A friend's golden plum tree, which she let me harvest to make jam! I love to make healthy and delicious freezer jam (without sugar or pectin!) this time of year when the berries, cherries, peaches and nectarines are plentiful and inexpensive. This jam is easier than any other version I've ever done, AND is actually [...]
I love peanut butter. I eat it straight from the jar and add it to all sorts of things. Sadly though - some people have an allergic reaction to any form of peanuts, so I dedicate this blog to them because Almond Butter solves all peanut butter allergy problems! Yes, you can buy almond butter [...]
Looking for a red, white and blue healthy treat to enjoy on Independence Day? Yeah, me too. Since I absolutely love the fruit that’s in season right now, I’ve been looking at recipes for cobblers, pies, tarts, buckles, crisps and frozen things that feature gorgeous and delicious summer fruits. The problem with all of them, [...]
Each year on Mother's Day, the women in our congregation at church receive a nice token of appreciation. It's often chocolate - but sometimes is a potted plant or cut flowers. This year it will be chocolates. I am NOT against chocolate, however I often feel like every holiday or day of appreciation turns into [...]
This recipe is from the blog, Delish, with very few changes. Stacks of yummy eggplant, made smoky with a simple sauce. Eggplant is not bacon. However, it CAN taste a lot like bacon if you season and cook it this way! What are the benefits of eggplant bacon? Well, it’s made from a [...]
I'm not often tempted by processed chocolate any more, but on Easter Sunday, it can be hard for me to pass up chocolate when I feel surrounded by it. So many childhood memories of fingers sticky with chocolate, compel me to want to join in! Fortunately, there are HEALTHY options. I've been mixing up my [...]
I go through breakfast phases. Every day I have a protein-spinach smoothie after my workout, then have “Second Breakfast” about an hour after that. By that time, I’m ready for more protein and some carbs to get me through till lunchtime. Currently, this protein pancake is my favorite choice for “Second Breakfast” because it’s super [...]
The view from our cruise ship balcony in Nassau. Everyone likes to run away once in awhile, and cruising has become a very popular and affordable way to vacation. Shawn and I just enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, and as we prepared to go, I realized I think differently than most people when they [...]
When it's cold outside, I love thick, hearty soup - doesn't everyone? The downside is, those creamy soups pack in a lot of calories with very little nutritional value. Don't worry though - cauliflower will save the day! Pureed cauliflower is a fast way to amazing, thick, delicious, creamy and seriously nutritious soup. Here's how [...]
This time of year is perfect for enjoying roasted vegetables. Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorites, and these are special. They’re so perfect and teeny - just the right size to bite into - and roasting them brings out all their BEST qualities. Perfectly roasted Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are great with [...]