Happy New Year!

Happy 2016!!!  First of all, I want to apologize for being out of touch these past couple of months.  Between the holidays, birthday parties, coaching both of my kids in soccer, and now basketball, along with all of the regular events life has thrown my way, I haven't had much time to sit and write.  But I have been cooking.  And I have been creating new recipes that I am anxious to share with everyone this year.  I have over 40 drafts that are just waiting for me to edit and write an intro for, and then I will be passing them along quickly.  So if you are a first time reader, or a faithful follower, please keep coming back, as I promise to make 2016 my best year yet!

A few recipes in the works:

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

Habanero Cranberry Sauce

Detox Soup

Curried Squash Soup with Mung Beans

Curried Squash Soup
with Mung Beans

This time of year, everything is about pumpkin and squash. But instead of reaching for some packaged, spiced confection, that doesn't even have an ounce of real pumpkin in it, why not try something simple, homemade and warm, that will make your house smell great and your body strong?  Last year I made a Curried Pumpkin Soup with fresh kale from my garden and it was amazing.  So I changed it up a little this time around, added a little more richness with organic coconut milk, plain soy milk and a can of organic squash, and experimented with sprouted mung beans, that are quick cooking and extremely high in protein.  For some extra texture, I also added in four cups of cubed butternut squash. Besides opening all of the cans and keeping an eye on the stove, this meal was a snap, and made enough for three dinners for my husband and I.  I put a large portion in the freezer a few weeks ago, and am so thankful that dinner on this cold and rainy night will be as simple as heating this up on the stove.

Homemade Pop Tarts

Homemade Pop Tarts

Who doesn't love a pop tart? I remember begging my mom to buy them back in the 80s, and my kids now bug me every time we go to the grocery store to buy them as well.  Luckily there are organic, slightly healthier versions available in the store these days, but in my opinion, if it comes in a box, with an expiration date months in the future, it can't really be that good for you.  And plus, these are so much fun to make at home! I like to use my organic whole wheat, coconut oil crust as the base for these, but the choice of fillings is endless!  At this time of year, I'm thinking that a pumpkin spice filling would be perfect and I now want to try that out, so please check back for the update!  In the meantime, your favorite jam or jelly, Nutella, or another nut butter, or a combination of some sort will work perfectly. Even some chocolate chips and fresh fruit could work. Perfect option for a Sunday morning!