Almond Butter and Blueberry Oatmeal

Almond butter and blueberry oatmeal.

Cooked oatmeal (not instant), tbsp all natural almond butter, sprinkle of cinnamon, drizzle of honey, handful of fresh blueberries, a few splashes of homemade almond milk (unsweetened) and topped with unsweetened shredded coconut and chia seeds

Blackened Red Fish with Cucumber, Cherry Tomato and Grilled Corn Salad

I love light dinners in the summer. When it's hot and humid, who really wants to eat? They satisfy without leaving that heavy feeling. And fish is a great "light" meal!

Blackened Red Fish with Cucumber, Cherry Tomato and Grilled Corn Salad...

4 cups mixed cherry tomatoes quartered (heirloom too)
2 cups chopped cucumber (peel if preferred)
2 ears of corn grilled and corn cut off cobs
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
1 tsp Himalayan salt

Mix salad together and allow to chill slightly. Top with grilled blackened fish.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce

Yet another garden meal.....the true beauty of it.....quick and easy. But the even more beautiful........delicious.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce

4 organic free range chicken breasts
1/4 cup whole wheat flour...
All natural lemon pepper
1 lemon
2 cups of organic half and half
3 tbsp olive oil
Himalayan salt

1. Pound chicken and season with lemon pepper and Himalayan salt.
2. Dredge chicken in flour.
3. Heat oil in skillet and cook chicken till crispy and cooked through.
4. Take chicken out of skillet and drain oil on paper towel.
5. In same skillet, with leftover oil and chicken drippings, pour half and half into pan.
6. Put zest and juice into the pan with the cream. Whisking to get mixed and warm. Season with Himalayan salt. (About 1/2 tsp).
7. Serve with pasta of choice or I sautéed green beans, yellow zucchini noodles, and a mix of cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil. Sliced chicken. Drizzled with sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese.

All Natural Sunscreen

Ask and you shall receive.....

Loved the all natural homemade sunscreen! Simple to make and works well.

ALL NATURAL SUNSCREEN
...
3-4 tbsp organic bees wax pellets
1/2 cup raw Shea butter
1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil
3-4 tbsp all natural zinc oxide

In a double boiler bring water to a slow boil. In top all bees pellets, Shea butter and coconut oil. Melt slowly. Add zinc oxide and stir well. Keep in a air tight container and use frequently.

To my best knowledge this is around 30-40 SPF.

All Natural Blueberry Mojitos

Some days just call for a adult beverage. A cold. Refreshing. Yummy drink. Especially on hot summer days. With tired, whinny babies:-)

This is a game changer. Forget all those "skinny girl" concoctions.

All Natural Blueberry Mojito
...
1/4 cup water
5 drops of sweet leaf liquid sweetener
6 fresh mint leaves
Small handful of fresh blueberries
1-2 shots of rum
Lime wedge
Ice

Muddle lime, mint and blueberries in a cup. Mix water with sweet leaf. Pour in cup with blueberries and mix. Add rum. Top with ice.

Drink responsibly:-) and enjoy! See More

Gazpacho

Can't eat hot soup in the summer? Eat it cold!


Gazpacho


5-6 good size tomatoes ( I used a variety with 2 heirloom)...
2 small cucumbers
1 pepper (I used a green)
1 small sweet onion
2 fresh garlic cloves
A few shakes of red pepper flakes is you like to spice it up
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp Himalayan salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Throw it all In a food processor and pulse till you get your desired consistency. I prefer a little chunky. Serve cold with plain organic Greek yogurt, fresh parsley and avocado. And possibly and grilled cheese:-)

Cherry and Strawberry Smoothie

Fresh cherries are in season and on sale at the grocery! Grab them up. Those suckers are usually so expensive!
Fresh Cherry and Strawberry Smoothie
1/2 cup fresh cherries pitted...
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup ice
Drizzle of local honey

Blend in mixer till smooth.

Grill Pockets

Do you ever make little foil "packets" on the grill? It's one of my favorite ways to make a easy meal in one step. The bonus is that all the natural flavors stay together and make a delicious marinade to cook in.

This was a chicken with v...eggies. My combo of vegetables tonight was cherry tomatoes, sweet onions, fresh green beans, yellow zucchini, fresh chopped garlic and tossed with lots of fresh basil and fresh oregano. I seasoned everything with Himalayan salt and drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a little local honey. Customize each packet with everyone's favorite vegetables.

I served with quinoa and poured all the juices from the packet of top

Classic Chicken Salad

Classic Chicken Salad

4 boiled free range chicken breasts
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions...
3 fresh garlic cloves
3/4 cup plain organic Greek yogurt
2 tbsp local honey
1 1/2 tsp dill weed
1/4 cup craisins ( I used reduced sugar)
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Himalayan salt to taste

1. Pulse chicken with garlic in food processor till desired consistency.
2. In large bowl mix all ingredients with chicken.
3. Chill in fridge for a few hours before serving.

Shepard's Pie

Home cooked cowboy food it what I like to say this is.....we ate this a lot growing up. Still one of my comfort favorites.

Shepard's Pie

1 lb grass feed beef...
1 onion chopped
2 fresh garlic cloves minced
4 cups of chopped fresh veggies of choice (I prefer carrots, celery, corn, peas, zucchini, squash, mushrooms)
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp whole wheat flour
1 tsp thyme leaves
4-6 russet potatoes depending on size
1/2 stick organic butter
1/4 cup organic milk
1 free range egg
1/2 cup all natural sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
Himalayan salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste

1. Brown meat with onion and garlic in large skillet. Drain fat if needed.
2. Boil potatoes in water.
3. Add veggies to beef with water, salt, pepper and thyme. Sprinkle flour on top. (This forms a gravy with pan juices) Cover and allow to simmer/cook for about 30 minutes.
4. When potatoes are cooked drain water and mash with softened butter and milk. Use your preferred method to mashing. Hand smasher or mixer. Fold egg into potatoes when done.
5. Top meat mixture with mashed potatoes. Bake at 350 for about 30-45 minutes.
6. Top with cheese and bake additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

All Natural Pimento Cheese

All Natural Pimento Cheese

8 oz block of all natural sharp cheddar cheese grated
8 oz block of all natural medium cheddar cheese grated
4 oz jar pimentos drained...
1/2 cup organic plain Greek yogurt
1 fresh garlic clove finely chopped
1 tsp of dill
2 tsp all natural apple cider vinegar
Himalayan salt to taste

Mix all together and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

I like to omit the dill and use a block of pepper jack cheese sometimes for a little spice.

Homemade Caesar Dressing Pasta Salad

If this salad is wrong. I never want to be right. The only way if would have been any more delicious, is if I had some grilled protein on top. (Shrimp, chicken, salmon). But because it was a total last minute, I have no dinner planned meal, this was it.


Homemade Caesar Dressing Pasta Salad


3 whole garlic cloves...
3 anchovy filets. (Wild caught in olive oil)
1 cup olive oil
1 tbsp Braggs apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Put in food processor and mix for 5-10 minutes till all chopped and mixed. Chill before serving.
I chopped romaine lettuce, added whole wheat organic pasta, cherry tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and pepper with Caesar dressing. Yummo.

Tropical Oatmeal Smoothie

Oatmeal is a staple at our house. Someone is eating some kind of oats everyday. And why not? It's full of fiber, stabilizes blood sugar, tastes good, full of antioxidants, iron and there are tons of ways to eat oatmeal.

One of the ways we love it is to throw in our smoothies. This was today's.

Tropical Oatmeal Chia...

1/2 organic yogurt ( I use my homemade)
1/2 cup ice
1 banana
1 clementine
1/4 cup fresh pineapple
1/4 cup raw old fashioned oatmeal
1 tbsp chia seeds

Throw in blender till smooth.

Cream of Tortellini Soup

Praise The Lord for rain, eucalyptus and clove oil and a bowl of warm yummy soup. Our heads are full of the yellow/green pollen haze that occupies the sky right now.

Cream of Tortellini Soup

1/2 lb all natural sausage...
2 fresh garlic cloves chopped
1 can all natural diced tomatoes
1 can organic white kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
5 cups water
1/2 cup organic half and half
1 pkg whole wheat organic cheese tortellini
2 cups of fresh baby spinach or baby kale
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp Himalayan salt

1. Brown sausage with garlic and herbs.
2. Add water, salt, tomatoes, beans, and half and half. Bring to boil and simmer 15-20 minutes.
3. When boiling add tortellini and spinach. Cook according to pasta package.
4. Serve with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples and Roasted Cauliflower

Brussels sprout salad has become one of my favorites lately. This one was perfect. Especially with the enormous pork chop my husband brought home from the butcher.

Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples and Roasted Cauliflower

1 1/2 lbs of brussels sprouts...
1 cup cauliflower
1 apple
5 pieces all natural bacon
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp grainy mustard
2 tbsp local honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Himalayan salt to taste

1. Cut ends off brussels spouts and remove any brown leaves. Finely chop or pulse in food processor till shredded. Chop apple and mix with brussels sprouts.
2. Chop cauliflower and drizzle with olive oil and salt. Roast at 400 till crispy.
3. Chop bacon and cook till brown. When done add 1 tbsp olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard to pan with bacon and grease.
4. Add cooled cauliflower to brussels sprouts and apples. Toss with bacon vinaigrette . Serve immediately.

Bruschetta

Baby spinach, left over grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, avocado and homemade bruschetta.

Bruschetta

5 tomatoes (I like to use cherry tomatoes but didn't have any)...
3 fresh garlic cloves
1 cup fresh basil
1/8 cup fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
A few shakes of red pepper flakes
Himalayan salt to taste

1. Pulse in food processor or finely chop tomatoes, basil, parsley and garlic.
2. Mix with other ingredients and chill before serving.

Butter Basil Pesto Chicken with Garlic Gravy and Cherry Tomatoes

A whole chicken is the BEST way

to cook chicken in my opinion. All the juice and good fat stays in tact and gives it wonderful flavor! This never disappoints. And it's super simple  

Rub and whole chicken down with 1/2 stick of organic butter and 1/4 cup basil pesto. I like to save a little for basting mid way through. 

Basil Pesto

1 1/2 cups fresh basil

2 fresh garlic cloves

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tbsp pine nuts

Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

Pulse in food processor till smooth. 

Garlic Gravy with Cherry Tomatoes

1/2 stick organic butter

4 fresh garlic cloves finely minced

2 1/2 cups chicken stock

2 tbsp whole wheat flour

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

2 cups cherry tomatoes

1. Sauté garlic in butter. 

2. Stir in flour

3. Slowly wisk in stock. Bring to a boil and simmer on low till it thickens and gravy forms, stirring frequently. 

4. Add tomatoes and cook another 5 minutes. 

5. Top with basil and serve immediately with zucchini noodles or noodles of choice. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

 

Butter Basil Pesto Chicken with Garlic Gravy and Cherry Tomatoes

Cooking a whole chicken is in my opinion the BEST way to make one! All the juices stay in tack, full of the good fat and you get to utilize the WHOLE thing! Probably one of the most econimcal too!


Rub down a whole organic free range chicken with 1/2 stick of organic butter and 1/4 cup basil pesto. 


Basil Pesto


1 1/2 cup fresh basil
2 fresh garlic cloves
3 Tbsp pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
Himalyn salt and pepper to taste


Pulse in food processor till smooth


Garlic Gravy with Cherry Tomatoes


1/2 stick organic butter
4 fresh garlic cloves finely minced
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/4 cup fresh basil
2 cups cherry tomatoes


1.  Warm butter and garlic. 
2.  Sprinkle in flour.  Stiring well. 
3.  Slowly pour in stock.  Wisking continuously.  Bring to a boil.
4.  Simmer on low till gravy is formed.
5.  Add tomatoes and simmer for about 5 more minutes.
6.  Sprinkle with shredded basil and serve immedialy with zucchini noodles or noodle of choice.  Top with freshly grated parmeasean cheese.

White Chicken Lasgna

I am part Italian. 

Totally kidding. But I so love Italian food so I will claim to be. I am a mut, so  maybe there is some in my genes somewhere. 

1 pkg whole wheat no bake Lasgna noodles

2 cooked organic chicken breasts shredded (I used some leftover that was grilled)

1 32 oz container of ricotta cheese

2 free range eggs 

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1/2 stick organic butter

2 fresh garlic cloves minced

2 1/2 cups milk (I used raw goats milk. You could use half and half)

2 tbsp whole wheat flour

8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms

1 pkg fresh baby spinach chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped

1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

1. Melt butter in sauce pan with garlic. Add milk and salt and bring to a boil. Watching carefully, so you don't scorch. Whisk in flour slowly till you reach a sauce like consistency. Depending on milk it may take more or less flour. 

2. Mix together ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and eggs. 

3. Grease dish and spread just a little ricotta cheese mixture on the bottom. Then noodles, spinach, basil, mushrooms, chicken, and little 
mixture and drizzle with sauce. Repeat till all noodles are gone. Top with sauce and cover and bake at 350 till bubbly. Uncover and top with mozzarella cheese and bake additional 5-10 minutes till melted.