Homemade Fresh Popsicles !

Now who does not like Popsicles ?   I LOVE them, and so do my children !
Everyone remembers those store bought Popsicles; sure they are yummy but if you have ever read the ingredients, they are loaded with added sugars and preservatives and harmful colors, not to mention int he summer time they can put a dent in your pocket !
I will show you fool proof easy homemade Popsicle how-to's for Delicious Popsicles that will make you and you family smile !













Gather together a couple of things first :

1. Popsicle molds
2. Popsicle sticks, tooth picks, skewers
3. Fruit
4. Juice, tea, water
5. Add ins

• Popsicle Molds can be made out of anything, just be creative. You can use old yogurt cups, old fruit cup cups, ice cube tray, mini-Tupperware meant for salad dressings, small paper cups. If you are using a ice cube trays or any other miss-shaped mold, once your mixture is poured into the tray, cover with tinfoil tightly then poke sticks through tinfoil so that the sticks do not fall over.
• You can use Popsicle sticks, toothpicks, or skewers broken in half, I have even use baby spoons as a handle.
• You can use ANY fruit you want, fresh or frozen, you can drop fresh fruit into the poured mixture so that you have floating fruit in your Popsicles, you can even mash bananas and just use them, it gives a wonderful creamy Popsicle. You can even add pudding to the molds and freeze the pudding to make a creamy yummy pudding pop.
• You can puree just the fruit or add some juice, sweet tea, mint tea, water, even milk, and yogurt. All these liquids can enhance your Popsicles taste and texture.  For a icy Popsicle use more water or juice, for a thicker Popsicle use all fruit and no liquid, for a creamy treat, try adding pudding, milk, yogurt to your fruit, for a softer texture add some sugar or a simple syrup.
• You can add in anything you want, try adding chopped strawberries to your strawberry creamsicle, or chopped cookie bits to a  pudding pop, you can add coconut, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit. 
• You can add layers by making different batches of Popsicle mix pouring in half at a a time freezing then the remainder to create a layered 2 flavor treat !

Here are some recipes I like to use, but you can adjust these to use what you have on hand

Watermelon Mint Popsicle



Steep 2 mint tea bags in 1 cups boiling water with 2 tbsp sugar, cover and set aside
3 cups watermelon

Combine steeped tea with watermelon and pulse in blender till pureed, pour into molds, add sticks and freeze.









Orange Creamsicles

1 8oz vanilla soy yogurt
2 cups orange juice
2 tbsp honey
1 orange peeled and segmented
                                                    
Combine yogurt, orange juice honey and orange pieces from 1 orange in blender, pulse till pureed, pour into molds and freeze.




Creamy Strawberry Dream

2 cups soy strawberry yogurt
4 cups strawberries ( fresh or frozen )
2 tbsp honey

Blend strawberries with yogurt till pureed pour into molds and freeze.
*You can do this with any flavor of yogurt you like and add its matching fruit for a creamy lovely creamsicles. you can also added chopped strawberries to your pureed mix for a creamy chunky treat.


Pudding Pops

1 package pudding mix ( flavor of your choice )
3 cups milk

Mix with electric mixer, pour into molds and freeze.  YUM !
 * Try add in broken Oreo or chocolate chip cookies to your pudding pops for a extra special treat !



Tropical Surprise

1 cup pineapple
1 cup mango
2 bananas
1 cup cantaloupe
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Puree pineapple, mango, banana, and cantaloupe till combined, stir in coconut and pour into molds and freeze.


The possibilities are endless when it comes to Popsicles. Be creative and play around with what you have.  A great tip is yo use what you like, if you like strawberries use them and add different things.  If you like Mint Tea experiment with different fruits to add to it. Try adding in cookie bits or granola to a  creamy Popsicle for a treat.  You can even freeze just sweetened teas or juice for a icy treat. 

Hope these ideas give you the inspiration to try out a batch of Popsicles for yourself !

Love Sierra

Oatmeal please ?

I just simply adore oatmeal. It is quick easy, healthy, and filling, not to mention very healthy for you.  As much as I  love oatmeal I can get tired of plain oatmeal.

Oatmeal as tasty as it is has many health benefits to it.

• Lowers cholesterol
• Aids against heart disease
• Lowers blood sugar
• Has anti-cancer properties
• Lowers blood pressure
• Aids in healthy bowel movements
• Makes you feel full longer which helps with weight loss
• Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and is a great source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
• And simply oatmeal just tastes great !

As a child I can remember being served gummy oatmeal with raisins.  Well my days of pasty oatmeal is gone. I have grown to love and adore this simple oat and adapted it into my diet and my families as well. I came up with 5 awesome new ways to implement oatmeal into your diet that will change your look on oatmeal forever ! ... Hopefully that is !


Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
serves 3

2 cup rolled oats
4 cups water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 brown sugar
pinch of salt
1 apple diced or grated

Combine oats water apple sugar salt and cinnamon together on medium low heat and heat simmer oatmeal starts to simmer. Once oatmeal starts to bubble take off het keep lid on and set aside. This is my personal trick to not overcooking the oats and making it too thick gluey sticky or pasty. I usually let the oatmeal rest for 3 - 5 mins until most of the water is soaked up, I stir 1 - 2 times. Once oatmeal is to your desired thickness, scoop into your bowls, sprinkle more cinnamon and top with granola.


Maple Baked Oatmeal
serves 3

This has become my treasured week-end recipe, I make it ahead of time on a Friday and warm slowly in the oven Saturday  morning. It keeps up so well, and we top it with fresh or frozen fruit, maple syrup and granola.

2 cups  large-flake rolled_oats
1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts
1/4 cup  packed brown sugar
Pinch salt 
4 cups water
1 tsp ground cinnamon

preheat oven at 350*F
Combine all ingredients in a 9x13 baking dish and bake for 30 mins. Once done, let oatmeal sit for 10 mins or so.  Serve with fruit, granola, maple syrup or anything else you like.
*You can add raisins or any other dried fruit you like, and the nuts are optional.
* If you are making this ahead of time, make as directed but only bake 25 mins, place in fridge over night, reheat in oven on 350* till warmed through or reheat individual pieces in microwave. My daughter will eat it cold out of the fridge as is. 


Chocolate Coconut Oatmeal
serves 3

This oatmeal is more like a dessert oatmeal, but it no more sweeter than pancakes drenched in syrup, this is much more healthier for you !  Everything in moderation right !

2 cups rolled oats
4 cups water
pinch of salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup coconut
1/4 chopped almonds
1 tsp vanilla

Combine oats, water salt and coconut in saucepan and cook on med-low heat until bubbles form, once bubbles form remove from heat and stir in coconut, nuts and vanilla, stir to mix in and let sit 5 - 10 mins with the lid on, once its reached your desired texture top with chocolate chips and more coconut for garnish !  Enjoy !


Strawberry  Mango Oatmeal Smoothie
serves 3

1 banana
1 1/2 cup mixed frozen strawberries blueberries and mango
2 cups almond milk ( or any milk you like )
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 tsp vanilla

Blend all ingredients in blender till smooth.  You can substitute the same amount of fruit for what you have on hand, and instead of milk use orange juice, or half milk, half orange juice.
* The oatmeal in the smoothie gives it a creaminess and thickness, plus added nutrients.


Now I saved the ultimate best for last.  This recipe to me is the be all end all of oatmeal as i am concerned.  It gives me everything I could ever want in a breakfast !  We eat this at least 2 or more times a week.


Complete Oatmeal Meal
serves 3

2 cup rolled oats
4 cups water
pinch of salt
1/3 cup oatmeal
3 eggs
9 pieces of turkey or beef bacon

First, preheat oven to 400*F, line a baking sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper, place bacon strips on try and bake till done and crispy.
Meanwhile place rolled oats, water sugar and pinch of salt in sauce pan and bring to a simmer, once simmered take off heat with lid on and let rest.
Meanwhile fry 3 eggs sunny side up.
Scoop oatmeal into selected bowls, top with fried egg and slice in middle so that yolk runs all over oatmeal and stick cooked bacon strips in side of oatmeal. and top with maple syrup...MMMMM!

I absolutely love this, now this may sound weird to sound to some, but try it, its wonderful. It pleases the salty and sweet tooth, plus it has oatmeal, it has to be great right !





This was our breakfast yesterday morning, my daughters is to the left, my husband and I's are to the top and right. We all cleared our bowls !

Granola 3 easy ways !

OK so I have a new love; GRANOLA !

Oh how I love Granola. I use to be intimidated by it to be honest. I always thought you have to cook it for long, or needed all this crazy stuff, and never had the right things to make it at once and basically never took he time to try it.

Lately I have been trying to eat healthier and lighter, I got myself into a health kick for this particular week and was all geared up to loose some extra weight since I had my last daughter.  My family and I had gone to the local farmers market and stocked up on a TON of fresh fruit and veggies to use in place of any unhealthy snacks. I cleaned, trimmed and cut all my fruit, froze the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and pineapple and left the pears, peaches, mangoes and apples in the fridge for easy access. I planned on juicing and making smoothies, and eating fruit for breakfast, but grew tired and needed something new QUICK ! Thankfully my boredom with our usual fruit routine lead me to finally taking the time to make Granola.

I researched sooo many recipes, and came up with 3 recipes that I altered to fit my families needs, and have these on hand on the regular.  Each has a different yet similar and familiar yummy crunchy wholesome hearty taste.

Granola is nothing to fear !  Is is super easy !  Basically Granola is made in 2 steps: heating and melting you liquid/binder and measuring out all your dry add ins i.e oats seeds nuts coconut bran wheat germ... then mixing the two baking in the oven to dry out, which creates this incredible delectable crunchy yummy topping that we now put on homemade ice creams, bowls of fruit, oatmeal, and we top smoothies off with it too, I even catch my dear husband sneaking in the granola bowl with a fistful now and again !

I will post all 3 recipes for you that I make. All have the same method to prepare them.  Once they are out of the oven and cool, mix in dried fruit of your choice or coconut or leave as is like we do here.

I hope you try these, I know once you do, you will always have it, just like we do.


Love Sierra




Peanut Butter Granola

1/2 cup apple juice
1/3 cup maple syrup ( or agave, brown rice syrup, brown sugar )
1/3 peanut butter
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 tbsp vanilla

3 cups rolled oats ( i like large flake, but you can use any kind you have )
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup oat bran
1 cup mixed chopped nuts and seeds ( i.e sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, soy nuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds..)

Preheat oven to 375*F
Combine apple juice, maple syrup, peanut butter cinnamon and salt in a sauce pan, bring to a simmer on medium heat. Meanwhile measure out your oats, wheat germ, bran and chopped nuts and seeds in a separate bowl.  Continue stirring your peanut butter mixture to melt peanut butter, once bubbles form, stir for 1 more min and take off the heat and add 1 tbsp vanilla.
Once you add vanilla pour entire mix over you oat mixture and stir to coat all oats nuts and seeds. Once mixed thoroughly spread out onto a baking sheet and bake in 15 min. intervals, I set a timer for 15 mins. once timer goes off, i stir the granola in the baking sheet and return to oven for another 15 mins. It usually take 3 sets of 15 mins. to dry it out and get it nice and crunchy, if you like the texture after 30 mins you can leave it. Once done leave on baking sheet to cool, then store in a  freezer bag or a glass jar for storage.  Its stays great for at least up to a month mine never lasts longer than a month !


Maple Orange Ginger Granola

4 cups rolled oats
1 cup mixed seeds
1 cup mixed nuts
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice

1/3 cup maple syrup ( or agave, brown rice syrup, brown sugar )
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Preheat oven to 375*F
Combine maple syrup, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest and fresh grated ginger in a sauce pan, bring to a simmer on medium heat stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile in a separate bowl combine oats, seeds, nuts cinnamon and allspice.
Once mix comes to a simmer take off heat and stir into your oats mixtures making sure to coat everything evenly, spread out onto a baking sheet and bake in 15 min. intervals, I set a timer for 15 mins. once timer goes off, i stir the granola in the baking sheet and return to oven for another 15 mins. It usually take 3 sets of 15 mins. to dry it out and get it nice and crunchy, if you like the texture after 30 mins you can leave it. Once done leave on baking sheet to cool, then store in a freezer bag or a glass jar for storage. Its stays great for at least up to a month mine never lasts longer than a month !

Coconut Apple Granola

3 cups of rolled oats
2 cups of coconut
2 cups of chopped nuts and seeds

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup applesauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375*F
Combine brown sugar, applesauce, maple syrup in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer stirring occasionally. In a separate bowl combine oats coconut and seeds and nuts. Once mix is simmered stir in vanilla and pour over oats nuts and seeds, make sure everything is coated nicely. spread out onto a baking sheet and bake in 15 min. intervals, I set a timer for 15 mins. once timer goes off, i stir the granola in the baking sheet and return to oven for another 15 mins. It usually take 3 sets of 15 mins. to dry it out and get it nice and crunchy, if you like the texture after 30 mins you can leave it. Once done leave on baking sheet to cool, then store in a freezer bag or a glass jar for storage. Its stays great for at least up to a month mine never lasts longer than a month !



I posted pictures of the step by step process of making the Peanut butter granola below, these same directions apply for all 3 granolas.

Oats mixed with seeds and nuts

Simmered peanut butter mixture

Oat mixture with peanut butter mixture

The two combined evenly

Then spread in my baking dish lined with parchment

I hope you all take the time to try one of these recipes, I love them all, each are unique in their own way, and bring a exciting new flavor to ice-cream, fruit, smoothies or just as a simple healthy snack when on its own or tossed with mixed dried fruit.

Everyday uses for the beautiful Avocado

I wrote this for a dear friend of mine. She posed a challenge to me; the different uses for the avocado. I hope she enjoys :)

Not everybody is familiar with the avocado; most don't even know its considered a fruit. The most common use of the creamy green fruit is guacamole. Sure guacamole is great but lets be realistic I can only eat guacamole so much until I don't wanna ever see it again.
I will show you everyday uses to put that silky green fruit into your diet, that you'll love and will hopefully become part of your everyday life.

First lets get into a little bit of info on the avocado; this might help you understand why it is a very important food that should become one of you " go to's " !

• The average avocado contains 300 calories and 30 grams of healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.
• Avocados have the highest protein content of any fruit.
• Avocados contain more potassium than bananas.
• One avocado contains 81 mcg of lutein, an important nutrient for healthy eyes
• Avocados are a good source of Vitamin E, which is not only essential for the normal functioning of the body but is also a potent anti-oxidant which protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from free-radical attack. Free-radicals are linked to the beginnings of cancer and heart disease.
• It is true that avocados do have a high fat content. Monounsaturated fat, which some studies show to actually help reduce cholesterol.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should choose often, with the recommended serving size being 1/2 an avocado, which counts as one fruit and three fat servings
• The potassium and foliate in avocados also contribute to heart health. The fiber in avocados can help maintain the health of the digestive tract and may aid in the prevention of colon cancer. The high levels of antioxidants in avocados may provide a protective effect against cancers, immune disorders and cellular aging.
• one-half an avocado pear bears double the quantity of fiber than 2 apples put together.
• The vitamins in avocados will also help to moisturize your skin and hair, used as a facial or as a conditioner for hair.
• In earlier times, avocado pulp was used as a hair pomade to stimulate hair growth. Its oil is still used today in several hair and cosmetic products

Ok so now that you know the health benefits of the beautiful avocado, and mind you I only listed a few, there are so many more I did not. Lets get into the real yummy stuff !

1.  Smoothies: I LOVE using avocados in smoothies.  Take 1 avocado, blend with 1 banana, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cup almond milk blend till smooth. Try 1 avocado, 2 bananas, 1 cup frozen strawberries and 2 cups orange juice, blend until smooth. Or try 1 avocado, 1 cup grapes, 1 pear, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cups ice, splash of lime juice, and a pinch of allspice.
2. Salad Dressings: Blending avocado into my fresh salad dressings gives a really nice depth. It makes for a creamy smooth healthy salad dressing. Try these recipes : 1/2 avocado, 1/2 medium cucumber diced, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tbsp honey blend to combine, it will be thick but you can thin it out with 1 - 2 tbsp of water if needed.  Try 1 avocado, 1 green onion, 1 clove garlic, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, salt and pepper to taste. Blend to combine.  and last try; 1 avocado, 1/2 apple juice, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 sweetened coconut, 1 tbsp honey, salt and pepper to taste blend till smooth.
3. Spreads: I LOVE using avocado in place of butter, jam, mayo, mustard, peanut butter and just about any other topping you could think of. Try spreading mashed avocado onto a wrap instead of mayo, or for your morning breakfast instead of jam or butter spread creamed avocado on toast and drizzle honey for a special treat. On a burger instead of mayo try using avocado as a rich healthy substitute instead of mayo. My daughters love avocado toast !

4. Sandwiches: Avocado is a lovely addition on sandwiches and wraps, sliced avocado on turkey burgers topped with red onion, Swiss cheese and lettuce.  On a crunchy veggie wrap try adding sliced avocado instead of mayo for a creamy addition to counter act the crunchy veggies. Believe it or not banana and avocado go hand in hand in my book, I love having rye toast with sliced banana and avocado drizzled with.
5. Pizza: Well there are 2 ways you can incorporate avocado into pizza, the first is after your pizza is baked, slice small chunks of avocado all over pizza and a creamy accompaniment instead of a dipping sauce. The second and my most liked is blend 1 avocado, 1 garlic clove, 1 green onion, salt and pepper and fresh parsley and spread on dough top with chicken, red onions, and tomatoes then cheese for an amazing out of this world pizza.
6. Dips: There are many ways to have avocado as a dip that isn't guacamole, try this; Cream together 1 avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream ( i use tofutti's brand soy cream cheese ) layer in a bowl, top with salsa and cheese, serve with tortilla chips. 
7. Nachos: I love nachos, we eat them alot here, they are so versatile and do not have to be loaded with a lbs of cheese and toppings.  We like adding diced avocado to our nacho as a cool treat, or creaming avocado and using it in place of sour cream, i simply mash 1 avocado add a pinch of salt and pepper and you have a better than sour cream that is so much healthier !
8. Baking:  Last but certainly not least. this has to be my best way of using the beautiful avocado. Most people trying to cut the fat in their baked treats substitute apple sauce now a days instead of oil, well.... I love using avocado, it is a million times healthier than oil, and oddly enough it makes your cookies cakes and muffins more moist and less crumbly. In cookies replace half the oil with avocado, and in cakes and muffins you can replace the entire amount of oil for avocado. Now to me that's pretty awesome !

Now lastly i just wanted to say will all these new and inventive ways to add avocado to your diet, I wanted to share my personal best way.
For breakfast I enjoy some brown toast, 1 fried egg, 1 plum tomato sliced and 1/2 avocado in chunks. To me it is a perfect breakfast, the tomato egg and avocado so well together and the crunchy toast tops it off !  Try it one you, you just may surprise yourself !

There is so much information on the avocado, it is so beneficial for us. For so many babies it is one of their first foods, I know my girls loved it and still do.  Women use it as a hair conditioner and facial. It has been used world wide for so many years as  natural healer and beneficial fat and health aid to reduce cancer, speed metabolism, healthy digestion and so much more.
I hope some of these ideas have inspired you to give the avocado another opportunity on your dinner table.

Love Sierra

P.S If I missed any ideas that you use, let me know and I will update my blog for you.

10 Quick and simple Dinners !

I know now a days everybody is short on time; and money. That's no excuse to skimp at your diner table. I came up with super quick, easy and healthy meals for you and your family that you will love and won't break the bank !

I just want to say, that all my recipes are adaptable, if you see a recipe call for a certain vegetable, don't worry substitute with what you have available, if recipes call for milk, you can use, soy, almond, oat or goat milk, you can substitute stock for water just simply add a bit more seasoning to your liking to boost the flavor. 
I use recipes as a guide, not to say you should never follow a recipe; some of us really need them. All I am trying to say is HAVE FUN ! Especially when you are in the kitchen, let your kids join in, never stress about what is for dinner, you food will produce the feelings you have while cooking.  Ever notice when you are stressed and don't want to cook, you go prepare something in haste and it turns out terrible; well that's probably because you didn't want to do it in the first place. Try to enjoy being in the kitchen, you food and belly will thank you for your effort !
Even the barest cupboards can produce a spectacular meal; it just takes getting creative, and hey maybe a little help from a blog now and then ( wink wink )
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to ask or comment and i will  do my best to help in any way I can. I truly hope you enjoy these recipes.

Love Sierra

 
5 Minute Tuna Wraps

2 cans drained tuna

2 green onions chopped

splash of lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

3 tbsp of mayo

Combine tuna with chopped green onion, lemon salt and pepper, add mayo and stir till all mixed, top with some of your most liked sides; lettuce, tomato, shredded carrot, diced bell peppers, sliced yellow or red onion, bean sprouts, cucumber.. wrap in a flour tortilla or between sandwich bread !

* For a special treat, try making a tuna melt, use the same tuna mix but spread on one side of bread and toast in a heated 375* F oven and top with grated cheddar cheese.. mm enjoy !

20 Minute Minestrone Soup

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 carton vegetable stock ( or 4 cups water )

1 can rinsed/drained red kidney beans

2 cups frozen mixed veggies ( or 2 cups diced veggies your choice; i.e onion, carrot, corn, zucchini, peas..)

1 cup uncooked pasta ( i like baby shells or elbow, but use what you have )

Combine all ingredients in soup pot except pasta, bring everything to a boil, once boiled add pasta, stir and cook until pasta is done. Once pasta is tender, take off heat and serve, top with grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

* I use this recipe alot, I change it to fit what I have in my fridge and cupboards, sometimes I only use carrots and onions, sometimes no pasta at all, sometimes i even add in cubed or shredded chicken or potatoes from the previous night, use tis recipe as a guide and have fun with it ! You cannot go wrong with it !

15 Minute Veggie Quesadilla

4 flour tortillas

1/2 cup salsa

1 cup shredded cheese

1 cup mixed diced veggies ( i like bell peppers, green onion, corn, mushrooms...)

* you an also add cubed or shredded chicken if you have it*

Preheat oven to 375* F

Spread salsa evenly amongst 4 tortillas only on half of the tortilla, sprinkle a little cheese, saving some, top with your veggies evenly and finish with remainder of cheese. Place all 4 Quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake for 15 mins or until warmed through and cheese is melted.

Quickest lasagna

I lbs ground meat

1 tin tomatoes

1 cup diced bell peppers

1 diced onion

2 cups water

1 bag egg noodles or 12 - 14 lasagna noodles broken in pieces

1 cup cheddar cheese

Saute ground meat in skillet, once almost cooked add onion and bell peppers, saute 5 mins, add can of tomatoes, water and noodles, simmer with lid on for 15 mins stirring occasionally, cook until noodles are tender, top with grated cheddar cheese... Soo easy and sooo yummy !

* A must try !

20 Minute 3 Bean Veggie Chili

1 can each of red kidney beans, pinto beans and blac
k beans

1 large tin stewed tomatoes

1 cup salsa

1 cup water

1 tsp cumin and coriander

salt n pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, bring to a simmer, cook for 15 min, or until you reach desired consistency. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream and green onions.

* You can add ground meat to this if you like, just saute up your meat first, then add your beans tomatoes salsa, water and spices, sometimes i only have kidney beans, use whatever bean you have on hand, this recipe looks so simple but it so depth in flavor ! A sure hit !

15 Minute Chicken Tex-Mex Stir Fry

1 lbs boneless skinless chicken

1 1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup frozen corn

2 cup frozen mixed veggies ( or fresh .. carrot, onion, zucchini, bell peppers, peas, mushrooms )

* serve with rice cooked egg noodles or tortilla wraps *

Heat a frying pan with 2 tbsp oil, cut up chicken in bit sized pieces, add chicken to pan, saute till brown on all sides, add salsa and veggies, continue to simmer until chicken is tender and cooked through, serve with rice, pasta or wraps.

*If you are going to be serving with rice or pasta, start the pasta or rice first, this way by the time you chicken is finished so will your rice or pasta.

One Pot Zesty Chicken and Rice

( this is a 45 minute diner but sure worth the wait, you can throw everything in your dish and walk away for 45 mins and appear with a beautiful filling meal )

1-1/2 cups parboiled rice

2 cups veggie stock ( or water )

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts ( or thighs or drumsticks )

1 can large diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup zesty Italian Dressing

1/2 cup Shredded Cheese

Combine, rice, stock ( or water ) , can of tomatoes, and zesty salad dressing, in a 9 x 13 casserole dish and stir till combined, top with chicken and bake for 45 mins, top with shredded cheese once done and let sit for 10 mins till cheese is melted. So delish !



10 Minute Healthy Nachos

Multi grain nacho chips
Kidney beans
salsa
green onion
diced yellow bell pepper ( or any color )
olives
grated cheese

Preheat oven to 400*F
Layer nachos evenly not overlapping too much, top nachos with kidney beans, salsa, diced green onion and yellow pepper, olives and sprinkle with cheese, bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted

* We eat these alot here, they are quick and a crowd pleaser I use whatever I have on hand; sometimes its just salsa cheese and kidney beans, other times we top with leftover chicken from the last night. You can use any other toppings, like jalapenos, tomatoes, red or yellow onion. Be creative ! Serve with more salsa and sour cream.


Fish and Chips

Vegetable oil, for deep frying

4 large potatoes

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

salt and black pepper for seasoning

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 can of soda water or a 12 oz beer

1/2 cup flour, for dredging

6 - 8 fillets of cod, haddock, Pollock or Tilapia

Peel the potatoes and cut them into wedges, season with salt and pepper and toss in 2 tbsp of olive oil, put wedges onto a baking sheet and place in pre-heated 400 *F oven for 30 mins

In a  mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Pour in the soda water to make a smooth batter. Spread the flour on a plate, dip the fish in the flour and then into the batter letting the excess drip off. Fry the fish in the bubbling oil for 4 - 5 mins until golden brown and crispy, Remove from oil and let rest on paper towel to soak up excess oil. Season with salt and pepper.

* serve with tar tar sauce; see recipe below


Tar Tar sauce

1/2 cup mayo
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp sweet relish
1 dashes hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Combine everything till creamy.

Easy Mac n Cheese

1 onion diced
1 clove garlic crushed
1 tomato diced
2 tbsp margarine or olive oil
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk ( I have used soy, almond and goat milk )
2 cups elbow pasta
2 cups cheddar cheese


Saute onion tomato and garlic on medium heat in 2 tbsp of margarine or olive oil, 5 mins. add flour, and stir to coat onions tomato and garlic, 2 min. add 2 cups of milk and bring to a simmer on med - high heat, once simmering add pasta and cheese, cover and simmer on med. heat for 12 - 15 mins stirring frequently so not to burn or scald the milk, take off burner after 12 -15 mins and set aside, it will continue to thicken as it sits.  Sauce should be creamy and not too thick.

The Introduction

OK so here it goes; my attempt at a blog post.

I have long struggled over the topic of my first blog post. The tedious question ... What to write about ? Well I figure instead of a recipe, a how-to, healthy info or advice; I figured; Hey why not write about me ? Who I am and why I am doing this. Maybe that might kick this whole blog thing into gear; and help people understand who I am and why I LOVE FOOD !

I am 29 soon to be 30 ( fearlessly ). I am married with 2 children ( also fearlessly !). I have a deep deep passion for food. Not just for food, for everything that has to do with food.  The art of food, taste, smell, sight, feel, and touch of it. I crave creating new ideas new creations, new works of art as I affectionately call it. I have a habit of creating "alternative recipes", I'd say also an habit of creating new dishes I have never made before, and the satisfaction of them turning out " AWESOME " Tee Hee .

As long as I can remember I have loved food. My first true memory of me in the kitchen was with my Aunt Judy and I in my Grandmothers kitchen. We have gotten back from the local farmers market, a regular Saturday trip her and I would make. She would let me pick out a "treat" I would always pick a way too sugary cookie; what kid wouldn't right ? We were making cherry pies. Up to now I love making pie, frankly up to now I love cherry pie !  Mm I love pie ! Anyways I remember rolling the dough with her, she let me do as much as I was able to do, well as much as my little hands would allow. I remember the pie plates and the pot of stewed cherries for pie, and Grandma walking around us in the kitchen, and my Aunts Uncle and a million cousins it felt like I had running in and out of the kitchen, all I was concerned about was making that cherry pie !

I am forever thankful that my parents and family quenched my desire to cook bake and create.

I remember going to my fathers house as a wee child and each week-end he would allow me to pick out a recipe, and we would stop at the local Bulk Barn to get our ingredient's. As a special treat he would allow me pick out a cookie cutter or two of any shape and add to my collection. I still have my collection of cookie cutters to this day, and i keep them in a old Bulk Barn bag, I must have about 40 or so. I can't wait to use them with my children, soon Leyah and Keziyah will be able to make their first shortbread's as I did. I  still have my same recipe, tried tested and true.

Ok so I think this may be a great time to tell you all, I may sporadically get off topic and onto another one in a flash but I will try to always get back to the original point lol.

Ok so back to the original point Haha ! These were no simple recipes my father and I would make, I remember making fudge from scratch, 5 layer cakes, pies pies and more pies lol, we even make chocolate truffles dipped and rolled in different toppings, and I was no more that 8 or 10 at those times. I used to make shortbread cookies and sell them to my Aunts and Uncles, ( not sure how much ) but i can still remember wrapping them on fancy paper plates and colored clear wrap for presentation. 

I still remember on a Sunday my father was taking me home to my moms and he was carrying 2 pies I had made, I had the third in my hand, he was trying to close the door while he held my 2 pies, as he closed the door a pie fell ... The pie was not a write off, but the top crust was mangled. I was so devastated I cried and cried and cried. My dad felt so bad, I was heartbroken all my hard work love and attention went into making these pies, and I always designed the tops crusts so fancy and detailed that the top crust of the "fallen pie" was so damaged I would not eat the pie lol. Now as I look back on it, I get it, i was so young, cooking was my life and a ruined pie to me was like a botched surgery; well maybe not that bad but I guess to me at 8 or 10 years old it kinda felt that way lol.

I have to say even though my father dropped my pie, Tee Hee he was and still is and incredible supporter of my love for cooking.  Each week-end he would tirelessly clean all my dishes as I slaved away making these intricate fancy french desserts, covering myself in chocolate, flour and butter, he would humbly help me in any way he could, allow me to do ALL of the recipe by myself unless there was alot to do on the stove; then he took over. I cannot thank him enough for all his time love help and support !  He truly was a inspiration in my baking adventures. I love you Poppa !

So on went my love of food, it stemmed from just a cooking and baking habit with my father to me wanting a cookbook of my own one day. I still want my cookbook one day. To owning a restaurant, becoming a world class Michelin Star Pastry Chef, working in many restaurants for many many hours and bakeries gaining industry experience. My first job was at Baskin Robins, where I was sent to do 3 cake decoration courses; where I eventually leanred to make wedding cakes.  I became the Head cake decorator at Baskin Robins by 17.

I achieved my goal of going to culinary school, I excelled beyond belief ! I was willingly the "teachers pet" I stayed late learning new ideas and techniques. Chef Ray and Chef Julian challenged me and pushed me to new limits that I never knew i was capable of. I will forever be thankful to them for taking me under their wing, trusting me and allowing me the creative room to explore all I had in me.

While in school, the last semester, the Chefs brought in a nutritionist, she played some documentaries that forever changed my life : The Future of Food, Food Inc. and Frankensteer.  Everything changed form there, I was oblivious to what was in my food, how it was prepared, and the lengths to which "They" go to put unhealthy down right bad things in our food. And thus started my lifestyle change.

After school I got married and pregnant, we were married in April 2009 and we had our first daughter in June 2009. I never knew I could love someone so much until I had my daughter, she was my life, they are my life, we had our second child in Oct 2010. I have 2 amazing children, 2 little girls, they are the most beautiful sight to me, even after they have spilled cheerios everywhere, gone to the water cooler tried to fill their sippy cup full of water while the lid is on splashing water everywhere lol, just puked everywhere, threw something across the room, pushed her sister, ate something off the floor they should not have and so much more, they are my amazing babies and I LOVE THEM !

So now that I have a family, a food revolution occurred in my own mind; I could not continue to cook in the same style, or serve the same poison ridden foods to my family. As we got married while still pregnant I changed everything about the way I cooked and baked. Some may refer to it as "Alternative cooking" you'll probably hear me use that term alot. Instead of cows milk, i would use goat, soy, almond or oat milk. We stopped eating beef, no cows dairy in ANY foods, NO High fructose Corn Syrup, No aspartame, No MSG... I made all of my own babies foods, they ate nothing from a jar or box. I read every label and ingredient list and was determined not to give up what I loved about food, to not skimp on flavor and taste, and eat everything i always loved just re-invented into a healthier new way of living.

This was not easy in the beginning, it was terribly difficult to give up my dreams as a pastry chef to be a stay at home wife and mother and make baby food lol But once Leyah came my dreams as a Michelin star pastry chef went out the window instantly and I slapped  my daughter on my hip lovingly and her and I went a cooking her baby food !

So here I am now sharing my life, story, family, food and way of life with you all, in hopes someone will listen, gain a little bit of help, knowledge and understanding of alternative methods to enjoy a healthier cleaner more enjoyable way of life for you and your family.

Love Sierra



P.S  I never thought it would be this long, and I could have put soooooo much more Tee Hee !

P.S.S  Try to watch the movies I posted, they are highly beneficial to your health and well being, I have a ton more to be honest, just ask if you would like them, but I don't want to scare you off with my first Blog post ! Tee Hee !  Hope you stick around !