Rainy Day Apple Sauce

IMG_9474My little family went apple picking with friends this past weekend and stocked up on some yummy apples! Now that my baby is old enough to try different solids, along with spices, I decided to try making homemade apple sauce,  that way my husband and I could enjoy it too!
IMG_9429

Most recipes for apple sauce require sugar.  I do not use regular sugar, and I would never give my 7.5 month old sugar either, however I did use coconut sugar which, in moderation, has of a lot of benefits for the body, and will not harm my little one the way regular sugar will.  With it being the lowest on the Glycemic index at 35 (sugar is in the 60’s and honey is at 55), it means that it is metabolized more slowly and is easier in the system.  It is high in potassium, magnesium, zinc, and most importantly iron which many babies need supplemented. Coconut sugar also keeps the blood sugar levels steady rather than spiked and crash later like regular cane sugar and even brown sugar.   So it adds sweetness and it is good for us… Doesn’t get better than that!

Ingredients-

IMG_9488

8 Apples peeled, cored, and sliced

11/2 cups water

IMG_9489

1/2 cup organic coconut sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions-

IMG_9490

Put everything in pot and cover.

 Let boil over medium heat for 10-20 minutes (gas and electric cook things differently).  When they are soft enough to mash, they are ready.  Mash with potato masher or fork.  Or, if you’ re like me, you can use your ninja/vitamix/food processor and blend until desired consistency.

IMG_9493Now that apples are in season, it is the perfect time to stock up on some home made applesauce! It is sweet and healthy and perfect for this time of year.

Out of hiding with a new topping for my favorite fish!

I am sorry for the long hiatus!  Ten weeks seems like a very long time not to blog, or at least to this blogger! The reason why I have been away for so long is due to the newest love of my life, Wyatt Hudson- born on February 18, 2015.

 IMG_7287

But..

It is time to get back to the kitchen trying out new things because I miss my own cooking and with the warmer weather here, it’s time to start whipping up some new summer dishes!

Because I do have a newborn, I do not have as much time to experiment in the kitchen, so I have been adjusting my schedule and coming up with easy to make meals that are done in 20 minutes.  When my husband asked me what I wanted for dinner the other night, I wanted fish- Salmon to be exact!  It is my favorite fish, and now that I am not pregnant anymore, I have been eating it whenever I crave it.

My husband decided to BBQ his chicken which gave me an idea of how I wanted to marinate my Salmon, BBQ flavored.  When I opened my refrigerator, I noticed the pineapple we had, so I decided to spice things up a bit and crush up the pineapple, mix it with the BBQ sauce and brush it onto my fish.  Bake on 400 degrees for 20 minutes, and a delicious dish is ready to serve!

I can not believe I have not done this sooner!  Every bit was refreshing and delish, I will be making it again, and as the summer is quickly approaching I will have to try making it with seasonal fruits I pick up at the Peekskill Farmer’s Market.

Recipe-

1 1/4 pound  Salmon

2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce

2-3 cut cubes fresh pineapple

Preheat over to 400
IMG_5580

Crush pineapple.

IMG_5581

IMG_5582

IMG_7278_2

Add BBQ sauce and mix together.

Spread on fish.  Bake in the over for 20 minutes and enjoy!

**Baking time can change depending on size of fish

**Sides can include baked Brussel Sprouts, Asparagus, Broccoli.

Salmon is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids that can help improve cardiovascular health and fight depression.  Salmon is also a great option for those who need to add more Vitamin D to their bodies as well as protect the eyes.

Knowing the benefits of the foods you consume will help your body stay healthier later on.  It will also keep you out of the doctor’s office for longer periods of time, and for that your body will thank you!

Greek Night!

photo (3)

I absolutely love my CSA, but lately we have been getting way more than we can eat.  It upsets me when I throw away veggies that we just could not use before it went bad, so this week I told myself we would try to use all of it so I do not waste more food.  Yesterday we had gotten three big cucumbers and I really did not want to just cut them all up and add them to a salad in hopes we would eat it every night, so I decided to make a Greek Tzatziki sauce and make chicken and tofu gyros for something different for dinner!  The recipe is so easy and so delicious that it will definitely be made again.

Ingredients-

1 big cucumber- peeled (or partially peeled), deseeded, and diced- I had about 2 cups

2 cups plain greek yogurt

3 garlic cloves- minced

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped

**Dash of salt and pepper to taste- If you like a little spice add 1/8 (or more) Cayenne pepper

       photo 5           photo 6

     photo 4           photo 8

Mix greek yogurt with cucumbers and garlic.

 photo 7       photo 1

photo 3

Add dill and lemon juice and mix altogether.  Add salt and pepper to liking.

Refrigerate 1+ hours before using.

~Enjoy

~When you make your own foods you know exactly what you are eating, and for that your body will thank you. Remember to always eat for your body~

Taco Seasoning

Who doesn’t love Mexican night in their house?!?  It happens to be my favorite- Taco Tuesday’s! Taco seasoning, however, contains a lot of added sugars, salt, and extras that you should not want to out in your body- that causes the extra bloat and gas.  A few years ago a friend of mine sent me a homemade taco seasoning recipe that I have been using ever since!  It tastes so much better than the already made seasoning, and it is 100 times better for you and your body!

So easy, so delicious, so tasty!  Try it out for your next taco night!

photo

I use it so much, I taped the recipe on the door to my spice cabinet!

Recipe-

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1/4 Teaspoon Dried Oregano

1/2 Teaspoon Paprika

1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin- I sometimes add a bit more for extra spice

Optional-

1 Teaspoon salt- which I do not typically use

1 Teaspoon Black Pepper- which I do use, but it will add an extra spice to the flavor, so I recommend adding only if you like spicier foods.

 

Using one package of lean Turkey meat (or Beef if that’s what you prefer)-  Brown and separate meat over medium-low heat.  Drain once cooked.  Place meat back in pan, add 2/3 cup water and add seasoning. mix together covering all meat with seasoning.  Turn heat on medium-high.  once boiling, return heat to low and let simmer until water is dissolved.  Place in bowl and serve with hard or soft taco shells and toppings of your choice!

When you make your own foods, you know exactly what is going in your body, and for that your body will thank you!

~Eat for you body and stay healthy~

 

Turkey Burger Twist On The Grill!

There is a local restaurant that I have been going to for years.  They are known for some different dishes including a turkey burger made with spinach and topped with artichokes.  As much as I love going out, I do know it is not always the healthiest choice.  The grease foods are cooked in at restaurants are not good for your digestion system or your stomach.
Last night was a hot night and perfect to grill, so I decided to try making my own version of the turkey burger with spinach in it, and OHMYGOODNESS they were delicious!!  Maybe even better than going out- and a lot cheaper!  Best of all, they were prepared, with only 6-7 ingredients,  and ready to eat in less than a half hour!

Ingredients-

2 Garlic scapes- I get my scapes through the CSA we belong to.  If you can not find them, you can use one or two fresh garlic cloves, minced.
1/2 yellow onion- quartered
2 handfuls spinach
1 package of lean organic ground Turkey meat (I do not recommend the extra lean meats because they will not hold the same with out a filler such as eggs or bread crumbs.)
dash of pepper
Artichoke hearts- Drained
Provolone cheese-  OPTIONAL
English Muffin

Turn BBQ grill on- medium heat.
Place garlic scapes, onion, and spinach in food processor and pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.

Turkey Burger Prep

Mix with turkey meat in bowl and add pepper.  Mix together using hands.

Turkey Burger

Start making patties. I made four- however if making sliders, you can make the patties smaller and get more burgers.

Turkey Burger2

 Once grill is hot enough you can place burgers on grill.  5-6 minutes on each side.
While waiting, turn on stove and heat artichokes on low heat. Take off stove last four minutes of grilling time and add to burgers outside.
Turkey Burger 3
If using cheese, now is the time to add that as well.  If you want the english muffin heated, you can add to top layer of grill during this time as well.

After 12 minutes, burgers are done, and you are ready to indulge!

When you take the time to make your own foods, you know exactly what you body is getting, and that is the best way to nourish yourself!
When you eat for your body, your body will thank you!

Enjoy~