May 2013
3 posts
2 tags
Simple Smoothie Prep
Awhile ago, I posted about a make-ahead smoothie mix:
http://myhusbanddoesntcook.tumblr.com/post/46671753807/smoothie-power-mix-mix-your-powders-together-to
Ever wanting to make things simpler and quicker, I have now made some made-ahead smoothie fruit cups. Instead of taking out the container of spinach, the separate bags of berries and the carton of juice, I now take out a frozen fruit cup,...
1 tag
Old Fashioned Pea Soup
It must be a week for comfort food. This is my second post in just two days!
Another great, favourite meal in my childhood household was Pea Soup. My mom made the best soup…and I must have inherited the soup-gene because I can make a mean pot of soup out of just about anything.
This recipe serves about 8
Ingredients:
1 pound dry green or yellow split peas [use whole if you prefer]
2...
2 tags
I Didn't know Chicken had Haddies!
Chicken Haddie really isn’t chicken at all, but fish.
As a young girl, creamed chicken haddie on toast was one of my favourite meals. I used to have it for lunch often when I was at my piano teacher’s house. She was my Mom’s best friend and I loved eating at her house after my lesson!
For a while back in the 80s, I was able to buy it from the grocery store, in the same area...
April 2013
2 posts
Make your own Greek-style yogurt!
Everybody is on the Greek-Yogurt bandwagon these days. Thick, creamy, protein-rich yummyness. But ouch…it’s so much more expensive than the other yogurts. It’s another one of those food items that we are charged more for because the manufacturers are taking something out! It’s the whey.
So why, not take out the whey yourself?
I purchased a 750g tub of low-fat, plain...
An article about GMOs →
I liked this article…simplified and easy to understand. To understand GMOs better, I recommend you do your research. There is a lot on the net, pros and cons. Be informed.
March 2013
1 post
5 tags
February 2013
3 posts
Buttery spread
I’m not posting this to tell you that butter is better than margarine or vice versa. For whatever reason you choose to use either, is up to you.
I love butter.
Our kitchen is so cold in the winter months that butter stays hard and unspreadable. In the summer, it’s so warm that the butter starts to melt and goes rancid too quickly. I don’t have a special butter-keeper to...
3 tags
Carrot Cake ... a wee bit healthier version
I love carrot cake. Wanting to use up some extra carrots I had in the fridge, I used this tried and true recipe, but tweaked it a bit to make it a little healthier. This did it!!
Serve with a drizzle of warm, home made caramel sauce.
1 cup organic Palm sugar
1/2 cup of cream cheese
2 tbls of ground flax seeds
6 tablespoons water
1 cup flour [I used organic white, but I’d like...
4 tags
January 2013
4 posts
3 tags
Juice Jigglers
When my girls were little, one of their favourite treats was Knox Blox. Instead of making them with Jello, I would use fruit juice. I haven’t made them in many years but thought I’d try to find a healthier alternative for little grandson, J.
These are quite yummy, but I want to try to find an alternative to Gelatin. Next time, I will experiment with Agar to make these a vegan...
4 tags
Energy Gel with Chia Seeds
Who knew something so simple could pack such a punch! No need for energy drinks that are full of sugar and other bad stuff. This is a treat for anyone who wants a healthy alternative for a pick-me-up!
Chia seeds are full of omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, protein and good carbs. If you mix it with organic juice or coconut water … whoa!
Coconut water is loaded with...
5 tags
Protein Bars, made at home!
It’s amazing! I had no idea it was so easy to make protein bars at home. Sometimes I can’t be bothered to make a shake, but after whipping up a recipe of these bars, it’s so easy to grab a quick snack…that’s packed with protein!
I start with Protein powder that has no antibiotics, no GMOs, no Growth Hormones and is Gluten-Free. A Beef source that is grain-fed is...
3 tags
Gluten-Free Brownie in a Mug
This is by far the best brownie-in-a-mug recipe I’ve tried. I tweaked the recipe a bit from this blog. Gluten-Free and delicious!
Mug Brownie - Gluten-Free
1/4 cup oat flour, quinoa flour or other gluten-free flour blend**
1/4 Coconut Palm Sugar
2 tbls unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbls melted coconut oil or other mild oil
2-4 tbls milk, coffee or water
In a microwave-safe mug or...
December 2012
1 post
3 tags
Chewy Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies
These are seriously sinful. That is all.
This recipe is originally from here. I made it a little simpler
Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter [if using salted, omit the added salt]
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup dark molasses 1 large egg
2 teaspoons flax seeds [No biggy if you don’t have flax...
November 2012
2 posts
9 tags
Ranger Debb's Hot Cereal Spectacular [aka Sexy...
**edited
Oatmeal, Shmoatmeal. That’s boring.
Hubby and I have been trying to eat healthier lately, and long-story short, we are trying to reduce our meat intake and increase our fruits, veggies, grains and whole foods.
Being a fan of hot cereal in the morning, my go-to was usually oatmeal. Not the instant kind, but the whole grain rolled oats. Sometimes I’d have Oat Bran,...
Brownie In a MUG
Anyone who knows Pinterest has likely seen a number of recipes for cake in a mug! Brownie in a mug is SO delicious, but I try to avoid making the full-fat, full-sugar version. I’ve come up with a reasonably healthier alternative.
To prevent sticking, you might want to lightly grease the inside of your mug. Also, I find it easier to see the mixture in a mug that has a light interior. I...
August 2012
1 post
2 tags
Buckwheat Pancakes
As long as I remember, pancakes has been a common meal in our household. My mom made the thinnest, most yummy crepes! Our favourite topping was real butter, brown sugar and a sprinkle of vinegar! Seriously delicious. Try it and you’ll be amazed!
Often, we’d have buckwheat pancakes. Back then I didn’t know they were good for me. Now that hubby and I have reduced the amount...
July 2012
2 posts
3 tags
PODs
I call these PODs because the main three ingredients are Peanut Butter, oatmeal and dates! Who said yummy treats had to have high sugar and fat in them? These are really great for a quick snack that you don’t have to feel guilty about!
1/3 cup uncooked, whole flake oats
1/2 cup peanut butter [your choice of brand and type]
3/4 to 1 cup pitted dates
1 tablespoon hemp hearts
1...
4 tags
Whole Wheat Flax Bread
I make this amazingly yummy bread in my bread maker. I’m sure it can be adapted to the regular rise and bake methods for the oven.
The loaf is ready in just over 4 hours. Use the Grain setting of your breadmaker. It’s a fairly large loaf [2lb size] and cuts into about 12 regular slices. It’s super-moist and full of goodness!
Place the following in order in the bread...
June 2012
1 post
3 tags
Buttermilk/Cream Cheese Banana Cake
This is a great, moist cake that is especially delicious with Cream Cheese icing. Hubby likes chocolate icing, but you can eat it plain, with a drizzle of maple syrup, whipped cream or icing sugar.
It’s relatively healthy for a cake. You can even make it lower fat by substituting a few things [applesauce for margarine, chia-seed gel for egg] or use low-fat cream cheese.
1/3 cup soft...
May 2012
2 posts
4 tags
A New Way of Eating!!
We recently watched the US documentary, Forks over Knives.
Let’s just say it was an eye opener, or a mouth opener! I’ll let you read up on it if you wish, but in a nutshell, the message to everyone is that a diet based on whole foods and plant foods is the way to go. NO meat, NO dairy.
I cut back on meat a few years ago after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Usually, I...
3 tags
RAW Brownies
Seriously, I had to hide these from hubs. He would think they are like regular brownies that he can stuff in his mouth one after the other. But first of all, they’re a bit pricey to make and they are REALLY good. You can eat one [or two] without feeling guilty about it. Check out Jess’s BLOG [see link below] for the complete recipe.
You’ll need:
1 cup dates 1/2 cup walnuts...
March 2012
3 posts
4 tags
Teether Bread Sticks
No, these aren’t for the hubby, but Grandson loves them. His Mom and I were looking for sugar-free and salt-free teething biscuits for baby J to munch on. No such luck. Even some of the organic ones weren’t healthy choices.
So, to the internet I went and found this amazing idea for a teething biscuit!
SUPER easy and healthy too.
Use FRESH, whole wheat bread [your choice]. I...
3 tags
Sponge Toffee
Oh, how I remember those big bricks of golden Sponge Toffee I used to buy as a kid. By the time I had popped a few pieces into my mouth, my tongue was sore from the melty goodness. I enjoy the odd Crunchie bar now and then too, but there’s nothing like plain, old-fashioned sponge toffee! Mmmmm.
1 cup white sugar [I use organic]
1 cup corn syrup
1 tbls vinegar
1 tbls baking soda
1/2...
February 2012
1 post
3 tags
THE Ultimate Bran Muffins
These muffins are SO good, you won’t believe they’re good for you!! Seriously good muffins :)
1 1/2 cups natural bran
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 tlbs dark molasses
1 cup buttermilk [or any milk with 2 tsp lemon juice]
Now, as usual…I do a little tweaking with...
January 2012
2 posts
5 tags
Chewy Nut Bars
Here’s a super easy, super delicious bar. Sweet and nutty.
1/2 cup butter [butter is better, but margarine will do]
1 1/4 cups graham crumbs
3/4 cup coconut [optional]
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips [your choice of milk, semi-sweet or dark]
1 cup butterscotch or white chocolate chips
2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
Preheat oven to 350º.
Line a...
5 tags
Christmas Morning Wife-saver Casserole
This has been our go-to breakfast on many a Christmas morning. It’s kinda weird that I don’t prepare it any other time of year…because it’s really, really good. And simple too!
As with most recipes I’ve posted here, this one is easily adaptable to your own likes and tastes. Here’s the original recipe…but I’ll give you my alternates later.
16...
November 2011
1 post
3 tags
Anna's Ginger Thins cookies
Okay, I love cookies. Chocolate chip, Peanut Butter, Sugar, Alfajores [mmm, check those out!], Oatmeal…..cookies!!
Normally, I make my own. But these ginger thins are OH. SO. VERY. GOOD.
The ginger and the slight burnt-sugar taste and the crispiness…. Mmmmmm.
I bought a huge box at Costco and hubs and I are trying really hard not to eat too many.
Anna’s
September 2011
2 posts
3 tags
slow-roasted tomato pasta topping
Thanks to a Facebook friend for sharing this recipe!!
Tomato topping for Pasta
Ingredients
Enough fresh tomatoes to fill a large baking sheet (cut in about 1 inch cubes
2 large sweet onions chopped
2t. minced garlic
1/2c. chopped basil
1/2c. olive oil
1/2c. balsamic vinegar
1/4t. red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
before:
How to make it
Mix all ingredients well in a largre...
2 tags
No-fail Meatloaf
I always forget how much I like meatloaf until the hubs asks me to make it! Actually, he loved my Mom’s meatloaf. She is not with us anymore so I can’t ask her what her secret was, but her loaf was so dense you could practically cut it into slivers! I wasn’t a huge fan, but hubs loved it.
My meatloaf, however, has evolved over the years. I have added and substituted a few...
August 2011
3 posts
2 tags
Blueberries ☺
I bought a 3 litre basket of fresh Blueberries yesterday at Market Square. I have been craving true, blue, delicious northern Ontario berries for quite a while. I’ve picked a few of my own down the street that I gobbled up as I picked. I’m looking forward to putting them on my oatmeal, eating them in a bowl with some vanilla ice cream and of course, in these muffins.
I got this recipe from a...
3 tags
Lunch x 12 x 5
I have this lunch about five times a week. I eat about 12 of them in one sitting. I don’t get tired of it. I am a food geek.
Rice Crackers
Boursin Cheese
Roasted Red Peppers
7 tags
Spring Roll Salad
I really enjoy eating Spring Rolls but I didn’t feel like getting out the rice paper rounds, soaking them, rolling them, etc., so I decided to try something new.
I put all the ingredients in a bowl. [Lately I’ve got a thing about food in a bowl!]
I grated carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, nappa and bok choy. Use whatever veggies you like, for as many servings as needed. Put in a big...
July 2011
2 posts
5 tags
Why do meals taste better at camp?
I don’t know why, but I think we eat better at the cottage. I have very few items in the fridge or the pantry, but I amaze myself sometimes with the kind of recipes that I throw together! Usually, I pack just enough food for the number of days we plan on staying at camp. Sometimes there are leftovers that we’ll either eat for lunch the next day or I’ll try to incorporate them...
1 tag
My indulgence....
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE,………..iced coffee!
Okay…just sayin’…..
Starbucks makes a great iced espresso. I ask them to fill my reusable cup with ice and a double shot of decaf espresso. Then I fill the cup to the top with skim milk. Delightful!
...
June 2011
3 posts
2 tags
Sandwich in a Bowl
I don’t know if this has been done before, but I like to think I invented it! :)
Have you ever had a sandwich that just doesn’t stay together? Have you taken a bite into a sandwich and have the tomato slide out, or the slice of bacon get stuck in your mouth because you can’t bite through it, or the cheese slices slide over to the edge and you only end up with cheese and bread...
5 tags
My Supper Tonight
Just had to share…….
Toasted ciabatta bun with goat cheese and sauted, balsamic mushrooms
Avocado & salsa on corn chips! :)
2 tags
Dry Rub Ribs
After trying several rib recipes, I finally stumbled upon one that I liked…no, loved! I’ve modified it a bit and it is so very, very scrumptious.
There’s no measuring involved…you just go with it!
Take your rack of ribs and rinse it. Remove the membrane. Cut the ribs into single riblets.
Use a large plastic bag and put the ribs into it. Now, sprinkle anything you...
May 2011
4 posts
4 tags
Really low fat Cocoa Zucchini Cake, really!
I needed to take a break from my Big Feet addiction and try a low-fat dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. I brushed the dust off of my “Secrets of Fat-Free Baking” cookbook and found something with chocolate!
I would much rather have a few chocolate chip cookies, or Wacky Chocolate Cake with icing….but this is not bad!! It does satisfy my sweet tooth [especially when I drizzle...
7 tags
2 tags
Beechburg Pudding
This recipe takes me back to when I was a young girl. My mom made this often and it was a family favourite. It’s even more delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream!
I made this at camp and only had my iPhone camera at the time. There is some colour-cast in the photos. The dessert isn’t really this yellow!!
I imagine this recipe is quite old and I’m not sure where it...
3 tags
Oven Fried Rice
Back in 1993, I was part of the Parents’ Group at my girls’ school. Our fund-raising project that year was the George Vanier Public School “Simply Delicious Cookbook.” This is one of my favourite recipes from that book. The page is torn a bit and there’s splashes of soy sauce on it! And because it’s a one-dish meal…I love it even more! It’s one...
April 2011
5 posts
3 tags
Turkey Croquettes
Turkey croquettes remind me of two things:
My Mom
My husband.
Mom always made turkey croquettes with leftover turkey after Christmas and/or Easter.
Hubby loves to eat them!
First thing you need to do is light a scented candle. Well, I do because I use an ancient deep fryer and my house ends up smelling like a french-fry stand by the time I’m done. Then pour yourself a glass of wine. ...
4 tags
Granola Bars
‘m not even sure anymore where I got the original recipe for homemade Granola Bars. I have tweaked it a few times to where it is now. No more store-bought bars for us. These are delicious, nutritious and much less expensive than store brands….and no excess packaging! Wrap these up in foil or parchment paper and you have no waste — just toss the foil in the Blue Box or the...
Apple Chips
I had no idea these were so easy to make. I have bought many bags of Apple Chips [like these]
and devoured them all by myself. Make them at home and enjoy the benefits of natural, fat-free crispy snacks!
Use your favourite kind of apple. Use the sharpest knife you have and carefully and very thinly slice the entire apple. Don’t slice them paper thin, but you don’t want them too...
3 tags
Broccoli Bites
I’m not a huge fan of broccoli florets. I don’t mind them if they’re cooked and smothered with cheese sauce, but the raw pieces feel to me like I’m chewing on lawn clippings.
Now, the broccoli stems…..yum, I love them. I cut up the florets for hubby to enjoy and I eat the stems.
Today, I had a brilliant idea! I was making a delicious goat cheese and red pepper...
--•-- Comfort Food #4 --•-- NACHOS!
I have several meals that I consider comfort food. Some are healthy, some are not. They’re the kind of meal that you can’t shovel into your mouth fast enough. The kind of food that if you were alone, you’d tuck a napkin in your shirt and go all cave-man and chow down with abandon. It’s the kind of food where you hum or murmur or groan while you’re eating it.
...
March 2011
9 posts
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Daughter Meg is home for march break. She made us a delicious dinner last night that had delicious, cool, crunchy and summery written all over it! Too bad our weather isn’t cooperating. This would be a great meal for serving out on the Muskoka chairs on the deck. Or on the picnic table in the back yard.
You’ll need:
rice paper
shrimp
assortment of fresh veggies: carrots,...
3 tags
WaCkY CaKe!!
This is an old stand-by recipe that I remember my mom making wa-a-a-ay back when I was a wee one. My mother-in-law always made the best chocolate cakes and when I asked her what recipe she used, it was Wacky Cake. Always so moist and egg free. It can be made to be lower in fat by substituting all or some of the oil with Baby Food bananas. Lower the sugar content by using a sugar substitute. ...
