this does make a delicious and light burger and it's a great addition to any repertoire of meatless meals.

Double Bean Burgers
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 whole grain buns, toasted if desired

In a large bowl, mash beans with a potato masher or fork. Add in the rest of the ingredients, using only 1 tablespoon of the oil, and mix thoroughly to combine, bringing it together with your hands if needed. Separate the beans into 6 equal sections and form patties.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as much as you need). Add burgers and cook on each side until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and serve with avocado cream on whole wheat buns.

Avocado-Basil Cream
1 avocado
1/3 cup mayonnaise
10 basil leaves, chopped
pinch of salt and pepper

Mash the avocado, then mix with the mayonnaise to combine. Stir in the basil leaves and salt and pepper, to taste. Serve over bean burgers.


SOURCE: Slightly adapted from How Sweet It Is

Backyard Mint Ice Cream

National Ice Cream Month is almost over and I've got a new flavor for you today. Mint ice cream literally from your own backyard! Does it get any better?

This recipe comes from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home and is amazing. Her method is unique in that she doesn't use eggs as a thickener, rather cornstarch and a little cream cheese. I think that worked perfectly here because it kept the ice cream nice and minty white in color and didn't give off an eggy flavor for the base. It also kept it nice and smooth, rather than icy, which often results when there's not enough fat. Another thing I love is that this ice cream is infused with fresh mint leaves, rather than an extract so there's no funky aftertaste from fake ingredients.

When my mom brought me a bunch of mint from her garden I was so excited I finally got to try this ice cream. I made a double batch and have probably eaten most of it myself!

So, whether you have to step out the back porch, run to the farmer's market, or just the regular marker, make sure you save some mint (and some room in your belly) for this delicious frozen treat!

Backyard Mint Ice Cream
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 ounces (3 Tbsp.) cream cheese, softened
1/8 tsp fine sea salt
2 cups whole milk
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2/3 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
large handful of fresh mint, leaves roughly torn into small pieces.

Mix about 2 tablespoons of the milk with the cornstarch in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry.

Whisk the cream cheese and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. If you have trouble whisking the cream cheese, microwave it for 5-10 seconds to soften it a bit more.

Combine the remaining milk, the cream, sugar and corn syrup in a 4-quart saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and boil for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, and gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry.

Bring the mixture back to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring with a heatproof spatula, until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the cream cheese until smooth. Make sure not to pour too fast, if you add it all at once, it will be lumpy and it will be very difficult to get them out. Add the mint. Pour the mixture into a large container with tight-fitting lid, or a gallon size ziploc bag.

Refrigerate to steep for 4 to 12 hours.

Strain out the mint. Pour the ice cream base into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturers instructions.

Pack the ice cream into a freezer-safe storage container, and seal with an airtight lid. Freeze in the coldest park of your freezer until firm, at least 4 hours. Enjoy!


SOURCE: Jenni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home