The chocolatiest chocolate cookies

Do you have someone on your “nice” list that loves chocolate?  If so, we have the yummiest {and chocolatiest, of course!} cookie recipe to bake for them!  Unsweetened chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate is melted and then additional chocolate chips are folded in to make this rich, fudgy cookie!  This recipe can be made with either all-purpose flour or brown rice flour (to make them gluten free)… either way, Oh what fun it is to do holiday baking!

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

3 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

¾ cup all-purpose flour (or brown rice flour)

½ teaspoon baking powder

1.)    Preheat oven to 350°.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2.)    Place 1 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, the unsweetened chocolate and the butter in a small saucepan.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture melts.  Take off of heat and set aside.

3.)    In a large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla for 2-3 minutes.

4.)    In a small bowl, whisk or stir together the flour and baking powder.

5.)    Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and blend until smooth.

6.)    Beat in the flour mixture until blended.  Stir in the remaining cup of chocolate chips. 

7.)    Drop batter onto prepared pan by Tablespoons, about 2 inches apart.

8.)    Bake one sheet at a time, 8-10 minutes, until cookies are puffed and lightly cracked on top.

Optional:  when completely cool, dust with powdered sugar.  Makes approximately 30 cookies

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wild rice & shiitake mushroom soup

This earthy soup is perfect for cold weather.  It’s comforting, delicious and filling.  Pair it with garlic breadsticks for a yummy dinner that the whole family will love!

½ cup wild rice (or brown or white rice)

4 Tablespoons butter

1 celery stalk, cleaned and finely chopped

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

1/3 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced

1/3 pound button mushrooms, sliced

¼-½ teaspoon salt

4 cups vegetable broth

2 Tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped

Freshly ground pepper

½ cup heavy cream

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.  Set aside.
2. In a soup pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter.  Add the celery, onion and mushrooms.  Sauté, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft.
3. Add the rice, salt, broth, parsley and black pepper.  Reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 20-30 minutes.
4. Add the heavy cream and taste for additional seasoning.

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cinnamon apple crisp

Chocolate trumps every dessert in our household.  So I know that this apple crisp recipe is a winner because every time that I make it (which is pretty frequently because it’s super easy & delicious!), I hear “ooh”, “awe” and “awesome”!  

Granny smith apples get topped with a brown sugar crumb topping… it’s scrumptious and extra tasty served warm with vanilla ice cream.

6 cups peeled apples, thinly sliced*
3/4 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup oats
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1.) Preheat oven to 350°.
2.) Place apples in a lightly buttered 8x8 glass baking dish.
3.) Combine brown sugar, oats, flour, butter and cinnamon; blend together with fingers until crumbly. Evenly top apples with oat mixture.
4.) Bake for 35 minutes.

* we use granny smith apples, but any apple will do :) 

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Another yummy & fun recipe to make is our apple chips!  click here for the recipe!

spaghetti casserole

Remember casseroles of the past… based from a can of soup and processed ingredients? This dish is fresh, updated comfort food with a family-friendly, healthy twist!  It’s loaded with veggies, protein and good carbs!   Tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic & ground beef top creamy Parmesan noodles.  If you want to make it vegetarian, omit the beef (you can replace with soy crumbles or sauté a cup of veggies).  

Most kids love spaghetti!  And almost every Mom (like me), loves a dinner recipe that is both delicious & nutritious (and makes enough for two nights… a definite bonus!).  This spaghetti casserole fits the dinner bill and will quickly become a family favorite.  Move on over processed casseroles and say hello to fresh, healthy and easier versions!

8-ounce box of wheat, vegetable or regular spaghetti noodles

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 cups cottage cheese

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 6-ounce can tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

1.)  Cook spaghetti according to package directions.  Toss spaghetti with Parmesan cheese, egg and olive oil.  Evenly place in a lightly greased (with olive oil) 13x9 glass baking dish.

2.)  Evenly spread cottage cheese over spaghetti mixture.

3.)  In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, bell pepper and garlic over medium to medium-high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.

4.)  Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning and sugar.  Cook until thoroughly heated.

5.)  Evenly spoon over cottage cheese.  Evenly spread mozzarella cheese over dish.

6.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

What dinner dish would you like to see updated with a fresh, healthier twist?

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fruit kebabs w/ raspberry dip!

Dip fresh seasonal fruit into this sweet & creamy dip!  Even non-fruit loving kids devour these juicy bites!

1 ¼ cups organic raspberries
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1 7-ounce jar of marshmallow crème
1 cup vanilla yogurt

Fruit of your choice (bananas, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, blackberries, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes, honeydew)

To make the dip:
1. Place the raspberries, cream cheese, marshmallow crème and yogurt in a food processor.2. Pulse until thoroughly combined and pureed. Transfer to a bowl.
 To make the fruit kebabs:
3. Cut the fruit into 1 ½-inch chunks. Alternate fruit on skewers. Arrange the fruit on a platter with the fruit dip in the center.4. The skewers (except for banana) can be made ahead. For a garnish, use fresh mint or toasted coconut.
 
 
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chickpea crunchers {roasted chickpeas}

Snacks are a big deal at our house. Someone is always hungry and looking to munch on a little something.  We can now add these delicious nutty-tasting crunchers to our snack rotation. These roasted chickpeas are the perfect thing to nosh on… they pack a serious & satisfying crunch, have a wonderful savory flavor and are loaded with nutritional value (chickpeas are an excellent source of vitamin B6, folate, fiber, manganese, iron, potassium and protein).

This recipe is super easy to prepare! It comes together in a couple of minutes and bakes for 60 minutes. You just have to set the timer and stir every 15 minutes. Some ovens run hotter than others… if you sense that they are getting too dark, too quickly; pull them out and give them a stir and if need be, reduce the heat to 375° or 350°. I’ve listed our family’s favorite version, but try your favorite seasonings (rosemary, curry, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, more salt) and experiment with your own version.

One 15-oz can of organic garbanzo beans (chickpeas) or approximately 2 cups of prepared chickpeas
2 teaspoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
couple dashes of sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. Rinse chickpeas and drain. Lay on a tea-towel and allow to air dry (or pat dry with a towel or paper towel).
3. Place in a 9x13 glass baking dish. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove chickpeas and stir/toss thoroughly. Place back in the oven for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and drizzle the olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Thoroughly stir. Place chickpeas back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and stir/toss thoroughly. Bake for the last 15 minutes, being sure to keep an eye on the chickpeas if they seem to be roasting or browning too quickly.

Store in an air-tight container.


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kale chips

Potatoes, move on over!  There’s a new chip in town.  It’s lean, green and a powerful antioxidant machine!

Kale chips have been getting a lot of press lately.  I have been intrigued with the feedback stating that they are, “addictingly good, were completely consumed within minutes of coming out of the oven, the new favorite household snack”.  I was curious!  Could they really taste like a chip?  Do children really gobble them up like their fried counterparts?  I’m happy to report that they do taste like a fried chip (not exactly like a potato chip- it has a mild kale taste with a satisfying crunch!) and my 3-year-old son did immediately eat a bowl of the chips (I think he was intrigued by the deep green color and crispiness).

Let your family crunch and munch away!  Kale is a nutritional powerhouse; it has a mere 36 calories per cup and contains more than twice the level of antioxidants in other leafy greens.  One serving has nearly 8 times the Daily Value of Vitamin K and twice the Daily Value of Vitamin A.  It is also a good source of folate, fiber, Vitamin C, and the minerals manganese, potassium, copper and calcium (information from the Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet book by Tonia Reinhard).
Store the chips in an airtight container. If the kale chips lose their crispness after a day or two, throw them back in the oven for a couple of minutes.

1 bunch of organic kale
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce

(1.) Preheat the oven to 250°.
(2.) Rinse the kale and air dry. Cut the kale into bite-sized (2-3 inch) pieces being sure to cut away from the stem. Discard the stem.
(3.) Toss the kale pieces in olive oil and soy sauce; being sure to thoroughly coat each piece of kale.
(4.) Evenly place on two baking sheets. For kale pieces that curl over, turn upside down and flat so they can cook evenly.
(5.) Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate baking sheets. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.

applesauce, carrot & walnut mini-muffins

Muffins are typically little sweet cakes disguised as a nutritional breakfast option… not with this recipe… It’s loaded with natural & nutritious ingredients to make them the perfect breakfast or snack!

I’m always tinkering with ways to make muffins a little bit healthier while still retaining their moist, sweet deliciousness. I think this recipe is win-win… it’s sweetened with maple syrup, loaded with good-for-you foods like organic applesauce, carrots and walnuts and kissed with a little cinnamon and nutmeg!

This recipe can easily be doubled. I love this yield, though... the muffins always get consumed while they are fresh and at their best.

 1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 organic egg
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup organic applesauce
1/4 cup coconut oil* or olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup organic carrots, shredded
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup organic raisins

1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a mini-muffin tin with 18 liners or grease and flour 18 mini muffin cups.
2. In a mixing bowl; mix the egg and maple syrup together.  Add the apple sauce, coconut oil and vanilla.  Mix until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.  Add the flour ingredients to the egg mixture.  Mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the carrots, walnuts and raisins.  Mix just until combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the 18 prepared mini muffin cups.
6. Mix together the Tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.  Lightly top each muffin with the sugar mixture.
7. Bake for 11 minutes. 

* coconut oil is usually solid, I sometimes lightly heat the oil for a couple of seconds in the microwave, but I also sometimes put it in solid and let the mixer break it down- whatever you prefer.

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make smoothies with the kiddies!

Smoothies are a big hit at our house! The kids love watching the blender whirl and mix the chunks of fruit, ice and yogurt into one thick drink, and I love knowing that they are drinking 2+ servings of fruit or vegetables, yogurt and flax seed.

This drink is so versatile and adaptable… use whatever fruits (and some veggies), juices and yogurt that you have. Smoothies are super easy to put together… throw it all in and seconds later, its ready! We make these as snacks, but they are a perfect & portable breakfast or light meal on-the-go.

banana strawberry smoothie: 

1 banana, peeled
1 cup strawberries, hulled {if they are organic, i throw the whole strawberry in}
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup milk, orange juice or water
1/4 cup crushed ice
1 Tablespoon flax seed

(1.)  Put all of the ingredients in the blender.  Blend for one minute; until smooth.  Serve :)

For a basic smoothie recipe, I typically take 2 cups of fruit {and sometimes spinach}, add yogurt, milk or juice & ice.  Blend well and serve!

Some additional add-ins to complement your smoothie: nuts, coconut, protein powder, vanilla, cocoa powder, peanut butter & honey

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healthy turkey sloppy joes

turkey sloppy joes… kid-tested, mom-approved!  these messy, but so delicious, burgers are a great & easy way to get lycopene & protein in your family!  don’t forget the napkins :)

2 pounds ground turkey

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup tomato sauce

1 6-ounce can tomato paste

1/2 cup ketchup

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon dried mustard

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

(1.)  In a skillet cook turkey, onion & garlic over medium-high heat until the turkey is completely cooked.  With spoon, break turkey down into crumbles. 

(2.)  Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, dried mustard, soy sauce and worcestershire sauce. 
(3.)  Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
(4.)  Serve on toasted whole wheat or onion buns and top with either cheddar cheese, montery jack cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions and/or peppers.


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chocolate snacking cake

All of your sweeties will love this chocolate snacking cake!  This sweet & tender cake is packed with nutritionally rich foods like oats, cocoa powder, walnuts and semi-sweet chocolate… what’s not to love?

1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 3/4 cups boiling water
½ cup butter cut into small cubes & softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
1 ¾ cups flour
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips
¾ cups walnuts, chopped

1.) Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 glass dish and set aside.
2.) In a mixing bowl, pour boiling water over oatmeal. Let stand for 10 minutes.
3.) Add the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar; stirring until butter is melted.
4.) Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5.) Sift flour, cocoa and baking soda together. Add to batter; mix well. Stir in half {1 cup} of the chocolate chips. Pour into the pan.
6.) Sprinkle walnuts and remaining cup of chocolate chips on top.
7.) Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center come out clean.

pasta fagioli soup

Happy Meatless Monday!  Warm up with this souper duper recipe- pasta fagioli!  It’s hearty, healthy and so tasty {extra cheese for the kiddies, please}!   This soup has a whole bunch of kale in it… kale is a nutritional powerhouse.  It’s in the cabbage family & loaded with Vitamins A, C, folic acid, calcium and iron!

3 Tablespoons olive oil,

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with basil, garlic & oregano)

2 14.5 cans vegetable or chicken broth

3 cups of water

2 cups small pasta (shells, rigatoni)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 bunch fresh kale, tough stems discarded, chopped into 1/4-inch slices

2 cans small white beans, drained & rinsed

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon salt, additional to taste

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Grated Parmesan for serving

1.)  Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add onion and cook for 5 minutes.  Add garlic; cook 1 minute.

2.)  Stir in tomatoes, broth and 3 cups of water.  Bring to a simmer over high heat.  Add pasta and Italian seasoning.  Cook, stirring for 5 minutes.

3.)  Stir in kale; cook 5 minutes more.  Reduce heat to medium and stir in beans, tomato paste, salt and pepper.  Heat through.

4.)  Ladle into bowls; garnish with Parmesan cheese.


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recipe adapted & photo courtesy of Family Circle

sweet potato fries

We’ve got a French twist for fries! For a healthier take, try these three different & easy oven-baked sweet potato recipes. They are high in beta carotene, fiber and Vitamin A.

(1.) Heat oven to 400 degrees.
(2.) Cut into wedges.
(3.) Toss with a little olive oil, salt & paprika OR toss with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary OR toss with olive oil, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar and salt.
(4.) Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
(5.) Bake 20 minutes, toss the potatoes and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.


 
photo courtesy of McCormick.com

a new twist for pretzels!

We’ve got a new twist for pretzels! If you’re household is anything like ours, you have open bags of pretzels that have just a little bit left, but have been sitting in your pantry. Here are 3 great ways to use them up and put them to a tasty use!

(1.)  For a crunchy coating for chicken, brush each side of 4 boneless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard.  Roll in finely crushed pretzels; bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until temperature reaches 160 degrees.*

(2.)  Swap your favorite cookie crust recipe for this delicious pretzel version:  Mix together 2 cups finely crushed pretzels, 6 Tablespoons melted butter and 3 Tablespoons sugar.  Press into a pie plate and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.*

(3.)  Make a simple & sweet dessert by melting 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, then stirring in 1 cup coarsely crushed pretzels and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (and/or coconut).  Spread out onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.  Break into pieces. *



*recipe adapted from family circle 

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apple muffins

For all of the little apples of your eyes... this tasty apple muffin is a simple & nutritious snack for little ones (or as a breakfast on-the-go). For some delicious variations, replace the apples with blueberries or grated zucchini and/or add chopped walnuts.



1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 dashes of nutmeg
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 3 cups)


1.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2.) Lightly grease or line with paper baking cups18 muffin cups; set aside.
3.) In a small bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4.) Beat butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in applesauce and vanilla.
5.) Reduce speed to low and alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Stir in apple pieces.
6.) Fill each muffin liner with 1/4 cup batter. Bake muffins at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.


photo & adapted recipe courtesy of Family Circle

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

We love pumpkin & chocolate – it’s a perfect match in these super delicious, moist and cake-like cookies!  These are delicious unadorned, but kids love the iced pumpkin faces.

2 1/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Glaze
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.) Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2.) With an electric mixer, cream together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the pumpkin, eggs and vanilla. Beat until blended.
3.) Add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon), beat until blended. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4.) Using a Tablespoon scoop, drop the dough onto the baking sheet. Bake in the middle of the oven for 12-17 minutes, until bottom of cookies are browned. Let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
5.) If making pumpkin face: While the cookies are still warm, press two chocolate chips into the cookie to make the eyes for the pumpkin.
6.) For the glaze: Stir together the sugar, milk and vanilla until the glaze is smooth. Drizzle in a pumpkin pattern.

Recipe adapted & photo courtesy of King Arthur Flour

curried pumpkin soup

This savory & creamy soup has a little curry heat and a little hint of sweetness... it's the perfect addition to any autumn meal!


1 large onion, finely chopped
1 cup celery chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tablespoons butter
1 – 29 oz. can pumpkin puree
4 cups vegetable (or chicken) broth
1 cup water *
2-3 teaspoons curry
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 dashes nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 cup of heavy cream or milk


(1.)  Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.


(2.)  Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, water, curry, brown sugar, cumin, pepper, salt and nutmeg (everything else but the thyme). Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
(3.)  Transfer the vegetable soup to a blender (working in batches) and puree until smooth. Add the thyme and cream.  Taste for additional seasoning.
(4.)  Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.

* May need to thin out the soup with additional water (especially when re-heating).

honey lemonade

pucker up, lil honey! here is a refreshing & healthy lemonade recipe for a hot summer day-


1 Tablespoon of honey
juice of one lemon
1 cup of water
ice


1.) in a mixing glass, dissolve the honey in the lemon juice.
2.) add the water and stir to thoroughly combine.
3.) fill a glass with ice and top with the lemonade. 
4.) garnish with a mint sprig and/or lemon slices


serves 1


image from Planet Green

chocolate pancakes!

Chocolate pancakes for breakfast?  It is actually a lot healthier than you think. cocoa is loaded with flavonoids & antioxidants!  Serve with maple syrup and fresh raspberries & blueberries for a wonderful and scrumptious start to your day :)


2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups buttermilk
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup chocolate chips


1. In large bowl, sift or stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the two large eggs, buttermilk and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the batter together, until just combined. Batter will have small lumps. Do not over mix or the pancakes will be tough.
5. Let the batter sit for 2 to 5 minutes.
6. Lightly grease a griddle or heavy skillet with oil or melted butter. Heat until hot on medium to medium-low heat. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the pan, if they sizzle, the pan is ready for the pancakes.
7. Scoop ½ cup of batter onto heated pan.
8. Cook until the surface of the pancake is covered with tiny bubbles (2 to 4 minutes), then immediately flip the cakes; cook approximately 1 - 3 more minutes. Do not push down on the pancakes with the spatula; this will take away the fluffiness and make the pancakes hard.
9. Serve immediately with room temperature butter and warm maple syrup.
This recipe easily can be cut in half