Foodbuzz

Drinks

Baby Smoothie

 

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

baby smoothies

I don’t normally drink my vegetables, since eating them tastes so good and fills me up more.  But lately I’ve been making fruit & veggie smoothies for Lucy – partly because it’s so easy, and partly because she loves anything that requires using a straw.  Today for lunch she had a spinach and avocado smoothie.  Sounds kind of gross, but Lucy couldn’t get enough, and both Tyler and I agreed it tasted like a rich, creamy treat.  Here’s how I made this baby smoothie.

Spinach and Avocado Baby Smoothie

1 cup baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup plain lowfat yogurt

1/2 small avocado

1/2 banana

1/4 cup vanilla soymilk (or any milk of choice)

1 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup frozen peach slices

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Add the frozen fruit, then pulse until well-blended.  Serve with a spoon or straw.  Makes 2 servings, or about 4 baby-sized servings.

baby smoothie

Aaaaand…forget the straw, let’s just get this smoothie down already!

baby smoothie

Best Smoothie You’ll Ever Taste

 

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

date smoothie

Smoothies are a perfect way to enjoy fruit during winter, because they’re best with frozen fruit (in my opinion) and offer variety even when not many fruits are in season.

Today, I had the best smoothie of my life.  The combination was unplanned, but ended up being flavorful, sweet, and exotic-tasting.  I don’t think I can make any other combo for the time being…I’m hooked on this one!

Date, Cherry, and Peach Smoothie

Serves 2

5 pitted dates

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1 cup 1% milk or soymilk

1 cup frozen pitted cherries

1 cup frozen sliced peaches

1 large frozen banana, cut into chunks

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of cinnamon

Combine dates, yogurt, and milk in a blender until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients and pulse until the mixture is well-combined.  This smoothie will be thick and is best eaten with a spoon.  If you like a thinner, drinkable smoothie, use a fresh banana and/or thawed fruit.

Enjoy!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

 

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

pumpkin spice latte

Pretty much every even semi-cool morning during the fall, I wake up craving a Starbucks holiday drink.  The eggnog latte is my favorite, but I would also never turn down a pumpkin spice or gingerbread latte, nor a peppermint mocha.  Mmmm.

Unfortunately, the calories and cost of these drinks take a hefty toll on both the wallet and the waistline.  So this season, I’ve decided to make my own versions at home.  This morning was my first attempt at a pumpkin spice latte, and if I do say so myself, it was GOOD.  It was also easy (no fancy equipment needed), lower in calories & sugar, and made with real pumpkin, not a flavored syrup.  Here’s how you can do it too.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Print This Recipe

Number of Servings: 1

    Ingredients

  • 1 pinch Cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons Canned Pumpkin
  • ½ cup 1% Milk
  • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 teaspoons Sugar
  • 8 ounces Brewed coffee

    Directions

  • 1 Make latte.

    In a microwaveable mug or bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin, sugar, spices, and vanilla. Heat in the microwave until hot. Pour into your mug of hot brewed coffee and stir to combine. (Note: you can also use a couple pinches of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon/nutmeg combo).

  • 2 Make foam.

    If desired, warm 2-3 Tbsp more milk or cream in a separate mug, and froth using an Aerolatte milk foamer. Spoon this foam onto the top of your latte before enjoying.

Print This Shopping List

  • Baking

    • 2 teaspoons Sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

  • Dairy

    • ½ cup 1% Milk

  • Spices

    • 1 pinch Cinnamon
    • 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg

  • Vegetables

    • 2 tablespoons Canned Pumpkin

  • beverages

    • 8 ounces Brewed coffee

pumpkin latte

pumpkin spice latte

pumpkin spice latte

Blueberry Hemp Smoothie

 

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

hemp recipes

This smoothie marked my inaugural use of hemp seeds.  I wasn’t sure what to do with hemp or whether I would like it, but I found that the seeds added a nice texture and nutty flavor to my smoothie.  They also made a smoothie more of a filling meal because of their fat, protein, and fiber content.

Remember that smoothies need to be viewed as a meal or hearty snack rather than a drink.  As long as you don’t drink smoothies down like water and keep the portion size reasonable, these thick fruity treats make a healthy and delicious breakfast, lunch, or snack.  This Blueberry Hemp Smoothie is especially nutty and creamy because of the seeds and almond butter…mmmm.

If you read yesterday’s post and thought “What on earth would I ever do with hemp seeds?” this recipe is for you. Enjoy!

Blueberry Hemp Smoothie

Print This Recipe

Number of Servings: 2

    Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Almond Butter
  • 1 ½ cups Blueberries, frozen
  • 1 cup Vanilla Soymilk
  • ½ cup Plain lowfat yogurt
  • 1 cup Ice cubes
  • 1 Bananas, fresh or frozen
  • ¼ cup Hemp seeds

    Directions

  • 1 Blend all ingredients.

    Combine soymilk, yogurt, almond butter, and hemp in a blender. Add frozen fruit (break banana into chunks) and ice cubes and pulse until smoothie is thick and smooth. Add more ice cubes if you like a thicker smoothie.

Print This Shopping List

  • No Department

    • 1 cup Ice cubes

  • Dairy Alternatives

    • 1 cup Vanilla Soymilk

  • Fruit

    • 1 ½ cups Blueberries

  • Pantry

    • 1 tablespoon Almond Butter

  • dairy

    • ½ cup Plain lowfat yogurt

  • nuts and seeds

    • ¼ cup Hemp seeds

  • produce

    • 1 Bananas

hemp recipes

Melon Fizzies

 

Monday, September 12th, 2011

melon recipes

Summer may be coming to a close, but the melons are still wonderfully ripe and sweet.  I came across this great idea in Sunset Magazine, the perfect late summer treat: Melon Fizzies.  You just puree melon, pour the juice into ice cube trays and freeze until set.  Place the melon cubes into glasses, then pour soda water over them and enjoy a flavorful, low-cal summer drink.  You can also use these fruity cubes in smoothies, margaritas, or frothy granitas.

*melon fizzie image taken from Sunset Magazine*

Fresh Nectarine Smoothie

 

Friday, August 5th, 2011

nectarine recipes

Peaches rule, but sometimes nectarines are even better.  In their peak ripeness, they are SO packed with flavor and have a bite to them that surpasses even the ripest peach.  And because their skin is soft and fuzz-less, you don’t have to remove their peel before using them in recipes.

This nectarine smoothie is creamy, smooth, and tastes like summer.  It would also be delicious with any other stone fruit: peaches, plums, apricots, or the white-fleshed versions of any of these fruits.  Alter it however you like and enjoy!

Creamy Nectarine Smoothie

Print This Recipe

Number of Servings: 2

    Ingredients

  • 2 whole Nectarines, cut into chunks
  • ½ cup Vanilla Soymilk
  • 1 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 cup Mango, fresh or frozen in chunks

    Directions

  • 1 Blend all ingredients.

    Add the fruit, yogurt, and soymilk to a blender. Pulse to combine, then add ice cubes and continue to pulse until you've reached a thick consistency. That's it!

Print This Shopping List

  • No Department

    • Ice cubes
    • 1 cup Mango

  • Dairy

    • 1 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt

  • Dairy Alternatives

    • ½ cup Vanilla Soymilk

  • Fruit

    • 2 whole Nectarines

nectarine recipes

Healthy Summer Cocktails

 

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

Most of us are looking for a cocktail we can enjoy on a hot summer afternoon or at the end of a long day that won’t blow our healthy eating plan.  Alcoholic beverages are extra calories (meaning too many of them will add pounds without adding nutrients), but that doesn’t mean you have to skip them altogether.  You just have to be careful about your consumption.  Below are some recipes for “skinny” cocktails, courtesy of Bethenny Frankel (I’m slightly embarrassed to admit), and here are some general tips for including alcohol in your diet without gaining weight.

Skinnygirl Sangria
Serves 6 to 8

Sangria is normally heavy, syrupy, and high calorie.  This one is a refreshing change of pace.

6 peaches, sliced into wedges
4 golden plums, sliced into wedges
1 pound of green grapes split in half
3 bottles of Prosecco
1 can of diet lemon lime soda
1 can of club soda

Combine all ingredients into a large pitcher and add ice. Chill for an hour to set or serve immediately.
*Turn this into Red Sangria by using a light to medium-bodied red wine instead of Prosecco, and adding red/black plums, red grapes.

Skinnygirl Mojito
Serves 2

Mojitos made with mixes have a lot of sugar.  This one won’t weigh you down or make you feel like you just drank your dessert.

2 limes, 1 cut into wedges and 1 juiced
Small handful torn fresh mint leaves
2 cups ice
1/2 teaspoon of honey, gently warmed (microwave for 5 seconds)
3 ounces light rum
8 ounces club soda
Fresh mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish

In a martini shaker, muddle the lime and mint with a pestle or a long spoon until well bruised and fragrant. Add 1 cup of ice and the lime juice.
Combine the honey, rum and club soda in a glass or small bowl. Stir gently to dissolve the honey. Add this combination to the muddle mixture. Stir until the mixture is well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with the mint sprig and lime wedge.

Skinnygirl Cosmo

Cosmos are such a popular drink, but very sweet. This version tastes delicious and has just a fraction of the sugar and the calories.

Serves 1

2 ounces of vodka
2 ounces club soda
splash of cranberry juice
Juice from 2 lime wedges plus 1 lime wedge to garnish

Combine all of the ingredients except the garnish in a shaker full of ice. Stir and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the lime wedge.

Skinnygirl American “Virgin”

You can make this a true virgin drink as is (no alcohol), or you can make it with peach vodka in place of the peach juice.

Serves 1

2 ounces of peach juice
2 ounces of club soda
splash of orange juice
splash of lemonade
lemon wedge for garnish

Combine all of the ingredients except the garnish in a shaker full of ice and stir to blend. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Banana Split Smoothie

 

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

banana split smoothie

This may sound like an indulgence, but it’s actually a healthy snack that will also satisfy your sweet tooth.  Someone posted this on Twitter the other day and it looked so good I immediately made it.  I added some chopped nuts on top since I was having it for lunch and wanted it to be more substantial.

If you’re suffering in one of these widespread heat waves, this is the perfect way to cool off!

Banana Split Smoothie

Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup pineapple (fresh, frozen, or canned in juice)
  • ½ cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 ripe banana, sliced
  • 1 container of Greek-style yogurt, fat-free or low-fat (8oz)
  • ½ cup fat-free milk
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate sauce
  • 1 cup ice (or more to taste)

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix well.

Variations:

  • Non-Dairy Option: use soymilk and soy yogurt.

Thanks to Rebecca Scritchfield for the recipe!

Super Strawberry Smoothie

 

Monday, June 6th, 2011

 

smoothie healthy recipe

June is one of the best months for sweet, juicy strawberries.  They’re perfect for snacking on or using in salads, but I also love blending them into cool, creamy smoothies like this one.  The berries are so sweet you don’t need any sweetener in this, just the fruit.  To make your smoothie a full meal, add some chopped nuts or a scoop of granola on top.

Very Strawberry Smoothie

Print This Recipe

Number of Servings: 0

    Ingredients

  • 2 cups Organic Strawberries
  • 1 cup Vanilla Soymilk
  • 1 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
  • 1 cup Ice cubes
  • 1 whole Bananas, frozen
  • 1 cup Mango, frozen chunks

    Directions

  • 1 Blend all ingredients.

    Add all ingredients except ice cubes to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add a few ice cubes at a time until desired consistency is reached. Pour into a large cup and enjoy!

Print This Shopping List

  • No Department

    • 1 cup Ice cubes
    • 1 cup Mango

  • Dairy

    • 1 cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt

  • Dairy Alternatives

    • 1 cup Vanilla Soymilk

  • Fruit

    • 2 cups Organic Strawberries

  • produce

    • 1 whole Bananas

Love smoothies?  Here are a bunch more easy, healthy recipes!

smoothie healthy recipe

Homemade Orange Julius

 

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

orange julius recipe

This is so 80′s, but the other day I was craving an Orange Julius–the kind I used to get at the mall when I was about 12.  I can only imagine what was in those things–gross–so I decided to make a fresher, healthier version of this fruity beverage at home.  This is the perfect drink for a warm summer afternoon.  It’s lighter than a smoothie, healthier than a Popsicle, and satisfies any craving for a cool & creamy treat!

Homemade Orange Julius

2 large oranges, peels and core cut off (for this it’s better to cut off the pith rather than peel into segments)

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

3/4 cup water

2 Tbsp nonfat powdered milk

1/2 cup nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt

Plenty of ice cubes

In a blender, pulse the oranges, lemon juice, water, and powdered milk until smooth and frothy.  Add the frozen yogurt and some ice cubes and pulse.  Continue adding ice cubes (you’ll need a lot) until you’ve achieved a thick, smooth, creamy consistency.  If your mixture doesn’t seem creamy or frothy, add another Tbsp of powdered milk.  Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy!  Makes 2 servings.

orange julius recipe

Best Margarita for Cinco de Mayo

 

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

mango margarita

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, a.k.a my favorite holiday of the year.  I love it for the margaritas and Mexican food, and also because it means that summer is right around the corner.  My favorite way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is with really good margaritas and really good Mexican food.  I prefer to make this stuff at home, since I find the margaritas in restaurants to be too sweet and the food too heavy.  It’s always hard to decide what direction to go with the food, but this year I’m going to rely on a couple of my staples: Bon Appetit’s Chicken with Tomatillos and Braised Fruit and Crispy Black Bean Tacos.  These dishes are incredible, yet won’t weigh you down…even when paired with this amazing mango margarita. Enjoy!

The Best Mango Margarita

Print This Recipe

Number of Servings: 2

    Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon Lime zest, from 1 lime
  • 2 Lime, juiced
  • ½ cup Orange Juice
  • 2 cups Ice cubes
  • 3 ounces 100% Reposado Tequila
  • 1 tablespoon Limeade concentrate
  • 1 cup Mango, frozen chunks

    Directions

  • 1 Prepare glasses.

    Chill 2 glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the salt and lime zest on a small plate. Remove the glasses, rub the rims with a lime wedge to wet, then dip rims into the salt/zest mixture.

  • 2 Blend liquids.

    Pour all the liquids into a blender and blend briefly to combine. Add the frozen mango chunks and a generous amount of ice cubes and pulse until a thick consistency is reached. Pour mixture into glasses and enjoy!

Print This Shopping List

  • No Department

    • 2 cups Ice cubes
    • 1 cup Mango

  • Beverages

    • ½ cup Orange Juice

  • Fruit

    • 2 Lime

  • Pantry

    • 2 tablespoons Kosher salt

  • frozen

    • 1 tablespoon Limeade concentrate

  • fruit

    • 1 tablespoon Lime zest

  • liquor

    • 3 ounces 100% Reposado Tequila

mango margarita recipe

This is what the salt/lime mixture should look like.  (Use any leftover for chicken or fish seasoning, then topped the cooked meat with fresh salsa!)

mango margarita

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Have You Tried Matcha?

 

Monday, April 25th, 2011

matcha recipe

Thank you to Alissa White, founder of Matcha Source, for today’s guest post!  Matcha Source is an online retailer of premium grade matcha teas and accessories, specializing in a range of utensils from traditional bamboo whisks to modern latte frothers and martini shakers.  For tips, recipes, and health benefits, visit them online or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

What is Matcha Powdered Green Tea?

Matcha is premium green tea powder from Japan used for drinking as tea or as an ingredient in recipes. It is the heart of the Japanese way of tea and has been celebrated in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for hundreds of years.

What does matcha taste like?

Complex.  Alluring.  Bitter.  Misunderstood.  Addicting.  That’s how Sophia F., a matcha enthusiast from Florida, describes the taste of matcha.  Chlorophyll and amino acids give matcha its unique rich taste, an initial vegetal, astringent taste, followed by a lingering sweetness.  Matcha made in the traditional Japanese style, whisked with water, is a full-bodied green tea.  The intensity of the experience compares to one’s first taste of dark chocolate or red wine.  When added as an ingredient, the taste of matcha becomes subtler.  It adds the flavor and color of green tea to your creation, be it a smoothie, latte, savory sauce or pastry.

What are the health benefits of matcha?

Matcha is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and chlorophyll.  The health benefits of matcha exceed those of other green teas because matcha drinkers ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water.  One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of nutritional value and antioxidant content. Read more about the health benefits of matcha tea here.

How is matcha produced?

Several weeks prior to harvest in the Spring, farmers cover the tea plants with bamboo mats or tarp, gradually reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the plants.  This step increases the chlorophyll content and turns the leaves dark green, giving matcha its distinct green color.  After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, air dried, sorted for grade, and destemmed. Then the leaves are ground on hand carved stone grinding wheels. It takes one hour to grind a little over an ounce of matcha.

What can you do with matcha?

Matcha can be prepared in many different ways including iced (see recipe below), in a latte or smoothie or sprinkled over yogurt and oatmeal. Read more recipes from Matcha Source here.

Slow, Cold-Brewed Iced Matcha Tea

When preparing tea, temperature matters. Heat brings out the bitter flavors in matcha. Ice will bring out the sweetness and the rich creamy mouth feel unique to matcha. Try this technique for a slow cold-brewed cha for a summer feel-good elixir.

  • Scoop two well rounded almond shaped tea scoops (about 2T) into a glass pitcher.
  • Fill with ice.
  • Let rest for several hours until all the ice melts.
  • Pour over fresh ice into a chilled glass and enjoy.

Use best quality water and iced-cubes available. Add sugar, agave nectar or honey for sweeteners. Try ginger or lime for a tart finish.  Brew a fresh pitcher everyday all summer long. Keep some in your favorite thermos and enjoy iced-matcha on a bike ride, at a picnic or on a trip.

Want something equally refreshing but creamier and heartier?  Try a Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Smoothie, or one of these other delicious recipes!

matcha recipes

POM Wonderful Week Begins with Happy Hour: Pomegranate Moscow Mule

 

Friday, November 19th, 2010

pomegranate recipe

It’s Friday afternoon, and time for a cocktail!  I made this Pomegranate Moscow Mule for my POM party guests recently, and it quickly became everyone’s new favorite drink.  The combination of ginger, lime, and crunchy pomegranate seeds makes this cocktail refreshing and comforting at the same time.  Not to mention the colors are ideal for any upcoming holiday meal or party.

pomegranate recipe

Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Print This Recipe

Number of Servings: 2

    Ingredients

  • 2 ounces POM 100% pomegranate juice
  • 2 ounces Vodka
  • 12 ounces Ginger Beer (like Reed's), 1 bottle
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges
  • ¼ cup Pomegranate Seeds
  • 4 piece Candied ginger

    Directions

  • 1 Make cocktail.

    Fill 2 glasses or glass mugs with ice. Pour 1 oz vodka in each glass, then add ginger beer. Squeeze a couple of lime wedges into each drink, then toss in the wedges themselves. Stir to combine, then top with a generous splash of POM juice.

  • 2 Garnish.

    Sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on the top of each cocktail, then garnish with a few pieces of candied ginger on a toothpick.

Print This Shopping List

  • No Department

    • 12 ounces Ginger Beer (like Reed's)
    • Ice cubes

  • Fruit

    • ¼ cup Pomegranate Seeds

  • juice

    • 2 ounces POM 100% pomegranate juice

  • liquor

    • 2 ounces Vodka

  • pantry

    • 4 piece Candied ginger

  • produce

    • Lime wedges

Need help opening and seeding a pomegranate?  Watch this quick video.

moscow mule recipe

Note: You can easily make this beverage non-alcoholic.  Just skip the vodka and add some extra ginger beer or a little club soda.  Regardless of which version you make, you’ll have happy guests!

pomegranate recipe

Summer Cocktails that Won’t Weigh You Down

 

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Summer is a great time for cool, fruity cocktails, but they can really take a toll on your bikini body.  Here are some recipes using in-season fruits that you can enjoy (in moderation) without guilt.  Each of these serves one.

Blackberry Mojito

1/3 cup fresh blackberries

Small handful fresh mint leaves

Juice of 1 small (or 1/2 large) lime

1 Tbsp agave syrup

1 1/2 oz light rum

3/4 cup soda water

Put the blackberries and mint leaves in the bottom of a tall sturdy glass.  Mash a little with the back of a spoon, then add the agave syrup, rum, club soda, and stir.

5 minute summer recipes

Watermelon Punch

1 cup watermelon chunks

juice of 1 lime

1 1/2 oz light rum

2 Tbsp raspberry sherbet

5 fresh mint leaves, rough chopped

1/2 cup water or soda water

2-3 fresh raspberries

Pulse the watermelon, sherbet, mint leaves, lime, rum, and water in a blender.  Add a handful of ice (to taste) and pulse until desired consistency is reached.  Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and a few fresh raspberries.

Spiked Peach Lemonade

1/2 large ripe peach, peeled, thinly sliced

Juice of a large lemon

3/4 cup water

2 Tbsp agave syrup

1 1/2 oz vodka

Put the peaches in the bottom of a tall sturdy glass and mash with the top of a wooden spoon.  Add the agave syrup, lemon juice, vodka, water, and stir.  Garnish with a lemon slice and peach segment.

Make Your Own Blended Coffee

 

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Blended coffees are still quite the rage.  Starbuck’s Frappuccinos, Coffee Bean Blendeds, and now McDonald’s Coffee Frappes.  Unfortunately, these caloric “drinks” (they’re more like entire meals) can really do you in.  Check out the gnarly nutritionals:

  • McDonald’s Small Mocha Frappe:  450 calories, 20 grams fat, 56 grams sugar
  • Starbuck’s Grande Java Chip Frappuccino: 440 calories, 18 grams fat, 63 grams sugar
  • Coffee Bean Medium Caramel Ice Blended: 530 calories, 11 grams fat, 82 grams sugar

GROSS.  And these aren’t even the biggest drinks–order a Large Caramel Frappe from McDonald’s and you’ll slurp up 680 calories before you know it.  So rather than pack pounds on your frame, make your own lower-cal beverage (in photo above):

Amelia’s Blended Banana Mocha

6 oz brewed coffee, cooled

2 Tbsp nonfat dried milk powder

1 Tbsp cocoa powder

1 heaping Tbsp powdered sugar

splash of vanilla extract

½ a frozen banana

6-8 ice cubes

Mix the coffee, dried milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a blender until frothy.  Add frozen banana and ice cubes 2 at a time, blending in between to make sure they get pulverized.  Keep adding ice until you reach desired consistency.  Top with 1 Tbsp whipped light cream, if you can’t live without the whipped cream.  Makes 1 serving, 155 calories (170 with whipped cream).
Tip: if you’re blender isn’t cooperating, make sure that you add the liquid ingredients first, then add just 1-2 ice cubes at a time, using the “pulse” button on your blender.
Tip #2: Do you have trouble getting enough fiber in your diet?  Add a spoonful of Benefiber (or other tasteless powder fiber supplement) to this beverage – you won’t even notice it’s there.

Help! I Can’t Stop Snacking

 

Friday, April 30th, 2010

cucumber water recipe
Wow.  Not sure where this insatiable hunger is coming from, but I haven’t been able to stop eating today.  AND I have to bake cookies & banana breads all day for an event.  Recipe for disaster.

I know I’ll regret it if I don’t nip this issue in the bud early, so I just made a big bowl of oat bran cereal which always fills me up, and a pitcher of “spa water,” which is a more interesting version of water that can fool you into believing your drinking something with calories.  I’m already more inspired to drink water instead of snack.

Amelia’s Spa Water

pitcher of water

cucumber slices

orange, lemon, or lime slices

fresh mint

strawberry slices

Place all ingredients in the pitcher of water and stir around.  Chill.  Water will get more flavorful as it sits.  If you don’t have one or more of these ingredients, just use what you have…even one of these will spice up regular water.

Recipe for Relaxation

 

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Already feeling the stress of the holiday season?!  Here’s a treat you can enjoy while kicking back in front of a cozy fire (or for those of us in Southern CA, in front of the fan, so you don’t start sweating):

Cocktail:  The Naughty Girl Scout

1 packet Light Hot Chocolate (click here for the tastiest low-cal options)
2 Tbsp Peppermint Schnapps
1 tsp Candy Cane Shavings (smash a peppermint of piece of candy cane)
5 mini marshmallows

Prepare hot chocolate according to package directions.  Stir in Schnapps, then top with marshmallows and candy cane shavings.  Make an easy non-alcoholic version of this cocktail by skipping the Schnapps and adding 1/4 tsp peppermint extract.

Enjoy!