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6 Easy Ways to Enjoy the Amazing Apple

4 Oct

 

apples

You’ve heard the saying about an apple a day, but why? Apples are rich in Vitamin C, so they make a great option for people with sensitivities to citrus. Apples also contain fiber to keep you fuller longer, and loads of antioxidants.

Favorite varieties Around My Home are Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith.

I love adding chopped apples to salads with walnuts and shredded parmesan cheese.

Topping yogurt or oatmeal with diced apples are a great breakfast option for adults and kiddos alike. Add some honey and a sprinkle of organic cinnamon for more antioxidants and tummy-soothing benefits for the picky eater.

A plate of freshly sliced apples (try several varieties to add color) make a perfect appetizer when served with cheese.

For a go-to snack or light lunch, I often reach for apple slices with organic peanut butter or almond butter. This snack is a great one for me before heading to a social event – it helps keep my full and satisfied so that I don’t indulge in what’s available just because it’s there.

Every morning, before my steel cut oatmeal and coffee, I have an 8 oz glass of green, organic, cold-pressed juice that I pick up at Costco for a great buy. I’ve even managed to get the Hubsters hooked on it, too. One of the main ingredients in this super-healthy tonic? Apples. 

Lastly, apples make a delicious and healthy dessert. Check out my recipe for Quick and Easy Baked Apple Slices – tastes just like apple pie, but without the crust! Not to mention the incredible smell you’ll enjoy in your kitchen.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Heart-Healthy Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup

12 Nov

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This satisfying red lentil and vegetable soup is quick and easy to make, is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and is so fresh and healthy. A neighbor shared this recipe with me a few years ago, and it has become a staple meal Around My Home this time of year.

INGREDIENTS

–1 Tbs olive oil

–4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

–1 medium onion, chopped

–1 tsp ground cumin

–1 can diced tomatoes in juice

–2 cups vegetable broth

–2 cups water

–1 cup red lentils (usually available in bulk). Tip: red lentils cook faster than any other color.

–1/4 tsp salt

–1/8 tsp black pepper

–5 oz. fresh baby spinach

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in 4 quart sauce pan. Sauté carrots and onions on medium heat for ~6-7 minutes until soft. Stir in cumin and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, water, lentils, salt, and pepper and stir thoroughly. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover for ~8-10 minutes until lentils are soft. Turn off heat. Stir in spinach a little at a time. Makes ~4-6 servings. Consider serving with cornbread muffins and hard parmesan cheese.

I hope you enjoy this heart-healthy and satisfying meal around your home this season!

Roasted Garlic Potato Slices – Better Than Fries (Almost)!

3 Feb

Roasted Garlic Potato Slices

I had more yukon gold potatoes than I knew what to do with after making faux veal stew (I used turkey tenderloin in place of veal). I figured it couldn’t hurt to try roasted potato slices, since I frequently roast asparagus as a side dish, and make my own fresh pasta sauce with roasted tomatoes.

During dinner, Hubsters exclaimed: “I hope you’re planning to blog about these – they’re amazing!”

And my 3 year-old emphatically stated that we should have garlic potato slices for dinner every night.

What’s the magic ingredient?

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Holiday Recipe Roundup: One Main Dish, Three Easy Sides, and a Gluten-Free Dessert

25 Nov

I’m definitely a last-minute grocery shopper that hits the store the day before Thanksgiving. I like everything to be super fresh – that’s my excuse, anyway.

If you’re a last-minute shopper, too, and you need some ideas fast for delicious holiday fare, then this post is for you!

I’ve rounded up five of my favorite recipes that are always crowd-pleasing hits and super easy to prepare:

DESSERT FIRST

Gluten-Free Almond Pear Bread – I made this (amazing) dessert bread last year after my son decided he really didn’t want to eat the two dozen fresh pears he begged me to purchase at Costco.

This bread was so delicious that I ended up making several batches for friends and neighbors. I promise you can’t tell it’s gluten free.

Click on the photo below or here for the full recipe.

(Amazing) Gluten Free Almond Pear Bread

(Amazing) Gluten Free Almond Pear Bread

ONE MAIN DISH

Aunt Pat’s Chicken – this dish makes the kitchen smell amazing, allows you to mingle with your guests, and is perfect for entertaining any day of the year.

Click on the photo below or here for the full recipe.

Aunt Pat's Chicken

THREE EASY SIDES

Sweet Potatoes – super fast twist on a traditional classic. Click on the photo below or here for the full recipe.

Super Fast Sweet Potatoes

Super Fast Sweet Potatoes

Perfect Asparagus Every Time – add a little green to your holiday. Click on the photo below or here for the full recipe.

Perfect Asparagus Every Time

Perfect Asparagus Every Time

The Only Salad You’ll Ever Need to Make – this salad is a big hit – every time. I’m often asked,  “would you mind bringing that salad that you make?” when invited to a dinner gathering.

Click on the photo below or here for the full recipe.

The simple toss of a few ingredients in a light olive oil dressing will cause your guests to rave!

The simple toss of a few ingredients in a light olive oil dressing will cause your guests to rave!

What are some of your go-to recipes this holiday season? I read every comment and love hearing from you!

Thanks for stopping by today,

Breakfast Casserole – Simple, Yummy, and Gluten Free!

4 Nov

I hosted a brunch this week for some lovely ladies and made my favorite breakfast casserole for the occasion.

This perfectly simple recipe is yummy, relatively healthy, and absolutely gluten free!

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After a friend shared the recipe with me several years ago, this dish has become my go-to option for brunch gatherings and Christmas morning fare.

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Hold The Crust, Please – Quick and Easy Baked Apple Slices!

21 Oct

During a dinner party last weekend with some friends, I threw together this quick and easy apple dessertIt was a big hit – and a great way to enjoy fruit that’s in season!

Baked sliced apples with vanilla yogurt - yummmmm!

Mmmmm…close to apple pie a la mode, but without the guilt!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious and (mostly) healthy treat around your home in no time.

DIRECTIONS: 

Makes ~6 servings

–Cut up 5 apples into slices (I used organic Gala apples)

–Place apple slices in an 8 x 8 baking dish

–Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and pour over apple slices

–Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon (to your liking)

–Sprinkle with pecans (if desired)

–Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375 for 30 minutes

Baked Sliced Apples - AroundMiCasa

Apple Pie without the crust!

–Serve in small bowls and top with vanilla yogurt for a healthy choice, or vanilla ice cream for a more decadent option. You can’t go wrong either way!

Note: I didn’t have any in my kitchen at the time, but I think raisins would make a great addition to this yummy combination!

Don’t you think apples are such a wonderful fall crop? What are some of your favorite apple recipes? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

 

Absolutely Fool-Proof Grilled Chicken!

28 Mar

Yummy toppingsSpring in Austin means it’s time to break out the grill!

Although I’ve been known to grill outdoors in 30 degree weather, I tend to do it more often when the temperatures begin to warm up in late March.

I’ve tried this recipe a few times now, just to make sure it’s consistent, and the chicken turns out moist, perfect, and delicious every time!

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