Posts by admin:
- Baby Carrots and Grape tomatoes
- Bee Sweet Citrus mandarin with a Nut Free Rice Milk Chocolate piece
- Wholly Guacamole Minis with plantain chips
- Cheese, turkey, and Pero small sweet pepper skewers with a side of mustard for dipping
- Plantain chips
- Sun-maid Sour Lemon Golden Raisins ( amazing!) and Enjoy Life Rice Milk Chocolate piece
- Pero sweet mini peppers and carrots with Opadipity (Lifehouse product)
- Turkey and cheese roll ups with green olives and mustard.
- Crispy Green All Pear crispy fruit
- 2/3 cup corn flour (masa harina)
- 1/3 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 small jalapenos, deveined and deseeded, chopped
- 2/3 cup Cape Cod Select premium frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2/3 cup corn kernels, fresh or canned
- Coconut oil for frying
- 2 avocados, pitted and peeled
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 pound 98% ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley. chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, chopped
- 2 small yellow squash, sliced
- 2 small yellow bell peppers, chopped in large pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsbp coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- pinch of salt
- 3 Tablespoons tahini paste
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 1/3 cups cooked brown rice
- 4 Tablespoons raw pepitas
- 1/2 cup raw purple cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup Sabra Garlic Hummus
- Grilled Mushroom and Hummus Topped Brown Rice Cakes
- Tex -Mex Shrimp and Avocado Toast
- Spicy Mexican Veggie Sopes
- Falafel Lunch with Sabra Tzatziki
- Mediterranean Giardiniera Topped Hummus
- Mango
- Orange
- Kiwi
- Greens, Fruits and Vegetables Blend: spirulina, broccoli juice, parsley leaf, and more.
- Fiber Blend: chicory inulin and flaxseed powder
- Antioxidant Blend: acerola extract, milk thistle extract, matcha green tea, and more
- 1 large mango, peeled and sliced (1 cup worth)
- 1 kiwi, quartered
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 scoop Barleans Superfruit Greens Strawberry-Kiwi Blend
- 10 drops stevia ( I use NuNaturals)
- 1/2 cup light coconut milk
- 10 stevia drops
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tori Kelly Hiding Place CD [Review]
September 19th, 2018
As a musician, people automatically assume that I only sing and enjoy opera. It is not so. I love all types of music especially uplifting music that encourages the soul. Gospel music is a way to express the soul to our one true God. It allows for our bodies to move, breathe and sing what our soul needs the most. It is an expression of our whole being.
This is what I felt when I listened to Tori Kelly’s new CD called Hiding Place. When I started listening to her CD her voice sounded very familiar but I did not realize who I was listening to until after I finished the 8-track piece. I was first introduced to Tori Kelly as Meena, the voice behind the elephant in SING. My three little girls and I loved her voice and would replay her scenes quite often. Little did I know that she would be introduced into our lives through a wonderful new CD.
Hiding Place is an R&B-infused and melodic take on gospel music. Tori Kelly connected with 12-time Grammy Award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin to collaborate on the musical project that came to be Hiding Place. It is a combination of song written by him as well as Ms. Kelly even though Mr. Franklin was confident she could have produced the whole project herself. Her desire was to have someone inspirational to be part of her project.
Every track has a message starting out with “Masterpiece” which features Houston-bred hip-hop artist Lecrae. It is an upbeat song reminding the listener about our existence and our Creator in Heaven. I love the fact that Ms. Kelly used her beliefs as a Christian to share her faith and her love for God.
She was inspired to title her album Hiding Place based on the verse she loves:
songs of deliverance.”
1As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
I really enjoyed listening to all the tracks as did my girls. We love listening to uplifting music that praises God. Thank you Tori for blessing us with your voice and the gift that God has bestowed on you!
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Two Balanced Bento Lunches with Power Your Lunchbox Promise®
September 5th, 2018
Nothing starts the first day of school like a good hearty lunch. These balanced bento boxes were a hit with my girls and were a perfect way to enjoy a new day as a student.
First Day of School
Happy First Week of School! Many might have already started but we started this week and the girls have been really anticipating going back. As of this year, I will have 2 in school and I do not know how to process it. I looked at the clock multiple times in the day thinking of my oldest daughter in 1st grade! One thing I did not have to worry was the fact that she might be eating junk. I was so excited to pack her a healthy lunch.
When she came home, and after sharing about her day, I asked my daughter how she enjoyed her lunch. She liked it a lot! I always dreamed of getting my girls ready for school and I officially get to do it.
Inspiration
One thing is for sure. The excitement will wine down and inspiration will wane but luckily I have my friends over at Produce for Kids who have an awesome resource for recipes and tips. Not only that but every Produce for Kids recipes are approves by their registered dietitian Katie of Mom to Mom Nutrition.
Not only are there many lunch ideas, but there are also amazing after-school snack ideas and easy weeknight dinner recipes to look through. Make sure you check it out so you can have your meal plan all set.
Power Your Lunchbox Promise®
I have partnered with Produce for Kids for many years in their amazing campaign called The Power Your Lunchbox Promise®. It was created to empower families with expert advice and tips from fellow parents on how to make and enjoy eating healthy. Won’t you be encouraged to eat healthier lunches with your family this year?
What happens when you make a promise? Every promise equals $1 (10 meals) to help families in need through Feeding America. Classrooms can pledge too and access lesson plans and activities for a healthy classroom. When you also sign up you get a chance to win some awesome products and have access to some money-saving coupons.
Two Balanced Bento Lunches and Sponsors
We have probably had our share of carbs this summer but one thing I made sure to give the girls was a good amount of fruit, veggies, fats, and carbs. I know a lot of energy can be used throughout the day for small kids so ensuring that there is enough in each category to hold them over until the end of school is important.
Thankfully I was introduced to the campaign sponsors for the Power Your Lunchbox Promise that helped with making delicious and fun bento boxes for my kids. They also made for healthier snacks for mom too!
Here are TWO balanced bento lunches that I created for my girls that make me want to steal them for myself.
I hope these were an inspiration as you start the school year. Kids will have fun with these lunch bento boxes and have a balanced meal the whole year.
Go and make your promise to make and eat healthy lunches this year!
During the 2017-2018 school year, Produce for Kids were able to donate nearly 450,000 meals* to families in need through Feeding America® thanks to you.
Be sure to follow Produce for Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
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Cranberry Corn Fritters with Guacamole
August 29th, 2018I love entertaining a lot so when it comes to creating a dish, I usually try something new with my guests. I know it is not the general rule, but sometimes I like taking risks. These Cranberry Corn Fritters with guacamole will have your guests asking for more.
Cranberries: Not just a Fall ingredient
Cranberries can mistakenly be thought of only as an ingredient to be consumed during the fall and winter season but cranberries are really versatile in drinks, salads and even savory dishes. We love eating them dry and sweetened or even in muffins or squares.
Cranberries can also be very intimidating since they tend to be very sour. With the help of a couple of ingredients, you can have a delicious recipe in no time. I made these fritters with corn kernels, Cape Cod Select frozen premium cranberries, jalapenos and corn flour. They whip up pretty quickly and fry in delicious coconut oil.
A simple guacamole adds as the dip that pairs well with these delicious savory fritters.
Cape Cod Select Cranberries
Cape Cod Select is a small women-owned family business where they have been growing cranberries on their 800 acre cranberry farm for more than 75 years. It is now in its fourth generation. The cranberries are grown to some of the industries highest standards and are Non-GMO verified and hold GLOBALG.A.P. Certification (https://www.globalgap.org/uk_en/for-consumers/)
The lovely thing about Cape Cod is that you can buy fresh cranberries from them seasonally or you can buy them all year long in frozen bags. Check out their store locator online to find where you can purchase them. I see them all the time at Giant Food Stores near me so I love having them available. You can also order online.
I received frozen cranberries in order to create a few recipes for a recipe contest, so I was happy to create this yummy recipe. It pairs well on a cheeseboard too!
Check out Cape Cod Select on social for info and inspiration.
| Cape Cod Select Premium Cranberries | |
| @CapeCodSelect | |
| @CapeCodSelect | |
| www.pinterest.com/capecodselect |
Cranberry Corn Fritters with Guacamole
A simple guacamole makes for great dipping with these Cranberry Corn Fritters. They were a hit with my little girls as well.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Ingredients (12 fritters)
Cranberry Corn Fritters
Guacamole
Instructions
Cranberry Corn batter
In a small bowl, add the corn flour,cornmeal, salt, spices, cilantro.
In another bowl, add the milk, eggs and mix until the eggs are whipped.
Add the wet to dry ingredients and mix well.
Add the diced jalapenos, cheese, cranberries, and corn kernels.
Mix well and set aside.
Guacamole
Mash the avocados in a small bowl. Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper and onions and mix well.
Frying
Add 1/3 cup coconut oil to a cast iron pan and heat on medium. Allow oil to heat up, about a few minutes.
Add 1-2 Tablespoons of batter into the hot oil and flatten. Repeat 3 other times in the pan and fry for about 3 minutes. Flip the fritters and cook another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
Repeat with the rest of the batter. Makes 12 fritters. Serve with guacamole.
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Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl
August 8th, 2018This Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl is so easy to put together when you have all the ingredients prepped in the fridge especially with a big tub of Sabra hummus. It is such a balanced lunch for any busy individual, especially for moms like me.
I have come to learn and enjoy so many different types of cuisines. It definitely makes it easier not to get in a rut. There are some weekends where I feel like meal prep like a boss and then other weekends where I have no time to do anything.
On the weeks where I get things prepared, I grill a variety of proteins so I can have them readily available in the fridge. Sometimes I like cooking the meat fresh but with three little girls and a busy schedule, it makes it easier just prepping the veggies at the last-minute.
Since I love cooking, I tend to complicate my life sometimes, trying to make really fancy meals for my family but logically, making something quick, healthy and balanced is the right fit for a specific day. Add a variety of ingredients to a bowl makes everything seems a little more easier.
Instead of having a green salad, I grill a lot of veggies or leave a few items chopped so I can quickly throw them in a skillet. When it comes to lunch on most days, I only have time to make lunch for the girls. Then 2 pm rolls around and my lunch time has flown by leaving me to eat a late lunch or an early dinner.
Lately I have not felt as hungry at dinner time, so I have a salad with a protein. I have been making the same bowls for my kids so they can be exposed to a larger variety of vegetables. I find they do not eat as much because they get full quicker but that is okay because they are getting a balanced meal.
I love my Sabra hummus with everything. They offer so many different styles like Caramelized Onion, BBQ Hummus with Jackfruit and Smoked Paprika. I tend to pair those special ones with carrots, other raw veggies, pretzels and crackers for my kids snacks or for guests.
I like the simpler Sabra dips, like the garlic, spicy, and roasted red pepper for pairing with meals. My kids will eat a whole tub by itself if I let them. It is THAT good!! You should try them! Here are some coupons for you to try!
Savory Chicken Kebab Veggie Bowl
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (4 bowls)
Chicken Kebab
Grilled Veggies
Broccoli Rice
Tahini Sauce
Additional ingredients
Instructions
Grilled Veggies
Spray a large non-stick skillet with olive oil spray. Add yellow squash slices and yellow pepper and cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a bowl and cover.
Chicken Kebab
Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl and form into 16 balls.
Heat the same large non-stick skillet and spray with olive oil spray.
Heat on medium heat and chicken for 10 minutes, rotating every few minutes until cooked, 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside.
Broccoli Rice
Place 2 cups of broccoli florets in a food processor and pulse until the broccoli is broken down, resembling small pieces.
Cook in the same skillet, spray with a little more olive oil spray. Add the coarse broccoli and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the coconut aminos.
You can use more broccoli rice instead of brown rice.
Tahini Sauce
Wash the processor and add the tahini sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside in a small bowl. This is the dressing for the bowl.
Assembly
Add 1/3 cup warmed cooked brown rice to a bowl. Then add another 1/3 cup of broccoli rice. Next, add a few slices of the yellow squash and yellow bell pepper. Add 2 Tablespoons of purple cabbage on the side. Add 4 chicken kebabs and add 1/4 cup of the Sabra garlic hummus in the middle of the bowl. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of pumpkin seeds and drizzle with 1-2 Tablespoons of tahini sauce.
Enjoy!
More recipes using Sabra
Here are a few more recipes that I have created using Sabra.
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Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles +Giveaway
August 7th, 2018These Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles are a hit for the whole family. Not only is it healthy using Barleans Superfruit Greens, but when you use the Zoku popsicle molds will ensure everyone will have one to enjoy on a summer evening.
Summer is in full bloom here at out house. Despite all the rain and crazy weather, we have been making the most of it by going to the beach, visiting museums, and exploring new playgrounds. We have only been in our area for 8 months and there is still a lot to discover especially with kids.
I love exploring and going out so we dedicate at least 2-3 days to go exploring for a day. Even so, there are some days we just stay home or go to local places in order to take care of every day tasks. When I do that, I make sure to have something fun or exciting for my girls.
Since it has been hot, we have not been turning on the oven very often so we have been enjoying making popsicles. Zoku popsicle molds have come in VERY handy and fit very well into my freezer, making 6 popsicles at a time. Sometimes we have leftover morning smoothies and I just add the rest to the molds to have as a breakfast popsicle or as a treat after a hot outing.
When it came to creating a popsicle on an afternoon with my girls, they each chose what fruit to have in their popsicles. They each chose their favorite fruit to add to the blender.
I then peeled and sliced 1 cup worth of mango and added it to the Vitamix, along with 1 kiwi, and one peeled and 1 orange that had been juiced. I added about 1/4 cup water and added 1 scoop of the Barleans Superfruit Greens to the mix.
Barleans Superfruit Greens comes in different flavors but I used the Strawberry-Kiwi flavor. It is a vegan antioxidant powder consisting of the following:
When I added 1 scoop to the popsicle blended fruit, it made it a vibrant red color. After I blended everything in the blender I filled the popsicle molds 3/4 of the way. I then blended lite coconut milk with Barleans Culinary coconut oil and stevia drops. I then divided the milk between the popsicle molds. I froze the molds over 6 hours and the popsicles were ready to eat.
How delicious do they look?
Giveaway
Want to try a tub of the Barleans Superfruit Greens? Leave a comment here or on any of my social media posts sharing this popsicle recipe. Winner will be announced August 14th. Thanks!
Tutti Frutti Coconut Swirl Popsicles
Prep Time: 10 min and 6 hours for freezing time.
Ingredients (6 popsicles)
Tutti Frutti blend
Coconut Milk Blend
Instructions
Add the peeled and sliced mango into a Vitamix or high-powered blender.
Add the kiwi and orange juice and the rest of the ingredients. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth.
Divide the blended fruit into the 6 molds, making sure it only reaches 3/4 of the way.
Wash the blender and add 1/2 cup light coconut milk, stevia and coconut oil and blend well.
Add the blended coconut to each popsicle mold until it reaches the fill line.
Using a long skewer or knife, slowly swirl the coconut milk with the tutti frutti.
Seal the popsicle molds according to directions. Place in freezer for 6 hours.
Remove and thaw slightly according to mold directions. Enjoy.
