Making your own nut butter is easier than you may think. After a few pulses with the food processor or blender and adding a little oil for smoothness and a natural sweetener for richness, you have your own nut butter without hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup like many of the store bought varieties are full of. It’s delicious paired with fruit and veggie sticks, or spread on a warm slice of toast. Try this version made with hazelnuts and sweetened with maple sugar. (more…)

I love pie crust, especially if it’s good enough to eat alone. Last year I was searching for the perfect pie crust that I could use for both savory and sweet dishes. This isn’t the crust recipe I found during that search but it is the pie crust I use for creamy, fluffy, no bake pies. It’s nutty, sweet, and has a little spice. I especially like it with an avocado key lime pie recipe I received recently. Key lime pie is one of my favorites, and this one is even better than the version made with eggs and milk. You’d never know the main ingredient was avocado.

Keep reading for the hazelnut and pecan pie crust recipe. (more…)

The beehive state might not be named so because of an overpopulation of honey bees, but the state insect does make a contribution worthy of its fame. Honey is a great substitute for refined sugars in baking and cooking. I love it in my peppermint tea, quick breads, dressings, on toast, and as a snack with peanut butter and a banana. I recommend using local honey to not only support local farmers but did you know that regularly eating local honey also helps relieve seasonal allergy symptoms? Something to think about with spring is on its way. Honey is a natural sweetener, has great health benefits, and it lasts forever; literally.

keep reading to learn a few more things about nature’s candy. (more…)

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Just a couple more days until the super bowl. I often wonder how many people really watch for the commercials rather than the actual game.  For all you super bowl die-hards out there, have you planned your super bowl party yet? If not, keep reading for a few tips and yummy recipes to really make your party great. (more…)

There are so many different types of eating lifestyles out there, and it seems that a growing number of people are associating themselves with various groups. Vegan, raw, gluten free, dairy free, or just an all around food lover. Whatever the reason for your culinary affiliation, you make the choice that is best for you and (hopefully) your body. Eating clean is a food lifestyle I recently heard about and it’s not a new way to eat, in fact you may find that you are a bonified clean eater without knowing it. When a friend described it to me I realized that I’ve been eating pretty “clean” for years. (more…)

Bay leaves add a layer of flavor that is subtle but distinct and luxurious. Used in many savory and even a few sweet dishes, they are an important part of a bouquet garni. Bay leaves can be used fresh, but are more pungent and flavorful after having dried for a few weeks. Learn more about these robust little leaves below. (more…)

I was craving a chocolate cake after browsing through my mother in-law’s copy of martha’s living cookbook  over the holidays. Of course I’ve been craving anything chocolate for the past few months. I altered Martha’s devil’s food cake recipe a little to eliminate dairy, and then altered and combined a couple frosting recipes from here to adorn my chocolate indulgence. It’s easy and delicious even if you aren’t vegan.

I also included a few tips for frosting cakes. I am by no means a professional, these are only a couple things that help me and in turn may help you. If you have additional ideas or tips feel free to add via comment! (more…)

My sweet baby girl will be starting solids in the next few days and I’ve been researching and talking to people who make their own baby food. It was the topic of discussion at a group I attended with other mom’s in my neighborhood, and my brother in law is a stay at home dad who used to work as a chef, he gave me a few “recipes” for baby food that I will be trying. Baby food is easy to buy, but it’s just as easy, cheaper, and healthier to make at home.  You may think you need special equipment like a food mill or a baby food grinder, but you can use your own dinner fork for some foods.

Here are a few things I’ve learned. (more…)

Happy New Year!

I may be your typical new years resolutionist.  In January I make new goals and by April a handful of them are forgotten or completely altered to fit my immediate needs.  But there is one resolution that I have been able to stick with through the years, meal planning. Print off a sheet, fill in the blank, and stick it on the fridge with a favorite magnet.  Are you a meal planner? If so what method works for you? If not, would you ever consider it?  If you’re looking for one resolution to save you time, money, better your health, and bring a bit of order to your life, menu planning may be just what you need.

Here are some resources that will help you get started or spice up your existing menu planning system:
- great tips for getting started at organized home
- ‘real simple’ ways to organize your kitchen
- Allison’s menu planning download at petit elephant (in photo above)
- printable menu planner and grocery list
- neskita’s printable weekly meal planner on etsy
- free printable “pain in the groceries to buy list” at how about orange

happy planning!

This is a favorite breakfast dish in our home. It is easy and delicious; perfect for Christmas morning. Just throw the ingredients in a food processor or blender, bake, top with maple syrup/etc. and dig in. Of all the days of the year, this is the one you should relax and enjoy the most.

Merry Christmas!! (more…)