Fudge Brownies...(that are actually good for you!)

Today I was craving chocolate all day, but I wanted to make a healthier version of these divine treats. I ended up trying a recipe (which contains flaxseed) and I must say they are amazing. They are very ooey and gooey and fudgy. And the best part is, they are good for you!

Fudge Brownies

1/4 c. water

2 T. ground flaxseed

1/2 c. agave (or 3/4 c. sugar)

1/4 c. oil

1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce

1/4 c. buttermilk

1 t. vanilla

1/2 c. cocoa

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

 

Preheat oven to 350 F. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour in greased 8x8" pan and bake for 25-28 minutes.

Feel free to add any chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or whatever you like. I'll admit I sprinkled chopped Reeses cups on them while they were hot and then spread them around...:) They are the perfect treat for that day when you're craving chocolate (and believe me, I have plenty of those days!) Enjoy.

Juicing

Lately I've been trying to eat healthier and adopt a more whole-food type lifestyle. Let me tell you, it's not easy for me because I really love processed foods, but I know how bad they can be for my health. I will never be perfect at this way of eating because I cannot give up sweets and salty snacks entirely, and I will NEVER give up ice cream (it's my weakness!) That being said, I've tried to incorporate more whole grains, fruits and veggies in my diet and less foods like white bread, fruit snacks and sugary drinks.

My sweet husband, aware of the changes I've been trying to make, was so thoughtful and gave me a juicer for Mother's Day. I am very new at this juicing concept, but so far I love it. It's a

great way for me to feel like I've started the day right and also a great way to boost my veggie intake each day! So this week I've been juicing every morning. Today, I tried this juice recipe:

Green Lemonade

3 stalks celery

4-5 handfuls spinach

2 apples

1 cucumber

large chunk ginger

1/2 lemon

Now, I must say it was not the most delicious juice I've ever had, but it wasn't horrible either. Let's just say it tasted healthy. :) I am not accustomed to eating as many veggies as I probably should. By making veggie juice I can pack several into one meal. It's great!

Anyway, I love my juicer and I know that it will help me in my efforts to making healthier eating choices and habits.

Summer Pasta Salad

I love this recipe! It's one of my favorites because it's not very difficult and doesn't take a lot of time! It's great for summer!

Summer Pasta Salad

8 oz. (or so) dry multicolored pasta, cooked

black olives, chopped

cucumber, chopped

tomatoes, chopped

bell pepper, chopped

pepperoni

onion powder

garlic powder

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

Use as much or as little as you like of each ingredient and toss together. I tend to be sparing with the vinegar because it's very strong! You can also add any ingredients that sound good to you. Be creative!

Sometimes instead of using the olive oil and vinegar, I'll just toss it with some ranch dressing. It's also very delicious. Enjoy!

Meatloaf Pasta

The other night I made meatloaf and I always have tons left over. And I don't know about you but I get really sick of having the same dinner for three nights in a row. So here's an idea to use that leftover meatloaf in a different way.

Meatloaf Pasta

6-8 oz. dry pasta (your favorite shape)

about 1 lb. meatloaf, cut in cubes

about 1 lb. mozzarella, cut in cubes

1-2 c. spaghetti sauce

1 c. cottage cheese

parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Return pasta to pot and add remaining ingredients except parmesan. Heat over medium until cheese melts. Serve with parmesan sprinkled on top. Serves 4-6.

If you don't have meatloaf, you could use anything like meatballs, pepperoni, or even chicken. Or omit the meat altogether for a meatless dish. Experiment and enjoy!

Oreo Truffles

I found this recipe in a Kraft Food & Family magazine a couple years ago. I tried making them dipped in milk chocolate and dark chocolate. But I found that dipping them in vanilla almond bark was my favorite.

Oreo Truffles

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1 (18 oz.) package oreos

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese (slightly melted)

melted vanilla almond bark

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In a food processor, crush oreos (including cream filling) until they are fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and add cream cheese. Mix until well blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Form small balls and dip in melted almond bark.

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This recipe makes a TON of truffles so sometimes I only make half the recipe. You can keep them at room temperature for a couple weeks, but they keep much longer in the fridge. Also, I usually use 1/3 less fat cream cheese and I honestly can't tell the difference in this recipe. They're fun to make for special occasions or just for fun. Enjoy!

Meatball Soup

I love all kinds of soups! I found this recipe in my Better Homes & Gardens cookbook and I just love it! It's the perfect hearty, healthy meal for a winter day and it makes really good leftovers!

Meatball Soup

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1 lb. cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)

3 1/2 c. beef broth

1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 oz.) can beans, drained and rinsed (any kind)

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. small dry pasta

3 c. fresh spinach (or 1/2 bag frozen)

1/2 t. italian seasoning

1 c. sliced mushrooms (optional)

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In a large pot, combine broth, tomatoes, italian seasoning, and water. Bring to boiling, add pasta, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Add meatballs, beans, spinach and mushrooms and simmer on medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Guacamole

This recipe is a shortcut version of traditional guacamole. It's very tasty and you can adjust all the ingredients to your own taste.

We ate most of it before I could take a picture...:)

Guacamole

3 ripe avocados

bottled salsa

1-2 T. lemon or lime juice (optional)

fresh minced garlic or garlic powder (optional)

salt to taste

Mash avacados and add as much or as little as you like of all other ingredients. (Note: the lemon juice is to prevent the guacamole from going brown. My family eats it so fast that I usually don't add it. And even if it does go a little brown, it still tastes great!) Enjoy!