tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42809365347392361652024-02-07T03:22:13.734-08:00Suzie's Sweet WheatUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-89773020171473952362014-03-24T13:47:00.001-07:002014-03-24T13:52:19.087-07:00Fast, Fun and Friendly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, by now you are probably all assuming I have completely given up this blog. The truth is, I come back to it for recipes, but I just haven't seemed to be able to find the time to post a whole lot. I will start this up again when my life settles down a little during the days. Having a kindergartner keeps me on my toes.<br />
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I wanted to post this really fast because if you are like me, you are crazy busy about this time of year. We are starting back into spring soccer, which just happens to overlap our indoor winter soccer for the first time ever and baseball is starting, up too. With gymnastics, piano and guitar on top of that, we are maxed out. So...when I find a recipe that is super fast, happens to have whole grains in it, and my family (kids included!!!) seem to ALL love, I tend to make it a little more frequently. This recipe is straight out of my cookbook, which you can purchase at the link on my home page...wink, wink. These drumsticks are about the easiest meal of all time to prepare. You can either make them with the skin (not quite so healthy) or take the skin off (not quite so easy). We have done it both ways and my kids don't seem to care which way they are prepared...they still devour them.<br />
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So, for you busy mamas and daddies out there...here is the recipe that might just save your life...or your sanity.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman,Bold'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Oven-Baked Ranch Crusted Drumsticks
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">**L**
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman,Bold'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">1⁄2 C whole wheat flour
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">1 tsp salt (optional)<br />
1⁄2 tsp paprika<br />
1T dry ranch seasoning (can be found in a packet)
1⁄4 tsp pepper<br />
6 chicken drumsticks<br />
1⁄4 C butter, melted
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Heat oven to 425 degrees. Mix flour, salt, paprika, ranch seasoning and pepper in a bowl. Dip
chicken drumsticks into butter; roll in flour mixture to coat. Arrange in an ungreased square
pan, 8 x 8 x 2 inches. Bake, uncovered, until done, about 50 minutes. Yields: 8-10
drumsticks.
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">**L** For a healthier option, you can remove the skin on the drumsticks and then coat with
seasoning.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-8626057099069261252013-10-08T20:26:00.001-07:002013-10-09T06:29:43.282-07:00Ginger "dead" men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtZB1XoUZxIZMaluv3nTn63QOcs0jO1uTfX-JaliLl0emFIXvg-BtvXGS-aB7BnHJUb6jlOTrurVSn1eqNCReqpEtcP-oUzSMscxGmpHE0Oprw3nRVRMtrfxmF7HC9-7sppwRbqgYObNQ/s1600/DSC_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtZB1XoUZxIZMaluv3nTn63QOcs0jO1uTfX-JaliLl0emFIXvg-BtvXGS-aB7BnHJUb6jlOTrurVSn1eqNCReqpEtcP-oUzSMscxGmpHE0Oprw3nRVRMtrfxmF7HC9-7sppwRbqgYObNQ/s320/DSC_1792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Okay, I know I've been gone like...forever...at this point. The truth of the matter is that I'm now on a PTA board, my kids are in multiple sports, and life has gotten a bit crazy. So...I've been slacking a bit on the blog. But...I did make these tonight and they were so good and so much fun!!! I saw the idea on pinterest...they are ginger "dead" men. My kids loved making them and I actually got to experiment with a new whole wheat recipe. It worked out so well! Whole wheat is really easy to substitute in gingerbread recipes because the goal of the cookie is to be flat...whole wheat is great for that! It doesn't affect the flavor at all and they are MUCH healthier! Anyway...here is the recipe! I hope to see you again. Scroll down a couple of posts and you'll see TONS of my Halloween posts from last year!!!<br />
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<b>Ginger “dead” Men</b><br />
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2 1/2 C + 2 T whole wheat flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp ginger<br />
1/2 tsp allspice<br />
1/2 tsp ground cloves<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 stick salted butter, softened<br />
1/4 C butter-flavored Crisco<br />
1/2 C packed brown sugar<br />
2/3 C molasses<br />
1 egg<br />
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Mix together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and spices and salt). In another bowl, mix butter, crisco together. Blend in sugar and molasses and egg and beat for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Divide into two segments and wrap each segment in saran wrap. Chill for at least 3 hours. <br />
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Remove from fridge and sprinkle flour on a piece of parchment paper. Put flour on a rolling pin and roll out to 1/8 in. thick. Cut into gingerbread men. Bake at 375 degrees for about 9-11 minutes. <br />
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Let cookies cool. Use white frosting and pipe on a skeleton. Serve as “gingerdead” men. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-21450467492244893872012-10-29T13:09:00.002-07:002012-10-29T15:19:19.543-07:00Halloween!<br />
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I thought I'd share some of my favorite Halloween treats from this year and last year. Please notice how easy they all are. Obviously someone has a little too much going on this year!<br />
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Here they are:<br />
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Witch's Brooms...pretzel stick in a Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup (the mini kind). <br />
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White chocolate skeletons...self-explanatory, except use the markers that are edible! <br />
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White chocolate covered bones...this one wasn't the best, but it was all I had left before it was devoured... <br />
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Not pictured from this year are the Witch's Hats. They are made from fudge-striped cookies with a dollup of brown/black icing and a chocolate "kiss" stuck on the icing in the middle of the upside down cookie (the brown side). <br />
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You can also find:<br />
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<a href="http://www.suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2011/10/mummy-pizzas.html">Mummy Pizzas</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYorD9VU_WCoUBynoA8FrI2BowpXij7vbbif20j9f5oQLiCyb699qHAHRHokxbrnnWOwdYZmCyOt54VpfY_a8PqSL9LtWBJw7Qqanf1-c1zQ4vLs0iYtI6CVvLDj8X0Id728p5iUrES1A/s1600/DSC_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYorD9VU_WCoUBynoA8FrI2BowpXij7vbbif20j9f5oQLiCyb699qHAHRHokxbrnnWOwdYZmCyOt54VpfY_a8PqSL9LtWBJw7Qqanf1-c1zQ4vLs0iYtI6CVvLDj8X0Id728p5iUrES1A/s320/DSC_3550.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2011/10/need-something-for-potluck.html">Ghost Eclairs</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NGVwuEq79NxH5QhF9qgo9lPMUjK0Ikt9MM7vu81GB0xEaTiX287hl6zWZAIawgwCDgA36ezM7en1vCSqPjpb8eJeVPaJMVBwyTm-lwFnlJoXfDrhawYsaC_FezX2X54jZ4VLQoJVgeR-/s1600/DSC_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NGVwuEq79NxH5QhF9qgo9lPMUjK0Ikt9MM7vu81GB0xEaTiX287hl6zWZAIawgwCDgA36ezM7en1vCSqPjpb8eJeVPaJMVBwyTm-lwFnlJoXfDrhawYsaC_FezX2X54jZ4VLQoJVgeR-/s320/DSC_3556.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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An <a href="http://www.suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2011/10/witchs-brew.html">Amazing Witch's Brew</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKmMPAOkKNLuELZ8HHmYFSKI5TDVyNSsOUbWOI2s4AAdhiz1PDpV27eeN8mDiII_qQ-eI1_J3GXYEqdmqu2E4zWk-Ls2xSEBNLGTFM5oW13415GNXgqkfAfTxc4RwALW00_3HLjcswtkD/s1600/DSC_3567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKmMPAOkKNLuELZ8HHmYFSKI5TDVyNSsOUbWOI2s4AAdhiz1PDpV27eeN8mDiII_qQ-eI1_J3GXYEqdmqu2E4zWk-Ls2xSEBNLGTFM5oW13415GNXgqkfAfTxc4RwALW00_3HLjcswtkD/s320/DSC_3567.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxX-WE-CthKTaQEaVDoXeieHFQ-gllXRcZzTjA_uZI4KKeU9wuznSjYUd1XAIAPjJSbWTqjpGPSuPJSn-pzWtOHuDdhM1lNnY1T-3TYb85wHKT5a871Be_BDzigpR9A5FceYPp6cIbNrL/s1600/DSC_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxX-WE-CthKTaQEaVDoXeieHFQ-gllXRcZzTjA_uZI4KKeU9wuznSjYUd1XAIAPjJSbWTqjpGPSuPJSn-pzWtOHuDdhM1lNnY1T-3TYb85wHKT5a871Be_BDzigpR9A5FceYPp6cIbNrL/s320/DSC_3568.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2011/10/hotdog-mummies.html">Hotdog Mummies</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsqIPtmkObZ8gdyxCFRZjOq3pW1knUuYSSHYcmERLhcKHJTuHrWyE7NhYZU2yOuHZQgjAts6Z09K-_6LsE183bXihg7p4-H0iyufF34mrKDw5-PYmfTgeCP3fidwHGpuSPsyD4Mtm405-/s1600/DSC_5282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsqIPtmkObZ8gdyxCFRZjOq3pW1knUuYSSHYcmERLhcKHJTuHrWyE7NhYZU2yOuHZQgjAts6Z09K-_6LsE183bXihg7p4-H0iyufF34mrKDw5-PYmfTgeCP3fidwHGpuSPsyD4Mtm405-/s320/DSC_5282.JPG" width="234" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-fun.html">Bone Breadsticks</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSD_IM4liYNPNkqgkl-vpzf8_k7Q2S65vq4eJE_mOMf4i-DAKZRmc4beNcfXUnMZykZ9N2NQcqjV5sscK_hZ7qKCy7AjmS7EP6zyWQAd-xVH5sz9_lipG9QcXIoc1VHGSZbbX1u9qdb70/s1600/DSC_5283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSD_IM4liYNPNkqgkl-vpzf8_k7Q2S65vq4eJE_mOMf4i-DAKZRmc4beNcfXUnMZykZ9N2NQcqjV5sscK_hZ7qKCy7AjmS7EP6zyWQAd-xVH5sz9_lipG9QcXIoc1VHGSZbbX1u9qdb70/s320/DSC_5283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-4539346570059126872012-10-17T11:35:00.001-07:002012-10-17T11:35:38.464-07:00Easiest ever Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tIc-4zrgthiGsn4pVm7ZpKMa93FzLxU6ocnZlMvRh8JBbcTQS2IYFTpkVw4Q8hKnPzy5B0i3opm9x8DQXPJuY7tqNLqZpvHamzOgIBD3lyWRvoNtFMfbYyfi8LUBiY0Ub-H_1YDogD39/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tIc-4zrgthiGsn4pVm7ZpKMa93FzLxU6ocnZlMvRh8JBbcTQS2IYFTpkVw4Q8hKnPzy5B0i3opm9x8DQXPJuY7tqNLqZpvHamzOgIBD3lyWRvoNtFMfbYyfi8LUBiY0Ub-H_1YDogD39/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are pretty much a staple at my house in autumn. You probably already have the recipe, but if you don't...you need it! My friend, Stacey, one of those perpetually thin, beautiful people, recommended this recipe. When you have a friend who is perfectly toned all the time, like Stacey, and she tells you she has a delicious recipe that is also VERY low in calories and tastes like it would be loaded with calories...you tend to listen. Ever since she shared this recipe with me...like 8 years ago or something...these muffins are a frequent visitor of the Allen household. P.S. Stacey was right...even with the chocolate chips...these only have 94 calories a piece!!! Without the chocolate chips, the way Stacey makes them, they are only 54 calories a muffin! If only I didn't crave that chocolate...<br />
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<b> Easiest Ever Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe</b><br />
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1 box spice cake mix<br />
1 16 oz. can pumpkin<br />
3/4 C- 1 C chocolate chips<br />
1/2 C water<br />
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Mix all ingredients together with mixer on low speed for about a minute and then on medium speed for another minute. Spoon into greased muffin tins about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees or 20 minutes. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-39693648300095605682012-10-12T13:05:00.000-07:002012-10-12T13:42:47.930-07:00Chocolate Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chocolate pancakes? Why? Here are my many reasons for making chocolate pancakes:<br />
<br />
1. They are full of whole grains<br />
2. They are delicious<br />
3. My kids absolutely loved them<br />
4. My husband loved them<br />
5. Cocoa is a powerful antioxidant and full of nutrients<br />
6. I didn't have to fight my kids to eat them<br />
7. Because they are so dark...no one knows if I burned them or not (just kidding!)<br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate Pancakes </b><br />
<br />
3 C milk<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/4 C vegetable oil<br />
2 1/2 C whole wheat flour<br />
2/3 C unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Dutch Process Cocoa)<br />
1/2 C sugar<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
2 T baking powder<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
<br />
Mix together milk, eggs and oil. Add flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes. Bake on greased, preheated griddle. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-71878982748919376062012-10-10T17:39:00.004-07:002012-10-10T17:39:23.751-07:00Chicken Enchilada Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, why do I love this soup so much? Well, I saw a very similar recipe on a blog and thought..."hmmmm...that is full of veggies, my family probably wouldn't like it. hmmm...but you do puree the veggies. hmmm...I'm going to try this out and see how it goes over." Well, I'm pleased as punch to tell you that my family LOVED it! My husband kept saying, "This is AWESOME!" My kids told me it was amazing...even my son who HATES butternut squash loved it. They had no idea that is was amazing healthy with all kinds of pureed veggies composing the thick broth. All they knew was that they LOVED it...that is a winner in my book.<br />
<br />
<b>Chicken Enchilada Soup </b><br />
<br />
8 C chicken broth (or 8 C water and 8 tsp. powdered chicken broth)<br />
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used frozen)<br />
1 large yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped<br />
3-4 medium potatoes<br />
2 red bell peppers, seeded and roughly chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped ( had mine already pureed and stored in the freezer)<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1 1/2 tsp. cumin<br />
<br />
Place all of the above ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until veggies are soft and chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and puree the rest of the soup in a blender. Return pureed soup to pot. Chop or shred chicken into bite-size pieces.<br />
<br />
Add:<br />
<br />
3/4 C sour cream<br />
1-8 oz. can tomato sauce<br />
4 C cooked Great Northern beans (2 cans)<br />
2 T taco seasoning<br />
<br />
Stir in above ingredients and mix in cooked chicken. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, etc.<br />
<br />
For Delicious Vegetarian Version:<br />
<br />
Switch chicken broth for vegetable broth, do not add any chicken and stop after addition of cumin. Puree veggies and return to pot. I've done this with the chicken broth only, but it was delicious WITHOUT the chicken in it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-61242150882693743352012-10-08T19:17:00.002-07:002012-10-10T17:35:58.009-07:00Chunky Broccoli Cheese Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Autumn is finally here! The nights are brisk and cold and the morning air is crisp with the dusting of ice on the grass. Its that time...my favorite time of the year. It is the time for soup. This soup was a huge hit with my family and since it uses a crockpot...it was a huge hit for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chunky Broccoli Cheese Soup</b><br />
<br />
3 T powdered chicken broth<br />
10 C water<br />
3-5 chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts <br />
<br />
<br />
Mix above ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or until chicken is cooked through and no pink remains. Cut chicken into cubes with kitchen scissors. When you have about an hour left of cooking, add cut broccoli...I added three heads of broccoli to my soup.<br />
<br />
1/2 C butter<br />
<b>3/4 C whole wheat flour</b><br />
1 C milk<br />
3 C shredded cheddar cheese <br />
<br />
Melt butter in saucepan over low heat on stove. Add whole wheat flour and stir. Slowly stir into crockpot until all flour/butter is dissolved into the soup and it starts to thicken a little. Let cook on high for about 15 minutes. Add 1 C of milk and stir in cheese. Cook soup in crockpot on high until all cheese is melted.<br />
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That is it...easy, delicious, and healthy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-61744281787691553262012-09-19T08:02:00.003-07:002012-10-10T17:40:35.742-07:00100% Whole Wheat Thins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been trying to make crackers forever! I've tried so many different recipes and none of them worked...until this one. These were amazing and tasted just like wheat thins! I'm not kidding. Even my kids commented that they tasted like wheat thins, without me prompting them. I'm speaking in past tense because they are gone now...devoured almost immediately. My kids loved them and I'll definitely be making them again. <br />
<br />
100% Whole Wheat Thins<br />
<br />
1 1/4 C whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 1/2 T sugar<br />
1/4 tsp. paprika<br />
1/4 C cold butter sliced into tablespoons (four of them)<br />
1/4 C water<br />
1/4 tsp. vanilla<br />
salt<br />
<br />
<br />
In a food processor, add whole wheat flour, salt, sugar and paprika. Slice butter and space evenly around the food processor. Turn it on high power until it is throughly combined (it will be very crumbly). Add water and vanilla to the middle of the mixture and stir. I knead the mixture with my hands to make sure it is all mixed up (it should be one large ball). Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray wax paper with cooking spray. Place dough in the middle of the wax paper and roll out very thin. Transfer dough to cookie sheet by turning wax paper over the cookie sheet. Carefully peel off the wax paper. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut into cracker-sized squares. Bake for 5-10 minutes (if you don't get them thin enough, you may have to bake them a little longer). They should be very light brown on the edges. Remove and let cool before you eat them. Yum!!!<br />
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P.S. Sorry for the MIA status on my blog for the last while. Life gets busy sometimes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-3004433982879519242012-08-10T21:35:00.004-07:002012-10-10T17:40:18.326-07:00Home-made McGriddles??? What???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alright, let me start this post by admitting something...my children have eaten at McDonald's for breakfast...more than once...actually more than twice. They have a Nana who treats them to breakfast at McDonald's on special occasions, and they LOVE it!!! One of the things they love most are the McGriddles. Many of you may be ignorant as to what a "McGriddle" actually is, so I'll give you a brief description. They are tiny pancakes that have the syrup already baked inside of them so they can be hand-held. They are very sweet, but leave you with a waxy film in your mouth (not really sure why and a little too scared to ask). Anyway, my kiddos think they are divine. Enter my problem...they are supremely unhealthy. So, why do I want to make them so much?<br />
<br />
1. They are hand-held and thus can be carried out the door in a hurry (not that we are ever late)<br />
2. They are delicious<br />
3. These "McGriddles" are somewhat healthy, made with whole grains<br />
4. There is no sticky film in my mouth<br />
5. I can control the amount of syrup in their pancakes and they don't complain!!!<br />
<br />
So, how do you do it? Simple. Pour out a small amount of batter (less than 1/4 C because they spread out when you add the syrup). Drizzle syrup IMMEDIATELY in the more central area (it oozes out if you get it too close to the edge). Let it bake and flip it over!<br />
<br />
<br />
Go here for the recipe:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-go-to-pancake-mix.html">Nana's Whole Wheat Pancakes</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-58780269458745192722012-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:002012-10-10T17:40:05.139-07:00Cashew Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I've never tried to make cashew chicken before, so I was very pleased when this turned out delicious on my first try! It was very healthy and very low fat because it was made with NO OIL! I know, there are oils in cashews, but we know that the oil in nuts is the healthy kind of oil, so I'm okay with that. Did my kids love the celery? No. Did they love the cashews? No. Did they eat the meal without complaining for the most part...yes! I'll take that as a win! Oh, and my husband loved it! I thought the flavors blended superbly well and this will definitely make it into my "things to make for company" recipe list. <br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Cashew Chicken</b></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4 chicken breasts</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6 T apple cider or apple juice</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4 T soy sauce</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 T sugar</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mix apple cider, soy sauce and sugar. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate for 3 hours. Pour chicken and marinade in pre-heated wok and stir-fry until chicken is no longer pink. This will take at least five minutes. Drain marinade, turn off heat on wok and prepare sauce. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Sauce:</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4 C water</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5 tsp. powdered bouillon </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 C celery (cut into ½ inch segments)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 tsp soy sauce</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>1 T whole wheat flour</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 T brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 T corn starch mixed with 1 T water</span><br />
whole wheat pasta</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mix together whole wheat flour, bouillon and water. Bring to a boil. Add celery, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Mix cornstarch with 1 T <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>water and add to sauce. Stir until it thickens. Let sauce simmer until celery is tender-crisp or to desired texture. Reheat wok with chicken in it. Pour sauce in wok and add cashews. Cook 5-10 minutes until cashews are softer and celery is desired texture. Serve over brown or black rice, <b>bulgar wheat</b>, or <b>whole wheat pasta</b>. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-58210147549055612132012-07-31T16:03:00.000-07:002012-07-31T16:03:26.759-07:00Red Lentil Enchiladas (version 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAsOf259_KeCcIZ2ExJqnGV97PTLXZa86xyH0q_6JEi65sTa6HN08AyG5yRPITfAUOH1eb8ftnrwPog403EAqvATt2V3PfmXhUpzeMgAHHdu8V-7gbDliR_DKJ30qFguf05UoSyAI66Qj/s1600/DSC_7461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAsOf259_KeCcIZ2ExJqnGV97PTLXZa86xyH0q_6JEi65sTa6HN08AyG5yRPITfAUOH1eb8ftnrwPog403EAqvATt2V3PfmXhUpzeMgAHHdu8V-7gbDliR_DKJ30qFguf05UoSyAI66Qj/s320/DSC_7461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is another version of Baked Lentil Enchiladas that we liked just as much. Why would I make a recipe so similar to another one I have? Well, I found out while I was already half-way into the recipe, that I didn't have green enchilada sauce. I DID, however, have red enchilada sauce. So, I poured a can of that instead into the crockpot. I then decided, after it was all cooked, that a creamy touch of sour cream would probably top off the meal with perfection and guess what...WE LOVED IT! So, no matter what kind of enchilada sauce you have stocked, these are great!!!<br />
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<b>Baked Lentil Enchiladas (version 2)</b><br />
<br />
1/4 C finely chopped onions<br />
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped<br />
1 1/2 C red lentils, rinsed<br />
4 C vegetable or chicken broth (I use chicken broth, but vegetarians, will prefer vegetable broth)<br />
2-10 oz. cans red enchilada sauce (I like medium)<br />
1/4 C sour cream<br />
cheese (as desired)<br />
10-12 whole wheat tortillas<br />
<br />
Finely chop onions and jalapeno and put in crockpot. Rinse lentils and put in crockpot. Add chicken broth. Cook on low in the crockpot for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Add 1 can red enchilada sauce. Stir in sour cream. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13X9 pan with cooking spray. Spoon into whole wheat tortillas and roll up and place in prepared pan. Pour the other can of enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Grate cheese and sprinkle as much as desired over enchiladas. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-88961733911412198372012-07-22T19:16:00.000-07:002012-07-22T19:17:55.178-07:00Spaghetti Squash (sorry no pics!)This was my first attempt at making spaghetti squash and it was actually VERY easy. I didn't know how it all "worked"...I mean the whole stringy, spaghetti-like thing. When I scooped out the seeds, it looked like a pretty normal squash. I found out later, that it is AFTER you bake it that it gets that spaghetti-like quality to it. First I'll give you the directions for roasting it that I used and then I'll tell you what I did with it. <br />
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<b>Roasting Spaghetti Squash</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
Cut the squash in half length-wise (use a large serrated knife if you have one so you don't slip and cut yourself!)<br />
Scoop out all seeds and pulp.<br />
Place cut-side down on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.<br />
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until outside is easily pricked with a fork...should be very soft!<br />
Use a fork and pull out all that "spaghetti" stuff from the inside!!!<br />
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<b>Now...what did I do with this?</b><br />
<br />
I beefed up my spaghetti! I simply mixed it in to my whole wheat spaghetti. It made MUCH MORE spaghetti and was virtually undetectable! Tonight, my son ate it and had no idea there was squash in it! Oh...and this is my son who HATES squash! So...I call that a success! There is only one thing I'll do differently next time...I'll make sure my daughters are out of the room before I add it to the spaghetti...<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-13616962706505470272012-07-20T06:13:00.001-07:002012-07-20T06:48:59.755-07:00Baked Mozzarella Sticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made these tonight and was a huge hit with the neighborhood kids and with my own little charges. I had a hard time figuring out the baking time, but I finally figured out two ways that yield positive results. I think I may like the broiling way a little better...but you have to watch CAREFULLY to make sure they don't melt!!! <br />
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<b>Baked Mozzarella Sticks</b><br />
<br />
10 sticks of string cheese<br />
3 T softened butter<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/4 C whole wheat flour<br />
6 T whole wheat bread crumbs (slices of whole wheat bread baked at 200 for a few hours until thoroughly dried, then blended in a blender)<br />
3 T grated Parmesan cheese<br />
<br />
Cut cheese sticks in half and freeze in a freezer bag for a few hours. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Mix together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Remove frozen cheese sticks from freezer. Spread softened butter on each cheese stick and then roll in whole wheat flour. Roll cheese stick in whole wheat flour. Next roll it in the egg and finally roll it in the bread crumb/Parmesan cheese mixture. Spray foil-lined cookie sheet with cooking spray. Lay coated cheese sticks on cookie sheet.<br />
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Now...for baking:<br />
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You can do this one of two ways. I think I prefer the broiling method.<br />
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Broiling: Broil cheese sticks for about 3 minutes or until lightly golden brown...but be careful so they don't melt!!!<br />
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Baking: Bake at 450 for 5-6 minutes...once again...be careful they don't melt!!! <br />
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You will need to do a test one to see how long your oven takes to bake them. Ovens sometimes heat and different rates and you need to be careful with these. ALSO...make sure you wait until they cool a little to eat them, but don't wait too long so the cheese hardens back to a cheese stick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-32130523948960417422012-07-16T06:31:00.000-07:002012-07-20T06:48:48.096-07:00Baked Coconut Chicken Fingers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-tKbVDOfx7psszEeFqOpM-iIzDJ_suKo1TcxmstnZXc3VmiTxlJ1pSN98mVP94FOSOtIctrkTnxTOLe83xHzbHVQWEhSRinZvRpNj89rqxXtDUh09GRqHOdDx0sF6ZDXuXQvWXkTvUXg/s1600/DSC_7440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-tKbVDOfx7psszEeFqOpM-iIzDJ_suKo1TcxmstnZXc3VmiTxlJ1pSN98mVP94FOSOtIctrkTnxTOLe83xHzbHVQWEhSRinZvRpNj89rqxXtDUh09GRqHOdDx0sF6ZDXuXQvWXkTvUXg/s320/DSC_7440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It isn't often that I make a meal where each person in my family RAVES about it during and after eating it. It isn't often that I come upstairs to find my kids eating, before the prayer. It is NEVER when I say, "We haven't said the prayer yet," and my kids respond by saying, "We already said the prayer!" It isn't often that my husband says, "That was AWESOME!" more than once in the same meal. Yep, this meal was a hit. I think I'll make it again.<br />
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<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Baked Coconut Chicken Fingers</b><br />
<br />
1 C sweetened flaked coconut<br />
1/2 C whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 tsp. garlic powder<br />
1/8 tsp. pepper<br />
1 egg, slightly beaten<br />
1/3 C melted butter<br />
1/8 tsp. pepper<br />
1 T milk<br />
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half and then into 1" strips)<br />
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients together except chicken. It will form a kind of paste texture. Coat each piece of chicken individually with mixture. I had to do this with my hands one at a time...it didn't take very long. Bake on middle rack for about 25-30 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Turn over again and return to top rack. Bake for a few more minutes until top is golden brown. My family LOVED these!!!<br />
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Serve with honey, barbecue sauce or apricot preserves. We prefer honey!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-10589868640127908082012-07-10T19:40:00.002-07:002012-07-20T06:48:26.795-07:00Baked Lentil EnchiladasOkay, this was not originally my recipe...but the original recipe, for some reason allowed some crunch to the lentils and my family did not love it. Because it is so healthy, I decided to try it again and made some changes to the recipe and guess what the major difference was...THE CROCKPOT!!! Yep, its true! It was way easier and was made early and ready when we got home from church...and guess what...it had a very consistent texture, with no crunch to the beans, so my family really liked it!!! I was thrilled! So, I'm now adding a recipe I had decided wasn't going to work for my family back into my frequently prepared recipe repertoire! Yay!<br />
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P.S. Sorry the photo doesn't accurately portray the taste of the food...but you get the gist!!!<br />
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<b>Baked Lentil Enchiladas</b><br />
<br />
1/4 C finely chopped onions<br />
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped<br />
1 1/2 C red lentils, rinsed<br />
4 C vegetable or chicken broth (I use chicken broth, but vegetarians, will prefer vegetable broth)<br />
28 oz. green enchilada sauce<br />
cheese (as desired)<br />
8-10 whole wheat tortillas<br />
salsa<br />
sour cream<br />
<br />
Finely chop onions and jalapeno and put in crockpot. Rinse lentils and put in crockpot. Add chicken broth. Cook on low in the crockpot for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Add 1 C green enchilada sauce. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13X9 pan with cooking spray. Spoon into whole wheat tortillas and roll up and place in prepared pan. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Grate cheese and sprinkle as much as desired over enchiladas. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with salsa and sour cream. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-20777519644172609142012-07-02T06:42:00.003-07:002012-07-20T06:48:09.354-07:00Independence Day IdeasOkay, I have a confession...I'm not going to be home on the Fourth this year. I'm going to a family reunion and I'm not even making food that day...well, maybe I'll make something, but I'm not going to a barbecue or anything where I would bring anything super festive. So...I'm going to repost from past Independence Day meals and some links to what I'm planning to do for the 24th of July...a holiday only celebrated in Utah and maybe Idaho. Anyway...here are the posts. Sorry for the repeats!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR6m98-vJEPTokQ0eXzi-LrYXxOlgJn0mNiDO_EvDj8kRdlpJio_jhOhWirei0qf5sg_EA749gVowe4k_YW3wnHlqOZmTCzUeVS1A5uJTaEQI0G8KrbYyUYKqAeSdoFzznWSVTQEbMsrL/s1600/DSC_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR6m98-vJEPTokQ0eXzi-LrYXxOlgJn0mNiDO_EvDj8kRdlpJio_jhOhWirei0qf5sg_EA749gVowe4k_YW3wnHlqOZmTCzUeVS1A5uJTaEQI0G8KrbYyUYKqAeSdoFzznWSVTQEbMsrL/s320/DSC_3217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Rich, Delicious Chocolate Cake</strong><br />
1 C buttermilk<br />
½ C vegetable oil<br />
2 C sugar<br />
½ C applesauce<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
2 eggs<br />
1¾ C whole wheat flour<br />
¾ C cocoa powder<br />
2 tsp baking soda<br />
¼ tsp baking powder<br />
½ tsp salt<br />
1 C boiling water<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 315 degrees. Grease and flour 9X13 pan. Mix buttermilk, oil, sugar, applesauce and vanilla. Add eggs and mix until well blended. Mix together, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir flour mixture into wet ingredients. Bring 1 C water to a boil and stir into the cake mix. Mix for 1 ½ minutes until well-blended. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. When cool, frost with Fluffy White, Buttercream Frosting. Five minutes before serving line up 48 blueberries in rows 8 on the top, 6 down. Then slice the strawberries in half and line them up end to end to make the stripes (make sure they are all facing the same way). SO CUTE!!!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Fluffy, White Buttercream Frosting</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>5 sticks butter<br />
9 C powdered sugar<br />
3 T milk<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
Two hours before preparing frosting, get 5 sticks of butter out of refrigerator. Whip butter for several minutes until creamy and fluffy. Add powdered sugar 1 C at a time, beating the entire time. Keep beating until frosting is very thick. Add milk and vanilla and beat.<br />
Note: If frosting seems too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk.<br />
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FYI...this dessert is great for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Flag Day, or if you live in Utah the 24th of July. You could also make the Ooey Gooey Not-So-Wheaty Brownies instead of chocolate cake (it is in the dessert segment of my blog) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFann8JNC56IBmWGzykh0ArAXCFjlyt8hlEJS2Qc6_sSH5FL5qN8H0Z3sh3e5RoKywIjF2W6ndxdkG5vr_cpT0548kktCuc5DIuGZjopDVuyg_VbD5enwUm3lf5JXSSs0oFTtxClHpf-a/s1600/DSC_4868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFann8JNC56IBmWGzykh0ArAXCFjlyt8hlEJS2Qc6_sSH5FL5qN8H0Z3sh3e5RoKywIjF2W6ndxdkG5vr_cpT0548kktCuc5DIuGZjopDVuyg_VbD5enwUm3lf5JXSSs0oFTtxClHpf-a/s320/DSC_4868.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
Obviously, this one is not exactly Independence Day ready...what I would do, if I were staying home, is to use cool whip and mix 1-2 Cups with vanilla pudding (so it is lighter) and use that instead of the chocolate pudding. Then I would alternate with blueberries...so strawberries, pudding, blueberries pudding, strawberries, pudding, blueberries...or something like that...I will try to make it that way on the 24th. <br />
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Here is the recipe...this one uses brownies:<br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ooey Gooey Not-So Wheaty Brownies</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3⁄4 C softened butter</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 1⁄2 C sugar</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 eggs</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3⁄4 C sifted whole wheat flour</span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄2 C cocoa powder</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄4 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 C chocolate chips, chopped (optional)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugar. Add vanilla and eggs. In another bowl mix the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix. Bake 30-40 minutes in a greased 13X9 pan. This is a family favorite and I have yet to meet anyone who can tell that there is whole wheat in it!!! YUM!!! If using chocolate chips, fold in after mixing all other ingredients. They make take a few minutes longer to bake, but this is how I prefer to make them...they are so good!</span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For Fudgier Brownies: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Subtract one egg. Bake 30-40 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">For Cake-Like Brownies:</span> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Add an egg. Bake 30-40 minutes.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And then...you need this recipe:</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Smooth Chocolate Strawberry Trifle</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3 C cold milk</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2-3 1⁄2 oz. pkgs. chocolate instant pudding</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1-8 oz. whipped topping</span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ooey Gooey Not So Wheaty Brownies</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">21⁄2 C sliced strawberries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mix milk and pudding for at least two minutes, until well blended and starting to thicken. Fold in 1 C of the whipped topping. Dice brownies into 1 in. cubes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Layer the following:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">half the brownies half the pudding mix half the raspberries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Use the other half of each to make another layer of brownies, pudding mix, and raspberries. Top with leftover whipped topping and serve! Guaranteed to make everyone ooh and aah!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Note: You can substitute raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mixed berries, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">As for the suckers...well, there is no wheat, they are just cute. Since I usually post something fun to do with your kids on Fridays, I thought I would post this as an option for kids to make if you are having a 4th of July party at your house or going to a big get-together where there will be lots of children. Kids LOVE making these are they are easy and fun!!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Fourth of July Suckers</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Jolly rancher candies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Sucker sticks</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Parchment paper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Put three jolly ranchers in a vertical line, touching each other. (You can do this as many as will fit AS LONG AS YOU HAVE ROOM TO PUT THE SUCKER STICKS IN THE BOTTOM!!!) Melt in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and press sucker stick into the bottom of the sucker (you want at least ¾ -1 in of sucker stick inside the sucker). Roll the sucker stick completely around until the whole stick is coated in melted sucker. Add sprinkles or colored sugars while still hot. Let cool until solid (at least 10 minutes). We then wrap them in sucker bags and tie them with ribbon. Kids LOVE these and they can do ALMOST all of it by themselves!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Now, as for what I WANT to do...Pinterest helped me out a lot. I want to make this drink this year:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.bigbearswife.com/2011/07/independence-punch.html">Independence Day Punch</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">And these parfaits look so cute and are on the lighter side of desserts:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/heart-healthy/heart-healthy-summer-desserts/?sssdmh=dm17.533182&page=8&esrc=nwhe062211&email=3114326164">Independence Day Parfait</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">I would like to do this fruit platter, because it is cute and healthy!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://roonfam.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-4th.html">Independence Day Fruit Platter</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Cute stuff, huh! There are other ideas I would like to try out, too, but I'll post those when things slow down a little! If you are in the great states of Utah and Idaho...there will be more before the 24th!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-48078515065795990862012-06-29T05:19:00.000-07:002012-06-29T05:19:02.102-07:00Snickerdoodle Cookies<br />
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I made these tonight for something we call Family Home Evening. Its a night where we share scriptures or scripture stories as a family. A treat is a fundamental aspect of Family Home Evening, as every member of my church will tell you. Anyway, tonight, I made these. Tifani is one of my greatest friends from graduate school. We lived near each other at a time when none of us had family and we had to rely on each other to be our family. I LOVE this girl...and when she makes something and says, "its really good"...it always is. Well, she made these cookies for us and they were SO GOOD!!! So, they made it into the recipe book, but I have to confess, I haven't made them in years! Tonight, I pulled out my cookbook and got the recipe out and made them and yep, they were just as good as I remembered them. They are slightly flatter than your white flour snickerdoodle, but the taste is right on! They are amazing and definitely worth a try in your kitchen this week!</div>
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<b>Tifani's Delicious Snickerdoodles</b></div>
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1⁄2 C butter, softened</div>
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1⁄2 C brown sugar, packed </div>
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1⁄4 C white sugar </div>
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1 egg </div>
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11⁄2 tsp vanilla extract </div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica;"><b>11⁄2 C finely-ground whole wheat flour </b></span></div>
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1⁄2 tsp baking soda </div>
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1⁄2 tsp cream of tartar </div>
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1/8 tsp salt </div>
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3 T white sugar </div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars together. Add egg and vanilla and beat. Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt) and beat into wet ingredients. Roll into 1-inch balls. Mix cinnamon and sugar. Roll balls in cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes.</div>
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P.S. For a slightly thicker cookie, you can add up to 2 T of whole wheat flour and mix it right in. I like them just fine without the extra flour, but if presentation is your thing...go ahead and add it!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-39564274107037764052012-06-25T10:18:00.000-07:002012-06-28T16:04:09.842-07:00Artichoke Chicken Bake<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is another recipe straight out of my cookbook. This one was a huge hit with my husband and my parents. It is delicious and easy and if you love artichokes (like my husband), this will quickly make it into your "family favorites" repertoire. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">P.S. I am starting to compile recipes for my next cookbook...so if you've been waiting for some of the recipes on my blog to be bound into a book, don't worry, its coming. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Artichoke Chicken Bake</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄4 C onion, finely chopped </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 garlic cloves, minced </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts </span></div>
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<span style="font: 12px Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/3 C whole wheat flour </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp salt </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11⁄4 tsp paprika </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄2 tsp rosemary </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/8 tsp pepper </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄2 C chicken broth </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1⁄4 C apple juice </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1-7.5 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix onion and garlic together. Pour into 13X9 pan. Mix flour, salt and spices and put in a gallon-sized baggie. Put chicken in baggie and shake to coat. Lay on top of onions and garlic in pan. Mix chicken broth and apple juice and pour over chicken. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. Chop artichoke hearts. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle artichoke hearts over chicken. Cook for another 15-20 minutes.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-39283703890823839932012-06-23T11:11:00.000-07:002012-06-28T16:04:34.325-07:00Snickerdoodle Muffins<br />
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We've been in the middle of a move and life is about as crazy as it can get. We just got the internet today, so pretty soon, I'll be back to normal with my blog. I made these muffins before we ever moved, knowing that life would be crazy for a while. Even though its been about a month or more since I made these, I remember clearly how I felt about them. They were SOOO good! I don't know what else to say. They tasted like dessert and my kiddos LOVED them! If you love snickerdoodle cookies...you'll love these! <br />
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P.S. I also have a wonderful Snickerdoodle cookie recipe that I'll post sometime soon!!!<br />
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<b>Snickerdoodle Muffins</b><br />
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3 C freshly ground whole wheat flour<br />
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1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 tsp. salt</div>
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2 1/4 tsp. cinnamon</div>
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1/2 C oil</div>
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1/2 C applesauce</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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3/4 C vanilla greek yogurt (can do plain, too)</div>
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2 C sugar</div>
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1 T vanilla</div>
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1/2 tsp. baking soda</div>
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1 pkg. Hershey's cinnamon chips</div>
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Cinnamon/sugar mixture (optional)</div>
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients except cinnamon chips. Stir in cinnamon chips. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Sprinkle cinnamon/sugar mixture on top of muffins, if desired.</div>
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Note: These muffins are a little temperamental. Sometimes they are the perfect shape, sometimes they turn out a little flat. They taste FABULOUS! It is always a good idea to bake one muffin first. If the muffin is too flat, or has a dip in the middle, add flour starting with 2 T until desired consistency is reached. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-27808585446843864142012-06-14T11:47:00.000-07:002012-06-28T16:05:08.081-07:00Presentation is Everything...Another "Green" Smoothie Fix!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuqlrHhFgVXBbVNWh_52Vs_p4ROI2rALCWdj9KIa2EvYg4cglaG9_gzJHDyOhxGtqiSYieUv0d8vV6fACYq60zu21PyqixPbp3D3_kfK4_VyMgld9BoxlbTclbu3geLkI0g0IXidMDI-a/s1600/DSC_6991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuqlrHhFgVXBbVNWh_52Vs_p4ROI2rALCWdj9KIa2EvYg4cglaG9_gzJHDyOhxGtqiSYieUv0d8vV6fACYq60zu21PyqixPbp3D3_kfK4_VyMgld9BoxlbTclbu3geLkI0g0IXidMDI-a/s320/DSC_6991.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
Okay, this is genius. I know that sounds conceited, but there is really no other way to describe the brainstorm I had today. Am I a genius, heavens no...but this idea...well, it is! If you are a frequent green smoothie maker, you know there is one major problem...those green smoothies, although good, are spotted from a mile away and immediately categorized outside of the realm of "yummy" smoothie. These smoothies are usually some form of brown. Bummer! Kids immediately recognize it as food of the "enemy". Enter today's brainstorm...okay, lets backtrack a little. A few weeks back I got a certain vegetable that I know is nutritionally power-packed...its incredible for our bodies. They offer Glycine betaine, which is great for your heart, folates, necessary for DNA synthesis in our bodies, vitamin-C a powerful antioxidant, many B vitamins (B-3, B-5, B-5), iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium. Yep, its one of those veggies we should all eat, but MOST don't love. Its color is a deep red. What is it??? Beets!!! I got a bunch of beets in my Bountiful Basket. What to do...what to do? Who likes beets? Well, I decided to puree them. Here's what I did:<br />
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I brought a pot of water to a full boil<br />
Cut the tops of the beets<br />
Boiled them for 20-30 minutes until tender<br />
Let them cool and rinse with cold water<br />
Peel skins off<br />
Pureed them with some of the beet water (just enough to get a good smooth consistency)<br />
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Now...for my green smoothie<br />
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2 frozen pellets of kale and spinach using <a href="http://suziessweetwheat.blogspot.com/2012/05/green-smoothie-fixwaste-your-spinach-no.html">this method</a>.<br />
1/4 of a honeydew melon<br />
5-10 frozen strawberries<br />
about 1-1 1/2 C water<br />
1 frozen banana<br />
5-10 frozen 1 inch. chunks of pineapple<br />
1 pear<br />
1 orange<br />
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This smoothie made for a nasty brown color...ENTER THE BEETS!!!! I added about 1/4 C of pureed beets and VOILA! A smoothie my kids LOVED because it had a bright red color! It looked just like a Jamba Juice Smoothie!!!<br />
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P.S. That frozen fruit is fruit that I realized was getting too ripe and being eaten too infrequently...those fruits are AWESOME for green smoothies!!!<br />
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P.P.S. You could probably use raw beets, and it would be even healthier! I never have done it, though. If someone does, please tell me how it turns out!!!<br />
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UPDATE!!!! My husband just came home, drank the smoothie and said, "mmm...raspberry"...yep, that's what it looks like! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-40994897105336742482012-06-09T04:20:00.001-07:002012-06-28T16:05:33.722-07:00Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPoW53cz4A-cijYjm9TjtSQYu7RoGlnhdgqr0pqcDmoZ1g0EvIc_7OTO-6bgBQRkWrgh2CEynacIODhNFo_I7NDVl_BVvPIRrHKoQdlI8ka-29V8s7hVyTZr_Tpf3ot8R5RlMYS3BTTdk/s1600/DSC_6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPoW53cz4A-cijYjm9TjtSQYu7RoGlnhdgqr0pqcDmoZ1g0EvIc_7OTO-6bgBQRkWrgh2CEynacIODhNFo_I7NDVl_BVvPIRrHKoQdlI8ka-29V8s7hVyTZr_Tpf3ot8R5RlMYS3BTTdk/s320/DSC_6656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my mom's recipe for teriyaki chicken and it is AMAZING. The only difference is that she doesn't use the crockpot and she uses the directions for the thicker sauce. Her teriyaki chicken is baked in the oven, not in the crockpot, but when you are a busy mom, sometimes crockpots are a must! The first time I made this, I didn't think it would work. At least I was worried that it wouldn't. I had soccer practice that night with my kiddos and needed a fast meal, but wanted it to be somewhat healthy. So, I thought I'd try it out. It was INCREDIBLE! I LOVE CROCKPOT MEALS!<br />
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As for that purple rice, you have to be wondering, "what is up with the purple rice?". Well, it is actually called black rice and has been a favorite in Asian cuisine for many years. For us, though, until very recently, it was difficult to find. The coolest thing about this rice, besides the fact that it is purple, is that it is astoundingly healthy for you! Among the health benefits are prevention of many, many major diseases. To name a few, black rice helps protect the body from cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimers. It is also high in both iron and fiber...two things my body always needs!<br />
Pretty awesome, huh. So why don't you pull out that crockpot, go buy some black rice and make this teriyaki chicken for dinner tonight!<br />
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<b>Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken</b><br />
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1/2 C soy sauce<br />
1/2 C vegetable oil<br />
1/2 C brown sugar<br />
2 tsp ginger<br />
2 cloves garlic<br />
<br />
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />
<br />
Mix sauce in crockpot. Place frozen or thawed chicken breasts on top...coating once in sauce. Turn crockpot to low and cook until chicken is thawed. Trim fat off of chicken and return to crockpot. Every two hours or so, flip chicken over to coat each side of the chicken. Cook for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is done. Serve with rice and broccoli. Spoon sauce over chicken and broccoli, if desired. We like it that way. <br />
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For thicker sauce: Remove chicken. Let sauce cool. Stir in cornstarch and reheat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Add chicken and heat until hot again. I just use the thinner sauce...it is delicious, but if you prefer a thicker sauce...go for it!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-77926965331851238032012-06-04T16:31:00.003-07:002012-06-28T16:05:50.721-07:00Home-Made Churros<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYksx4EQqYdxp7CqSJeXzt_unaDlotM7p8NReRiAqkNDyZLGaNsfgTWM8ZG7GoGzepUwv6azKfqfwAPQMaPpQPeSrXQZsRbG1PV69Vg-o8K_AcO8H1xafHsZ_FbJV6Au62AySgHFfDbpK/s1600/DSC_6749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYksx4EQqYdxp7CqSJeXzt_unaDlotM7p8NReRiAqkNDyZLGaNsfgTWM8ZG7GoGzepUwv6azKfqfwAPQMaPpQPeSrXQZsRbG1PV69Vg-o8K_AcO8H1xafHsZ_FbJV6Au62AySgHFfDbpK/s320/DSC_6749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd never really thought of making churros. I guess I thought they were like carnival food and there was some magic churro machine, located at said carnival, that I would never own. However, thanks to another Pinterest post, I found out I could make them at home. I made these yummy treats for an after-school snack for my kiddos...back when they were in school. They were a HUGE HIT!!! They were pretty easy, too, but I had one major problem. The insides didn't get done as fast as the outsides...they were still doughy. However, after baking them in the oven (as my instructions indicate), the inside was perfect and man-oh-man were they yummy!!! <br />
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<b>Home-Made Churros</b><br />
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Mix together:<br />
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1 C water<br />
1/3 C butter<br />
1 1/2 T brown sugar (packed)<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
<br />
And bring those ingredients to a boil until butter completely melts. Remove from heat and stir in:<br />
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1 C freshly, finely ground whole wheat flour<br />
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Stir vigorously until dough forms a ball and leaves sides of pan, then stir in<br />
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1 egg<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
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Stir vigorously again until mixture is completely blended.<br />
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Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a large pan until it is about 370 degrees (between 360 and 375). Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Pipe dough through an icing bag fitted with a star tip onto wax paper. Each dough segment should be about 3/4 in. to 1 in. thick and about 4-5 inches long. Fry for 2 - 3 minutes or until golden brown, moving around periodically with metal tongs so they are evenly baked. Remove with metal tongs and place on paper towel to drain. Roll in mixture of the following:<br />
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1/4 C granulated sugar<br />
2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
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Bake in 300 degree oven for 10 - 15 minutes so inside is completely done. If it is still a little moist inside, put it in for a few more minutes. YUM!<br />
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Here are some pictures of the process:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJapkgw3qh27vwAISsdRpZEV7hf1sIBnJz7S6_CDDqMLws_dEuLnPwmQkY4mFZS_sLrtwkzlo3psfYeADAk3volM2yPZ76MXtecWUyUOvH5g7atiRby10DGNIkBje4Nu_6UdyAG8hEa0P/s1600/DSC_6745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJapkgw3qh27vwAISsdRpZEV7hf1sIBnJz7S6_CDDqMLws_dEuLnPwmQkY4mFZS_sLrtwkzlo3psfYeADAk3volM2yPZ76MXtecWUyUOvH5g7atiRby10DGNIkBje4Nu_6UdyAG8hEa0P/s320/DSC_6745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The above picture shows the piped churro dough on the waxed paper. <br />
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The above picture shows the churros frying at around 365-375 degrees. Fry them for 2-3 minutes or until deep golden brown...you can do it a little longer if desired...but don't get them too done. Remember to bake them at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes after rolling in cinnamon sugar and then serve warm...DELICIOUS!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-57055890753511301082012-05-30T05:08:00.003-07:002012-06-28T16:07:28.583-07:00Brown Sugar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8JTtNhDCtGFStqRbFn3XV_Ihb3ZjAvzyxIm2AiwBBo_O2Up3kIvdDK4vG2jttOR3KnvLYWAW7x5GZVd1bd3FkJ-mC0emBnTitWYxQC7iyk-dfAbiYcK5yb3mo347RwuI48SGkIQD7t2C/s1600/DSC_6727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8JTtNhDCtGFStqRbFn3XV_Ihb3ZjAvzyxIm2AiwBBo_O2Up3kIvdDK4vG2jttOR3KnvLYWAW7x5GZVd1bd3FkJ-mC0emBnTitWYxQC7iyk-dfAbiYcK5yb3mo347RwuI48SGkIQD7t2C/s320/DSC_6727.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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Anyone out there seen The Princess Bride? There is a line where one of the characters says, "Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up." That is my line for the day concerning why I've been MIA on my blog. So, let me sum up. My husband passed that test I told you about, my son had a birthday, my dad had a birthday, my mother-in-law had a birthday and we are in the middle of moving. Yes, your sentiments are correct, its been crazy around here. Hence, the lack of posts recently. Now, on to this post...<br />
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I saw a recipe similar to this on Pinterest and decided they were a "must try". They did NOT disappoint. These cookies are chewy with just a hint of spicy deliciousness. My whole family LOVED them! They stayed chewy right up until the end, too, instead of getting hard after a day or so. P.S. They also make your house smell great!!!<br />
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<b>Brown Sugar Cookies</b><br />
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3/4 C softened butter (1 1/2 sticks)<br />
1 1/4 C brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
2 C freshly, finely ground whole wheat flour<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 tsp. ginger<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together butter brown sugar and egg. Add flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Batter may be slightly crumbly...that is okay. Drop by tablespoon onto greased baking sheet. I use a medium scoop for my dough. Bake for 8-10 minutes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-6055939694087737952012-05-23T07:00:00.004-07:002012-06-28T16:07:41.334-07:00Chocolate Zucchini Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VxJTyEAcGZ-1nJGuV6RrbdAwRduSDn_vnPFxG7a8rzyfDyPtxsfrFvOO0oTDTYGx2QR617D2HDkrJlWTKCx_iOSO6ZzXTXSFrj-t0G2eS522mDlyFy7_RyQWFdKkVW_j5Gb6sZXAGZX3/s1600/DSC_6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VxJTyEAcGZ-1nJGuV6RrbdAwRduSDn_vnPFxG7a8rzyfDyPtxsfrFvOO0oTDTYGx2QR617D2HDkrJlWTKCx_iOSO6ZzXTXSFrj-t0G2eS522mDlyFy7_RyQWFdKkVW_j5Gb6sZXAGZX3/s320/DSC_6725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought it was time for the BEST chocolate cake recipe ever! I'm not kidding...this is TO DIE FOR!!! As you can see, it is moist beyond compare. It has DELICIOUS flavor and has two secret ingredients! It is 100% whole wheat AND has 3 WHOLE CUPS OF ZUCCHINI! Yep, its zucchini cake that your family will NEVER recognize as zucchini cake! My husband raved about this cake and I waited until he was done to tell him about the zucchini. I said, "you know, veggies are great when you learn how to cook with them in a way your family loves." He said, "This is my FAVORITE way to eat zucchini!" So, here it is Zucchini Cake/Cupcakes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBPrxskZeDOfgpZCknAj6xPr1aR8ULLqWszKuLmOkM5yc0kRFnLsJpPf5ZBGvJ82Ur92Kjbk5cSGkxFgX24KnwY-uAzXZJEjrgOXeeXEtC6ZZkt7LpZSxHttmaeFpwOh050IECaIBpInQ/s1600/DSC_6717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBPrxskZeDOfgpZCknAj6xPr1aR8ULLqWszKuLmOkM5yc0kRFnLsJpPf5ZBGvJ82Ur92Kjbk5cSGkxFgX24KnwY-uAzXZJEjrgOXeeXEtC6ZZkt7LpZSxHttmaeFpwOh050IECaIBpInQ/s320/DSC_6717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Chocolate Zucchini Cake/Cupcakes</b><br />
<br />
2 C freshly ground whole wheat flour<br />
2 C granulated sugar<br />
3/4 C cocoa powder<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 C vegetable oil<br />
1/2 C unsweetened applesauce<br />
3 C finely grated zucchini<br />
<br />
Preheat to 350 degrees. Mix lightly flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, oil, applesauce. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini. Pour into greased 13X9 pan. Bake 40-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.<br />
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For cupcakes bake at 350 degrees for 20-24 minutes.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4280936534739236165.post-59262567811088390602012-05-21T10:12:00.003-07:002012-06-28T16:07:57.535-07:00Green Smoothie Fix...Waste your spinach no more!!!<br />
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<b>Waste Your Spinach No More!!!</b><br />
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I saw this on Pinterest and it is the BEST IDEA ever!!! I think they actually mixed smoothies up and froze them this way, but it works well for just the greens as well! If you are like me, your greens (especially if you buy them at Costco) go bad before you can use them all. It always makes me sad to throw away all those greens that are so good for the bellies of each member of my family. This way, you don't have to throw out any greens! I like to mix spinach and kale together and freeze them to use later. Then, you can mix it up and make different kinds of smoothies depending upon which fresh fruits and veggies you have available. When you pull out those frozen pellets of greens, be sure to add some water to the blender (probably about a Cup or so). Throw in the frozen greens (2 or 3), fresh or frozen fruits, etc., to make delicious smoothies for you family!!!<br />
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Directions:<br />
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3-4 large handfuls of spinach<br />
1/2 bunch kale (just the leafy parts)<br />
fill water up to 12-16 oz. in blender after kale and spinach are in<br />
<br />
Fill muffin tins...24 will be the right amount<br />
Freeze solid for a few hours. Store in freezer bags!<br />
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Here are some pictures of the process:<br />
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This is after blending the spinach and kale and pouring into muffin tins and freezing:<br />
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This is after removing them and putting them in freezer bags to store in the freezer for future use:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0