Nutella Muffins

Here’s how you make this magic – and please do go straight to your kitchen to make these.  You will love yourself for it! 

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbs. baking powder
• 1 stick butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/3-1/2 cup Nutella

Stir the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.

With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar.  Add the eggs, vanilla and milk and mix until well blended.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients with a spoon.  Stir gently, just until combined.

Spoon some batter into the bottom of 12 greased muffin cups.   You’ll use about half of the batter for this step.  Dollop Nutella in the middle of each muffin.  Top with more batter to seal the Nutella inside.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Makes 1 dozen muffins.

Here’s what it looks like after the batter has been dolloped with Nutella, but before the top batter has been added:

I love that they’re so plain and unassuming.  And then you bite into them and find creamy, delicious Nutella!

http://eatathomecooks.com/2011/06/nutella-muffins.html

To die for Risotto - Leek & Pancetta Risotto

This is my new favorite. I LOVE risotto but this is definitely a new discovery from Eating Well
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/leek_pancetta_risotto.html


Sizzled pancetta gives this creamy leek risotto great flavor and a bit of added crispy texture. We add a splash of wine along with each addition of broth to give the dish a more pronounced wine flavor. If you’d prefer the wine to be more subtle, add the entire cup at the end of Step 3 and cook, stirring, until the liquid is gone, then begin adding the broth. You can substitute more broth in place of the wine.



Can be served as a side dish (8 servings they say) but I served it as a main dish.
Takes about 50 minutes to prepare with all the stirring.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 ounces pancetta (see Note), cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups chopped leeks (whites & light green parts only), rinsed well
• 1 cup chopped shallots or onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups arborio, carnaroli or other Italian “risotto” rice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

PREPARATION

1. Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth remains steaming, but is not simmering.
2. Cook pancetta in a small nonstick pan over medium heat, stirring, until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate while you prepare the rest of the risotto.
3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add leeks, shallots (or onion) and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add rice and salt and stir to coat.
4. Stir 1/2 cup of the hot broth and a generous splash of wine into the rice. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue to cook on medium-low, adding broth in 1/2-cup increments followed by a splash of wine, and stirring frequently after each addition, until most of the liquid is absorbed. The risotto is done when you’ve used all the broth and wine and the rice is creamy and just tender, 25 to 35 minutes total.
5. Remove from the heat; stir in 3/4 cup cheese and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the crispy pancetta and the remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

TIPS & NOTES

• Note: Pancetta is an unsmoked Italian bacon usually found in the deli section of large supermarkets and specialty food stores.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 279 calories; 8 g fat ( 3 g sat , 4 g mono ); 12 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 10 g protein; 1 g fiber; 706 mg sodium; 268 mg potassium.

Banana Muffins

I got this recipe and the picture from the blog The gracious Pantry.

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-banana-muffins/

I had some bananas and eggs to use up so I made these. They don't have any sugar except from the fruits and are pretty healthy so enjoy them without guilt :)

Clean Eating Banana Muffins
(Makes 18 medium-sized muffins)

Ingredients2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 egg whites
1/2 cup agave or honey
2 tbsp. canola oil
1/4 cup milk (non-fat) or almond milk, or soy milk
1/4 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
2 ripe banana – smooshed with a fork
Nuts (optional – for sprinkling on top)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Note: I used a 12 muffin tin. If you don’t have muffin paper, spray the tin with olive oil so the muffins don’t stick.

Step 1 – Mix all ingredients in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Make sure all ingredients get really well blended together.

Step 2 – Pour the batter into the muffin tin or muffin papers. Fill only half way.

Step 3 – Sprinkle nuts of your choice over the top and place in oven (Optional).

Step 4 – Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Eat and Enjoy!

Banana-Berry Smoothie

This is delicious and great for a quick breakfast on the go,
This bright and easy breakfast packs two servings of fruit plus soy protein and fiber.


I got it from the Eating Well site: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/banana_berry_smoothie.html

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/4 cups orange juice
• 1 ripe medium banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup frozen blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
• 1/2 cup silken tofu
• 2 ice cubes, crushed (you don't have to use the ice, I used mixed berries which works just as well)
• 1 tablespoon sugar, (optional) I left it aside

PREPARATION

Combine orange juice, banana, berries, tofu and crushed ice in a blender; 

cover and blend until smooth and frothy. Sweeten with sugar, if desired. 

Serve immediately.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 135 calories; 2 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 
27 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 4 g protein; 3 g fiber; 19 mg sodium; 
376 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (93% daily value).

The magic of Bicarbonate of Soda

It's probably the cheapest way to clean a lot of things and a known cleaning method from our grandmothers.

Clean a microwave oven

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse.

Remove tarnish from silver

Mix a thick paste of Bicarbonate of Soda with water; apply the silver with a damp sponge, rub, rinse, and buff dry.

Clean a stainless steel sink

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub the sink, and rinse clean.

Boost the strength of liquid laundry detergent

Add one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda with the usual amount of detergent in your regular wash cycle.

Clean a fibreglass bathtub or shower.

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.

Clean bathroom tile

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.

Maintain your septic tank

Flush one cup Bicarbonate of Soda down the toilet once a week. Bicarbonate of Soda helps maintain proper pH and alkalinity, controlling sulphide odours.

Deodorize cloth diapers

Mix one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda in two quarts of water, and soak diapers in the solution.

Clean a refrigerator

Sprinkle on Bicarbonate of Soda a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.

Deodorize a dishwasher

Sprinkle one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda on the bottom of the dishwasher between loads.

Boost the strength of dishwashing liquid

Add two full tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda to the usual amount of detergent you use.

Remove burnt-on food from cookware

Dampen area, sprinkle with Bicarbonate of Soda let soak overnight, then scrub with a sponge, rinse, and dry.

Clean and deodorize a cutting board

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, rub the cutting board, and rinse clean.

Deodorize food containers

Mix one-quarter cup Bicarbonate of Soda with one quart water, swish food containers in solution, soak overnight, and then rinse clean.

Clean coffee and teapots

Wash in a solution of one-quarter cup Bicarbonate of Soda and one-quart warm water, then rinse clean.

Deodorize kitchen garbage

Sprinkle a handful of Bicarbonate of Soda in the garbage pail each time you add garbage.

Deodorize carpet

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda lightly over the dry carpet, let sit for fifteen minutes, then vacuum up.

Deodorize a cat litter box

Cover the bottom of the litter box with one-quarter inch Bicarbonate of Soda then add the litter.

Soothe poison ivy rash or insect bites

Make a paste of Bicarbonate of Soda and water, and apply to the affected area.

Soothe sunburn, windburn, and prickly heat

Dissolve one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda in a tepid bath. Soak in the bath for fifteen minutes.

Take a refreshing bath

Dissolve one-half cup in Bicarbonate of Soda a tub of warm water for soft, smooth-feeling skin and a relaxing bath.

Brush your teeth

Plain baking soda is a gentle abrasive that cleans like the strongest toothpaste. Apply Bicarbonate of Soda to a damp toothbrush, brush as usual, and rinse. 

Wash your mouth

Add one teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda to one-half glass warm water, and swish through teeth for a refreshing mouthwash.

Neutralize vomit odour

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda generously to cover the stained area, let sit for an hour, then vacuum up.

Soothe tired feet

Add three tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the solution.

Use as a deodorant

Dust Bicarbonate of Soda under arms.

Clean dirt, grime, and scuffmarks from doors, stoves, laminated tabletops, linoleum floors, and tile.Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.

Remove coffee or tea stains from china

Dip a damp cloth in Bicarbonate of Soda gently rub the china, and rinse clean.

Minimize the smell of dirty laundry

Sprinkle some Bicarbonate of Soda into your hamper or laundry bag.

Deodorize a closet

Place an open box of Bicarbonate of Soda on a shelf.

Deodorize garment storage bags

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda into the bottom of the bag.

Deodorize shoes or training shoes

In the evening, sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda inside shoes to eliminate odours. Shake out in the morning.

Remove crayon marks from walls or wallpaper

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub gently to avoid mussing the paint or wallpaper, then wipeclean.

Clean dirt and grime from hands

Sprinkle on Bicarbonate of Soda to wet hands with liquid soap, rub vigorously, rinse, and dry.

Remove conditioner and styling gel build-up from hair

Wash hair once a week with a tablespoon of Bicarbonate of Soda mixed with your regular shampoo; rinse thoroughly, then condition and style as usual.

Refresh stuffed animals

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on the stuffed animal, let sit for fifteen minutes, then brush off.

Clean high chairs, car seats, strollers, and plastic mattress protectors

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.

Clean baby bottles, nipples, and bottle brushes

Soak in a solution of warmwater and Bicarbonate of Soda , then sterilize before use.

Whiten socks and dirty clothes

Add one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda to regular liquid laundry detergent.

Clean chrome bumpers and hubcaps

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, rub surface, and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Remove dead insects from a car or truck windshield

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, clean glass, and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Deodorize carpeting in a car

Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on the carpet,let sit for fifteen minutes, then vacuum up.

De-grease and clean barbecue grills

Make a paste by mixing equal parts Bicarbonate of Soda and water, apply with a wire brush, wipe clean, and dry with a cloth.

Bourbon Chicken

I found this recipe when I was looking for low carb recipes and although it says Bourbon chicken there is no bourbon in it (unlike the original recipe) so it is good to cook for the whole family. It reminds me of a dish I had at Panda Express in Phoenix. I also added onions and peppers to this dish so that it would have more vegetables.

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 medium Onion

1 red and yellow Bell Pepper

1 -2 tablespoon olive oil

1 garlic clove, crushed

1/4 teaspoon ginger

3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup apple juice

1/3 cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup soy sauce

Directions: Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 35 mins

1. 1 Heat oil in a large skillet.
2. 2 Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, remove chicken. Add vegetables and let cook until vegetables are cooked.
3. 3 Add remaining ingredients, heating over medium Heat until well mixed and dissolved.
4. 4 Add chicken and bring to a hard boil.
5. 5 Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. 6 Serve over hot rice

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/bourbon-chicken-45809#ixzz1H2dOG57