It was then I set out on a mission to create something that would satisfy my craving for my old favorite treat. At first I wanted to make it with hazelnuts like the original, but after a while I began to think that I might like an almond butter version better. I mean honestly….almond butter is already so good on its own…how could adding chocolate to it be a bad idea?
Clean Pantry
Zucchini “Pasta”
To peel or not to peel, that is the question. Ha, I know I’m corny. It’s finally warm enough for me to go outside without my hat, gloves, scarf, and I think its put me in a corny mood. Anyhow, this zucchini “pasta” could not be easier. The biggest decision you have to make is…
Clean Caramelized Onions
Since we are on a back to basics kick right now, I thought I’d throw some caramelized onions into the mix. This recipe is so simple, but you need to put on your patience pants. Patience pants is something I do with my 4 year old; we always identify the color of our patience pants…
Green Olive Hummus
I didn’t realize how much I loved green olives until I made this hummus. Mario Specialty Food sent us some olives and asked us to help them create some healthy recipes. Originally I thought I’d make a tapinade, but decided to go with a hummus instead. I’m so glad I did. The green olives simply extend the olive oil flavor in the hummus and it so so yummy.
Pumpkin Butter – Easy, Simple Thanksgiving Treat
I’ve been trying to figure out what to bring to my in-laws for Thanksgiving. Jessica and I discussed a couple of options and came to the Pumpkin Butter idea! It worked out perfectly because the local Farm Market had these amazing Heirloom Pumpkins that were grown locally. The seeds originated in Italy many many years ago. I assume they were brought over by an immigrant. They look nothing like pumpkins the but inside is a beautiful, dark orange and made a beautiful Pumpkin Butter.
Spinach Pesto
I am a pesto addict. I think it might be the perfect sauce. it has everything a great sauce should…nuts, cheese, herbs, and pretty colors. For the longest time I only ever made traditional pesto, but recently I have decided to branch out! Here is one of my newest addictions…Spinach Pesto! It is delicious! And a great way to use up that extra spinach in our fridge. Trust me, once you try it, you will be a convert as well!!!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Ground Clove
1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon Ground Allspice
1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
So, in the past, before I decided to “clean” up my diet, I used the old canned sweetened condensed milk in my recipes, but…now I know better. So I did a bunch of research and some homework and figured out an excellent substitution. Yes, you’ll think its weird, but it works. And – it works…
Pumpkin Puree
I was SO craving something warm and cozy today since its 50 degrees and rainy outside. So I popped a pumpkin in the oven to roast to make some pumpkin puree early this morning.
First, I washed the pumpkin really well. I love my potato brush for stuff like this. Then, I quartered the medium sized pumpkin and scraped the seeds and stringy stuff away. You can cut the stem off first if you want, but I didn’t. I put the seeds in a bowl to save for later. Then I put the pumpkin in the oven at 350 degrees F and roasted for about 45 minutes. They weren’t quite as fork tender as I wanted so I put them in for another 10-15 minutes. Then I scraped the meat out and into my food processor bowl. I just got a composter so I’m excited to be able put my scraps in there – in went the pumpkin skins.