NEW LOOK!!!!

My blog has a fancy new look thanks to my very talented Mommy & Me friend, Andrea Lander. If you love her work like I do, you can click on the link for "Daylie Designs" to see more examples of what she can do! You can still access all of the recipes and links that were here before, just click on the cute little picture at the side and then just click on the recipe name when the next page comes up.

For now, I am trying to decide which of my favorite recipes to share with you next . . .decisions, decisions!

Healthy and Tasty Pasta?

Just click on the title of this blog to be linked to an article that lists four of the healthiest pastas that are being made now. What an easy way to sneak some whole grains and even omega-3s into your diet.

Long time, no blog!

Time really does fly by. I can't believe that it has been over two weeks since I last posted on this blog. Life has just been a little crazy and I wanted to try some new recipes from the Sneaky Chef's new cookbook and post about them. I have looked at the cookbook and think there are some yummy recipes that I want to try, but alas I have not actually made any of them. So, I thought that I would post a recipe that is delicious and healthy but not in the least "sneaky."

I want to share this recipe that my Grandmother makes that is simple, tasty and healthy all rolled into one recipe. Passion pasta is a staple in my household so much so that the recipe is framed on my kitchen counter as a gift and inside joke from my Grandmother. It is even healthier if you use either whole wheat pasta, such as Hodgson Mill or fortified pasta, like Smart Taste from Ronzoni.

Oatmeal, yummy, oatmeal!

I am not talking about the pre-packaged, pre-seasoned, just add water variety. While convenient, you may find that the main ingredient is high fructose corn syrup and other preservatives. I am recommending taking a few (maybe five at most) extra minutes and making REAL oatmeal. First, make sure you start with "old-fashioned" rolled oats, not the "quick-cooking" kind. They are nearly as fast and provide more fiber and longer-lasting energy.

I promise that it is fast and easy. You may have already purchased "old-fashioned" oats for another recipe so go ahead and give it a try for breakfast. You can also check out www.quakeroats.com for more suggestions on yummy additions to your oatmeal. The options are really endless.

Like with anything new, start slow. You may only try one sneaky ingredient or flavor at a time and then build up your courage and your kids'/husband's taste buds.

I would love to hear if you have favorite combinations for your oatmeal, too!

Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins

I modified this recipe right off of the container of old-fashioned oats to make it a little healthier without compromising the taste. Enjoy!

These freeze really well, too! I just thawed some for breakfast this morning!

Apple Crisp

Yummy dessert with half the fat and sugar substituted with good fat and fiber, grains and walnuts!

The topping is good enough to save the leftovers for breakfast and top with yogurt.

You can also substitute 2 cups of frozen blueberries or mixed berries (no sugar or syrup added) for the apples.

Ice Cream for Breakfast? Oh, YES!!!

Seth wakes up almost every morning and says "I have a popsicle mommy." As a responsible parent, I say "Yes." One of mommy's special popsicles made from yogurt, frozen fruit and a little confectioner's sugar. I also keep a little extra on hand as "ice cream" as well. It's easy, convenient and healthy. Plus, Seth can have as much or many of these little babies as he wants in the mornings and I know he is still getting a great start to the day!

I make the popsicles in small dixie cups with a popsicle stick. Just peel the cup away and you have got a healthy and fun snack.