tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73464423737494677132024-03-07T12:45:55.881-08:00Running UpwardSharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-12020582999217553782013-03-26T15:12:00.000-07:002013-03-26T15:12:20.881-07:00Things I've Learned Over the Past YearI've been trying to figure out how to ease back into blogging.<br />
<br />
I mean, should I be super profound? Contemplative? Weepy? Rah rah?<br />
<br />
...then I realized. I should just be myself. Duh.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, when your life radically changes, you learn lots of things. Some of them pleasant.<br />
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Some, not so pleasant (as in, they suck).<br />
<br />
Here, in no particular order, are some of the lessons I've learned over the last year.<br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>Divorce is tough. There's really no way around that truth. Even if you have justifiable reasons, and you know it's the right choice, it is difficult for everyone involved.</li>
<li>When your life changes dramatically, you learn who your true friends are. That is both beautiful and painful.</li>
<li>I am valuable because God created me. I am worthy because Jesus died for me. After seeing nearly all of the other sources I've looked to for my value and worthiness yanked from my life, I can now say with certainty, I understand the true source of my value and worth. That's a very powerful, freeing reality in which to live.</li>
<li>I don't have control over everything. (I hate this by the way.) I have control over my attitude and the integrity with which I handle my choices. But life circumstances in general, and <i>especially</i> other people's choices, are out of my control. </li>
<li>I have spent a very long time creating a huge set of standards for myself that God<i> never expected of me</i>. Therefore, I have spent a very long time feeling imperfect, guilty, and<i> always</i> needing to be better and do more. I am learning to rest in the easy yoke of God's expectations.</li>
<li>Forgiveness is beautiful. And<i> necessary</i>. And<i> difficult</i>.</li>
<li>Even when you're moving forward with your life, grief and sadness come. It is okay and healthy to grieve, and to cry. Actually, more than okay- it is essential. </li>
<li>God provides. That sounds general and all-encompassing. It is.</li>
<li>Living in the truth is a hard road sometimes. Not everyone wants to join the ride on that road. But the truth is<i> the only way to go</i>. Delusion, being fake, shielding yourself or your kids from reality isn't healthy. And eventually, you have to face the truth anyhow to truly move on.</li>
<li>Having people in your life who will tell you the truth, even if it hurts your feelings, or makes you mad, or makes you cry.... well, that's a gift. More than a gift, it is invaluable. </li>
<li>I've learned how it feels to be judged. I will be very careful not to judge others in the future. </li>
<li>My kids are incredible, resilient people, who constantly amaze me.</li>
<li> Life goes on, whether I am bitter and resentful and angry, or forgiving and kind and joyful. </li>
<li>I love my life. I am thankful for the opportunities God gives me to have joy and peace and fulfillment and that He has shown me a path to walk. God is incredibly good. Truly.</li>
</ol>
Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-39832380700337256002012-12-17T11:37:00.000-08:002012-12-18T07:48:09.327-08:00The Journey to Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE49_cO5ZYYNY1UB_c4dMDlFLm3Lhe8izu74en3tZxuM5i92i-KxwvklgZmcT7B5I9yILixBSjHuQugvhICz4ltiWjtJj5DXvUMD_ynBL2rP9bdtSUd9YB7iJQly1e30X0FD8APkNRmD-q/s1600/images+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE49_cO5ZYYNY1UB_c4dMDlFLm3Lhe8izu74en3tZxuM5i92i-KxwvklgZmcT7B5I9yILixBSjHuQugvhICz4ltiWjtJj5DXvUMD_ynBL2rP9bdtSUd9YB7iJQly1e30X0FD8APkNRmD-q/s1600/images+(3).jpg" /></a></div>
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There is a moment.</div>
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......for those of you that have had life-altering situations occur in your existence, you know what I'm talking about.</div>
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It's like standing on a cliff, standing as close as you can to the edge without taking your feet off the ground that <i>appears </i>solid. You recognize you're there. It is terrifying and loud, like a swirl of murmuring that eclipses all other thought.</div>
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Then, suddenly, you're aloft.</div>
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That happened to me this year. My marriage ended.</div>
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It hurt. A lot.</div>
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It was frightening, and shocking, and never what I planned, and holy-crap-what-am-I-going-to-do-now, and any other medley of emotional cacophony that you can imagine.</div>
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It wasn't anything I had control over. It isn't what I invested in, or expected. </div>
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....and.....</div>
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.......it is ok. Not "ok"..... <i style="font-weight: bold;">really, truly, </i>ok.</div>
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Want to know why?</div>
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Because God is good.</div>
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I know that sounds simple, and fake and cheesy. Trite Christian banality at its worst.</div>
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But it isn't. It's the truth.</div>
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It's a goodness that exists as a quiet, consistent respite in the midst of chaos. It doesn't really clamor for the front spot. His goodness is more like that unchanging, loyal friend that is always there when you need her. Not always the life of the party, but there, waiting to catch you when you need help, or celebrate your successes, or think through a problem. </div>
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God's goodness is reliable, and solid, and incredibly comforting in its predictability and unchanging nature. This I have discovered over many years that have been filled with unexpected crisis, and loss, and change. Every time I have been at my worst, my emptiest, my lowest, at the point in which I can see nothing but fear and anxiety and overwhelming grief, He has been there, alongside me, providing tangible support. Making the truth known to me in a way I can hear. Loving me through other people. Giving me a path to walk that is narrow, and filled with integrity, and leads to a place with no regrets. Filling me with the desire to do what's right, and not just what feels good. </div>
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...HE does that. </div>
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Because of this truth, I am on a journey that, although started in pain and bewilderment, has been filled with success. And joy- <i>real joy, </i>not a joy that comes from delusional ignorance of reality. </div>
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I am unspeakably grateful.</div>
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I stand now, below the cliff, looking up, recognizing that I am blessed to have survived. </div>
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God is good, people. Not in a nothing-horrible-will-ever-befall-you kind of way...... in a "be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" kind of way.</div>
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I want to write more, soon. But more than anything, I wanted to recognize publicly that God is the source of all joy, all security, all peace, all contentment. </div>
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For me, that's something I need to remind myself about daily, hourly, sometimes moment-by-moment. </div>
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Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know that plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</div>
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That is a good promise. </div>
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Press on, friends. I will too.</div>
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Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-70218655128729780772012-07-03T17:09:00.000-07:002012-07-03T17:30:21.618-07:00The Happiness Trap (Or, "How Not to Swallow a Petting Zoo")~"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their mind to be." Abraham Lincoln<br />
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~"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
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~"The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment." Doug Larson<br />
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<br />
Sometimes, happiness seems impossible.<br />
<br />
Have you ever experienced a period in your life like that? It can be due to financial woes, or relationship conflict, depression, anxiety, unemployment, deployment, infertility, being overwhelmed by a personal loss, weight gain, unbearable family tension..... you name it. Often, there seems to be a mile-long list of reasons NOT to be happy.<br />
<br />
Happiness is, after all, directly related to our circumstances, right?<br />
<br />
......but wait. Circumstances aren't always within our control. If you've lived in this world longer than a nanosecond, you know that to be true. So, then, if we go with the supposition that our happiness is circumstantial...... well.....<br />
<br />
.....to put it bluntly, we're kind of screwed.<br />
<br />
Here's a thought- what if the notion that we "need to be happy" and pursue any means necessary in order to acquire such happiness..... is a trap? Suppose the<i> very idea</i> that there is a<i> particular road</i> that leads us to the destination of happiness<i> is a lie</i>?<br />
<br />
I believe that is <i>exactly</i> the case. I have found, over and over again (ad nauseum) that happiness; true, lasting, enduring happiness, comes as a direct result of <i style="font-weight: bold;">doing the right thing. </i>Even if, in the moment, doing the right thing makes me<i> unhappy</i>.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
Sorry.<br />
<br />
I mean, I <i>want </i>to tell you that you're free to do anything and everything and spare nothing in the quest for your own happiness. Then you'll like me. And you'll want to be my best friend and possibly give me Red Vines and Swedish Fish.<br />
<br />
But I would be lying. You want to know how I <i>KNOW</i> that?<br />
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...because I've told myself that very lie. And believed it. (How, oh HOW do I continually believe my own lies? You think I would learn.....)<br />
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Trying to make yourself happy by chasing after that "happiness<u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> feeling</u>" is like this-<br />
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<img height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7q_mKURwfSG7NQ0SeaoG-Ttkneb7PdDc475mFoknvhn2e6iOA" width="400" />
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<br />
Do you know who that is??<br />
<br />
That's the old lady who swallowed the fly!<br />
<br />
So, you know, you swallow a fly. That's kind of how it starts. There's a small, nagging thing that is making you unhappy. So you seek to remedy the situation. Maybe all of your friends have nicer clothes than you do. Every time you're around them you feel dumpy and this makes you unhappy, so you <i>need</i> to get a new wardrobe.<br />
<br />
.....then you swallow a spider. A little bigger. Now that you have a new wardrobe, you see that is was actually your HAIR that is the problem.<br />
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.....then you swallow a bird. You feel even worse, because now you're overspent, and you still feel like you're not meeting up to the standards of the people around you.<br />
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.....then you swallow a cat. Let's say this scenario started out with a slight bit of unhappiness with your spouse. By this time you've told all your friends what a jerk your spouse is,withdrawn from him or her to protect yourself from getting hurt, and you're at the point of giving an ultimatum- they need to start making you happy or you've had it. What started out as fly-sized unhappiness over a small matter is now cat-sized unhappiness. Or say it was dissatisfaction with your job. By the time you get to this point, your boss is a royal idiot, and possibly violating labor laws, and your co-workers all hate you. Maybe because you didn't get your vacation schedule approved. But it escalates every time you try and fix the situation to make yourself happy. Then it gets to dog-sized unhappiness, then goat-sized, then cow-sized.....<br />
<br />
.....DON'T swallow a horse. Seriously, when you're at the fly stage, stop. STOP!<br />
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After you stop, take a deep breath. Now,<i> think.</i> Not about your happiness, and how to obtain it.<br />
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Contemplate what the<i> very next</i> right thing is. Then<i> do</i> that thing. Then, do that again. And again.<br />
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I promise you, THAT will make you <i>far happier</i> than trying to sort out exactly HOW you are going to gain control over the situation you're in so that you can be happy.<br />
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The quest for "happiness" leads people to all sorts of dismal destinations. Infidelity. Theft. Overwhelming debt. Lies. Promiscuity. Fraud. Eating disorders. Being phony. Bitterness. Loneliness.<br />
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Having the perfect body, or being married to the most wonderful person in the world, or being rich, or being "better" than everyone around you..... none of things will make you happy, in the end. Look<i> around</i>. Look at the people who are in the limelight that<i> have</i> those things. They are some of the<i> most</i> unhappy.<br />
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That's the paradox. When I stop focusing on my unhappiness, and think<i> instead</i> of how to live with integrity so that my life honors and glorifies God, I become happy. <i><b>Really</b></i> happy. Not just the happiness of finding a $20 bill in my pocket. Happy, like at the end of the day putting my head on the pillow, smiling, and sighing with contentment happy. Getting to the end of your life without regrets happy. That's good stuff.<br />
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I challenge you, as I challenge myself-<i> look at <b>happiness</b> as a by-product of <b>right living</b></i>. Not right as in "I do everything correctly", but right as in, "I keep<i> trying</i> to do the<i> next right thing</i>."<br />
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....plus, then you won't swallow a petting zoo. No one wants that.Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-57224419946081990762012-06-26T06:54:00.000-07:002012-06-26T06:54:51.307-07:00Products I Do Not UnderstandOccasionally, in the course of my housewifery, I come across an ad (Or an actual product) that I just don't "get".<br />
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Such products make me question the qualification of the product development committee. More specifically, they make me wonder if <i>I could, </i>in fact, be equipped to handle product development in a more profitable fashion. (That could just be wishful thinking, you know, someone paying me to tell them what products people would buy....a girl can dream....)</div>
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Here, in no particular order, are some of the aforementioned products:</div>
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<img src="http://www.viewpoints.com/images/review/2007/141/1/1179728348-57271_full.jpg" />
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<b><i>Anti- Aging Deodorant:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<i>Really??!! </i>Because, you know, when I describe someone, I say, "You know, Midge, the one with the amazing, youthful-looking armpits!" </div>
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Yeah, someone took the whole wrinkle cream thing one step too far. Please, people.</div>
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<img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/shakeweight/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/shake-weight-for-men-review.png" />
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<b><i>Shake Weights:</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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The thing I find most hilarious about this product is the choice of models they use in the ads. I mean, seriously, does anyone <i>truly believe </i>that this guy got his six-pack by using a jiggling hand weight? </div>
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And I want to know just how they figured the Shake Weight to be 7x more effective than a dumb-bell. (And, by the way, is dumb-bell hyphenated like that or did they just do that because their eyes were jittery??)</div>
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<img src="http://www.secondcitystyle.com/images/photos/uncategorized/2008/05/18/shape_up_shoes.jpg" />
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<b><i>Shape Up Shoes:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
I know I am going to upset some people with this one- I mean, who wouldn't look at that one brand of Shape Ups (Was is Sketchers?) twice after the commercial with Brooke Burke?? I certainly wouldn't mind being toned and petite, with gorgeous skin and flowing hair.<br />
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I'm going to go out on a limb here. If a product's main selling point contains the phrase, "Don't have time to work out?" or "Too busy for the gym?"..... it is preceding something that isn't going to work as well as working out or going to the gym.<br />
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Plus, I mean, <i>look at those things!!!</i> I have enough trouble not falling down as it is! I don't need to be walking over a hump on my shoe every step- that's just a hazard, plain and simple!<br />
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<img src="http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/tdy-090204-cast-snuggie.jpg" />
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<b><i>Snuggies:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
I do understand wanting to be warm. Honestly, I do. But, <i>look at them!</i> When I saw this photo, I thought to myself, "How quickly did Matt Lauer rip that thing off when they went to commercial?"<br />
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I ended up with a Snuggie of my own, courtesy of a sweet friend "B", and I tried to use it, but just couldn't do it.<br />
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Wade, however, loves the Snuggie. I still love him.<br />
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Maybe they can create a Shape-Up Snuggie, with a bump that you have to flex your abs over or something.<br />
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<br />
<br />
...so there you have it. A few of the products I don't understand.<br />
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Maybe next time, I'll be consulted.<br />
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Probably not though.</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-38025031432005804382012-03-29T06:32:00.003-07:002012-03-29T06:32:40.232-07:00Make Your Own Pecan Pie Larabars!Back when I was in the Larabar-making craze, I tried to concoct a Pecan Pie Larabar, but it never quite seemed right.<br />
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That all changed this week. I decided to give it another try. Which turned out to be a great idea!<br />
<br />
This tastes <i>just like </i>the store-bought Pecan Pie Larabar, except with the same yummy, non-sitting-on-a-shelf-for-months flavor of the others!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3tf7cP_8yHYlVe7VBAjOxzHOSBzeaHk52GRCzmY4JkIuY1m2zMw2En985jBbWnVshCpdD5bGnJ5EXTiB20A8yF6gWi0BplxLCFM53LcqLoBT-iIWx_ze1NfbkYra6euUYOzopA9M_wFY/s1600/IMG_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3tf7cP_8yHYlVe7VBAjOxzHOSBzeaHk52GRCzmY4JkIuY1m2zMw2En985jBbWnVshCpdD5bGnJ5EXTiB20A8yF6gWi0BplxLCFM53LcqLoBT-iIWx_ze1NfbkYra6euUYOzopA9M_wFY/s320/IMG_4875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Pecan Pie Larabars</u></b></div>
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(Makes 4)</div>
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<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups chopped, pitted dates</li>
<li>1/3 cup raw pecans</li>
<li>1/3 cup raw almonds</li>
<li>pinch of sea salt (optional)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oAENchrRxtaIBjJo8CkiF1p2QdO181jG1Zsqwf48fzjEZEJGhi42VH3xNnXM3eOQ_iOTj3ygcOhLuiogjoG9Z1wewk_lz_R0PTn1SI8g5Ff5Ia7su_JccYls_HiuHokFSZngr5M4cDOs/s1600/IMG_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oAENchrRxtaIBjJo8CkiF1p2QdO181jG1Zsqwf48fzjEZEJGhi42VH3xNnXM3eOQ_iOTj3ygcOhLuiogjoG9Z1wewk_lz_R0PTn1SI8g5Ff5Ia7su_JccYls_HiuHokFSZngr5M4cDOs/s320/IMG_4863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, I measured the dates out then chopped them:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDovUNWeMPgOWf2pQFmweXDXnZ1Uf-lySBB-pD-CEMvO2AnziMapFIQgYS6wSxojmIWVaXXVnGFZQyjf5ibl-0ue9bX1pBKqkE6WaXtK3yUiVTZgBdgOkWK0jd7qMOerz_ZuJ0D95NdTj/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDovUNWeMPgOWf2pQFmweXDXnZ1Uf-lySBB-pD-CEMvO2AnziMapFIQgYS6wSxojmIWVaXXVnGFZQyjf5ibl-0ue9bX1pBKqkE6WaXtK3yUiVTZgBdgOkWK0jd7qMOerz_ZuJ0D95NdTj/s320/IMG_4864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Put the nuts in the food processor, and process until they are the texture of a course meal:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjlQYX74VJ7uo-2DRYvz6214a2qc-HBysKRhbSR-xiUcwQZ4l_knfikjmevQ70qTW90fZyneg2jF2dlt0ATlNmJe66vbBEb0Ebyj_Aamb3T_AOHfHnuONZXw3Wh9qdqK_nM5BbZUJHqi9/s1600/IMG_4866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjlQYX74VJ7uo-2DRYvz6214a2qc-HBysKRhbSR-xiUcwQZ4l_knfikjmevQ70qTW90fZyneg2jF2dlt0ATlNmJe66vbBEb0Ebyj_Aamb3T_AOHfHnuONZXw3Wh9qdqK_nM5BbZUJHqi9/s320/IMG_4866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're going to add a pinch of sea salt, do it now and pulse a few times.</div>
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Then dump the nuts into a mixing bowl and put the dates into the food processor. Process until the dates turn into a paste. They'll sort of "ball up". So you have a date paste ball. Which sounds gross, but is good.</div>
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Scrape the date paste into the mixing bowl, and mix together with your hands, or a potato masher (I don't like picking Larabar out of my nails.</div>
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After it's well combined, you're going to dump out the mixture onto a piece of saran wrap and form a brick:</div>
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I dumped the mixture onto the saran wrap, then wrapped it around the mixture and shaped it using the saran wrap. Again, not needing to get it all over my hands.</div>
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So now you have your brick, this will be cut into 4 Larabars in a little bit. But first, pop it into the fridge for like a half hour. This makes it easier to cut:</div>
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Wanted: Hand Model</div>
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After you chill it, take it out of the fridge and cut into 4 bars! Wrap them up and enjoy!!</div>
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If you're interested in making other Larabar recipes, here are the others I've made!</div>
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<a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-your-own-larabar-energy-bars.html">Cashew Cookie Larabars</a></div>
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<a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/04/cherry-pie-larabars-and-gourmet-smores.html">Cherry Pie Larabars</a></div>
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<a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/04/larabars-two-recipes-four-more-flavors.html">Peanut Butter Cookie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, Apricot, and Apricot Yogurt Chip Larabars</a></div>
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<a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/05/chocolate-brownie-larabar-energy-bars.html">Chocolate Brownie Larabar</a></div>
<br />Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-27129345115832173042012-03-28T10:23:00.001-07:002012-03-28T10:23:50.475-07:00Make Your Own Peanut Butter!! (Regular or Coconut!)This is one of those recipes that, when I made it for the first time, nearly smacked myself for not having thought to try it sooner!! HOLY COW! It is SO easy to make your own peanut butter!! I LOVE the fact that you can add salt or honey, and make it taste the way you want- my main aversion to "natural" peanut butter is the texture (It can be really drippy), and the taste- I like a little salt and a little honey in mine! The texture of this is fabulous! Spreads easily without running off the bread.<br />
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...basically, if you have a food processor and a pulse, you can make this. Easily.<br />
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This is Coconut Peanut butter. Unbelievably delicious. </div>
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Start with 1 1/2 cups dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts. I found some in the nut section of the grocery store, then found a MUCH cheaper price at a local health-food store, in the bulk bin. Make sure they're unsalted, so you can control how salty your peanut butter turns out.</div>
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Put them in the food processor, and process for about 4 minutes, or until the nuts turn into butter. You will have to scrape the bowl down several times.</div>
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Then add salt and honey to taste (If you're making plain pb. If you're going to make coconut pb, scrape the pb out of the food processor at this point without adding the salt or honey) For the plain flavor, I added about 1/4 tsp salt and 1 T honey.</div>
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Once you've scraped the processor out, (It doesn't have to be perfect, it's fine if you leave some pb in there, you're going to add it back in after you make the coconut butter anyhow...)</div>
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Put 2 cups of unsweetened, shredded coconut into the food processor. Process until buttery and drippy, about 4 or 5 minutes. Scrape the bowl down as needed.</div>
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Then add the peanut butter back to the bowl and process. Add salt and honey (I used 1/3 tsp salt, and 2 Tb honey to mine... taste it as you go and add in small amounts until you get the flavor you like.) (Please don't stick your finger in while the processor is running. No one wants finger in their pb.)</div>
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The one on the left is coconut pb, which cost slightly over $2.00 for a pint jar. The one on the right is plain pb, which cost around $1.50. So it's GREAT, taste-wise and cost-wise!</div>
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The coconut butter is liquid when warm, but solid at room temp, and gets really firm in the fridge, so if you refrigerate the coconut pb, it is difficult to spread. I kept mine in the cupboard, but do what you feel is safe for food storage.</div>
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Of course, once you taste this, you'll likely not worry about how to store it, you'll be more concerned with which size spoon to use to eat it out of the jar!</div>
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<br />Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-50624503066854624022012-03-27T07:35:00.000-07:002012-03-27T07:35:08.667-07:00Baking Day 3/26 Recipes and Photos and a Word on BalanceIt is Monday night.<br />
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I have cleaned up the dinner dishes. I am, as usual, resisting the urge to eat a dessert, while attempting to enter into the delusion that the fruit I am consuming is as delicious as the aforementioned dessert. I am, as usual, not convinced.<br />
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The thing I struggle with on Monday nights is this: Monday is baking day. Therefore, I do school with the boys, I bake, I make dinner.... I don't do a lot of cleaning. That's Tuesday. Tuesday I mop, I catch up on laundry, Christopher vacuums. Tuesday night, the house is clean. I like when the house is clean.<br />
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But there's a balance to things, you know? I am (Slowly....s-l-o-w-l-y) learning. There are days for cleaning. There are days for baking. There are days when you need to be loving on your kids and your husband, and not baking OR cleaning. Every single thing can't be done every single day.<br />
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Balance is good. Tricky, when you like to have order all around you. But healthy, and right. Balance allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, instead of just checking items off your "to do" list and filling it up again.<br />
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There you have it. My Monday night musings.<br />
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Now, for the food!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kp7XMtRyHHBLlPUk2G9YsH5X5_wRsy2BxtM5Iu-DiNCiXja9YgN4iypRBMRmfLd7-4d3o6GGLxyyUUiSbMCJdlYAu-cf_hlLxRPswixQevNRWuTkJWPkpy6xAxhZpM5WFXK-9RSK6Os/s1600/IMG_4847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kp7XMtRyHHBLlPUk2G9YsH5X5_wRsy2BxtM5Iu-DiNCiXja9YgN4iypRBMRmfLd7-4d3o6GGLxyyUUiSbMCJdlYAu-cf_hlLxRPswixQevNRWuTkJWPkpy6xAxhZpM5WFXK-9RSK6Os/s320/IMG_4847.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First thing in the morning (Well, ok, <i>second thing, </i>I had to have my coffee first....) I threw a batch of <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/southwestern_bean_barley_soup.html">Eating Well's Southwest Three Bean and Barley Soup</a> into the crock pot. I love having this soup on hand for lunch during the week! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte0NNkOQbCPrn0vXrrFmwxBV_HgyZDGHmmmVZgs9Jn_zTv5UsudN3Manx_Q9GOimzxuqqbvPBJfQ3qR3lsq6fDFmDBvIhaTdDUIumnqcTYX0iPM1Yctvnw3zkuPyM83bsZGgUMzYvCpI/s1600/IMG_4879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte0NNkOQbCPrn0vXrrFmwxBV_HgyZDGHmmmVZgs9Jn_zTv5UsudN3Manx_Q9GOimzxuqqbvPBJfQ3qR3lsq6fDFmDBvIhaTdDUIumnqcTYX0iPM1Yctvnw3zkuPyM83bsZGgUMzYvCpI/s320/IMG_4879.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like it all packaged up individually, so I can just heat a bowl for a quick meal or snack!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdaMM_Cim4Ah-H05AEz5uXS4wVtbIAvdRDm0yvV6QAmPo7PUJgRyNCzQUKRpc2Mjzfo6KKpnvzT-53U_1yKGCDPF9C7g7gpwnLJGdUV3TtUufEFuL-DnNSNXN5RxxxuuirwV_UsH7vBE/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdaMM_Cim4Ah-H05AEz5uXS4wVtbIAvdRDm0yvV6QAmPo7PUJgRyNCzQUKRpc2Mjzfo6KKpnvzT-53U_1yKGCDPF9C7g7gpwnLJGdUV3TtUufEFuL-DnNSNXN5RxxxuuirwV_UsH7vBE/s320/IMG_4881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgHHTc0acJ2mQocDJgqLPy1h_Ver3TRXYS-AXq24J9ViAuk7IiN4s7OEDxepNmJTqhTj_Prk8fwfiX1LkIN2i5vaU5SOTj-j9xjalarG2u-JfcbkDU2VVD_av3OEic7pRzoJIHRc4qDg/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgHHTc0acJ2mQocDJgqLPy1h_Ver3TRXYS-AXq24J9ViAuk7IiN4s7OEDxepNmJTqhTj_Prk8fwfiX1LkIN2i5vaU5SOTj-j9xjalarG2u-JfcbkDU2VVD_av3OEic7pRzoJIHRc4qDg/s320/IMG_4848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a loaf of <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/03/no-knead-super-easy-100-whole-wheat.html">Easy, No-Knead, 100% Whole Wheat Bread</a>. Well, to be quite honest, I made <i>TWO </i>loaves. The first loaf, I accidentally put into a too-small loaf pan, and it oozed over the sides of the pan into the oven and made a horrible mess!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I cleaned that up, burned my knuckle, and moved on to loaf #2, which thankfully went off without a hitch, like it normally does! Whew!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqYKC4EtCrv1IMrmh-FSaaBl8xeCcAkQdiUzHFUaAvnVoT8tH5UO9lsgBQRnIyeFS9nQZ1E4y4KBsGr4o1iY9Fm_wmO-vRsv2UDuwOUomx225zhfnMWT_1g1V1UOQ7x4BRvTZryO8kJg/s1600/IMG_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqYKC4EtCrv1IMrmh-FSaaBl8xeCcAkQdiUzHFUaAvnVoT8tH5UO9lsgBQRnIyeFS9nQZ1E4y4KBsGr4o1iY9Fm_wmO-vRsv2UDuwOUomx225zhfnMWT_1g1V1UOQ7x4BRvTZryO8kJg/s320/IMG_4858.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bagged up some edamame for snacks and luches:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80erBGXT4XIBd2vmz3z7x0Gz9Lj0-gA2UxmCSMGnB5riPWxDv5w2jpFarCVfpAi62wNi5Qx1eFFb5UBRR9X0ZJsXW5nAHy6hwBC3q3CarkcElOVpaCE_V4SScVmcUqLaQUtEDsYr5Mbc/s1600/IMG_4850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80erBGXT4XIBd2vmz3z7x0Gz9Lj0-gA2UxmCSMGnB5riPWxDv5w2jpFarCVfpAi62wNi5Qx1eFFb5UBRR9X0ZJsXW5nAHy6hwBC3q3CarkcElOVpaCE_V4SScVmcUqLaQUtEDsYr5Mbc/s320/IMG_4850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f4chWEUDvcTNnYv_b4lCONPWJduLQWbNXB7ZaJi_ANW2F4ukDa_wrYikAB-VDZDk7nM-64Ci7ZOAyskeP2S1JAuv-6tw_z-Mmm12hBROxFwzPoPctPTJe_S8Vhizr0kPfXT57Fbui9I/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f4chWEUDvcTNnYv_b4lCONPWJduLQWbNXB7ZaJi_ANW2F4ukDa_wrYikAB-VDZDk7nM-64Ci7ZOAyskeP2S1JAuv-6tw_z-Mmm12hBROxFwzPoPctPTJe_S8Vhizr0kPfXT57Fbui9I/s320/IMG_4861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baked a batch of <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/09/better-than-lofthouse-sugar-cookies.html">Better Than Lofthouse Sugar Cookies</a>- of course, they are <i>supposed </i>to be for lunches, but quite a few were consumed as the day wore on....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY18chd2GTvJ4XbQQVvHM0tB_1cqu71O6flqVfz54dl9R8FGV24DNC13a8S4R0S15iA-trpW-HIDtxju7iOT6INxzSA42An0C9o8WcE10T5bDif53aNslKsPCUBmpoHHsmBsq7LAsVBs/s1600/IMG_4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY18chd2GTvJ4XbQQVvHM0tB_1cqu71O6flqVfz54dl9R8FGV24DNC13a8S4R0S15iA-trpW-HIDtxju7iOT6INxzSA42An0C9o8WcE10T5bDif53aNslKsPCUBmpoHHsmBsq7LAsVBs/s320/IMG_4878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi5pxzrLPp5YAEM_K5QzsOPUojhN1XQlfv-8e9DkDyizwcw67ep2ehQg_Z-z4vgnX6QItCInssyOfaEF_jXM6o1jMDEgt1pxyvKvgC44vmh_Ul6jJYfVKLWQY1RRKdh5l9H5E_K2vq-Q/s1600/IMG_4854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi5pxzrLPp5YAEM_K5QzsOPUojhN1XQlfv-8e9DkDyizwcw67ep2ehQg_Z-z4vgnX6QItCInssyOfaEF_jXM6o1jMDEgt1pxyvKvgC44vmh_Ul6jJYfVKLWQY1RRKdh5l9H5E_K2vq-Q/s320/IMG_4854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh YUM.... I made two jars of peanut butter. One plain, and one coconut. I promise I am going to blog the "how to" on these this week- but if you have a health food store near you that sells peanuts in the bulk bins, it is SUPER cost-effective to make your own peanut butter! And awesome, because you can add what you like to it!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4YaR8nxZWji6gxxjLkwysy7hfQHsxZKqwOmmAXU-IYVPhZiYhXA4_N1hICdgzjUJ92qpDp_wzjs_rd84d1tBN3MBl61c15JJtpjl7NsidVNfyYrrBMMGNJyru9BtpswuIjz9KOBnqkg/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4YaR8nxZWji6gxxjLkwysy7hfQHsxZKqwOmmAXU-IYVPhZiYhXA4_N1hICdgzjUJ92qpDp_wzjs_rd84d1tBN3MBl61c15JJtpjl7NsidVNfyYrrBMMGNJyru9BtpswuIjz9KOBnqkg/s320/IMG_4856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The jar on the left is the coconut pb, it costs about $2 to make! The one on the right is plain, it was about $1.50 or so..... both are delish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisheTMEMyeU39r2r35YC8YlxMmVzWuyYbVKwzBxDXKJ75Rzh0fInm8nQ4vCsx9YZKNcpwBidN97_GVAWT3ZgDqAfxNBnGgiGhS90B3ocoxnSBnh0PRMS9eq2rolZj3ujYV3femrREoirM/s1600/IMG_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisheTMEMyeU39r2r35YC8YlxMmVzWuyYbVKwzBxDXKJ75Rzh0fInm8nQ4vCsx9YZKNcpwBidN97_GVAWT3ZgDqAfxNBnGgiGhS90B3ocoxnSBnh0PRMS9eq2rolZj3ujYV3femrREoirM/s320/IMG_4875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, and I am SO excited about this- I narrowed down my experiments and perfected the Pecan Pie LARABAR!! Oh my.... these are REALLY good!! Recipe to come soon!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy baking! (And happy balance!)</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-56436328660460071802012-03-24T10:23:00.000-07:002012-03-24T10:23:18.256-07:00Freezer/ Crock Pot Healthy BBQ ChickenI loved the <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2012/03/freezer-crock-pot-santa-fe-chicken.html">Freezer/ Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken</a> so much, I started looking for other recipes that could be made in the crock pot, and also frozen ahead for later!! This one caught my eye:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4Hf9NG2LnOirIYz_Zjj2_C933xgJ4pnh6nC5Ffn4XKeveIYE6qs0SP4TxE9BBpxe3_l8w73gV0UnsdEShYEwxhVyyiG7PhnASb3ZzceocMFJzrGQ0deII7fSFiGI6fe-fqGUrs5IrsA/s1600/IMG_4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4Hf9NG2LnOirIYz_Zjj2_C933xgJ4pnh6nC5Ffn4XKeveIYE6qs0SP4TxE9BBpxe3_l8w73gV0UnsdEShYEwxhVyyiG7PhnASb3ZzceocMFJzrGQ0deII7fSFiGI6fe-fqGUrs5IrsA/s320/IMG_4771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't done a lot of cooking with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but I loved how they turned out in this recipe! They held together wonderfully, and stayed really juicy and moist! Plus, I LOVED that there were tons of great veggies in this dish!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6ILtMR8LrW0sHQa3Fys9Ri44qJ3Bj4dxhfL47BJmXkyPpdSaUdB69-RU-90p-IvQb0RPW_yqPGN5xTK8uZZWRCn5hryHDoZIP3upu9mCtCtfByWheXtSyjGkY087aap1TK4oleIAjk4/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6ILtMR8LrW0sHQa3Fys9Ri44qJ3Bj4dxhfL47BJmXkyPpdSaUdB69-RU-90p-IvQb0RPW_yqPGN5xTK8uZZWRCn5hryHDoZIP3upu9mCtCtfByWheXtSyjGkY087aap1TK4oleIAjk4/s320/IMG_4750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>Freezer/ Crock Pot Healthy BBQ Chicken</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: <a href="http://mamaandbabylove.com/">Mama and Baby Love</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mamaandbabylove.com/2011/04/05/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker-recipes/">Click here</a> for the ingredients- Stephanie has several other cool freezer recipes on her blog as well- I look forward to trying them out!! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVoE7YW4WWgcyHGW0vsJq3TiMUFWwfqGmc5_WTXoSCyuaUhghVrnBUrQnW9OftQmYZHemJYwIXMZz-cy6gOZBGFE4HK1rUmtwT1yTu1Fcmi_GTqbfde9yQarCTRjInycpRJKY7oPeu-Q/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVoE7YW4WWgcyHGW0vsJq3TiMUFWwfqGmc5_WTXoSCyuaUhghVrnBUrQnW9OftQmYZHemJYwIXMZz-cy6gOZBGFE4HK1rUmtwT1yTu1Fcmi_GTqbfde9yQarCTRjInycpRJKY7oPeu-Q/s320/IMG_4751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instead of making two for the freezer, I made one in the crock pot for dinner, and froze a second batch! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI46HmN2_N5-ltYouQzgVymrN36qcOCJq9xhZU_pp6QnkEAbVYAAMkH6fDqNnJh84JzBc7tDVrwshARZzRtu6FWHcOA3oTutnqLKSUdk8X-lxz68uSn-pv4HVNsjbWoaR1DIfCG06bOI/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI46HmN2_N5-ltYouQzgVymrN36qcOCJq9xhZU_pp6QnkEAbVYAAMkH6fDqNnJh84JzBc7tDVrwshARZzRtu6FWHcOA3oTutnqLKSUdk8X-lxz68uSn-pv4HVNsjbWoaR1DIfCG06bOI/s320/IMG_4755.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is SO nice to have in the freezer to plop in the crock pot on a busy day, or when it is almost grocery day and we are out of a lot of stuff- we can still have a healthy, yummy dinner!! It is helpful to stick to the budget as well!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5PgYcrvaHoIqTTdIfVtVDRRoIP5VvXteem087NWUItuRtZju_pI_8tsAwM7sFQVhLeS63fUPaJA7EPzGLbvSKfCF3YYo1lTODpPS7epiuMOj39Tcq1FidI2QuvXQyH0vRckp875nXcs/s1600/IMG_4753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5PgYcrvaHoIqTTdIfVtVDRRoIP5VvXteem087NWUItuRtZju_pI_8tsAwM7sFQVhLeS63fUPaJA7EPzGLbvSKfCF3YYo1lTODpPS7epiuMOj39Tcq1FidI2QuvXQyH0vRckp875nXcs/s320/IMG_4753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I put 1/2 the ingredients into the crock pot (Of course, I used the amazing crock pot liner- those suckers are AMAZING!!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeIKCGZqRFg4czrEBJvG7905eG0OxvVVmMYm4D1PXL7mUlnYDa4XWyzB2gQhK7ExGr6mamL9qzHDjKXMBPASFPbe9UlwuovXZoDos6vu9lILbL8mrurAeQh8y8J4s8jPC8OUwheOhRaE/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeIKCGZqRFg4czrEBJvG7905eG0OxvVVmMYm4D1PXL7mUlnYDa4XWyzB2gQhK7ExGr6mamL9qzHDjKXMBPASFPbe9UlwuovXZoDos6vu9lILbL8mrurAeQh8y8J4s8jPC8OUwheOhRaE/s320/IMG_4752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the other half into a gallon Ziploc bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFRAIhJZcp77sPy2NDZrcvxffNNx_aaD-UQA-Rf_hZnt6ibCzyk6uJJk0KGEDwixZ1WdPhSkgShfR5FOX3Sq7Hq5ntZ5z3EG3zXY5napu6WHVVQbgdC3zqTGikcO32fcRYwBXEo-2lhA/s1600/IMG_4772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFRAIhJZcp77sPy2NDZrcvxffNNx_aaD-UQA-Rf_hZnt6ibCzyk6uJJk0KGEDwixZ1WdPhSkgShfR5FOX3Sq7Hq5ntZ5z3EG3zXY5napu6WHVVQbgdC3zqTGikcO32fcRYwBXEo-2lhA/s320/IMG_4772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I served this over rice, but it would be great on its own too!! If your people don't like sweet potatoes, I think regular russet potatoes would taste just as good!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR6PFtVgEYe8x7JMaW3A-gJHsz7SREpeu5tBLWXEz1zqU9i6F4hOQu1NoUmvOyiIuEmaixm_H3DbPUixTJJ9yAueP-Vc5ZX3T_u54k6IUnBhRKI2muUAb9kzFJ60JE2eMRwHRYULcylE/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR6PFtVgEYe8x7JMaW3A-gJHsz7SREpeu5tBLWXEz1zqU9i6F4hOQu1NoUmvOyiIuEmaixm_H3DbPUixTJJ9yAueP-Vc5ZX3T_u54k6IUnBhRKI2muUAb9kzFJ60JE2eMRwHRYULcylE/s320/IMG_4773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was fabulous leftover, too!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-89550450013845723922012-03-21T21:53:00.001-07:002012-03-22T07:18:48.978-07:00Cake Batter Cashew ButterI don't like sprinkles.<br />
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I know that's an odd way to start a post- especially when the accompanying photo <i>includes</i> sprinkles.<br />
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My defense is this- as much as I dislike the <i>taste </i>of sprinkles, I DO like how they LOOK.<br />
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They taste like chapstick though. Just sayin'....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-21gysN6HVC7QXQqGWBXAMZ4J9N56uzKMhq8vpOfaMwOGG19Vp2M1ext260rZRIbCLA5l4ZGdSou9jnPfEWi6oY_Xg67OX4ff-m-nnV4VZSWPHn4qQObuetMP-YKzNpeQpeOcQGXinDU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-21gysN6HVC7QXQqGWBXAMZ4J9N56uzKMhq8vpOfaMwOGG19Vp2M1ext260rZRIbCLA5l4ZGdSou9jnPfEWi6oY_Xg67OX4ff-m-nnV4VZSWPHn4qQObuetMP-YKzNpeQpeOcQGXinDU/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUad9qaEA6-96KP-CST-Z4Xwfwbv-_R_Hdrao7-VV4BjAnFxRbBlS22qeqzE2NEa2SEmP7565pMFISG_vLDtrpK4y-eumOz13-kuX11oJLPCxtlKM45By0sv5PbkSAmOAFhjznYweLTc/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUad9qaEA6-96KP-CST-Z4Xwfwbv-_R_Hdrao7-VV4BjAnFxRbBlS22qeqzE2NEa2SEmP7565pMFISG_vLDtrpK4y-eumOz13-kuX11oJLPCxtlKM45By0sv5PbkSAmOAFhjznYweLTc/s320/IMG_4746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b>Cake Batter Cashew Butter</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: <a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2011/8/24/cake-batter-cashew-butter.html">The Edible Perspective</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>2 cups raw cashews</li>
<li>1/3 tsp sea salt (fine grain)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 tsp almond extract</li>
<li>1 Tb. maple syrup, honey, or sugar (I used maple syrup)</li>
<li>Sprinkles (optional, obviously)</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR-veNQN9OYmC52Zd3bfqgFaGdCJ9js0a1vvhZAS6Tx26D9TLUuTIHxxSkXu612NSE3FpZQGZRchtSiytETlC6HgAxNjzm5D6fxnDBianVElnJfV7BKRXBNy2pGXVzHZ3qWGQynxQrbU/s1600/IMG_4740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR-veNQN9OYmC52Zd3bfqgFaGdCJ9js0a1vvhZAS6Tx26D9TLUuTIHxxSkXu612NSE3FpZQGZRchtSiytETlC6HgAxNjzm5D6fxnDBianVElnJfV7BKRXBNy2pGXVzHZ3qWGQynxQrbU/s320/IMG_4740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, you're going to roast the cashews. Place on a cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven for 30 minutes, turning twice.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGEhpQzHYmYxjovCHnon_i6V1m5kVZsa-4DdsggG-VO3VmWYZhBUsQaDevm2EcoaZh0pIRYS7fZ0ng-wJnmOokZl3XVe2q-KvGNZzHSlt3vtB2Feq0mTa-T0DPk0bOeV3o-SAcScobfI/s1600/IMG_4741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGEhpQzHYmYxjovCHnon_i6V1m5kVZsa-4DdsggG-VO3VmWYZhBUsQaDevm2EcoaZh0pIRYS7fZ0ng-wJnmOokZl3XVe2q-KvGNZzHSlt3vtB2Feq0mTa-T0DPk0bOeV3o-SAcScobfI/s320/IMG_4741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let them cool 5-10 minutes, then place in the food processor, and process until the nuts butterize. (I'm not sure that "butterize" is an actual word, but it suits this recipe.) This will take about 8-12 minutes. You will need to scrape the bowl down several times.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje5kMSCk5jzV06oKeZFvk5YO55fycmZywVi4ouBpWljg3P4T2TsPNGhXiLvPvjpjAs-E4ez1-4CMOjoVbQbd945h6d5nHpUFLQ3psbEH91vRu0D65zHmU4asX_ozwdnDrbZ18lZmwM6I/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje5kMSCk5jzV06oKeZFvk5YO55fycmZywVi4ouBpWljg3P4T2TsPNGhXiLvPvjpjAs-E4ez1-4CMOjoVbQbd945h6d5nHpUFLQ3psbEH91vRu0D65zHmU4asX_ozwdnDrbZ18lZmwM6I/s320/IMG_4743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum. Ok, now, add the rest of the ingredients, then process until it is smooth again, 2 or 3 minutes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWTpFDeGZ_xtfmRgEUDJh5sYkAt5GwiXNZ322dSVM-fJHzGSbaXagIqxGqVthE5xB6xmAI6T_3z5EpY55ErbmWgWIFKYM8C30lSi654vOYIkoKxBU2vL-vQlknB5o9q-KoUDoYvV7RRs/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWTpFDeGZ_xtfmRgEUDJh5sYkAt5GwiXNZ322dSVM-fJHzGSbaXagIqxGqVthE5xB6xmAI6T_3z5EpY55ErbmWgWIFKYM8C30lSi654vOYIkoKxBU2vL-vQlknB5o9q-KoUDoYvV7RRs/s320/IMG_4749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're going to add sprinkles to the whole batch, wait for it to cool first, then add the sprinkles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUad9qaEA6-96KP-CST-Z4Xwfwbv-_R_Hdrao7-VV4BjAnFxRbBlS22qeqzE2NEa2SEmP7565pMFISG_vLDtrpK4y-eumOz13-kuX11oJLPCxtlKM45By0sv5PbkSAmOAFhjznYweLTc/s1600/IMG_4746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUad9qaEA6-96KP-CST-Z4Xwfwbv-_R_Hdrao7-VV4BjAnFxRbBlS22qeqzE2NEa2SEmP7565pMFISG_vLDtrpK4y-eumOz13-kuX11oJLPCxtlKM45By0sv5PbkSAmOAFhjznYweLTc/s320/IMG_4746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite way to eat this is on a baked sweet potato. (Well, that's actually my <i>second </i>favorite way. My MOST favorite way is to eat it by the spoonful.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I seriously cannot believe how easy it is to make your own nut butter! It is nice to know it's fresh and to know exactly what's in it- plus, it's fun to experiment!</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-74953531188947056012012-03-20T09:20:00.000-07:002012-03-20T09:20:20.613-07:00Baking Day 3/19 Recipes and PhotosSpring is here.<br />
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Is that why it is so <i>stinking COLD</i>?!<br />
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Ok, ok, I know those of you who live where it is <i>actually </i> cold are mocking me.<br />
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I have to say, I was very pleased that it was baking day yesterday, because it gave me an excuse to run the oven most of the day!<br />
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Here's what I made:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCey6ve_fqDBjnSUxiEaX-VBRnxxnt3KCjLS5ZNOB9KHI6-vL1ctALlxqMdxjOIKJAgQLaQmWpyMdwzKFIqVzE0QP1A55MjQa6FDmnf4xmSBzhV6oZ3SSf7UnQhy-tbK39cFuzFNs9Wvo/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCey6ve_fqDBjnSUxiEaX-VBRnxxnt3KCjLS5ZNOB9KHI6-vL1ctALlxqMdxjOIKJAgQLaQmWpyMdwzKFIqVzE0QP1A55MjQa6FDmnf4xmSBzhV6oZ3SSf7UnQhy-tbK39cFuzFNs9Wvo/s320/IMG_4798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2012/02/make-your-own-french-toast-bagels.html">French Toast Bagels</a>- I made a dozen! I updated the recipe, I added a bit more sugar to the dough and made 12 instead of 15- I like the size better this way! These suckers are GOOD!! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc9jgUzRy8YIc3rMJ19EYMh0WXJ-dHMKlgX9rJ86KKft_fGDha8GqKsj561TbvYPmsz-sLohDt4gIgyXAPWq10KzxsPFI3mUqa5IbqxNwiHr8d9r-SAC2YJ07IWZrLwDuJDDtKC-_nbA/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc9jgUzRy8YIc3rMJ19EYMh0WXJ-dHMKlgX9rJ86KKft_fGDha8GqKsj561TbvYPmsz-sLohDt4gIgyXAPWq10KzxsPFI3mUqa5IbqxNwiHr8d9r-SAC2YJ07IWZrLwDuJDDtKC-_nbA/s320/IMG_4793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLHYD8mbW3GGHq_3OWHrZPRqrBukQ-MPfpLcqpQhyphenhyphenA830AwARnRMbQ5QwfUrORqCClw_EiiyPiSagwt03VL1bG_LX0Hjxfgx0jrwShmnX4GBo-wSldxM41lEw5P-ZmfXoumUSc_ID38o/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLHYD8mbW3GGHq_3OWHrZPRqrBukQ-MPfpLcqpQhyphenhyphenA830AwARnRMbQ5QwfUrORqCClw_EiiyPiSagwt03VL1bG_LX0Hjxfgx0jrwShmnX4GBo-wSldxM41lEw5P-ZmfXoumUSc_ID38o/s320/IMG_4795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2012/03/baked-pumpkin-pie-oatmeal-so-good-i-ate.html">Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal</a>- I made yet another batch of this- I still LOVE it!! I totally look forward to having it for breakfast! I added a little bit more nutmeg this time in addition to the other spice and it was super yummy and spicy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYOqf0PSOZTLYPf8fpIsPALdqsEnbC_MgfPo8R6tczllsWRfAyiIYhgKNQJimzAFvCAJKLTPD_pCvZitSir3qzcsq7YlJj30ZG39VtMU6aIrCelOrKRt67LtI8_CcbkHPXStgwPZOn-E/s1600/IMG_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYOqf0PSOZTLYPf8fpIsPALdqsEnbC_MgfPo8R6tczllsWRfAyiIYhgKNQJimzAFvCAJKLTPD_pCvZitSir3qzcsq7YlJj30ZG39VtMU6aIrCelOrKRt67LtI8_CcbkHPXStgwPZOn-E/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/06/make-your-own-soft-chewy-wrap-bread.html">Soft Chewy Wrap Bread</a>- I have finally nailed down this recipe with all whole-wheat flour. I really like the texture of the wrap bread when I use white whole-wheat flour. They have a good, nutty flavor, but are still super soft and chewy. So good with hummus or for wrap sandwiches.....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistl68IDDIWW9qiM-JlxsJtT8TfWyrsoeEKQDEgrPWZEhD87XEwR8p3UXfOntlNdMBoLEcZXXCzd8d9lnaA1Zym1iQuH5ZgQzPQu60JIuBjhGRgh5cYRT4rQBJwPtyYd6MH944uhYsAn8/s1600/IMG_4797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistl68IDDIWW9qiM-JlxsJtT8TfWyrsoeEKQDEgrPWZEhD87XEwR8p3UXfOntlNdMBoLEcZXXCzd8d9lnaA1Zym1iQuH5ZgQzPQu60JIuBjhGRgh5cYRT4rQBJwPtyYd6MH944uhYsAn8/s320/IMG_4797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XrGwFc_STw2-ZzKGuqZLzKP-JF5BXgIMOVCrzp_3Xr8xVDqytv_Mt1_i3jOsQ58PxVNuxodN5pNkyM8FEmZSYOQcVWw1nsiDnzGIOveNbVqlfa4sNWGEB8xjMbnGRL4jCCNBH0bE01Q/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XrGwFc_STw2-ZzKGuqZLzKP-JF5BXgIMOVCrzp_3Xr8xVDqytv_Mt1_i3jOsQ58PxVNuxodN5pNkyM8FEmZSYOQcVWw1nsiDnzGIOveNbVqlfa4sNWGEB8xjMbnGRL4jCCNBH0bE01Q/s320/IMG_4799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHneoXYYWwgCn8sW4q3IXAypXxT7X_OYwHXnZfRtHaMRF-awpnSFpP3207qpr-UJj4ioCswJ4w1X93WZ5-RqN-Mh8NwwMKxBYxVHIp4DyyltYqshc38coypuM5BQKVWmhGpYCumGmfW6c/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHneoXYYWwgCn8sW4q3IXAypXxT7X_OYwHXnZfRtHaMRF-awpnSFpP3207qpr-UJj4ioCswJ4w1X93WZ5-RqN-Mh8NwwMKxBYxVHIp4DyyltYqshc38coypuM5BQKVWmhGpYCumGmfW6c/s320/IMG_4800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a dozen <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/312932/bean-burritos">Freezer Bean, Rice, and Cheese</a> Burritos-- Christopher LOVES these!! He eats them for breakfast or lunch. I love having them for a quick dinner too!! I made them with an extra jalapeno this week and they tasted GREAT!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4WuWZ-Ip6B5xgRjb37Ihkf61zFMuPvRhUnwC20yDSUImnr9Xwn_YGYmXhED74LuEg0kpbUCPFKznSGrd4gRIc0DqUk6Yuam9IAyUJRTMcH8QVZYB2BSa4I353vtPJKJF1rSR_OQb-3A/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4WuWZ-Ip6B5xgRjb37Ihkf61zFMuPvRhUnwC20yDSUImnr9Xwn_YGYmXhED74LuEg0kpbUCPFKznSGrd4gRIc0DqUk6Yuam9IAyUJRTMcH8QVZYB2BSa4I353vtPJKJF1rSR_OQb-3A/s320/IMG_4805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo is for Christopher. He loves Tapatio. I think Tapatio is gross.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaL7lMxrjeQmOJwj7lKYH9Zk2NxG9YyW0qlmwZrwm5VrDqXHAJXu9BTGbC_MopTX9qkEsQcBOKW8vUeglxV7QqF2rLjfGC-5bETBJ3LJ3votrA_nZGp7WbUrXK1td_2lvXBJHPZ8HML8/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaL7lMxrjeQmOJwj7lKYH9Zk2NxG9YyW0qlmwZrwm5VrDqXHAJXu9BTGbC_MopTX9qkEsQcBOKW8vUeglxV7QqF2rLjfGC-5bETBJ3LJ3votrA_nZGp7WbUrXK1td_2lvXBJHPZ8HML8/s320/IMG_4803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Susan stopped by and brought me these <i>beautiful</i> daffodils! It really made my day! They smell so wonderful- and they really make my dining table look cheery! I love when you get an unexpected dose of happiness in your day!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVeNCtLFotYhzy6ehX6fI5-5wYZXpn5Q2WaFLXfDu-adsu1VF6LXboD7PDjYk9S1ebVBpIHSXCou89dx-dvaWrwVNMlTjGgLEYd8k7X0PBmkkVSu9H1SC4ckKbTO0J0bVVCdGjRagNkg/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVeNCtLFotYhzy6ehX6fI5-5wYZXpn5Q2WaFLXfDu-adsu1VF6LXboD7PDjYk9S1ebVBpIHSXCou89dx-dvaWrwVNMlTjGgLEYd8k7X0PBmkkVSu9H1SC4ckKbTO0J0bVVCdGjRagNkg/s320/IMG_4806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsaHK_UyRcoIQoa-qqOH1k5y4W-gswJkMPZKgp_Gc4NUFQqwmaFaUpyDyZZ9iTahL6A-xpHoxRoDm7KkTuJNXpolOdSBAhK76QCSS54IQb9dXuZUGj_klFtaK8SNGQ4TqwTKm59eLes8/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsaHK_UyRcoIQoa-qqOH1k5y4W-gswJkMPZKgp_Gc4NUFQqwmaFaUpyDyZZ9iTahL6A-xpHoxRoDm7KkTuJNXpolOdSBAhK76QCSS54IQb9dXuZUGj_klFtaK8SNGQ4TqwTKm59eLes8/s320/IMG_4809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2012/03/crustless-broccoli-and-cheese-quiche.html">Crustless Broccoli and Cheese Quiche</a>, which was a little more done than before- I forgot to take it out of the oven before I left on my run!! One benefit to this was that I ran <i>really fast</i> on the way home!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F_yofNcZRAzTmkM3-N2XY8rj0zKhyphenhyphenip3SbiQDBRZM0KVZG70gOfz4uVE4PKT_xiMHHnRxuewE3bn4CqIaIZbV1t9gDCr0Q25dzeeSdF6BojIyS4zAkCtQ5RETk3pM_9nXRYdvyxQvhM/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F_yofNcZRAzTmkM3-N2XY8rj0zKhyphenhyphenip3SbiQDBRZM0KVZG70gOfz4uVE4PKT_xiMHHnRxuewE3bn4CqIaIZbV1t9gDCr0Q25dzeeSdF6BojIyS4zAkCtQ5RETk3pM_9nXRYdvyxQvhM/s320/IMG_4810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies, and froze some cookie dough balls to bake later! I just put them on wax paper on a cookie sheet, froze them for about 2 hours, then bagged them up! They bake up perfectly, and I love having them in the freezer to pop out and bake for a quick dessert!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_bph7qoYrQ4KaQeoVRv7dw-EbVdk9vsZE3HpuBEqmnFCPDf8KrDCDVnLrpusnlP2lKF1OQijon7C_FbAeRjsRAH8u0sJRTnKSx8IYIgTdkWU9QpR6fJLm6OXjBm7A0D_vdY9FrAs1kQ/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_bph7qoYrQ4KaQeoVRv7dw-EbVdk9vsZE3HpuBEqmnFCPDf8KrDCDVnLrpusnlP2lKF1OQijon7C_FbAeRjsRAH8u0sJRTnKSx8IYIgTdkWU9QpR6fJLm6OXjBm7A0D_vdY9FrAs1kQ/s320/IMG_4812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGe_SZcpBD5WbUkTeyDuq42PizXWITgiWPfJ2GWlg98YPeWf-T7KQol6F9ZxmTjKupBfrQoYuv30UpeoquzRXkYjgDPMvQsNieec1R7WxI3iB3MG56fiRRGI1Z9bO9YCivdgFJTmyZLo/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGe_SZcpBD5WbUkTeyDuq42PizXWITgiWPfJ2GWlg98YPeWf-T7KQol6F9ZxmTjKupBfrQoYuv30UpeoquzRXkYjgDPMvQsNieec1R7WxI3iB3MG56fiRRGI1Z9bO9YCivdgFJTmyZLo/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy first day of (freezing cold) Spring!</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-26026005800784721042012-03-15T10:15:00.000-07:002012-03-15T10:15:46.657-07:00Please. Thank You.~ "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use." Emily Post<br />
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~ "A man's manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe<br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHwAzclfYQ3MgCeRfyNW5vCdq67FvwEect5i41d9dJMPCXBwi8" /> <br />
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(Who can forget Veruca Salt- the gold standard of selfishness, and one "bad egg"......)<br />
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We attended a banquet a few weeks ago, one that included a large number of kids. When it came time for everyone to serve themselves dinner from the potluck table, to my surprise, the kids were all excused first. Mind you, there was a large number of older folks in the audience, since many kids' grandparents were in attendance.<br />
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I was completely shocked to see all of the kids take piles and piles of food, often 3 or 4 of one item, not thinking of the others who had not yet eaten. Sadly, much of this food was discarded, uneaten, later.<br />
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Do I think it's unconscionable that adults are expected to wait a few extra minutes to eat? Of course not. Am I horrified beyond belief by wasted food? Not generally. What really bothered me was the assumption (Made both by the kids and many of the adults) that the kids were to be shown deference and respect, and not the older people present. The kids, truly, were thinking of no one but themselves. <i>THAT </i>is what bothered me.<br />
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It made me think long and hard about what manners I want my children to posses, and what I am doing to instill such manners. (Here is the obligatory disclaimer- my kids, myself, my family- we're quite imperfect. We mess up. We're rude sometimes. Please refrain from pointing this out as a means of disqualifying my opinions here. I have beliefs that I execute poorly, but I keep trying.)<br />
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I feel strongly that my boys should respect those who are older than they are. Granted, this isn't absolute- there are occasions where certain individuals are, for one reason or another, difficult to defer to, but I think that's the exception rather than the rule. We, in our household, have our boys look people in the eye when they are conversing, and refer to their elders as "Ma'am" and "Sir". I <i>do not </i>think those titles are necessary to show respect, but honestly, I have seen the boys (Especially Christopher, as a teen boy) be treated differently than his peers once he calls someone "Ma'am" or "Sir". People tend to treat him more kindly, and with less of the typical animosity that teens usually garner. We are really working on this with Nicholas, too. It is definitely a habit that has to be established, not a natural behavior.<br />
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Another big thing for us is gratitude. I guess another way to say this would be "lack of entitlement attitude". We desire for the boys to appreciate the things they have and keep their "wants" in line with reality. We have tried very hard to be as transparent as possible with the boys about our finances and let them know what things are going to be a possibility, within the family budget and our means, when they have desires. This is truly difficult sometimes, especially when it feels like we are depriving the boys of "normal" items- and by that I mean things that all of their friends seem to own or use. It helps, of course, to remember that my goal in parenting isn't to have a minute-by-minute satisfied, ecstatic child, but to eventually have a man who can live in the real world and be content and effective.<br />
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Related to gratitude is the above mentioned quality- contentment. I believe this is a huge factor in the execution of good manners. Many times, poor manners stem from a sense of jealousy, greed, etc... all a result of a <b><i>lack</i></b> of contentment. I believe the most important way we teach this skill to the kids is by <i>being content ourselves, and acting in a manner that exudes contentment even when the "feelings" aren't there. </i>Like anything else, there's no magic workbook or pill that makes this possible. Just a daily, sometimes hourly or minutely choosing to do the next right thing. Difficult, but immensely valuable.<br />
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I guess to sum up, in my opinion, true "good manners" are a result of unselfish, kind, thoughtful hearts. I want to teach my boys the right actions, of course. But most of all, I want the correct actions to flow from a heart and mind that are filled with the right attitude and thoughts. Making myself obedient first, being in constant prayer, and regularly evaluating my methods and goals are essential in this endeavor. (Ouch. I am, more often than not, acutely aware of my failures in this area. But I just keep at it!)<br />
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.......like the rest of parenting, leading by example is the first step.Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-52678675284833735062012-03-14T15:14:00.000-07:002012-03-14T15:14:42.449-07:00Baking Day 3/12 Recipes and Photos<b>Spring Break Haiku</b><br />
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Spring break is timely-<br />
a brief respite restores joy<br />
in all things "mundane".<br />
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I know, I know, a poet I'm not. But I had to pay some sort of homage to Spring break! It has been so great to have the time to enjoy being in the kitchen, to play with the kids, to get together with friends...... I feel recharged!! Don't you love that? I left our schedule more open than I normally would- it was SUCH a good thing to do! It is nice to spend the whole day in the kitchen without feeling like I'm neglecting some other important agenda.<br />
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Baking day, therefore, was delightful this week! Here's what I made:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OEz1RCgnJq8X-o1VVG3D3vw6pMHnldW4ZUEhLEGqmvaCkkOk7YCPTGXKSa2qEPCRmQjmM9iXFTD2htaliXxi6s35NTSoDlLE1VnIaf_zbRxTRbRVaiipqKDM1MuSEePt9_Egatp-kK8/s1600/IMG_4724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OEz1RCgnJq8X-o1VVG3D3vw6pMHnldW4ZUEhLEGqmvaCkkOk7YCPTGXKSa2qEPCRmQjmM9iXFTD2htaliXxi6s35NTSoDlLE1VnIaf_zbRxTRbRVaiipqKDM1MuSEePt9_Egatp-kK8/s320/IMG_4724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/02/homemade-cinnamon-rolls-step-by-step.html">Homemade Cinnamon Rolls</a>- if you haven't ever made these babies, make some!! They are SO yummy!! You can make the rolls to the point in the photo below, before the second rising, then freeze them to bake later!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh052Hi_q4Gu_CEQFD9U7qljEGUFM_FQgXaYaBK_NpsgE7Z1h8DdeM1klJkmizd8JdS3KsRMu7SQHI6pKq_2e_w9g8ylFBspsToYxM9LWL5TDu9eufmIISfktfTiZ-3zIT7B9PqqUPBaCI/s1600/IMG_4734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh052Hi_q4Gu_CEQFD9U7qljEGUFM_FQgXaYaBK_NpsgE7Z1h8DdeM1klJkmizd8JdS3KsRMu7SQHI6pKq_2e_w9g8ylFBspsToYxM9LWL5TDu9eufmIISfktfTiZ-3zIT7B9PqqUPBaCI/s320/IMG_4734.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't skimp on the icing... mmmmmm.....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg9eOWXDpupIJ6d1Q2b_4ogoUBJ1jLQOMJhyphenhyphenJpE-f6DppQi1VhVTTlkhMkyFNxt4Hjmb_7Hs57zRFQw9ylxRxo-rjYqjvD63DxzIyqE9bcxH9jGGDLR_AlEw7_iT-nBsWMo7MN-0KvdQ/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg9eOWXDpupIJ6d1Q2b_4ogoUBJ1jLQOMJhyphenhyphenJpE-f6DppQi1VhVTTlkhMkyFNxt4Hjmb_7Hs57zRFQw9ylxRxo-rjYqjvD63DxzIyqE9bcxH9jGGDLR_AlEw7_iT-nBsWMo7MN-0KvdQ/s320/IMG_4722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also made a batch of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/312932/bean-burritos">Freezer Bean, Rice and Cheese Burritos</a>- the recipe made enough to make 8 burritos and 3 burrito bowls (I'd rather have the calories in avocado than in tortilla.....) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELtQQd8X1ytT5l3HGbIax_MNTnNNBMVeyq6IFfejXEetWO8kiJaOMV86uruJx7xSw_OZNCperV44YXUiQM7lT984kyTkPfPtOaRHamep4KOtRAUAxwfNu1HOJ0QBLnaQifbTH-GB4ao8/s1600/IMG_4730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELtQQd8X1ytT5l3HGbIax_MNTnNNBMVeyq6IFfejXEetWO8kiJaOMV86uruJx7xSw_OZNCperV44YXUiQM7lT984kyTkPfPtOaRHamep4KOtRAUAxwfNu1HOJ0QBLnaQifbTH-GB4ao8/s320/IMG_4730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb0L0VWQ4fkvMUC3XDPFy3kexQoPCNRn1NgqwUvZLeBawzvrVEknMDjq7T8vIcOtGOl2e73e3PDrKIQUqjYCJuRAYW03G8lqtMkj3URyJY9KnnN0Ammvmv_pnslb3O4SsSvEK4W4ZF98/s1600/IMG_4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb0L0VWQ4fkvMUC3XDPFy3kexQoPCNRn1NgqwUvZLeBawzvrVEknMDjq7T8vIcOtGOl2e73e3PDrKIQUqjYCJuRAYW03G8lqtMkj3URyJY9KnnN0Ammvmv_pnslb3O4SsSvEK4W4ZF98/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are SO nice to have on hand for lunches, or for a quick dinner with a salad and some fruit!! They reheat in 3-4 minutes in the microwave!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyyNlqAP9qML3Y5MpQIvOdUTst4_vaMqOOSg-guou2iyHoGMJf7rda6DWm6htiFpEcDBL4NT3XRzNDEcp09hMy9mmSlJQRRo5gD-Lt_1H3ewdnmmjuM8BAolXRkBSALEQovsJc_yUYiY/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyyNlqAP9qML3Y5MpQIvOdUTst4_vaMqOOSg-guou2iyHoGMJf7rda6DWm6htiFpEcDBL4NT3XRzNDEcp09hMy9mmSlJQRRo5gD-Lt_1H3ewdnmmjuM8BAolXRkBSALEQovsJc_yUYiY/s320/IMG_4732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CXPKRx-Pczs0lKrkXzERY-B4zjt8g4qEM52r1DEfZaIscYbapOGkVjBqy33x5nryzytyvew_VsTWECfaTZbdadXIamZbT_mh2Qjs0VWgHCRg9jTLJ-GYr6zSc144CVhzCgZ8-VM8kI0/s1600/IMG_4735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CXPKRx-Pczs0lKrkXzERY-B4zjt8g4qEM52r1DEfZaIscYbapOGkVjBqy33x5nryzytyvew_VsTWECfaTZbdadXIamZbT_mh2Qjs0VWgHCRg9jTLJ-GYr6zSc144CVhzCgZ8-VM8kI0/s320/IMG_4735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a few dozen <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/03/make-your-own-tortillas-easy-and-good.html">Make Your Own Tortillas</a>- here's a question- do you like uncooked dough? My boys are always wanting to have some, I think it's gross. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPdv4BUJDTDFsNyBw8IfwGDWobT3AtdgVpIUanA4rtHwKRx82sz1PmAaWF3aTQ7Tj3bwbTTgGNbInTxVbZZEioiiJ-n6DRtnyuEEcrUTnXHinx6D2YTjJTqOkkKKsDHJj0-eAvpfT6K0/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPdv4BUJDTDFsNyBw8IfwGDWobT3AtdgVpIUanA4rtHwKRx82sz1PmAaWF3aTQ7Tj3bwbTTgGNbInTxVbZZEioiiJ-n6DRtnyuEEcrUTnXHinx6D2YTjJTqOkkKKsDHJj0-eAvpfT6K0/s320/IMG_4736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_OH1g1_y7jRuaLUOcbOZyRMXKF_p04I5k6ljc2tnJrEj9rOfEAnhVWwc-8GnDZN76y835jkApJyHUaFhNXe9TxalAHR8QcEEgWHSGqBE8tRwu7QgeiqPh0O5wAQzSLZKyB3cYdyawlY/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_OH1g1_y7jRuaLUOcbOZyRMXKF_p04I5k6ljc2tnJrEj9rOfEAnhVWwc-8GnDZN76y835jkApJyHUaFhNXe9TxalAHR8QcEEgWHSGqBE8tRwu7QgeiqPh0O5wAQzSLZKyB3cYdyawlY/s320/IMG_4738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, I made a batch of <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/05/quick-and-easy-cornbread-like-marie.html">Quick and Easy Cornbread</a>- the boys love these! We had some with soup for dinner, and the rest for snacks during the week!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlweC29YbHfJ6x546_FJg5YpOIoLL5fr91KTFSfv5kIeD4oRbCgqWKgmg-ki0Q64ctB_-RaxQ4BXVTJGfzn9ylRoU4L2ay2CoQUnox-FIylDxhu3CK__pFeXFWPKzeoVAzbylnvKtjhDg/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlweC29YbHfJ6x546_FJg5YpOIoLL5fr91KTFSfv5kIeD4oRbCgqWKgmg-ki0Q64ctB_-RaxQ4BXVTJGfzn9ylRoU4L2ay2CoQUnox-FIylDxhu3CK__pFeXFWPKzeoVAzbylnvKtjhDg/s320/IMG_4739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy baking- especially if you're doing the baking in the midst of Spring break!!! </div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-22405002850529812602012-03-13T11:03:00.000-07:002012-03-13T11:03:43.192-07:00Maple Cinnamon Almond Butter (This is HOLY COW Incredible!!)I LOVE the Trader Joe's Crunchy Almond Butter with flax- have you had it? It's in a short little jar, and it is fabulous! It's a bit pricey though, and I've been thinking about trying to make some of my own.<br />
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Oh. My. Gosh. I made a batch of this almond butter, and TRULY craved it on apples as my dessert of choice this weekend. It is THAT good. I don't know that I'll be buying store-made again anytime soon.<br />
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Don't you love that?? When you try to make something as a <i>substitute </i>for something that isn't in your budget, hoping you'll like it <i>almost as much, </i>only to discover that the "make-your-own" version is a gazillion times better!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFDRz03S-k9A5tjEK-O2dmTG9eXomQQJFZa84w2WgmwF3-MPqlx_FHk1gtQpormxtEhyphenhyphenK9TCEeyFSxAZqvqnkNnRlUOm9XVNJ5jAztDJRqb1gIgqORGgI89ldqBdTm0ktwWQio1fegdU/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFDRz03S-k9A5tjEK-O2dmTG9eXomQQJFZa84w2WgmwF3-MPqlx_FHk1gtQpormxtEhyphenhyphenK9TCEeyFSxAZqvqnkNnRlUOm9XVNJ5jAztDJRqb1gIgqORGgI89ldqBdTm0ktwWQio1fegdU/s320/IMG_4683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qz-b9fQ_pgdG_HtfJ3IZhRYpwgdpF54Rc2rOCKVeAheSDIB-9phmXEUFzeRMPyc9Ww-m2eBQAstZud-HyMGWgWJyraDDwUDuhu-RNL5slCQqAoe69anZzwsZNIuEn3I9xK2CrJC7puM/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qz-b9fQ_pgdG_HtfJ3IZhRYpwgdpF54Rc2rOCKVeAheSDIB-9phmXEUFzeRMPyc9Ww-m2eBQAstZud-HyMGWgWJyraDDwUDuhu-RNL5slCQqAoe69anZzwsZNIuEn3I9xK2CrJC7puM/s320/IMG_4685.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Maple Cinnamon Almond Butter with Golden Flax Seeds</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: <a href="http://edibleperspective.com/2010/04/nut-buttery-addiction/">The Edible Perspective</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>1 cup raw almonds (I used the kind below, raw slivered, because I had some on hand)</li>
<li>2.5 Tb pure maple syrup, divided</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 Tb Golden Toasted Flax seeds (optional, except not really because they're awesome)</li>
<li>1/2 Tb oil, optional, if needed (explained below)</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kMke-h7wnBYeYO70Cmy4-MA82YZDKgJ87O2ggPiwNg5EHg4Et8FLNsdlna73Q0KiOVfpRbVSwaI13D6l6JK2Pcj8fdVOYhyphenhyphenRWNLeFMt3MKNMuywimEo-OSRXT5LE1I6KLb01-wAHPJA/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kMke-h7wnBYeYO70Cmy4-MA82YZDKgJ87O2ggPiwNg5EHg4Et8FLNsdlna73Q0KiOVfpRbVSwaI13D6l6JK2Pcj8fdVOYhyphenhyphenRWNLeFMt3MKNMuywimEo-OSRXT5LE1I6KLb01-wAHPJA/s320/IMG_4679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take the almonds and 1.5 Tb of the maple syrup and toss together. Spread onto a baking sheet that is covered with parchment paper or non-stick foil. (Don't try to be a cheapo like me and use regular foil sprayed with Pam. THE ALMONDS WILL STICK. You will be tempted to yell. You will burn your finger. Just use the right stuff. Learn from my mistake!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake at 325 for 15 minutes, stirring 3 times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let them cool for 5 minutes. Apparently, letting them cool longer makes them harder to process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Put the almonds into a food processor, and process for 10-15 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally. You will start to worry, because it seems like nothing is happening. You will furiously refer to the recipe, thinking I've made you waste your money, and that you've done nothing but make almond sawdust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...just wait. All of the sudden the almonds will sort of ball up and butterize. It's super cool!! Then you will be saying, "I knew I could trust Shari. She wouldn't lead me astray. (Except if I was on a diet and never wanted to eat anything delicious. Then she probably would....)"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If, for some reason, it <i>doesn't </i>butterize, then you can add the oil. That will take care of THAT. I didn't need it, but it's nice to have as an option!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUyv1ciIbTonCu7Q7uu3UKSuA03DaIozcNJmKKMAJ1f1Ayp4ITStiuXNPTaHs-JHH8ubq-EEW24cMLCWr4B7ORBdMzjbcT4OSWIf7n_01ldI_nZ8Mj11gBODjVYF5-edSTZ6WcgiMGtA/s1600/IMG_4680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUyv1ciIbTonCu7Q7uu3UKSuA03DaIozcNJmKKMAJ1f1Ayp4ITStiuXNPTaHs-JHH8ubq-EEW24cMLCWr4B7ORBdMzjbcT4OSWIf7n_01ldI_nZ8Mj11gBODjVYF5-edSTZ6WcgiMGtA/s320/IMG_4680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, add in the rest of the ingredients, the 1 Tb maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and the flax seeds, and process for a short time until combined.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qz-b9fQ_pgdG_HtfJ3IZhRYpwgdpF54Rc2rOCKVeAheSDIB-9phmXEUFzeRMPyc9Ww-m2eBQAstZud-HyMGWgWJyraDDwUDuhu-RNL5slCQqAoe69anZzwsZNIuEn3I9xK2CrJC7puM/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qz-b9fQ_pgdG_HtfJ3IZhRYpwgdpF54Rc2rOCKVeAheSDIB-9phmXEUFzeRMPyc9Ww-m2eBQAstZud-HyMGWgWJyraDDwUDuhu-RNL5slCQqAoe69anZzwsZNIuEn3I9xK2CrJC7puM/s320/IMG_4685.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get thee an apple. Slice it. Spread some of the almond butter onto the apple. Eat. Delight in your ability to create such amazingness. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFDRz03S-k9A5tjEK-O2dmTG9eXomQQJFZa84w2WgmwF3-MPqlx_FHk1gtQpormxtEhyphenhyphenK9TCEeyFSxAZqvqnkNnRlUOm9XVNJ5jAztDJRqb1gIgqORGgI89ldqBdTm0ktwWQio1fegdU/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFDRz03S-k9A5tjEK-O2dmTG9eXomQQJFZa84w2WgmwF3-MPqlx_FHk1gtQpormxtEhyphenhyphenK9TCEeyFSxAZqvqnkNnRlUOm9XVNJ5jAztDJRqb1gIgqORGgI89ldqBdTm0ktwWQio1fegdU/s320/IMG_4683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stored this in the fridge. It lasted 3 days. (Not because it went bad, because I ATE it.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-18483519777306581022012-03-12T10:08:00.000-07:002012-03-12T10:08:20.694-07:00Crustless Broccoli and Cheese Quiche- Make Ahead and Healthy Breakfast!So, this was the second make-ahead breakfast I tried last week! The first was <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2012/03/baked-pumpkin-pie-oatmeal-so-good-i-ate.html">Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal</a>, which was totally delicious, and a big hit with everyone!! This one was just as tasty, but on the savory side of things rather than the sweet.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP49Fr0mLVrJyxUkEOSIFLQInjxCV0s0wZVhAH3cNWNBUVZ2Y5t9LMMz8aT9aYGBWHTIM2dWfyDv5gTcUhX_g6ZwpIsT41oLN6HV10-AxJ_6JfGkMWgaA_n-JViEApcZDp5JwyAIVuPb4/s1600/IMG_4672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP49Fr0mLVrJyxUkEOSIFLQInjxCV0s0wZVhAH3cNWNBUVZ2Y5t9LMMz8aT9aYGBWHTIM2dWfyDv5gTcUhX_g6ZwpIsT41oLN6HV10-AxJ_6JfGkMWgaA_n-JViEApcZDp5JwyAIVuPb4/s320/IMG_4672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another great thing about this quiche is that it is low in calories, and since it has the protein from the eggs and egg whites, it is super filling!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kP0nfp2GWU0_VumrXS2rg2LI9-TRpXMRF_FbpglZ0rB4N58dTK_s795vttqTZc0-NYXVBHR7IBUZuvjM0Oo64n8jNATPTaYsh4pmnIhUn5hchdVvqWeXVINZlbRrcC_74BGnm1hF6hw/s1600/IMG_4675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kP0nfp2GWU0_VumrXS2rg2LI9-TRpXMRF_FbpglZ0rB4N58dTK_s795vttqTZc0-NYXVBHR7IBUZuvjM0Oo64n8jNATPTaYsh4pmnIhUn5hchdVvqWeXVINZlbRrcC_74BGnm1hF6hw/s320/IMG_4675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b>Crustless Broccoli and Cheese Quiche</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/crustless-broccoli-cheese-quiche-10000000491421/">Cooking Light</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>2 tsp olive oil</li>
<li>1/2 cup vertically sliced onion (I just used 1 whole onion, I hate leftover onion in my fridge)</li>
<li>5 cups broccoli florets (I used 1 bag of frozen florets, thawed)</li>
<li>1 garlic clove, minced (I used 3 since I omitted the parsley, for extra flavor)</li>
<li>1 1/4 cup 1% milk</li>
<li>1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese (I used sandwich slices of Swiss cheese, 4 of them, and just chopped them instead of shredding)</li>
<li>2 Tb chopped fresh parsley (I omitted this, I don't really like parsley too much)</li>
<li>2 tsp Dijon mustard</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp black pepper (I used cayenne instead)</li>
<li>1/8 tsp ground nutmeg</li>
<li>4 large egg whites, beaten</li>
<li>2 large eggs, beaten</li>
<li>1 Tb shredded Parmesan cheese</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY5eidVdUkV2Xz1lUylH4Rs2YGvwgT6PKt1o-ZyhTsovpLdYICL1IpJwVwWCT2ZGli1mM1gcTjrldRG9Dr5LqQwrLnt4UoQYvGoCGtp7KPQADLqmqTUa9lVy28YGIwQOQfBzS1eG2DLI/s1600/IMG_4663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY5eidVdUkV2Xz1lUylH4Rs2YGvwgT6PKt1o-ZyhTsovpLdYICL1IpJwVwWCT2ZGli1mM1gcTjrldRG9Dr5LqQwrLnt4UoQYvGoCGtp7KPQADLqmqTUa9lVy28YGIwQOQfBzS1eG2DLI/s320/IMG_4663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 350, grease a small baking dish or an 8-9" pie plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the onion and garlic for 1 1/2 minutes. Then add the broccoli and cook an additional minute. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_CFj0WtHAglJ1MNzkJJeaPezCr_0nf8mDU019Og_nrhHwDGinkj85QOdxRDRxihoz8ZcguUwgO9XThyhBBwecWh5TJHfDF_aj2lSHymR4y_i41nIZJdMiI0ofmpNuDFJhDP_dFPe6hE/s1600/IMG_4664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_CFj0WtHAglJ1MNzkJJeaPezCr_0nf8mDU019Og_nrhHwDGinkj85QOdxRDRxihoz8ZcguUwgO9XThyhBBwecWh5TJHfDF_aj2lSHymR4y_i41nIZJdMiI0ofmpNuDFJhDP_dFPe6hE/s320/IMG_4664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spread broccoli mixture into prepared pan:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8BgKDdltnMMljWQwLkDlUybn11J1X5xlfGy_L_Aa6AeOJ35ijWk5oyJj71t-z54nnd5uXPQGISjFpw5S76XHJgzRWsESiJ-BvfR3T-vdd-oaxdX2y1E4E7rxd6Ai3mo08A2ThpOJ88A/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8BgKDdltnMMljWQwLkDlUybn11J1X5xlfGy_L_Aa6AeOJ35ijWk5oyJj71t-z54nnd5uXPQGISjFpw5S76XHJgzRWsESiJ-BvfR3T-vdd-oaxdX2y1E4E7rxd6Ai3mo08A2ThpOJ88A/s320/IMG_4665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, you're going to mix together the rest of the ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFvlJxZfrNq9vuOcFl4wuFe-1IWNL10IX8Mqqsim0S8cUZbj-1w71KR9dnqGxAD8xTUXDV5YqkBzM4eEXduTdYK9R4PgXbrj-Vj_uSqQ-P6fjvt8ZJFohCKdhLdWaSizuTLy16HwSoDw/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFvlJxZfrNq9vuOcFl4wuFe-1IWNL10IX8Mqqsim0S8cUZbj-1w71KR9dnqGxAD8xTUXDV5YqkBzM4eEXduTdYK9R4PgXbrj-Vj_uSqQ-P6fjvt8ZJFohCKdhLdWaSizuTLy16HwSoDw/s320/IMG_4667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(This is the reduced-fat Swiss cheese I used, from Trader Joe's) (That place rocks)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDIreK2PhT2i-LeOAvqCZvqEfZLYleaxppEGfaRj6emBnhtuSDmvVU54bpdxktfH5HCvpqnX3UbBNb3QdviIb9mmJBr4tHAtzkRM4q_iaTGYvI-JWIYXq8CxuwyiwXhErXiq0A-ctsQ0/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDIreK2PhT2i-LeOAvqCZvqEfZLYleaxppEGfaRj6emBnhtuSDmvVU54bpdxktfH5HCvpqnX3UbBNb3QdviIb9mmJBr4tHAtzkRM4q_iaTGYvI-JWIYXq8CxuwyiwXhErXiq0A-ctsQ0/s320/IMG_4668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMVwqxyWSe8PFRC5yAQCh3KqBf5bBYgQlmNEp2Yyl_gvXMWdcQrc-sknuuuE8BQ_Mp-vPpkCPKuX8gLSX3JPReT_4FYCMCkdhzOw3Zr70gvqf_OCFwpz2I1D_gvIXFaWjwScV-StwFEs/s1600/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMVwqxyWSe8PFRC5yAQCh3KqBf5bBYgQlmNEp2Yyl_gvXMWdcQrc-sknuuuE8BQ_Mp-vPpkCPKuX8gLSX3JPReT_4FYCMCkdhzOw3Zr70gvqf_OCFwpz2I1D_gvIXFaWjwScV-StwFEs/s320/IMG_4669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whisk everything together really well, then pour over the broccoli mixture:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCgYlZileMC_IL1qBux6GrIM02csLD1IcePYhfpdqRnRLEEeNPIV7etbO3Y-pXDGaPLBwlGH6DGBX5EWHckkZeV3pugEaiCxBChmOMmU08P-6Gd6gVErYo4HWL59OmTCZV9RvI9jwoG4/s1600/IMG_4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCgYlZileMC_IL1qBux6GrIM02csLD1IcePYhfpdqRnRLEEeNPIV7etbO3Y-pXDGaPLBwlGH6DGBX5EWHckkZeV3pugEaiCxBChmOMmU08P-6Gd6gVErYo4HWL59OmTCZV9RvI9jwoG4/s320/IMG_4670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then sprinkle the Parmesan over the top:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dnzzBAZeKo1_aUAS7dLTQCYEeovs6fzidBJjRNp-pii5gvZNwPv6SENf3Uvra5aP1uiuh9cuP331TB6uxVG8zDiXcL0APJQU-fzo5IH9pqA6HDg6iqcYXVRQsE6nKvTu0g77cH0QJtI/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dnzzBAZeKo1_aUAS7dLTQCYEeovs6fzidBJjRNp-pii5gvZNwPv6SENf3Uvra5aP1uiuh9cuP331TB6uxVG8zDiXcL0APJQU-fzo5IH9pqA6HDg6iqcYXVRQsE6nKvTu0g77cH0QJtI/s320/IMG_4671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake at 350 until top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Mine took 50 minutes, I like my eggs cooked well. Let is sit for 10 minutes or so before serving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I REALLY liked this served with salsa and a tortilla. Or, plain. Or..... on a bagel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">....ok, ok, I just LIKE this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have always found that eating <i>well, </i>as in healthfully, is extremely difficult unless I prepare ahead of time. Making up several healthy items to eat when I need something quickly is essential to me. This recipe will definitely be one to keep on hand!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-35355338904758166272012-03-09T14:17:00.001-08:002012-03-09T16:55:24.507-08:00Whole Foods Inspired Layered Salad with Orange Ginger DressingOk, I have a confession to make...<br />
<br />
I got really, really excited about this salad.<br />
<br />
But I live in a house full of boys.<br />
<br />
Boys that like to <i style="font-weight: bold;">eat</i>, but who do NOT get excited about new recipes. Boo.<br />
<br />
So after making these salads, I drove to my friend Mel's house so that I could show someone else this salad! So dorky! But for me, part of the joy of doing something fun is sharing that with people I love! So, poor Mel was accosted by me and my salad....<br />
<br />
I stand by my excitement though. This salad is fabulous, healthy, filling, and convenient!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYi95zo1lf5qgJEBdPKx0mkihT9QQ2D_twPVl1RWw0_FeUu03xfUG-IMbYbbbqncIOmP5hFmEML3lzuKR9lGMxGBsRqqrCe4cpGf1m3xRi68Xiy0tjrRXaMHMNaDmpivEZEYEqNK04tw/s1600/IMG_4654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYi95zo1lf5qgJEBdPKx0mkihT9QQ2D_twPVl1RWw0_FeUu03xfUG-IMbYbbbqncIOmP5hFmEML3lzuKR9lGMxGBsRqqrCe4cpGf1m3xRi68Xiy0tjrRXaMHMNaDmpivEZEYEqNK04tw/s320/IMG_4654.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See? The dressing is in the bag inside the jar! You just pour the dressing onto the salad when you're ready to eat it, shake, and eat the salad right out of the jar! Super cool!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgfozUDb33TJGBkYwnccWdCdWfx954kkW3-2JYLa0e54DOEHKM8Q7iqZAv4h1nC2HU5iSXvR0wDItGA44ZrRTum6Kr5BkLcK0cVlN7g4to7Jyqi8-XeUcqvFW3In3mbB80fWjwPn0c7s/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgfozUDb33TJGBkYwnccWdCdWfx954kkW3-2JYLa0e54DOEHKM8Q7iqZAv4h1nC2HU5iSXvR0wDItGA44ZrRTum6Kr5BkLcK0cVlN7g4to7Jyqi8-XeUcqvFW3In3mbB80fWjwPn0c7s/s320/IMG_4641.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whole Foods Inspired Layered Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/02/16/whole-foods-layered-salad-with-oil-free-orange-ginger-dressing/">Oh She Glows</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 cup uncooked wheatberries (makes 2 & 1/4 cup cooked)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 cup uncooked quinoa (makes 2.5 cups cooked)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 cup edamame</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 cup diced carrots (about 2)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1.5 cups diced red pepper (1 large)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1.5 cups diced green pepper (1 large) (I used yellow because I think raw yellow is better than raw green)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (I used cilantro, I'm not a huge parsley fan)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.avogel.ca/en/shop/health_food/herbamare_orig.php" style="color: #34c24e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Herbamare</a> or kosher salt, to taste (I used sea salt)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDev2SXKiFSS5M9uJTaxl9o4HXkaOpwgzKCA-9lypFqbly2GF1qpIP3KGOLZ3wKmbO_aGKyPIdVIOcEYWWYh7qwodGAVMfE59Ysgz5xeqJ3XX4SjQUhEUy2ZSX0a8NltCWC5nj4zabTaA/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDev2SXKiFSS5M9uJTaxl9o4HXkaOpwgzKCA-9lypFqbly2GF1qpIP3KGOLZ3wKmbO_aGKyPIdVIOcEYWWYh7qwodGAVMfE59Ysgz5xeqJ3XX4SjQUhEUy2ZSX0a8NltCWC5nj4zabTaA/s320/IMG_4642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rinse and cook the wheatberries and the quinoa according to package directions.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tWfrlefjWAIRpuYktJhViHiCPEDR7GEpnRJwi22RrMKQuqSrJC_bCYvrfBM641CYTdQdDwCziLReThaKB2Mquv0OfrA2sUJ4-7XbavQHytNZcaDbqmtvmr-KbGxdpduOlDB0vJSdvSo/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tWfrlefjWAIRpuYktJhViHiCPEDR7GEpnRJwi22RrMKQuqSrJC_bCYvrfBM641CYTdQdDwCziLReThaKB2Mquv0OfrA2sUJ4-7XbavQHytNZcaDbqmtvmr-KbGxdpduOlDB0vJSdvSo/s320/IMG_4643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought shelled edamamae, then cooked those as well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu39LIzH-KxPiRACDmyXaUhiAwRVo8698baLcmhg9j44XaDklvGypPCDXsnsIXR6mrPANCunKMhTLM4Yyxs7mxir4uZsDeh2Ej99iG98LaVZwm4p9aXWERBqE21hTIi0_kl0GGFBsS00/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu39LIzH-KxPiRACDmyXaUhiAwRVo8698baLcmhg9j44XaDklvGypPCDXsnsIXR6mrPANCunKMhTLM4Yyxs7mxir4uZsDeh2Ej99iG98LaVZwm4p9aXWERBqE21hTIi0_kl0GGFBsS00/s320/IMG_4646.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then chop all the veggies, and set up your assembly line!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlhGa5cxx5P0FRAN-LiT6a3baKAzP_3-G2uIK0-jGsG1pe90UI6KlW6tQOY-FHlSNyqnmjwUMBFUyCgPkO1vqVIczCwNxfAXbWSt1wYUs8UIZOjtMeIr3545I2zI5cPdoBU6XQ27ff-Y/s1600/IMG_4645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlhGa5cxx5P0FRAN-LiT6a3baKAzP_3-G2uIK0-jGsG1pe90UI6KlW6tQOY-FHlSNyqnmjwUMBFUyCgPkO1vqVIczCwNxfAXbWSt1wYUs8UIZOjtMeIr3545I2zI5cPdoBU6XQ27ff-Y/s320/IMG_4645.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">for the dressing (makes four 1/4 cup servings):</em></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2/3 cup 100% pure orange juice (I used freshly squeezed)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/3 cup 100% pure apple juice</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp fresh minced ginger</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp fresh lime juice</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp olive oil (the original recipe didn't call for this, but I felt like it was needed to balance out the citrus)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">kosher salt, to taste (I used 1/4 tsp)</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev40YpTz2gHAGfCzb6grPv5Vqb-HMJTvT5uK7YCit_T75c0SFqcAfortAOIq6D1n1a-FUD4h02nI-okp5OZJYXshbiApk9EUcFLl2m4N58nGY6_zTTzRK15ZkkfOzMl5-uihKil0SdnE/s1600/IMG_4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev40YpTz2gHAGfCzb6grPv5Vqb-HMJTvT5uK7YCit_T75c0SFqcAfortAOIq6D1n1a-FUD4h02nI-okp5OZJYXshbiApk9EUcFLl2m4N58nGY6_zTTzRK15ZkkfOzMl5-uihKil0SdnE/s320/IMG_4647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your kitchen smells awesome when you're making this!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1Kdd5SsajblsVDPuZQtbV5ZrxfPxU2-v5hhgaFq2Ztk6ZK1FAGLNaDtx2QoH8f9CrVJ5P89VKAM_1SKq4RvSRkhqG4zjP0yKwVY1ISwX4iMN-rGQC2rMeXWYINeEcA5I1ln7KuPYBi0/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1Kdd5SsajblsVDPuZQtbV5ZrxfPxU2-v5hhgaFq2Ztk6ZK1FAGLNaDtx2QoH8f9CrVJ5P89VKAM_1SKq4RvSRkhqG4zjP0yKwVY1ISwX4iMN-rGQC2rMeXWYINeEcA5I1ln7KuPYBi0/s320/IMG_4649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bagged the dressing in sandwich Ziplocs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwkt4qwlRObSNXw1QvFNwuO8fkT3d6qG-jnp1bxDdDHTXRGleKNV1mTjjdakQUXWiBjm6kHG_N7Tu4sHb8J390QhyphenhyphenYCDXOCAFw1mPOY_0AcJ4XzGpB8InBVkrCJuxn-ONp3J9dkuqrHk/s1600/IMG_4651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwkt4qwlRObSNXw1QvFNwuO8fkT3d6qG-jnp1bxDdDHTXRGleKNV1mTjjdakQUXWiBjm6kHG_N7Tu4sHb8J390QhyphenhyphenYCDXOCAFw1mPOY_0AcJ4XzGpB8InBVkrCJuxn-ONp3J9dkuqrHk/s320/IMG_4651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Layer the jars (I used wide mouthed quart jars so that there was room for the dressing, and to shake the salad) like this: 1/2 cup wheatberries, 1/4 cup yellow peppers, 1/4 cup red peppers, 1/2 cup quinoa, 1/4 cup carrots, 2 Tb Parsley (or cilantro), 1/4 cup edamame. I added the bag of dressing right on top!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6N0QGpl9qm43NuGAASymwgVl0S3jdaP_vidAXc17qIrFuAVy5n7gJTnBe3bzigaDVuMf12LFuFrxcfu5tzFTEn9J-AMwR4Xvigelolw_ecEpUIrUA7y10hiooiB4yYLU8NcRUGWDT_A/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6N0QGpl9qm43NuGAASymwgVl0S3jdaP_vidAXc17qIrFuAVy5n7gJTnBe3bzigaDVuMf12LFuFrxcfu5tzFTEn9J-AMwR4Xvigelolw_ecEpUIrUA7y10hiooiB4yYLU8NcRUGWDT_A/s320/IMG_4657.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deliciously amazing!! I added a bit of chopped avocado to the top! It was SO yummy!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy eating!</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-35754277968507374022012-03-08T09:45:00.000-08:002012-03-08T09:45:06.584-08:00Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal- (So good I ate it for DINNER!)I has been a good while since I tried out a new make-ahead breakfast. So I've been looking at recipes to try and this one sounded delicious! When I baked it for breakfast, the boys and I scarfed it down, every bite exclaiming how much it tasted like pumpkin pie!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirpnv6Xp6ksGlQJHC4-i3Ez_Jun5Uosm6Ai0Kz-82EXUytuSNUXctvl1NZfKI1hAZ357HttdZsvuUYQdOQv6QRdyWxlMJgVfJmn936rRHZonkClG3rxz_Q-_azLQU5BwFM9y8gc7P2ro/s1600/IMG_4605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirpnv6Xp6ksGlQJHC4-i3Ez_Jun5Uosm6Ai0Kz-82EXUytuSNUXctvl1NZfKI1hAZ357HttdZsvuUYQdOQv6QRdyWxlMJgVfJmn936rRHZonkClG3rxz_Q-_azLQU5BwFM9y8gc7P2ro/s320/IMG_4605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9p3E9ny2CbO7V9FY5NbDuXrymAnVZGIw8520I3hsz-NZbKSBaQEbVEhrnmSd6wteCXq_X1CNyGq3EnGIOzY73xPI1OgXkwQjd2D9qYyHsgVBGih0755R7Ug_ua0rWgS1qcMjZjbOvDI/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9p3E9ny2CbO7V9FY5NbDuXrymAnVZGIw8520I3hsz-NZbKSBaQEbVEhrnmSd6wteCXq_X1CNyGq3EnGIOzY73xPI1OgXkwQjd2D9qYyHsgVBGih0755R7Ug_ua0rWgS1qcMjZjbOvDI/s320/IMG_4611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How good does that look? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUDcTinsm8lZzqI9Ff3x_nsasc6mMdRg5JM-Ld-weB0tOg9K_AkztnUjyBVPZG10mcJ3biYwCZxgewcwVzXqb2XtjaHySCh_48kWj2rxa1zGCuSdmvGRiV-9dJLt7VK2SoL93_Gcgn_s/s1600/IMG_4599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUDcTinsm8lZzqI9Ff3x_nsasc6mMdRg5JM-Ld-weB0tOg9K_AkztnUjyBVPZG10mcJ3biYwCZxgewcwVzXqb2XtjaHySCh_48kWj2rxa1zGCuSdmvGRiV-9dJLt7VK2SoL93_Gcgn_s/s320/IMG_4599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: <a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2011/09/baked-pumpkin-pie-oatmeal-277-recipe.html">Budget Bytes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>15 oz can pumpkin puree</li>
<li>1/2 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tsp pumpkin pie spice</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>3/4 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 3/4 cup milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)</li>
<li>2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (rolled oats)</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikN61t6BX154MyWQfJq1quIgy0JJDuwaGtqlneGwtSqq1_qBu89PTCNyDh2yqFe_r7fXMjrfJHWTd-oGMF83KxaZajYqVf4AB3n6JqSxFeBLCBuWSqIAgMsiL7MaiA_cDugUyD-tokYU/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikN61t6BX154MyWQfJq1quIgy0JJDuwaGtqlneGwtSqq1_qBu89PTCNyDh2yqFe_r7fXMjrfJHWTd-oGMF83KxaZajYqVf4AB3n6JqSxFeBLCBuWSqIAgMsiL7MaiA_cDugUyD-tokYU/s320/IMG_4600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together all of the ingredients except the oats.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD00q3zXkrsg224JjcFluMdPAHJCsaeufSekvlA-si5e5hGleX8PFI4u2OWuVxxT2pV65_hH3526E3QM2ir4mrt5LSLBWObiR50z4u6TxyI-LO-KD1uG7jZa3YkcH67n2dSdD55XcSQ0/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD00q3zXkrsg224JjcFluMdPAHJCsaeufSekvlA-si5e5hGleX8PFI4u2OWuVxxT2pV65_hH3526E3QM2ir4mrt5LSLBWObiR50z4u6TxyI-LO-KD1uG7jZa3YkcH67n2dSdD55XcSQ0/s320/IMG_4601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add the oats and mix well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofZIsXBzJxHbboTtin_ZB7VUPva-1-ZQMX764KDQr87rtV9AcpkPpr81_E1Tlf1PZbM9Hq-1N96Ud8lE5QSUbBXS4tp4PWelkYaTfGgr-qFW_8S833JFJB6dG6jEkiqxrauKDxrQDliU/s1600/IMG_4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofZIsXBzJxHbboTtin_ZB7VUPva-1-ZQMX764KDQr87rtV9AcpkPpr81_E1Tlf1PZbM9Hq-1N96Ud8lE5QSUbBXS4tp4PWelkYaTfGgr-qFW_8S833JFJB6dG6jEkiqxrauKDxrQDliU/s320/IMG_4602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pour into an 8x8 or similarly sized baking dish that you've sprayed with Pam.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyzfC-fI5i92OWZsJ0Vs72B3B01Y7QnHnK-nT9ph_ar-NAO2VSKp3nOk1yuGXWTbdkPFAVBk4MwqE0AEsQsMmsraEaXN7LibFScu9hrpQa_wnkIRzd-4djSAUICZWbSxEFEDCd-mgxGo/s1600/IMG_4603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyzfC-fI5i92OWZsJ0Vs72B3B01Y7QnHnK-nT9ph_ar-NAO2VSKp3nOk1yuGXWTbdkPFAVBk4MwqE0AEsQsMmsraEaXN7LibFScu9hrpQa_wnkIRzd-4djSAUICZWbSxEFEDCd-mgxGo/s320/IMG_4603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for 15 minutes more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUssRVKH_f8SeaR5oa-eF5NYF19IAmSXwpt9OTLHJpkggeHEGDwdJWnOuisFmmWT4iPOSZVWnecCbKg6gBjXc8wjmkVZwIeG-lEHrkTuLjKCAGXAngWvMPXpMI8c3nowfBEYKeqclwjm8/s1600/IMG_4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUssRVKH_f8SeaR5oa-eF5NYF19IAmSXwpt9OTLHJpkggeHEGDwdJWnOuisFmmWT4iPOSZVWnecCbKg6gBjXc8wjmkVZwIeG-lEHrkTuLjKCAGXAngWvMPXpMI8c3nowfBEYKeqclwjm8/s320/IMG_4607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scoop into bowl and serve. I served the boys' with a squirt of whipped cream. I added a tiny drizzle of pure maple syrup, but it was completely unnecessary. This stuff is completely amazing, no "extra" stuff needed!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOMkAKQu3EMRAJi_eCzNwuSp-qBudYgE02UTr6b9iCCaQBTq6Tdsu7rTjIlFe3Csl6gVBIdSZzk-PpriL6hgc7XOEu0jHPmR60gkJfBilhipzU2AVs1yFuIH2geNCsyZBBQlrvix6bQE/s1600/IMG_4604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOMkAKQu3EMRAJi_eCzNwuSp-qBudYgE02UTr6b9iCCaQBTq6Tdsu7rTjIlFe3Csl6gVBIdSZzk-PpriL6hgc7XOEu0jHPmR60gkJfBilhipzU2AVs1yFuIH2geNCsyZBBQlrvix6bQE/s320/IMG_4604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum! I actually ate this for dinner the same day, because it was so good!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-85701019758475047672012-03-06T13:54:00.000-08:002012-03-06T13:54:22.629-08:00Freezer/ Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken- Healthy and SO GOOD!Every so often I find a recipe that just hits home. This is one of those recipes!!<br />
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Don't you love that? This is easy, SUPER tasty, healthy, reheats well, and you can make it up in a "pack" for the freezer so that you can just plop it into your crock pot the day you want to cook it and go on your merry way! (What does it mean to "go on your merry way"? It sounds to me like that involves skipping of some sort....) (I would not skip. I have enough trouble not falling down when I am simply walking or running....)<br />
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We're on spring break. I am <i>really, really </i>trying not to overbook myself, even though I have extra time, so that I am able to try new recipes, get some things done around the house, and <b><i>relax</i> </b>(Imagine that, relaxing on a break....). It's been fun collecting recipes and ingredients, knowing I'll have time to enjoy in the kitchen.<br />
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So, back to the recipe we're talking about here....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO8Ic0rX5xvFRL2i95dCtuD4OULLBTj0wf9kqgwKJ2RT7OFoUM_ASi0EC1oxygMuIV7O8EeheX_Wri1OedjgvlV3_2pKbqIfSrfAWJrJMFkLkNilS1pr0wy6iCCO1zm7PTOKN3YsJquE/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO8Ic0rX5xvFRL2i95dCtuD4OULLBTj0wf9kqgwKJ2RT7OFoUM_ASi0EC1oxygMuIV7O8EeheX_Wri1OedjgvlV3_2pKbqIfSrfAWJrJMFkLkNilS1pr0wy6iCCO1zm7PTOKN3YsJquE/s320/IMG_4598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's basically a super delicious burrito/taco bowl. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Nq5CJrWOWj-09BXrosNdAAOwdL3I4DaIrTU6Gu3JuWawRkwvc-TylaHWv7X_HwJOwwmegcy9pLFVWaN147kveX5G-0leQAdTemmFoCeE3JgK8LFmDxf3OQgu4GRRYsSH7oyeKAlgJsA/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Nq5CJrWOWj-09BXrosNdAAOwdL3I4DaIrTU6Gu3JuWawRkwvc-TylaHWv7X_HwJOwwmegcy9pLFVWaN147kveX5G-0leQAdTemmFoCeE3JgK8LFmDxf3OQgu4GRRYsSH7oyeKAlgJsA/s320/IMG_4552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Santa Fe Chicken</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/02/crock-pot-santa-fe-chicken-425-pts.htmlhttp://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/02/overnight-crock-pot-oatmeal-step-by.html">Skinny Taste</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts- I just used 2 large (mine were frozen, and I put them into the crock pot that way. I rarely thaw meat before cooking it in the crock pot)</li>
<li>1 can (14-15 ounce) diced tomatoes with green chiles</li>
<li>1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (bean juice is nasty)</li>
<li>8 ounces (1 cup) frozen corn</li>
<li>1/4 cup fresh, chopped cilantro</li>
<li>3 scallions, thinly sliced</li>
<li>1 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li>1 tsp onion powder</li>
<li>1 tsp cumin</li>
<li>cayenne pepper to taste (I did 1/4 tsp, we're spice wimps)</li>
<li>1 can (14.4 ounces) fat-free chicken broth</li>
<li>optional- for serving- hot, cooked rice, cheese, salsa, sour cream</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXVRne7eBodmv5ku-TMBLg-z7bWhVv97vuTJoadtyWGrzDamTBdebX6tX9YxzTu0dqpw0zH9ye1z3SFH1naUYDiGB8Bt9EhU33h9Jy9AAtvLOt6FFnf2D8XXGdzt_DbZ1SBTo-hw65lo/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXVRne7eBodmv5ku-TMBLg-z7bWhVv97vuTJoadtyWGrzDamTBdebX6tX9YxzTu0dqpw0zH9ye1z3SFH1naUYDiGB8Bt9EhU33h9Jy9AAtvLOt6FFnf2D8XXGdzt_DbZ1SBTo-hw65lo/s320/IMG_4551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you tried these things yet? They ROCK!! Basically it is that material they make turkey baking bags from, but you line your crock pot with the bag instead! At the end of your meal, you simply throw the bag away, and the inside of your crock pot is totally clean! If you have ever made the <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/02/overnight-crock-pot-oatmeal-step-by.html">Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal</a> and had to scrub that sucker out, you know what an awesome invention these liners are!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG4AtWTOFUSvFeApN1rRsHeAn4yYGI-5ANluO1lg3jbH2c8npGGwzSwfkIGY1iSUj_qJbfn8CCUvbzIrX_aimyGurCZ2N-nbGdBJ3R4klgiGoHqGeDp9vNkMkS4xUBFm9ZDDPbrNyS3M/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG4AtWTOFUSvFeApN1rRsHeAn4yYGI-5ANluO1lg3jbH2c8npGGwzSwfkIGY1iSUj_qJbfn8CCUvbzIrX_aimyGurCZ2N-nbGdBJ3R4klgiGoHqGeDp9vNkMkS4xUBFm9ZDDPbrNyS3M/s320/IMG_4553.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what I did was make one full recipe in the crock pot, then made another- putting all of the ingredients except the can of broth into a Ziploc bag, so I have a meal ready to stick into the crock pot on another day! I propped my Ziploc bag up in a tall bowl so it wouldn't slump over and dump all the ingredients out.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3-CgmDKLAq2VQlYzjPTYZRbW0RYJpq4Mw0w5vlKS5aGjl1XhvUdEx_4EjVxZw6xSwtWENihBPfhIyiTvBAVGfhwrga_gVy4xAIfDtv7O9qRsmTsJQ_zEbWWEdo90dGm5kb8tYQDapLE/s1600/IMG_4555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3-CgmDKLAq2VQlYzjPTYZRbW0RYJpq4Mw0w5vlKS5aGjl1XhvUdEx_4EjVxZw6xSwtWENihBPfhIyiTvBAVGfhwrga_gVy4xAIfDtv7O9qRsmTsJQ_zEbWWEdo90dGm5kb8tYQDapLE/s320/IMG_4555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See?? All ready! What I will do is take it out of the freezer just for a half hour or so, so it "unsticks" from the bag, then dump the whole frozen block into the crock pot with the can of broth and cook it! I love that it is all chopped and ready to go!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q6O0iH9-_U3omUnHVk8QgGPHw9MYZz_WbjUvU1rfDEwnr0lk6dQpyG7JT6Mud0jHAPuXgXMpyVY_CfA07Hplodk83Bhh6PSTuydPK42CvVzSqKvE0RFG_KoQBkNvdIAyehPIhUi0N78/s1600/IMG_4556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q6O0iH9-_U3omUnHVk8QgGPHw9MYZz_WbjUvU1rfDEwnr0lk6dQpyG7JT6Mud0jHAPuXgXMpyVY_CfA07Hplodk83Bhh6PSTuydPK42CvVzSqKvE0RFG_KoQBkNvdIAyehPIhUi0N78/s320/IMG_4556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a VERY difficult recipe- you dump all the ingredients into the crock pot, and turn it on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*WHEW*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now go take a break for a second. You'll be exhausted from all the labor-intensive instructions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the crock pot version:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNyBB-F4kXBbwhvKoG7WBbsIzra7kcBiHbgG-jWFraDkqersk_aYlkvXBaE8jcLYwOJigPbsxqJlL8pNTj7PvQsmErUbE95S1MTpxDB-tRuYZbegpfCegJEF9QJ3NXte3aFpw0bu7wXs/s1600/IMG_4557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNyBB-F4kXBbwhvKoG7WBbsIzra7kcBiHbgG-jWFraDkqersk_aYlkvXBaE8jcLYwOJigPbsxqJlL8pNTj7PvQsmErUbE95S1MTpxDB-tRuYZbegpfCegJEF9QJ3NXte3aFpw0bu7wXs/s320/IMG_4557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So after I put all the ingredients (except the broth) into my Ziploc, I sealed it, then sort of squished everything around so it was flat-ish. Then I sucked the air out of the bag, so that ice crystals wouldn't form in the bag. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHv8YIM40fdwsHNeCeuo7HzxfHde15W-ydAW8NkMQF940RnFLVG5zFfXwR1WQUTk8icQljil8qI8BIHNv6b6Ldm2pf8q-zXdYd43IWQlvvHylh4v57IQ1ucXjeDoQYiAdHYm0hkWgnfY/s1600/IMG_4558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHv8YIM40fdwsHNeCeuo7HzxfHde15W-ydAW8NkMQF940RnFLVG5zFfXwR1WQUTk8icQljil8qI8BIHNv6b6Ldm2pf8q-zXdYd43IWQlvvHylh4v57IQ1ucXjeDoQYiAdHYm0hkWgnfY/s320/IMG_4558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I labeled it:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mG06D_TcgIxdIJ7xV91MsSI7Tz8GqNOWIKoBblp2YL3-XT-RO4-OSW4Hn7CQmI1SpK81A7ZexUlVj_-NGrwk6VmO-TPI7zzOeNfV1NAIB49OyJ4olhH3c0H9HFNaA14IRqg-cyHn_U4/s1600/IMG_4559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mG06D_TcgIxdIJ7xV91MsSI7Tz8GqNOWIKoBblp2YL3-XT-RO4-OSW4Hn7CQmI1SpK81A7ZexUlVj_-NGrwk6VmO-TPI7zzOeNfV1NAIB49OyJ4olhH3c0H9HFNaA14IRqg-cyHn_U4/s320/IMG_4559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this is what I will need to make this meal a second time, later!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBuwlspNk1MkewwSj0UdIZyXPpluAUnVZhzErS-zS-UxF5ulMkXW30aNTApK73E2gWQ2s_VqTzpwIzMZlWc58OroDCXew-KJwUzGpTLE8LfuhgKlskUdNf9QrzWAjtS3rueWYD8ra6mg/s1600/IMG_4560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBuwlspNk1MkewwSj0UdIZyXPpluAUnVZhzErS-zS-UxF5ulMkXW30aNTApK73E2gWQ2s_VqTzpwIzMZlWc58OroDCXew-KJwUzGpTLE8LfuhgKlskUdNf9QrzWAjtS3rueWYD8ra6mg/s320/IMG_4560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This smelled amazing the entire day! Cook it on low for 10 hours, or high for 6 hours. Right before serving, shred the chicken breasts- you can either pull them out and shred them on a plate, or just grab two forks and shred them right in the crock pot. I use the latter method, in the interests of having less dirty dishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xPQMC1pHyd_iWpVzZbs3ROIM8LvUdCyWMwBtV8ODeEHU4gCEqowwDTYOe51nkhtxAsM79wGgOqY5Z2bezAOJJMUVYFGhtrPeeemXfO6sU-4lyDNdFmP7n7UyALuqfL-JzzX5Kyj6wc/s1600/IMG_4596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4xPQMC1pHyd_iWpVzZbs3ROIM8LvUdCyWMwBtV8ODeEHU4gCEqowwDTYOe51nkhtxAsM79wGgOqY5Z2bezAOJJMUVYFGhtrPeeemXfO6sU-4lyDNdFmP7n7UyALuqfL-JzzX5Kyj6wc/s320/IMG_4596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone in the family LOVED this!! Wade doesn't like beans, but he happily picked them out, still declaring this meal a winner!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It froze well!! I may make a freezer batch for lunches, we had two "burrito bowls" leftover, and Christopher and I both loved having a filling lunch!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-5111565451851000492012-03-05T21:00:00.000-08:002012-03-05T21:00:58.457-08:00Baking Day 3/5 Recipes and PhotosDaytime television is horrible!<div><br />
</div><div>We are on spring break, so I decided I was going to watch television while I did baking day today. I was not impressed. There were several lame talk shows, and none of them held any interest for me. Bummer. I always sort of have this fantasy that after I'm done schooling the boys I will have this life where I sit with a cup of coffee and watch television, relaxing on the couch. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I don't think so. Unless programming vastly improves in the next 9 years or so.....</div><div><br />
</div><div>I guess I'll probably just stick to a more realistic plan, which doesn't include couch-sitting and television. Darn.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyhow, back baking day. Here's what I made (While listening to the radio)...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxYAQzRsHDOMSQOu4Yx4x4z4Lr856_nd3MyV_iOjhMd0HTazsYze_G4Omg858STTBsk4aXArIoEjag7lg9q5e7qAb23cg8Kg2GOzmktPoTrDxQXfpK0A79Uj9P6vFp7zxX2WFJELfuTU/s1600/IMG_4586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxYAQzRsHDOMSQOu4Yx4x4z4Lr856_nd3MyV_iOjhMd0HTazsYze_G4Omg858STTBsk4aXArIoEjag7lg9q5e7qAb23cg8Kg2GOzmktPoTrDxQXfpK0A79Uj9P6vFp7zxX2WFJELfuTU/s320/IMG_4586.JPG" width="320" /></a>\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oreo brownies- these turned out WAY better than I even imagined! So simple too- just take a box of brownie mix (I used a 9x13 pan-sized mix) and some Oreos. I usually add chocolate chips, but Wade has been <i>obsessed </i>with Oreos lately, so I obliged him.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhO1pDcwciuncTXZH5u0w9SUeCSCABQITBdUH3lI4SRgbsnLdGiSV2tHzWmjElthHNkqtQf_BPELcX17nKPZt7Hw2et0OdNun1INaXlJ8hsNa04OPT9u0W8zDE6XAtRCy_TXfFj_6544/s1600/IMG_4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhO1pDcwciuncTXZH5u0w9SUeCSCABQITBdUH3lI4SRgbsnLdGiSV2tHzWmjElthHNkqtQf_BPELcX17nKPZt7Hw2et0OdNun1INaXlJ8hsNa04OPT9u0W8zDE6XAtRCy_TXfFj_6544/s320/IMG_4567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chop a dozen or so of the Oreos, coarsely, reservine 3 or 4 for the top.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sg_R5Nlb4-FHXwlTYkOyR3p1hLVWXqQkYLqwD4Dpc4pnTbmWDG8T1K-i0XHjVjcYWeWeCgjUO1SaZmz_THdusNxj7DIvZ8tmlb9_Cwgs6JubmhXBV7UT0JEkFDhtarD_CUHqgA5nA8U/s1600/IMG_4568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sg_R5Nlb4-FHXwlTYkOyR3p1hLVWXqQkYLqwD4Dpc4pnTbmWDG8T1K-i0XHjVjcYWeWeCgjUO1SaZmz_THdusNxj7DIvZ8tmlb9_Cwgs6JubmhXBV7UT0JEkFDhtarD_CUHqgA5nA8U/s320/IMG_4568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add the rest in with the dry batter mix, then make and bake the brownies according to the package instructions, but sprinkle the reserved Oreos over the top before baking.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_kn6Da4vMrYbyBCPmLkOJP9momGftArY_7RTycEkBbnRKc4cTxd4VPE_Ufl3Z2iGJ2Ewn_hQCHhEi7HKbU8PP6iOG2IUf75WsF_U2vZmmgvsrUyLZcyAL0C4rcLGjukZCpuMSLl-1eU/s1600/IMG_4570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_kn6Da4vMrYbyBCPmLkOJP9momGftArY_7RTycEkBbnRKc4cTxd4VPE_Ufl3Z2iGJ2Ewn_hQCHhEi7HKbU8PP6iOG2IUf75WsF_U2vZmmgvsrUyLZcyAL0C4rcLGjukZCpuMSLl-1eU/s320/IMG_4570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJDfnbLTR3X9khLQA-oTXuRAstE3sW73BUrUwLwTRTFRLNUTIs6wLzSq8MtGYxR-hwmyjdhFOC4D-BKR8x_1FNFo6Om3-U4Xr1ArmKHYVpqOLGNJqBzmcq8PRBfEUFR0cFQS6MBSBZt0/s1600/IMG_4571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJDfnbLTR3X9khLQA-oTXuRAstE3sW73BUrUwLwTRTFRLNUTIs6wLzSq8MtGYxR-hwmyjdhFOC4D-BKR8x_1FNFo6Om3-U4Xr1ArmKHYVpqOLGNJqBzmcq8PRBfEUFR0cFQS6MBSBZt0/s320/IMG_4571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After they cooled, I cut them into squares and individually wrapped them in saran wrap. Nicholas had two friends over to play today, and they LOVED that they could just go and grab a brownie. I'm telling you, there's something about individually packaged food that makes it more appealing. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lVfa1ZrMRoBePcj9kOAMoQFCjvf4ZCvGgWi60DP7_ZMZYr9MMzR1cJEiXOdFwlW56RVXAAZXjac9PqcNmQzW6W5bBWEN4FBdW7Ek_jIbXfTA3mTwmav1hevkpB7-m1OkFkNGXfSoG1Y/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lVfa1ZrMRoBePcj9kOAMoQFCjvf4ZCvGgWi60DP7_ZMZYr9MMzR1cJEiXOdFwlW56RVXAAZXjac9PqcNmQzW6W5bBWEN4FBdW7Ek_jIbXfTA3mTwmav1hevkpB7-m1OkFkNGXfSoG1Y/s320/IMG_4589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cup up some ripe bananas, then bagged them for the freezer, to be used for smoothies:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e7SBCjKuepHa9V6N5gdIUOqmajEHfUnOicitGPF2h_oduSj50ry2V7RN0n7CHiiLTdvAGeE7u2EZEq53mtWjbe0OHwQTP_Td3snzXtR08qf36plRN3-u5wJ8d59hiurc-cYqcU-ksSE/s1600/IMG_4572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e7SBCjKuepHa9V6N5gdIUOqmajEHfUnOicitGPF2h_oduSj50ry2V7RN0n7CHiiLTdvAGeE7u2EZEq53mtWjbe0OHwQTP_Td3snzXtR08qf36plRN3-u5wJ8d59hiurc-cYqcU-ksSE/s320/IMG_4572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFVKbYtuo7nfajQhlwG5wWWfeNkcfXyZEgguqHJb5cWwDXHPGc5NdUB56f1lVnPA4VjvFsnaqRR4THGE9s4ix-bwAYLZvx7zT40xEZlUYX3Y6kwRyWIwS3z6bRuqrznxcCdzfNgqYcyY/s1600/IMG_4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFVKbYtuo7nfajQhlwG5wWWfeNkcfXyZEgguqHJb5cWwDXHPGc5NdUB56f1lVnPA4VjvFsnaqRR4THGE9s4ix-bwAYLZvx7zT40xEZlUYX3Y6kwRyWIwS3z6bRuqrznxcCdzfNgqYcyY/s320/IMG_4573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a batch of <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2012/02/make-your-own-chai-latte-mix.html">Make Your Own Chai Latte Mix</a>- Christopher has been going through this stuff!! He likes it iced, and has some nearly every morning with breakfast!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb7TIpoO5j5tB_a-wX9E6-X4mUkRuYKieL4azTtVG3-IblkweCQ2p5VioQw04e2CBe6jnXz-3YkxLut7Kz7ofEpclZZBBhCoIsmCgZ990xuP5HdCSbydmZXbr_-kBVPkPxSjF_jUOwYc/s1600/IMG_4564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb7TIpoO5j5tB_a-wX9E6-X4mUkRuYKieL4azTtVG3-IblkweCQ2p5VioQw04e2CBe6jnXz-3YkxLut7Kz7ofEpclZZBBhCoIsmCgZ990xuP5HdCSbydmZXbr_-kBVPkPxSjF_jUOwYc/s320/IMG_4564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hard-boiled some eggs for snacks:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYg0oxpM2vN-DCJWevTwCbfvd0bZfdv7ZSTcr1OH2VL-04e1N8c0_zZDh98K7_BQQGq2Rtbg5JAiWkXjAY5oFIXYHSd-3SxygdGPtxmJ6t8ATcUCLmBmMJaoM_9AZJGrOHVH64YgIUYM/s1600/IMG_4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYg0oxpM2vN-DCJWevTwCbfvd0bZfdv7ZSTcr1OH2VL-04e1N8c0_zZDh98K7_BQQGq2Rtbg5JAiWkXjAY5oFIXYHSd-3SxygdGPtxmJ6t8ATcUCLmBmMJaoM_9AZJGrOHVH64YgIUYM/s320/IMG_4577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNZsxrBqr5FajFONUJbEuGrn792XQ6Q5DWrv_eodOESSF1Rr9wKuwh7rDeupqblw6vL0pfExQR85dUNCMYY4FvgsXoZzwV3i7PmbXeBAI2PiQwuptVOB_PpyKjZAn41GX8B3nMd81DRQ/s1600/IMG_4581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNZsxrBqr5FajFONUJbEuGrn792XQ6Q5DWrv_eodOESSF1Rr9wKuwh7rDeupqblw6vL0pfExQR85dUNCMYY4FvgsXoZzwV3i7PmbXeBAI2PiQwuptVOB_PpyKjZAn41GX8B3nMd81DRQ/s320/IMG_4581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bagged some Edamame:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy3-3iN4lIwePR2zSf1HG7p0WAC0to5b7k2Kb1-taOvX2766_xTgGaqv5cCY0ZblsId8b7-8qzWyWs4jwKryrwxhdWrQ1ghPlRM6E7qiLkh-J96nUdaXebeQgrhfd5YgkqeRXExNydio/s1600/IMG_4574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy3-3iN4lIwePR2zSf1HG7p0WAC0to5b7k2Kb1-taOvX2766_xTgGaqv5cCY0ZblsId8b7-8qzWyWs4jwKryrwxhdWrQ1ghPlRM6E7qiLkh-J96nUdaXebeQgrhfd5YgkqeRXExNydio/s320/IMG_4574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa2J9pHhKLKvPnGzQVTpZbeRrHI8Vf4OCa9dfeovhMU_qI02G8BzppERS1KYOldKTXLo9XJxusxcqDePK2snwg3NZAdoy35qglWaDpGpg2ucONx5T5xyWbb5B0tUO5ENGl8NhaCcPL48/s1600/IMG_4576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa2J9pHhKLKvPnGzQVTpZbeRrHI8Vf4OCa9dfeovhMU_qI02G8BzppERS1KYOldKTXLo9XJxusxcqDePK2snwg3NZAdoy35qglWaDpGpg2ucONx5T5xyWbb5B0tUO5ENGl8NhaCcPL48/s320/IMG_4576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Made a batch of <a href="http://running-upward.blogspot.com/2011/02/homemade-energy-bars.html">Homemade Energy Bars</a>- Wade has been taking these for snack at work each day, which comes in handy if he ends up working late. They're really filling, and he loves them.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOLve8zskliRwv-YD6nyX_tQ0pYwur2U3zmtWKzGKixXX_-4AJ6Qh8ww-PEOugN0Tydlpa3vL7eHxOe8NXEjXruXrPRGhboySmKobPItewFsL7Wu88aGAtnXaAyw9X_t46ukZJ480zvU/s1600/IMG_4578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOLve8zskliRwv-YD6nyX_tQ0pYwur2U3zmtWKzGKixXX_-4AJ6Qh8ww-PEOugN0Tydlpa3vL7eHxOe8NXEjXruXrPRGhboySmKobPItewFsL7Wu88aGAtnXaAyw9X_t46ukZJ480zvU/s320/IMG_4578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I wrapped them individually:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0EN3mwqqHgU73-Q9wW4aD9bdzI6BaTHgKjfmFsMdiaGCVhSSvvFy6Hz5QUCsPEFt5oEcFROeimDoHi8rzrkgjZhUwJWp2MrDdb5G4k_ImzLsEfceqIyfV6uVkNaydtwhA9ef2G9DN8w/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0EN3mwqqHgU73-Q9wW4aD9bdzI6BaTHgKjfmFsMdiaGCVhSSvvFy6Hz5QUCsPEFt5oEcFROeimDoHi8rzrkgjZhUwJWp2MrDdb5G4k_ImzLsEfceqIyfV6uVkNaydtwhA9ef2G9DN8w/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then put them in the fridge:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVcJRKr_9_kg7600dprNm3fZaHbgFHkdT2rqgCEIhFddKqw0Z_313UtY46F0V6aKvlIlAv7olCwWO1PxnAkmgACsu0DR_PAh606UBwf56U00b765kDhco7cJ02PDUOzyQTHCBPUYb9eI/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVcJRKr_9_kg7600dprNm3fZaHbgFHkdT2rqgCEIhFddKqw0Z_313UtY46F0V6aKvlIlAv7olCwWO1PxnAkmgACsu0DR_PAh606UBwf56U00b765kDhco7cJ02PDUOzyQTHCBPUYb9eI/s320/IMG_4592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I baked a loaf of <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/">Banana Bread</a> for breakfasts- I love mine with some almond butter on top!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KUBlRshcrj4ObtSnmC1h7BO92xfma4et2K0Ho5WUyEMoiCri1UJvkuwrPr-yTxYNErfh3wEOoPOdPpJxGTjFsq_bXtmi_95AfBDbMhwtKn8K6PIhgDumAaVJRYyAItGVDfdgoXx4u40/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KUBlRshcrj4ObtSnmC1h7BO92xfma4et2K0Ho5WUyEMoiCri1UJvkuwrPr-yTxYNErfh3wEOoPOdPpJxGTjFsq_bXtmi_95AfBDbMhwtKn8K6PIhgDumAaVJRYyAItGVDfdgoXx4u40/s320/IMG_4587.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pre-sliced it before wrapping it, to make it easy for the boys to grab a slice for breakfast or a snack!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6s8VkYgeo7HZFhAAKRVC3oO5G-AthhU5DeKqedAZxQqUdnc2pZvG_mnR00b7jwGL2kuR0AGbtf24NDPSyT9Nq4jTXpRqIwcsr2rM0mEht_FEENljOre5MwxXLeHvf4uCiPb4NwbA1Yo/s1600/IMG_4593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6s8VkYgeo7HZFhAAKRVC3oO5G-AthhU5DeKqedAZxQqUdnc2pZvG_mnR00b7jwGL2kuR0AGbtf24NDPSyT9Nq4jTXpRqIwcsr2rM0mEht_FEENljOre5MwxXLeHvf4uCiPb4NwbA1Yo/s320/IMG_4593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the end of the day, I <i style="font-weight: bold;">did </i>end up sitting on the couch, but with a book instead of television, my friend Dana loaned me a copy of <u>Outlander</u> by Diana Gabaldon. It has my interested piqued! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy baking!</div><div> </div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-28494799393664655592012-02-28T17:01:00.000-08:002012-02-28T17:01:18.216-08:00Make Your Own Febreze Fabric Freshener Spray!So, as usual, we're still on the budget bandwagon. While there are some "extras" that I still spend money to buy, others have to go by the wayside. Coffee stays. As does coffee creamer. Wade's non-negotiable is Oreos (Which are gross and not even good. Homemade cookies are good. Oreos are just blah.)<br />
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Febreze is one of those things. I like to use it when I'm making the bed in the morning, and on the towels when I'm tidying the restroom. (And also, maybe, on my running clothes when they get smelly..hypothetically......)<br />
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A slight digression- sometimes sticking to your budget is more about contentment than it is about dollars and cents, you know? I mean, of course it is <i>literally</i> minding your dollars and cents, but I find I can do that more easily with the right attitude. I am often amazed by how much I <i>HAVE</i>, when I bother to look. Most of all, I have lots of resources. The ability to cook. A family who readily accepts circumstances, even if they are different than usual. Time (Not having to work outside of the home). And, usually, energy. If I focus on those things, and making the most of what I have at my disposal, I can usually do better than just "make do". I can thrive.<br />
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Ok, back to the Febreze- this is really simple. And cool, because you can make your favorite fabric softener the scent of the Febreze!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalFRg6bFGvPDroG6Kc7rNWgTWzdJqEhTTipq7UFyPkmqsWASvJ8-JIvclcNBzcXXZ1ulnpOa0dj-2TOMj1Ru8114S9qYUii06FpS2SkdneHfUIMmxmXQXtJ7sNaiqcEDiHpfpr9GCCgA/s1600/IMG_4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalFRg6bFGvPDroG6Kc7rNWgTWzdJqEhTTipq7UFyPkmqsWASvJ8-JIvclcNBzcXXZ1ulnpOa0dj-2TOMj1Ru8114S9qYUii06FpS2SkdneHfUIMmxmXQXtJ7sNaiqcEDiHpfpr9GCCgA/s320/IMG_4521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Homemade Febreze</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adapted From <a href="http://fakeitfrugal.blogspot.com/2011/07/fake-febreeze.html">Fake It Frugal</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/2 Tbs. Baking Soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/2 Tbs. fabric softener </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Empty Febreze spray bottle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just used a paper funnel and put the baking soda and Downy into the bottle, filled the rest up with warm water and gave it a shake!! I works WONDERFULLY!! It smells so nice, like a load of freshly-washed laundry!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So if your house smells like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTR_j7Fz2CCxRceb7gAJ1lg8VP7G3DoGhFkc9xQ5f_k5vRkYw_e" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But you want it to smell like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Use this stuff!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(That may be a tiny, itty-bitty, slight exaggeration.) (But it does smell super fresh.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-13701864820503010722012-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:002012-02-27T13:46:59.525-08:00Clementine Creamsicle Smoothie- AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!Something really fun and exciting happened this weekend- some friends and I organized and ran a 50k race! Several of my running buddies are training to run the American River 50 mile race, and as part of the training, needed to run a 50k. We all finished, cheered each other on, and just had a great time!!<br />
<br />
The day after an endurance event, I am monumentally hungry. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night after a long race or training session with my stomach growling. I usually give myself free license to eat junk, but I just didn't want to do that this time. So I knew I would have to eat several meals throughout the day. This smoothie is full of great ingredients, delicious, and seriously satisfying!! It was a perfect recovery smoothie!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZiNWd9gsvB3h-RqoLGCm8swsH8gLhoAwUDwktGiHRxnA0efK7LgVcnq8QQ8Hkn8hBfZn7ObtCxIlrhqFSK1DQuQV5OGU22myTQkoRPWz7Zb1_pA5LlA1jAFjY264c0SnGnNabXapGtw/s1600/IMG_4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZiNWd9gsvB3h-RqoLGCm8swsH8gLhoAwUDwktGiHRxnA0efK7LgVcnq8QQ8Hkn8hBfZn7ObtCxIlrhqFSK1DQuQV5OGU22myTQkoRPWz7Zb1_pA5LlA1jAFjY264c0SnGnNabXapGtw/s320/IMG_4516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnXm8l7bw-WH-7J1RVD2g7dfUIffFGMGxT9v7bIstlxRGDvMeUVUc9EC5qzLwiwzWLfdaHB-MGsjAw-c0VykMWJ7maCdO1RvPWaUKRaIjLw9S7me4BsaCyu0rR5oDnek0TjxpZY-W-fQ/s1600/IMG_4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnXm8l7bw-WH-7J1RVD2g7dfUIffFGMGxT9v7bIstlxRGDvMeUVUc9EC5qzLwiwzWLfdaHB-MGsjAw-c0VykMWJ7maCdO1RvPWaUKRaIjLw9S7me4BsaCyu0rR5oDnek0TjxpZY-W-fQ/s320/IMG_4512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recipe from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/02/flu-buster-clementine-creamsicle-smoothie/">OhSheGlows</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>1 banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen</li>
<li>1/2 avocado, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen</li>
<li>3 clementine tangerines, (the recipe called for them to be frozen, but I didn't freeze them and it turned out fine, so it's up to you)</li>
<li>1 can of unsweetened coconut milk (not lite), chilled. From this, you'll need 2 Tb of the "cream" off the top, and 1/2 cup of the "water" from the bottom. It separates when you chill the can.</li>
<li>1/2 cup + 2 Tb unsweetened almond milk</li>
<li>1/4 tsp almond extract</li>
<li>1 date, chopped, optional</li>
<li>1 tsp fresh lemon juice</li>
</ul><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZZRs4sF6l3_7UniQtHOWS7erPOnZheMLFtn-T-PLBbEj1AJW0iuYQSv_76yS5PX7C_ixn4C_f5gm-6PxKf9GbN1eL-5HyHJLM6aE4AWdQIpq92L7eSl3AuVqkH2NENK614YC0ZRC1J0/s1600/IMG_4513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZZRs4sF6l3_7UniQtHOWS7erPOnZheMLFtn-T-PLBbEj1AJW0iuYQSv_76yS5PX7C_ixn4C_f5gm-6PxKf9GbN1eL-5HyHJLM6aE4AWdQIpq92L7eSl3AuVqkH2NENK614YC0ZRC1J0/s320/IMG_4513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always have bananas frozen, so I just placed half an avocado in a baggie and froze it the same way. Now I have a few bags of each in the freezer in case I'd like to make another of these smoothies!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-H0ECExgTtbULg5DYxxq5Chyr4_kCsvZj88l9Mn909aiKWnc6d_6ZVMQdT8nwpbxbWx4nc01e7874KKsAgfvJwqvNB2pn6UA4opoeGK8u4KWd5k1h1io0lvZKlyAq0-BFMVlQJgni_8/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-H0ECExgTtbULg5DYxxq5Chyr4_kCsvZj88l9Mn909aiKWnc6d_6ZVMQdT8nwpbxbWx4nc01e7874KKsAgfvJwqvNB2pn6UA4opoeGK8u4KWd5k1h1io0lvZKlyAq0-BFMVlQJgni_8/s320/IMG_4514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See? The coconut milk separates and makes a yummy cream layer, and then a coconut water layer beneath!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdXiWOgSOyZp_r28ZUcUkDdnWJiEHRh_60NSMJS-wFtWv9CSRUHLqcle4JwIu6B6ihn64BP7ZVUOb_qYVddY881uwF2JtCqf1XUcdDVCCrREdD8cXgp6dKd9Gj-11rtnQiZtyFgwpmcQ/s1600/IMG_4515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdXiWOgSOyZp_r28ZUcUkDdnWJiEHRh_60NSMJS-wFtWv9CSRUHLqcle4JwIu6B6ihn64BP7ZVUOb_qYVddY881uwF2JtCqf1XUcdDVCCrREdD8cXgp6dKd9Gj-11rtnQiZtyFgwpmcQ/s320/IMG_4515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was one of the best and most satisfying smoothies I've ever had! I highly recommend it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqS_h5cimwXiDZ9v2w6NqwA00zWwKNRfSbunICpxHRjSlNjUxiMdXmjiMEO2BZpb_z94mqR58w15HiqYSuMWAzHmS8QGm7KIu7Jr9_Rxf2E9EukCj6wfCa87Fb87OGvJsnyC-7CbAU6A/s1600/IMG_4517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqS_h5cimwXiDZ9v2w6NqwA00zWwKNRfSbunICpxHRjSlNjUxiMdXmjiMEO2BZpb_z94mqR58w15HiqYSuMWAzHmS8QGm7KIu7Jr9_Rxf2E9EukCj6wfCa87Fb87OGvJsnyC-7CbAU6A/s320/IMG_4517.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-39597914641329848122012-02-23T15:01:00.002-08:002012-02-23T21:13:28.985-08:00I'm Not Ok<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUexHn1a6PrK0zgZvUZn5sev0GnkJ2ulSKBEuXwT3W-8FNHw9lIq6pWxBINoUYBeUzEwo91O-HAZaJTNk0BcJ8e8Erm9RoCRGLcF0MepvXjsimvQRHb6hvJ30gWr_EYoMIiTgf307yL0M/s1600/Not+ok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUexHn1a6PrK0zgZvUZn5sev0GnkJ2ulSKBEuXwT3W-8FNHw9lIq6pWxBINoUYBeUzEwo91O-HAZaJTNk0BcJ8e8Erm9RoCRGLcF0MepvXjsimvQRHb6hvJ30gWr_EYoMIiTgf307yL0M/s1600/Not+ok.jpg" /></a></div><br />
.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.....but you're not either, so it's alright.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's be honest, really honest. Are you ok all the time? I mean, I know our inclination (Especially as women) would be to answer that with a quick, "Yep! I am doing GREAT, how are YOU doing?" But that's not always the real answer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The real answer is sometimes, "I feel lonely", or "I screamed at my kids for no reason and feel like the worst mother ever", or "I hate how my body looks", or "I am ashamed that I treated my husband like crap", or "I am freaking out because I keep spending too much money"...or....or....<insert your current malady of choice here></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not advocating the constant utterance of a babbling confession at the drop of a hat. Nor do I believe that we should tell <i>everyone <b>everything</b></i> without a filter. That's not helpful, and not necessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I AM suggesting is a little dose of humility mixed with a touch of decency, a tad bit of introspection, and a huge spoonful of honesty. We need that combination more in our interactions with one another. We DO.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like when you see a friend, and they ask how your marriage is going, how your husband's job is faring, how your kids are doing, you don't have to vomit every single issue into your friend's face, but <i>be honest</i>. If you're having a hard time with something, just a simple acknowledgement of that goes a <i>long way</i>. If you're faltering in a specific area, it is OK to say, "I am really struggling to be kind." "It's hard not to be resentful when my husband works so much." "It upsets me when my kids do 'X' and I'm not always sure how to handle it."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe people will be shocked. Maybe they will have expected the pat "I'm fine" answer. Maybe they will tell their husband what you said. Maybe you will be embarrassed that you shared.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.....or maybe, they'll be relieved that you're not only <i><b>NOT</b></i> <i>perfect</i>, but you're not <i>pretending </i>to be. Because then <i>THEY</i> won't have to pretend either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite C.S Lewis quotes is this one, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What?! You too? I thought I was the only one!" "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes just <b><i>not feeling alone</i></b> is very powerful. Often, it is <i>just</i> the catalyst we need to change because we are not happy or satisfied with the way things are, with the way <i>WE</i> are. Somehow, it is easier to <i>see</i> and <i>admit </i>those "things that need changing" when we are in a community of other people who are muddling through their junk as well. Feeling alone in sin is like being in one of those horrible nightmares where you're naked in front of a group of people. Nobody wants to be in that position. AND NOBODY IS ALONE IN SIN. I don't care how perfect people seem, everyone has flaws, shortcomings, struggles, failures. EVERYONE. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somewhere along the line, I don't know where exactly, I have gotten this notion that I am supposed to try and be perfect all the time, and never mess up. Which is terrible, because (And if you know me in real life, you KNOW this already) I am about as far from perfect as a girl can be. I talk too much. I say the wrong things. I argue. I get mad. I yell at my kids. I neglect and ignore things that I am afraid of. I am lazy a lot. I get critical.(I could give you a mile-long list, but I want you to like me at least a <i>little</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess what? Who cares. God knew all of those things about me when He picked me to be His kid. And He knows that I don't WANT to mire myself in those things. I don't wallow in laziness, or anger, or being loud and saying the wrong thing. I desire to be perfect and always do the right thing. It's just that I fall short (Way, WAY short) in the <i>application</i> of that desire. God sees this and comes alongside me and makes up for my shortcomings. He shows me how to change and encourages me (Sometimes directly and sometimes through people in my life) that I am on the right path. That <i>doesn't</i> mean I do the right thing all the time, far from it! What it means is that I hold fast to my <b><i>longing</i></b> to do the right thing. I keep taking a deep breath, and doing the <i>NEXT</i> right thing. <b>I keep trying</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I am saying is that we need each other to stop pretending we've "arrived" at the "perfection bus stop", and admit that we are still on the journey. There is enough pressure in the world to be perfect from advertisements and television shows and know-it-all types. As friends, and <i>especially</i> as Christians, let's not put pressure and unrealistic expectations on one another by acting like we have it all together and we're perfect. It's ok NOT to be ok. Sure, it will freak you out a little at first. Then other people will know that you have flaws. Won't it be a relief though? You don't have to keep up the ruse. You can let people love you. And, to be totally frank, you'll be able to love other people more. I don't know exactly why it is, but when you're real, you love better. There is less garbage and fewer walls to break through, I think. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Genuine is good. Really good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take the chance. If you really ARE ok, then good! If you are NOT ok, then you're not alone, and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> you will be ok, eventually. Just keep doing the next right thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Press on, friends.</span>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-33913754171788017712012-02-20T12:22:00.000-08:002012-02-20T12:22:57.066-08:00DIY Frozen French Toast- Budget Friendly, Quick Breakfast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been looking for even more ways to cut back in our budget. The main area that always occurs to me is our grocery budget. There are certain things that are last-resort areas to cut, such as coffee (I mean come on, it's <i>coffee</i>.......), high-quality produce, and the ingredients to make all the energy bars we eat daily. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One huge expense is cereal. I like breakfast to be quick and easy, and fairly filling, since I live in a household filled with males. All of the boys LOVE French toast, but since it can cost up to $4 for a package of 6 pieces, it isn't a budget friendly option. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBTkCTnnRj1BgVnW_jj0v07uPduiCpdhQRgNMYV7DEaoCwxhWf40haeiPy-LDaKSzPKxvsVlGMOPtInZdA3RZLVvrf3tlqffsCLcNsVUvH6HBUwrDVOT2TcStgCgYGnUS76BOx781NB0/s1600/IMG_4449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBTkCTnnRj1BgVnW_jj0v07uPduiCpdhQRgNMYV7DEaoCwxhWf40haeiPy-LDaKSzPKxvsVlGMOPtInZdA3RZLVvrf3tlqffsCLcNsVUvH6HBUwrDVOT2TcStgCgYGnUS76BOx781NB0/s320/IMG_4449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making it yourself, however, is! I made 48 pieces of French toast for about $7. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKLp7C5v8aAz985Hp7v8bAlb_nJLFjY4ta9CIzFql8kJwtzt4O9SOMWIlqFFK1F4tOxDXIItV8os6fqF4yODn1NwNxbapBvnouzUdYeaaverJSB2TLIM9Z_ZBHpa5eHsAKrL-7kTaHo4/s1600/IMG_4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKLp7C5v8aAz985Hp7v8bAlb_nJLFjY4ta9CIzFql8kJwtzt4O9SOMWIlqFFK1F4tOxDXIItV8os6fqF4yODn1NwNxbapBvnouzUdYeaaverJSB2TLIM9Z_ZBHpa5eHsAKrL-7kTaHo4/s320/IMG_4461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a double pack of sandwich bread from Costco- I used white, but you could use whole wheat to make the French toast healthier!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSWG_yB3iFEuazFyvvQ-OGv7n3-X-VEklujV9tXr7zFtpRzPY2DBZ31SY5drV0XbLxUkZLN3aogGWDo4mB7Gt11Fr1uV17iwEU2RTmezmpVpAE_JDU74ayPzGiJPcpqyr7DUFCIo9gdo/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSWG_yB3iFEuazFyvvQ-OGv7n3-X-VEklujV9tXr7zFtpRzPY2DBZ31SY5drV0XbLxUkZLN3aogGWDo4mB7Gt11Fr1uV17iwEU2RTmezmpVpAE_JDU74ayPzGiJPcpqyr7DUFCIo9gdo/s320/IMG_4438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fill a large-ish mixing bowl about halfway with milk. I would estimate I used maybe 6 cups. This is more of a concept than an exact recipe. :) I used cow's milk, but you could use soy or almond milk if that suits your dietary needs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV3k38oVGv3rVvDAOPiCxrtGMeRj8s_5UEzMaHTrDEG7JRb58MDdusu5J009RT3wYoQjyQBWM4EIPvQWD6eWiTRoeWWh3eKZOCkSckPWkM4xnf5D8-vT2v3yZDenMsktaFEtUysko5Rs/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV3k38oVGv3rVvDAOPiCxrtGMeRj8s_5UEzMaHTrDEG7JRb58MDdusu5J009RT3wYoQjyQBWM4EIPvQWD6eWiTRoeWWh3eKZOCkSckPWkM4xnf5D8-vT2v3yZDenMsktaFEtUysko5Rs/s320/IMG_4439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add 4-5 eggs and beat well. You can also use egg beaters if you'd like. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6cegHpTFPyfkbMQxGaXWQw4yiniXuFR7kV5Ml_NJytOx565u6XDK2mFGktGkYq8vaVUFeItl6gNwzfmChdRTocgkDNG0_w6UNlNl5SPl4qAZUbNKmhAu_3Z007hbAw6A5zjdhtqXz3c/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6cegHpTFPyfkbMQxGaXWQw4yiniXuFR7kV5Ml_NJytOx565u6XDK2mFGktGkYq8vaVUFeItl6gNwzfmChdRTocgkDNG0_w6UNlNl5SPl4qAZUbNKmhAu_3Z007hbAw6A5zjdhtqXz3c/s320/IMG_4440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have this awesome hand mixer from my grandma. I love using it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cKFS8C0wVtfcpYd0rMLl5M2AHJkK9YsuJm8bRGfOLqZyo5HcbYN6D2odEMjvryxwtZREKSmIt7rGSSySO-ymg2wKSGSqR_Ww6Wk4D1jkgJ0F0m6rSCPbWo1P6T3jp4A_FFew3RHPqO8/s1600/IMG_4441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cKFS8C0wVtfcpYd0rMLl5M2AHJkK9YsuJm8bRGfOLqZyo5HcbYN6D2odEMjvryxwtZREKSmIt7rGSSySO-ymg2wKSGSqR_Ww6Wk4D1jkgJ0F0m6rSCPbWo1P6T3jp4A_FFew3RHPqO8/s320/IMG_4441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then add about 1/2 cup granulated sugar (You could sub honey if you don't like to use sugar), and a few teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVAJuIOyjhHcA8kbhlu0YK2Ln5lbmNmoB8cWwcYFR3_CncZZRqRrvakKMoVx0ivHkSF76wxULjxEh4UgSaicD_WTZPb9oZiQsTnY1iJQubTLHJ6hUTPqkk3O67ZJE_oSnTPNKRlESMYg/s1600/IMG_4442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVAJuIOyjhHcA8kbhlu0YK2Ln5lbmNmoB8cWwcYFR3_CncZZRqRrvakKMoVx0ivHkSF76wxULjxEh4UgSaicD_WTZPb9oZiQsTnY1iJQubTLHJ6hUTPqkk3O67ZJE_oSnTPNKRlESMYg/s320/IMG_4442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then add 3 very large pinches of salt. See the camera cord hanging in the photo? That's what happens when you try and take one-handed photos. Nice.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcvKuFYnVJmiMzM8SBqxZwR7bUXWyLCoC3UzPs3BUA9_LTiudSEyCqWA70TT5NdloxycgXCJammzMul0n1mVsSINJtoGkcKEU8NH3wdkvqUaS3bLRQMI4EGVxfNp30uY9NYIhlxKqYcI/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcvKuFYnVJmiMzM8SBqxZwR7bUXWyLCoC3UzPs3BUA9_LTiudSEyCqWA70TT5NdloxycgXCJammzMul0n1mVsSINJtoGkcKEU8NH3wdkvqUaS3bLRQMI4EGVxfNp30uY9NYIhlxKqYcI/s320/IMG_4443.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spray a griddle with Pam. I have an electric griddle that holds 8 slices of bread, but before I had this one, I used 2 skillets and cooked 6 pieces at a time. If you're using an electric griddle, I heat mine to 350 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjYUktFy3vcp8ElfiMDBWLrDWToN5RQPCY4Qw1_1RRZS6oHbwLC9AtxJae4Th3nVNIDdbyWVU2fiTwylOIzPdN7EF03wSU6UNXUfXOazuSnpQ7fb4KdZEf2Oon-jvXwWgVsa7Zwe5RfE/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjYUktFy3vcp8ElfiMDBWLrDWToN5RQPCY4Qw1_1RRZS6oHbwLC9AtxJae4Th3nVNIDdbyWVU2fiTwylOIzPdN7EF03wSU6UNXUfXOazuSnpQ7fb4KdZEf2Oon-jvXwWgVsa7Zwe5RfE/s320/IMG_4444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, I like a lot of cinnamon on the French toast, so I sprinkle a light layer over the top of the milk mixture every 4 slices of bread so that each piece gets some cinnamon. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaum850tuYpE8GqPlfRLGFsgYvFjIFlMg4GKR4kD-4xN-Lw_iMzFBxim6CCvz1b7yPwHs0ZIqqROk5NXEi7fuMnuTZFfmhyphenhyphenJMKqac3OgMPnHImUqMjiUtEqG5vvK2yC9un7-Db9vydV0A/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaum850tuYpE8GqPlfRLGFsgYvFjIFlMg4GKR4kD-4xN-Lw_iMzFBxim6CCvz1b7yPwHs0ZIqqROk5NXEi7fuMnuTZFfmhyphenhyphenJMKqac3OgMPnHImUqMjiUtEqG5vvK2yC9un7-Db9vydV0A/s320/IMG_4445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dip both sides of each slice of bread into the milk mixture, and place on the heated griddle or skillet. Cook for a few minutes on each side. It should look a little crusty and golden on each side:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJu_XNBP2BBL75keSlmv-FJpfLXFVFIXahRnQ-funzPD3DLYfyW8vgya2shPGnSz9Jo7pR4wqdxQN76GfCFNWltsgIaoZcH5T15vQOQgfuvIITOIM7vmn8VOUy6LgK5FpKtC46K_MtjM/s1600/IMG_4446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJu_XNBP2BBL75keSlmv-FJpfLXFVFIXahRnQ-funzPD3DLYfyW8vgya2shPGnSz9Jo7pR4wqdxQN76GfCFNWltsgIaoZcH5T15vQOQgfuvIITOIM7vmn8VOUy6LgK5FpKtC46K_MtjM/s320/IMG_4446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbn5yycZefutG-XY0xB7veu4mO1JySZDhaw0KJIyF1eflafq8-hIXj9CNh2op3s02bgAsg1zLqRgt_qRJz6o9UxOSm6EmWvFxesMRvULY8DTztuyWsXjlwg-WJeXEXp5OoZcAiopfLkY/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbn5yycZefutG-XY0xB7veu4mO1JySZDhaw0KJIyF1eflafq8-hIXj9CNh2op3s02bgAsg1zLqRgt_qRJz6o9UxOSm6EmWvFxesMRvULY8DTztuyWsXjlwg-WJeXEXp5OoZcAiopfLkY/s320/IMG_4447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't like mine soggy in the middle, so I make sure it's cooked through. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuFs4RFcHNDqx5Mi3ZL9cOFugMk7-5bQ4tXnpsHorA8Daao5QaPha-mHMGpWUj94JOh0hBytAwXI-U5BVrC73MkIbIDhMPvaXcBGJu6M5Weh5BSQ1XIcanW2Mj-NAloejM1VV9DgFGmY/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuFs4RFcHNDqx5Mi3ZL9cOFugMk7-5bQ4tXnpsHorA8Daao5QaPha-mHMGpWUj94JOh0hBytAwXI-U5BVrC73MkIbIDhMPvaXcBGJu6M5Weh5BSQ1XIcanW2Mj-NAloejM1VV9DgFGmY/s320/IMG_4448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I set the cooked French toast on plates to cool before bagging it up for the freezer! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj8V4zyU3Pb5fTAOAY-xsjIkFWRJlhsikHDTWVuPVV-HZcwRRZR4P-v-8172AH7lgQqarFcO_Q-VtB9khH3HvVENLttnMOEpxH0dulcjG0MqyBbop93VzbRuM_6kv2fZRjsrwTMFaVPQ/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj8V4zyU3Pb5fTAOAY-xsjIkFWRJlhsikHDTWVuPVV-HZcwRRZR4P-v-8172AH7lgQqarFcO_Q-VtB9khH3HvVENLttnMOEpxH0dulcjG0MqyBbop93VzbRuM_6kv2fZRjsrwTMFaVPQ/s320/IMG_4453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put them in sandwich sized Ziploc bags, two to a bag. I leave the bags open if they're not totally cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IMCqu5tYm83fXjUyuDHii14lwFP0FfIpfFvzXLashnYRilJsk5CRv0mPWUzmirgM31v6Vy8q2H8UKlt329Ek7HdYyfYuWHjRUt4QDea6qftdP3TToQy4-VFgGJsiSnV1MR2nEl8BFXI/s1600/IMG_4458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IMCqu5tYm83fXjUyuDHii14lwFP0FfIpfFvzXLashnYRilJsk5CRv0mPWUzmirgM31v6Vy8q2H8UKlt329Ek7HdYyfYuWHjRUt4QDea6qftdP3TToQy4-VFgGJsiSnV1MR2nEl8BFXI/s320/IMG_4458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL3tseKwAw2jAiSIWYBZrZviWOqHrQFQqzGSWnt8bzZwOLZeYbCBX4qkhPVzQVhWkc3X1hXqg4taDKSUHcTZMNP4CHoGkh55Yo3xsewC-JVwJLIj_NrbAw1ws9Vm3UccYSzTLplsmFNY/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL3tseKwAw2jAiSIWYBZrZviWOqHrQFQqzGSWnt8bzZwOLZeYbCBX4qkhPVzQVhWkc3X1hXqg4taDKSUHcTZMNP4CHoGkh55Yo3xsewC-JVwJLIj_NrbAw1ws9Vm3UccYSzTLplsmFNY/s320/IMG_4459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I seal them up and take all the air out.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuvEQF69h3cduiaDgaAD1d793tHijU1RWv9I_Tx-Gbmtx2x4fW8WFg2CTRbzpsrGjaZZh4U12WH2oQLOTznOEwaPiu-YVIWqYRgmHF3PJ5uW6-WBOCcrrAePV9hY08bVwr4JSjf8RdlI/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuvEQF69h3cduiaDgaAD1d793tHijU1RWv9I_Tx-Gbmtx2x4fW8WFg2CTRbzpsrGjaZZh4U12WH2oQLOTznOEwaPiu-YVIWqYRgmHF3PJ5uW6-WBOCcrrAePV9hY08bVwr4JSjf8RdlI/s320/IMG_4460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They reheat in the microwave in about 1-1.5 minutes. You can also heat the slices in the toaster if you prefer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQWnT2CDCKZrcsSbdVUJZOiSywt2EafbyGMeLlCs1ntefLosVlzehK_EwF6TFcEN1WAwJqaceKruUP9nSyBzi9PkDyEX7i3ejOBl1nTcXD52KDp-f7RkV8l-lmp-JNGnUynPDj1yRNyQ/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQWnT2CDCKZrcsSbdVUJZOiSywt2EafbyGMeLlCs1ntefLosVlzehK_EwF6TFcEN1WAwJqaceKruUP9nSyBzi9PkDyEX7i3ejOBl1nTcXD52KDp-f7RkV8l-lmp-JNGnUynPDj1yRNyQ/s320/IMG_4450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-28723998099847545072012-02-15T15:19:00.000-08:002012-02-15T15:19:45.007-08:00No- Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21K1Hjb86fK2eOGq-nKiPOYm2IkFJI6ctLgmIxU8dsIomX67eUZKyT2xhFaNrtmGkOiVFFCLiFRoTM_mkVIvCbgjmUmOttCZOYAflWSaB4cqoBRRTtuU5fl3Htriy0UiKP2yScxh6kWw/s1600/IMG_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21K1Hjb86fK2eOGq-nKiPOYm2IkFJI6ctLgmIxU8dsIomX67eUZKyT2xhFaNrtmGkOiVFFCLiFRoTM_mkVIvCbgjmUmOttCZOYAflWSaB4cqoBRRTtuU5fl3Htriy0UiKP2yScxh6kWw/s320/IMG_4355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, except don't make these. Because even though they are raw, and vegan, you will still think they are super good and eat a bunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A whole bunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been trying to make yummy snacks that are healthier than, you know, Coke and Red Vines. (Someone should really make a healthy, raw, vegan version of Coke and Red Vines. I would buy so much of that stuff.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christopher, Nicholas and I loved these! I'm not sure if Wade liked them, because we didn't save any for him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNwSs5ghgr9z6K-GxvohATNE7glEQmiVJzx29YW-0Jjj0FFvFaf9bJhYM1qkIzh-LoQFibupfg5khUWI0f1rOGCSRVEvH7lQFzbsq7XDExRF62jduGOHpxmdd2Ctk-836GpXCrb-WTtw/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNwSs5ghgr9z6K-GxvohATNE7glEQmiVJzx29YW-0Jjj0FFvFaf9bJhYM1qkIzh-LoQFibupfg5khUWI0f1rOGCSRVEvH7lQFzbsq7XDExRF62jduGOHpxmdd2Ctk-836GpXCrb-WTtw/s320/IMG_4349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/24/peanut-butter-cookie-dough-cookies/">The recipe is in this link</a>- I doubled the recipe</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCdZ7HXVxAjSFh5BfZF5C9MlxONZ27XLKhXXh3zmMiLr5GqyZfHTAo1-P2Q1EXQABbKfA0gojBzSke1KOzufzAKs6kHaHMP8v-ehaXrO2g41o5FYp58Lt7_f8R3THdWL0L9bjVM3bmmU/s1600/IMG_4350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCdZ7HXVxAjSFh5BfZF5C9MlxONZ27XLKhXXh3zmMiLr5GqyZfHTAo1-P2Q1EXQABbKfA0gojBzSke1KOzufzAKs6kHaHMP8v-ehaXrO2g41o5FYp58Lt7_f8R3THdWL0L9bjVM3bmmU/s320/IMG_4350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Put the ingredients into the food processor and blend away!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY_AWTCbJvSsNI6cUJvkJ2E05QExe0N4OTs3nc2rfmsc4whCjaL0Xypd7Gg57TRLDXXUZZGFlrGau4E3_w5ahJMVPwyc6i5AAfjGI8qsSvVJfimJEc875VQ6ohc_Z0aciPl0ylxuzcfU/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY_AWTCbJvSsNI6cUJvkJ2E05QExe0N4OTs3nc2rfmsc4whCjaL0Xypd7Gg57TRLDXXUZZGFlrGau4E3_w5ahJMVPwyc6i5AAfjGI8qsSvVJfimJEc875VQ6ohc_Z0aciPl0ylxuzcfU/s320/IMG_4352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbrd0XLA8g33AnRClVZCvXaqdCN3GvlYjltGGoyb8xoMuuzooDZDEqHxkIfdOWTYunecIePVQ6IR1CNUKbJ1NzFnCQostNFuDhNkwC2gHD_Zz-DJCeyG2pvlwIJMuKc5fyP-jhNUkDUY/s1600/IMG_4353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbrd0XLA8g33AnRClVZCvXaqdCN3GvlYjltGGoyb8xoMuuzooDZDEqHxkIfdOWTYunecIePVQ6IR1CNUKbJ1NzFnCQostNFuDhNkwC2gHD_Zz-DJCeyG2pvlwIJMuKc5fyP-jhNUkDUY/s320/IMG_4353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I rolled these into small dough balls and smooshed them once with the tines of a fork. I used wax paper so they didn't stick. The actual finished cookie dough bite was between a nickle and quarter in size.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL8VmapQZ3RxOvkv2x001nyW3wbC0bDScHxUStecuxFxZLDZ4D5tbkjgcLvwa40B-QoRQufSjtB4U5KAuqfYqU8ECsWBd-mpnF9YlyWi7BjFFvzq0tZlMICUlFguISHjfaGbkFaCUh8c/s1600/IMG_4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL8VmapQZ3RxOvkv2x001nyW3wbC0bDScHxUStecuxFxZLDZ4D5tbkjgcLvwa40B-QoRQufSjtB4U5KAuqfYqU8ECsWBd-mpnF9YlyWi7BjFFvzq0tZlMICUlFguISHjfaGbkFaCUh8c/s320/IMG_4354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are SUPER great for the late afternoon when you want some junk food before dinner!! One or two really helps curb the sweet tooth cravings!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO-unINDz6ew_xdJlxwK1FmUzCoBh_3gB_i0OTyqpnWZR15v27ip0FDESd__csUkU_zw8lwe2QNaVNGZYfjA0q-RaRPAP10ioepBw9ua9n465KoLVRjXYJDw_E-SD8lNL9iuyYqjSgQ0/s1600/IMG_4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO-unINDz6ew_xdJlxwK1FmUzCoBh_3gB_i0OTyqpnWZR15v27ip0FDESd__csUkU_zw8lwe2QNaVNGZYfjA0q-RaRPAP10ioepBw9ua9n465KoLVRjXYJDw_E-SD8lNL9iuyYqjSgQ0/s320/IMG_4356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stored these (For all of a day and a half) in a Ziploc container with wax paper in between the layers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So- if you have a favorite go-to healthy snack, what is it??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-21120686030908805102012-02-10T13:43:00.001-08:002012-03-20T09:06:14.388-07:00Make Your Own French Toast Bagels!I love Panera.<br />
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I especially love the Cinnamon Crunch and French Toast bagels. Mmmmm.....<br />
<br />
Sometimes, when I'm eating at Panera after a long run, I get partway through my bagel and start a rousing debate with myself over whether I am going to buy another bagel after I've finished the first.<br />
<br />
I like food.<br />
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The only thing about Panera's bagels that I don't like is the price. They are expensive. So I decided to try and make some at home! I couldn't find a recipe for the Cinnamon Crunch version, but I found one for the French Toast flavor <a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/563">here</a>. I halved the recipe and made 8 bagels.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Kqx-dz8U_cCCRDLSS2uEZqRivvUxP5koVXS3WVzBrdCD7YhfOB9xJBlvtedZGmhU1Oxek_w-UyorgGeRtGacuVN_cByNzKOT2-E4wyobp4ipdjdUvY5dcHRS8EIrJHrxwMwziwkZK0o/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Kqx-dz8U_cCCRDLSS2uEZqRivvUxP5koVXS3WVzBrdCD7YhfOB9xJBlvtedZGmhU1Oxek_w-UyorgGeRtGacuVN_cByNzKOT2-E4wyobp4ipdjdUvY5dcHRS8EIrJHrxwMwziwkZK0o/s320/IMG_4347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I am going to give you the full recipe, which is supposed to make 15 bagels. Cut the recipe in half if you'd like- that is what I did. Oh, and I made these a second time and did 6 instead of 8 bagels, and liked the size better that way. But you choose. I apologize in advance for the horrid lighting in the photos, I baked these in the evening and the light wasn't great.<br />
<br />
Here's what you need:<br />
**updated 3/20/12<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 1/4 cups warm water, plus more as needed</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 pkg active dry yeast</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup sugar, divided ** I changed this to 1/4 cup + 2 Tb and used 1/4 cup in the dough</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6 - 7 cups bread flour (I only had regular, so that's what I used)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 Tbsp salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3 Tbsp cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 Tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for greasing</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 Tbsp vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 Tbsp maple extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(There's an egg in the photo because the original recipe called for an egg yolk wash before baking. But somehow that didn't sound good to me, so I omitted it.)</li>
</ul><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This stuff rocks!! I have made several recipe with maple extract- I LOVE the flavor of maple!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkIancJfZpACsTJ-HY8e3scjT35cEcpdHqLI_baw2vfZKa4LJSxDE6IlOkXBp6Jffu6oDvM1k1wWOycbsNa7n4xDN8VKOOR9-ax39xg5Vttpqd7MIZC39FRxpqepP_fPjmL21RCd5pqM/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkIancJfZpACsTJ-HY8e3scjT35cEcpdHqLI_baw2vfZKa4LJSxDE6IlOkXBp6Jffu6oDvM1k1wWOycbsNa7n4xDN8VKOOR9-ax39xg5Vttpqd7MIZC39FRxpqepP_fPjmL21RCd5pqM/s320/IMG_4330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the bowl of your kitchen aid, mix the warm water, 2 Tb of the sugar, and the yeast. Let the yeast foam up, like shown above. </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add the extracts and oil to the liquid, then add the rest of the ingredients (except the reserved 2 Tb sugar). Start with the 6 cups flour, and add more if needed. Knead with the dough hook, or by hand, for 10 minutes or so.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaHnDFg1ONgvXT_5lEml53qGQ2rkgbFnfCh1bzhAwyWkbbhdG8u29XHqn6ESS7LrtLqnr-vUb5dqWMMSAjRjhPjoVxWnFPclUzVMpq-RhTnQLT-WAg90HS9NEBLTRq5Dq-6OjL5ESu4k/s1600/IMG_4332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaHnDFg1ONgvXT_5lEml53qGQ2rkgbFnfCh1bzhAwyWkbbhdG8u29XHqn6ESS7LrtLqnr-vUb5dqWMMSAjRjhPjoVxWnFPclUzVMpq-RhTnQLT-WAg90HS9NEBLTRq5Dq-6OjL5ESu4k/s320/IMG_4332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dough should clean the sides of the bowl, but still be moist and soft. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1TDcAbqirmn05KLApY77aTBDBZChruTB2ULZftrryAKhyphenhyphenmfX2AXxC5h2cc_i4QWF_cOZSk_a0m0BUNTY4V819OfmizKOA_tcN8-rJhv876KOxV0nnrIUWG4RtVJM89pP2Ep7YqocNUU/s1600/IMG_4334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1TDcAbqirmn05KLApY77aTBDBZChruTB2ULZftrryAKhyphenhyphenmfX2AXxC5h2cc_i4QWF_cOZSk_a0m0BUNTY4V819OfmizKOA_tcN8-rJhv876KOxV0nnrIUWG4RtVJM89pP2Ep7YqocNUU/s320/IMG_4334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the dough is done kneading, place it into a greased bowl, turning to coat both sides with the oil. The dough smells AMAZING!! Let the dough rise for about an hour, or until almost doubled in size.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gzfhUwWFmhtuAcsS_G-1kjugOrmC-0ToAJ3Ts19s0yxqzjgJyMK5SS41nP1biqJR9WyCZTcNUwTB6WqEshxNVZkUZqg6e5vnvitAxc-l8n7s4ky17HyZicbGeVJM6lRG-8vKhFXy9T8/s1600/IMG_4336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gzfhUwWFmhtuAcsS_G-1kjugOrmC-0ToAJ3Ts19s0yxqzjgJyMK5SS41nP1biqJR9WyCZTcNUwTB6WqEshxNVZkUZqg6e5vnvitAxc-l8n7s4ky17HyZicbGeVJM6lRG-8vKhFXy9T8/s320/IMG_4336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the meantime, like a few baking sheets with parchment paper, or this non-stick foil (LOVE this stuff)- or if you don't have either of those, like the pans with regular foil and spray the heck out of them with Pam.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctNcUrh9ZBOhKhZ22pTle2RpjXiyTjdPnbsb8pf42KNelQIj7s72B995aTFHts1pY3F0OCZG_myMHXsLISUv2gDrXYnEXE9sYbrQ4JnPasz-9sL4wFXjgqEhAO1G5-n1ANPW9YPONjLk/s1600/IMG_4338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctNcUrh9ZBOhKhZ22pTle2RpjXiyTjdPnbsb8pf42KNelQIj7s72B995aTFHts1pY3F0OCZG_myMHXsLISUv2gDrXYnEXE9sYbrQ4JnPasz-9sL4wFXjgqEhAO1G5-n1ANPW9YPONjLk/s320/IMG_4338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Divide the dough- if you've made the recipe I've given, you'll divide it into 15 pieces. ** I like the size better if I make 12 instead of 15. Shape each piece into a bagel shape:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JFMkUYOyc04m1Z6Iark-3wIdxre5AY1XSVApGGZlQzj5mZxv_PcNI-TX6zEcJ_9N98vxGtustSJ3-kam8AfiHLCVZ_VjYk78VOw-Uc_mwEMwctdXQlXscNcuTOvoe7Q92PQSftu5D38/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JFMkUYOyc04m1Z6Iark-3wIdxre5AY1XSVApGGZlQzj5mZxv_PcNI-TX6zEcJ_9N98vxGtustSJ3-kam8AfiHLCVZ_VjYk78VOw-Uc_mwEMwctdXQlXscNcuTOvoe7Q92PQSftu5D38/s320/IMG_4340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then place on the lined baking sheets. Cover with saran wrap, and let rise again for about 30-40 minutes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0zwUGlJBjr92IgHJoATm3ccvByisFLKOP9ktr9zprc2YqjCPyeEfQBAq6VnCwK8DQio0bVJ5vRaXaZHDM4hqO5ROLKP2ooHUxDZ_ih_ZgdXaUwObtKzBYx3pp11sv57is8wsGe309EQ/s1600/IMG_4343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0zwUGlJBjr92IgHJoATm3ccvByisFLKOP9ktr9zprc2YqjCPyeEfQBAq6VnCwK8DQio0bVJ5vRaXaZHDM4hqO5ROLKP2ooHUxDZ_ih_ZgdXaUwObtKzBYx3pp11sv57is8wsGe309EQ/s320/IMG_4343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the second rise is almost complete, preheat the oven to 500, and put a large, deep skillet or a pot on the stove with about 4 inches of water added. Add the remaining 2 Tb sugar, and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling rapidly, you're going to add the bagels, 2 or 3 at a time (Don't crowd them- bagels like their space!) (One time I went to this marathon expo, and it was SO crowded and everyone was shoving- it was terrible!! Don't do that to the poor bagels!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh4gCz1Hb0d5J4cREHNTEsf4ipBG1J7cWA-mOZZxHuBuYqzUIwX0MbdKBnyxznQYu1bmjDOx1Nl0JPs4fUFnui8kY1ST9bHsZ6f-lp-86wFkGfqCsG5c80MBd1MuwThhllZZKPF9gZFM/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh4gCz1Hb0d5J4cREHNTEsf4ipBG1J7cWA-mOZZxHuBuYqzUIwX0MbdKBnyxznQYu1bmjDOx1Nl0JPs4fUFnui8kY1ST9bHsZ6f-lp-86wFkGfqCsG5c80MBd1MuwThhllZZKPF9gZFM/s320/IMG_4344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boil the bagels for one minute, then flip (I used the handle of a wooden spoon) then boil another minute. Then remove with the handle of the spoon and place back on the lined pan.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4akz1L2H06vKWW5X2kcaM5Ob3jj626dOt9TQNUsjxE09su5BJmmsrdoFFGXZw9Lv__Qy0QHUr72WAzSovdgIn7yLnxbnvrTqzMnLIt6sCyH7bjzqzSo8xMQhjHVVed9R5eGLtqeFsgJE/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4akz1L2H06vKWW5X2kcaM5Ob3jj626dOt9TQNUsjxE09su5BJmmsrdoFFGXZw9Lv__Qy0QHUr72WAzSovdgIn7yLnxbnvrTqzMnLIt6sCyH7bjzqzSo8xMQhjHVVed9R5eGLtqeFsgJE/s320/IMG_4345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See?? No crowding.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI0Fyrk7tZYmMJqj_M3DIESOXKvGOPKqAEEmaC7t13qE7DIlnRXeVNZjg5Y0soV-_-nJLB4ZZ237bW1x8huJQGspoPfsOsNptqRPhsJQ64PTsPbL16gWTFOgU9Y952xn91iGwTQKY6sw/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI0Fyrk7tZYmMJqj_M3DIESOXKvGOPKqAEEmaC7t13qE7DIlnRXeVNZjg5Y0soV-_-nJLB4ZZ237bW1x8huJQGspoPfsOsNptqRPhsJQ64PTsPbL16gWTFOgU9Y952xn91iGwTQKY6sw/s320/IMG_4346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, I did NOT make perfect bagels. In my defense, I was also cooking dinner, and fielding questions from my son about how gas masks are made. (Who knows how they're made??! I mean, honestly!) I can't do <i>everything</i> all at once....... So the bagel shaping <b>suffered.</b> But it was fine, they still tasted <i><b>delish</b></i>!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Kqx-dz8U_cCCRDLSS2uEZqRivvUxP5koVXS3WVzBrdCD7YhfOB9xJBlvtedZGmhU1Oxek_w-UyorgGeRtGacuVN_cByNzKOT2-E4wyobp4ipdjdUvY5dcHRS8EIrJHrxwMwziwkZK0o/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Kqx-dz8U_cCCRDLSS2uEZqRivvUxP5koVXS3WVzBrdCD7YhfOB9xJBlvtedZGmhU1Oxek_w-UyorgGeRtGacuVN_cByNzKOT2-E4wyobp4ipdjdUvY5dcHRS8EIrJHrxwMwziwkZK0o/s320/IMG_4347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake at 500 for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Your house will smell so wonderful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A word about topping these bagels- they aren't overly sweet bagels. So when I used plain cream cheese, I thought they needed a touch more sweetness. So I mixed a few tablespoons of maple syrup with a package of cream cheese. Perfect. Alternately, butter and a light sprinkle of brown sugar was also quite delightful. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ56ttDcVVZE8VQiY7hlKkfxqeFnMeqVhaB1Y6tOHsoxCb1q4bkQK8839C3SG6xOpijAL1FXwtrJpaB6MnSe1QsZo2XWAi7CkZ-zB5ruT6Ca6MCtGmWVGJGngIe4mKy4gyOd1BQOtf0_s/s1600/IMG_4348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ56ttDcVVZE8VQiY7hlKkfxqeFnMeqVhaB1Y6tOHsoxCb1q4bkQK8839C3SG6xOpijAL1FXwtrJpaB6MnSe1QsZo2XWAi7CkZ-zB5ruT6Ca6MCtGmWVGJGngIe4mKy4gyOd1BQOtf0_s/s320/IMG_4348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After cooling on a wire rack, store in a Ziploc bag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346442373749467713.post-25193679534972638892012-02-09T06:53:00.000-08:002012-02-09T06:53:07.916-08:00Make Your Own Chai Latte Mix!I am cheap.<br />
<br />
Well, there are some things I am <i>less </i>cheap about (Like paying for race fees or running shoes), but in general, I don't like to spend a lot of money on "extra" things. I often feel like I'm getting ripped off when I buy convenience or gourmet things, because I think to myself, "I could make this." (I think part of the cheapness comes from the early years of being a housewife, when we truly had NO money. My friend Aimee- also a housewife- and I often refer to this time as the "time when we didn't have enough money to buy trash bags")<br />
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Such is the case with the recipe for this mix. Really, with all of the recipe collection sites, and people blogging their tried-and-true recipes, you can make nearly anything yourself!<br />
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This makes a great gift- I made it for Christmas this last year- but we love having it in the afternoon, or in the morning instead of coffee!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what you need to make a batch:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>1 cup nonfat dry milk powder</li>
<li>1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer</li>
<li>1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer</li>
<li>2 1/2 cups sugar</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea</li>
<li>2 tsp ground ginger</li>
<li>2 tsp ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1 tsp ground cloves</li>
<li>1 tsp ground cardamom (If you've never bought cardamom before, it is EXPENSIVE, so just be prepared. I paid $13 for a jar. My friend Kim said you can buy cardamom pods at Asian markets and grind them in a coffee grinder. I will totally do this next time. Or, if you have a friend who bakes a lot, ask her to have a tsp of her cardamom, and tell her you'll give her some tea!)</li>
</ul><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObZCxm7Y24WF6ApWM1V-3XIiNHN0-uSF3oeoFbonoyHNpWGIULam8wAP8mQqnvXHUav0EcIgq9FAwkhgpBiMPZyPXcl5RofU0-hqkCWeZ35oANHRaGa4x9ROxTX_e6pX6wBsTkCg9x3M/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObZCxm7Y24WF6ApWM1V-3XIiNHN0-uSF3oeoFbonoyHNpWGIULam8wAP8mQqnvXHUav0EcIgq9FAwkhgpBiMPZyPXcl5RofU0-hqkCWeZ35oANHRaGa4x9ROxTX_e6pX6wBsTkCg9x3M/s320/IMG_4279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dump everything into a huge bowl and stir it with a whisk until it's all blended. The recipe said to blend it in a blender, but that seemed like a hassle to me, and it turned out AWESOME. So I say that isn't necessary. To make a Chai Latte, stir 2 Tb of the mix into 8 oz boiling water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This recipe made enough for 6 gift-sized Ziploc containers, or a big huge container for our family to use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXsMtD04whZe3JKHcOi0SEhYBbCTwXLq8bG1tMyEpgfWydnkDUFafA1qAITVPXtGEYYs0C2o1JtFZBGymCfBmRz6SMS1GvP8773OJT0l6uPnL7SD4c8yv7oCeyu1X0AvV6M8A9jR6YmE/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXsMtD04whZe3JKHcOi0SEhYBbCTwXLq8bG1tMyEpgfWydnkDUFafA1qAITVPXtGEYYs0C2o1JtFZBGymCfBmRz6SMS1GvP8773OJT0l6uPnL7SD4c8yv7oCeyu1X0AvV6M8A9jR6YmE/s320/IMG_4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got this recipe from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chai-tea-mix/">allrecipes</a>.</div>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06343869304942688149noreply@blogger.com3