Two Easy Maple Granola Recipes

Home made granola is very nutritious and can be used as cereal with home made almond milk or or top of organic yogurt. It is also great on its own when you are running out of the door, the kids are hungry, no time to eat! Place individual portions in small bags and they will be getting lots of healthy nutrients.
These complex carbs are a great snack before or after your kids sport event.

For this recipe it is best to use the good old fashioned rolled oats,(not instant) it has to be baked in the oven and it will hold up better. The nuts that you choose to add to this recipe are a good source of Omega 3.You can store the wheat germ in the refrigerator after you've opened it. It is a great source of vitamin E.

Home made Maple Granola recipe #1
2 cups of old fashioned oats
1/2 cup of any nuts that you desire (walnuts,pecans,almonds,pumpkin seeds,sesame seeds)
1 Tbsp.wheat germ
1 Tbsp.flax seed meal

*Place these ingredients in a large bowl

Syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. organic vanilla

-Mix together with wire whisk. Incorporate with dry ingredients.
-Spread out the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with foil.
-Bake 18-25 minutes.
-Stir mixture every 5 minutes.
-Remove from oven.
-Let cool for 10 minutes.

Pour in bowl and add 1/2 cup of dried fruits (chopped), you may choose cranberries, cherries or blueberries(anti-inflammatory, great for the eyes and great for motor-skills).Adding the dried fruits after the baking keeps them moist(if you bake them , they become hard)
Keeps well at room temperature for 1 month(well sealed)
*can be frozen*



Nutty Maple Syrup Granola recipe #2
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup almonds (sliced)

-Place in bowl.
-Add 4 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
*toss together with spoon.

Syrup
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup pure maple syrup
*whisk together*

-Combine with dry ingredients.(Makes oats nice, crispy and sweet)
-Place in rimmed cookie sheet lined with foil.
-Spread out the mixture evenly to allow it to get nicely toasted.
-Place in 250 degrees oven
-Stir every 15 minutes.This way all sides get nice and golden.

*After 1 hour...remove from oven...let cool a good 10 minutes

*Add dried fruits to granola;
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped dried figs

-Mix it all up.
**Keeps at room temperature for 1 month**



Enjoy making these two wonderful recipes, it will definitely be a hit with your kids!

Have a great week!

Sylvie Thibert

Home made ketchup with sweet potato fries

We all know that the fast food industry is just feeding us the worst foods on the planet for our health.They really try to lure us into their establishments with "Super Size" or "2 for 1" deals that is only causing us to put on the extra pounds and putting our body's health in jeopardy every time that we place that food in our mouths.
In today's fast paced lives, with sports, family activities, homework...there just never seems enough time to give our children a good nutritious snack. We have a tendency to feel guilty that we are not giving them a "treat" which really ends up being nothing but modified food that gives zero nutrients to our bodies and is full of empty calories.Our society today is living the highest percentage of childhood obesity.It has become a true epidemic due to the fact that we just don't take the time to eat at home and bake in our kitchen anymore like our mom's used to do.
This is a recipe that my son loves and he never feels that he's missing out on anything.Regular ketchup is chock full of sugar, preservatives and all sorts of things you probably don't want to think about.He realizes that when I make his food that its the best food choice for him.
He sees me every week-end preparing our healthy meals for the week and he is often there right next to me giving me a hand and asking questions.Best education that you can give to your children that's for sure...priceless!!
Give this recipe a try and I guarantee you that your family will not be disappointed.Its fast and easy to prepare and you can have peace of mind knowing that you made it with love and it is also easy on the budget.
This recipe will make 12oz for about 60 cents.


Home made ketchup recipe
6 oz can no-salt-added organic tomato paste
1/3 cup spring water
2 Tbsps. vinegar
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 pinch of cloves
1 pinch of allspice
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/3 cup of brown sugar (substitute with Sucanat)

Method of preparation
This is simplicity itself. In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients with a wire whisk. Blend well. Scrape the mixture into a pint-sized, resealable container. Chill overnight, to blend the flavors. Use wherever ketchup is desired.
**To reduce the sodium content simply omit the salt**

Sweet potato fries
2 sweet potatoes (cut into strips)
olive oil (just enough to coat the potatoes)
1/2 tsp. salt

Method of preparation
Place the cut up sweet potatoes in a bowl.Add olive oil,just to coat the potatoes.Add the sea salt.Mix together with hands.Spread out evenly onto a baking sheet.Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.Stir and flip them over after 15 minutes.Serve hot with home made ketchup recipe.Delicious!!!

Please go to address below to view a demonstration of this recipe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lidQi6WOY5c

Have a great day!!

Sylvie Thibert

Wonderful Couscous salad

Couscous(pronounced "koos-koos")is a staple of North African cooking, is now widely available in packaged form in most supermarkets. Couscous is yellow granules of semolina made from durum wheat, the ideal pasta wheat, which is precooked and then dried.
Like pasta or rice, it can serve many culinary purposes.It is simple to prepare usually you just add boiling water and let it sit.You can add exotic spices or leave it plain.It can be a salad base, a filling addition to soups, an accompaniment for meats and vegetables, and if sweetened naturally, spiced and mixed with dried fruits, a dessert.
This cold salad is refreshing, bursting with natural flavors and speckled with sweet ingredients that have real kid appeal.
Now, its always preferable to purchase organic vegetables when available..it just makes this salad that much more nutritious.

Ingredients
1 small sweet potato
2 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup couscous, uncooked
1 large carrot
1 medium tomato
1 small red bell pepper
1 small zucchini
1/2 seedless english cucumber
3/4 cup organic garbanzo beans(chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1/2 cup raisins
10-15 fresh mint leaves
2 tbsp. olive oil, or to taste
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
sea salt and pepper to taste

Method
1.Cook the sweet potato and allow to cool.(This step may be done in advance).
2.In a medium saucepan, boil broth, add couscous, stir and cover. Turn off heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Fluff with fork and transfer to large mixing bowl.
3.peel and dice or shred carrot and place in a bowl with couscous.
4.Peel and dice cooked sweet potato and add to bowl.
5.Wash tomato, bell pepper, zucchini and cucumber.
6.Cut vegetables into smaller pieces, such as slices and add them to the bowl.
7.Measure and add garbanzo beans and raisins to bowl. Stir to combine.
8.Use fingers to tear mint leaves into small pieces and add to bowl.
9.In a small bowl, combine oil,lemon juice, and spices. Add to couscous and mix well.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 6

This is a very refreshing and light tasting salad...very good!!

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Healthy Organic Meat Kabobs

Now, I assure you that this recipe will easily become a family favorite. It is so easy to prepare and literally only take minutes of your time. Your children can even help out with the preparation in assembling the kabobs and they will be so proud to say that they took part in helping you out.

It is always best to purchase good quality organic meat, just knowing that it is the best meat that you can purchase will make this meal taste even better. You can easily serve these on a bed of brown rice with a lovely dark green leaf salad and fresh steamed vegetables....yummy!!!!

Please make sure that the meat does not become charred while grilling...this can be prepared year round...

Ingredients
3 lbs. cubed organic meat (beef, pork or chicken)
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. dried oregano
sea salt and pepper to taste
3 lemons
2 onions , quartered
2 green bell peppers, cut in 1-inch squares
2 tomatoes, cut in 1-inch squares
10 mushroom caps

Method
1. Arrange meat on skewers, alternating meat with vegetables.
2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Grill for about 10 minutes or until meat is the temperature that you prefer.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the kabobs.
5. Serve hot on bed of brown rice...

Serves 8

You can easily add your own twist by adding your favorite vegetables such as; zucchinis,onions, yellow peppers, red peppers or orange peppers...make a variety of different combinations and you will be able to please everyone for sure.It is when you experiment with the dish that you make it your own and it becomes enjoyable and rewarding.

This is a quick and easy way to prepare something great tasting for your family.If you have unexpected company for supper...this is a fantastic meal to prepare and the wonderful taste is appreciated by all.

Have a great day!!!

Sylvie Thibert

Naturally Sweet Almond-Quinoa Muffins

Almond flour is gluten-free and therefore a popular ingredient in place of wheat flour for gluten-sensitive people and people with wheat allergies and celiac disease.Almond is considered a nutritive for the brain and nervous system.It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almonds have anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting effects.

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E.They are also rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two "good" fats responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.Claimed health benefits of almonds include improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon and the prevention of cancer.

The quinoa grain is highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%-18%), making it a healthy choice.It contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source. It is a good source of dietary fiber and is high in magnesium and iron.Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest, it can serve as a high-protein breakfast food mixed with honey,almonds or berries.Quinoa may be germinated in its raw form to boost its nutritional value.

Naturally Sweet Almond-Quinoa Muffins

Ingredients
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. flax seed meal
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 tbsp. honey or agave
1 cup unsweetened organic apple sauce
2 organic eggs

Method
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add almond flour,quinoa flakes, baking powder, baking soda, flax seed meal and sea salt and mix by hand.
3. Slowly add apple sauce and honey or agave to the dry mixture and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Pour whisked eggs into the dry mixture and mix well. The batter should have a smooth consistency.If it's too dry, add more applesauce, if it's too runny, add more quinoa flakes.
5. Pour mixture into lined muffin tins. Fill each only half full.
6. Bake approximately 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container up to one week.

Yields 18 muffins

Nutrition facts: Add ripe organic bananas, organic raisins, or chopped walnuts to add different flavor to these low-carb, gluten-free, protein-packed muffins.

This muffin can really help start your day in a nice healthy way. Your family will appreciate the time and energy that you are devoting to making nutritious home made muffins for them to enjoy.

Enjoy!! Have a great day!!

Sylvie Thibert

Tomato salsa and home made nacho chips

What started as a staple food in Mexico has grown into a very popular item. You can basically put any ingredient in it that you wish and it will taste absolutely wonderful. There are different varieties of salsa that you can prepare, using green tomatoes, avocados, whatever you desire. They are always a great hit at pot-luck's, family gatherings and special occasions.

It can be eaten as a meal accompaniment(side dish)or served as a dip with organic crackers, organic dipping breads or with home made nacho chips.

Most importantly I use it to replace ketchup (which is full of unhealthy additives) and my son loves it!!I personally love it on top of my salad...adds a little twist! I will often make my son a wrap for his school lunch and he uses the salsa as a dipping sauce .

The following recipe is a basic one that I really like to make, its not too spicy so even children can enjoy it!!

Ingredients
3 tomatoes(peeled), cut into chunks,(seeds removed)
1/2 tsp. lime zest
2 tbsps. lime juice
1 small jalapeno (seeded and minced)
1/2 small red onion(finely chopped)
2 tbsps. fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation
Blend all of the ingredients together, mix well to desired consistency.
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving (this allows it to blend the flavors together).
Stays fresh refrigerated 2 days.

Yields 3 cups...can easily be doubled

You can also watch this salsa video to see how easy it is to make..so much better than store bought.



Home made Tortilla Chips

Preheat oven at 400F

Ingredients
1/4 cup organic olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 tbsp. poppy seed
1/4 tsp.paprika
Sea salt (pinch)
6 Ezekiel tortillas or brown rice tortillas

Preparation
Place tortilla on a plate.
Baste with olive oil on both sides.
Mix together Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, paprika and salt in a bowl.
Rub the mixture on both sides of the tortilla.
Cut into 8 triangular shaped pieces.
Place on baking sheet.
When they are golden brown, they are ready, place them on a cooling rack.

Ready for dipping in home made salsa, hummus...whatever you wish...

Enjoy, have a great week!

Sylvie Thibert

Fruit 'n nut balls

This is a healthy, quick dessert that you can make anytime or when company arrives unexpectedly. It is very tasty and full of fantastic ingredients that will also give you lots of energy. I've discovered this recipe just this week, but it was so easy to make that I just had to share it with you.

Another great thing about it is that there is absolutely no cooking involved. This is a raw dessert which also means that you are not losing any important nutrients due to cooking.

It is a great recipe to make with your children..it shows them how quickly you can prepare a healthy, nutritious snack.

This is something that you can eat for a mid-morning snack or after a good work out. When you need that little extra boost of energy it will definitely serve the purpose.

I've added my own twist to this by adding organic coconut and chia seeds (coco-chia) and minced organic dark chocolate...You can really add whatever you want, make it to your liking, put love into it and I guarantee you that it will be awesome!

Preparation
10-15 minutes

Ingredients
1/2 cup of organic cranberries
1/2 cup organic dates
1/2 cup dried organic raisins
1/3 cup organic shredded coconut
1 tbsp. organic honey
1 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup organic almonds (minced)
1/3 cup organic dark chocolate (minced)

In a food processor, mix the cranberries, dates, dried raisins and coconut. Add honey and orange juice...(until it holds together when you make a ball in your hands).

Using a teaspoon, make a ball in your hand (pressing firmly), roll the ball in the minced dark chocolate and then in the minced almonds. Place in individual paper muffin liners and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

They will last up to one week refrigerated.

You will realize that eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean that you will never enjoy sweet food again. The difference is that the sweetness comes from a natural source instead of an artificial one.

Everything becomes easier and makes more sense once you start taking the time to enjoy cooking in your own kitchen. Receiving plenty of compliments from your loved ones will help you to keep focused on your goal "healthy living".

Enjoy, have a great week!

Sylvie Thibert

Holy guacamole!

An avocado is a pear shaped fruit, on the outside bright green to green-brown (or almost black) in color. A ripe avocado will yield a gentle pressure when held in the palm of the hand and squeezed. The flesh is typically greenish yellow to golden yellow when ripe(it will turn brown quickly after exposure to air).

The fruit is not sweet but fatty, with a smooth almost creamy texture. It is used as the base for the Mexican dip known as "guacamole", as well as a filling for several kinds of sushi. In Mexico avocados are served mixed with rice, in soups, salads or on the side of chicken and meat dishes.

If I could choose only one fruit to eat for the rest of my live, avocados would receive serious consideration. They are abundant in healthy raw fat, fiber, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. About 75% of an avocado's calories come from fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat. Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas.

Healthy, nutritious guacamole recipe

Serves 4-6

Ingredients
3 large avocados
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 small tomatoes, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
Handful of chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Sea salt, to taste

Directions
Scoop flesh of ripe avocados into a large bowl. Add all other ingredients and mash lightly with a fork. Mash just enough to evenly distribute ingredients and break down avocado into chunky portions. If you want good texture, don't mash too much; mash just enough to evenly distribute the ingredients and break down the avocados into chunky portions.

I personally just really started eating guacamole and experimenting with avocados in my recipes in the last year. I tried quite a few recipes until I found one that was to my liking. Just knowing that it is good for me, I really made an effort to try to find a way to enjoy it. Now it has become a weekly staple food in my home and my family absolutely loves it too! We like to eat it with organic nacho chips or preferably home made nacho chips....it is also very tasty on top of salad...give it a try ...very good!

To see how easy it really is to make this fantastic dip, watch the video below.



Have a great week...

Sylvie Thibert