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Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

7/5/13

Heavenly Blueberry Pie with crumb topping ~ Easy as PIE!

Blueberry Pie.  



I never knew the beauty of blueberry pie until a few years ago.

You see we live in blueberry country.  

There's a place called Gingerich Farms right down the road from us and they have a Blueberry Blowout Event each year (July 19th & 20th this year) where they sell their delicious, locally grown, freshly picked blueberries to the public at wholesale prices.  Ever since the first year we discovered them we've been going back and buying flat after flat of fresh blueberries for freezing.  That way we can use them throughout the year without paying those crazy supermarket prices for fresh or frozen berries.  These frozen blueberries go great in cereal, yogurt, fruit smoothies, and of course PIES.  

Now I've never been a big pie eater (except at Thanksgiving) but the first year we went to the blueberry festival we also purchased a pie made by Gingerich Farms employees and, boy, let me tell you IT WAS FLIPPING GOOD!

It was July and we'd been eating those fresh blueberries by the handfuls for days on end (they are so good!) so I wasn't expecting anything phenomenal from that pie.  We'd almost blueberrie'd ourselves out at that point.

I made homemade ice cream that day and we cooked the pie and served it up nice and warm after a BBQ, with a scoop of that creamy homemade vanilla ice cream on top....and I swear to you it got completely quiet as everyone experienced that first moment of warm, blueberry pie bliss.  

Talk about heaven!  


I vowed that day that I would learn how to make a crumb-topped blueberry pie that would make a small crowd go silent with it's irresistible gooey blueberry goodness!

Now I have to admit that I've learned many things since that first pie making experience.  Like how easy it can be to make your own pie crust.  My friend Julie (the Redhead) has a wonderful pie crust recipe that would work great with this pie: 


She said she would be happy to have us steal her EASY pie crust recipe.  You may want to nab the rest of her apple pie recipe at Redhead Can Decorate while you're there.  Man does it look good!

But if things are really just too crazy...you've got a house full of out-of-town guests and a BBQ to light up and homemade ice cream to churn and parades to attend...then you could even get away with using frozen pie crusts and just add the homemade blueberry filling and crumb topping.  It will still be unbelievably delicious (and I won't tell anybody you cheated.  That's one of my favorite cheats when I'm low on prep time too).  :)



Have a heavenly summer my friends!

Heavenly Blueberry Pie with Crumb Topping

Ingredients:
1 pie shell (homemade or store bought)
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
pinch of salt (1/18 teaspoon)

Crumb Topping:
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 stick chilled butter cut into pieces

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl and pour into pie shell.

In another bowl combine crumb topping ingredients:  flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.  Cut chilled butter into small pieces and mix into other ingredients with your hands ~ working the butter into clumps.  Pour over pie shell with fruit filling.

Place pie on foil lined baking sheet and put in lower portion of oven.  Reduce heat to 350 and bake for 1 1/2 hours.  You may need to cover with a foil tent if topping is browning too quickly.  When fruit bubbles and crust is brown your pie is done.  Enjoy!





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6/25/13

Trottole with Asparagus and Ham {Poor Man's Version}

Sometimes life takes us on some wild and crazy rides and we have no choice but to take it as it comes, hold on tight, and make the best of the ride.  There have been a lot of changes around our house lately and some challenges too.  When life gets crazy like this it's easy to get out of the habit of making a really good, satisfying meal to share with the family and instead just throwing something cheap and fast together to eat on the run.  Usually those meals aren't very healthy or satisfying.

I was drawn to this dish because of how amazingly simple it is to make...and it's Italian...and it has asparagus...and olive oil...and it's a one dish kinda meal (I really like those kind!).  PERFECTO!


So simple to make you won't believe how deliciously satisfying this is!

Ingredients:
1 lb. Trottole Pasta
1 lb. asparagus cut in to pieces about 1.5 inches long
1/4 to 1/2 lb. thin sliced deli ham ~ Prosciutto would normally be used but this is the poor man's version ;)
2-3 medium ripe tomatoes sliced into thin wedges
1/2 cup olive oil (I use 'rich in flavor' EVOO)
2 T. lemon juice (mine came right out of that cute little lemon shaped bottle)
3 T. fresh basil chopped
Lemon Pepper
Parmesan Cheese to taste


Directions:
  • Cook Trottole Pasta according to package directions.
  • While pasta is cooking saute asparagus on medium high heat in 2 T. EVOO for a couple of minutes max.
  • Tear ham into bite sized pieces and throw in with asparagus for one minute to bring out it's flavor.
  • Add asparagus, ham, tomatoes, basil, remaining olive oil, lemon juice and lemon pepper to drained pasta and toss to blend.
  • Add parmesan to Trottone and serve in shallow pasta bowls.  


Buon appetito!



This was our first time trying this dish and as we finished eating my man exclaimed "That was one darn good meal!"  The little man dished up his own but left out all of the asparagus, tomatoes and ham.  All the good stuff, am I wrong???  I asked him to give it a try with more than just pasta and he did.  "I really like it!" he proclaimed when he was done with his second helping ( this time he included all the ingredients except the tomatoes.  Choose your battles wisely, right?).

These past few weeks have been extremely challenging.  I've been job hunting and dealing with some medical issues that needed dealing.  All around it's just been a crazy, hectic, unsure time and it was wonderful to share this delicious meal with my family and now you.  I hope you give it a try!

Whatever challenges you may be facing lately, I hope you are still able to enjoy the little pleasures found in everyday life...

With Love,
Sherry

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5/10/13

Class is now in Session ~ Mrs. Hines' Class

Well Hello Friends!   


Blogging has been such a blessing in my life.  At a time when I was feeling like there was really something missing in my life, I stumbled upon blogging.  It awakened the creative side of me that had been dormant for way too long.  That in itself was a huge boost to me...but that's not the only benefit of blogging.  It has opened up an entire world of amazing people that I otherwise would never have had a chance to meet.  The blog world is full of talented, smart, creative, funny, inspirational, and driven women who choose to share their stories and inspiration through blogging.  I am continuously surprised and amazed by the talent and skill of my fellow bloggers.  And it's not just talent and skill that is found in blogland.  The amount of love, friendship, encouragement and support offered by fellow bloggers is heart-warming!  Some of my favorite people are fellow bloggers that I have never met in person, yet we've developed strong friendships.  





Today I thought I would share with you just one of the Amazing Bloggers I have had the pleasure to "meet" through this awesome blog world:


Sharon of Mrs. Hines' Class!





Sharon says,

"Welcome to Mrs. Hines’ Class, a virtual classroom where I share the creative process behind turning my house into a home. I enjoy sharing recipes. I love sharing home decorating ideas that prove a beautiful home doesn’t have to be expensive. And, it’s so rewarding to acquire a new set of skills after completing a DIY project, and then sharing what I’ve learned with you. But my real motivation for all of this, is my love of family. I hope after spending time in Mrs. Hines Class, that you will be encouraged that above all else, love makes a home. So, please join me for the lessons that await in Mrs. Hines’ Class."


When I first "discovered" Sharon and her blog back in my early days we were running into each other at many of the same link parties.  Link parties are a great place for beginning bloggers to share their work and meet others.  Sharon would come by and leave some sweet comments on my posts and I ALWAYS read her blog name as Mrs. SHINES' Class.  The funny thing is I still picture Sharon like that!  She just seems to radiate light and warmth in all that she does and shares, so "Mrs. Shine" just seems so fitting! 


Here are some samples of the types of lessons you will find at Mrs. Hines' Class


Vinegar as a Household Cleaner

Sharon shares so many great cleaning and organizing tips on her blog.  I'm always up for some good "get your house in tip-top shape" advice.  Yes, she shares tips on making your home shine!



Don't stop on the inside.  We want our outdoor spaces to be attractive and inviting too! Sharon has some terrific tips on Garden Design and Landscaping as well.



As busy as we all are we can really use some simple recipes and meal ideas....you'll find those "lesson plans" in the classroom.

Bed & Breakfast Room
I've noticed that Sharon is really laid back and not afraid to step outside of the box every now and then.  You can see this in the choices she makes in her home decorating.  One of my favorite spots in her home is this little bed & breakfast area.  Yes, I did say bed & breakfast!  She put a day bed in the dining area and I swear it was brilliant! 

What a great spot to chill with a cold beverage and a good book.


DIY Painting Tips
Sharon has been DIYing her home to create a warm, welcoming environment for her family and all who visit.    She shares her tips learned through personal experiences.  It's nice to get advice from someone who has already done a project before...it saves us so much trouble trying to figure out the best way to accomplish our projects.

Memorable Moments
And what I love most about Sharon is how she infuses her blog and posts with her sweet personality and love of life.  She encourages us to look at life with a positive attitude and enjoy the little things more, like good times with family and creating lasting memories.

See You In Class!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you will head over to discover what other treats Sharon has for you in her virtual classroom.  

Have a great weekend!

Sherry




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4/5/13

Egg Salad Sandwich lightened up :)

It's nice to change up the routine and add some variety to our meals.
Plus I had some hard boiled eggs left over from Easter :)
How about some egg salad on wheat for lunch?


Two hard boiled eggs (leftover from Easter 156 cal)
Tablespoon light mayo (45 cal)
tsp yellow mustard
dash of Mrs. Dash seasoning ~ hehe!
Franz 9 grain thin Sandwich round (90 cal)
Spring Mix
Mini Sweet Peppers and Pepperoncini as garnish 


Tasty and satisfying.

Simple.

Light on the calories.

Nice change of pace from a green salad.

Perfect for a healthy lunch.

Devoured.  :)
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3/22/13

Guilt Free Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Being on a diet SUCKS!
You probably don't need me to tell you that.
That's why I'm not dieting.  :)  
I'm enjoying these amazing Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies today...totally Guilt Free too, I might add.


So, do I have your attention now?

I truly believe that it's time for us...(yes this is me speaking for an entire unnamed group of people)...anyhow ;)...It's time for US to quit 'dieting' to get to where we want to be with our weight and overall health.  We truly need to change our habits and lifestyles.  We can bury our heads in the sand and continue eating processed, modified, genetically altered foods because they are easy, convenient and inexpensive.  And we can continue to wonder why we are experiencing so many health and wellness problems and feeling a general decline in our energy.

OR

We can change the way we look at food in general.  
We can choose all-natural foods whenever possible. 
We can limit our intake of processed carbs and sugars to an occasional treat.

And we don't have to feel guilty about having a treat now and then. We don't have to 'fall off the diet wagon' if we allow ourselves something good.  

If we just exercise some common sense and self~control when are making choices.

Anyway...I'm stepping down from my soap box now.  I have some cookies warm from the oven that are calling my name!

The best thing about these cookies is they are just a tiny blip on the radar of my allowed calorie intake for the day.  Oh yeah!

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (Weight Watchers Online recipe modified)

If you have a family you may want to double this recipe because you are going to need the extras!
These taste just like regular chocolate chip cookies and if your family likes chocolate chip cookies they will devour them.  

Ingredients 

2 Tbsp salted butter, softened
2 tsp vegetable oil or canola oil
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
1 large egg white
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar and oil.  Add vanilla and egg whites; mix thoroughly.

In another small bowl combine flour and baking soda; stir into batter.  Add chocolate chips and stir to distribute evenly.

Drop dough by half teaspoons onto two large nonstick cookie sheets leaving a small space between each cookie. 

 
I like to cover my pans with parchment paper...thank Martha Stewart for this tip!


Bake until golden brown on the edges, about 5 minutes; cool on wire rack. 
 

1 cookie per serving
1 WW point per cookie
Approximately 25 calories each! (3g carbs, 1.35g fat)


Seriously, grab a few and enjoy.  


They are absolutely delicious and they won't ruin your whole day of eating healthy ~ if you stick to just a few.  :)


They go great with a glass of ice cold skim milk.


I'm just so happy that I can eat healthy and still enjoy some of the treats that I love.


I don't even have to add a bunch of extra Cardio into my routine to offset these little puppies...Yeah!!!

Enjoy!


I'm not the only one baking up some cookie goodness in the kitchen today.  My friend Julie made these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies over at Redhead Can Decorate


Julie and I must be on the same anti-diet wave length today...after all...why should we be forced to give up cookies!?  Eat responsibly people!!!

But baking isn't all that Julie's been up to lately...check out this bedroom!!!  I haven't laid a hand on my bedroom decor in 8 years.  She's really inspiring me to get in there and make it beautiful again.

Picture

Go see how she transformed this room from an earthy green that wasn't growing on anybody to a fresh and tranquil white retreat.  White just has a way of opening a room up, doesn't it?

Hey, have you linked up to the BEAT THE BULGE link party yet?  We would love for you to share any light and healthy recipes, or fitness tips.  Success stories would be great too.  Did you lose weight or start an exercise program that changed your life?  Have you overcome food allergies and health issues by changing your diet?  Share those stories here to encourage others that are trying to make healthy changes!

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3/21/13

My 5 Healthy Eating Tips and Tricks


6 pounds !!!


Okay, I've just passed the two week mark since we started the Beat the Bulge link party and Facebook Support Group (Come Join Us Here)...I'm down 6 pounds, I completed another 5k run, and I'm fitting into jeans I haven't been able to wear in MONTHS!  I feel really good about my progress so far.  I've had a few over~indulgences that may have slowed my progress a bit (like eating almost the whole package of mini rice cakes instead of a single serving) but I'm not going to dwell on them.  It feels good to finally see my numbers going DOWN on the scale.

Six pounds doesn't sound like any BIG THANG, but my commitment to healthy eating combined with strength training sessions and running are definitely showing some awesome results in the way I look and feel.  That is the main goal so WOOHOO!!!  Celebrate each success!  ~ Just not with fattening food! ~

Here are some of my tips for staying on course with a healthy diet.  Take 'em or leave 'em.  :)  We each have to do what works best for our individual lifestyles, preferences and health needs.

1.  KEEP SOME CONVENIENT VEGGIE AND FRUIT SNACKS FRONT AND CENTER IN THE FRIDGE so you won't get stuck searching for the first yummy thing you can find when hunger strikes.  If you work outside the home prep a few individual sized baggies or snap top containers with fresh fruits and veggies at the beginning of the week so you can just grab and go each morning.  


2.  INVEST IN AN OIL MISTER FOR COOKING...You can fill it with healthy olive oil and forgo the not-so-healthy oils or the fat free cooking spray that doesn't seem so healthy once you know what's in it.   We need the good fats found in olive oil anyway, and this kind of mister will help keep you from going overboard on calories.  



3.  KEEP YOUR FREEZER STOCKED WITH FROZEN FRUITS FOR SMOOTHIES.  When that sweet tooth starts screaming for some indulgence, you can satisfy the craving with a delicious and nutrient rich smoothie.  We freeze fresh fruit (fresh strawberries, local blueberries, and discounted ripe bananas) and toss them into a blender with a splash of pineapple juice and some nonfat milk for a satisfying sweet treat.  You can add low-fat yogurt or even some concentrated orange juice to up the flavor factor.  Just keep track of the calories going in.  It's easy to go overboard if you aren't paying attention.  
Hey, throw in some spinach and nuts too if the urge strikes...it's all good!




4.  DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!   Yep, I bet you've heard this one before.  Well, I can attest that drinking my fair share of water seems to make a huge difference in my overall success rate AND the way I feel.  I like to throw some fresh lemon in to give it a punch.  I won't preach all the health AND weight loss benefits to you because you've probably heard it all before.  I have included a couple of links below for anyone interested in reading more about the benefits of keeping hydrated.  



5.  SALADS DON'T HAVE TO BE BORING.  JAZZ UP YOUR SALADS with some tasty ingredients that will take them beyond your average tossed veggies into the realm of gourmet all-in-one meals.  

Here are a couple of my favorite salad masterpieces of late:


Greek inspired goodness!
Start with a bed of Spring Mix,
Layer with a few marinated artichoke hearts,
Low fat feta cheese sprinkles,
Chopped Tomato
Chopped Cucumber
95% Fat Free Turkey slices
Green Olives (not pictured)
Greek Style Vinaigrette
*This salad would be great with a few slices of sweet red onion thrown in too




Tangy Sweet Asian
Start with a bed of fresh Spring Mix.
Layer with chopped fresh tomatoes,
Mandarins (no sugar added),
A handful of walnuts (almond slivers would be good also),
A sprinkle of Feta cheese (low-fat or fat free preferable),
2~3 ounces thin sliced grilled steak
A spoonful of Craisins on top
A side of Sweet Pea Pods and Lime
Top with some store bought Asian dressing or create your own.
{I created my own dressing blending the juice from the mandarin can with some peanut sauce, red pepper flakes and a smidge of Cherry Pomagranate Habanero Sauce...yum!}

For more great salad ideas check out this beautiful Pinterest Board of SALADS:

I have to say I'm really enjoying this 'healthy eating' a lot more than I thought I would be.  


Our Beat the Bulge link party is still going strong.  Don't forget to link up!




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3/13/13

Guilt Free Taco Salad ~ Part of a Low Calorie, Low Carb Lifestyle

Hmmm . . .Taco Salad . . . That doesn't sound so new, does it?

What's new about this taco salad is I've eliminated the parts that I don't need in my diet.   Like the deep fried tortilla bowls or the corn chips that come loaded with fat, carbs and calories.  Traditional taco salads aren't all that light with all those chips, tortilla bowls and refried beans, now are they?  Well, you don't need to include those ingredients to enjoy a completely satisfying taco salad.


I am really trying to eat healthy and lose some weight.  I don't want to call it a diet because my main focus is to actually change my habits and the way I look at food in general.  What I'm hoping to do is break the cycle of filling up on processed carbohydrates that seem to leave me feeling lackluster and only wanting more.  I would like to limit my overall carb intake to whole grains and unprocessed carbs.  As much as possible anyway.   Unfortunately removing carbs from your diet can leave you feeling deprived and limited in your choices.  There goes all the yummy breads, noodles, chips, and tortillas that make up so many of our go to meals, right?

What's really challenging is creating meals that will satisfy a need for variety as well as a desire for savory, spicy, crunchy, cheesy, sweet and tasty meals.

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite salads with you:

Guilt-Free TACO SALAD


That's right...guilt-free.  Here are the stats:

                                                              calories     carbs     fat     protein
Cheddar Cheese, 1 oz114097
Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average, 1 wedge (1/4 of medium tomato)7100
Ground beef, lean, 3 oz22501815
Del Monte Sweet Peas no salt added, 0.25 cup30602
Salad, Spring Mix Salad, 2 cup20301
Rosarita Salsa Verde (Green Salsa), 2 tbsp10200
Master's Touch Vine Sweet Mini Peppers (3 peppers), 1 serving25501
Knorr Tomato Bouillon with Chicken Flavor, 1 tsp/4g, 4 gram(s)5100
Baby Carrots, raw, 1 large5100
Cilantro, raw, 1 tbsp0000

TOTALS:440202726



Preparation:
Start by cooking low-fat ground beef...then reducing the fat content even more by draining and rinsing the meat after cooking.  (After draining the excess grease into my grease can, I rinse the ground beef with hot water and then drain again.  This removes a lot of excess grease that we don't need to be putting into our bodies.  You could prepare this with white meat ground chicken or turkey as well.)

While the meat is cooking, you can prepare your salad fix-ins in a bowl and set aside.
Today I used:
Spring Mix, Mini Sweet Peppers, Carrots, Sweet Peas, Diced Tomato, Diced Onion, Diced Cilantro  

Next add some flavoring and seasonings to the cooked beef. 
Knorr Tomato Bouillon (1 tsp), 
Chili powder 
Cayenne pepper
Cumin
Paprika 
Garlic powder 
Onion flakes 
Oregano
 Red Pepper Flakes 
(I generally just guesstimate my spices since I've been making my own seasoned taco meat for years.  If you want detailed measurements for the seasoned meat you can check out the recipe at allrecipes.com.) 

There should still be a bit of excess water (from rinsing the meat) which will work well to mix and cook these seasonings into the meat.  If you drained out all the water just add a splash back in.  There is no need to add any additional salt because the tomato bouillon contains sodium and you probably won't want (or need) any more.


Add your seasoned ground beef on top of your salad fix-ins and sprinkle with a bit of grated cheese.
You could save yourself 114 calories by eliminating the cheese, but I appreciate this little splurge.  I make up for it by using Green Taco Sauce as my dressing and skipping any sour cream or other dressings containing fat.

You could substitute seasoned black beans for the meat, saving yourself another 111 calories but upping your carbs by 25g.  I'm not ready to give up my meat yet either.  ;)


Here are a few other options you might consider adding or substituting for something above.  I've included the approximate nutrition information for each so you can make good choices:

                                                             calories      carbs      fat    protein
Jalapeno Peppers, 1 pepper4100
Olives, Black, Sliced - 1 Tablespoons, 1 serving25030
Light Sour Cream, 2 tbsp40232
Beans, black, 0.5 cup1142008
Salsa, 0.25 cup18401
Cheddar Cheese Low Fat Shredded, 0.13 cup45168
Avocados, California (Haas), 0.5 cup, pureed19210182


Salads don't have to be boring or plain . . . enjoy your salad!

Don't forget we are having a healthy eating, weight loss and fitness link party.  So come link up . . . just click on the image below to be taken there:




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