All Natural, Whole Grain Living

Apricot Almond Oatmeal Muffins

2011-07-16T10:04:00.003-04:00

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 c quick cook oats
1 T baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
1/2 c almonds, chopped
1 1/2 c dried apricots, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c almond oil
1/3 c honey
1 c buttermilk
1 t vanilla
1/2 t almond extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Garden Fresh Salsa

2011-07-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

Love flavors of summer!

Ingredients

4 vine ripe tomatoes, diced
3 cloves of garlic, pressed
1/2 c green onion, chopped
1/4 c lime juice
2 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeded if you want it cooler, leave seeds if you want it hotter)
3 T packed fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 t sea salt

Directions
Mix.

Tips:
Include cilantro stems. That is where a great deal of the flavor is!

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2011-07-02T21:16:00.004-04:00

In the quest for the ultimate healthy baked goods, I decided to revisit my lemon poppy seed muffin recipe. I wanted them to be larger in size and have a nice rounded top. I also explored substituting more zest for the lemon extract and I was disappointed by the result. So, I would be sure to put the extract on your shopping list! Happy baking!

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

3 c whole wheat flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
3 T poppy seeds
2 eggs, beaten
6 T butter, softened
3/4 c honey
1 1/2 c fat free plain yogurt
zest of 2 lemons
1/4 c lemon juice
2 t lemon extract
2 t vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry and stir until just blended. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

All Natural, Whole Grain Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Recipe

Cranberry Orange Muffins

2011-06-26T11:46:00.007-04:00

While fresh cranberries are a seasonal item, frozen can be found year round. Nothing intrigues me more than trying out a new ingredient!

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

3 c whole wheat flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c non-fat, plain yogurt
1/4 c butter, melted
2/3 c honey
zest from one large orange
1 1/2 c cranberries, fresh or frozen, halved

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium bowl. Mix wet into dry, fold in cranberries, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls

2011-06-19T21:19:00.006-04:00

Makes 1 1/2 dozen rolls

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
1 c bread flour
3 t rapid rise yeast
1 t sea salt
2 T butter
1/4 c honey
1 c buttermilk

Directions

Put all ingredients in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended, and run on quick dough setting.

When dough is finished, turn out on floured surface and let rest for 10 minutes. Prep baking sheet. Roll out dough into 1/2 inch thickness, cut out biscuits, and place on baking sheet. Let rolls rise 40 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 12 minutes and serve warm

Blueberry Tart with Roasted Walnut Crust

2011-06-08T22:42:00.007-04:00

Makes one 11 inch tart

Ingredients

Crust

3/4 c walnuts, roasted & chopped (see roasting tip)
1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
2 T butter, melted
pinch of sea salt

Filling

12 oz Neufchatel cheese, softened
1/2 c yogurt
1/3 c maple syrup

Topping

3 c blueberries (1 1/2 pints)
2 T maple syrup

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and prep 11" tart pan. Combine all crust ingredients in medium bowl and blend until moisture is consistent throughout. Press mixture into bottom of tart pan and 1/2" up sides. Bake 12 minutes. Let cool on wire rack.

In a medium bowl, use low speed on blender to beat all filling ingredients together. When crust is cool, gently spread in filling. Top with blueberries and drizzle over the 2 T of maple syrup. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Roasting tip: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread walnuts out on baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes or until fragrant.

Wild Blueberry Scones

2011-06-04T21:50:00.005-04:00

I tried to make this recipe the first time and was unable to successfully fold in the full 1 1/2 c of blueberries, so I went on the search for a new technique. I'm happy to report that I have managed to work in the full amount of blueberries and they turned out just like I was hoping. Happy baking!

Makes 6-8 scones

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
2 t lemon zest
4 T cold butter, diced
1 1/2 c frozen wild blueberries
3/4 c buttermilk
1/4 c honey

Prep scone pan and pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients then cut in butter. Add blueberries and dust (mix) in batter. Add buttermilk and honey and mix. Turn out on floured surface and knead a few times until dough is no longer shaggy. Place in scone pan and bake for 26-28 minutes. Serve warm.

Tomato Soup

2011-05-30T21:43:00.005-04:00

This soup has a great medium consistency and excellent flavor, especially considering the prep time. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

2 T olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 bay leaf
28 oz whole tomatoes, in juice
1 T honey
3 slices of bread, torn into 1 inch pieces
1 c chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c fresh chives, chopped

Directions

In a dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bay leaf and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent (about 3 to 5 minutes). Add tomatoes, honey, and bread and smash mixture with potato masher to break down tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf.

Transfer soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer back to dutch oven, add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve up in individual sized bowls, then sprinkle each bowl with fresh chives and pepper.

Rosemary Garlic Drop Biscuits

2011-05-22T23:10:00.004-04:00

Love the speed of prep and flavor of these!

Makes 8 biscuits

Ingredients

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c bread flour
2 t baking powder
1 t sea salt
1/2 t fresh ground black pepper
2T + 1t fresh chopped rosemary
1 t pressed garlic
1 c milk
1/4 c olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and prep baking sheet. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Mix wet into dry, drop dough on baking sheet, and bake for 18-22 minutes. Serve warm.

Gingerbread

2011-05-15T10:05:00.011-04:00

Instead of the sweet dessert version, I decided to make a healthier breakfast version.

Makes one loaf - Serves 8

Ingredients

2 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
2 t ginger
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t cloves
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 t allspice
1 t Dutch-processed cocoa
1 egg, beaten
3 T butter, melted
1/3 c light molasses
1/4 c honey
1/2 c buttermilk
1/2 c milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep 9x9 baking pan. Combine all dry ingredients in medium bowl and all wet ingredients in small bowl. Mix wet into dry and bake for 40 minutes, or until done.

Multi Grain Dinner Rolls

2011-05-08T22:51:00.005-04:00

Makes 12 rolls

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
2 c bread flour
2 T sesame seeds
2 T flax seeds
2 T quinoa
2 T millet
1 T rapid rise yeast
2 t sea salt
1 3/4 c milk
2 T butter
1/3 c honey

Put all ingredients in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended. Select regular dough setting and press go.

When dough is finished, turn out on floured surface, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Prep 13 x 9 baking pan. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into rounds, and place in pan. Allow rolls to rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

2011-04-30T16:26:00.000-04:00

These have great flavor and are wonderfully light and fluffy.

Makes 12-15 rolls

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c bread flour
3 t rapid rise yeast
1 t sea salt
1 egg
2 T butter
1/4 c honey
1 c water

Directions

Place all ingredients in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended. Set to basic dough setting and press go.

When dough is finished, turn out on a floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Prep 9x13 pan. Cut dough into 12-15 equal pieces, shape into rounds and place in pan. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 15 minutes.

Cinnamon Chip Scones

2011-04-24T12:25:00.015-04:00

My new ventures, Cinnamon Chip Scones and Bretzels, required me to purchase some ingredients online, as they were not readily available at my local grocery stores. I was wondering if this was a high or low in my life. But, after tasting these, two things became apparent, (1) I no longer cared, either way, and (2) I was eating another small piece. Should you choose to purchase ingredients online, I highly recommend King Arthur Flour. http://www.kingarthurflour.com/ Not only do they have a wide selection, good prices, and quick turn around time, but they also have fantastic prices on Madagascar Bourbon vanilla (which is, I'm told, the best vanilla that money can buy).

Makes 6 scones

Ingredients

1 c whole wheat flour
1 c bread flour
1 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1/4 c butter
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c honey
2/3 c buttermilk
1 t vanilla
1 c cinnamon flav-r-bites (or cinnamon chips)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prep baking sheet. Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in butter. Combine wet ingredients in small bowl. Mix wet into dry and fold in cinnamon chips.

Turn out dough on floured surface and knead 10-12 times, or until dough is no longer sticky. Shape dough and cut into 6 equal pieces. Place scones on baking sheet and let rest for 5 minutes so cinnamon flav-r-bites can absorb moisture. Bake for 20-22 minutes.

Lemon Bread

2011-04-15T21:56:00.004-04:00

I wanted to create a lovely lemon bread, with smooth texture, while limiting unnecessary calories. Using just lemon zest, you get that lemon flavor you love without the bitterness and extra calories that come with having to add a lot of sweeteners. Hope you enjoy!

Makes one loaf

Ingredients

zest of 2 lemons
2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 t sea salt
2 1/2 t baking powder
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c butter, softened
2/3 c honey
3/4 c milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep loaf pan. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Combine wet into dry and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

2011-04-09T11:44:00.005-04:00

The amount of cinnamon in this recipe is a good compliment to fruit spreads used as toppings. If you want more cinnamon flavor, I would increase the amount of cinnamon up to 2 T.

Ingredients

1 1/4 c quick cook oats
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1/4 t sea salt
1 T + 1 t cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 c milk, warmed 1 minute in microwave
2 T butter, melted
3 T honey
2 t vanilla

Directions

Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small bowl. Mix wet into dry. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes (so that oatmeal may absorb moisture) while griddle is preheating to 350 degrees. Bake until golden brown. Serve with fruit spread toppings like strawberry and blueberry.

Lemon Sweet Rolls

2011-03-27T19:26:00.000-04:00

Mmmm... a new favorite

Makes 9 large rolls

Ingredients

Lemon Dough

2 1/2 c white whole wheat flour
2 c bread flour
2 1/2 t active dry yeast
1/2 t sea salt
1/2 t nutmeg
zest of 2 lemons
1 egg
1/4 c butter
1/4 c honey
1 1/2 c milk
2 t vanilla

Sticky Lemon Filling

2 T butter melted
2 T honey
zest of 2 lemons
1 T lemon juice
1/4 t nutmeg

Lemon Icing

4 oz cream cheese, softened
zest of 1 lemon
2 T lemon juice
1/4 c honey

Directions

Combine all lemon dough ingredients in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended. Allow machine to warm ingredients and knead for 5 minutes. Let dough rise for about one hour.

While dough is rising, prep 13x9 pan and prepare sticky lemon filling by combining all ingredients in small bowl. When dough is finished rising, roll out dough on a floured surface to an 18x9 rectangle. Spread sticky lemon filling over dough. Roll up dough starting at long end. Cut rolls in 2 inch lengths, making 9 rolls. Place rolls in prepared 13x9 pan and allow to rise another hour.

While dough is rising, pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. When dough is finished rising, bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. While dough is baking, prepare lemon icing. Serve rolls warm with icing.

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread

2011-03-19T13:53:00.005-04:00

This is a childhood favorite of mine. Although this recipe is not incredibly sweet, like I remember as a child, it is still a favorite.

Makes 1 loaf

Bread Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
1 3/4 c bread flour
2 1/4 t active dry yeast
2 t sea salt
1 egg
2 T butter
1/4 c honey
1 1/4 c buttermilk
1 c raisins

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients

2 T butter
2 T honey
4 t cinnamon
level 1/4 t cloves

Directions

Add bread ingredients, less raisins, together in bread machine making sure yeast stays dry until blended. Allow bread machine heat ingredients, and knead for 7 minutes. Add raisins, and let machine knead for an additional 3 minutes. Turn bread machine off and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Prep loaf pan. Combine cinnamon swirl ingredients in a small bowl. Remove bread from bread machine, place on floured surface, and roll out to 9 x 18 rectangle. Spread cinnamon swirl ingredients over bread. Roll up loaf starting from narrow end, place in prepared loaf pan, and let rise an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 45 minutes or until done.

Wild Mushroom and Barley Soup

2011-03-12T14:27:00.001-05:00

This is slight modification of an excellent, clear broth mushroom soup recipe from Cook's Illustrated. I will definitely be making this again!

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 T canola oil
1 large sweet onion, minced
1/2 oz dried porcini mushrooms, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 t sea salt
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 lb fresh mushrooms (white, cremini, portobello, or mixture. Do not use shiitake mushrooms as they develop a very chewy texture in soup.)
3 cloves garlic, pressed
9 c chicken broth
1/2 c pearl barley
1 bay leaf
1 t minced fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Remove gills from fresh mushrooms with a spoon. (This prevents soup from becoming muddy.) Cut into bite size pieces.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven, over medium heat. Add onion, porcini mushrooms, and salt and cook until onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add carrots and cook until carrots are soft, an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in fresh mushrooms and cook until they release moisture, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Add broth, barley, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Discard bay leaf and add pepper to taste before serving.

Note, if using quick barley, add 25 minutes before soup is finished simmering.

Pumpkin Raisin Pecan Muffins

2011-03-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
1 T cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1 c raisins
1/2 c pecans, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c pumpkin
1/2 c buttermilk
1/4 c butter
1/2 c honey
1 t vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry and bake for 22 minutes or until done.

Progressive Adjustable Bread Keeper

2011-02-26T23:10:00.000-05:00

The sad fact is that as soon as baked goods come out of the oven, they begin to stale. As unfortunate as this is, it also contributes to our appreciation of them. But, to hold off these affects a little while, I highly recommend the Progressive Adjustable Bread Keeper. The keeper expands to fit up to an 11" loaf, has vent controls to help keep bread and baked goods fresh, includes a convenient bread board for slicing, and is top rack dishwasher safe. You can also put baked goods in this keeper before they have fully cooled. The design and vents makes sure moisture stays away from baked goods is able to escape from the keeper. I have had an excellent experience with this product and am thoroughly convinced it greatly helps in keeping baked goods fresh. This item is available on Amazon for $12.95 and is eligible for super saver shipping. Happy baking!

Avocado as a New Sandwich Spread

2011-02-19T23:36:00.000-05:00

Other than being a fruit that is densely packed with nutrients and an excellent source of healthy fat, Avocado tastes fantastic as a mayonnaise replacement. Not to mention a avocado has half the fat and calories of mayonnaise. So, the next time you go to make your favorite sandwich, be sure to try avocado for the spread.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffins

2011-02-09T22:03:00.003-05:00

These baked up beautifully! Pretty tasty too.

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 whole wheat flour
1 c quick cook oats
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
1 egg, beaten
2 T canola oil
1/4 c honey
1 c buttermilk
1/2 c peanut butter
1 c banana, smashed (about 2 large)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet ingredients in medium. Warming the peanut butter helps it to blend better into the mixture. Mix wet into dry and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Blueberry Bagels

2011-02-05T22:33:00.012-05:00

Yum!

Makes 10 bagels

Ingredients

1 1/2 c dried blueberries
2 c boiling water
1 1/2 c luke warm water
2 T honey
4 t active dry yeast
1 T canola oil
2 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 c + up to 1 c bread flour
2 t cinnamon
2 t sea salt
2 t vanilla
2 T blueberry fruit spread
6 quarts water

Directions

Put dried blueberries in a small bowl and add enough boiling water to cover. Let stand for 5 minutes, then drain in colander.

Whisk together luke warm water, honey, yeast, and oil together in a large bowl. Let set until yeast is bubbly. Add whole wheat flour, 1 cup of bread flour, cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla, blueberry fruit spread, and blueberries, then blend together.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface, knead for 10 minutes adding up to 1 more cup of bread flour to dough while kneading. Let rest for 10 minutes. Cut dough into 10 equal pieces, form each into a 10 inch long rope, and join ends to form bagel. Let rise for 20 minutes on floured surface.

Prep baking sheet according tot he method of your liking. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Boil rising bagels for one minute on each side, while water is at a lively simmer, then let drain on a cooling rack. Turn oven down to 425 degrees and bake bagels for 15 minutes on one side, then flip and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Black Bean Burgers

2011-01-29T13:59:00.006-05:00

Makes 5 bun sized burgers

Ingredients

1 c black beans, rinsed
1/2 c cooked brown rice
1/2 c onion, chopped
1/2 c cooked corn
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 t cumin
1 t coriander
1 t cayenne pepper
1 T cilantro, chopped
1 egg

Rinse and chop ingredients as directed above. Preheat griddle to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, add black beans and smash with a fork until thick and pasty. Add all other ingredients and mix. For each of the five burgers, spoon ingredients onto griddle first, then smooth/mold into burger shape. Cook about 10 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown.

Top with: cheddar, avocado, cilantro, salsa, corn

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

2011-01-14T22:06:00.008-05:00

For some reason I though making bagels would be difficult. There is one more step (boiling), but they are easy and fun to create. After tasting these, I will never go back to bland store bought bagels again!

Makes 10 bagels

Ingredients

1 1/2 c raisins
2 c boiling water
1 1/2 c luke warm water
1/4 c honey
4 t active dry yeast
1 T canola oil
2 1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 T cinnamon
1 t allspice
2 t sea salt
2 t vanilla
1 c + up to 1 c bread flour
6 quarts water

Directions

Put raisins in a small bowl and add enough boiling water to cover raisins. Let set for 5 minutes and then drain in colander.

Whisk together luke warm water, honey, yeast, and oil in large bowl. Let set until yeast is bubbly. Add whole wheat flour, cinnamon, allspice, sea salt, vanilla, raisins, and 1 cup of bread flour, blend together.

Turn dough out on floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, adding up to 1 more cup of bread flour to dough while kneading. Let rest for 10 minutes. Cut dough into 10 equal pieces, form each into 10 inch rope and join ends to form bagel. Let rise for 20 minutes on a floured surface.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees and prep cookie sheet according to the method of your liking. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Boil risen bagels for one minute on each side, water should be at a lively simmer, then let drain on cooling rack. Turn oven down to 425 degrees and bake bagels for 15 minutes on one side, then flip and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

2011-01-07T20:16:00.001-05:00

Makes one pizza crust

Ingredients

2 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 t salt
1 1/2 t rapid rise yeast
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 c water
1 t honey

Directions

Add all ingredients to bread machine making sure yeast stays dry until blended. Set bread machine to dough setting and press go.

When dough is finished, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove from machine, and let rest for 10 minutes. (This will make the dough more elastic and easier to shape.) Shape on pizza pan and top as desired. Bake for 20 minutes, or until done to your likeness.

Whole Wheat Rosemary Bread

2011-01-02T21:54:00.002-05:00

Makes 2 loaves

Total time 2 hours

Ingredients

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 c bread flour
1 T rapid rise yeast
1 t sea salt
1 c water
2 t honey
1 T butter
2 1/2 T + 1 T fresh rosemary, chopped

Place all ingredients, less rosemary, in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended. Set bread machine to quick dough setting and press go! During kneading, add 2 1/2 T rosemary.

When dough is finished, spray cookie sheet with nonstick spray. Divide dough into equal halves, shape as desired, sprinkle remaining 1 T rosemary over loaves, and let rise an additional 45 minutes. Before dough is finished rising, preheat oven to 375 degrees, bake for 15 minutes.

Buttermilk Biscuits

2011-01-02T21:03:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
2 c bread flour
2 T baking powder
1 1/4 t sea salt
3 T honey
6 T cold butter, diced
1 egg, beaten
1 1/4 c buttermilk
1 egg yolk
2 T half & half

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare baking sheet according to the method of you liking. In a large bowl, mix flours, baking powder and salt together. Add honey and butter. Cut butter into mixture with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal and only small bits of butter remain.

Add egg and buttermilk and mix, dough will look shaggy. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough a few times. Roll dough to a 1/2 inch thickness and cut biscuits. Gather up remaining bits of dough, re-roll, and cut additional biscuits. Place biscuits on baking sheet, combine egg yolk and half and half for wash. Lightly brush tops of biscuits with wash and refrigerate, uncovered, for 12 minutes. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes and serve piping hot.

Lime Blackberry Muffins

2010-12-19T19:18:00.004-05:00

These might sound a little odd at first, but lime blackberry is a wonderful flavor combination!

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

2 1/4 c whole wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
zest of 2 limes
1 egg, beaten
1 c non-fat buttermilk
1/2 c honey
2 T butter, melted
2 T lime juice
2 t vanilla
1 1/2 c blackberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and wet in medium. Combine wet into dry, fold in blackberries, and bake for 20 minutes or until done.

Carrot Cake Pancakes

2010-12-18T13:27:00.008-05:00

If you ever wanted a sweet treat in the morning without the guilt, this is for you.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Spread

3 oz Neufchatel, at room temp
2 T maple syrup
1/4 t cinnamon

Pancakes

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t allspice
1/3 c walnuts, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 c carrots, finly grated and heated in microwave for 90 seconds
2 c non-fat buttermilk
3 T honey
2 T butter, melted
1 t vanilla

Directions

Combine all spread ingredients in small bowl, mix until smooth, and set aside. Preheat griddle to 300 degrees.

Combine all dry pancake ingredients in a large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry. Bake until golden brown and top with small amount of spread.

Blueberry Lemon Bran Muffins

2010-12-12T21:55:00.001-05:00

I just love the combination of blueberry and lemon!

Ingredients

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
3/4 c wheat bran
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 c buttermilk
1/2 c honey
2 T butter, melted
2 t vanilla
1/2 t lemon extract
zest of one lemon
1 1/2 c blueberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin according to the method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Combine wet into dry, fold in blueberries, and bake for 25 minutes.

Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes

2010-11-23T22:20:00.004-05:00

Serves 3

Ingredients

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
3/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1 t allspice
1/2 t ginger
1 egg, beaten
1 c pumpkin
2 c buttermilk
2 T butter, melted
3 T honey
1 t vanilla

Directions

Pre-heat griddle to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium bowl. Mix wet into dry, spoon onto griddle, and bake until golden brown.

Asparagus & Swiss Crustless Quiche

2010-11-04T21:58:00.002-04:00

Makes one quiche

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus
3 eggs
1/2 c half & half
1/2 c milk
1/2 t salt
1/4 t basil
1/8 t cayenne pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 T whole wheat flour
6 oz Swiss cheese, finely grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim tough ends (about last 2 inches) of asparagus and cut into bite size pieces. Steam asparagus for 8 minutes. In a small bowl, beat together eggs, half & half, milk, salt, basil, and cayenne pepper. Place steamed asparagus and green onions in baking dish, add flour and toss to coat vegetables. Sprinkle vegetables with shredded Swiss, and pour egg mixture over top. Bake for 30 minutes or until egg is set.

Corn Chowder

2010-10-23T22:54:00.001-04:00

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 T butter
1 t olive oil
1/2 c onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 t thyme
2 T whole wheat flour
1 c potato, diced
2/3 c half & half
1 1/3 c milk
1 c water
2 t chicken bullion
1 lb frozen corn
salt & pepper to taste

In 2 qt or larger pot, warm butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and thyme and cook until onions are transparent, 8 to 10 minutes. Add potatoes and flour and stir until flour coats vegetables. Add half & half, milk, water, chicken bullion. Boil for 7 minutes to soften potatoes, then lightly mash potatoes with potato masher. (Breaking down the potatoes will give the soup a nice texture.) Add corn, salt, and pepper and simmer for 12 minutes or until corn is done to your liking.

Tip: If you are new to making soup and the flavors are not popping like you would like, try adding a little more salt and/or pepper.

Honey Oatmeal Sandwich Bread

2010-10-23T22:25:00.001-04:00

Makes one loaf

Ingredients

1 c quick cook oats
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c bread flour
1 t sea salt
2 1/2 t rapid rise yeast
1 3/4 c milk
2 T butter
1/4 c honey

Directions

Place all ingredients in bread machine making sure yeast stays dry until blended and press go!

Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes

2010-10-10T21:49:00.001-04:00

Serves 3

Ingredients

3/4 c buckwheat flour
3/4 c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t sea salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 c buttermilk
3 T honey
2 T canola oil
2 t vanilla
1 1/2 c blueberries, fresh or frozen

Directions

Preheat griddle to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small bowl. Mix wet into dry, then fold in blueberries or use alternate method for incorporating blueberries detailed below. Bake until golden brown.

Buckwheat flour: Buckwheat gives baked goods a grayish tone, which is quite different from other flours, but has a nice flavor that is a welcomed change of pace. If you do not have, or do not want to use buckwheat flour, substitute whole wheat flour.

Blueberry Incorporation: If you have a cherry picking blueberry pancake eater like I do, (who shall remain nameless, but whose name rhymes with "hubby"), then your going to have to up your blueberry incorporation game to ensure all pancakes have an adequate number of blueberries and proper distribution throughout the pancake. I take a soup ladle, pour about 15 blueberries and scoop about three spoonfuls of batter into the ladle, mix together in the ladle, and pour onto the griddle. This does a fantastic job of properly distributing blueberries throughout all the pancakes.

Pancake batter: Depending on how you measure ingredients and how densely packed the flour is, your pancake batter can be thick or thin, making similar pancakes. To thin out pancakes, add about 2 T of buttermilk at a time. To make pancakes thicker, add up to 1/4 c of flour at a time.

Easy Spinach Lasagna

2010-10-04T20:09:00.006-04:00

Makes a 9x13 pan

Ingredients

9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
2 10oz pkgs of frozen chopped spinach
1 egg, beaten
3 c cottage cheese
1/2 c Parmesan cheese
3/4 c chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t basil
1 t sea salt
1/2 t fresh ground black pepper
8 oz mozzarella, grated

Directions

Put noodles on, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Defrost spinach in microwave by heating for 8 minutes, stirring once. Place defrosted spinach in colander to drain. Blend spinach and all remaining ingredients, less mozzarella, together in large bowl. When all ingredients are prepared, layer noodles, spinach mixture, and mozzarella in 9x13 in baking pan and bake for 35 minutes.

Pumpkin Pie

2010-10-03T10:17:00.006-04:00

I decided to go whole Betty on this recipe and use fresh pumpkin. I have also made this with canned pumpkin and, while fresh pumpkin is very nice, this is great with canned too.

Makes one pie

Ingredients

Crust

1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
1 t ground ginger
1 t orange zest
1T honey
2 T butter, melted
1 T water, plus 1 t if necessary

Filling

2 egg whites + 1 egg, beaten
3/4 c honey
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t ginger
1/2 t nutmeg
1/4 t mace
1/4 t sea salt
2 c fresh pumpkin or solid pack canned pumpkin
1 t vanilla
12 oz evaporated skimmed milk

Directions

To bake fresh pumpkin, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut pumpkins in half, remove pulp and seeds, and place face down on baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until knife easily pierces skin. Remove skin from pumpkin and place in medium bowl, mash with potato masher until consistent.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prep pie plate according to the method of you liking.

For the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, ginger, and orange zest, honey, butter, and water and mix until crumbly. If mixture is dry, add additional water. Press mixture onto bottom and sides of pie pan and bake for 8 minutes.

Combine all filling ingredients, except evaporated milk, in medium bowl. Mix, add evaporated milk, and mix again. Pour into pie shell. Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set.

Buying fresh pumpkin: The best pumpkins to use for pumpkin pie are sugar pie pumpkins or pie pumpkins. They are small, dark orange, sweet and great for pies, cheesecakes, soups, and breads. These pumpkins are about 4 lbs each, and you will need one for this recipe.

Gourmet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2010-10-03T09:37:00.002-04:00

Whether you are carving pumpkins or making something yummy, be sure to save those pumpkin seeds for a fun treat!

Ingredients

pumpkin seeds
olive oil
sea salt
inspirational seasoning (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Remove the bulk of the pulp from seeds. You can wash the seeds or not, your choice, just make sure they aren't really wet when you go to prepare them. Place seeds in a bowl, drizzle a little olive oil, sprinkle a bit of sea salt, then add any inspiration you like. Toss seeds to create an even coating. Place seeds on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown, stirring periodically.

Here are a few ideas for seasonings: chili powder, Cajun seasoning, tequila lime seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, seasoning blend, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and cinnamon.

Side Note: We tried Parmesan cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, and cinnamon. All were good, but the Parmesan were my personal favorite.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

2010-09-28T22:17:00.001-04:00

Makes 6 to 8 bars

Ingredients

1 1/4 whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c quick cook oats
1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t sea salt
1/3 c honey
1/4 c butter, melted
2 t vanilla
3/4 c strawberry fruit spread

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and prep 9x9 pan according to the method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl, add butter and vanilla, and stir until crumbly. Set aside 3/4 cup of mixture and press remaining mixture into 9x9 pan. Spread fruit spread over top pressed mixture, then top with reserved mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Broccoli Crustless Quiche

2010-09-26T14:10:00.007-04:00

Makes one quiche

Ingredients

4 eggs
3/4 c milk
1/2 c half & half
1/2 t sea salt
1/2 t fresh ground pepper
1 T butter
1/2 c onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 c fresh broccoli florets
1 1/2 c mozzarella, grated

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs, milk, half & half, salt, and pepper together in medium bowl and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and saute until onions are translucent. Add broccoli and cook until broccoli is a nice, bright green. Place skillet veggies in pie pan, cover with mozzarella, then pour over egg mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes or until egg is completely set.

All Natural Broccoli Crustless Quiche

Peanut Butter Muffins

2010-09-25T12:08:00.005-04:00

These have a delightful texture and nice depth of flavor

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
3 t baking powder
1/2 t sea salt
2 t cinnamon
1/2 c chunky peanut butter
2 T butter, melted
1/2 c honey
2 eggs, beaten
1 c milk
2 t vanilla

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and prep muffin tin according to the method of you liking. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Combine wet into dry and bake for 15 minutes.

Peanut butter tip: If you keep your all natural peanut butter in the fridge like me, warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easy to get out of the jar, measure, and blend into mixture.

All Natural, Whole Grain Peanut Butter Muffins

Apple Oat Walnut Muffins

2010-09-14T21:35:00.009-04:00

Mmmm.... fall. I've been waiting for the crisp air and warm flavors of fall! Here is a healthy way to celebrate the change in season.

Makes 5 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 c old fashioned oats
1 c whole wheat flour
1 t sea salt
2 t baking powder
2 t cinnamon
1/2 c walnuts, chopped
1 1/2 c apples, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c walnut or canola oil
1/3 c honey
1 c milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep muffin tin according to the method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Combine wet into dry and bake approximately 23 minutes.

Apple Tips: A great apple to use for baking is Mcintosh. And if you are wondering if you need to peel the apples, I would recommend that you don't. Not only are many nutrients in the skin of the apple, but leaving the skin on also saves time.

All Natural Whole Grain Apple Oat Walnut Muffin Recipe

Cherry Almond Muffins

2010-09-11T21:30:00.008-04:00

I'm feeling professional today. "Why?" You might ask. I have just entered the world of specialty oils. I found a few recipes that intrigued me and they use almond and walnut oils. I was able to find these at the local Whole Foods store. When I opened up the almond oil for this recipe, I was met with a simply delightful aroma! Hope you enjoy!

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
3/4 c dried cherries
1 t cinnamon
3 t baking powder
1/2 t sea salt
1 c sliced almonds, roasted*
1 egg, beaten
1 c milk
1/2 t almond extract
1/4 c almond oil
1/3 c honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prep muffin tin according to the method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl, reserving some roasted almonds to sprinkle over muffin batter. Combine wet ingredients in small bowl. Combine wet into dry, put batter in muffin tin, and sprinkle reserved roasted almonds over batter. Bake for 20 minutes.

*To roast almonds, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place almonds in a baking sheet in a thin layer. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, stirring once.

All Natural, Whole Grain Cherry Almond Muffin Recipe

Banana Multi Bran Muffins

2010-08-08T14:24:00.002-04:00

It is said that necessity is the mother of all invention, and I think this extends to the kitchen as well as to the rest of life. While I wanted to make banana bran muffins, I could not find a suitable bran cereal to use as a base ingredient. All available options on the shelf were filled with hydrogenated oils and refined sugars. In hubby's (and admittedly mine as well) moment of desperate baked good need, he suggested using the Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Multibran Cereal we love so much. I agreed that this was quite an attractive idea, indeed, and went about inventing.

Makes 5 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 c walnuts
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c milk, warmed 25 sec in microwave
2 T butter, melted
2 t vanilla
2 ripe bananas, smashed
1 1/2 c Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Multibran Cereal

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep muffin tin according to the method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl (less cereal) and wet in small bowl. Mix wet into dry, then fold in cereal and bake for 35 minutes.

Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

2010-08-08T10:07:00.001-04:00

This is a wonderfully soft and light whole wheat sandwich bread. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

2 c bread flour
2 c whole wheat flour
2 t sea salt
1/4 c butter
1 1/2 c milk
1/4 c honey
2 t rapid rise yeast

Place all ingredients in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended, and press go!

All Natural Whole Grain Honey Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Keep your whole wheat recipe from turning out bitter

2010-08-07T20:01:00.001-04:00

I now think whole wheat flour is delightful, but that wasn't always the case. Early attempts at whole wheat baking yielded bitter goods (and a slightly bitter me). The trick to whole wheat flour is to keep it out of the heat and not let it sit around the house for too long; otherwise it develops a strong bitter flavor. King Arthur Flour recommends only keeping whole wheat flour for two months, storing it in the freezer, and pulling out the amount you need the night before and placing in the refrigerator. I used to keep all my flours in canisters on the counter, but this very hot summer turned my whole wheat flour bitter quite quickly. So now all my flours go in the freezer. But, I don't pull the flour out the night before. I just pull it straight out of the freezer and put it right in the recipe. This seems to work well and is a good compromise for a girl on the go. Happy whole wheat baking!

Carrot Raisin Bread

2010-07-25T14:34:00.004-04:00

Since this bread is loaded with all natural goodness, you need very little oil or sweetener. The cinnamon really helps to bring out the best in the other ingredients making this a very flavorful, healthy treat.

Ingredients

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
2 t cinnamon
2 T canola oil
1/4 c honey
1/2 c orange juice
1 t vanilla
1 egg
2 c carrot, grated
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c walnuts chopped

Preheat oven to 350 and prep loaf pan according to the method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small bowl. Mix wet into dry and bake for 50 minutes.

Multi Grain Sandwich Bread

2010-07-17T16:32:00.005-04:00

My new Zojirushi BBCC-X20 bread machine has made me more powerful than ever! *said with head tilted back and slightly sinister laugh* (teasing) I wanted to make sandwich bread and pizza dough at home and a bread machine was the only way to make this work with my busy lifestyle. So now begins a whole series of bread machine experiments. I would like to add that, to date, I have been very pleased with the Zojirushi machine, both in terms of performance and functionality. Below is a lovely all natural whole grain bread recipe that I hope you will enjoy!

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
2 c bread flour
2 T sesame seeds
2 T flax seeds
2 T millet
2 T quinoa
2 t sea salt
1 T rapid rise yeast
1 1/2 c milk
1/3 c honey
2 T butter, softened

Place ingredients in bread machine, making sure yeast stays dry until blended and press go!

Farm Fresh Peach Oatmeal Muffins

2010-07-17T09:20:00.000-04:00

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 c quick cook oats
1 c whole wheat flour
2t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/3 c honey
1/4 c canola oil
2 t vanilla
1 egg, beaten
3 ripe peaches, diced

Directions

Dice peaches. Mash about 1/4 of the peaches with a fork. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Mix wet into dry and add peaches. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Zucchini Bread

2010-07-10T21:15:00.012-04:00

Back in the "old days", I had a fantastic recipe for zucchini bread. The only problem was that it was overloaded with white flour, oil and sugar. While that was all well and good then, it is not so much now. What I have developed here is a zucchini bread, not zucchini cake, but it still has a nice light sweetness to it.

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
1/4 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t sea salt
1 T cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c canola oil
2/3 c honey
2 t vanilla
2 c zucchini

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and prep loaf pan. Mix dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Mix wet into dry and bake for one hour.

Orange Buttermilk Pancakes

2010-05-01T14:13:00.005-04:00

Ingredients

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking soda
1 egg, beaten
2 T canola
1 c buttermilk
1/2 c orange juice
1/4 c honey
2 T orange extract
2 t vanilla

Pre-heat griddle to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry. Bake until golden brown.

To view entire blog, click here

All Natural, Whole Grain Orange Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

Devourable Guacamole

2010-05-01T13:53:00.004-04:00

This is a tweak to a recipe a found once upon a time. It is arguably the best guacamole I have ever had. (restaurants included)

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, smashed
2 vine ripe tomatoes, diced
1 small sweet yellow onion, diced
1 large clove of garlic, pressed
2 packed T of fresh cilantro, chopped
2 T fresh lime juice
1/4 t cumin
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t sea salt

Smash avocados. Add all ingredients to medium bowl and mix.

Prep tip: When chopping cilantro, make sure to include the stems. Stems are where some of the best flavor lies.

Storage tip: Place plastic wrap on top of the guacamole itself, making sure to seal out air. This will keep your guac nice and lightly colored, instead of turning dark.

Orange Cinnamon Raisin Muffins

2010-04-21T22:31:00.004-04:00

These make the house smell just wonderful!

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 c whole wheat flour
1 c quick cook oats
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
zest from 1 large orange
1 T + 1 t cinnamon
1 c raisins
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c canola
1/2 c honey
2 t vanilla
1 c orange juice

Heat oven to 350 degrees and prep muffin tin according to the method of you liking. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry. Bake for 20 minutes.

Rhubarb Pecan Muffins

2010-04-11T10:34:00.005-04:00

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

2 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
1/2 c pecans, chopped
1 1/2 c rhubarb, chopped
1 c buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
2 t vanilla
1/4 c canola
2/3 c honey

Heat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin according to method of your liking. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry and bake for 20 minutes.

Double Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins

2010-03-26T22:58:00.010-04:00

Yum! Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 c quick cook oats
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c cocoa
2 t baking powder
1 t sea salt
3/4 c mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c canola oil
3/4 c honey
2 t vanilla
1 c milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prep muffin tin according to the method. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry. Bake for 30 minutes.

To view entire blog, click here

All Natural, Whole Grain Double Chocolate Oatmeal Muffin Recipe

Peaches & Cream Oatmeal

2010-03-26T21:04:00.002-04:00

DelMonte makes a line of canned fruits that contain 100% juice. I use both the the fruit and juice to make this dish.

Serves one

Ingredients

1/2 c quick cook oats
1/3 c peaches, chopped (4-5 segments)
3 T peach fruit juice
3 T half & half
1/2 t vanilla
milk to liking
honey to drizzle to taste

Mix all ingredients but honey and microwave for 1 minute 40 seconds. Lightly drizzle honey and enjoy!

Blueberry Orange Bread

2010-03-14T05:35:00.002-04:00

Makes one loaf

Bread

2 c whole wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c orange juice
zest from one large orange, less 1 t (reserve for topping)
1/4 c canola oil
1/2 c honey
1 1/2 c frozen blueberries

Topping

1 t orange zest
1 T orange juice
2 T honey

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees and prep loaf pan according to the method of your liking. Blend dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Mix wet into dry and fold in blueberries. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Blend topping ingredients and spoon over hot loaf.

To view entire blog, click here

All Natural, Whole Grain Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe

Growing Cilantro

2010-03-07T11:43:00.007-05:00

It is a glorious weekend in Columbus Ohio. The sun is shining brightly and its current angle to the earth is casting the most beautiful and intense shadows on the melting snow. The sun's warming rays feel heavenly on skin, penetrate windows to warm wood floors, and heat the dark deck so quickly that it makes the air wavy. Snow that has been mounded up by snow plows is melting into formations that are so intricate and unique that only nature can conceive. The air is crisp, refreshing, and promising.

Although I love the snow, I also love how winter transforms into spring. It is the transformation to spring that has me planning for the warmer days and the different delights to come.

The intense flavors of home grown food are incomparable. I have a few plans/experiments for this year, they are blueberries, cilantro, basil, and rosemary.

There are three main parts of the cilantro plant. The first part includes the lower leaves, which is the cilantro or Chinese parsley, pungent and tangy leaves that some love and others abhor. The second is the upper and much less tasty foliage, that resembles dill. Finally, there are the spicy-citrus coriander seeds.

Cilantro should be planted after the chance of frost, or indoors in pots, in well-drained, slightly acid soil. (To see dates of last frost for your area, visit NOAA here.) Avoid transplanting cilantro as it grows a deep tap root and is not tolerant of transplanting. Keep seeds evenly moist and gradually thin until plants are 12" apart.

Cilantro can be harvested when several stems develop. Leaves are best when picked fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or dried for later use (dried cilantro is typically much more mild in flavor). When tiny white or lavender flowers appear, plant is past its flavor peak.

What is important to understand about cilantro is its aversion to heat. When soil temperatures edge over 75 degrees, the plant will bolt (switch from producing leaves to producing flowers & seeds). So it is best to give the plant morning or afternoon sun and protected it from the heat of the day. Using mulch and watering frequently also helps to keep soil temperature down. But even with the best care, cilantro is a short lived herb. Prune frequently to get the most from this tasty plant and prolong it from bolting. Successive plantings are recommended for a continuous supply.

For this information and more, visit http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/herb/tips-for-growing-cilantro.htm

Dried Apricots

2010-03-06T11:42:00.003-05:00

I'd like to introduce you what I liken to the crack cocaine of the dried fruit world... Blenheim Variety Unsulfured Dried Apricots, available at your local Trader Joe's. I have always liked dried apricots. I would get them now and again. But, I have never tasted dried apricots this good! (And this recommendation is time tested folks as I'm sure we have gone through at least 10 bags by now.) I realize they sharply resembled dried shoe leather, but if you can get past the visual, I'm sure you will love these disgusting looking marvels. They are a little pricey at $6.99, but, they are worth every penny.

To find out if there is a Trader Joe's near you, click here http://www.traderjoes.com/static/find_a_tjs.asp

Boston Brown Bread

2010-02-13T15:03:00.009-05:00

Makes one loaf

Ingredients

1 c whole wheat flour
1 c whole rye flour
1 c corn meal
1 t sea salt
2 t baking soda
1 1/4 c raisins
1/2 c walnuts
2 c buttermilk
3/4 c molasses

Directions

Prep loaf pan and pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in small bowl. Mix dry into wet and bake for 1 hour.

Serving suggestion: top with cream cheese always

Another side note: I have very fond memories of brown bread from my childhood. Brown bread and bullseyes were special because they were the two things that my mom and I shared when we had time alone together. (And it was good even though it was store bought brown bread in the can.) I cherished those times then and times we have together now. Perhaps the next time I visit, I'll make some homemade brown bread for us to share.

All Natural Recipes, Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Boston Brown Bread

Aprons You'll Love

2010-01-17T17:54:00.008-05:00

If you are going to be in the kitchen baking up a storm, you'd best look the part, right? I realize there is a line between need (strictly for utilitarian purposes) and want (wishing to look like the ultimate Betty or June). Based on that understanding, I can say that these definitely fall into the "want" category. Since I've become more practiced in the kitchen (I no longer make disastrous messes like I used to and my husband can no longer affectionately call me "slop-d-gobby"), I feel I am now able to wear one of these beautiful aprons. The best I've found are designed by Jessie Steele and are available both on http://www.jessiesteele.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/. I purchased mine through Amazon as they both cost slightly less and qualify for free shipping. And although I sadly could not wear one of my new aprons while refining my newest concoction, Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, I will almost definitely be wearing them next weekend while I'm cooking up something else. The aprons pictured are those I have ordered. I feel my personality runs from energetic and sunny to strong with a splash of sophistication and therefore feel these aprons reflect both sides of myself. There is a great variety of aprons from Jessie Steele. Hopefully you can find one that reflects and accents you.

Almond Poppy Muffins

2010-01-09T16:42:00.007-05:00

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

2 c whole wheat flour
1T + 1t poppy seeds
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 c crushed almonds
1 t lemon zest
1 c low fat yogurt
2 eggs
2/3 c honey
2T butter, melted
1 t almond extract

Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees and prep muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium. Combine wet into dry. Bake for 20 minutes.

All Natural Recipes, Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Almond Poppy Muffins

Spinach & Goat Cheese Crustless Quiche

2010-01-07T21:56:00.015-05:00

I have developed this to be lower fat and much easier to make than traditional quiches. It does take a while to bake, but I promise it is well worth the wait!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

1 T canola oil
1/2 c sweet onion, diced
4 c fresh spinach leaves
1/4 t sea salt
1/4 t fresh ground pepper
1/3 c skim milk
1/3 c half & half
2 eggs
1/3 c fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 c grated Parmesan
2 T sun dried tomatoes, chopped

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add spinach and saute until cooked and tender. Add salt and pepper and stir until combined. Transfer spinach mixture to a colander to drain.

Whisk together milk, half & half, and eggs. Stir in cheeses, tomatoes, and spinach mixture. Spread mixture evenly in a glass pie dish and bake for 30 or until knife blade inserted in center comes out clean.

All Natural Recipes, Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Spinach & Goat Cheese Crustless Quiche

Skyline Dip

2010-01-01T09:10:00.006-05:00

I'd like to come clean right now and say that this is not my recipe. I just wanted to share this with the wonderful Skyline lovers of Columbus, with whom I had a great New Year's Eve.

Makes one party dish

Ingredients

8 oz Neufchatel
1 box Skyline
4-6 oz block mild cheddar
1 bag tortilla chips

Directions

In a glass pie or square dish, spread Neufchatel cheese in even layer on bottom of dish. Microwave chili for only 3 minutes, smash remaining partially frozen areas with a fork, and mix with warmer chili. Pour chili over cream cheese, wrap dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Finely shred mild cheddar and place in separate container. At party, heat dish in microwave for 5 minutes, add cheese and devour.

Tip: Below are the locations where you can find Skyline Chili in Columbus. (I found this on the Skyline website and am very thankful they have done this for us Skyline enthusiasts who live outside of Cincinnati! This is serious stuff folks.) Be sure to select Skyline Chili and not Skyline Chili & Spaghetti.

Meijer and Kroger - frozen and canned, Giant Eagle - frozen, cans in select stores, Sam's club - canned

If you are elsewhere, check for Skyline availability here http://skylinechili.com/where_to_buy.php

Gingerbread Pancakes

2009-12-31T10:14:00.013-05:00

Serves 3

Ingredients

1 3/4 c whole wheat flour
3/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/2 t ground ginger
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground cloves
1 1/2 c buttermilk
1/4 c molasses
2 T butter, melted
3 T honey
1 egg

Directions

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in small. Mix wet into dry. Bake at 340 degrees.

These are a nice change of pace and lovely winter treat. Butter or a small amount of maple syrup enhance flavor.

All Natural Recipes, Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Gingerbread Pancakes

Natures Pride 100% Whole Wheat Bread

2009-12-30T19:53:00.001-05:00

People often ask me for a good store bought bread recommendation. I have been through a LOT of whole grain breads. My criteria include 100% whole grain, all natural ingredients, and palatable. It is very difficult to find all these in one loaf of store bought bread. The one I have been most pleased with is new on the market, Nature's Pride, 100% Whole Wheat. It does have sugar and brown sugar in it, but it has great texture, moisture, and flavor. I have received good feedback from those who have tried this product based on my recommendation. Hopefully, you will find it fits your criteria and palate too!

All Natural Energy

2009-12-08T22:04:00.007-05:00

As a female cyclist who loves to ride with the boys, I need high and sustainable energy. I am eager to try this all natural alternative and will report back on my personal findings.

Raisins have been shown to be a great alternative to sports gels in studies of endurance athletes as pre-exercise feedings for short-term bouts, under two different conditions. Eight cyclists (4 men and 4 women) participated in two feeding-performance trials where changes in metabolism and cycling performance were compared after consumption of raisins v commercial sports gels. There were no differences in performance in the 45 minute cycling trial (at 70% VO2max). Raisins subtly, but favorably, improved metabolism. Study authors concluded that raisins have similar to performance effects to commercial sports gets, but raisings are a better alternative since they provide more micronutrients, and are most cost-effective.

For the full report, including above information, click on the below link.
http://www.calraisins.org/nutrition/files/12_RaisinConsumption_new.pdf

All Natural Recipes

Why does honey crystallize?

2009-12-08T21:04:00.007-05:00

If you have recently opened your pantry to discover your honey has turned into a thick and cloudy crystallized goo, you are not alone. Why does this happen? And does this mean your honey is bad?

Stored properly, honey can last several years. The main reason honey doesn't go bad is because it is a simple composition of sugar with very little water, which makes it inhospitable to bacteria and yeast. However, the natural dryness of honey can also lead to crystallization. This can happen anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after honey has been bought and can be accelerated by cool temperatures. My house, affectionately named "the igloo" by my friends who bring multiple sweatshirts when they come to dinner parties, is kept at a delightful 64 degrees F. Honey is best kept around 70 degrees F.

Crystallization isn't a bad thing and can be remedied by placing honey container in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. However, honey loses its color and aroma if heated and cooled too many times.

If you are still curious about the wonders of honey, click on the below link for the above content and more.
http://www.scienceline.org/2007/04/09/ask-westly-crystallizedhoney/

And to my dear friends who refer to my house as the igloo: I am happy to report that the small pantry, adjacent to heating ducts, provides an ideal place for my honey and prevents it from crystallizing. So although I won't make adjustments to the thermostat for the honey, I definitely will for you all. Love to each of you, you know who you are. I'm so thankful to have all of you in my life!

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Colossal Pumpkin Cherry Muffins

2009-11-30T22:14:00.002-05:00

Makes 6 colossal muffins

Ingredients

2 1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 1/2 t cinnamon
3/4 t nutmeg
1 1/2 c pumpkin puree
1/4 c canola oil
1/2 c honey
2 eggs
2/3 c buttermilk
1 T vanilla
1 c dried cherries

Directions

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and wet in a medium bowl. Mix wet into dry. Prep muffin tin. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Tip: I never have fresh buttermilk around the house, so I use the powdered. I feel it works pretty well, and better yet, it enables me to make these muffins without needing to go to the grocery store!

Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Pumpkin Cherry Muffins

Cornbread

2009-11-30T21:01:00.010-05:00

Serves 6 (or if you are in my family, 3)

Ingredients

1 c whole wheat flour
1 c coarse grind cornmeal
1/2 t sea salt
4 t baking powder
1 egg
1 c milk, heated 1 min in microwave
1/4 c butter, melted 35 sec in microwave
3 T honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl and wet in small. Pour wet into dry and mix until blended, but not further. Prep 8 in square pan according to method of your liking. Bake for 20 minutes.

Tip: Coarse grind cornmeal gives an intense flavor and great texture. I find it under the Bob's Red Mill label. This simple recipe is one of our favorites and always leaves us eyeing (and vying for) the leftovers!

Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Cornbread

Sweet Potato Cottage Fries

2009-11-14T23:23:00.012-05:00

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
olive oil
sea salt

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice sweet potatoes about 3/8 inch thick. (A crinkle cut chopper works well). Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use a basting brush to brush olive oil on top of slices, then sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 35 minutes.

All Natural Recipes, All Natural Sweet Potato Cottage Fries

Sunday Morning Special

2009-11-11T21:33:00.015-05:00

Serves 2

Ingredients

3 eggs, scrambled with milk, salt, and pepper to your liking
1/2 avocado, sliced
1 vine ripe tomato, sliced
4 oz of Canadian bacon or ham, diced
parmesan cheese

Directions

Pre-heat skillet on medium-low heat. Warm meat in skillet. Add egg mixture. When eggs are mostly done, add tomato and avocado. Serve with amount of parmesan to your liking.

All Natural Recipes, Avocado Parmesan Eggs

Blueberry Walnut Muffins

2009-11-10T23:39:00.021-05:00

Makes 6 giant muffins

Ingredients

1 c whole wheat flour
1 c quick cook oats
1/2 c wheat germ
2 t baking powder
1 t sea salt
1/2 c chopped walnuts
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c canola oil
1/3 c honey
1 c skim milk
2 t vanilla
1 1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and wet in medium bowl. Mix wet into dry, then fold in blueberries. Prep muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: I make these on Sunday for quick weekday morning meals. I always put these in the microwave for a few seconds as I feel these flavors are at their best when warm.

Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Blueberry Walnut Muffins

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

2009-11-10T22:59:00.014-05:00

Serves 3

Ingredients

1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c quick cook oats
1 t baking powder
1/2 t sea salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/4 c milk, heated 1 min in microwave
3 T butter, heated 25 sec in microwave
3 T honey
1 fork smashed banana

Directions

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl and wet ingredients in medium bowl. Combine wet into dry. Let mixture set for 5 minutes while griddle heats to 350 degrees. Use 1/4 c measuring cup to pour batter onto hot griddle. Bake until golden brown.

Serving suggestion: My favorite way to eat these is plain, steaming hot off the griddle. I tear pieces off and eat by hand. (I've convinced myself they taste best this way.) Hubby tops these with all natural strawberry fruit spread and uses precision cuts with a fork and knife to divide and conquer.

Whole Grain Recipes, All Natural Whole Grain Banana Oatmeal Pancakes