Mel couldn't believe what I used to make an apple crisp healthier. Diet soda.
Recipe: I chopped up 4-6 apples, poured 1/2 cup of diet soda over them, and sprinkled 2-3 tablespoons of raisins over them. I tossed on some seasonings, such as cinnamon or pie spice. Mix together homemade cereal in previous post and spread over the fruit. Bake for 30-45 minutes at 325 degrees.
The diet soda softens and seasons the apples as they bake. I worried that the diet soda would make it runny, but the apples soaked it up.
If you want it to be sweeter, you can add 1 tablespoon sugar with the apples and soda. I think brown sugar sounds mouthwatering delicious.
Happy, Healthy Cooking,
Ellen
Friday, February 19, 2010
Homemade Cereal
Recipe: 1 3/4 cup of whole oats, 3/4 cup pecans, 6 tablespoons of maple syrup, 6 tablespoon of butter/margarine Mix all ingredients together and spread over a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool and crumble. It will last for 2 weeks in an airtight container.
I think the maple syrup is too mild according to the above recipe. You could definitely add a couple more tablespoons of syrup if you like sweeter cereal.
I found that if you forget the butter, the cereal will burn. Oops! I had to throw out my first batch because of this. Since I used the last of my nuts on the first batch, I had to go without in the second. In other words, the nuts can be optional if you don't like them. At a later date, I used walnuts instead and loved it just the same. I also added a tablespoon or two of wheat germ to one batch to add more fiber and vitamins. Mel didn't realize. I can't believe I actually fooled Mr. Super Palette.
Mel liked it with milk for breakfast and with yogurt for a snack.
I wanted to make some and give as gifts in small canning jars, but waited too close to Christmas to find jars at short notice. Oh well, maybe next year I will give a small jar of this healthy homemade cereal to my family, friends and Santa. What says "I love you" more than a healthy homemade present. Hey, at least it's not fruitcake.
Healthy cooking and eating,
Ellen
I think the maple syrup is too mild according to the above recipe. You could definitely add a couple more tablespoons of syrup if you like sweeter cereal.
I found that if you forget the butter, the cereal will burn. Oops! I had to throw out my first batch because of this. Since I used the last of my nuts on the first batch, I had to go without in the second. In other words, the nuts can be optional if you don't like them. At a later date, I used walnuts instead and loved it just the same. I also added a tablespoon or two of wheat germ to one batch to add more fiber and vitamins. Mel didn't realize. I can't believe I actually fooled Mr. Super Palette.
Mel liked it with milk for breakfast and with yogurt for a snack.
I wanted to make some and give as gifts in small canning jars, but waited too close to Christmas to find jars at short notice. Oh well, maybe next year I will give a small jar of this healthy homemade cereal to my family, friends and Santa. What says "I love you" more than a healthy homemade present. Hey, at least it's not fruitcake.
Healthy cooking and eating,
Ellen
Baked Bean Casserole
When I tried this recipe I found I eliminated the hot dogs, since Mel and I are trying to eat more vegetarian. We didn't miss the meat because it had a great flavor without it. The fun about casseroles is how easy they are to adjust for different diets.
Instead of using processed potatoes for the topping, you can substitute homemade varities, such as mash potatoes, hash browns or cut potatoes. The original recipe called for Mexicorn, but I substituted frozen corn mixed with peppers and onions. A variety of vegetables could be used instead. Since the beans and potatoes are starchy, you could eliminate the corn and use less starchy vegetables instead for diabetics.
Casseroles like this one are a great way to use up leftovers or canned goods or frozen foods. It's a good thing that casseroles are making a come back.
Recipe: I mixed a can of baked beans, 1 cup salsa in a baking dish. I stirred together frozen corn and pepper strips and copped onion together, before combining with the beans and salsa. Then stir in 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese. I prefer sharp for a little more kick in flavor. Top with frozen Tater Tots. Bake at 400 degress for 30 minutes. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese onto casserole. Bake until cheese melts and it is bubbly, which I think was about 2-5 minutes.
I bet this will be a crowd pleaser, especially for kids.
Happy cooking,
Ellen
Instead of using processed potatoes for the topping, you can substitute homemade varities, such as mash potatoes, hash browns or cut potatoes. The original recipe called for Mexicorn, but I substituted frozen corn mixed with peppers and onions. A variety of vegetables could be used instead. Since the beans and potatoes are starchy, you could eliminate the corn and use less starchy vegetables instead for diabetics.
Casseroles like this one are a great way to use up leftovers or canned goods or frozen foods. It's a good thing that casseroles are making a come back.
Recipe: I mixed a can of baked beans, 1 cup salsa in a baking dish. I stirred together frozen corn and pepper strips and copped onion together, before combining with the beans and salsa. Then stir in 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese. I prefer sharp for a little more kick in flavor. Top with frozen Tater Tots. Bake at 400 degress for 30 minutes. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese onto casserole. Bake until cheese melts and it is bubbly, which I think was about 2-5 minutes.
I bet this will be a crowd pleaser, especially for kids.
Happy cooking,
Ellen
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