The Food Blog
Slow Cooker Stuffed Apples (0 Comments)
A wonderful wintertime comfort food that is tasty and heart healthy type of treat made in the slow cooker. This crock pot recipe of stuffed apples is excellent for anytime of the day whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or for dessert. There is something so comforting about the smells of a home cooked meal permeating throughout.
A super simple crock pot recipe that is convenient, hands off approach that will let you set it and forget it and within two hours you’ve created a lovely dish with a crumbled center. A gluten free and low in sugar with just enough sweetness to tantalize your taste buds.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
There are so many amazing health benefits with this simple super food item. Apples are ranked the highest for antioxidants activity due to the power of the peel aspect. Since apples are high in antioxidants, it’s not surprising that they are associated with decreasing many chronic diseases. It’s apparant, based on many studies, that they play a huge role in reducing many diseases such as alzheimers, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
TIPS IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT APPLE:
Choose an apple with a shiny skin not dull.
Choose organic due to heavily pesticide contaminants.
Firm apples without bruising.
Keep apples refrigerated at 39 degrees.
Remember food is fuel in nourishing your mind, body and soul for overall well being.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup rolled oats, or steel cut
1/4 cup nuts, preferred
2 tbsp dried cranberries
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
3/4 cup apple cider, or apple juice
4 apples, first half inch off the top and cored
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the oats, nuts, honey, coconut oil and spices in a bowl. Mix well until combined and sticking together. Scoop the core out with a melon baller. Place apples in the crock pot with the combined oat mixture. Pour the apple cider into the bottom of the pot.
Cover and cook on low for about two hours. When ready, place in decorative bowls and enjoy.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 250; total fat 8g; saturated fat 5g; sodium 4mg; carbohydrates 44g; fiber 7g; sugars 25g; protein 3g.
Clean Eating Apple Nachos (0 Comments)
These healthy apple nachos are super simple and super tasty. A great afternoon snack or even a dessert dish that your kids can create in the kitchen for themselves. I recently saw this great Idea on a show and since I’ve been wanting display dishes that were “heart healthy” for the month of February, this was absolutely perfect.
In today’s society, with numerous food allergies and sensitivities, it’s nice to know that these treats are gluten free, grain free and dairy free. We all know apples are good for us, but just one apple with it’s skin on contains 4 grams of fiber. Plus they are packed full of goodness such as flavonoids, potassium, vitamin C and other phytonutrients. Also, for every 10 grams of fiber eaten daily, your risk for heart disease drops by 14%. That is wonderful news. With that in mind, food is fuel in nourishing your mind, body and soul. Choose wisely.
I LOVE that these nachos are good for my kids overall well being and that they are enjoyed in our household. In this version of nachos i combined red and green apples for taste and texture, a drizzle of almond butter and chocolate, some other nuts and dried fruits on hand. You may use anything you like. Just have fun and get creative in the kitchen.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun” – Albert Einstein
Anyway you slice it, kids of all ages will love these yummy nachos!
SERVES: about 4
INGREDIENTS:
3-4 apples any combination
2-3 tbsp nut butter (peanut butter, sunflower or almond butter)
1-2 tbsp honey, raw is best
1/4 cup chocolate chips
2 tbsp dried cranberries, or preferred
1/4 cup raisins, or preferred fruit
INSTRUCTIONS:
Firstly, core and slice the apples quite thinly and place them on a decorative bowl, overlapping.
Then, top the apples with all of your favorite items. It’s best to melt the nut butter and chocolate chips to drizzle over of course. You whatever tantalizes your tastebuds. Enjoy!
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: Calories 200; total fat 6.4g; cholesterol 1mg; sodium 7mg; dietary fiber 5.4g; sugars 25g; protein 2.8g; Calcium 2%; vitamin C22% and iron 14%.
Chunky monkey Cookies (0 Comments)
Chunky Monkey cookies with a healthy twist of clean eating ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
These cookies are super simple to create and easily whipped up in a matter of minutes, with no fuss, and chock full of nutrition. These yummy delights are high in dietary fiber to keep you moving and satisfied, it has no cholesterol, low in sodium and high in manganese and vitamin B6. You may feel free and add in a combination of nuts, dried fruit or chocolate chips to the mix. A totally guilt free treat for you and your loved ones.
SERVES: about 16-18
INGREDIENTS:
3 bananas, ripe
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup peanut butter, organic
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup flax seed meal
1 tsp vanilla, pure
dash sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the rest of the ingredients. At this time you may add in other items and blend. Once mixed, let the batter stand for about 20 minutes to set and then drop the dough onto a ungreased cookie sheet with a silpat or parchment.
Let the cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep in mind they will retain their shape while cooking. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for freshness or to enjoy.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 98; total fat 3.5g; sodium 36mg; potassium 196mg; total carbohydrates 14.9g; dietary fiber 2.8g; sugars 4g; protein 3.2g; calcium 1%; vitamin C 3% and iron 9%. No cholesterol, low in sodium, high in dietary fiber and very high in manganese and vitamin B6 type of treat.
White Bean Soup and Wilted Spinach (0 Comments)
This satisfying soup reminds me of our travels to the northern and central region of Italy. I enjoy making this meal from time to time with a bit of Tuscan flair. A highly nourishing nutritious meal that is full of flavor and tasty for the whole family or a big gathering.
Slow cooked soups are the best. Just simply delicious meals without any fuss and so much versatility. Endless creativity in the kitchen from meals to side dishes and desserts. There isn’t any extra work involved or the constant stirring like with many of over the stove pot meals. It’s just a matter of combining lovely flavors of marriage in one pot. There is no limit of what you can do with your crock pot. Just get creative and have fun in the kitchen. And the best part about this soup is how it can be served in almost any kind of weather.
SERVES: 6-8
INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, medium
1 red pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
dash, sea salt
dash, black pepper
1-2 tsp oregano, dried
16 ounce white beans
3 cups beef broth, low sodium, organic
2 cups filtered water
1-2 cups salami, whole, sliced and quartered
handful basil, fresh
handful, spinach, organic
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and red pepper; let cook until softened and fragrant about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic; let cook until fragrant while stirring to reduce any burning. Add the seasonings of salt, pepper and oregano; mix until combined and let cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Remove from stove and set aside.
In the crock pot, add the prepared beans to the pot. Add the sauteed mixture next; mix well. Add the broth, water and salami and combine well. Cover and set on low for 6-8 hours. About a half hour prior add in the fresh basil and spinach to the soup.
When ready, immediately serve in decorative bowls. You may garnish with extra herbs. Enjoy.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 299; total fat 3.0g; sodium 400mg; potassium 1530mg; total carbohydrates 49g; dietary fiber 12g; sugars 3.7g; protein 20g; vitamin A14%; calcium 20%; vitamin C 66%; Iron 47%. This is low in saturated fat, no cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium and very high in vitamin C type of soup.
Slow Cooked Rice Pudding (0 Comments)
A creamy, delicious and satisfying comfort food perfect anytime after a meal.
If you love rice pudding and love creating in your crock pot this is the treat for you. The best of both worlds. This is simply a wonderful treat on a rainy or chilly day to warm up the soul.
SERVES: 10-12
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups rice, cooked
1 1/2 cups whole milk, organic
2 eggs, large, pasture raised
1/4 cup sweetener, preference
1 tsp pure vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon, optional
dash, sea salt
1/2 lemon zest, fresh
1 tsp lemon juice
handful raisins
INSTRUCTIONS:
Firstly, lightly coat the crock pot with either butter, olive or coconut oil. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, milk, sweetener, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, sea salt lemon zest and juice; stir well together. Next stir in the raisins.
Transfer it to the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for about 2-3 hours; keep an eye on it periodically. Stir gently before serving. That’s it! Enjoy.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 187; total fat 1.9g; cholesterol 36mg; sodium 55mg; potassium 78mg; total carbohydrates 36g; dietary fiber 0.6g; sugars 6.8g; protein 5g; vitamin A 1%; calcium 6% and iron 10%. Low in sodium and saturated fat.
Homemade Simple Shortbread Cookies (0 Comments)
These classic shortbread cookies are simply sensational with only four ingredients and super simple to create in your own kitchen. These cookies just melt in your mouth.
Around the Christmas season, if you know me at all, I love to create and bake a variety of treats. We had received a lovely gift basket of delicious treats and my boys simply loved those shortbread cookies. Although my older boys were upset about not having anymore, I had told them that we could make our own from scratch and from that thought they were soon created. Truthfully, it was my first time making these lovely mouth watering cookies. I thought it would be complicated but, it sure was super simple. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, a lovely treat to make for a crowd or for loved ones.
SERVES: about 30
INGREDIENTS:
2 sticks of unsalted butter plus 2 tbsp , softened and unsalted
1 cup brown sugar, or powdered
2 cups flour
1 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a separate bowl, with a mixer, cream the butter and sugar. Then sift the flour and cornstarch; blend well together ( if too dry add a 1-2 tbsp of butter).
Next form the dough into a big ball, wrap in plastic, and place in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
Cut the dough in half and roll onto a lightly floured surface and use a cookie cutter to shape them. Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet with parchment or silpat. Bake for 20 minutes. Do not allow them to brown; the edges should have a faint golden edge. Check in between. Then decorate with colored frosting or chocolate icing. Have fun and be creative.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 126; total fat 6.2g;cholesterol 16mg;sodium 44mg; potassium 11mg; total carbohydrates 16.9g; sugars 6.7g and protein 0.9g.