Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

Try this smoothie for a dessert-like breakfast!

~ 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries

~ 1 cup almond or rice milk

~ 1 scoop protein powder of choice, optional

~ 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

~ 3-4 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave

~ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. 

Waffles, Anyone?

Today is Friday, which means that tomorrow is Saturday! Is anyone else excited about the weekend? What a better way to start out your weekend than a quiet time with Jesus and a big, healthy breakfast of waffles (homemade to be exact)!

Gluten/Dairy-Free Waffles

~ 1 cup corn flour

~ 1 cup gluten-free oat flour

~ 1/2 cup sweet rice flour (or other)

~ 2 teaspoons baking powder

~ 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

~ 2 cups almond or rice milk

~ 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

~ 3 Tablespoons ground flax meal

~ 3 Tablespoons oil 

~ 1-2 Tablespoons honey or agave

~ 1 teaspoon vanilla

~ 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl.

2. Whisk together wet ingredients and add to dry ingredients. 

3. Lightly mix together until combined. Do not over-mix!

4. Cook waffles on a hot oiled waffle iron.

5. Top waffles with maple syrup, fruit, or peanut butter. The ideas are endless!

Note: To keep waffles warm until ready to eat, place in a single layer on a cookie sheet in a 200 degree oven.

Christmas Salad

Needing a yummy, festive treat to take to all these Christmas parties coming up?

Try this salad that is tasty and good for you, too!

• Spring Mix
• Walnuts
• Fresh Bacon (turkey for an extra healthy twist)
• Goat Cheese
• Pears
• Cranberries
• Sweet Garlic Vinaigrette (I love T-Lish from Whole Foods)

Mix together and enjoy!!!

Make Your Own Facial Products!

Here are some wonderful recipes for making your own facial products. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or at the local health food store. You can buy your essential oils here.

The facial products available on most shelves at Walmart contain harmful ingredients, dyes, and fillers. And yet many of the natural facial products are quite expensive, and our pocketbook says, "Ouch!" So here are a few recipes to get you started on the road to making your own products at home. Have fun with it, and don't forget to treat your mom with some of the finished product!

Herbal Facial Wash

- 1 16 oz. bottle unscented liquid castile soap

- 5 drops each of the following essential oils: tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, and lavender

- 1 teaspoon hazelnut or jojoba oil

1. Add essential oils and jojoba or hazelnut oil to the bottle of liquid castile soap. Shake vigorously.

2. Store in the same bottle, or container of your choice. 

Refreshing Lemon Astringent*

- 1/2 cup witch hazel

- juice of 1/2 a lemon, strained

1. Combine ingredients in the container of your choice and shake well to blend.

2. Use within 2 weeks.

*Do not use this astringent if your skin is dry and/or sensitive.

Parsley and Peppermint Astringent*

- 2 cups filtered water

- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped parsley 

- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped peppermint leaves

- 5 drops peppermint essential oil, optional

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and remove from heat.

2. Add herbs, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.

3. Add essential oil, if using, and place in the container of your choice. Shake well.

4. Store in the fridge and use within 1 week.
*This astringent is wonderful for oily or acne-prone skin.

Brewer's Yeast and Oatmeal Scrub*

- 1/4 cup Brewer's yeast

- 1/4 cup finely ground oatmeal 

- purified water

1. In a small bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Store in the container of your choice.
2. Combine 1 tablespoon of the dry ingredients and enough water to form a spreadable paste. Allow mixture to thicken 1 minute before applying to face.
*Do not use this scrub if your skin is extremely dry or irritated.  

Healthy as Naughty

I have a sweet tooth...

...well, maybe I have a whole mouth of sweet teeth.

It's super hard to curb those cravings for a warm chocolate chip cookie with a tall glass of milk! Or a run to Starbucks for a grande Chi Tea Latte.

So I have found the best-kept-naughty-sweet-tooth-girl secret!

(What a mouth full!)

Chocolate Covered Katie

This blog if FILLED with recipes, making healthy desserts a reality!! Stop on by and curb those cravings and have fun creating new sweet treats for your family.

Here is a feast for the eyes!

Banana Ice Cream

Who doesn't love ice cream? Thick, cold, sweet, and delicious! But many people cannot enjoy ice cream because they are allergic to dairy. So here is an easy, wonderful recipe for dairy-free ice cream!

Banana Ice Cream

{serves one}

~2 very ripe frozen bananas, cut into chunks

~1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

~3 or 4 tablespoons almond or rice milk
~1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Place all ingredients in a food processor or heavy-duty blender and process until smooth and creamy.

---

Be creative and add any of the following ingredients to your "ice cream."

~peanut butter

~cocoa powder (or carob powder)

~coffee

~mint extract
~dairy-free chocolate or carob chips
~chopped nuts
~cinnamon 

Double Chocolate Muffins

{Gluten and Dairy Free}

These muffins make a wonderful dessert for the chocolate lover! 

---

~1 1/3 cup warm water

~1/4 cup grapeseed oil or olive oil

~1/2 cup agave or maple syrup

~1/2 cup applesauce

~2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

~1/3 cup ground flax seeds

~1 cup brown rice flour

~3/4 cups teff flour or almond flour

~1/3 cup cocoa powder

~2 teaspoons baking powder

~1/2 teaspoon sea salt

~1/2 cup dairy free chocolate or carob chips

1.Combine the first 6 ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

2.Combine remaining ingredients except for chocolate chips in a separate bowl.

3.Combine wet and dry ingredients briefly, then fold in chocolate chips. Do not over-mix, as this will result in dry muffins.

4.Scoop batter into muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

This recipe was taken from the book, Everyday Gluten Free by Kim Wilson.

Eat Your Colors - White

Let's be honest...how many of us eat cauliflower once a week? Or once a month? I know I don't, but after doing the research for this post, I will start doing better about eating cauliflower!

-Cauliflower contains Vitamin C and maganese, both powerful anti-oxidants.
-Cauliflower is packed with omega-3 fatty acids (which reduce inflammation) and Vitamin K.
-Cauliflower is filled with Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9.
-One serving of cauliflower contains 4.1% of our daily protein, 8.5% of our daily fiber, and only 1% of our daily calories!


Here is a link to a wonderful recipe using cauliflower.


Hope you all have a wonderful summer week!

Eat Your Colors - Purple

Eggplant Anyone? 

Many of us balk at the thought of eating eggplant. But in truth how many of us have eaten eggplant in the past year? Taste buds change every 7 years, so try some eggplant this week and you might be surprised that you like it now! ;)

-Eggplant contains a very important phytonutrient called nansunin. It protects cell membranes from damage and protects the lipids in brain cell membranes.

-Eggplant is rich in phenolic compounds that function as anti-oxidants.

-Eggplant has been proven to lower cholesterol and relax the walls of blood vessels.

Try this delicious Italian favorite tonight with your family and you might be surprised at the delightful results.

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs (about 2 large) eggplants
• Kosher salt
• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1-1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 cup grated high quality Parmesan cheese
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

METHOD

1 Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours.

2 While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

3 When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 10x15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with one third of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with one third of the Parmesan and half of the basil leaves.

5 Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.

6 Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 8.

*This recipe was taken from Simply Recipes (www.simplyrecipes.com).

Valentine's Day Special Recipes

I hope that all you lovely ladies are having a wonderful Valentine's Day. Remember, our true love is Jesus Christ, and He will never leave or forsake us!

Below are two recipes that are relatively healthy, but I would only recommend making these treats for special occasions. I have never used either of these recipes, so I do not guarantee that they will be 100% reliable. 

Enjoy making a special treat for your wonderful family to show how much you love and appreciate them!

Carob Balls

~1 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or chunky

~1 cup honey or agave nectar

~1 cup carob powder, sifted

~1/2 cup sesame seeds

~1/3 cup dried, shredded coconut

1. In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter and honey. Stir over medium-low heat until melted together. Remove from heat.

2. Gradually add carob powder and sesame seeds to the peanut butter-honey mixture.

3. Let mixture refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and sprinkle shredded coconut over the balls.

5. Store carob balls in the fridge until ready to eat.

Carob Brownies

~2 cups whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour

~1/3 cup carob powder

~2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

~1/3 cup honey

~1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

~1 teaspoon vanilla extract

~1 cup filtered water

~1/4 cup chopped nuts, optional

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, carob powder, and baking powder.

2. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix remaining ingredients except for nuts.

3. Combine the wet and dry mixtures and mix well, but do not over-mix. Stir in nuts.

4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

For His Glory,

Elyse

Skin Care - Face Masks

We have all heard the saying that "cleanliness is next to godliness." I don't think the theology of that statement is true, but it shows us how much people put value into being clean. Our body is God's temple. The Holy Spirit lives in us if we have been washed by Jesus' blood, so we want our bodies to glorify Him and to give a good testimony to others. Cleanliness plays a big part in honoring God with our bodies.


Keeping our faces clean is a very important part of skin care. We should be washing our faces twice every day with a gentle soap. This is a habit that takes discipline to form. It took me years of disciplining myself and watching a good friend being diligent in her skin care before I finally learned. 


I have found that using a face mask once or twice a week has really helped to keep my skin clean. When you wash a face mask off, your face will never have felt so fresh and clean! Face masks at natural food stores are generally very expensive, but if you can learn to make your own, you can be a wise steward of the money God has given you! Below are two of my favorite face mask recipes that I have used for several years.


Banana Honey Mask
-1/2 of a very ripe banana 
-1 tablespoon raw honey


1. Combine both ingredients and mash until fluffy.
2. Apply to face and leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
3. Rinse off with warm water.

Oatmeal Mask
-2 tablespoons plain yogurt
-1 teaspoon oatmeal
-1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice


1. Mix all ingredients together until creamy.
2. Apply to face and leave it on for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse off with warm water.

Happy skin care!
For His Glory,
Elyse

Recipe Day!

Today, I am going to give out some of my favorite recipes, which implement Baby Steps 4 and 5. 


Honey Oatmeal Cookies


1. Mix together the following ingredients:
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 tsp. cinnamon
-2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats


2. In a separate bowl, mix together the following ingredients:
-1 stick of softened butter
-1/2 cup honey (or a little more to taste)
-1 egg
-2 teaspoons vanilla


3. Stir together dry and wet ingredients until thoroughly combined.


4. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. 


5. Enjoy with a glass of whole milk!

Cabbage Slaw with Feta Cheese


-1 head green cabbage(preferably organic), chopped
-4 ounces feta cheese*, crumbled
-4 green onions, sliced


-1/3 cup grape seed oil
-1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
-1/4 cup white vinegar
-1/4 cup filtered water
-1 garlic clove, crushed
-1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
-1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper


1. Mix cabbage, feta, and green onions together in a big bowl; set aside.


2. Mix together remaining ingredients in glass jar. 


3. Shake well and pour over the cabbage just before serving.


4. Enjoy with a glass of filtered water with freshly squeezed lemon!

* If you don't enjoy feta cheese, you may omit this ingredient.

Homemade Soup!

Here is a recipe for a wonderful and healthy soup to enjoy on a cold winter night. Have fun serving your family by giving them a delicious meal!

Chick Pea Soup

- 2 Tbsp. olive oil

- 2 leeks, sliced

- 2 zucchini, diced

- 2 garlic cloves, crushed

- 2 14 oz. cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 fresh bay leaf (I usually use a dried leaf)
- 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 14 oz. can of chick peas, drained(also called garbanzo beans)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- salt and pepper to taste
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

-Step 1: Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add leeks and and zucchini; cook briskly for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

-Step 2: Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, chicken stock, and chick peas. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

-Step 3: Shred spinach finely and add to the soup. Cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

-Step 4: Remove bay leaf from the soup and discard.

-Step 5: Serve soup with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

And the result...