Perfect Whole Wheat Pancakes.

• Dear world, i suggest you make these pancakes. My search for the perfect whole grain recipe may cease. They're whole wheat, light, fluffy, and yummy. I replace the buttermilk with almond milk but use what you have. Merry Christmas from Utah xx. 

my cute sisters and I

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes with Sliced Bananas

• 
  
• Ingredients
• 
  3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons well-shaken buttermilk, divided
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

• Accompaniment: sliced bananas

Soak oats in 3/4 cup buttermilk 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.

Stir egg, butter, brown sugar, remaining 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, and oat mixture into dry ingredients until just combined.

Heat a griddle over medium heat until hot and lightly brush with oil. Working in batches, pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto griddle and cook until bubbles appear on surface and undersides are golden-brown, about 1 minute. Flip with a spatula and cook other side, about 1 minute more. (Lightly oil griddle between batches.)

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Whole-Wheat-Oatmeal-Pancakes-241530#ixzz2GZlik2wi

with almond milk these are 100 calories each. I would eat 2-3 for breakfast. xx

Another Use for a Mason Jar

I love mason jars! They make everything so cute don't they? I filled up two jars with my Granola and used a coffee filter for the paper covering. I'd say they turned out pretty cute!

 So crafty I was this morning!

Ready to go , Steel Cut Oats

Frankly, I couldn't believe that something reheated the next morning or a couple days after could taste just as good- if not better than fresh! I make this once a week and place each portion into bowls or containers.

Essentially, this is a recipe for perfect Steel Cut Oatmeal. You can add whatever you want to it, though i suggest adding berries, 1/2 chopped apple, 1/2 chopped banana, 1/2 chopped peach, and 8-10 nuts (whichever you prefer with each respected fruit). You can also add peanut butter to the banana (this is my 13 year old brother's favorite). I eat this every other day to gain some variety in my diet but eat it as you wish. This breakfast will get your body going with plenty of fiber, whole grains, calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals from the fruit. Don't skimp on carbs in the morning... You need to replenish your blood glucose levels after a night of 'fasting'. It's HEALTHY.

Why not instant oatmeal or rolled oats? Steel Cut gives you a heartier texture, more fiber, and more nutrients all around because it's closer to the natural form of the grain. Using equal parts water to milk helps to achieve the creamiest and lowest calorie oatmeal with added Calcium.

In regards to sweeteners... I don't sweeten my oatmeal. I 'weened' myself off of it. It's possible, I promise. However, a teaspoon or two isn't going to kill you; so go for it if that's what you like. Besides, the fiber from the oats will slow down the absorption of the added sugar to the blood stream.

Ready to Go

Steel Cut Oatmeal

Makes 4 servings

1 cup Steel Cut Oats

2 cup almond milk 

2 cups water

(optional) 4 teaspoons cinnamon (I love this)

1/2 cup fruit (1 for each bowl)

7-10 nuts of your choice (I like pecans, slivered almonds, GROUND flax seeds, or chia seeds) (for each bowl)

Bring Oats, Milk, and water to a boil. Reduce heat to Low (add cinnamon here) and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Turn the heat off and divide into four portions of approximately 3/4 cups. Add fruit and nuts to each bowl and cover when cooled. Place in refrigerator. In the morning, microwave until heated through. If the oats are too stiff add another 1/4 cup water and stir. 

I really like Bananas, pecans, and cinnamon. When you heat it up in the morning the Bananas almost disappear into the oatmeal and it tastes and smells like Banana Bread!

Flat Belly Creamiscle Smoothie

4 years ago, on a wedding shoot in Alabama, I met one of my best friends, Nikki Dubose. We bonded over 'burping contests' and ice cream with microwave-melted Reeses Peanut Buttercups. That is how you know you've met a true friend. It wasn't long before Nikki, her boyfriend, and I were restaurant hopping Miami trying 'Venezuelan Hot Dogs', fried oreos, and IHOPS newest pancakes. Wow, we ate REALLY well.

Nikki and I as Southern Bells

Soon after shoving that junk down our throats Nikki's boyfriend informed me that 'Smoothies make your skin sag!' Does anyone actually know if there is truth to this? Just incase... I'm 'Never, Ever Going To Jamba Juice Again'.  I will gladly concoct 'safe skin' smoothies, myself.

Today we're paying homage to those delicious 'Orange Creamsicle Popsicles' most of us enjoyed in our youth. It's just as easy as my Banana Smoothie but even more perfect for your 'flat belly' days due to the lack of oatmeal.

I hope you enjoy your 'popsicle' and non-skin-sagging-smoothie.

Add all ingredients to a blender

 Blend till smooth

Pour and serve. Oh, so simple.

Flat Belly 

CreamsicleSmoothie

1 Banana

1/2 Cup NonFat Greek Yogurt

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

3 ice cubes

Blend in Blender. Pour and Serve

Calories: 260 Fat: 2.1 g Fiber 4.5 g 

Review: The Bread Smith

This morning after I'd had my fix of an overwhelming amount of eggs and toast at the Original Pancake House. I spotted, across the street, a 'Bread Smith'. A smile spread across my face and excitement flooded through my body (yes, for bread).

Growing up in Utah left me with very comforting memories of going to "Great Harvest Bread Co" with my mom and sampling various breads with their signature honey butter or jam. The employees were friendly, smiling, and inviting. You wanted to buy bread from these people before you even tasted it! Ahh, the good ol' days.

Brace yourself,

I am so utterly disappointed. Why? oh Why? Breadsmith! Why must you hire a grumpy lady that is no help in choosing from an assortment of scones; let alone breads. I would've walked out on the spot if I hadn't thought you were going to yell at me for changing my mind.

Homemade Granola

I haven't slept much and my body hurts. I ran 12 miles the last two days. I seriously deserve a good breakfast but what do you do when you have agreed to go out to breakfast and your accomplice is sleeping. Nothing, you just blog and completely disregard all stomach pangs and gurgling. If I had any  Granola left I would just eat a little... without yogurt... and call it a pre-morning snack before the storm. Yes, that would be positively delightful. 

I gave away my last jar of 'delightful goodness' at the Packer Game on Thursday; Thus, I will simply day dream about what my life could be. You see this granola is special; It's not from a box, a store, or a restaurant. It's from the heart and soul of my own kitchen. Commercial granolas have so much added sugar and fat it's amazing they can get away with calling it, 'healthy'. Actually, so many things get away with calling themselves 'healthy', but that's a story for another day. Back to Granola... these commercial granolas, you know, the ones you buy out of the bins at whole foods, a box that says 'organic', or order from IHOP... I'll bet you ten dollars that they are the same color as your creamy colored couch. Where is the COLOR!!! Where is the FLAVOR!!!

Baking Soda Facial

I'm off to LA for Venus but here's a quick tip for your nighttime face wash... add some baking soda. Just a teaspoon or so. There are so many uses for baking soda in... baking... but also for your face! It's the perfect exfoliant being that the texture is griddy but gentle enough for your face. So... try it out! You can also add it to my Homemade Facial.

Black Bean Burgers with Mango Avocado Salsa

Four years ago I found myself eating nothing but "Vegan" food. Oh yeah, i thought I was going to last forever. My dad, being the positive cheerleader that he is, told me he'd give me 3 days. Oh, I lasted a week. Take that Dad. The cause of my sudden 'vegan-ity' was a book called, 'Skinny Bi*ch'; It's all about why you 'shouldn't eat meat'. Whatever, to each their own. However, the two 'bi*ches' did hit the mark on at least one thing which is,  'If you eat like crap- you're going to look like crap.' This is the nice way of putting it. In all seriousness though, if you don't stop jamming the...

Sesame Soy Meatballs.

My dear friend Patty who I've named, "Fatty Patty" makes monstrous, meaty, moist, meatballs. Mmm just thinking about them makes me salivate at the mouth. You guys are still stuck on the fact that I call a friend, "Fatty Patty" aren't you? Don't worry, she loves it. One day you will see a cupcake shop named "Fatty Patty's" and it will all make sense! Anyway... since I indulged in Mrs. Patty's amazing meatballs it got me thinking... Why don't I make meatballs? ever? Probably because I generally don't consider them, 'model food' but why can't they be 'model food'? No reason.

Hence, These delicious Soy Glazed Meatballs. Ugh... they are just as good as "Fatty Patty's" sept for...  hers are completely different...

Face Mapping

Summertime 'skin bakes' in HS with Carissa

When I was in highschool I would invite my friends over to lay on my trampoline covered in baby oil. We weren't dumb; we knew the trampoline would attract the sun more than grass or pavement and  thereby enhance our tans. Oh yeah, so smart! Not. So, this week in Miami i found myself underneath a towel and sunscreen. I was trying to 'hide' from the sun for protection; Little did i know that my skin was being tormented by what i love most, Chocolate. 

lunch time chocolate cake at the Ritz

I ate more chocolate in the last ten days than i've had all year... combined! The first day the maid knocked on my door and asked if I wanted 'turn down service or chocolate?' What kind of question is that? 'Yes, Please!' She handed me a huge handful of chocolates. Once I figured out that the maids carried chocolate, I tracked them down every afternoon before 'turn down service'.  Moderation? Shmoderation.

I paid. Oh, i paid. My skin was flipping-out and I had to figure out why...

Travel Eats.

I have been in miami for a week now... i can't wait to go home and eat normal food. I miss my stove. Freak, I really really really can't wait. In honor of labor day or just the sheer fact that Miami Marlins Stadium has a wonderful selection of food I downed some frozen yogurt and fresh fruit. Pinkberry, original, contains 100 calories per half cup. That, plus fresh fruit and is a delectable dessert of 100-150 calories. These things make me smile. Anyway! 

 This morning, i went to breakfast and ordered this lovely steel cut oatmeal. It came with MAPLE BUTTER. hmmm... i've never heard of butter in oatmeal... has anyone tried this? I didn't try it... just because of the sheer fact that its BUTTER but... it did sound intriguing. Sides of cinnamon, banana, and raisins. YUMMM. Solid breakfast out. 

 I was just complaining about butter... right before i show you this picture with a ginormous Rice Krispies Treat and Sucker... I am only human....

M.I.A

I'm in Miami shooting for Venus! 

In hair and Make up with Jose Molina

 Casa Tua. Lovely Italian Restaurant :)

 At the Ritz. Mmmm veggie burgers. 

School? = To-Go Snacks!

College, college, college. Time is limited for healthy cooking... i get it. However, you can do it. You can eat healthy; it just takes preparation. Snacks to go?

1. Greek Yogurt Cups (fage or chobani or make your own) I like... My 'Greek' Yogurt Cup
2. PB&Banana on Whole Grain Bread. WHOLE GRAINS! Keep you fuller---longer.
3. Trail Mix with natural ingredients. (make your own mini bags with 2 Tablespoons almonds and 2 Tablespoons Craisins/Dried Coconut/Apricots)
4. Fruit! Bananas-so cheap. With some peanut butter or protein powder... you are good to go.
5. Instant oatmeal packs... ask for a cup of hot water at the Coffee Shops on campus or wherever you are.

6. Baby Carrots, Cucumber Slices, Baby Tomatoes and Hummus (You can get the hummus in to-go mini's)
7. Applesauce (unsweetened)

8. Make your own muffins on a lazy sunday afternoon. I love these Carrot Muffins or The Almond Fig Muffins

You can do it. You can, you can. 

Almond Muffins With Goeey Fig Center. Keeper.

These might also be called "Congrats" Muffins, "Just Because You Look Hungry" Muffins, or "Breakfast" Muffins, Because once the warm, figgy, "jelly-like", concoction hits your tongue --like it did mine--you will probably want to make these for everything you can think of. So far these have been used as a 'quick breakfast', a thank-you gift, and dessert. These are healthy and wholesome but delicious and decadent all at once. Plus... they look so darn pretty.

Image: SELF Magazine

AlmondMuffins

withGooeyFigCenters

Zest of 1 small lemon
1 1/2 cups almond meal (I pureed almonds in a food processor)
1 cup all-purpose flour or half whole wheat/half white
1/2 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
1/4 cup sugar (or date sugar)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
12 small figs, stemmed
1 small egg
1/4 cup clover honey
1 1/4 cups almond milk
1/8 cup almond (or toasted almond) oil
6 tbsp sliced almonds

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine first 9 ingredients in a bowl. Puree figs in a food processor until smooth and scrape into a small saucepan. Place over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until puree gently boils, about 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate. Whisk egg, honey, milk and oil in a bowl. Incorporate into flour mixture and blend on low with a hand mixer. Line a muffin tin with paper cups; fill each halfway with batter. Add 1 tbsp fig puree to center of each cup, then cover with a small spoonful of batter. Sprinkle almonds on top. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

291 calories per muffin, 13.7 g fat (1.3 g saturated), 38 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 8 g protein

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Yogurt Curry Sauce.

I have read countless times that the perfect meal for 'body conscious nuts', is lean protein and steamed veggies. That's all great and dandy but I am a little bored. I need something to 'change-it-up'. It has to be healthy, flavorful, and satisfying. 

I found inspiration from 'Fine Cooking Magazine'. They had made a lovely Yogurt Curry Sauce to toss through vegetables. I tweaked it a bit to lean it out and then pureed it to get more of a saucy texture.  It's now bottled and refrigerated for my next balanced dinner. 

Salmon, steamed veggies, and my 'to-go' curry sauce.

Start by chopping up some onions

 Combine yogurt and corn starch in a bowl.

 Add butter and onions to a saucepan and cook until soft. 

Add Ground Cumin and Curry Powder to the pot. Stir for 20-30 seconds. Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic to the pot and cook until golden brown. 

Add the yogurt mixture to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

 Transfer to a blender and add the cilantro. Process till smooth.

Spoon a Tablespoon or Two over your favorite mixture of steamed veggies and Lean protein. 

I suggest, shrimp, chicken, tofu, or salmon for this particular sauce. 

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YogurtCurrySauce

1/2 cup plain low fat/nonfat yogurt
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbs Olive Oil or Unsalted Butter
1/3 cup minced yellow onion
Kosher Salt
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
Pepper
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro

In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt and cornstarch until well blended.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, until just golden-brown, 4 to 5 minutes more (reduce the heat if the onion seems to be burning rather than browning). Add the curry powder and cumin and cook, stirring, 15 to 20 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the yogurt mixture, and stir until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Season with 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper, or to taste.

Add the cilantro and transfer to a blender. Process until smooth. Serve over steamed veggies or your favorite lean protein. 

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For this particular dinner, i decided to broil some Tofu in the oven. After switching the oven 'on', I smelled something sweet throughout the kitchen.  I ran over to the oven and my heart sank. I forgot i'd left some gummy bears in the oven (don't ask). Such a joy to clean. 

What other sauces would you want to eat with your 'perfect meal?' Terryaki, Spicy Green Curry, Alfredo?... let me know, i'll get on it!

Healthy Summertime Dinner Menu.

Okay... my years of watching the food network have finally redeemed themselves. I decided to throw a 'shower' for my friends back home. I have missed these girls' weddings and baby showers. It's sad. So i wanted to do something for them and get them the presents for their adorable children only one of the 4 children received. So! i found the perfect menu and with my sister's expert craft skills and my mothers knowledge of table settings... It was a perfect summertime evening. 

 The cute table setting. My sister made all of the tissue paper decorations that are hanging and on the table ends. 

 Each person had a 'bebe perfume' on their plate and a present (based on a girl or boy) on their chair!

 This was the starter... It was AMAZING... Watermelon Caprese Skewers. Super refreshing and Healthy. The only thing i did differently with this recipe was halved the sugar. The balsamic wasn't as 'syrupy' but it still tasted phenomenal. 

This recipe was from Giada's Cookbook... Recipe on the bottom :)

 These were our little Chicken Salad Boats. I loved this recipe because of the 'no mayo' factor. Super light and SUPER flavorful. 

Giada's Healthy Chicken Salad Boats Recipe

Dessert had to be something decadent but light on the tummy. Theses White Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are crispy Phyllo shells layered with Chocolatey Spread on the bottom and white chocolate whipped cream and toasted Hazelnuts on top. So good everyone had TWO! whoops. 

GIADA'S WHITE CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TARTLETS

 Congrats Christa on the upcoming baby boy and thanks to all of you for coming. I would've been pissed if you hadn't ;)

Again I changed the amount of sugar in this recipe as well as omitted the olive oil. If you want those things... go for it. Whatever makes you feel good!. xoxo

Watermelon.Tomato.Basil

 Skewers. 

1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/8 cup sugar 

1 4 to 6 pound Watermelon

60 leaves of Basil

16 Baby Tomatoes

Kosher Salt

12 Bamboo Skewers

Bring the Balsamic and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan and turn heat to low until sugar has disolved. Set pot aside. Chop the watermelon into bite size cubes and skewer one tomato, one basil leaf, and one piece of watermelon. Repeating twice more. When all ingredients are used, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the skewers and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Serve chilled. 

Oven Roasted Fruit. Summertime Dessert

Whenever i get to go home to Utah it's a treat. Utah honestly has the most beautiful summers. I am probably bias given i grew up there but it's dry, warm in the day, cool at night, and has that really lovely soft grass that you can't wait to just lay in- especially under the stars, it's beautiful. Anyway!! Last week i went home to my lovely family to cook, dance, and eat (we live in the kitchen). 

Every year my mom buys a MASSIVE box of peaches from a local orchard; I make it my duty to eat them all before... uh... they...uh... go bad. You see, I can find complete and utter happiness in a bowl of 5,6,7, 10 peaches. It's why i made them dessert. Dessert typically equals happiness and so do peaches... big time smiles here. 

My cute sisters. They can't wait to each peaches for dessert too. 

 Specifically, this dessert is composed of peaches, strawberries, and plums. Drizzled with citrus and paired with Frozen Honey Sweetened Yogurt, Ice Cream, or by itself. You won't feel guilty for this one. 

Oven Roasted Fruit

Peaches, Strawberries, Plums

Ingredients

• 6 peaches, pitted and cut into quarters or eighths
• 6 plums or Italian prune plums, pitted and quartered or halved
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups fresh Strawberries OR raspberries
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place the peaches and plums snugly in a single layer, cut side up, in 2 glass or porcelain oven-proof baking dishes. Sprinkle with the sugar, and then top with the raspberries. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender.

Heat the broiler and place the fruit about 5 inches below the heat and broil for 5 to 8 minutes, until the berries release some of their juices.

Remove from the broiler and sprinkle with orange juice. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. You may also serve it with a bit of plain yogurt (with honey or not). 

Whole Wheat Pizza. mmmm

The other night in search of dinner I stumbled on a stellar pizza joint (yelp helps)... i fell in love again. I'd almost forgotten how wonderful and universal pizza is. Admittedly, i reframe from eating Pizza due to the copious amounts of cheese that covers its glorious surface. However, You can actually ask for just a sprinkle of cheese and extra sauce... genius! P.s. This stellar joint is called Zaffiro's if you have never been. The thin crust will blow your mind. 

 I remember my elementary days when we had pizza once a week and it was the BEST day of our week (besides field day)... "Pizza Friday"... sigh. Unfortunately, i cannot turn back the clock and return to "pizza friday". However, fortunately, my mother taught me how to make my own... from scratch. Sigh. 

Thus... Whole Wheat Pizza. It tastes so GOOD. I did half and half... half with lots of cheese for the BF and the other half with just a sprinkle and roasted veggies (I used the roasted veggies from my Basil Quinoa Salad Recipe). Make sure you split the dough in half or you will get a crazy thick pizza crust for just a normal size pizza. 

After you have mixed and kneaded (no more than ten times), cover with wet towel, place in microwave, and let the rising begin. Allow 1 hour. 

 When your dough has doubled in size 

 split it in half and let it rise for another 45 minutes (at least)

 Roll it out... stretch it out with your palms and cover with your favorite toppings. Bake for 15 minutes and enjoy. 

Whole Wheat Pizza

10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 10 minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then, drape it over both of your fists, and gently pull the edges outward, while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Top pizza with your favorite toppings, such as sauce, cheese, meats, or vegetables.
5. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges, and cheese is melted on the top.

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/amazing-whole-wheat-pizza-crust/