crafts + recipes + existential dread
This week I am counting down to 2012 with SnoWhite from Finding Joy in My Kitchen. She is inviting readers to join in the fun by sharing their very best recipes of 2011. Today’s theme is soups and stews. This was an easy one for me. My black bean soup became one of my most-prepared quick dishes of the year. It’s fast, healthy, and spicy. All of my favorite things! So click on the recipe title to get all the delicious details!
One of my favorite blog finds this year was Finding Joy in My Kitchen. If you haven’t visited, make sure you do because SnoWhite is a great source for healthy recipes! This week she is counting down to 2012 and inviting readers to join in the fun by sharing their very best recipes of 2011. Today’s theme is breakfast dishes.
You’re going to have to take my word on this one. The photo isn’t the greatest, and yes I know that the recipe sounds a little… well, strange. I mean spiced ground pork? With milk? For breakfast? Trust me, it took years before I would even try this recipe. But once I had, I was a convert. Yum!
It’s been killing me to see all these delicious-looking cookie recipes posted on blogs this month. After all, December is the month of cookie swaps, homemade gifts, and treating yourself. Still, I am trying hard to resist the temptation and avoid as much flour and sugar as possible. So when I read an e-mail about Caveman Cookies, I was intrigued. Paleo cookies? That I don’t have to make myself? Why yes, I would be very interested in trying those!
Caveman Cookies are made with Paleo-friendly ingredients including nuts, honey and berries. They are certified Kosher, gluten-free, and dairy-free. I was sent a package of the new Rainforest flavor for my review. The flavor is described like this in the marketing material:
The cookies feature an exotic combination of Brazil nuts and chewy dried cherries, with a kick of cayenne pepper. The other ingredients are honey, almond meal, chopped almonds and nutmeg.
Drew and I both tried them before we read the ingredients and thought there had to be ginger in the cookies – we were very surprised there wasn’t! There’s a definite kick from the cayenne and I guess when combined with the nutmeg, you get that taste of ginger.
We also had very different opinions on the flavor. Drew didn’t like them at all, I am sorry to say. I thought they were interesting and I kind of like them. They are very different from your standard chocolate-chip cookie, or even one made with coconut flour, but I found the slightly sweet taste and sticky texture enjoyable. The cookies are also available in original (similar to oatmeal-raisin), Alpine (carob and hazelnuts), and tropical (coconut and macadamia nut).
Here’s a peek at the nutrition facts:
A bag of 12 cookies costs $9.95. While that seems pricey, the ingredients are expensive and they’re not loaded with the junk found in most other mass-produced cookies. They’re not that big, but I found one was plenty to satisfy my sweet tooth, and technically the serving size is two cookies, so if one doesn’t do it — go for the second one!
You can purchase different sized bags (including sampler bags) on the Caveman Cookies website. Each cookie is individually wrapped in a cello bag to preserve freshness (which also means you don’t have to eat the entire bag as soon as you open it). As I read through the reviews on Amazon, I noticed that there is some argument as to whether or not these cookies are really Paleo. There seems to be a lot of bickering lately about what, in general, a Paleo diet means, but as far as I am concerned the ingredients meet the definition. (Of course, I am not a strict Paleo person by any means, as evidenced by the milk in my tea in that photo at the top of this post.) At the very least, these are certainly a great choice for those following a GF diet.
To sum it all up: I love the idea of a healthy cookie that I don’t have to bake myself. And although the Rainforest flavor is a little spicy for my taste, I’d give another variety a try without hesitation.
Disclosure: I received one free bag of Caveman Cookies in the Rainforest flavor to review on my blog. I did not receive any financial compensation for this post. The opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I love fancy coffee drinks, but I do not love the coffee shop prices or the calories. Peppermint mochas are popular (and so yummy) at this time of year, but the desire for a tasty treat doesn’t have to derail your diet or empty your wallet.
Over a month ago I heard about Nescafé’s new instant Peppermint Mocha. We always have a jar of their decaf Taster’s Choice in the cupboard (it’s D.’s preferred coffee), so I was eager to try it. And when a Nescafé rep kindly asked me to review the product on my blog, I was happy to agree.
Each box contains 20 pre-measured peppermint mocha packets, so all you have to do is empty a packet into your cup and add 6 oz. water (be sure to measure, because the first time I just filled up my mug which resulted in a very weak brew). Personally, I prefer to add 5 oz. of water and 2 oz. of steamed milk (I use my handy dandy Aerolatte to froth it all up). Then I top it with whipped cream and sugar-free chocolate syrup.
Nescafe’s Peppermint Mocha is sweetened with sucralose, so there are only 5 calories per cup. This was great news for us since we try very hard to avoid sugary drinks. If you don’t add milk or cream, there is that typical artificial sweetener aftertaste, but I find that with the addition of a little dairy it’s not even noticeable. I have been enjoying these mochas as a little afternoon treat, or sometimes later in the evening when I get a craving for something sweet.
The folks at Nescafé would like to send a box of their Peppermint Mocha instant coffee to one of my readers (and I really think you’ll enjoy it!). I know the samples on their Facebook page have been going like hotcakes, so here’s a chance to get an entire box all to yourself! Just leave a comment on this entry for a chance.
The Rules:
Prize: One (1) box of Nescafé Peppermint Mocha Instant Coffee
Fine Print: ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER HOUSEHOLD and IP address. Open to continental U.S. addresses only. Must be 18 years of age and over. Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Comments not meeting requirements will be deleted. Giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. on 12/16/2011.
Disclosure: I received a free box of Nescafé Peppermint Mocha Instant Coffee beverage to review on my blog. I did not receive any financial compensation for this post. The opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
It’s Friday! So that means it’s time to link up with Finding Joy in My Kitchen‘s Friday Favorite Finds. All the Christmas cookie pins are killing me, but luckily I’ve been able to track down several yummy, healthy recipes that I can make with ingredients I already have.
Here are my Pinterest food finds for the week.
Cream of Zucchini Soup
Source: skinnytaste.com via Carol on Pinterest
Guacamole Salad – How delicious would this be with some lime-grilled chicken?
Source: donalskehan.com via Carol on Pinterest
Low Carb Peanut Butter Thumbprints
Source: ticklemysweettooth.com via Carol on Pinterest
Egg-Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Decadence – I can’t wait to make this! It sounds too good to be true.
Source: lexieskitchen.com via Carol on Pinterest
Salted Caramel Mocha – This recipe uses sugar, but I think it would be easy enough to substitute another sweetener.
Source: 52kitchenadventures.com via Carol on Pinterest
Be sure to head over to Finding Joy in My Kitchen and see what inspired everyone else this week!
I’m going to be honest: Thanksgiving is stressing me out this year. It’s not because we have a ton of people coming over (actually, Drew’s mom and aunt will be our only guests, so it won’t be much different than a Sunday dinner). It’s because of the carb-fest potential.
I feel so conflicted about serving and eating certain foods, but I’m trying to let go and tell myself it’s a holiday. I’ve eaten crackers and stuffing and bread and pie for years. Am I being unreasonable to think that these foods are suddenly going to kill me just because I’ve read a few books* this year? Probably. One meal isn’t going to make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. And it’s not like I’m going to scarf down an entire sleeve of Ritz.
So, with that in mind (I suppose I feel like I have to justify the appearance of certain items on this menu, considering how I’ve been talking up a certain way of eating as of late), here’s what I’m planning for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Appetizers
- shrimp cocktail
- deviled eggs
- crackers with homemade tomato jam and cream cheese
Dinner
- roast turkey with pan gravy
- cranberry-sausage stuffing (brought by my mother-in-law)
- baked sweet potatoes with butter and cinnamon
- mashed potatoes (just a small amount per the kids’ request)
- green beans
- cranberry sauce
- cornbread
- green salad
Dessert
- pumpkin pecan dessert (made diabetic-friendly)
- sugar-free chocolate mousse
While I’m at it, I’m also breaking my rule about serving food in canning jars. I think the exception to the rule is the small 4 oz. jars, which I’ll be using for the desserts. Not only are they admittedly adorable, but making the desserts in the jar will simplify refrigerator storage (because you can’t stack pie plates, my friends) as well as save me the hassle of finding dessert plates.
Hopefully I will be able to relax a bit about the food and be able to just enjoy the day.
* Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It, by Gary Taubes; The Paleo Solution, by Robb Wolf; Wheat Belly, by William Davis (OK, I haven’t read this entirely yet, but I’ve read excerpts and interviews to get the gist.)
It’s Friday! So that means it’s time to link up with Finding Joy in My Kitchen‘s Friday Favorite Finds.
Man, these last two weeks have been rough! Everyone in the family has endured some illness or another, plus life has just been generally busy (as it tends to be this time of year). But now that we are on the mend and I’m digging my way out from a pile of disorganization, I’m trying to be a better blogger (look, two posts in two days!).
Here are my Pinterest food finds for the week.
Philly Cheesesteak in a Bowl – I’d been thinking about a low-carb version of cheesesteak and literally the next morning I saw this recipe. I think it was meant to be!
Source: health-bent.com via Carol on Pinterest
Karoline’s Keema – I have a keema recipe marked “to cook” in The Indian Slow Cooker, but this one just seems quick and easy. I’ll be making it soon.
Source: paleoparents.com via Carol on Pinterest
Mustard & Cracked Pepper Roast Beef – I love roast beef, and this looks mouth-watering. I think it would be a nice change from ham for Christmas (but we’ll see… )
Source: reecenosh.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest
Chocolate Raspberry Truffles – And we can’t forget dessert! I am dying to make these clean-eating truffles. Dates, cocoa powder, jam… they sound too good to be true.
Source: dailybitesblog.com via Carol on Pinterest
Be sure to head over to Finding Joy in My Kitchen and see what inspired everyone else this week!
It occurred to me that I never put up my CSA post from two weeks ago (life is crazy, and blogging has obviously not been a priority – sorry!). So I’ll just add the photo in with this post.
Yesterday was our final pick-up of the season from Sisters Hill Farm. It was so strange trudging up to the barn wearing snow boots! I wasn’t expecting much, but I think that our last share is pretty great: one carnival squash, two butternut squash, two celeriacs, potatoes, onions, carrots & parsnips, garlic, green tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, and lettuce.
Here’s the second-to-last share:
Broccoli, butternut squash, onions, sweet peppers, one hot pepper, radishes, garlic, parsnips, sweet potatoes, mixed greens, PYO tomatillos, and sweet potatoes. I canned a few jars of salsa verde with all those tomatillos. I think that partnered with the tomato jam I made a couple months ago, they’ll make pretty Christmas gifts!
If I get my act together and mail in my subscription form by early next week, we’ll be able to pick up the bonus Thanksgiving share so there is a possibility of one more CSA post this year!
I am kind of flying by the seat of my pants this week. I drew up a quick meal plan, but I’m not sure if I’ll really stick to it.
My crustless pizza casserole was delicious, though! Next time I make it I’ll take measurements and photos and post the recipe. It really is a delicious way to get all the flavor of pizza without the extra carbs. (Plus, it was less messy to eat!)
Lunches are typically a big salad (my standard is organic mixed greens with goat cheese, poached chicken, walnuts, dried cranberries, and balsamic dressing). With the cold weather very clearly here I’m making a lot of soups, and often have a cup to go with that salad. For example, this morning I am roasting butternut squash and onions. I’ll add that to my homemade chicken stock along with some curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and whatever else sound good, puree it, and have a delicious autumn soup. Cream of broccoli is another favorite that is simple to make. I love soup!
Anyway, here’s the general idea:
For more menu ideas, visit Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday feature.
I feel like my menu planning has become much simpler since I’ve started omitting starch (for the most part) from our diet. I mean can you get much easier than Protein + Vegetable(s) + Green Salad? I don’t think so.
I’m finding continued improvements in our health, one of which is that my rosacea, which typically flares up this time of year, actually seems to be getting better (!) and my dry skin… dare I say… feels smoother than usual.
Anyway, on to the meal plan!
For more menu ideas, visit Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday feature.