Happy Holidays!

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:11-12

In praying and praising, in giving and receiving,
In eating and drinking, in singing and making merry,
In parents' gladness and in children's mirth,
In dear memories of those who have departed,

In good comradeship with those who are here,
In kind wishes for those who are far away,
In patient waiting, sweet contentment, generous cheer,
God bless us every one, with the blessing of Jesus.

By remembering our kinship with all men,
By well-wishing, friendly speaking and kindly doing,
By cheering the downcast and adding sunshine to daylight,
By welcoming strangers (poor shepherds or wise men),
By keeping the music of the angels' song in this home,
God help us every one to share the blessing of Jesus:

In whose name we keep Christmas:
And in whose words we pray together.

Tasty Three Bean Soup

Winter is a great time for some warm and nutritious soup. Save your money and your waistline making some healthy and tasty soup for your family on one of these cold Winter days! Make a bunch and set some aside in your freezer for an easy lunch later in the week!

Here is a delicious (and good for you) 3 bean soup:

Here is all you need:
2 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups water
1 tsp chili powder
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) black eyed peas, drained
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained
1 cup of lentils, rinsed well
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 tsp chopped garlic
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

Combine all the ingredients in a big stainless steel stock pot.

Bring to a boil and then simmer for 25 or 30 minutes.

Try this tummy warming soup with some fresh out of the oven corn bread! Or grab some whole wheat bread and make some grilled cheese sandwiches to serve on the side!

Keep Eating Healthy and enjoy these cold Winter days!

Happy Holidays!

ThanksGiving Muffins

Cranberries are a traditional Thanksgiving favorite. The pleasing aroma of cranberries will be widespread this Thanksgiving! Try these incredible Cranberry and Pumpkin muffins for a heart snack all weekend! Not only are these tasty treats chock full of healthy vitamins and antioxidants, they're really easy to make! Share some of these low-fat treats with your Holiday guests this year!

Here is all you need:

2 cups flour - use whole wheat if you have it
1 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon allspice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 eggs
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups fresh or frozen chopped cranberries

And easy to prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Sift together dry ingredients (flour through allspice) and set aside.

3. Beat oil, eggs, and pumpkin together until well blended.

4. Mix the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients all at once. Stir until moistened.

5. Add in chopped cranberries.

6. Spoon into paper lined muffin cups.

7. Bake at 400 degrees for 22 minutes.

Eating healthy foods is so easy this time of year. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday with some easy and nutritious muffins!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol's Sweet Potatoes

Thanksgiving time brings out the best of our family traditions and favorite foods! And what would Thanksgiving be like without a hearty serving or two of sweet potatoes? Not only are they packed full of healthy nutrients, they warm your tummy and tickle your tongue with all that sweetness!

Enjoy some real Southern cooking with these delicious baked sweet potatoes.

Here is all you'll need:

6 or 8 good sized sweet potatoes
1 cup brown sugar
2 sticks real butter ( 1/2 pound )
1/2 cup whole wheat flour ( or all purpose, white flour )
1 cup water

Preparation:
Slice your sweet potatoes.
Then Boil them for 15 - 20 minutes
Butter the bottom of 3 quart casserole
Add a layer of sliced sweet potatoes
sprinkle on a layer of brown sugar and flour
add some sliced butter
add another layer or sweet potatoes
and another sprinkling of flour and brown sugar
add more thinly sliced butter

If you have any potatoes left -
add another layer and top off with brown sugar and butter.

pour water over the top.

Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serve up some real Southern hospitality and enjoy a big serving of these delicious sweet potatoes with your Thanksgiving feast. These are a wonderful addition to any meal! Make some extra and share some with your family and friends!

Keep eating healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!

For Chocolate Lovers

"Before chocolate was known in Europe, good old wine was called the milk of old men; but this title is now applied with greater reason to chocolate, since its use has become so common that it has been perceived that chocolate is, with respect to them, what milk is to infants. In reality, if one examines the nature of chocolate a little, with respect to the constitution of aged persons, it seems as though the one was made on purpose to remedy the defects of the other, and that it is truly the panacea of old age."

More on Chocolate

Share the Joy

Do you love cooking? Do you get a real sense of joy and satisfaction while creating your very own culinary wonders?

Preparing and eating healthy foods is one of life's simplest pleasures. Whether your meal takes two hours to 15 minutes to prepare - it's all yours. The resulting taste sensations came from your efforts.

They say the best way to teach someone is to lead by example. Why not pass on the joy of cooking to someone you love. If you're still raising little ones - let them join in the fun. Maybe they'll enjoy some wonderful lessons learned with you rather than from a TV.

Show them the simple steps to preparing a healthy meal. Lead them on the journey to eating healthy foods. You can save a bunch of money preparing your own meals and the time together with your loved ones is priceless!

Halloween is just around the corner. How about making some tasty chocolate treats for your friends and family to enjoy?

The Holidays are fast approaching - give someone you love a lasting gift. Treat them to a piece of gourmet stainless steel cookware.


This Autumn, why not share the simple joy of creating culinary wonders with someone you love?
"he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast" Proverbs 15:15

Eating Healthy Foods - Italian Baked Salmon!

Salmon is a delicious, low calorie food. Salmon offers a healthy serving of protein and omega-3 fat. Essential fatty acids are good for your health. Many fish contain a type of essential fatty acid called the omega-3 fatty acids. Wild-caught cold water fish, like salmon, have loads of these heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon also offers a healthy dose of selenium, niacin and vitamins B12 and B6!

Enjoy this heart healthy salmon dish flavored with a Mediterranean-style tomato, onion, and garlic sauce!

Here is all you need:

2 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 can (16 oz) whole tomatoes, drained (set the juice aside for later) and coarsely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Cup your favorite dry white wine
1/2 C of the tomato juice from canned tomatoes above
1/4 C lemon juice
1/4 C orange juice
1 Tbsp fresh grated orange peel
1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 tsp black pepper ( more or less as you like )
1 lb salmon fillets (cold water, wild caught - never use farm raised fish)

1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet. Add onion, and saute over moderate heat 5 minutes or until soft.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients except fish.
3. Stir well and simmer 30 minutes, uncovered.
4. Arrange fish in 10x6-inch baking dish; cover with sauce.
5. Bake, uncovered, at 375º F about 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

Enjoy with your family or loved ones! Or set some aside in the freezer for an easy lunch anytime! Salmon is full of healthy omega-3 fats - the good stuff - good for your heart and your brain!

Want to enjoy more healthy salmon in your diet? Try these easy and nutritious salmon patties! They're easy to make and delicious anytime!

Enjoy this Autumn eating healthy foods with the people you love the most!