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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Weelicious Carrot Coconut Muffins




As the name of this recipe states, these muffins are made with carrot, apple and coconut and are so naturally sweet and tender, you could put a few in your kids’ Easter baskets and they wouldn’t be at all out of place. And while muffins may not be an obvious substitute for jelly beans, Peeps or chocolate eggs, I guarantee they won’t disappoint your little Easter bunnies!
Carrot, Apple & Coconut Muffins (Makes 30 Mini Muffins)
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
2 Carrots, peeled & grated, about 1 cup
1 Apple, peeled & grated, about 1/2 cup (gala, fuji, pink lady or red delicious are good choices)
2 Large Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1/3 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
1/2 Cup Honey
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the first 7 ingredients in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir to combine.
5. Place 1 tbsp of batter into greased mini muffin tins.
6. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Serve.

Recipes for the week

My week now revolves around my wednesday deliveries from Suburban Organics.  Here's what I'm making with my fresh box this week:

We always have to have to have a Pasta Night over here  This recipe looks light and summery and easy enough to pack for a picnic!
Sweet Pepper Pasta with Kale and Feta

I love whole grain "bowls" they are easy to serve, easy for a toddler to eat and so nutritious!  You can try this recipe with the orzo pasta or sub for a whole grain to get the hubs and kiddos some extra vities:)
Orzo Pasta-sub rice-Yellow Squash and Musrooms

I'm playing a little bit of the "toddler eating tango" over here this week!  I give a snack-he throws it on the floor, I throw it in the trash, over and over.  Sometimes we get a bite or two, but most of the time, unless it is a pretzel, teddy is not interested:(  So here are two recommended healthy snacks that I will be trying:
Chick Pea Pancakes
GOLEAN Apple Raising Squares
I like to substitute eggs when I can and I will be trying a flax egg for the first time!

Lastly, with the holiday weekend approaching and summer here, we have been packing lots of dinner picnics.  I found this great tea to bring along with us to the townships free concert and cooper river fireworks on the 4th.  My hubby is a big fan of Iced Tea, so I think he will enjoy it all week as well!
Lemon-Lime Tea

Sweet Pepper Pasta Tossed with Kale and Feta


 
Sweet Pepper Pasta Toss with Kale
 
recipe image
Rated:rating
Submitted By: MOTTSBELA
Photo By: hopc
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Servings: 4
"Sauteed sweet peppers and kale are tossed with farfalle pasta and sprinkled with a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese. This recipe was inspired by a similar recipe I received in my produce box from Full Circle Farm in Carnation, WA."
INGREDIENTS:
1 (8 ounce) package uncooked farfalle
(bow tie) pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup roughly chopped kale
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pinch dried basil
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
salt and ground black pepper to taste
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
DIRECTIONS:
1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2.Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in red pepper, yellow pepper, kale and garlic. Season with basil, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
3.In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with skillet mixture. Sprinkle with feta cheese to serve.

Chick Pea Pancakes


Chickpea pancakes with ginger apple compote

posted by in sock monkey slippers with 17 comments

A far cry from the popular french street food, socca, these chickpea pancakes bring a new kick to the traditional pancake your mom used to make! Our own Ashley Bass, creator of Musings of a Mid-Life Momcreated these delightfully fluffy pancakes and has been on my “you know what” daily to post the recipe. Can’t you just picture her in the kitchen on a Sunday saying, “Chickpeas are good in humus, kids like hummus, why not Chickpea pancakes?” I’m not going to lie, although I was impressed with the creativity I was a little hesitant to make them. Finally, last night I decided to reward Miss Mia with pancakes for dinner after she apparently has potty trained herself. {That’s a story for another day, but it’s true. So far I haven’t had to do a thing but purchase a potty. Yes, you are welcome to throw rotten tomatoes at me.}
After making a batch, I have to say I don’t want to make pancakes any other way! A little healthier than your average flour pancake, this chickpea pancake recipe is made with whole wheat flour, applesauce (a little touch from me), and mashed chickpeas that bring a healthy amount of protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and Vitamin C and not to mention they make the pancakes ultra fluffy and moist! Top with maple syrup, honey, or this ginger apple compote for an amazing breakfast or even dinner! Thanks Ash.
Chickpea Pancakes with Ginger Apple Compote makes 16
  • 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat White Flour (you can use white all-purpose as well or mix half wheat half white)
  • 1 Tbs Baking Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 16 oz can Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans
  • 1 cup Organic Apple Sauce, no sugar added
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 Eggs
  • 4 Tbs Butter, melted
  • 1 Tbs Honey
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
**to make a lighter version of this recipe, substitute the milk for 1% and the butter for 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil. {For those of you on Weight Watchers, this version is 6 points for 3 small or 2 large pancakes and add 1/4 cup of ginger apple compote for 2 points.}

In a small bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt).

Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and mash. You can also use a blender or food processor but make sure not to over puree.

Add the rest of the wet ingredients (applesauce, milk, eggs, honey, butter, vanilla) to the chickpeas and mix well.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined.

Heat a griddle or skillet to medium. Add about 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake to a greased griddle.

With a spatula, flip the pancakes when they begin to rise and bubble around the edges. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until cooked through. Now you can serve just like this with a little syrup or….
Ginger Apple Compote makes 1 cup
  • 2 medium organic apples (I used Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger peeled and shredded (with a microplaner) or 1/2 tsp dried ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 Tbs brown sugar

In a saucepan, add all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until apples are cooked, water has reduced and the consistency is thick. Pour over pancakes and serve!

Or if you are anything like Ashley, you can always just throw some mashed chickpeas in pre-made whole wheat pancake mix and make this super fast! But where is the fun in that? Freeze any leftovers and pop in the toaster to reheat. Enjoy.

…and for something a little different, spoon the batter in greased muffin tins and place in a 400° oven for 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Crispy on the outside and moist and creamy on the inside these little pancake muffins are insanely delicious. Thank God I didn’t cook many because I really didn’t want to work out for 3 hours today!

Pancakes for dinner? Why, yes please.

Thanks for the tip, Jillian!

Flax Eggs


Flax Vegan Egg Substitute

    Ingredients:tablespoon ground flax seeds

    • 2 -3 tablespoons water

    Directions:

    PPrep Time: 5 mins
    TTotal Time: 6 mins
    1. 1 Simmer flax seeds and water in a saucepan for about 5 minutes (or less or more time depending on the amount you are making) or until thick, egg-like consistency has been reached.
    2. 2 Let cool before using in a recipe.
    3. 3 This recipe makes 1 eggs worth, but it can be easily made into a larger quantity using the 1:3 ratio- for example, 1 cup ground flax seeds and 3 cups water (that would make 16 eggs worth) and will keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
    4. 4 Use about 1/4 cup (which is equal to 4Tbs) egg substitute for every egg.


    Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/flax-vegan-egg-substitute-104832#ixzz1QgtnL2uV

    GOLEAN® Apple Raisin Squares


    Trying to find yummy healthy options for my little man can be frustrating!  Thanks Sarah Sperry for the top!
    Full of cinnamon-raisin goodness, plump apples, and the fiber of whole grain cereal, these bars are just right with a glass of milk.

    Makes 24 squares.

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups Kashi® GOLEAN® cereal, finely crushed
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • ½ cup organic raisins
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free)
    • ½ cup organic applesauce
    • ½ cup evaporated cane juice crystals
    • ½ cup egg substitute *Or Flax Egg
    • ¼ cup honey
    • ¼ cup expeller-pressed canola oil
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2 cups organic apples, finely diced

    Directions

    1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
    2. In a medium bowl, mix first five ingredients. Mix well, then set aside.
    3.  In a large bowl, mix together applesauce, evaporated cane juice crystals, egg substitute, honey, oil, and vanilla. Then add diced apples and mix well.
    4.  Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well. Spread evenly in oiled and floured 8" x 11" bake pan and bake 40 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

    Cherry-Apple Delight Oatmeal Recipe: An Easy Breakfast


    I am finding oatmeal to be a real crowd pleasure with my 14 month old who loves to practice with a spoon! This breakfast looks easy, healthy and a good way to mix it up! 
    Cherry-Apple Delight Oatmeal:
     Start by gathering all the ingredients:
     oatmeal ingred.jpg8oz. 100% Apple Juice
     1/2 c. Old-fashioned oats
     1 tbsp. Natural dried cherries, chopped
    1 tbsp. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts
     1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract
    1/4 tsp. Ground cinnamon
     Pinch of Ground cloves
     apple juice in pan.jpgNext, pour apple juice into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
     stir in oats.jpgStir in oats and cherries; reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
     stir in cinnamon.jpgRemove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
     Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
    final oatmeal with milk.jpgServe with 8oz. Cold 1% or skim milk. Makes 1 serving.
    Cherry-Apple Delight Oatmeal Nutrition Facts: Calories: 345, Total Fat: 3g, Sat. Fat: 0.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 37mg, Total Carbohydrate: 62g, Dietary Fiber: 5g, Protein: 6g

    Orzo Pasta with Squash and Musrooms


    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large shallot, chopped
    • 1 1/4 pounds yellow crookneck squash, cut into 1/3-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
    • 1/2 pound mushrooms, cut into 1/3-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
    • 1 garlic clove, minced

    • 2 cups orzo (rice-shaped pasta; 12 to 13 ounces) *sub barley or short grain brown rice for added nutrients:)

    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup whipping cream-*vegans-sub coconut milk
    • 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
    • 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

    Melt butter with oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot; sauté 2 minutes. Add squash. Increase heat to medium-high; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and stir 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
    Meanwhile, cook orzo in boiling salted water until just tender but firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup pasta liquid.
    Mix orzo, cheese, cream, and 3 tablespoons parsley into vegetables in skillet. Stir over low heat until creamy, adding some reserved pasta liquid if dry, about 3 minutes. Mix in pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley.



    Lemon Lime Mint Tea

    This recipe is perfect for spicing up these summer days-and nights!  I will be packing this for our 4th of July picnic at cooper river and to the promenade summer concert-yum!
    ingredients

    • 2
      lemons
    • 2
      limes
    • 3
      Tbsp. loose black tea
    • 1/2
      cup fresh mint leaves, crushed
    • 4
      cups hot water
    • 3
      cups cold water
    • Mint sprigs

      directions
      1.Shred peel from one lemon and one lime. Set aside remaining citrus to slice for serving. In infuser portion of a Bodum Ice Tea Maker with filter* combine tea, mint, and citrus peels. Place in pitcher; add hot water. Let mixture steep for 8 minutes. Remove filter. Add cold water, and chill tea. To serve, add ice, mint sprigs, and citrus slices to tea in pitcher. (Remove citrus slices from tea after 2 hours or the tea could become bitter). *If you don't have a pitcher with removable filter, place tea, herbs, and citrus peel in a double thickness of 100 percent cotton cheesecloth; tie closed with string. Use in a 2-quart pitcher.