Back from Big Bear

Greetings!

We are home! Last night Jon and I got back from our 2nd annual Big Bear trip... 3 wonderful nights in a cozy cabin with friends, food, movies, and games. :) It felt like we took a step back to a simpler time... the cabin was built in the 70's, and it still looks like it did back then!

On the way home we also squeezed in a Disneyland adventure for Jon's 27th birthday! I say adventure because it truly was one... there was a downpour all morning! We were soaking wet and freezing... but after a delicious lunch at Naples and then hiding out the storm in the movie theater watching Tron, the sun came out and it was a beautiful afternoon!

We truly loved our winter vacation! However, it is always nice to be home. Even though it was nice to log off the grid (can you tell I just watched Tron? haha...), I was definitely excited to get caught up on my favorite blogs. ♥

Are you ready for 2011!?!

Green Beans, Garlic, & Pearl Onions

Seasons Greetings!

I hope you are ready (or almost ready!) for the holidays! This week has been crazy... last-minute shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, etc.

In between baking dozens of cookies for Christmas gifts yesterday, I managed to make a quick, healthy, and easy veggie dish...

Green Beans, Garlic, & Pearl Onions

Ingredients:

• Green beans
• Pearl onions
• Garlic
• Olive oil

(There are no specific measurements... just adjust to your preferences.)

Directions:
1. Wash green beans and place in steamer basket.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook pearl onions until cooked.
3. Mince garlic.
4. In a large bowl, toss green beans and pearl onions with olive oil and garlic.
5. Place in serving dish. Enjoy!

Are you ready for the holidays? What quick and easy vegetable recipes have you come up with?

Coming soon: Christmas Gift sneak peak! (Hint: they are edible!) ;)

The day I made hummus...

Greetings! Do you like hummus? Have you ever made it yourself?

The other day... I had a hummus craving, so I bought the roasted garlic hummus from Trader Joe's. Even though it was quite delicious and addicting, I couldn't help but fantasize about freshly made hummus... mmmmmm.

I thought to myself... "Tomorrow I am going to make homemade, fresh, and custom hummus!"

For whatever reason, I've been wanting to find ways to use cumin. (Don't ask me why! Because I do not know...)

Anyways, I thought to myself "Is there such thing as cumin hummus, I mean, would that combination even work?" So I googled "cumin hummus"... and apparently there is such a thing. But even if there wasn't, I would probably try it anyways. :)

Here is what I came up with! It is purely delicious... and can obviously be customized in many ways.I am excited to experiment with variations of spices!

 Homemade Cumin Hummus

-1 c. chickpeas
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 clove garlic
-1 tablespoon tahini
-1/8 teaspoon sea salt
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1 tablespoon lemon juice

There is no comparison when it comes to hummus. Homemade wins in terms of taste, ingredients, freshness, and saving $! 

Do you enjoy store-bought or homemade?

Healthier Chocolate Fudge!

Well hello there, foodies and nutritionistas! :)

Are there any fellow choco-holics out there? If there is one thing I could never give up, it'd definitely be chocolate. :)

I like to be prepared when the craving strikes... (Which was apparently today!)

Instead of the usual butter, milk, and sugar-- this recipe uses coconut oil, cocoa powder and honey/agave/maple syrup.

It did not last very long... so I am going to make at least double for next time!

Healthier Chocolate Fudge:
(Makes: 16 servings)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup agave
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder

Directions:
1. Using a spoon, blend the melted coconut oil with agave and mix well. Add vanilla extract, if desired. Stir in the cocoa. Mix until smooth.

2. Pour into an 8 x 8 " pan and refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.

3. Cut into 16 pieces and keep cool. Enjoy!!

*Because of the coconut oil, the fudge must be kept cool.

What are your favorite healthier chocolate recipes? :)

Coconut Oil

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash

Greetings... I hope you are all having a wonderful week!!

Are you staying strong through this tempting time of year?

Confession: I ate too many cookies this week... (It happens.)

Needless to say, I am now feeling the need to greatly increase my veggie intake. :)

So, I got a little creative...

Who says you can't have squash for breakfast? :)

This replaced my usual ezekiel toast with almond butter and jelly today...

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash
Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Slice acorn squash horizontally into 1" rounds.
Put melted coconut oil on squash rounds. (a basting brush works perfectly!)
Top with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake for 30 minutes.

(serves 4)

By the way, acorn squash is pretty awesome in the nutritional department!

Source: World's Healthiest Foods

What do you do after too many holiday indulgences?