Sunday, March 30, 2014

Baked Apple Chips

Baked Apple Chips 


Ingredients:
3 apples (any kind), I used organic Granny Smith apples).
Cinnamon
Lemon juice



Tools:
Sharp knife
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper (I did not use this, BIG mistake) 



Directions:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Slice the apples thin (the thinner the better, if they are thick they taste soggy). Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Soak each side of the apple with lemon juice. Line the pan with apple slices. Sprinkle cinnamon over the slices. Bake for 2 hours. 





These are a healthy, easy, delicious snack. 

I know I used aluminum foil...not a good idea. The apples stuck to the foil and were near impossible to peel away. I read a recipe the called for parchment paper, I suggest that's what's used. 

We were still able to enjoy mostly all the apples, but it was work to get them off the foil to eat. 

ENJOY! 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Avid Mind Of An Anxious Moment

The avid mind of an anxious moment


Mind is racing a million thoughts a minute...yet, can't just focus on one. (That pain in my leg is a blood clot, my chest hurts...it must be a heart attack, my head is killing me...is it a stroke? Brain tumor?, my stomach hurts...is it my organs failing? cancer? I can't eat that because i might be allergic, I can't take that medicine because it will kill me, can't go to sleep because I might die from all these problems, hard time breathing...is it a PE? cancer? .... stop thinking, stop thinking, why do I feel like this? Not again). Heart starts pounding...pulse check, racing heart. If my heart beats too fast will I die? Sweaty palms...can't get a grip. The room is closing in. Everyone can see my fear. They're all looking at me...yet, there's no one here. I'm all alone. If I die will they find me? Can they save me? My chest is killing me. Is this real pain or is it panic? Should I call 911...should I go to the doctor...? I feel like I'm going to throw up. I have to poop. The room is spinning and I can't catch my breath. Help me please ... someone, anyone, everyone. Calm down please ... this is not okay. This is not real. None of it! You can do this, walk it off. You're being absurd. Walk, walk, walk...deep breath in through your nose, now out through your mouth. Repeat over and over and over. Keep repeating. Calm yourself. Pulse check, slowed nicely, you're still alive. Praise yourself. It's finally over. That was the longest 2 minutes in history. Glad it was a short attack this time. 

Monday, February 24, 2014

8 Minute Yoga for Better Sleep

Exercise is necessary for sound sleep, but you should not exercise intensely at least 4 hrs prior to bed. Yoga is great to help relax for sleep. 

Here's a simple 8 minute yoga plan to do at bedtime for better sleep. 


Pomegranate Pear Overnight Oats

Pomegranate Pear Overnight Oats 

1/4 C steel cut oats
1/2 C whole grain rolled oats
1 Tbsp brown sugar 
1 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp shaved almonds 
2 Tbsp pomegranate seeds
1/2 d'anjou pear chopped
3 oz Greek vanilla yogurt
1/8 C raisins 
1/2 C almond milk 





Mix all ingredients in mason jar and refrigerate overnight. Heat for 2 minutes in the morning. May need to add some almond milk in the morning to help loosed consistency. 

ENJOY! 

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Roasted Cabbage Rounds

Roasted Cabbage Rounds

These go perfectly with kelbasa, ham or alone (for the vegetarians). 

Ingredients:
1 whole large head of green cabbage 
2 Tbsp fresh minced garlic 
2 Tbsp fresh minced red onion
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
2 Tbsp parsley
1 Tbsp sea salt 


Supplies:
Large baking sheet 
Aluminum foil
Large spatula
Measuring spoons 
Pastry brush 




Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with EVOO.  Cut head of cabbage 1 inch thick starting at the base (core). You should get at least 4 slices. Coat both sides of cabbage with EVOO using pastry brush. Sprinkle both sides of cabbage withminced garlic, minced onion, parsley and sea salt. Bake for 25 minutes on 1 side then flip with spatula and bake for 25 minutes on the other side. Should be light golden brown. 




ENJOY! 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This is my semi-healthier version of tuna noodle casserole. Everybody loves comfort food especially in the cold month. This is one of my favs. 

Ingredients:
-12oz bag Ronzoni whole wheat wide noodles
- 2 small cans Campbell's reduced fat cream of mushroom soup 
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
- 1 large carrot grated
- 1 celery stick chopped thin 
- 1/2 bag frozen sweet peas
- 1-2 Cups milk 
- 3   8 oz cans of solid white albacore tuna
- 1 pkg of Ritz crackers crushed


Supplies:
Large pot 
Mixing spoon
Strainer
Heavy duty casserole dish 
Grater
Knife 
Can opener
Oven/stovetop


Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
Cook noodles on stovetop in boiling water for 4 minutes. Once cooked, mix ALL ingredients together in the pot except crushed Ritz. Once mixed, place in casserole dish and top with crushed Ritz. Bake for 30 minutes. 






Enjoy