Oatmeal Strawberry Pancakes

1/4 cup oats
4 egg whites
3 diced strawberries
a bit of water


-Mix oats and egg whites well. Add dices strawberries and a bit of water til the right consistency.
-On a well-greased skillet pour pancakes
-Top with yogurt, applesauce, or fresh fruit.
*Makes three small pancakes


~Emily's Notes:
.:These definitely taste different than normal pancakes and have a different texture, but over-all are pretty good and you leave feeling (and knowing) you ate a very healthy breakfast! They're kinda bland, but I think it would be fun to experiment with these. These are A+ if you're wanting a good breakfast if you're trying to lose a few pounds. It's nothing special, but that's ok!
.:If you make a larger batch, make sure to grease the skillet or pan really well between each. These stick very easy and are hard(er) to flip than normal pancakes.

I got this recipe from a friend who knows what she's talking about!! (Thanks Kathy!) =)

In search of.....

I'm looking for good smoothie combos! Help! I usually put in whatever fruit and always add soy milk, protein powder, and usually a yogurt.
Suggestions are welcome!

Love,
Emily

Chocolate Syrup Brownies

Yes! We are allowed to give our taste buds something sooo yummy! That's the fun part of life.

1 egg
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup chocolate syrup
1 1/3 cup wheat flour, all purpose
1 scoop (3 Tbs) chocolate flavored protein powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
dash of salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)

-Preheat oven at 350. Grease a 9 inch pan well.
-Beat egg and add sugar and chocolate syrup.
-Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together - add to sugar mixture.
-Fold in melted butter and nuts.
-Spread in pan and bake for 40 minutes,
-Cut while in small squares while still warm. Serve when cooled a little bit.
*Makes 16 small brownies.

~Emily's Notes:
.:Would a home-made brown sugar work as good and be healthier? Make it from molasses and ___? (There's no way I know of to get around the syrup!!) ;)
.:Original recipe does not call for wheat flour, but it tastes the same and adds more sustainance to the treat! It also does not call for the protein powder, but again, sneaking it in there is never a bad thing!
.:I sneaked another yummy, healthy thing in there... natural peanut butter! Wa-la... even healthier peanut butter brownies. Sooo gooood!
.:These were really easy for being home-made. I topped them with a caramel drizzle for embellishment, which made it pretty fun. They were a nice density, moist, and tasty. Keeper!

I got the recipe from Hershey's 1934 Cookbook. Enjoy the treat!

Love,
Emily

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp garlic pepper blend
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
2 Tbs shredded Parmesan cheese

-Heat oven at 425. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.
-Wash asparagus, breaking off the ends where it becomes tough.
-In a shallow bowl, mix all ingredients, minus the Parmesan cheese. Toss asparagus  to coat. Spread in pan.
-Roast uncovered 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, toss to coat. Roast uncovered 5-8 minutes longer or til crisp-tender.

~Emily's Notes:
.:Normal salt works great, as does normal pepper (though I'm sure garlic pepper blend would be good too!)
.:This recipe was surprisingly easy - my 8-year-old sister was able to help me with a lot of it!
.:To coat in Parmesan cheese, I just used a spatula and put them in a shallow bowl with the cheese in it, and tossed and shook them til evenly coated. Then I spread them back on the sheet and popped them in the oven.
.:Nope, we don't get asparagus often, since it's a little more expensive. But I've heard it's easy to grow and harvest! So we will be putting that in our garden this year for sure.
.:I was wondering about alternative oils that would also be good in this...?
.:Be careful not to over-do these. Do it too long and they're limp with no snap to them.
.:My brother and his girlfriend are vegetarians and loved these... my picky little sister and younger brother also loved these... that's saying something when those two parties agree on a green food....

I'm looking for other good asparagus recipes! This one was super easy and DElicious!! (I bet this would be good with okra too...!)
This recipe came from Betty Crocker's website.

Love,
Emily

Dried Fruit and Nut Granola

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds
3 Tb veggie oil
1/2 cup chopped, dried fruit (craisins, cherries, bananas, etc.)
1/2 cup raisins

-Preheat oven at 350
-Combine oats, coconut, and nuts in large baking dish
-Drizzle with oil and toss until well blended. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until toasted.
-Allow to cool slightly before adding in fruit.
-Store in airtight container and serve with milk, fresh fruit, and/or fruit juice
*Makes about 4 cups (8 servings)

~Emily's Notes:
.:Add a drizzle of organic honey each time the mix is tossed for a slight glaze and good taste.
.:Any kind of nut works, not just almonds. I did walnuts and it was just as good.
.:I heard veggie oils aren't the best, but I didn't have anything else. I wonder what would be good instead?
.:I used some organic Black Beauty Raisins and my mom said they made all the difference.... they were good!
.:Vanilla soy milk... mmmm!!! Fresh bananas on top were goooood too!
.:I made a double batch for a family of 5-6 and it lasted about a week, maybe more.
.:This recipe was super easy and tasty. Keeper!

I got this recipe from the book "The Daniel Fast" by Susan Gregory. For more yummy recipes of hers, check out her book on her website: http://www.daniel-fast.com/

Her book has many recipes for vegetarians and vegans (I'm going to try the pumpkin soup pretty soon!)

Love,

Emily

A changed lifestyle, God's way

What fun I’ve had already as I’ve started collecting eye-catching, tasty, nutritious recipes for future cooking! This blog is a compilation of the recipes I’ve already collected and an inspiration from the book “Eat This and Live” by Dr. Dan Colbert. I’ve always thought of food as being something that stops the rumbling tummy or pampers my sweet tooth, that either makes me gain a few pounds or that boosts my metabolism to keep me that much skinnier. But how eye-opening to realize the original design of our food and of our bodies! Food was made to sustain us so that we may perform to the best of our ability, to heal us when we are ill, and to enjoy. (Why else do we have taste buds!?) Some things in our pantries and fridges should not be labeled “food”, but instead “edible substance”.

Our bodies were created to enjoy what God has given us, to work hard at what we are given to do, and to glorify God for as many days as God gives us. Therefore, I recognized that in my life, a change of lifestyle and perspective is what I needed instead of just another fling diet and workout plan.

Too often in today’s world, we fall into the sin of creating idols. These idols are not made of gold and shaped in the images of animals. Instead these idols are power, popularity, wealth, body image… or the indulgence of our desires. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says that “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.” We are given gifts to enjoy on earth – things money can buy, relationships, jobs, food – but we mess up when we overindulge and they become the most important things in our lives. There is also the danger of becoming overly concerned about feeding yourself good food, but I believe the answer to both extremes is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (to do all to the glory of God) and in Exodus 20:3 (have no other gods before God).  I’m enjoying collecting recipes full of food that is yummy to the taste buds and that will help my body! Living out these truths are so vital! It is very easy to claim God’s glory in my actions, yet have a heart that is in the wrong place. (If you think you’re standing strong, be careful lest you fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12) I encourage you to commit this area of your life to the Lordship of our God! He desires good for your life and has a future, a plan, and a hope! He wants us to live a long life glorifying him and enjoying the blessings he gives those (us!) who love and obey him.

I’ve found these recipes various places and I've modified a few so that organic products or healthier alternatives are included. I hope you enjoy using some of these! Let me know how they work for you, or any suggestions you may have!

Love,

Emily

http://www.drcolbert.com/product_info.php?products_id=321