Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Lick The Bowl Good...

Lick The Bowl Good is an amazing food blog. It's just one woman.  Making hundreds of things. Making thousands happy. Seriously. She is AMAZING. I'd really like to share her with you. Her name is Monica. Oh- and BTW. If you want to borrow her recipes or her photos, GIVE HER CREDIT! She had someone steal everything from her blog and claim it as their own. Please be courteous. She works hard to make her blog as amazing as it is.

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread. Do I even have to ask if this looks good?!

Raspberry Swirl  Mini Cheesecakes Um, hello, these are PERFECT for a party. Love these.

 Ok, chocolate lovers, this is for YOU! 
Yes, that is Ferrero Rocher on top, with Nutella under it. Oh. My. Gosh. It looks amazing.

Not only is she good at sweet treats, but she is good at other foods too! 

That glaze looks divine. These are "Finger Lickin Good"

And Last- but not least
Corn Bread Corn Dogs! YUM! I can't wait to try this one. It's SO easy!

Give Monica some love over at Lick The Bowl Good. She is amazing and has lots more yummy recipes to share. Thanks Monica for letting me spotlight you!


Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Easter is on my mind...

Yay! I LOVE Easter. It's got good food, a good purpose to celebrate, and usually good weather! I love the traditions of the Easter egg hunts. In my home town, there is this family that has a HUGE beautiful yard that throws a huge Easter egg hunt every year. They go all out and make it crazy. I loved going! Anyway, since it's coming soon, I thought I would share some fun treats to make for the holiday. I hope you all have an enjoyable Easter this year and remember the reason we truly celebrate it.

Carrot Cake from Martha Stewart

Easter Egg Dipper Treats from Allrecipes

Easter Egg Nets from Allrecipes

Ducky Desserts from FamilyFun


Mmmm... Treats! It's horrible. I have a sweet tooth. Not good. :) 

What Easter treats do you have planned to make this year?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Weekly Meal Plan

Well, it's Monday again, and time to post the weekly meal plan! Just curious, do any of you use these recipes in your home?

Monday March 29th
Black Bean Quesadillas

Tuesday March 30th
5 Minute Southwest Layered Salad

Wednesday March 31st
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Thursday April 1st
Hoagie Sandwiches (Don't forget that it's April Fools! Do something fun!)

Friday April 2nd
Leftovers

Saturday April 3rd
Eat Out

Sunday April 4th
EASTER MEAL!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Starting with a quart of Tomatoes


'Think about it, how many of your favorite foods start with just a quart of tomatoes? The answer more than you'd think. Of course there s the usual stuff: lasagna, spaghetti, or pizza sauce, but what about hot and sour soup, goat cheese enchiladas, or salmon in sesame crust?

Now you can make all your favorite dishes even better. The key is in the first ingredient. Starting with a Quart of Tomatoes will teach you how to can and cook with fresh tomatoes for a taste your family won t be able to resist.

With step-by-step guides for canning and prepping your tomatoes, as well as helpful hints throughout the book, even the least experienced canner can learn how to stock her food storage and be prepared for the future. There s even a chapter on what staples you should include in your pantry. But what good is food storage if you don t know how to use it? That s why inside you ll find a wide variety of recipes that all start with one basic: a quart of tomatoes. Try these for starters:

African Peanut Chicken Soup
Chile Rellanos Crepes
Chicken Cacciatore
Absolutely Not Hungarian Goulash

Kick off your next dinner with one of these healthy, inexpensive, and delicious recipes by starting with a quart of tomatoes.'

Want a glance into one of the recipes?! Well, you're in luck!


Light Cream of Tomato Soup

2 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 qt. home-canned tomatoes or 2 (14.5-oz.) cans commercially canned tomatoes
dash of sugar
1 (14-oz._ can low-sodium chicken stock
1 bay leaf
2 pieces white sandwich bread, crusts removed, cut into small cubes


To adjust seasonings
sugar
salt
lime juice

optional seasonings
dash allspice (for a sweeter soup)
fresh basil (for a bright, herbal flavor)

Directions: Heat olive oil in a heavy, three quart stainless steel saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until soft and fragrant. Add sugar, tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Simmer 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Ladle in two batches into blender and puree each batch carefully with half the bread cubes. Strain into saucepan. Taste and adjust seasonings. Heat through and serve as is or with optional seasonings.

Like the recipe? Get Starting with a Quart of Tomatoes on our website!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Taking care of your health- Information on Hypoglycemia and Diabetes

Someone e-mailed me about the other day about my personal blog. I had written on my personal blog about the fact that I get migraines and I had heard that a hypoglycemic diet helped with them. Well, that person e-mailed me and wanted to share an article with me about the subject. I thought it was pretty interesting. I think taking care of your health is extremely important. Because this is a food/recipe blog, I thought that health had to do with that- since you have to watch what you eat. I hope this article is useful information to you like it was to me. 


Here’s a Quick Way to Prevent Hypoglycemia Using Fitness Exercises

What effect does exercise have on glucose levels?
Did you know that you can easily manage your diabetes just by engaging in exercise? There are exercises that have a good effect on the glucose levels of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. When you engage in exercise, you expend a lot of energy from the glucose found in your muscles. At first, the body simply uses up the glucose which is traced from your muscles’ glycogen. It is in your bloodstream where this glucose is found. Engaging in exercise means your blood glucose levels will not get lower. Additionally, your body also releases additional glucagon and hormones. These are important because they break down your liver’s stored fats, turning it into more glucose you can expend. Engaging in exercise means your body improves; it develops a better sensitivity when it comes to insulin, as well as allowing you to be more in control of your glycemic index.

Why is the effect of exercise on glucose levels important to those with type 2 diabetes?
Exercise indeed has a good effect on a patient’s glucose level. This is good news for people who have type 2 diabetes. A lot of research indicates that patients of diabetes gain more control over their glycemic as soon as they get used to a regular exercise program. On the other hand, people who do not engage in exercise find no improvement on their glycemic control. Since exercise improves your insulin sensitivity, you will also need less medicines in order to control the levels of your blood sugar.

Should patients with type 2 diabetes exercise more often or differently than otherwise healthy people?
There are, of course, people who become at risk for hypoglycemia due to the combined effects of their diabetes and engaging in high stress exercise. This happens during exercise and after it, too. If you think about it though, people can also be at risk for hyperglycemia simply for having poor control over their diabetes. Therefore, the leaders in this field recommend engaging in moderate exercise for a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 90 minutes if they want to do vigorous exercise.

What type of exercise is best for type 2 diabetes patients?
When it comes to exercise, the kind of exercise that is used is not as important compared to the frequency of the exercise. There are also some studies showing that if you participate in both weight training and aerobic activity, you get even more benefits as a result.

When should patients be discouraged from exercising?
Of course, sometimes patients should not engage in vigorous exercise especially when they have cardiac conditions or they are more prone to developing injuries as a result. It is better if they start of slow and get used to a light intensity program instead.
How might a patient be encouraged to exercise?

You can encourage patients to exercise slowly and surely until they adapt to it.
About the Author - Su Rollins writes for hypoglycemia diet menu, her personal hobby blog focused on tips to prevent and cure hypoglycemia using the right diet and nutrition.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

New Cookbook: Diet Rebel's Cookbook


I am SO excited about this new cookbook coming out!! We published it here are Cedar Fort, and it comes out next month. It's by Jillayne Clements and Michelle Stewart.The back of the book says...

"Jillayne Clements and Michelle Stewart bring new meaning to the phrase, "You are what you eat" in The Diet Rebel's Cookbook: Eating Clean and Green. Don't let processed, refined foods that have been stripped of their nutrients be the primary fuel for your life. Give your body what it naturally needs! The Diet Rebel's Cookbook reveals the benefits of eating whole, natural foods as a regular part of your diet and includes recipes and preparation tips that will help your body get the most out of what you eat. Learn how to use whole grains, natural sweeteners, and fresh ingredients on a regular basis, and impress your friends and family with recipes that are both delicious and healthy. Now, eating right, feeling good, and enjoying what you eat is possible for you and everyone you love!"

Here is a recipe from it that I want to share with all of you: 

Yogurt Sauce

1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp. agave
1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix Yogurt, agave, and cinnamon together. Serve stirred into apples, or serve over the top of Apple Breakfast Wrap.

Like Diet Rebel's Cookbook? Check it out on our website!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Weekly Meal Plan

It's Monday. The beginning of the week. Blah. At least it's sunny though right?! That's a definite plus. So, here is what's on the menu for the week. 
 


Monday March 22nd
 Pot Roast

Tuesday March 23rd
Wednesday March 24th 


Thursday March 25th
Friday March 26th 
Left Overs

Saturday March 27th
Dine Out

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Cranberry Pork Roast

I have followed this blog called "Sister's Cafe" for quite some time now. I love it! It's just a group of sisters and their mom posting amazing recipes on their blog. This recipe really caught my eye- and I wanted to share it with you! It seems really simple.

It's called Cranberry Pork Roast.

The Recipe:
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1, 2-4 lb roast (I used pork in the picture above)
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
salt and pepper

Place the rings of onion in the crock pot. Sprinkle the roast with salt and pepper to taste (I really didn't put much salt on). Place the roast on top of the onions. Next add the 2 Tbsp. of soy sauce, just pouring over the top of the roast. Dispense the cranberry sauce on top of the roast. Cook on low for 6 hours. About one hour before serving, shred the pork with two forks. That way it will soak up all the juices and be tender, delicious when you serve it. 


Ok guys- don't forget to go visit their blog- The Sister's Cafe.
Happy Baking!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Check out our giveaway!


St. Patrick's Day Treats

Here are a few fun recipes I found for St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy!
*If you click on the words underneath the picture, it will take you to the link for the recipe.
 







So, there ya have it! 8 recipes that can easily be made for your St. Patrick's Day Dessert. They all look super yummy to me...

Mario Facione Fireside


I know this isn't food related, but incase any of you would like to know: 
Mario Facione, author of "From Mafia to Mormon" will be giving a fireside Saturday, March 20th, 2010 at 6:30 PM in the Stake Center on 450 E. 5600 S. Murray, UT.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to go- Mario has an amazing story and you will be truly edified.

They will be meeting in the Relief Society Room.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Weekly Meal Plan- Healthy

Happy Monday! I had a great weekend. I ate  junk all weekend though.. not good. We had family staying for the weekend and we just pigged out! So, this week, I'm going to focus on healthy foods. Hope you enjoy!

Meal Plan Monday Cedar Fort Recipes


Monday March 15th
Tri Pepper Salad
 Recipe at AllRecipes.com. This only has 35 Calories a serving and 0.5 grams of fat!

Tuesday March 16th
Angel Hair Pasta With Peppers
This recipe is from AllRecipes.com. It only has 224 calories and 3.1 grams of fat.

Wednesday March 17th
St. Patrick's Day! 
Beef and Irish Stout Stew
This recipe is from Allrecipes.com. Ok, so this one isn't the healthiest recipe- but it's a recipe in honor of St. Patrick's Day! It looks really good... 

Thursday March 18th 
Marinated Grilled Chicken
This recipe is from allrecipes.com. It doesn't have information on the nutrition facts, but it looked pretty healthy. And soo good!

Friday March 19th
Eat Out- Somewhere healthy.

Saturday March 20th
Leftovers

Friday, March 12, 2010

Thirsty Anyone?

In our cookbook "Spice Up Your Live" by Bindu Grandhi, there are a few drink recipes. I think they are fun because they aren't just your regular pop or water or lemonade. They are all fun and easy to make- but unique and yummy. Here are a few of my favorites:

Lime Soda
You will need:
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tsp. sugar
16 oz. club soda
ice cubes
Garnish: slices of lime
Directions: In a small pitcher, add lime juice, salt, and sugar. Add one-fourth of the soda and stir. Add ice and rest of soda and garnish with a slice of lime.

Tropical Island Delight
You will need:
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup guava juice
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1Tbsp. honey
Garnish: slices of pineapple
Directions: Add all ingredients to a blender fitted with a steel blade. Blend until creamy. Garnish with pineapple and serve in tall glasses with ice cubes.


Mango Swirl Smoothie
You will need: 
1 1/2 cups milk
8 oz. vanilla low fat yogurt
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped (or 1 cup frozen mango)
1/8-1/4 cup sugar (optional, depends on sweetness of the mango)
Garnish: 4 fresh mint leaves
Directions: Combine all the ingredients into a food processor or blender fitted with a steel blade. Cover and blend on high speed until smooth. Pour into tall glasses with ice cubes. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.


If you would like more recipes like this, check out SPICE UP YOUR LIFE at our website. 

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Oreo and Fudge Ice Cream Cake

I got this yummy recipe from 'better than burnt toast'. I like the recipe because it's easy to make and delicious to the taste! This screams summer BBQ to me. Can't wait for that...

1/2 cup fudge ice cream topping, warmed

1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed, divided

1 pkg. (4 serving size) chocolate pudding

8 oreos

12 ice cream sandwiches


Pour the fudge topping into a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping with a wire whisk until it's well blended. Add in the dry puddingmix; stir 2 min. or until well blended. The consistency of fudge topping can vary depending on what brand you purchase. If your fudge topping mixture is too thick to spread evenly, stir in 1/4 cup milk. Chop oreos into chunks. Stir in the pudding mixture. Arrange 4 of the ice cream sandwhiches side by side on a 42x12-inch peice of foil; top with half of the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers. Top the pudding mixture with the remaining 4 ice cream sandwhiches. Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped topping. Bring up sides of foil. Freeze at least four hours before serving. Let stand at room temperature to soften slightly before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes with Whipped Cream

This recipe is taken from 101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 minutes. Wendy Paul, the author, is amazing- and has come up with some outrageously good recipes for cupcakes! All of which are so simple!

Here is what you will need for this one:
1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 cup half and half
1 tsp. lemon extract
1 package (4 oz.) instant banana cream pudding mix
1 recipe whipped cream
sliced bananas for garnish

How to make it?

Mix together cake mix , eggs, half and half, lemon extract, and pudding mix (powder only).

Pour batter into paper liners and fill 3/4 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from pan and allow cupcakes to cool on a wire rack.

Top with whipped cream and sliced bananas to garnish.

Easy recipe huh! If you liked this, you will love the rest of her book.



Buy 101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 Minutes on our website.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Meal Plan Monday!

Did you make a meal plan this week? Share it with us!! We would love to hear from you.

Meal Plan Monday Cedar Fort Recipes



Sorry I am posting this a little later than usual. I had a dentist appointment this morning. I have two baby cavities.. yikes! Looks like I need to stop eating all that good stuff....

Monday March 8th
Tuna Sandwiches
Sliced Tomatoes
Fresh Apples

Tuesday March 9th
Sloppy Joes
French Fries
Baked Beans

Wednesday March 10th
Baked Ham
Carrots cooked in Orange Juice
Potato Salad

Thursday March 11th
Leftovers

Friday March 12th
Eat Out

Saturday March 13th
BBQ Short Ribs
Rice
Green Salad

Enjoy this week's meal plan- and remember to share with us yours! Add your link below.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Breadstick Snails

This is so cute and easy to make. This would be fun to make for a kids birthday party if you are serving dinner. I got this recipe from Parents.com and there are tons more cool recipes like this. Check it out!

Ingredients
  • 1  tube (11 oz.) refrigerated breadsticks
  • 1/4  cup purchased basil pesto
  • Coarsely shredded carrots
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll dough and separate at perforations into strips. Spread strips with pesto and roll up into a coil, leaving a curved end, so it looks like the head of the snail. Secure with a toothpick. Place upright on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. To serve, use the tip of a sharp knife to poke holes for antennae; insert two carrot slivers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat at 350°F. Makes 12.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Themed Birthday Party Cakes

I know I already shared some cool cake designs but I wanted to share some more cool ones I found.


If you are looking for a cake for a princess themed party- this is it!
Celebrate with a cake shaped like Cinderella's castle on her next birthday.
Ingredients
  • 2 baked 9-inch square cakes
  • Pink frosting
  • 4 baked cupcakes
  • 4 ice-cream cones
  • Pink frosting
  • Green colored sugar
  • 4 Hershey's Kisses
  • Necco Wafers
  • M&M candies
  • 2 cups Jell-O
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, tinted with green food coloring
  • 1 graham cracker

Instructions
  1. Place one of the square cakes on a large platter. Frost, then layer with the second square cake.
  2. Place the cupcakes on top of the cake in each of the four corners. Top each cupcake with an inverted ice-cream cone. Frost the cupcakes and cones. Score the frosting with a fork to make the textured castle siding.
  3. Now, add candies. First, sprinkle the green sugar on the cones, then top each cone with a Hershey's Kiss. Outline the top of the cake with Necco Wafers. Create a castle door with more Necco wafers and M&M's.
  4. Surround the cake with the blue Jell-O and a ring of the green shredded coconut.
  5. Finally, place a graham cracker drawbridge over the moat, and invite the party guests to dig in. Serves 8 to 10.


    All boys party with this bug cake! Boys will love this. 
Mother Nature never tasted so good!
Ingredients
  • 1 dome cake (baked in a 2-liter bowl, such as Pyrex)
  • 1 baked 13" x 9" x 2" cake
  • 3 to 4 cups chocolate icing
  • 2 to 3 cups crushed chocolate cookies (we combined chocolate graham crackers, fudge cookies, and chocolate wafer cookies)
  • Plastic bugs, spiders, and snakes, washed and dried
Step 1
 

Instructions
  1. Arrange the round cake atop the rectangular cake, as shown, securing in place with icing.
  2. Cover the cakes with the icing, then sprinkle on the cookie crumbs. Decorate with the plastic bugs, spiders, and snakes. (For safety, remove the toys before serving.)

  3. Tip: For the dirt, you can pulse the cookies in a food processor. 

    Going Bowling for the party? Then this is the perfect cake!

    You're sure to strike everyone's sweet tooth with this clever party cake.
Ingredients
  • 2 baked 13-by-9-inch cakes, any flavor
  • 1 3/4 cups plus 1/4 cup of white frosting
  • Yellow food coloring
  • 1 cup of brown chocolate frosting
  • 2 strips of Fruit by the Foot fruit leather, each about 20 inches long
  • Gumballs in different colors
  • 1 strip of black shoestring licorice, about 9 inches long 7 chocolate chips
  • 10 bowling pin candles (available at party stores)
 

Instructions
Bowling Lane Cake - Step 1
  1. On a large platter or cake cardboard measuring at least 26 inches long, line up the cakes end to end to form a long rectangle. Trim the cakes as shown.

  2. Bowling Lane Cake - Step 2
    Trim 2 big cake scraps to 4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide and stack them on the sides of the wide end of the cake to make the bowling ball rack. Use a little frosting to adhere them if necessary. If the small pieces are crumbly and therefore difficult to frost, apply a light coating of frosting and chill the pieces until it sets. Stick the pieces in place and frost again.

  3. Bowling Lane Cake - Step 3
    To create a varnished wood look for the lane's flooring, mix the 1 3/4 cups of white frosting with 12 drops of yellow food coloring and 1 cup of chocolate frosting. The overall color should resemble peanut butter. Frost the entire cake, except for the tops of the racks; frost those with the 1/4 cup of white.
  4. Trim 2 strips of fruit leather to fit along the edges for the gutters. Place the gumballs in the rack, add shoestring licorice for the foul line, and arrange the chocolate chip lane arrows about a third of the way up the lane. Set up the bowling pin candles at the narrow end of the cake. Light as many as the birthday child's age. Serves about 20.
Enjoy! 
These cakes are from FamilyFun.com.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Onions and Tears

I really HATE onions. And, I hate cutting them. I always tear up. They are so strong. Today when I was looking at some cooking tips, I found this and thought it was so interesting! It tells you how to avoid the tears when handling onions. I found this on Food Reference.com.



ONIONS & TEARS

There are many methods recommended for cutting onions to avoid tears. Each method has its supporters. Try each of them, if one works for you, use it.

Methods:

• cut the root off last;

• refrigerate before cutting;

• peel them under cold water;

• have a fan behind you or alongside to blow the vapors away;

• place a piece of bread on the knife tip to absorb the fumes;

• chew gum while peeling and slicing onions.

• hold you breath and cut them as quick as you can

• have someone else cut them for you!


Why we cry when cutting onions.

Onions produce the chemical irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide. It stimulates the eyes' lachrymal glands so they release tears. Scientists used to blame the enzyme allinase for the instability of substances in a cut onion. Recent studies from Japan, however, proved that lachrymatory-factor synthase, (a previously undiscovered enzyme) is the culprit (Imani et al, 2002).

The process goes as follows:

• Lachrymatory-factor synthase is released into the air when we cut an onion.

• The synthase enzyme converts the sulfoxides (amino acids) of the onion into sulfenic acid.

• The unstable sulfenic acid rearranges itself into syn-ropanethial-S-oxide.

• Syn-propanethial-S-oxide gets into the air and comes in contact with our eyes. The lachrymal glands become irritated and produces the tears!

 So, there you have it! Ideas on how to avoid the tears when it comes to cutting onions!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday Cedar Fort Recipes



I wanted to start a new thing for this blog. It's called "Meal Plan Monday". Since we have been posting meal plans every Monday, I wanted to know what all of you put on your menu too! If you want to participate, All you have to do is copy the text in the box above and post it in your blog on Monday when you share your meal plan. Below is a place for you to add your link to your blog if you have created a meal plan today. I promise to look at every single post and I will share my favorite recipes that were posted through out the week. Good luck! I am so excited to be starting this! Share it with all your friends!!

Weekly Meal Plan

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. Did anything fabulous happen for any of you? I got together with a few old friends and had a yummy mexican dinner last night... It was a lot of fun. Here is your menu for the week:

Monday March 1st (Can you believe it's MARCH?!)
Chinese Orange Chicken
Recipe found HERE

Tuesday March 2nd
BLT Wraps
Recipe found HERE

Wednesday March 3rd 
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce from Ragu
You can also put chicken and broccoli in this. SUPER YUMMY!!

Thursday March 4th
Leftovers

Friday March 5th
Eat Out

Saturday March 6th 
Pot Roast
Potatoes and Carrots
Dinner Rolls

Enjoy!! 

By the way, today I found a great guide for Meal Planning over at The Project Girl. You can print it out- free! 

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