Halloween at Home: Spooky Bites

Halloween is upon us! What better way to enliven your Halloween haunt at home than with some devilishly delicious bites? Here's what I recommend...

Hot Dog Mummies

Image from SeaKettle.com and recipe from Pillsbury

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheet 

2 1/2 slices American cheese, quartered (2.5 oz) 

10 hot dogs

Cooking spray

Mustard or ketchup, if desired

Directions:

Heat oven to 375°F.

If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate at perforations, creating 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles.

With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters (1/2 slice cheese, cut in half).

Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like "bandages," stretching dough slightly to completely cover hot dog. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate "bandages" so hot dog shows through for "face." On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.

Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard, draw features on "face."

Ghost Meringues

Image and recipe via SmartSchoolHouse.com

• 4 Egg Whites
• 1/2 tsp of Cream of Tartar
• 1 cup of Sugar
• Black Decorating Icing Gel

Directions:

Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites for a few minutes on high speed until they become frothy (you will see lots of little bubbles).

Next, add your sugar in small amounts.

Finally, mix in the cream of tartar.

Continue to whip the mixture until it gets stiff (meaning that it holds a shape when stopped).

Prepare your baking sheet with a layer of foil covered with non-stick spray.

Place the meringue mixture into an icing bag.

Using your icing bag and a large round icing tip, continually press the meringue mixture directly down onto the foil. Press down and lift up to create layered stacks for each ghost (release the pressure just a tiny bit, pulling up on your frosting bag at the same time in between each layer).

Bake them for about 45 minutes or until the tops become a little brown.

Once they are completely cooled, they will harden and be ready to decorate with black gel frosting!

Add eyes and mouths to your ghost (or create silly faces!).

Store in an airtight container.

Blood Spatter Cookies

Image and idea via EverydayAnnie.com

Bake sugar cookies in whatever shape you prefer.  (Or use chocolate cookies instead – I love both kinds!)

Edge and flood the cookies in plain white royal icing.  Let dry completely overnight.

Tint some of the leftover icing dark red.  Thin it to a consistency that splatters well.

Lay cookies on a work surface covered in wax paper, parchment or foil.

Splatter away using a clean paintbrush or the tines of a fork, until the cookies look as gross as you like.  Let dry.  

Halloween Hand Treats

Photo and idea via queenscardcastle.blogspot.com

All you need are gloves, an optional spider "ring," and your favorites candies!

Bloody Chocolate Fountain

Idea via Kenneth Wingard for HGTV

12 oz white chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
4 tbl butter
Red food coloring
Strawberries, Sponge Cake (cut into cubes), and Pretzels (or other food of your choice)

Directions:

Combine the heavy cream and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. 

When warm, add the chocolate chips, stirring constantly until smooth. 

Add food coloring several drops at a time until fondue becomes blood red. 

Place in chocolate fountain or simply use a serving bowl.

Arrange strawberries, sponge cake, and pretzels in serving dishes with toothpicks or bamboo spears.

What are your plans for this Halloween? Have a ghoulishly good time!

The Best of: Plant-Based Eating

Today it seems as if almost everyone you know is trying a plant-based diet, or is at least becoming more aware of this lifestyle and trying to incorporate it into their daily lives. Here are a few recipes that are truly nutritious & delicious. No sacrifices here!

MEATLESS MONDAY FAMILY STYLE

INGREDIENTS (ALL ORGANIC) 

• 2 boxes of Jovial Brown Rice Pasta
• 1/2 jar Rao's Marinara Sauce 
• 1/2 jar Organico Bello Marinara Sauce
• 2 large yellow tomatoes (or red, if you prefer!)
• 2 bunches of asparagus
• 1 lemon
• 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• Sprinkle vegan cheese to taste (plant based version)
• Option to sprinkle organic shredded mozzarella cheese to taste
• Sprinkle sea salt to taste
• Coconut oil

PROCESS

1. preheat the oven to 375
2. Rinse the asparagus and then chop the ends off
3. I place the asparagus in a bowl and then add some coconut oil and mix it around and then transfer the asparagus to a cooking sheet to place in the oven
4. Let the seasoned asparagus cook for about 12 minutes or until they start to brown
5. While the asparagus is in the oven, I fill a pot with water, add a tsp of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt to the water while it's boiling) bring the water to a bowl before adding in the brown rice pasta and leave for 10 minutes on low heat. Slice tomatoes while the pasta is boiling and heat up the sauce on low heat.
6. The key to making brown rice pasta delicious is once the 1o minutes are up turn off the stove and let the pasta sit in the water for 1 min. Then strain and place in a bowl.
7. Take out the asparagus and squeeze 1/2 lemon over all of them.
8. Add sauce with seasonings (sea salt and nutritional yeast to taste) and split pasta so you can add mozzarella to one and the vegan cheese to the other. Sprinkle cheese on top and mix in so it melts.
9. Top off with sliced tomatoes and cooked asparagus. Enjoy!

RECIPE FROM MELISSA WOOD HEALTH

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MANGO AVOCADO-HUMMUS COLLARD GREEN WRAPS

Looking for a filling lunch but still want to feel light after eating?! Try these delicious wraps! Spicy creamy avocado hummus with mango, artichokes and carrots is the perfect combination of sweet and savory! Enjoy!! Serving Size: Makes 4 Wraps Recipes: - 4 Large Collard Green Wraps - 1 1/2 cups Chick Peas - 1/4 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes - 1tsp.

RECIPE FROM LIMABEAN LIFESTYLE / GUILTLESS PLEASURES COOKING CHANNEL

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CARROT & RYE OATMEAL

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup rye flakes

1 1/2 cups fresh carrot juice

1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (we like this home-made version)

A pinch of sea salt

Serve with...

Sultanas or raisins, or raw cacao nibs, or toasted flaxseeds

 

PROCESS

First, prepare the apple compote. Cut the cored apple into cubes. Add all compote ingredients to a sauce pan with 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden.

Meanwhile, place all oatmeal ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thick, stirring occasionally. Serve and top with raisins, cacao nibs, and toasted flaxseed.

RECIPE FROM THE MOMENT

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ALMOND CHIA PUDDING

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 2 Tbl maple syrup
• 6 Tbl chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a bowl mix the milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, chia seeds, cornstarch, and vanilla.

2. Let the chia soak for 10 minutes.

3. Stir gently, cover, and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

4. Pour the pudding into small bowls.

5. Top with the almond flakes and grated coconut. Serve and enjoy.

RECIPE FROM GLUTEN-FREE DADDY

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Leave a comment if you try one of these or have a favorite recipe you'd like to share!

Nutritious & Delicious

Healthy Lunches The Entire Family Will Love

Between getting out the door in time for school drop-off and making sure everyone in the family --wife, husband, kids, and pets-- are fed, lunch can seem like a distant thought. Here are a few lunch ideas that can be easily prepped the night before, or even the Sunday before, so rushed mornings are never the reason for an unhealthy or unsatisfying lunch.

For The Kids...

via KristinesKitchenBlog.com

# 1: Cheese roll ups (whole grain tortilla, cream cheese, cheddar cheese slices), apple slices, peanut butter chocolate chip energy bite, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and white bean dip.

# 2 Bean & cheese burrito, peach slices, mini almond shortbread cookie, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple.

# 3 Whole wheat English muffin pizzas (top English muffin halves with tomato sauce, a sprinkle of oregano, & grated mozzarella. Melt cheese under broiler for 3-4 minutes), bell pepper, carrot sticks, raw almonds and dark chocolate chips, black olives, and apple slices.

# 4 Cherry tomato, apple, and cheese skewers (cut sharp points off skewers), cantaloupe, mini chocolate chip banana muffin, bell peppers & snap peas, cucumber slices, and white bean dip (made with a combo of cannellini beans and chickpeas).

For The Parents...

via Cooking Light

Spaghetti Squash Toss

• 1 cup Baby spinach, torn
• 6 Cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup unsalted Chickpeas,
• 1 1/2 cups Easy baked spaghetti squash
• 1/2 tsp Garlic
• 1/4 cup Red onion
• 1/2 tsp fresh Thyme
• a dash of salt
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Feta cheese

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; sauté 4 minutes. Add chickpeas, thyme, and tomatoes; cook 1 minute. Add spaghetti squash, spinach, and salt; toss gently to combine. Cook 2 minutes or until spinach is just wilted. Sprinkle with cheese.

vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb alternative to pasta

via Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• salt & pepper

for the sauce:

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• rice
• steamed broccoli

1. Cook rice according to instructions on the packaging.

2. Steam broccoli.

3. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and place in large non-stick skillet.

4. Cook until done, stirring often.

5. In a small bowl or a measuring cup, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, vinegar and cornstarch. Whisk together until there are no cornstarch lumps. Add sauce to chicken and cook stirring constantly, until it thickens into shiny glaze.

6. Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice and steamed broccoli.

via Chelsea's Messy Apron

One Pan Healthy Sausage & Veggies

• 2 cups (~1 small) red potato
• 3/4ths pound green beans
• 1 large head of broccoli (~ 1 and 1/2 cups)
• 1 and 1/2 cups chopped bell peppers 2 large or 6-7 mini sweet bell peppers
• 9 ounces smoked sausage I use turkey or chicken, not ground sausage
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Serve with: fresh parsley, quinoa/rice, lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Line a large sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.

3. Prep the veggies: chop the red potatoes (pretty small pieces here so they will be tender in time), trim the green beans and halve (see video above recipe), chop the broccoli, chop the peppers into thick squares, and coin the sausage in thick slices.

4. Place all the veggies and sausage on a sheet pan. Pour the olive oil and all the spices on top. Toss to evenly coat all the veggies and meat.

5. Bake 15 minutes, remove from the oven and flip/stir all the veggies around. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are crisp tender and sausage is browned.

6. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the veggies and sausage as soon as they come out of the oven.

7. Enjoy with rice or quinoa and fresh parsley if desired.

These two infographics also always come in handy when I'm in a salad recipe rut or when I need to spice up my homemade hummus (which is fantastic as a dip, or as a spread in a sandwich, burrito, or wrap, or as part of a bowl!).

What are your weekly go-to's and what are you dying to try?!

Pampering Your Pets

Every now and then our pets deserve a day to be pampered just like us! They are always there for us to listen, love and cuddle with. Here are a few of my favorite ways to show appreciation for your furry friends...

Spa Day

Kick–start your pet-pampering day by taking a trip to the salon for a day of much-needed grooming.  Aside from your daily or weekly brushing, a good grooming will not only have your pet looking and smelling fabulous, but feeling great as well. Not only is it a great treat, but also a necessity that the entire family can appreciate.  Schedule your next appointment at Lucky Dawg Pet Grooming or South Bay Dog Grooming.  If visiting the groomer is too much for your fun-filled day, give your pet the most luxurious bath you can give in your own tub. Dr. McGrath’s and Opie and Dixie are both terrific brands that offer the highest quality, natural ingredients. Here are two of my favorite products:

Dr. McGraths: 100% human-grade, PH balanced products for dogs, cats, & horses; free of sulfates, phosphates, & dyes

Concentrated Conditioning Animal Shampo

Opie & Dixie: All-natural, organic and vegan grooming aids for the holistic care of dogs and cats.

Organic Healing Paw Balm

Stay-cation

A marvelous stay-cation is a must when planning to pamper your pet. Send them to a luxury pet resort like AMG A Pet Resort where they can get walks, group play, special treats, and so much more. If you don’t want to board your pet, plan a trip to the beach or a nice dog park for you and your best furry friend to run around and be carefree for a day. 

Retail Therapy

Showering your pet with gifts is another good way to show your pet just how much you love them. Just like when we feel we have done a job well done buying a nice treat for yourself is a great way to pat yourself on the back.  So whether it is a treat and a toy from Pet Foods Market or a cute outfit from D.O.G Boutique, your pet will definitely enjoy the retail therapy.

An adorable chew toy from D.O.G. Pet Boutique

Whether it’s a spa day, a quick road trip or a shopping spree, showing your pet how much you love them by pampering them for a day is a great way to make the bond between you two even stronger. Only you know exactly what your furry friend will enjoy so if all else fails, dedicate the day to your best friend. Sometimes, being with your best friend is all the therapy you need.

Cleaning Your Home Naturally

Spring will be here before we know it, and in honor of this time of year approaching, I'm sharing my top 4 all-natural home cleaning tips as well as a very easy to digest guide on cleaning your home with essential oils!

Declutter and detoxify your home by cleaning and removing stains with things you always keep stocked in your kitchen: baking soda, lemons, vinegar, & coffee filters. By ridding your home of unhealthy, chemical-laden products, you'll pave the way to a healthier, more streamlined household that stays Spring-clean year-round!

Baking soda: Keep all your stainless steel appliances sparkling with baking soda. Simply mix with water and scrub the appliances until they sparkle then rinse with water. 

Citrus: Place lemons in the garbage disposal to get rid of unwanted scents and keep your kitchen smelling citrus clean. 

Salt & Vinegar: Use salt and vinegar to bring stained copper pots back to their former glory. Simply sprinkle salt and scrub with vinegar, then rinse with water to make them look brand new. 

Coffee filters: The best way to keep wine glasses polished for the next dinner party is with coffee filters. Prior to polishing, swirl hot water in the glass, empty, then polish to get the glass crystal clear.