Category Archives: Food & Recipes

Beet Juice Cocktail

This Beet Juice Cocktail is surprisingly addictive.  A Vitamix blender is all you need to be minutes away from a refreshing, nutrient-dense libation.  Using fresh, organic ingredients is paramount to creating the healthiest version of this recipe.  Also, the salt is a key ingredient. Do not omit it unless you must.  It takes the whole experience from being merely palatable to absolutely delicious! When you are finished creating your cocktail, don’t discard the pulp.  Instead, use it to make Beet Crisps in your dehydrator. Continue reading Beet Juice Cocktail

Beet Crisps

These beet crisps are infinitely superior to the commonplace chips you find in the supermarket snack aisles.  Packed with nutrition and fiber, these crisps have no evil ingredients to spoil the fun!  Who needs MSG and preservatives when you have a chip with the depth of flavor that these have?  This recipe starts with the pulp left over from the Beet Juice Cocktail recipe.  Just a couple of minutes of effort followed by an overnight stay in the dehydrator, and you will be gnoshing these tasty snacks down. Try them out on your friends at your next get-together! Continue reading Beet Crisps

Ladyslipper Saturday Morning Class – Hans Rueffert

A couple of weeks ago we wrote a post about a class we attended at Ladyslipper Rare Plant Nursery taught by Farmer’s Organic.  Yesterday we had the privilege to attend another class, this time led by the renowned Hans Rueffert.  Hans is the chef and owner of Woodbridge Inn in Jasper, GA.   Hans comes with a list of credentials including appearing on Next Food Network Star, CNN, and The Doctors.  The biggest reason this chef has my ear, however, is his triumph over aggressive cancer.  This man was given a 2%  chance of survival and was told on several occasions that he would not live beyond 24 more hours. Hans emphasizes food quality above food quantity and approaches his meals with a different twist on carpe diem – “Eat like there’s no tomorrow.”  Something to think about! Continue reading Ladyslipper Saturday Morning Class – Hans Rueffert

Gluten Free Carrot Muffins

These gluten free carrot muffins are a quick, healthy substitute for carrot cake.  They use cholesterol-fighting oats instead of wheat.  The coconut oil is also a pleasant wholesome addition.  These muffins also have an entire pound of carrots – a very nice way to get your beta carotene!  The texture is especially soft and scrumptious … your friends won’t believe that they contain no wheat at all.  The next time you get a craving for fat-laden carrot cake, reach for this yummy alternative instead.  Your taste buds and waistline will thank you! Continue reading Gluten Free Carrot Muffins

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

These Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins are a perfect wholesome treat for fall weather. They have just the right mix of spicy, chocolatey goodness!  The texture of the muffins is especially yummy and the pumpkin flavor just shines through.  If you are looking for an outstanding autumn recipe to add to your archives, this could be the one!  These are equally good in the morning or for an afternoon snack with tea.  Try them once and you will love them.  I promise! Continue reading Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Whole Wheat Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

These whole wheat bread machine cinnamon rolls are simpler than you might think! The bread machine makes fresh,  gooey rolls attainable right from your very own kitchen!  Nothing compares to the yummy smell, and the kids have a blast helping to throw them together.  If you don’t want to get up early enough to make them in time for breakfast,  you can assemble them the night before (except for icing them). Simply assemble the rolls according to the directions, cover with foil and refrigerate.  The next morning all you have to do is take them out of the fridge and allow them to set at room temperature for about an hour before baking and icing as usual.  Your family and your guests will thank you! I promise! Continue reading Whole Wheat Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

Curried Chickpeas

These curried chickpeas are a hearty addition to our meal plan rotation.  Preparation is quick and simple, and the smell of the sweet curry wafting through the house is a welcome addition on a chilly afternoon.  Besides being delicious, it is packed with protein and fiber, and plenty of nutrient-rich vegetables.  We like to serve it with steamed quinoa topped with freshly diced pineapple, tomato, and cilantro. For extra heat,  you can add more curry paste or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This recipe is also an excellent candidate for preparing in bulk and freezing. Continue reading Curried Chickpeas

Whole Wheat Brownies with Chia Seeds and Pistachios

These whole wheat brownies with chia seeds and pistachios are perfect for you sweet-and-salty chocolate lovers!  And you don’t have to feel guilty since they are also made with whole grains and fiber-rich chia seeds.   If you like even more salt to your sweet, you can sprinkle a little kosher salt on top before you pop them in the oven.  The feel of these brownies are more cake-like than fudge-like.  They have just the right texture , and are perfect served with a glass of icy cold milk! Continue reading Whole Wheat Brownies with Chia Seeds and Pistachios

Bulk Chicken Pot Pie with Mashed Potato Crust

This recipe is not difficult, but it does take a lot of time.  I usually divide the prep into two separate days.  I make the chicken and stock on the first day.  On the second day I make the mashed potatoes and use the stock  and chicken from the first day to create the creamy chicken vegetable mixture. Then I assemble the casseroles and freeze. It’s a major investment of time but it yields five 9×13 pans of delicious, quick dinners you can grab out of the freezer and throw in the oven for a yummy, hearty meal at the end of a long, hard day. Continue reading Bulk Chicken Pot Pie with Mashed Potato Crust

Cowboy Beans (Frijoles Charros)

The first time I had these Cowboy Beans I was blown away.  They are the perfect combination of hearty, comforting, and tasty!  Nutritionally, they are packed with a load of protein and fiber .   They even have a hefty bit of veggies added. To keep things as healthy as possible,  use organic, nitrate free bacon and chorizo sausage.  Even better, use a chicken or turkey version of the bacon and sausage if you can find it (although the flavor will be somewhat different).  These beans are absolutely lovely and the most satisfying when served with the suggested toppings.  If you want to make this dish even better, pair the beans with  Sweet Whole Grain Corn Muffins with Jalapenos.  I dare you to try this. You’ll never look at beans the same way again! Continue reading Cowboy Beans (Frijoles Charros)