raspberry.almond.cake

This 4th of July I made two deliciously healthy dairy/grain/gluten free desserts. I added my own sugar-y glaze to the second one and found it added just the right kick of sweetness that my first attempt was lacking. Find this great summer recipe here. Did you look? Come on, go...now. Read it! You will learn so much! I greatly appreciate Caitlin's way with words and her beautiful photography...perfection.

Simple Sugar Glaze

• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2-4 tablespoons water

Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until smooth and of desired consistency (a thick syrup). Drizzle over cooled cake.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries (the healthy kind!)

You will need...

• 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes, washed, sliced thin
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400*. Toss together sliced sweet potatoes, oil, salt and pepper. Spread out over a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn/flip potatoes and bake another 15 until golden brown and crispy. Wicked easy, huh!? Enjoy!

Chicken Fajita Nachos

The hubs is working late tonight so I planned a simple dinner that was going to be quick, easy, and satisfying. These nachos were just what I was in the mood for. I posted them on Facebook and many of my lovely friends asked for the recipe. Your wish is my command! I can't take all the credit...You can find it here! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 small red bell pepper, cut into small strips

1 small green bell pepper, cut into small strips

1/2 sweet onion, sliced

1 large cooked chicken breast, shredded (approximately 1 1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Assorted tortilla chips (You can use blue corn, chili lime, and/or plain white corn)

6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded

2 plum tomatoes, diced and/or medium salsa

Handful cilantro leaves

Directions:
Preheat the broiler. Prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray with cooking spray. Heat the olive oil and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and onion, and saute for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the shredded chicken, spices, salt, and pepper. Saute for an additional 2 minutes. Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Top with the bell pepper, onion, and chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil for 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Transfer to a platter, and top with the diced tomatoes/salsa and cilantro.

Currently snacking on...

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Time for a semi-healthy snack before celebrating the night away! Sliced granny smith apple, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips and drizzled honey...deeee-lish! Enjoy & have a fabulous weekend!

Sunshine Oatmeal

I found this recipe on Pinterest (join me there, won't ya) and decided I would try it out. Thank goodness I did.  Trust me, you'll greatly enjoy.

Sunshine Oatmeal
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup granola cereal (Honey/Almond Flax)
1/4 cup boiling water (You may need more/less depending on how you like it)
1 tsp. brown sugar (I added a little more. Ooppss!)
1 tsp. honey
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of sea salt

Spinach Dip & Pumpernickel Bread

It's game day! This calls for a yummy appetizer...Enjoy!

Makes 4 Cups of Dip...Prep. Time 10 Minutes...Chill Time: 2 Hours

1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, cooked, cooled and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 cup Hellman's Real Mayonnaise
1 Package Knorr Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional)
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours. Serve with your favorite dippers.

Serving Tip: I like to hollow out a Pumpernickel Loaf, fill with dip and place on a cheese board. Use the leftover bread to dip, add crackers, pepper jack cheese, pepperoni and some mixed veggies for a yummy assortment.

I'll be sure to add a picture of the final product later today...didn't want you guys to miss out on the recipe just in case you were still searching for something easy for tonight's big game! Go Pats!

Added 2/7/12

Pumpernickel Bread Recipe seen here.

Snowy Saturday

It's a snowy weekend over here in New England and being snowed in on the couch sounds like a good plan to me. One task, or treat in my case, that I do need to accomplish this weekend is my grocery shopping (I secretly...well, it's not much of a secret to those who know me well enough... LOVE food shopping). The only trouble issssss that this snow is delaying my plans. I just can't seem to make it off my comfy-cozy couch! I am also pulling off quite the 'messy bum' look right now and still need to make myself look presentable to the world. Ohhh...weekend problems. Gatta love it.

Here are a couple links to some of the recipes on my meal plan for the weekend/upcoming week...
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches *perfect for game day!
My Favorite Meatballs
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Pizza, Pizza * soooo many yummy pizza recipes!
Chicken Piccata *a favorite in our house!
Classic Cocktail

Football Saturday

My contribution to tonight's football game...Chicken Taco Chili. The most perfect addition to any sporting event or lazy Sunday...in this case, lazy Saturday. SO easy and effortless. Me, myself and my tummy highly recommend it. Enjoy. Recipe by Gina at Skinnytaste. Check her out...I've also made her Asian Glazed Drumsticks and Roast Beef recipes. Good stuff.
New England all the way...Let's GOooOoo PATS!