where homemaking, glamour and reality collide
Chocolate Avocado {Vegan} Cupcakes with Avocado Buttercream ~ now that's a mouthful! I never ever thought of using avocado as the base for cupcakes let alone a rich and tasty buttercream frosting. Up until a few weeks ago my relationship with avocados was a guacamole only one ~ we were exclusive ~ but thankfully my eyes have been open to all that avocados can be used for ~ they are an amazing fruit {I thought they … [Read more...]
Healthy Eating and Healthy Living ~ two of my top {personal} priorities lately, but, this girl still loves to eat and to bake ~ what to do? I've been converting some of my usual recipes into healthier ones but also got the Hungry Girl to the Max Cookbook. The first recipe I tried was this Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Softie ~ it was delicious. Even my husband and kids loved … [Read more...]
Spring is in the air and fresh fruits and vegetables are coming to market. I love seeing rich red strawberries in my refrigerator ~ perfect for eating alone or for using in a salad and salad dressing. Spinach is a great taste partner to strawberries and a good strawberry spinach salad is a refreshing treat. This recipe is quick, easy and easily adaptable. I used only spinach and strawberries for the salad and … [Read more...]
I love this recipe...it's full of flavor and makes me feel like I'm eating something decadent. This is a great recipe for those of you interested in clean eating with flavor! Ingredients BROWNIES 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ground 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup cooked sweet potato 1/2 cup agave nectar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon … [Read more...]
My mom was a great cook ~ most of her recipes were simple...nothing too complicated....but always delicious! This was one of my favorites and even though I have her exact recipe, mine never tastes as good as my mom's ~ she just had a way about her! Mom's Creamy Sweet & Sour Cucumbers 1 Large fresh cucumber 4 ounces sour cream {save fat & calories by substituting fat-free of low fat} 2 tsp. … [Read more...]
There is nothing better than a refreshing dessert on a hot day. This sorbet is both refreshing and yet filling because of the cake and the fluffy frosting. Mango-Black Cherry Sorbet Torte 1 box white cake mix (prepared as per the box) 1 pint sorbet, mango (or any flavor desired), softened 1 pint sorbet, black cherry (or any flavor desired), softened Frosting 1 1/2 cups whipping cream (chill bowl and beaters for … [Read more...]
I love cucumber salad...my mom made an awesome salad with sour cream, milk and sugar... while this was and always will be my favorite way to serve cucumbers I have a fat free, low cal version that is super tasty! Cucumber Salad 3 cucumbers - peeled and sliced thin 3/4 cup of water 3/4 cup of vinegar 3/4 cup Splenda 1 teaspoon salt Mix the water, vinegar, salt and Splenda in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for … [Read more...]
Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables but I usually end up steaming it only rather than making a cream or cheese sauce because of the added fat and calories. I have recently been hearing a lot about Panko but had never cooked with it so when I came across this recipe in the December 2009 issue of Cooking Light I took the plunge {well, maybe just a dip in the kiddie pool} and decided to try it. My family & I … [Read more...]
It's snowy and cold and my two youngest boys are sick - so what should I make for dinner....Chicken Noodle Soup of course! My mom made the best chicken noodle soup with homemade kluski noodles. When she made soup, I was in kid heaven. Unfortunately, I did not get my mom's recipe before she passed away but over the years I have come up with a recipe that's sort of close to Mom's. Mine is a little more 'health … [Read more...]
I love baked potato skins but they are a little...um.....fattening....high in calories and such so when I saw this recipe from Fine Living I knew I wanted to try it. Skinny Skins (Baked Potato Skins) Potatoes 6 small to medium russet potatoes Wrap potatoes in aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 45 minutes, or until tender. Toppings 6 to 8 chives, white and green chopped {I couldn't find … [Read more...]
