Category Archives: Recipes

Dec 01 2011
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Recipes

Awesome Hot Cocoa Recipe (with a dash of Peppermint)

Good morning, y’all!

I don’t know if you noticed yet or not but it’s gotten pretty chilly in Texas.  And I know if it’s chilly here in the Lone Star State, then it’s probably a bit cold where you are as well (unless of course, you live in Hawaii or Southern California or somewhere else warm and tropical and amazing in this world).  When it gets cold I love to drink a warm cup of coffee, hot tea or every once in a while I will treat myself to a cup of awesome hot cocoa, made from scratch.

(I’m not a fan of the packets, sorry).

If you’re looking for an awesome hot cocoa recipe (with a dash of peppermint, in honor of the holidays, of course, and just simply loving the chocolate and peppermint combo) then look no further.  It’s here.

Awesome Hot Cocoa Recipe 

1/2 cup Water

1/2 cup Natural Cocoa (Unsweetened)

1/4 tsp. Salt

4 Truvia Packets (Stevia)

4 Cups Milk

Dash of Peppermint Extract

Simmer water, Truvia, cocoa powder and salt in a pan over moderate heat, stirring until lumps are dissolved (about 3 minutes).   Add milk to ingredients.  Stir and bring slowly to simmer (about 5 minutes).  To enhance the flavor, stir in a dash of peppermint extract just before serving.  This recipe yields five 8 fl. oz. servings.

Y’all, this cocoa recipe is a-mazing.  Note:  Anthropolgie mug, optional.  Do you have a favorite cocoa recipe?  If not, I believe you just found yours!

Happy Creating,
Jen

Psst:  Using Truvia (stevia) instead of sugar saves you calories and health issues.  Sugar is bad; stevia is not.  And it’s oh-so-delicious in this cocoa recipe.

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Jul 27 2011
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Health, Recipes

Health & Wholeness Wednesdays

Good morning, bella gal!

I am delighted to begin “Health & Wholeness Wednesdays” with you, as it’s been a passion for me for years.  The more I learn about living in natural, healthy ways the more I want to share.  Like, I want to talk about it with just about any and every one.  The problem with that is I can’t just tell the lady in the cereal aisle of the grocery store that that’s pure sugar.

People don’t like that.

So this Wednesday series will be my virtual grocery store where I’ll get to share with you everything I want to tell the lady in the cereal aisle.

And the cool thing about that is if you’re into this kind of information then you can read away; and if you’re not into it you can just come back on Thursday for another fun diy or decor post :)  It’s a win-win.

(Unlike the lady at the grocery store that might just think I’m crazy & a little over the top).

If you haven’t read my journey to health & wholeness yet…you can find it here.

And for today’s brief post I wanted to share with you a quick, yummy snack:

Homemade Baked Cheese Crisps

P

Image by Joyful abode

  • Pre-heat your oven at 350 degrees
  • Slice your favorite cheese (I usually use Colby-Jack) into thin 1-inch slices
  • Cut PARCHMENT PAPER to fit a baking sheet & place on top of the baking sheet
  • Place cheese slices on parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Put baking sheet on the center rack
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes, then check on the cheese crisps.  If the edges are starting to brown you can take it out.  If not, leave it in a couple more minutes.  (I personally like to leave mine in for 10 minutes because I like them extra crispy).
  • Remove them from the oven & let them cool by placing them on a plate or by moving the parchment paper to a plate or heat-resistant counter (if you have those)

And that’s it!  A great, low-carb snack for you & the family to enjoy.  I love, love, love this recipe!

Psst!  Remember that tomorrow I’m hosting my 1st giveaway for your home…you’ll want to enter it for sure!

Happy Health,
Jen

*I originally found this at Joyful Abode, so for a more detailed recipe please check it out.

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Dec 18 2009
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Baking, Devotionals, Recipes

The JOY of Christmas & Some Sugar Cookies, too!

Check out DIY DAY on ASPTL for more great projects!
Amidst the parties, the gift-giving and the baking may we keep ever before us the reality of true joy found only in Christ.  Because of his lowly birth in a manger we as believers have the freedom to worship and know intimately the God of the universe.

May all that we do be unto the glory of God!  Even baking cookies…

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Joy…a gift given by our God who has loved us with an everlasting love.  Praise His Holy Name!  May we walk in His Spirit and live by His grace today and forevermore!

*For a “How-to” video on making these beautiful treats, check out this free online video tutorial:  http://www.howcast.com/videos/6866-In-the-Kitchen-How-To-Decorate-Sugar-Cookies

Dec 15 2009
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Curly Hair, Recipes

Why I (Heart) Mayo

I ended up getting my hair colored again…the other highlights were too brassy for my liking, although my sweet hubby appreciated them.  So for now I’m brunnette again!  I used a natural conditioner in my hair yesterday & it was amazing!   You just get real mayo, spread it in your hair, then wrap your hair with saran wrap or use a shower cap, and wait 20 minutes.  Then you wash it out, shampoo & conditioner…silky smooth hair.  Awesome!

Nov 08 2009
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Recipes

Recipes: Salsa Time!

Fresh, homemade salsa is one of my most favorite foods ever!  Store bought salsa simply does not compare, so a couple of weeks ago my friend emailed this recipe to me and I thought I’d share it with you.

Ingredients:
* 1 small onion

* 1 or 2 cloves garlic
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (OR MORE – I use MORE)
* 1 jalapeno chili pepper, chopped roughly (or a seeded Serrano pepper)
* zest of 1 lime(optional)

* juice of 1 lime (or just a squeeze :)

* 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes

* 1 dash hot sauce or 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional – I don’t use this)

* 1 tsp. kosher salt or sea salt

* 1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper

Directions:

Peel and slice onion in quarters. Place in the work bowl of a food processor, fitted with a metal blade. Add the garlic cloves. Pulse four to five times, until onion is diced. Be careful not to over-process, or the salsa will end up mushy. Add the cilantro, chili pepper (with or without seeds), lime zest, lime juice, tomatoes and hot sauce. Pulse until the salsa reaches the consistency of a thick puree. Be sure to leave in some chunks, too. It makes it look more homemade. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
 
Our COM group had a fajita & taco salad dinner tonight, so I made this fruit salsa with homemade cinnamon tortilla chips and it was definitely a hit!  It’s super easy and delicious.
 
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Ingredients:

1 Fuji apple – peeled, cored and diced
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

2 kiwis, peeled and sliced

2 bananas, peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
————————————-
1 cup oil for frying
6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon


Directions:
1.In a medium bowl, mix together Fuji apple, strawberries, kiwis, bananas, lime juice, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover and chill in the refrigerator approximately 20 minutes.
2.Heat oil in a medium heavy saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

3.Slice flour tortillas into triangles. Carefully place tortilla triangles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
4.Place white sugar and cinnamon in a large ziplock plastic bag. Drop fried tortilla triangles into the bag and shake to coat.
5.Serve the cinnamon chips warm with the chilled fruit salsa.

Jun 22 2009
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Blonde Moments, Living Green, Recipes, Saving Money

How to Spend $7 a Year on Laundry Detergent


Make your own!
My friend Lauren found this recipe for homemade laundry detergent a few months ago when we were planning a gals’ night filled with eating food & learning how to make homemade cleaning supplies.

This stuff works, folks! Lauren first tried it on her daughter’s bedsheets (which had been peed on). It took the ickiness & stench out on the first wash :) Awesome!

I made my first batch a couple of weeks ago, and wanted to share this wonderfully simple recipe with you. I was nervous about the “grated” ivory bar because I was picturing myself whittling a bar down, while rocking in my rocking chair on the front porch. This would prove to be a problem because for one reason I don’t have a rocking chair on my front porch (that would make Gabe very sad cause he likes it in his bedroom). And secondly, the only thing I whittle down is into a smaller dress size after being pregnant. Thankfully, Lauren’s not as “blonde” as me and said I could use the blender. Whew!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

1 Ivory Soap Bar (grated)

1 Cup Borax

1 Cup Washing Soda (this can be found in the detergent area at HEB if you live in Texas)

Step 2: Put Ivory Soap Bar in Food Processor and “grate” it…then add other stuff

Step 3 Ta-Da!

Step 4: Put your homemade laundry detergent in a container…Use 2 TBS per full load of laundry.

Jun 15 2009
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Crafts, Fun Activities, Ministry, Recipes

Sugar Scrub: the ultimate splurge or the ultimate make-it-yourself gift-to-yourself

Hey ladies!

If you LOVE sugar scrub, but can’t afford it, or would like to make one specifically designed for Y-O-U, then you’re in the right spot! Last week my friend Wendy taught a group of us ladies how to make the stuff and it’s oh so amazing (and oh so easy, too). I thought you’d like that!

Wendy shows us how to whip up a batch of the good stuff.

Daffney whippin’ it up…the texture is almost like marshmallows (yummy!).

Wendy also gave each of us homemade peppermint soap (are ya jealous yet?).

Here are the goods.

This is my friend Lauren. I love her. She’s a gracious hostess, caring friend, wonderful mommy to her soon-to-be 4 children, and an awesome wifey to her hubby. See, I said all of that even though she totally made fun of me for taking pics that night. I’m nice like that (and humble, too).

And now for the recipe.

Homemade Sugar Scrub
You will need:
1 wide-mouthed canning jar (approximately 8 oz)

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup body wash (your favorite kind)

1 TBS jojoba oil

*Get a bowl & put the sugar in FIRST (this is a must or you’ll have a bubbly mess on your hands). Then add the body wash & finally the jojoba oil. I think Wendy suggested Brackleberry Farms for the oil. But your local natural-type shop may have it, too.

Enjoy!

Jun 11 2009
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Blonde Moments, Recipes

Overcoming my fear of homemade salad dressing one vinegar at a time.

I love, love, love fresh produce. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my grocery cart filled to the brim with the lovely stuff. The less packaged junk I have in the cart, the faster my heart races with anticipation of getting the yummy fruits and veggies home. I enjoy making salad for our family, but have seemed to get into a salad “rut” if there is such a thing. So, to stretch myself a bit a googled, “summertime salads” and came up with a few to try. Then I took an even bigger leap of faith…I decided to try to make my own salad dressing from scratch, too. This is HUGE for me, you see, because I’ve been quite intimidated by homemade salad dressings for years, thus inhibiting me from making them. I can bake with ease, cook with relative comfort, but homemade dressing with the mixing of all those oils and things like “RED WINE vinegar?” I just wasn’t so sure if I could do it. Plus, what if the store “carded” me for the red wine vinegar? Of course I’m old enough to purchase all things “card” worthy. But the fear was there because I mean, Wal-mart did card me last month while purchasing SPRAY PAINT, what would stop them from asking to see my license for some red wine vinegar? Nothing. On a side note, it was only a month ago that I realized the term was, “card,” as in to card someone. All of these years I thought it was “cart,” as in “to cart you off.” A blonde moment none the less.

Well, ladies, I got over my intimidation of mixing the oils for the dressing and my fear of being “carded” for purchasing the various vinegars. And now I’d like to share my recipe with you, too.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Dijon Dressing
-Grilled Chicken Breast (approximately 2-4…it’s up to you)
-Romaine Lettuce (small bunch)
-Cherry Tomatoes or diced tomatoes
-2 Boiled Eggs, sliced
-Sliced Olives
-Halved Pecans
-Feta Cheese
-Red Onions (if ya like them)

Dressing:
-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
-4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
-1 clove garlic, crushed
-2 tsp Dijon mustard
-freshly ground black pepper

Throw all of the salad ingredients together in a pretty bowl. Mix all of the dressing ingredients in a cuisinart or shake together in a jar with a lid. Then serve to your hungry, happy family.

What salad recipes are you using this summer?

Jun 04 2009
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Bryan, Homeschool, Recipes, Stay-at-Home

"Secret" Cookie Recipe

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for healthy cookies…these will not work for you. There are two, yes two!!! big ol’ sticks of butter in this recipe. I don’t eat sweets, I just like to bake them and make everyone else around me fat-I mean let everyone else enjoy them immensely.

To make these oh so delicious cookies, simply follow these steps:

1st Have one dirty kitchen. Check
Wait, that can’t be my kitchen. My kitchen is never dirty!

Whew, that’s better!

2nd Have one helper (with sweaty hair from riding his bike outside…don’t worry he did wash his hands!). Check

Gather your ingredients. Check


Whip up a batch. Check


Use the perfect scoop & place them on pans. Check

Throw in a lil’ bit of math for homeschool & count the cookies. Check
Get the kitchen messy again. Check

Enjoy yummy chocolate chip cookies. Check

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies (apparently Hershey’s has stolen our secret recipe because I actually found it on the back of our package of semi-sweet chocolate chips. In case you don’t have a package of your own, I’ll put the recipe here.)
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks, yes 2 whole ginormous sticks) of butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Heat oven to 375′.
2. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat smooth. Gradually add four mixture, beating well. (There’s a lot of beating that takes place in this recipe, apparently). Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired (yes, yes, it’s desired!). Drop by rounded teaspoon (or my perfect scoop) onto ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack (or whatever you have lying around that resembles one). Cool completely.
4. Check out cute picture of the helper’s baby brother

We love us some oatmeal in this house!