why didn't i think of this?

simple. easy. delicious.

















some things you may not have thought of...so i did for you.

• who doesn't love a little oats and honey? i always seem to huss and fuss trying to make a quick batch of granola when im in the mood for a good fruit parfait. until...nature valley. these crunchy granola bars have been an american favorite for years now...great for both on the go, or a quick snack at home. and now...GREAT atop a home-made fruit parfait. crush some of these beauties up in the bottom of a mug or bowl and sprinkle over your dish....or anywhere you'd like. its adds the perfect crunch to every bite.

the easy how to:

1 cup yogurt

1 cup coolwhip (or home-made whip cream)

1/2 cup diced fruit (i like strawberries, bluberries, and bananas)

1 nature valley crunchy granola bar (i love 'oats & honey'-but try any of there 6 flavors!) crushed.

servings (2) ...or 1 realy BIG one for yourself. :)

in a tall glass (plastic will do) layer each of your ingredients (1/2 inch thick layers), repeat...and eat!

why didn't i think of this?

simple. easy. delicious.

ideas you may not have thought of...so i did for you.

• whether its bathing suit season, trying to get that cutie in 1st period to notice you, or wanting to spice it up for the hubby...here's a great way to slim down the calories in an old favorite...the smoothie. think twice before adding ice cream, sugar, milk, or any other fat boosting ingredient, and try adding this: tofu & soymilk. this amazing addition to your favorite fruit smoothie will knock your tennis shoes off. you'll feel so healthy after sipping on this combination...its light, refreshing, and won't make you feel guilty afterwards. your also getting a good dose of protein from that tofu, and its great for those who are lactose and tolerant.

still need a boost of sweetness? try adding a teaspoon of honey, or my personal favorite..a packet of artificial sweetner like Splenda.

why didn't i think of this?

simple. easy. delicious.














ideas you may not have thought of...so i did for you.

• get your daily dose of protein by adding cottage cheese to a lot of your normal, everyday dishes. can't stand the taste of this creamy white cheese?...try adding it to a bowl of your favorite yogurt, give it a quick mix (throw in some fresh fruit if you'd like) and your off and running..literally-it tastes great and gives you some of that extra energy you've been needing.
• or...add this energy packed ingredient to your scrambled eggs in the morning..yeah, beat it right in with your eggs, cheese, broccoli, avacoado..whatever you like to do. it adds a little 'umph' to the mix and that protein you love.

picture of the day.

candy sushi.

get in touch with your japanese side...or sweet side! how awesome is this delicious "sushi meal" made up of rice crispy treats, swedish fish, and fruit roll-ups? yumm.

what i always have in my pantry (or fridge).

too much. for starters..i always seem to have a full fridge and pantry. no matter how small, or BIG..they are always overstocked (better safe than sorry..right?). but, there are a few all-stars that seem to make my grocery list everytime...a few ingredients this girl just can't live without...

1. cilantro. (i use this beautiful leaf of the young coriander plant in almost everything i cook..from breakfast eggs to creme fresh dessert..i just can't get enough of this zesty, citrus-y, california grown herb.)

a few ideas to get you started:

for best flavor, Cilantro should be crushed, or chopped. cilantro is a perfect addition to mexican dishes; add Cilantro to salsas and bean dips. mix crushed Cilantro into sour cream and use it as a topping for chili, tacos, or enchiladas. sprinkle Cilantro over stirfried vegetables for color and asian flavor. add Cilantro to sesame ginger dressing when making chinese chicken salad.

2. whipping cream. (there's nothing better than some home-made whipped cream atop your warm blueberry and cream-cheese stuffed frenchtoast in the morning..or afternoon..or evening. actually, theres nothing better than home-made whipped cream on basically anything...hot coco, fruit parfait, chocolate mousse, boyfriend-whoa! it really is the icing to the cake..really).

simple home-made whipped cream:

2 cups whipping cream

1/2 cup sugar of choice (white, brown, powdered)

Add ingredients into mixing bowl or pour into bowl of standing electric mixer. beat on high until stiff peaks form or "whipped" texture appears. serve. on anything except your best friend's boyfriend (or girlfriend)...don't be hasty, this stuff is good.

flavor it! add any flavor extract to your mix before beating to create even more fun and flavorful cream. (my favorites are almond and lavender.)

don't have an electric mixer? go to walmart, target, or your nearest grocery store..you can get a cheap one that works decently for around $10.

3. cinnamon. (oh how i love you and your rich, pungent aroma. just like my good friend, cilantro..i put this delicious spice in a lot of my cooking (and thats an understatement.) the smell of this spice evokes dreams of warm pumpkin pie in november (topped with nothing other than home-made whipped cream of course), gooey cinnamon rolls..fresh from the oven, rich dark hot chocolate..need i say more?)

fun facts:

native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) dates back in chinese writings to 2800 B.C., and is still known as kwai in the chinese language today. its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant. ancient egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for cannon, Italians called it canella, meaning "little tube," which aptly describes cinnamon sticks.

item of the week.

the infamous ice cream sandwhich..everyone's favorite. risky pick for this kind of weather? nah..you'd eat one of these babies if it was in front of you.

the easy how to:

bake or buy a batch of your favorite cookies, (i love white chocolate chip macadamia) fill with your favoite ice cream, (don't be afraid to mix things up; ice cream and cookies..you can't go wrong) then coat the sides with sprinkles, chocolate chunks, chopped nuts, candied ginger - try it! or any ingredient that tickles your taste buds. Freeze on a tray until firm, then wrap tightly in wax paper (or foil) and stack in an airtight container. Delicious anytime, anywhere!