Healthy Pineapple Banana Smoothie

I will admit, I consider this a Healthy Smoothie but I did add a couple ingredients that are not on our "clean eating" list... but it's deliciousness is worth it.

In blender combine:
1-2 cups frozen fresh Pineapple
1 whole Banana
1 cup Vanilla Ice Cream
1-2 cups Milk
1 handful baby Carrots
1 handful Kale
1 tbs. Flax Seed
1 tsp. Vanilla
Chocolate Syrup






As seen in the picture, I added a ring of chocolate syrup around the glass before pouring smoothie- omit for healthier option. But this works great for family marketing tactics :) Smoothies are a great way to hide veggies from your children (and husbands)! And they totally think they are getting a special treat. Mom points!!!

Optional Substitutes:
Fruit- mango, peach, berries
Ice Cream- frozen yogurt, sorbet, omit completely
Milk- coconut or almond milk
Kale- spinach

Easy Pineapple Tomato Jam on grilled sandwich

Dinner doesn't get much easier than this moms!

In a small saucepan cook down:
    2 cups fresh tomatoes
    1 cup fresh pineapple
    1 tablespoon brown sugar

Keep covered and cooking on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cooks down in about 15 minutes.

While Jam is working its magic, prepare the sandwich. I had my two year old spread some EVOO on homemade buns (recipe to come) and broiled them light brown in the oven. I also lightly sautéed some uncured Canadian bacon. And that's all it takes and you have got a delicious gourmet sandwich approved by my husband, young daughter, and of course, myself.

Optional Substitutes:

Tomato- cherry, grape, large (diced)

Fresh Pineapple- canned pineapple, mango, peach

Brown Sugar- honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar

Canadian Bacon- ham, turkey

Maple Walnut Banana Bread

Another one I adapted from a Pinterest recipe according to what I had at home and it turned out great so I thought I would share.

Mix Wet Ingredients:
3 ripe Bananas mashed
2 Eggs (at room temp.)
1/2 cup Butter (1 stick at room temp.)
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 cup Maple Syrup


Separately Mix Dry Ingredients:
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup White Flour
1 Tbs. Baking Powder
1/2 Tbs. Cinnamon


Combine wet and dry ingredients. Place in greased baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees.

Muffins ~ 20 min
Loaf~ 35 min

Recipe makes 2 loaves, or in my case 1 loaf and 6 muffins.

Don't ask what happened to the 6th Muffin ;)

Delicious Guilt-Free Cake- Birthday, Whole Wheat Flour, Sugar-free, Carrot, Coconut, YUM!

I didn't start taking pictures until the end of baking this cake... and here is the honest truth: My mom is a very health conscience eater and she does not eat white sugar or flour. So when it came time to make her a birthday cake, I didn't really plan on making a cake that actually tasted good. It was more for the thought of making her a birthday cake. Well surprisingly, this cake is quite delicious and, dare I say, good for you!

Ingredients: This is to make a small pie-pan cake. To make a regular size (9x13) double the recipe.

Dry-
3/4 c Whole Wheat flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

Wet-
4 Tbs. Butter (1/2 stick)
1 large Egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup Almond Milk
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1 cup shredded Carrot
1/2 cup shredded Coconut

Mix dry ingredients. Beat wet ingredients. Mix dry and wet together. Spread evenly in a greased pie pan. Batter will be thick. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.

Frosting:
1 cup Coconut Oil
2 Tbs. Honey
2 Tbs. Maple Syrup
Optional- mix in some reserved shredded carrot and/or coconut

Wait for cake to cool completely before spreading on frosting!

And that's all folks. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Mom!

SUPER Salad

Have you heard the one about the waitress who asks the main if he wanted "Soup or Salad" and he replies "Yes, I will take the Super Salad." Waitress confused. Man confused. Family laughing. You.... had to be there ;)

Well this, despite my poor anecdote, is truly a SUPER SALAD. It is super easy, super healthy, and super loved! I took it to my family Thanksgiving and they literally scraped the bowl clean, and I think just about every Aunt asked for the recipe. So for all my dear family members or anyone else wanting an awesome, or shall I say Super, salad recipe, here it is...

Ingredients:
Orzo
Walnuts (roast for 5 min at 350)
Feta Cheese
Dried Cranberries
Pomegranate
Kale
Spinach

I used about equal amounts of each item except a little more of the Orzo. This is really a fool proof salad. Just make it to your liking. Don't be afraid to substitute or omit some items. Wild rice could replace the Orzo, dried cherries, Blue cheese, cashews... use what you have on hand!

Dressing:
1/2 cup Onion (chop and sauté)
2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 Tbs. Honey
2 Tbs. Water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 squeeze of lemon or orange

Again, I am no chef but I just estimated these quantities when I made this. So blend all of the dressing ingredients with a food processor, pour over salad, and toss!

You are sure to be the Super Favorite at any family event!!!


Vegetarian
Dairy-free (omit cheese)
Gluten-free (substitute rice for orzo)