Easy Green Smoothie

So you've heard all the hype about Green Smoothies.  You even 'like' green smoothies, and want to have them often, but what about when you're traveling?  Or in a rush?  Or you've run out of one of two of the ingredients?  If you want something healthy, satisfying, and delicious, this is my go-to green smoothie in pinch (and a lot of times when I'm not).  It's the easiest way to start my day, and I so I do just that...more often than not. (Bonus:  All of the ingredients can be stored in your food storage too!)

Easy Green Smoothie

Love 'N Peas (pea protein)
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/love-and-peas-675-g/sku-3082.aspx

Natures Harvest
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/natures-harvest-465-g-15-servings/sku-3090.aspx

Ultimate Green Zone
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/greenzone-ultimate-powder-368-g/sku-1103.aspx

Diatomaceous Earth (optional--thickens the shake and it kills parasites)
https://www.earthworkshealth.com/detail.php?id=3&prod=DE-10LB-BAG
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RECIPE:
1 scoop of each and 8 oz of water, 
shake well (in container with tight fitting lid)

When you order from Nature Sunshine, you can sign in and make your own log-in.  It will invite you to become a free member and ask you for my account number which is (2347856).  Now you'll receive member pricing.

Blondies

One would never guess that these delicious bars are packed with protein.  The perfect snack when your blood sugar drops in the afternoon or between meals.  My kids loves these.  (What better recommendation can you get?!)

Wet Ingredients:

4 eggs

4 medium bananas

½  c. applesauce

3 c. white beans (cooked)

2 c. honey

1 T. vanilla

Dry Ingredients:

8 c. white wheat flour

2 c. steel cut oats (soaked overnight)

1 T. baking soda

1 T. sea salt

1 c. chocolate chips

1 c. chopped almonds

½ c. craisins (optional) 

Beat eggs, beans, and bananas and then add the rest of the wet ingredients.  Add dry ingredients and mix.  Combine chocolate chips and nuts last.  Spread dough in two greased cookie sheets.  Bake trays at the same time and switch racks half way through (12 minutes and 12 minutes).  Total baking time 24 minutes at 350 degrees.  Yield:  70 bars.

Note:  Measure the 2 cups of oats in the morning (as they will expand after they are soaked).  

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

2 eggs
1 1/2 c. almond milk
1/3. c. coconut oil (solid)
1 t. vanilla
1/3 c. applesauce
4 medium bananas
1/2 c. honey

3 c. whole wheat flour (4 cups if freshly ground wheat)
2 c. rolled oats

4 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1 c. chopped almonds (optional)
1 c. chocolate chips

Beat eggs and then add the rest of the wet ingredients.  Add dry ingredients and mix.  Combine chocolate chips and nuts last.  Stir until just combined and drop into oiled muffins tins (I use coconut oil for this).  Bake muffins at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes.  Yield:  24 muffins.

Note:  This batter can also be used to make drop cookies.

*Adapted from my friend Kim's recipe.

My Favorite Cake

Celebrating an occasion and not sure what to make?  This one is a real crowd pleaser, and the perfect dessert for your special event.

I used this recipe for the cake.  Then I topped the batter with thinly sliced apple slivers in a circular pattern for a round cake like this picture shows or a square pattern (for a square cake pan). I've even tried it in rows for a sheet cake.  (I like to use a tart apple such as granny or fuji). Bake according to the recipe directions.  The cake will be super moist and the browned apple edges are beautiful!

Egg Salad Anyone?

It's not what you're thinking, but it is oh so good!

Romaine and red leaf lettuce topped with mung bean and alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, and boiled eggs . . . yum!

Use your favorite salad dressing or make you're own! Today I drizzled a little olive oil,  sprinkled a little rice vinegar, and topped it off with sea salt, coarse black pepper, and tarragon.  What do you like on your salads?

Power Breakfast

Now, this is a breakfast for champions!

We call it coconut oats and it's a favorite at our house ; )

Coconut Oats

2 1/2 c. steel cut oats
1 can coconut milk
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. craisins
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. honey
dash of salt

Toppings
1 granny apple diced
1/2 c. chopped almonds

Note:  I soak my almonds overnight in the refrigerator, and drain the liquid in the morning.  This process makes the nuts easier on your digestion which prevents bloating (and in my opinion, makes them even more tasty).   When soaking, use a mason jar, filling it half full with almonds.  Then add purified water to the top.  After draining, nuts will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Who would have thought?

Surprisingly delicious!

This is one of those meals that just came together from odds and ends that I had in the refrigerator and pantry and what a lovely combination it turned out to be. 

Chicken salad, steamed red beets, nori wraps, and romaine lettuce. . . delish!

The chicken salad can be folded into the nori wrap or the lettuce or both!

Chicken Salad Recipe:

1 12 oz. can of white chicken
1 generous spoonfuls of mayonaise
1 t. dijon mustard
1/4 c. diced onion
1/8 t. minced garlic
1 stalk of celery chopped fine
3 T. craisins
salt and pepper to taste
tiny dash of red pepper or paprika

Note:  If you have a green onion or red onion, use one of those as they add color and the flavor is fabulous.