The Food Blog
Strawberrry and Blueberry Bread (0 Comments)
I would like to share with you my version of a patriotic fruit bread. It is a moist and flavor filled dessert. I incorporated a sprinkling of sliced almonds, farm fresh strawberries and blueberries with a delicious lemony zing in every bite. It sure was delicious! For garnishing, you may top it off with whip cream, a compote, drizzled honey, or just as is. Have a fabulous Fourth of July! Enjoy.
Yields: 1 loaf
Servings: 10
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp whole wheat four, or preferred flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 cup yogurt, any style
1/4 cup brown sugar, or honey
2 large eggs
1 tsp lemon zest, 1 whole lemon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan: dust with flour, remove excess flour.
In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt: set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla and applesauce. Slowly whisk dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix berries with remaining flour, fold them gently into the batter. If you wish to add in nuts, you may do so at this time. Sprinkle on top. Now, pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once ready to serve, you may utilize any topping or just as is. Another super simple and yummy dessert. Enjoy!
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Calories 117; Total Fat 1.5g; Cholesterol 39mg; Sodium 80mg; Total Carbohydrates 20.6g; Dietary Fiber 2; Protein 4.8; Calcium 10%, Vitamin C11% and Iron 7%. It is high in phosphorus, selenium and thiamin.
Patriotic Parfait (0 Comments)
A super simple recipe for a sweet-looking treat!! A perfectly themed treat, which can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, especially for the 4th of July festivities. This treat is not only delicious but visually appealing and so so good for you. Be inspired to create and have fun.
INGREDIENTS:
1 8 ounce low fat regular or vanilla yogurt
fresh strawberries, handful
fresh blueberries, handful
1 ounce sliced almonds
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place a layer of yogurt in a serving dish, alternating layers of fresh strawberries and yogurt.
Top with fresh blueberries, a sprinkle sliced almonds, or even loose granola. You may add whipped cream or shaved chocolate, for a garnish. Make it your own. Enjoy!
Red, White and Blue Chocolate Pie (0 Comments)
For the Fourth of July, I’d like to share with you an easy chocolate pie topped with a creamy layer and farm fresh berries. A dessert I’m sure will be a crowd pleaser. Now, mind you, i rarely go with a brownie box mix, but, this will be an exception to the rule. I chose Ghirardelli with it’s luxurious deep flavor, rich texture and just super simple to prepare. So, here is my patriotic pie recipe!! Hope you enjoy.
SERVES: 10
INGREDIENTS:
1 dark chocolate brownie mix
8 ounce package of Greek yogurt and cream cheese
1/4 cup local honey
fresh strawberries, handful
fresh blueberries, handful
2 bananas, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch pie plate.
Make batter as directed. Spread in the plate. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, about one hour.
In a small bowl, beat yogurt/cream cheese mixture and honey with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Carefully spread mixture evenly over brownie base. Arrange berries and bananas over cream cheese base. Refrigerate for one hour, or until chilled. Cut into wedges. Store covered in refrigerator.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Calories 99; Total Fat 2.5g; Cholesterol 8mg; Sodium 69mg; Total Carbohydrates 15g; Dietary Fiber 1g; Protein 3.6g; Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 8%, Calcium 7%, Iron 1%.
Classic Buttermilk Pancakes with Raspberry Sauce (0 Comments)
“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper”.
I don’t know about you, but, I LOVE breakfast!!! My favorite meal of the day. I feel it is important to start your day off right with a good breakfast to keep you satisfied and keep you going throughout your day. Today, I’d like to share with you a delicious morning meal. With this particular recipe you may substitute other flours such as oats, whole wheat, amaranth, or almond flour for 1/2 or up to 1 cup of all purpose flour recipe. It light and fluffy, plus filling. For garnish, you may choose what you like. You may add fresh berries, a compote, pumpkin puree, or chocolate chips or even crumbled crisp bacon to this batter for a kick of flavor. Just experiment and have fun in the kitchen!! Hope you enjoy.
Most people often mistakenly believe that because of it’s name, buttermilk, it is high in fat content. It actually contains less fat than even regular whole milk. Buttermilk is a great source of calcium, B-vitamins, potassium, it also contains probiotics which helps the digestive system and strengthens the immune system.
There are so many health benefits with buttermilk! For instance, it reduces body heat for those associated with pre-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms with relief of hot flashes. Amazing buttermilk is rich in lactic acid in which aids in digestion and helps reduce frequent heart burn and overproduction of stomach acids. It helps the body fight off harmful pathogens found in everyday foods. And, when consuming buttermilk, people are learning the weight loss advantage compared to regular whole milk. And last but not least, it promotes clearer and healthier skin. It moisturizes the skin, adding a natural glow and elasticity. It’s important to know that buttermilk is a sensible alternative to regular whole milk. If you are looking for a great source of calcium, buttermilk is the answer!
Serving: 17
INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup oat bran
1 cup all purpose flour
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
GARNISH:
2 cups raspberries
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat the oven to 200 degrees.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine all the wet ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until almost incorporated, stop before the batter is evenly moistened. Let the batter rest while you heat the griddle.
Heat the griddle or a large skillet over medium heat (375 degrees) until the drops of water briefly dance on the surface before evaporating. Lightly oil the surface. Working in batches, pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Let cook until bubbles rise to the surface and edges look dry, about 1-2 minutes. Check the underside to see if nicely browned, then flip. Cook on the second side, until bronzed, for another minute. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm until the rest of the batter is complete.
For the sauce, combine ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces and sauce is formed. Remove from heat and serve immediately over the delicious pancakes.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!!
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Calories 195; Total Fat 3.7g; Cholesterol 23mg; Sodium 100; Dietary fiber 1.2g; Sugars 2.6 g; Proteins 5.9g; vitamin A 1%, Calcium 18%, Iron 13% (high in phosphorus, selenium, thiamin and low in saturated fat).
Wild Mushroom and Cheese Frittata (0 Comments)
A Frittata is an Italian-style omelette enriched with various ingredients. They are ideal for a light breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even for dinner paired with a simple side salad. They are super simple, the ingredients are inexpensive and it is a lot of fun. Although i don’t make them often, i sure do enjoy creating my own style with fresh farm ingredients. So yummy!!!
So, if you have a cast iron skillet ( or a pan that can be placed on the stove and in the oven), eggs, few other ingredients, then you are ready to make a delicious frittata.
The incredible egg! Pity the poor egg. It gets cracked, scrambled, and whipped – not to mention unfairly maligned as the villian of the breakfast world. But good news, frittata fans!! Research supporting the health benefits of eggs are piling up. There are four reasons to consider incorporating this incredible egg into your natural diet. Firstly, they may reduce the risk of cancer. Whole eggs are one of the best sources of the nutrient choline ( i large egg has 20% of your RDA). A study was published this year finding that women with a high intake of choline was 24% less likely to get breast cancer. This is found in the egg yolk, so ditch the egg-white omelette. Secondly, eggs keep your peepers peeping. Yolks are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that has been shown to ward off macular degeneration. Thirdly, An omelette a day can shrink your waist. Researchers have found that obese people who ate 2 egg breakfast at least 5 times a week lost 65% more weight and had more energy than women who ate bagels for breakfast. “Eggs are more satisfying than carbohydrates, making you feel fuller longer”. And lastly, Your abs eat them up! Eggs contain a certain sequence of amino acids which makes it easily to absorb in the body. Which means a hard boiled grade A egg is an ideal muscle repair food after a butt busting workout.
All eggs contain the same basic stuff, large eggs are packed with only 72 calories each, so you really can’t go wrong. But depending on your eating habits, special eggs may be worth the extra cash, such as organic eggs ( which are free of antibiotics, slaughterhouse byproducts, and certain additives), pasteurized eggs ( if using for raw purposes, look for this label, meaning soaked in warm water bath), and omega 3 enhanced (if you rarely have fish, snag more of these heart healthy fatty acids).
Now, it’s all about the marvelous mushrooms! It’s that time of the year where mushrooms are popping up all over. You sure don’t have to be a top chef to prize these lush and earthy flavor of exotic mushrooms. The newly discovered health benefits might move mushrooms to the top of the list. For instance, they safeguard you against cancer. Mushrooms are rich in disease fighting phytochemicals and eating them regularly has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in studies of Chinese and Korean women. They also prevent prostate cancer cells from multiplying in mice – may do the same for men.
Did you know, one medium portobello mushroom supplies 21% of the RDA of selenium and one third your need of copper, it also has much potassium as a medium banana?! What’s more, is mushrooms retain their nutrients when stir-fried, grilled and sauteed.
Thirdly, mushrooms help to cut calories. Researchers estimate that if you substitute mushrooms for ground meat in one meal a week, you can lose five pounds a year. When ground beef was swapped out for mushrooms in lasagna, sloppy joes, and chilli, adults consumed 400 fewer calories per day, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Study. So, go ahead and indulge in these marvelous mushrooms! So good for you.
SERVES: 4-6
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup onions, diced
8 ounce mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
1/4 cup fresh mozzerella
1 tsp dried thyme
3 large farm fresh eggs
2 large farm fresh egg yolks
fresh basil, handful, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat oil in a non stick skillet with an oven proof handle. Swirl oil to coat the pan evenly, add onions and sweat them over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown and liquid has been evaporated, about 8 minutes. Add pepper and salt, to taste. Dash.
Preheat broiler. Use a fork to lightly beaten the eggs, cheese and herbs in a medium bowl. Then, add in the egg mixture to the pan and stir gently with the fork to incorporate the vegetables. Cook over medium low heat; occasionally sliding the spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen frittata as it sets. Continue cooking until it sets, except for the top, about 8 minutes.
Place pan directly under the broiler and cook just until the top is golden brown and set, about 1-2 minutes. Do not let it burn.
You may slide it out or invert it onto the preferred platter. Then cut into wedges and serve. You may also let it cool at room temperature, then cut and serve. For garnish, i used fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: (per serve/4) Calories 60; Total Fat 2.9; Cholesterol 105; Sodium 58mg; Total Carbohydrates 3.2g; Dietary Fiber 1g; Sugars 1.5g; Protein 6.3, vitamin A 30%, Calcium 3%, vitamin C 4%, Iron 13% ( Although high in cholesterol, it is very high in iron, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, selenium and vitamin B6).
Chocolate Cherry Chia Brownies (0 Comments)
Cherries are a sweet fruit that is low in calories and have a number of benefits for your body. Due to it’s sweet flavor, they make a healthy substitute for snacks such as candy, cakes or brownies. It is chock full of antioxidants which work to slow the signs of aging. Here is my twist on a healthy but rich, decadent and delicious brownie! Yum!!
Did you know, cherries are made up of more than 75% of water?! This water content makes cherries a perfect weight loss food while keeping you fuller much longer. Cherries naturally contain melatonin, a natural substance that is produced by your brain to regulate sleep cycles. Eating cherries before bed acts as an all natural sleep aid that works by replacing some of the lost melatonin. Also, consuming 20 cherries is 10 times more effective than taking aspirin. It contains anthocyanins, a substance in relieving pain by blocking out inflammatory enzymes that cause it. And last but not least, they contain boron, which helps to increase bone health when consumed in conjuction with magnesium and calcium.
Fall in love with chia seeds! I love chia seeds, they are so easily utilized in many recipes from smoothies, baked goods, sprinkled over cereal or yogurt and so much more. And so easily absorbed in the body. This super food seed has so many health benefits from high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, excellent source of fiber (whopping 10g in only 2 tbsp), very rich in antioxidants ( help the body to protect against free radicals), high in minerals, a gluten free seed, regulates insulin levels in the body and a feeling of being full and satisfied. Chia seeds have always been a native to South America and a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. They draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. A high rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.
Serves 10-12
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp oat bran
2 tbsp chia seeds
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
dash salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, or 3/4 cup applesauce
2 tbsp buttermilk
2 tsp Madagascar vanilla
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
INSTRUCTIONS:
Coat an “8×8” baking dish and line with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flours, chia, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on high until crumble or blended, about 20 seconds. Add eggs on at a time; beat on medium until blended. Add milk, vanilla and chocolate chips; beat on low until combined. Add flour mixture, beat on low until a thick batter is formed. Then fold in the fresh cherries.
Pour into a baking dish and bake until edges are slightly firm but center is soft, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 20-30 minutes. Then cut into 10-12 squares. For garnish, make a simple chocolate Ganache and top with fresh cherries.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: calories (per serve) 100; Total fat 3g; Saturated Fat 1.5; Sodium 15mg; Total Carbohydrates 16; Dietary Fiber 2.6g; Sugars 5g; Protein 3.7g; Calcium 4%, Iron 8%, vitamin A 1%.