tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35770080245355330782024-03-13T07:39:53.850-07:00Sampling my lifeCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-26934832914385050512011-11-11T06:58:00.000-08:002011-11-11T06:58:45.846-08:00Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes (gluten free)Because I get asked for this recipe all of the time. Because it is easier than you could possibly imagine. Because I am feeling generous of spirit. And because I believe in "All things in moderation.".
I give you:
Mexican Hot Chocolate CupcakesIngredients:1 Box Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix2 tsp cinnamon3/8 tsp cayenne pepper (I realize this is a weird measurement, but I use Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-41086325705069512652011-11-09T13:55:00.000-08:002011-11-09T19:39:36.646-08:00The Challenge
This is our message center. It is right by the back door. I put reminders to the family on it. Sometimes I put up inspiring quotes or even silly pictures. The message posted right now is for me. Although, isn't it really a good reminder for us all?
Be Active Everyday.
Being active is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Yet when things get busy, what is the first thing that gets pushed to Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-50255914862255930692011-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-07T00:00:06.936-08:00Sweet Potato and Arugula SaladFall is upon us, even here in San Diego.
Fall leaves me wanting new flavors, richer flavors, and yet I am trying to make healthier choices. Are you tired of me saying that yet? I repeat it in an effort to keep myself focused on the task at hand. I need to put it out there to keep myself on track. In fact, there is only one thing I need more than accountability, and that is new and exciting Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-67384942529248358502011-11-03T22:40:00.000-07:002011-11-03T22:40:07.378-07:00Pumpkin SmoothieI love pumpkin ice cream, and it is pumpkin ice cream season. But, and this is a BIG but, I am trying to make healthier choices... less fat, less sugar, more nutritional value. So when contemplating dessert the other night, I decided to let my imagination run wild and come up with my own pumpkin smoothie. The end result was pretty darn delicious.
Pumpkin Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/2 can pumpkin
1 Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-16189838144293424492011-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:002011-11-01T13:42:11.497-07:00Not Just Tomato SoupYou know you are incredibly blessed, when the love of your life is also your partner in crime.
Last night was Halloween, and in Tim's childhood they had a tradition of having tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches before heading out Trick or Treating. It is a tradition we have carried on with our own children. The only problem is, that I have yet to find a tomato soup that is both healthy andCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-77072432726337032752011-09-15T12:44:00.000-07:002011-09-15T12:44:30.736-07:00Zucchini Muffins, Strawberry Banana Muffins, and Uh-oh Charlie Got Carried Away MuffinsBack to School means back to looking for quick, healthy breakfasts for the kids. It needs to be appealing. It needs to be easy. It needs to be more tempting than a Toaster Strudel.
With my kids, if it is baked in the oven, it is a crowd pleaser. So last night I hunkered down with some past their prime bananas and went to work creating some muffins!
Recipe 1:
Zucchini Banana Muffins
(ThisCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-2458783339931797082011-09-13T12:15:00.000-07:002011-09-13T12:15:53.367-07:00"Oh There You Are Peter!"Have you ever seen the movie Hook? Robin Williams plays a grown up Peter Pan who has lost sight of what is most important in life... family. All of that changes when his kids are kidnapped by Captain Hook. Peter goes to NeverLand to rescue his kids. Before he can do that he has to find himself.
My favorite scene is Peter trying to convince the Lost Boys to help him save his kids. Why would they Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-21866981451874762912011-07-30T20:36:00.000-07:002011-07-30T20:36:39.731-07:00Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas - Cooking with KidsThis is such a fun summer activity! Not to mention a delicious treat! And it is completely appropriate for kids as young as 3 to make.
Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas
Ingredients:
1 bottle Magic Shell
5 bananas
10 Popsicle sticks
Additional optional ingredients:
Sprinkles
Chopped nuts
Toffee Pieces
Coconut
Begin by peeling your bananas and cutting them in half. Insert a PopsicleCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-86962832858978137802011-07-28T22:10:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:43:27.413-07:00Tim's Almost a "Chocodile" Birthday CakeI always feel a lot of pressure when it comes to Tim's birthday. When you love someone that much, you want nothing more than to give them everything they want and have it all come out perfectly.
In our house, you pick your cake. You name it. Someone makes it for you. Tim's only request was chocolate.
Now for a little secret: Tim has more than a small penchant for snack cakes. You would not expectCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-55607527035924059962011-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-27T07:00:08.535-07:00Chocolate Dipped Fruit with a Surprise
Ingredients:1 lb strawberries1 package raspberries2 dozen cherries2 dozen mini oreosChocolate mousse3 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 cup white chocolate melts
Start by preparing your chocolate mousse. If you have a recipe that you love, make that! If not, I really like this one from All Recipes.
While the mousse is setting up, wash and dry your fruit. Cut the stem and the core Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-77991088697369837522011-07-26T14:41:00.000-07:002011-07-26T14:41:20.688-07:00A Little Chocolate MagicI am in love with Summer. The easy pace, the company of friends, the lack of scheduling renews my soul. Summer finds me wanting to pack picnics, sip wine, and feast on Caprese made with the tomatoes from my garden.
Summer is for living, and we do lots of it.
As I was pondering an offering for the blog this week, I came across the idea of giving you a snapshot of my Summer. So this week I amCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-81891341230975970462011-07-18T10:02:00.000-07:002011-07-19T10:56:41.280-07:00Summer Caprese PastaNothing is better than tomatoes fresh from the garden, unless it is this years basil. The basil from my garden this year is heavenly.
So Saturday night I went for a simple dinner. I was in the mood for fresh ingredients but I wanted a hearty meal. The solution? Turn my fresh Caprese salad into a pasta dish! Oh and it was 15 minutes from chopping to plating. How's that for quick and easy?!
Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-16971022995934679942011-07-12T10:32:00.000-07:002011-07-12T10:32:06.426-07:00Cooking with Kids- CalzonesLast Thursday Tim taught a cooking class at our local library. 40 kids, 2 kinds of calzones, an apple-blueberry crumble, and a good time was had by all!
The highlight for me was all of the moms coming up at the end asking for the recipes... because their "kids actually ate them!" We of course had the recipes for all of the children to take home.
Cooking with your kids is so incredibly fun, and Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-38075820896307581052011-06-30T11:27:00.000-07:002011-06-30T11:27:57.936-07:00A Thought on Resisting TemptationToday I am baking Tim's Birthday cake, chocolate cake, marshmallow filling, chocolate ganache frosting. I am also baking 96 carrot cake cupcakes and frosting 200 carrot cake cupcakes for an entirely separate party. To say this is a recipe for disaster while just getting started on my Healthy Eating Makeover 2011, is to put it mildly.
But then a thought occurred to me. Why not make a Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-12418721887768913282011-06-30T09:00:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:00:12.198-07:00Avocado Orange SalsaRecipe by my friend Mary. Enjoyed at her Orange Harvest Party.
Ingredients:
1 large orange, supremed.
1 ripe avocado, diced medium
2 tbsp minced red onion
4 tsp juice from 1 lime
1 small jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh cliantro leaves
Salt
Combine all ingredients. Salt to taste.
Makes 1 cup. (I recommend tripling it. You won't be sorry!)
We ate this asCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-21218344558171274282011-06-29T10:22:00.000-07:002011-06-29T22:32:53.413-07:00Orange Harvest PartyMy dear friend Mary can throw a party. The type of party that has you scratching your head in disbelief. She is incredibly creative and talented, and i am so thankful that we finally live on the same coast again so that I can reap the benefits of her creativity.
Two weeks ago, she invited us to her house to help harvest their orange tree. You won't believe what we found when we got there.Hand Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-12909405303016550982011-06-24T09:00:00.001-07:002011-06-24T09:00:04.877-07:00Strawberry Banana BreadMy mom bought me this cookbook when I was 13 years old. It is my go to source for quick breads of all sorts.
It isn't easy to put your hands on a copy in 2011, but I did find a few available through Amazon. My copy is dog-eared and dirty, but I think that speaks to the caliber of the recipes inside. Every one is moist, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
For Father's Day, I made theCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-70856816593461455932011-06-23T12:42:00.000-07:002011-06-23T12:42:18.552-07:00Under the Weather1 Multi-Vitamin+1 Sudafed+1 Mucinex+2 Ibuprophen= Getting out of bed in the morning.
This cold is whooping my butt. It has gone on and on and on, and honestly, I'm just about sick and tired of it.
So please forgive my absence, but I have been more focused on this:
And I haven't even added any tequila to it.
I did however menu plan at the beginning of the week.
There have been a couple Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-35388176866039218432011-06-18T09:57:00.000-07:002011-06-18T09:57:04.502-07:00Pizza Wine It has been a while since I posted a wine, and one of the main reasons for that is that we have been drinking them and throwing away the bottles before I manage to take a picture! Today, I was determined to make sure that didn't happen. So, I took the picture before we ordered the pizzas tonight.
The one on the left is Tim's favorite, the one on the right is mine. We have bought at least 3 Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-60394698809656197752011-06-16T11:54:00.000-07:002011-06-16T11:54:16.362-07:00Vegetable YakisobaWe have been making an effort to eat vegetarian a couple of times a week lately. This change was prompted by Tim looking for more natural ways to control his acid reflux. Tim has been on medication for his reflux his entire adult life, and to be honest, he is done with pills. One of the things Tim discovered in his research was that eating a more alkaline diet would help control both his reflux Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-61071165165443469212011-06-10T15:14:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:56:14.112-07:00If There Was One Thing You Could Change, That Would In Turn Change Everything, Would You?Two months ago I decided to try something new in the morning. On one of the blogs I follow, Oh She Glows, Angela talks a lot about the Green Monster. In fact, there is a whole movement associated with it. Angela said it would improve your hair, your skin, your energy level. To put it mildly, I was skeptical.
So why did I try it? Honestly, I was desperate. I am 38 years old, and I still have Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-46021488496028364892011-06-06T22:02:00.000-07:002011-06-09T20:39:01.345-07:00What's On My PlateLately we've been going to the grocery store A LOT. And when I say A LOT, what I mean is every freakin' day. This is crazy for so many reasons. 1. It is a waste of my time and Tim's time.2. It is almost impossible to maintain a food budget when you shop that often. We definitely fall into the habit of impulse buying when we are there without a list. (side note: do not fall for the Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-14059529527155511882011-06-04T23:58:00.000-07:002011-06-09T20:38:08.186-07:00Farmer's Market LoveIf this were a love poem it would be written by Browning. A love song? Marvin Gaye. A painting? Hanks.
But this?
This is a Farmer's Market.
This.
This is the blending of sights, and smells and flavors.
This.
This is a gift.
This is The Little Italy Farmer's Market. I have traveled all over the city sampling the area Farmer's Markets, and none can hold a candle to this one. This is the type of Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-61512554816915640932011-05-31T10:18:00.000-07:002011-05-31T10:18:56.725-07:00Quick and Easy Avocado SlicingWe are at peak avocado season right now, and to say I love an avocado is an understatement. When I was growing up, my mother and I would split an avocado for dinner. She would cut it in half, pour some Balsamic Vinegar into the center, grind pepper over the top and we would eat them with a spoon. Something about the smooth velvety avocado paired with the tang of vinegar is magic. One spoonful andCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577008024535533078.post-84874321937662393042011-05-26T22:33:00.000-07:002011-05-26T22:33:59.173-07:00Black and Blue ChipsI am a big fan of Sweet Potato Fries. If we are having burgers... Sweet Potato Fries. Paninis? Sweet Potato Fries. Chipotle Sour Cream? Sweet Potato Fries. There are very few things that can't be improved by adding Sweet Potato Fries. So last night, when we were having burgers, I made:
Black and Blue Chips
I know it's confusing, but I had some purple potatoes to use up, and a gorgeous wedge of Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686830500183351100noreply@blogger.com3