Food Friday: Raw “cheese” cake

So I have been eating so many different foods lately…. I know it has done me a world of good, i have the blood work to show for it and I am happily missing 27lbs because of it!!  I have tried a couple of desserts and this one is by far the best!! YUMMY!!  I even brought it to work and had a sampling !  It is a raw vegan dessert but trust me it is good!!  It takes time to make but well worth the effort!!

I would post a picture but it gets eaten so fast!!!  Next time I promise!

CRUST

• 2 Cups raw nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts or macadamia nuts)
• ½ Cup Dates (soaked and pitted)
• Coconut

CHEESE

• 3 Cups Soaked Cashews (Soak a least an hour, but longer if possible)
• ¾ Cup Lemon Juice with pulp (or lime for more tartness)
  ¾ Cup Raw Agave Nectar (Honey can be used as a substitute)
  ¾ Cup Raw Coconut Oil (lightly melted- emerge container in hot water or place in dehydrator a few minutes)
  ¼” piece of vanilla bean (use only the scraped out seeds) (extract can work as a substitution if it is pure and doesn’t contain alcohol.)
• Water as needed

TO MAKE-
Sprinkle coconut on the bottom of a 8″ spring form pan (to avoid the crust sticking). Use a food processor to process nuts and dates to form a crust. Gently press the crust into the pan and smooth with a plastic scraper.

Next, blend (in a high powered blender) all the “cheese” ingredients until smooth & creamy. Pour “cheese” evenly over crust and place in freezer until frozen If you have bubbles gently tap pan on the counter.  Add a little agave or some dates if not sweet enough.   Defrost in refrigerator an hour before serving. Garnish with fresh fruit.

**I would bet you could throw some fresh fruit in the “cheese” to make a fruity cake.  Trust me people will not believe this is truly good for you!!  ENJOY!

School, food, Life

A week and half of school is done!  PHEW how many more do we have to go?  Dont get me wrong my kids love school.  I feel like i have been behind the eight ball lately…trying to play catch up from the summer, then feeling unmotivated to get anything done, like upload pictures from my camera and such!  OMG  since the middle of July there were well over 300 pictures that needed attention!!  It looks like through the pictures it was a great summer! Oh my!

Well it was back to school night, and we all know how much i like those things….okay I really do not like them.  I know i know it is all in my head.  I know i am insecure about the fact i am flying solo on this parenting thing, but i feel like there is a huge spot light on my back as i sit in the front of the gym.  SHE’S THE SINGLE PARENT OF THE CRAZY EXHUSBAND.

Well i do not know any of these parents other to say hello.  Not like any are my friends.  Close to the end of the talk from teh principal i started counting my fingers as i got nervous sitting there.  I looked around and even the gay guys sitting in front of me had each other.  AGGHHHH!!  Deep breath it is over…and really it is about Jordan and no one else.  He is a smart kid he just needs to apply himself!

On to other things, today while eating lunch with a great friend, I reconized someone from my married days.  She was the mother of my exhusbands best man.  She was an amazing woman.  She was always so kind to me.  Even after the divorce she called.  She asked what happened, and i must have felt comfortable enough to tell her.  She even lives in the same town i do.  but as time has gone on, and chester made me feel crazy and isolated, i lost touch.  Well today, I saw her, and all i could think of was my dad, my dad telling me that if you see someone you know, you must go up and say hello.  UGH, i struggled with it, but i did, i went up and said hello.  She did not recognize me at first, but i had my name tag on from work.  and once she realized who i was, (with great fear i was going to be rejected) she hugged me!  It was awesome, but i was still oh so nervous.  I did the right thing.  We chatted for a bit, I was so happy to see her.  She was very warm and welcoming.  Verying good to see her, and i hope to be in touch with her again.  I am so glad i said hello.  I worried so much in those few minutes.  I mean it has been over 1 1/5 years since i have seen chester, what if he had been filling her with lies.  But he had not, she asked about him and if we saw him.  She was sad to hear he was no longer allowed to talk with us or see us, but she also understood it was for the best for the boys.  I have to always remind myself that i did nothing wrong and the divorce was not my fault.  Thank heavens for my dad, his voice reminded me to do the right thing.

So i have been making green smoothies for breakfast.  Well Carrie wanted to try the blueberry bliss one, so i made her the blueberry bliss, i made a peach and basil for myself and a sampler for Amanda!!  YUMMY!! I like this eating more fresh fruits and veggies!! Still only have lost 24 lbs!  UGHHHH

Lastly, we had a sushi night at my house with the STS gang.  It was great fun. It is nice to make and eat food together! Even the kids got into it a little.  Jordan eating salmon!! YUMMY!!

Food Friday: Apple avocado Salad with Tangerine dressing

So I have to tell you I have been concentrating on eating better and exercising.  I see a wonderful health counselor.  I feel as though she understands me and is helping me to make life changes.  Not necessarily a “diet” but a healthier lifestyle.  She is awesome!

As i said i see a personal trainer! I LOVE him.  I think I would have given up going to the gym with out him.  Funny story, when i first went, i said to him, “Look, I know I am a princess, I tell people what to do, I am the boss at work and as much as I do not like to admit it, I like it. So I am not sure how this is ever going to work”  Well the first couple of sessions, I was very unsure of what we were doing.  And he finally said to me, ” I do not take no for an answer” UGH.  But you know what?  He is awesome!  He keeps me in line, encourages me to continue, shows me that I am stronger than i think, he believes in me as well.  When we first met, he told me he thinks i should be working out “cardio” 6 days a week! Holy shit, i believed he was on crack.  I was going from NO EXERCISE to 6 days a week? Are you kidding me?  Well I am up to four days a week minimum now.  I hate to admit it, but I kinda like going.  It is time for me, and only me.  I feel as though i have more energy! I love that!  Plus I have lost 15lbs! PHEW! who knew!??

Well I figured I would share an awesome recipe that i found and changed to be more what i like! Try it and let me know what you think! This is awesome!!

Apple Avocado Salad with Tangerine Dressing

• 1 (10 ounce) package baby greens
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 apple – peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 avocado – peeled, pitted and diced
• 4 mandarin oranges, juiced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, toss together the baby greens, red onion, walnuts, blue cheese, and lemon zest. Mix in the apple and avocado just before serving.
2. In a container with a lid, mix the mandarin orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle over the salad as desired.

Well enjoy the 4th!  Big plans! Parties to go to!  Good times!  I promise to post pictures of my brother on the billboard!

It must start with me if it is to get better

I always hear, life is like a roller coaster.  But someone said, yes it is like a roller coaster but it is the only ride we get!  how right they are…makes you think….

Okay life has been a bit crazy, that is no secret.  I get it, I have been hitting the bottom and I have been digging as it was not low enough.  I think i had an outer body experience a couple of weeks ago.  I had cried everyday on my way to work, and then at night thinking i just cannot go back.  I found myself, reaching for comfort items that were not helping anyone, my kids, my job, my friendships and so on but me especially.  I could see i needed help.  I  had gone through a whole bottle of rum and i really do not drink anymore, ask anyone.  nothing was making me happy.  It seemed as though passion was sucked out of me and I hurt.

I realized no one was going to reach into my black hole and rescue me.  I had to save myself.  It was like i was back on that floor on Oberlin Street, after I had kicked my ex husband out, paralyzed, this time not in fear but in self pity.

So step one, get a kitten.  It would love me unconditionally, alls i have to do is feed it and water it and it will love me. It will not fight or yell at me.  They say having a pet will help your soul.  Okay, check that off!  The kitten has arrived, Lily.

Just getting the kitten did not help.  I was still crying.  Now what?  I know, i need to go to the gym and eat better.  I have such an urge to fight, why not at the gym.  I have been eating food that does not make me feel good.  I need help doing this as i have trying on my own forever and honestly seems like it is a fail.

So help is what i looked for.  I had a nutritionist, she was nice, but by the book, FOOD PYRAMID, ugh.  But I don’t like pasta, bread gives me a stomach and milk, YUCK!  So that was good, she helped me see that drinking so much Crystal lite ice tea was not so good and now I really only drink water.

So a couple of things happened, Becca, was going to the gym to see a trainer and would come home and rave about her experience.  I wanted to feel that high too.  So I went, talked with the owner, he does not have an ounce of fat on him, lets just say he is ripped!  I laid it out on the line to him, I told him I needed help.  I was nervous, I did very little exercise, was pretty much a “princess” and pulled the girl card as needed.  I also told him that I actually am the boss at work and was not sure how this would work, someone telling me what to do.  Mike, the trainer, saw this as a challenge i think.  He really does not take no for an answer, and he seems to know when the weights are to light!  I have found that high, coming home from the gym.  I even have homework i need to do every night.  Mike thinks i should be doing cardio everyday! I think he is smoking crack, I said obtainable goals.  Three or four days a week!  Two with him!

Then, when going to my favorite juice bar…..wait the Only juice bar in the area…..I was talking with the owner, talking to her about foods, and nutritionists and so on.  She recommended, Heather!  Heather is a Health Counselor, helping me understand food better, what foods work and SUPPORT!  Someone who is not dwelling on the food pyramid, but focusing on me as the individual.  We have meet twice, it has been great. It seems as though someone understands what i am saying and will help.

Everyday seems to have its own challenges.  I do nto seem to cry everyday, I am trying to look forward to the positives, going to the gym, talking with Heather.  I want to enjoy life and everyone around me.  I need to be a good example for my boys.  I want to find what is missing.  I am the only one who will fix it.  I know that.  I am ready and I am arming myself with the support I need. I know it may not be easy, and may fall again, but I hope this time I am pointing in the right direction.  (oh and I have lost 8lbs!!)

Phew craziness

What it is April 5th! and i have not written in so long…sorry i can explain.

As everyone knows, the ecomomy sucks! and well that effects everyones job!  I mean i have had friends loose their jobs and some who they are told they might be on the chopping block as well! It is stressful to hear, but i must say, work for me has been S T R E S S F U L!!! OMG kinda like we are all in the zoo, the animal keeper is starving us, tricking us, trying to get us to jump through hoops and then dangling food.  We all seem to be turning on each other.  It sucks!  NO FUN!

To make work more fun, one of friends and coworkers who took the early retirment in December, passed away this week.  We all knew she was sick and has had cancer for years!  She is a strong woman!  She put up one hell of a fight!  I hope she is at peace now, she will be missed.

This kid thing is tough.  I really think i need friends that are single parents.  I found out there is a single parents group here in town, the last thursday of the month.  So i think i am going to go.  Now, i told my mom about this.  YOu know trying to do something positive for me.  She told me, “go, but you might find you have a lot more support than everyone else”  For FUCK SAKE!  let me just go.  She has no idea what it is like to be a solo parent.  She had my dad, we had opairs for years, she has had house cleaners and babysitters!  SO she HAS NO IDEA!!  I guess i was hurt when she said that, instead of supporting me she shot me down.  UGH

I spent my who sunday helping jordan work on his project, honestly, i worked on it while i pushed him along!  Then i was inside all day trying to push him and i was cleaning.  I really wanted to go outside and take a walk in this wonderful weather.

So some other random things, i found out about this site… thescramble.com it is awesome!  It makes a HEALTHY menu and then creates a list for you to go grocery shopping!! OMG sooooo cool!!!!  check it out and let me know what you think!!

lastly there is this website that keeps coming to my site, condron.us weird, it is like blogs for people with ADD! check it out!

Food Friday: Brownie Lava Dessert

Hey its food friday!!

So here is a recipe I plan on trying with the boys.  it just looks soooo good!  I will let you know how it comes out!  Let me know if you try it!!

Brownie Lava Dessert

(Serves 4 to 6)

1/2 cup pecan pieces

3 1/2 ounces good bittersweet chocolate

1 stick unsalted butter, cubed

1 cup minus 1 tablespoon sugar

2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put the pecan pieces into a baking dish and lightly toast in the oven for about 10 minutes. Let cool.

Meanwhile, break up the chocolate and put it in a medium saucepan. Add the butter and melt gently over very, very low heat, stirring frequently.

Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, then gradually stir in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract.

When those ingredients are thoroughly mixed, stir in the flour, then, finally, the nuts. When there are no more floury streaks, scrape down the sides of the pan and transfer the mixture to a greased, 7-by-2 1/2-inch round or oval baking dish.

Bake for about 30 minutes, until the mixture is set on top and there is a soft, gooey layer at the bottom. Serve immediately, alone or with light cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.

– Adapted from “Heavenly Chocolate Desserts,” edited by Celine Hughes

Per serving (based on 6 servings): 468 calories, 6 grams protein, 31 grams fat, 15 grams saturated fat, 48 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 122 milligrams cholesterol, 29 milligrams sodium

FOOD FRIDAY: Pecan crusted chicken

So i have not forgotten it is food friday.  Life has been a bit chaotic, i have so many things i would love to chat about, perhaps tomorrow.  But i found this recipe and made it this past weekend! It was SOOO good! we had it with carrots and risotto! Sooo yummy!  My only note to this would be to make sure you finely chop the pecans!  Otherwise awesome dish!!  Enjoy!

Pecan crusted chicken breasts

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons real maple syrup

1 cup chopped pecans

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. On waxed paper, combine pecans, flour, and salt.
2. Brush chicken breasts all over with maple syrup. Coat chicken breasts completely with nut mixture.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in the vegetable oil. Add chicken, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until chicken is browned on all sides and tender.

Food Friday: Red Velvet cake

I make this cake twice a year, christmas and for my dad’s birthday.  It is soooo good!!!

This week i made the cake, I have a few photos to share, but the first cake i made, stuck to the bottom of the pan and crumbled.  YUCK. being a four layer cake i had to make another.  So here is the recipe for my redvelvet cake.

RED VELVET CAKE

Ingredients:

2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
2 ounces Red food coloring
2 tablespoons Cocoa — heaping
2 1/4 cups cake  flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 cup Buttermilk
1 tablespoon Vinegar

***Frosting***
6 tablespoons Flour
2 cup Butter (Not Margarine- you can tell the difference in the flavor).
2 teaspoon Vanilla
2 cup Milk
2 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

Cream butter, sugar and eggs. Make a paste with coloring and cocoa and add to mixture. Add salt and flour with buttermilk and vanilla.  add soda and vinegar and don’t beat- just blend.

Bake in two 9-inch pans (greased and floured with cocoa powder) for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Layers may be split to make four using dental floss.

Frosting:

Cook flour and milk on low heat until thick. You must stir or whisk the whole time on the stove.  Careful not to burn!!!Then cool (I put it in the fridge for this.). Cream sugar, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.   Now i put the milk mixture in the bowl, whip.  Slowly add the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until mixture is like whipped cream. Spread on layers.
Now with all the excitment of having to bake two cakes, christmas and such i totally forgot to get a picture.  Then I thought i would take one when i took the cake to my aunts.  BUT they cut the cake before i could get a picture! so here is a picture courtesy of Betty Croker.

So there you have it!  My famous recipe!  LOVE IT!  What do you make every year?

Food Friday: No bake Oatmeal Cookies

So i will admit i am not a baker.  I would rather cook.  I think most people are either or.  Well when i was younger i found this recipe to be awesome.  I have been racking my brain for a cool recipe that is easy and good!! It is great to make with kids, not baking involved, a little stove top cooking.  They would make great christmas cookies too.

NO BAKE CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES

1 stick butter
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla
1/2 c. peanut butter
3 c. oats

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except peanut butter and oats and cook over medium heat.

Let boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and oats.

Spoon out quickly onto wax paper or aluminum foil.

Cookies will harden as they set.

Enjoy!

I just could not wait for another food friday!!

With all this food friday stuff, i have surfed around for cool things to do with good with kids.   Look what i found and actually made!! It was so much fun and the boys were surprised.  I have always made kings out of their hotdogs but making an octopus was soooo cool!!  i took some pictures what do you think??  what fun things can you do to make food more interesting for kids??

The boys had a lot of fun eating them!  Enjoy!