ANOTHER "KIDS CREATIONS" TRADITION

My kids are getting older (15, 11, and 8) and sometimes they like to have something to call "all their own".  We have our "family" Christmas tree displayed in our front room in front of the big window for everyone to see, a smaller one by the fireplace where we display the many "homemade" ornaments from our kids that we have collected throughout the years  but we also have "mini" trees that each child gets to decorate any way they want and we display them on the staircase so everyone can see their creations.....they change it up every year. 

homemade ornaments tree

personalized trees

Kids love to have something that is sacred all to themselves that they can personalize.....gives them a sense of individuality and helps their creativity shine!

EMBRACE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

The Holidays are the perfect time to spend with family creating family traditions and keeping them up.  One of my favorite family traditions that I have started with my husband and kids are to make gingerbread houses or gingerbread men every year together and decorate them at the very beginning of the Holiday season so we can munch on them all month long.  The whole family gets involved and have fun coming up with our own creations....we can get quite competitive as well but it's all in good fun!!

CELEBRATE CYBER MONDAY

Tomorrow is CYBER MONDAY...the BLACK FRIDAY in the technical world....the perfect day to take advantage of AMAZON.COM 's amazing deals in all departments but my favorite department to shop in is groceries.

I love to shop but sometimes there isn’t enough time or you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your own home.  That’s why I love shopping websites such as amazon.com  I have gotten amazing deals on everything from shoes, books, movies to most often….yes, groceries!  Usually, if you spend 25.00 or more, there is no tax and FREE SHIPPING!  Why would I leave when I can do it all right from my very own computer!  Amazon also has a “Warehouse Deals” and “Managers Specials” department where everything is from 50-75 % off retail price.  I have gotten name brand boxes of cookies and poptarts for close to 1.00 a box!  Monthy, they also offer “special deals” where in addition to their already low prices, they offer extra discounts on certain products for that month if you buy a certain amount….for example….if you spend 30.00 on certain “natures path” products, you immediately get 10.00 off at checkout still with no tax and FREE SHIPPING.   Check this website out….Amazon.com is AMAZING!!

HOLIDAY FUN WITH THE KIDS

Today, my 8 and 11 year old boys baked their first dessert: APPLE PIE (their favorite dessert)

eating the last bits of pie filling

our pre thanksgiving table

I love my "pilgrim snowmen"

My beautiful and healthy family

Even though they used store bought pie pastry and canned apple filling, there is such an accomplishment with completing a project on your own especially when you can share it with your loved ones...so proud of you boys..can't wait for tomorrow to try it!

FAVORITE FALL RECIPES

Here are 2 of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Fall recipes that I have come to LOVE and  make it a tradition to make every year:
APPLE CINNAMON OR CINNAMON RAISIN FRENCH TOAST:
It really depends on what kind of bread you use: you can either use an apple cinnamon bread from the bakery section in the grocery store or any sliced cinnamon raisin bread (my favorite is House of Bread's Fat Free Iced Apple Cinnamon Bread sold at Costco)
You need:
-loaf of bread
-2 eggs or egg beaters
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1 cup nonfat or soy milk
-maple syrup (I use lite or sugar free)
-powdered sugar

-Slice bread into as many slices as you like (as thin or as thick as you like)
-mix eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk in both and pour into shallow dish
-dip bread slices into milk mixture on both sides
-place in nonstick skillet sprayed with nonfat butter spray and cook over medium high heat 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown
-serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar

WRAPPED BAKED BRIE
You need:
-1 round of brie cheese (I use lite brie available at specialty stores such as trader joes or many grocery stores now carry it)
-1/4 cup dried cranberries
-1/4 cup chopped nuts (your favorite)
-1/4 cup diced apples
-1 tsp chopped rosemary (optional)
-1 tbsp brown sugar
-1 tube reduced fat crescent rolls
-butter spray

-preheat oven to 400 or 425 (whatever crescent tube instructions are)
-open up crescent rolls, roll out and press seams together to form a square
-place in oven proof dish sprayed with nonstick spray
-cut top rind off brie and discard, place brie on top of crescent roll square
-place cranberries, apples, nuts, rosemary, and brown sugar over top of brie, if falls to side, no problem
-spray top of brie with butter spray
-fold sides of crescent rolls over top of brie to sort of form a package, press sides to seal
-spray top of crescent rolls with butter spray and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese slightly melted
-serve warm or room temperature with crackers

*for a variation, I sometimes add fig, date, plum jam, or apple butter on top of brie before adding rest of ingredients, makes for a juicier, sweeter dish

FRENCH TOAST

BAKED BRIE

OUR HOLIDAY DESSERT TABLE

HE'S A LEG MAN!

OUR HOLIDAY DINNER TABLE

SERVE THESE DISHES FOR THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST OR AN APPETIZER TO YOUR HOLIDAY MEAL
HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND HAPPY EATING!

THANKSGIVING FOOD FUN

If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids this week while they are off but still want to keep it food related with the Thanksgiving theme, then this is for you!
Open a can of jellied cranberry sauce, place can contents in log shape on a plate and slice into rings.  Take "harvest" shaped cookie cutters and cut rings into shapes just as you would cookie dough before baking.  My favorite cookie cutter to use is "apples"....they come out looking like mini candy apples...cute and delicious!
Kids love this craft and when kids get involved in the "cooking or baking" process, they are more likely to eat what they have "created" and it also gives them a sense of confidence and accomplishment that they can create something that is rewarding and enjoyable for  the whole family!

Get in the kitchen TODAY and serve with dinner TONIGHT!

LOW COST FAT FREE JUMBO PUMPKIN APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS

I love muffins but the JUMBO ones at bakeries are LOADED with fat and calories and the small ones leave me feeling hungry for more...what to do?  I have discovered the best Fat Free JUMBO muffins EVER and guess what.....they come from a box!
Krusteaz has the BEST FAT FREE muffin line ever and all you have to do to any of their mixes is add water.  Here is my recipe for PUMPKIN APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS:
You need:
-1 box Krusteaz Fat Free Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix (includes package of diced apples)
-1/2 water and 1/2 lite apple juice or cider of what box directions call for
-1 cup pureed pumpkin (from leftover halloween pumpkins that you have frozen)
-6 count jumbo muffin tin

-Spray muffin tin with nonstick butter spray and preheat oven according to box directions
-mix muffin mix along  with the diced apples, juice and water, and pumpkin together until well combined
-divide into muffin tin and bake according to package directions

Makes 6 Jumbo Muffins at 0 grams of fat, 280 calories, and cost comes out to 50 cents each
They also taste amazing...you don't miss the fat at all, the pumpkin does a nice job of keeping the batter moist...I like to eat with a little spiced lite apple butter spread in the middle....go to past blogs of mine for recipe

THESE MAKE THE PERFECT THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST!

KID AND ADULT APPLE BEVERAGE RECIPES

Now that you have been to Apple Hill and have all those apples and you've baked apple pies, apple crisps, caramel apples....you are probably looking for something else to do with apples!  They are not FOOD recipes but BEVERAGE recipes...something for everyone!  Here are my 2 favorite drinks, one for kids and one for us that are a little bit older:

SPICED APPLE CIDER RECIPE:
I actually got the original recipe from my Aunt Becky but I added my own personal touches to it:
You don't have to but I love to use the crockpot for this recipe....whenever I can slow cook anything, I'm doing it....everything just tastes better coming out of the crockpot, in my opinion!
You need:
-1 gallon apple juice or cider (I use the low calorie version)
-1 apple, cored and sliced
-2 cinnamon sticks
-a few whole cloves (maybe 6)
-1 tsp rum or cinnamon extract
-2 tbsp maple syrup (I use the sugar free kind....very low in calories)
-1 tsp pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg (optional but I love the added spicy warm flavor)
-1/4 cup raisins
Add juice to slow cooker
-stud an apple slice with the cloves and drop into pot along with all the other ingredients
-cook on low for 2-4 hours
-serve right out of the crockpot.....yumm!

If you have ever tasted the apple wine from Apple Hill and fell in love with it like I did, then this recipe will not disappoint you, the taste is remarkably similar!

SPICED APPLE WINE
You need:
-1 bottle of your favorite white wine (chardonnay is a good choice but anything will do)
-3 apples peeled, cored, and diced
-1 tbsp sugar
-1 tsp cinnamon
In pitcher, pour wine and add the rest of the ingredients
Place in refrigerator and let sit for 1 month, if you are impatient like me, then 2 weeks will be plenty....the more the wine sits, the deeper the flavor!
You can also add to crockpot when ready and warm for a "hot" version

apples ready to be brought home

enjoying my "hot" spiced apple wine

sampling apple hill's cider

Try it and let me know if it compares with Apple Hill Wine!

PUMPKINS PUMPKINS PUMPKINS

Here's just another fun craft to do with leftover mini pumpkins from the pumpkin patch or the ones you get at the grocery store for 2 for 1.00

EASY RECIPE FOR KIDS

If your kids are like mine, they love to bake!  I think because it gives them an excuse to "play" with their food and afterwards, they get to eat the results!  It also gives them a sense of confidence and accomplishment in completing something on their own that you maybe didn't need to help them with.
I have the perfect and easiest recipe for this:
DOUGH COOKIES
All you need is prepared pie pastry, cinnamon, sugar, and cookie cutters
Here is what you do:
-roll out pie pastry with flour and rolling pin
-sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar
-cut out different shapes with cookie cutters
-bake according to pie pastry package directions, usually around 400degrees
THESE COOKIES ARE SO DELICIOUS....TASTE JUST LIKE PIE CRUST (OBVIOUSLY)!

MY KIDS AND I LOVE THESE, THEY ARE SO EASY TO MAKE AND IF YOU LIKE CRUST ON PIE MORE THAN THE FILLING, THESE ARE JUST FOR YOU, TRY THEM FOR A FUN ACTIVITY DURING THANKSGIVING VACATION!

MAKE YOUR OWN BODY SCRUB

If you are like me, you love all the bath and body products out there but not the expensive prices!  There is another way to enjoy them without breaking your budget.....make your own!
It is so easy to do and so much more affordable and what's also great is that you can  customize the scent to your preference.  Here is what you do:
MIX TOGETHER:
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/3 cup baby oil or olive oil
-1 tsp any extract or essential oil you have on hand
-1 tbsp zest from any citrus fruit (optional)
My favorite combinations are baby oil with lemon zest and lemon extract.....has a refreshing, clean, bright scent that I just love!  You could also use baby oil with orange zest and  vanilla extract for a warm, fall scent that is perfect for this time of year!
Put in plastic jar and keep in the shower and use daily as a body/foot scrub.....keeps skin moisturized even in the upcoming winter months!
Come up with your own scents and let me know what is your favorite!

LOOK WHAT 20 BUCKS CAN BUY YOU!

I spent $20.54 and look at what all I got!  A lot and mostly brand name stuff!  If you want to know where I shop and the secrets to my savings, comment and become a follower of my blog and I'll share my secrets with you ;)

FAVORITE NEW FLAVOR COMBINATION: PUMPKIN AND CHOCOLATE CHIP

My new favorite fall pairing: Pumpkin and Chocolate Chips!
It may sound weird but it is so delicious....you must try it!
You can make pumpkin/chocolate chip bread or muffins but I love to make:

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP  PANCAKES:
This one is so easy.....just add 1 CUP  of pumpkin puree (that you got from your leftover pumpkins) 1 tsp each of cinnamon and nutmeg or 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice if you have on hand AND 1/4 CUP of chocolate chips to regular pancake mix and make pancakes like you would normally make....you'll taste a wonderful warm, spicy/sweet  flavor that is perfect for this time of year!

This could be what's for Breakfast or Dinner tonight!

SPICED SLOW COOKER APPLE BUTTER RECIPE

We are well into apple season and here is one of my favorite recipes to make using all those apples you picked or got from apple hill:

INGREDIENTS:
-5 apples  (your favorite variety) , peeled and sliced
-1 cup sugar or splenda
-1 tsp cinnamon
-2 tbsp red hot candies

DIRECTIONS:
-place all ingredients in slow cooker, mix together and cook on low for 6-8 hours until apples are tender
-when done, stir all together again to make sure all lumps are out unless you like it chunky which sometimes I do

GOES WELL WITH MUFFINS OR ON PEANUT BUTTER  SANDWICHES IN PLACE OF JELLY

NEW TWIST ON DRUMSTICKS

CHINESE FIVE SPICE DRUMSTICKS

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

-1 package of 6 chicken drumsticks…..on sale or managers special for 3.00….sometimes less at grocery stores

-1/2 cup lite soy sauce…on sale for 1.99 at grocery stores

-2 garlic cloves, minced

-1 tsp chinese five spice powder….on sale for 5.00 at grocery stores….you only need a little bit but once you use it, you will start using it in everything!....If you don’t have, you can substitute with ½ tsp each: ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and anise or anise extract or cloves (or can use ¼ tsp of anise and ¼ tsp of cloves)

-salt and pepper to taste

RECIPE DIRECTIONS:

-Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper (to make it leaner, I always remove skin before adding salt and pepper…you won’t even notice the difference)

-mix soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five spice powder together and place in large storage baggie, add chicken to baggie, seal, and mix all together…refrigerate for a couple of hours if possible

-preheat oven to 400 and place drumsticks in baking dish and pour marinade over chicken

-bake for 45 minutes

SERVE WITH STEAMED WHITE OR BROWN RICE AND FRESH OR FROZEN VEGGIES SUCH AS ASPARAGUS OR BROCCOLI…WHATEVER IS ON SALE THAT WEEK

SERVES 6 FOR 6.00…..1.00 PER PERSON….INCLUDING THE RICE AND VEGGIES!

If you haven't tried chinese 5 spice yet, you need to....I discovered it not too long ago and LOVE it....the combination of the 5 different spices marries beautifully together and tastes great on meat, poultry, pasta, even baked goods!

If you want more ideas for chinese 5 spice and what the 5 spices are....comment and follow my blog and let me know.

TRY THIS FOR DINNER TONIGHT!

COMFORT FOOD TRANSFORMATION RECIPE

It's the perfect time of year for:

LEAN BISCUITS AND GRAVY

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

-1 rotisserie chicken already cooked….4.99 on sale today only  at savemart

-1 jar of fat free turkey or chicken gravy….on sale for 1.00 at grocery stores (especially right now during the holiday season…so stock up)

-1 cup of frozen veggies such as peas, carrots, corn (whatever is your favorite)…on sale for 1.00 a bag at grocery stores

-1/2 cup of fat free milk or fat free half and half….2.99 for a gallon at grocery stores

-1 tube of refrigerated biscuit dough…on sale for 1.00 at grocery stores

RECIPE DIRECTIONS:

-preheat oven to 425

-spray baking/casserole dish with nonstick butter spray

-shred chicken and place in dish (for an even leaner version, remove skin)

-mix gravy and milk or half and half until mixed thoroughly and pour over chicken

-add veggies and mix everything together

-open biscuit dough and spread dough pieces evenly over chicken

-spray biscuits with butter spray and bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are golden brown

SERVES 4 FOR 7.50….THAT’S LESS THAN 2.00 PER PERSON!

This could be what's for dinner tonight!

PUMPKIN RECIPES

I LOVE "pumpkin" flavored...anything.  Here are a couple of my favorite pumpkin recipes:

PUMPKIN PANCAKES:
This one is so easy.....just add a couple spoonfuls (maybe 1/2 cup)  of pumpkin puree (that you got from your leftover pumpkins) 1/2 tsp each  of cinnamon and nutmeg or 1tsp of  pumpkin pie spice if you have on hand to regular pancake mix and make pancakes like you would normally make....you'll taste a wonderful warm, spice flavor that is perfect for this time of year!

PUMPKIN/SAGE RAVIOLIS:

Ingredients:
-wonton wrappers
-pumpkin puree (about 1 cup)
-lowfat or fat free ricotta cheese or cream cheese (I like to use a mixture of ricotta and pumpkin cream cheese) (about 1 cup)
-nutmeg
-cinnamon
-sage leaves or dried
Directions:
-mix ricotta or cream cheese and pumpkin together until well blended, add 1/2 tsp each  of sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg...mix together
-take a wonton wrapper and place 1 tbsp of mixture inside...fold right bottom corner over to meet left top corner to form a triangle, press to seal edges and brush with water or egg white if you have to completely seal
-repeat with remaining wrappers....should make about 24...if you have leftover wrappers, freeze and make more on another occasion
-spray a nonstick skillet with butter spray (such as Pam) at medium high heat, and saute your raviolis for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy
Delicious served with a brown butter sauce or your favorite pasta sauce will do....if you want my recipe for sage brown buttered sauce......follow and comment on my blog and you will get it....

HAPPY FALL EATING Y"ALL!

LEFT OVER PUMPKINS

What to do with leftover pumpkins...we have all those pumpkins we picked at the pumpkin patch and carved for halloween but now what do we do with them....throw them away?  NO!
Every Nov. 1st, I take all my pumpkins and cut them in half, take out all the seeds (which I sometimes roast and save for a snack later), place on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes at 400 degrees until flesh inside is soft and tender.  Once they are cool enough to handle, I scoop out all the flesh, mash with a fork  and place about 1 cup's worth in little freezer baggies (which you can get at the dollar store) and store in freezer.  I had 1 medium/large pumpkin and 2 small pumpkins (baking size) this year and got about 10 cups which I have frozen and will use this holiday season for pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, filling for pumpkin/sage ravioli (recipe in tomorrow's blog), pumpkin pancakes(recipe in tomorrow's blog), pumpkin scones....on and on...possibilities are endless.  Needless to say, I never have to buy canned pumpkin...why should I or any of us when we can make our own with what we already have!  Never buy what you can easily make yourself and always try to get more than one use out of something such as our halloween pumpkins!

Amanda with one of our yummy pumpkins

HAPPY BAKING EVERYONE!

GET HEALTHY CHALLENGE

Are you in a sugar coma this morning from all that Halloween candy?  Many years ago, my answer would have been "yes".  During my childhood and teen years, I was the overweight kid who stuffed myself at every possible opportunity and more often than not, would end up making myself sick.  I finally got tired of getting teased and being overweight and not fitting in cute clothes like the rest of my friends so I made a change.  I started eating better, moving more, and making better choices.  As a result, the pounds came off, I had more energy, and felt better about myself.  It was a lifestyle change for me and 20 years later, I still feel great even after having 3 kids! 
Eating better and moving more really isn't as hard as people think, I can transform any recipe into a healthier version and not feel like I'm sacrificing at all.  You can do it too!  If you are like I was and want to make a change but need a little push or help on how to get started, I can help...I have the plan...you can too....Are you ready?