Cinnamon tortilla chips

* note: Better than ever because their baked, and not fried.

Serves: Makes 96 pieces.

12 tortillas wraps
1 Tbsp. Coconut sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
Strawberry syrup ( The finisher, drizzle)
Non stick Vegetable oil spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Combine Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Salt into spice jar (make sure the mixture is blended well).

 3. Spraying both baking sheet as well as tortilla wraps, shake mixture over  each tortilla wrap (equaling about 1Tbsp for each).

4. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes, or until golden brown  and the sugar is melt it.

Hot out of the oven... Margarine

* Note: Please continue to read this blog article.

Living Better Cafe is bring you Fresh out of the oven news that you're going to love.
I say more good reasons to love L.B.C, not only are you revising original recipes. You're also making them more healthier for you, while saving money in the long run.

As part of my time growing up I was told that Margarine was just melted Plastic, while I even had to research paper on it. As I truly don't believe that whole melt plastic theory, what I do believe is this margarine is made from vegetable oils, so it contains unsaturated "good" fats — polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These types of fats help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol when substituted for saturated fat. Which you have/will read upon on the box it's self. Now I am not a gullible reader but when I am told a thing a two about food, which I will consume. I will look it up and find the truth myself, so let's get back to this whole Margarine story. As butter, on the other hand, is made from animal fat, so it contains more saturated fat. While not all margarine's are created equal — some margarine's contain trans fat. So the more solid the margarine, the more trans fat it contains. So stick margarine's usually have more trans fat than tub margarine's does. Now talking trans fats and saturated fat, as what do they help increase. They help with blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. In addition, trans fat lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels. So when you're out shopping, tell yourself "No" to the stick and reach for soft or liquid margarine instead. It's you're health so continue to take care of it, and thank goodness I debunked the Myth on Margarine.

Roasted Honey Chili Chickpeas

Serves: 4

15 oz. Bag chickpeas,(cooked)
1/2 Tbsp. Olive oil
1 Tbsp. Honey
1/2 tsp. Chili powder
1/8 tsp. Course Himalayan salt

Directions:

1. cook chickpeas according to the directions on bag, once cooked remove them with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel. to absorb excess water.

2. preheat oven to 375, lining baking sheet with parchment paper or using a silicone mat.

3. Dabbing any excess water from the chickpeas, before spreading them in single layers.Bake them for about 45 minutes or until crispy. Taste test time: If they are still soft,bake a little bit longer.

4.While the chickpeas are still hot, toss them in a bowl with the oil, honey, chili powder, and salt. placing them back in the oven for another 10 minutes until they become caramelize.

The better cow cacao muffins

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/poppy-seed-muffins/

Serves: 12 dozen

3 Eggs* (egg substitute)
2 1/2 c. Granulated sugar (I highly recommend coconut sugar)
1 1/8 c. Vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. Low fat milk * (Almond, Soy, Rice)
1 1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt
1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. Chia seeds
1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp. Almond extract
3 c. All- purpose flour
3/4 c. Cacao Nibs

Directions:

1. Beat together the eggs, Granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Add in milk, salt, baking powder, Chia seeds , vanilla extract, almond extract, cacao Nibs and flour. Mix well.

2. line the muffin pan with paper lined muffin cups (filling only 3/4 full ) at 350 for 15-20 minutes. to test for doneness insert toothpick in the center it should come out clean.

~Health Benefits: Cacao Nibs

Adapted from: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/7-health-benefits-cocoa-nibs.html

Cacao are least processed and most natural form of chocolate. The lack of processing and sugars do give them a bit of an acquired taste as they have a distinctive bitter somewhat nutty flavor. They do however have lots of uses as you can add them into smoothies, as a topping on desserts, use in baking or even just snack. Cacao also has a very wonderful health benefits that you really didn't know about, as you begin to read them I hope your ready to give them a try.

1. Antioxidant
Cacao help fight off free radical damage in the body which can cause DNA damage, premature aging and even cancers.

2. Flavonoids
Which from plants and can be responsible for giving pigmentation and colors to being involved in UV filtration. They are so much similar to antioxidants in that they have a free radical scavenging capacity and have anti-cancer properties while other flavonoids show potential for anti HIV function. We get flavonoids from fruits, vegetables, teas, wine and a significant amount from cacao.

3. Cardiovascular
As cacao lower the rates of cardiovascular-related mortality. there's that word again "flavonoids" were actually referred to as ‘Vitamin P’ because of the effect they had on the permeability of vascular capillaries. studies has been linked here has shown that as little as 5 grams of cacao powder is sufficient to elicit significant vasodilation of the brachial artery.

4. Fiber
A huge serving of Cacao has (9 grams of fiber), which can help control your blood pressures as well as your blood glucose levels. As the fiber in Cacao as helps with lower blood cholesterol as well with keeping your bowels regular.

5. Magnesium
which plays a very key essential in your body,As it is involved in hundreds of functions in your body such as the following:

* Protein synthesis
* Muscle as well as nerve function
* Blood glucose as well as blood pressure regulation

6. Potassium
This is for sure a crucial part in life, it is the key in heart, kidneys and other organs to function health. Potassium is found in a lot of foods including cacao nibs but the average person is not eating a healthy diet and low potassium is associated with the following:

* Risk of high blood pressure
* Heart disease
* Stroke
* Arthritis
* Cancer
* Digestive orders
* Infertility

7. Improve mood
Cacao help stimulate the brain into releasing neurotransmitters that can trigger feel good hormones. One of those unique neurotransmitters released by cacao is phenylethylamine. Which helps releases endorphins giving us alertness, contentment and a better sense of well-being.

~Note: I have definitely have tried Cacao Nibs (which I call them cacao chips), and they taste Grrrrreat as Tony the tiger would say. So go out and try them I in my opinion will eat those over Chocolate any day.

Fruit salad taco boat

Serves: 4

3/4 c. + 2 tsp. Strawberries, cleaned and sliced
6 oz. Seedless grapes, halved
1 1/4 c. Kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 1/4 c. Bananas, sliced
1 1/4 c. Cherries, halved
1 1/4 c. Blueberries
1 1/4 c. Raisins
1 1/4 c. Shredded coconut
4 Waffle cone taco shells
1- 2 Tbsp. Cottage cheese
Chocolate syrup (the finisher, drizzle)

 Directions:

 1. In a medium sized bowl, blend together the strawberries, grapes, kiwis, and bananas, cherries, blueberries plus raisins, shredded coconut. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

2. Adding a little bit of cottage cheese at the bottom of your waffle shell, apply fruit salad and add more cheese topping it off with the finisher.

Crab salad stuffed mushrooms

serves: 4

4 whole mushrooms
3/8 sm. onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
11 oz. Imitation crab meat, flaked
2/3 c. plain low fat Greek yogurt
2/3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. old bay seasoning
2 med carrots, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spraying a baking sheet with cooking spray. Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Carefully breaking off the stems. Chopping stems extremely fine, discarding tough end of stems. bake for at least 20 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, combine crab, celery, onion, plain yogurt, Cheddar cheese,carrots and pepper. Mix together well and once mushrooms have completely cooled, begin adding the crab salad.

~Health Benefits:

Mushrooms:
They are naturally low in sodium, fat, cholesterol, and calories and have often been referred to as "functional foods." In addition to providing basic nutrition, they help prevent chronic disease due to the presence of antioxidants and beneficial dietary fibers such as chitin and beta-glucans.

As they are rich in B vitamins such as riboflavin, folate, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin. Mushrooms also provide several minerals that may be difficult to obtain in the diet, such as selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.

Mushrooms are great wonders for:

* Diabetes
* Cancer
* Heart Health
* Immunity
* Weight management and satiety

*Note: Potential health risks of consuming mushrooms:
Mushrooms have the capability of stimulating immune function, this may be a risk for those with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, and multiple sclerosis.

BLT salad

Serves: 4

11 oz. Turkey bacon
5/8 Romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried and shredded
1 1/4 lg. Tomatoes, chopped
1 1/3 c. Croutons
1 1/3 c. Crumbled feta cheese
1 1/3 c. Raisins
1 1/3 c. Olives, slice in halves

Directions:

1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat, turning frequently, until evenly browned. Drain, crumble and set aside.

2. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and croutons, Raisins, olives in a medium sized salad bowl. Toss with Orange Chia dressing.

Orange chia dressing
Adapted from: http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/low-fat-sesame-orange-dressing.html

Serves: 4

1/3 c. Orange juice
1/3 c. Rice wine vinegar
1 tsp. Grated fresh ginger
1 tsp. Chia seeds
1 tsp. Reduced sodium soy sauce (Tamari)
1/4 tsp. Freshly grated orange peels

Directions:

1. In a medium sized glass bowl, whisk together orange juice, vinegar, ginger, chia seeds, soy sauce and orange peel.

Liver tacos

Serves: 4

2 lbs. Sliced beef liver, cut into bite size pieces
2 c. All purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp. lime juice
3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. Garlic powder
1/4 tsp. Onion powder
1/4 tsp. Old bay seasoning
1/2 (12 ounce) pkg. corn tortillas
1/2 head lettuce, shredded
1 lg. Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 (8 oz.) jar salsa
1/2 (8 oz.) container sour cream

Directions:

1. In a medium sized glass bowl blend together lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder plus old bay seasoning for marinade. Pour the marinade over the liver and allow to soak for 1 hour.

2. In a medium sized skillet fry liver over medium heat, for 2 minutes on the first side, 1/2 minutes on the other side.

3. Warm tortilla wrappers in oven until desirable temperature, then apply cut liver into bite size pieces. Adding the rest of the ingredients to create a taco.

Hot out the oven... Cast iron

*Note: Please continue to read this blog article.
Living Better Cafe is bring you Fresh out of the oven news that you're going to love.
I say more good reasons to love L.B.C, not only are you revising original recipes. You're also making them more healthier for you, while saving money.
When it comes to cooking my mom would always grab for the Dutch oven (B.K.A) Cast iron cookware. When your younger you really don't think why, you just know ooh food, but as the years progress the cooking property in cooking has changed. Cast iron has been used for cooking for over two thousand years.
The American Dietetic Association study found that cast iron cookware can leach significant amounts of dietary iron into food. People with hemochromatosis (iron overload, bronze disease) should avoid using cast iron cookware altogether because of the iron leaching effect into the food. Now that I have covered the basics, now let's get straight into proper caring for your cast iron. Cast iron like I have told you has been used over thousands of years. So your cast iron can last for plenty more years with the proper care. Seasoning is a process by which a layer of coconut oil or vegetable oil is applied and cooked onto cast iron or carbon steel cookware. A lightly coat of oil is applied and the cookware is placed upside down in the oven on a layer of newspaper leaving ( to drain for at least an hour). The newspaper is then removed, then the oven is set to 350 and baked for 30 minutes. As some cookware is already preseasoned. Cleaning techniques like scouring or washing in the dishwasher can remove or damage the seasoning on Cast iron cookware, these pans should not be cleaned like any other cookware. Never clean cast iron pans at all. Just simply wipe them out after use, or just washing them with hot water and washing with mild dishwashing liquid, and water then reapplying a thin layer of oil ( you can also use nonstick cooking spray). Here is another approach which is scrubbing with coarse salt and a clean dish cloth.

Garlic butter grits

Serves: 4

1c. Grits
4 c. Water
1 stick butter, melt
1 1/2 tsp. Freshly minced garlic
1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium sized pot add butter, and minced garlic. Allow the butter to melt. Once butter is melted remove from the burner.
2. Slowly stir grits plus garlic butter into boiling water.
3.Reducing down the heat to medium-low; cover. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until desirable texture.

Chicken Pineapple fusion burger

Pineapple Sriracha Marinade

Serves: 4 - 6

1 c. Pineapple juice (Reserved)
1/2 c. Dark brown sugar, packed
1/3 c. Sriracha sauce
1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. In a medium sized sauce pans heat the juice, brown sugar. Removing from heat just before it boils. Let it cool a 5-10 minutes, adding Sriracha sauce, and Worcestershire sauce once completely cooled.

2. Place chicken patties in a bowl, and cover with marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Burgers

Serves: 4

1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 c. Crushed pineapple, (save juice for marinade)
1 tsp. Freshly minced garlic
1/2 yellow bell pepper
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2c. Fresh mushrooms, chopped
1/2 tsp. Freshly grated ginger root
1 carrot, chopped
1-2 stalks celery, finely chopped (depends on size)
1 Jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 egg
1/4 c. Bread crumbs
1-1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
Cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Lightly coat a saute pan with oil over medium heat. Saute the onion with the garlic first, then the bell peppers, then the mushrooms, celery and carrots, all til desirable tenderness. Set off to side and allow all vegetables to cool completely.

2. In a medium sized bowl, combine the chicken and vegetables. Add the egg, bread crumbs and seasonings to taste. Mix all together well and form into 4 patties.

3. Heat cast iron fry pan, and wait til it gets good before adding oil to the pan. Cook until completely done, and serve.

Peanut butter and Banana S'more Sandwich

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/smore-sandwiches

Serves: 4

8 slices bread
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons butter
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup miniature marshmallows
Banana, slice

Directions:

1. Spread butter onto one side of both slices of bread. Placing bread butter sides down in a cast iron fry pan. Spread half of the peanut butter, and layer the banana slices onto the exposed side of each piece of bread. Stick the marshmallows to one side and the chocolate chips to the other. Pressing down with a metal spatula for about 3 minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted. It should be nice and golden brown on both sides.

* Note: you can even make this recipe during camping, same technique using a camp fire. (just don't forget to tag along your cast iron pan) Enjoy!

Buttermilk scrambled egg burrito

Serves:1

1/2 c. Buttermilk
2 eggs,beaten
1 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1 pinch of Himalayan salt
2 Tortillas wrapper

Directions:

1. In a small glass bowl combine all ingredients except tortilla wrappers, and whisk together until egg is completely broken down.

2. Using a dutch oven frying pan allow it to get good, and hot before applying butter to the pan.

3. Add egg to the frying pan, and begin to scramble the eggs.

4. Divide the eggs up between the tortilla wrappers, and roll them up to form a burrito.

Tropical coconut breakfast bread

Adapted from: http://www.food.com/recipe/tropical-coconut-bread-29185

Serves: 8 slices per loaf

3 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. Coconut extract
1 c. Shredded coconut
1 c. Vegetable oil
1 c. Buttermilk
4 Eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. Raisins
1 c. Crushed pineapple, drained
1 c. Dried golden delicious apples
1 tsp. Himalayan salt
2 c. Granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. Baking soda
2 tsp. Baking powder
1- 2 Tbsp. Chia seeds
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325. Greasing and flouring both (2) 9 1/2" x 5 1/2" loaf pan.
2. Using a wooden spoon and stir by hand.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; blend well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, beaten eggs, and coconut extract; blend well. Alternating add flour mixture and buttermilk to sugar mixture and stir only until moist.
4. Stir in shredded coconut, crushed pineapples, Raisins, Chia seeds. Pour the batter into two prepared loaf pans, placing on the middle rack and bake for about 1 hour.
~Health Benefit
Chia seeds are very high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Which contain more Omega-3s than salmon along.
These tiny black and white edible seeds are great energy booster. As chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and as well calcium. What do they taste like? They have a mild, nutty flavor. You can often sprinkle them on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. These little seeds have a very beneficial need to our health, as their counterpart Flaxseeds.

Jalapeno mozzarella mango muffins

(Adapted from: http://www.pillsbury.com/…/aad3dac0-c941-4118-8487-5e6b6e3f… )
Serves: 12
1 1/4 c. buttermilk
1 Egg
1/2 c. Vegetable Oil
2 c. Self-Rising Flour
1/2 (2oz) c.shredded mozzarella cheese
5 tsp. (12 oz jar) Chopped jalapeños, drained
1/4 c. Mango preserves

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Place muffin wapper paper inside muffin pan. Spraying muffin cups lightly with No-Stick Cooking Spray.

2. In large bowl, beat low fat buttermilk and egg with whisk. Beat in oil until well blended. Add flour; stir until moistened. Folding in the cheese and 3 teaspoons of the jalapeños until incorporated well.

3. I n small bowl, mix preserves and remaining of 2 tsp. jalapeños.
4. Adding about 2 Tbsp. Batter into cup. Place 1 tsp. preserves mixture in center of each. Evenly top with more remaining batter.
5. Allow to bake for 23 to 26 minutes or until golden brown. Leaving in pan to cool for 5 minutes; before removing to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes. Serve with more preserve.

Fruit Salad Nacho

Serves: 4

1 (10 oz.) Pkg. Romaine lettuce
1 1/2 c. Sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 c. Cottage cheese
1/3 c. Dried cranberries
1/3 c. Raisins
1 (3 oz.) pkg. Dried Golden Delicious apples
1/4 c. Pine nuts
1 (14.5 oz.) pkg. nacho chips

Directions:

1. In a large bowl blended together fruit.

2. Place nacho onto a plate with Romaine lettuce.

3. Spoon on fruit, topping with cottage cheese and maraschino cherry.

South of the boarder farina

Serves: 4

3 C. Quinoa Milk * (Rice, Almond,Soy)
1 C. Farina * (Gluten free brown rice farina)
1/2 stick butter
2 Tbsp. Cheese sauce
1-2 Jalapeño pepper, sliced, chopped * (spice content depends on the seeds)

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil.

2. Add in Farina.

3. Reduce heat to a lower setting and stir well. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes.

Garlic Tortilla Chips

*Tasty Bonus

Serves:1

4 Tortilla wraps
2-4 slices of butter, melted
2 Garlic clove, crushed
1- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350, 

2. Blend together the melted butter, crushed garlic, and Italian seasoning.

3. Placing the tortilla wrappers onto a baking dish, and with a pastry brush apply garlic mixture.

4. Bake until lightly golden brown, once completely cooled slice into miniature pizza slices.

* Tasty Bonus
Add grated Parmesan to the garlic mixture

Chamomile Chocolate Ice Cream

Serves: about 2 quarts

1 1/2 c. Cream
3/4 c. Loose chamomile tea * (4 tea bags)
6 lg. Egg yolks
1/4 c. Turbinado sugar
1/3 c. 3 oz. Dark chocolate chips
2 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

Directions:

1. Bring cream to a slow, easy simmer in heavy medium saucepan heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the lose chamomile, and allow to let sit for 15 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Put cream mixture back onto stove top and heat on medium heat until it just barely comes to a simmer. Very slowly whisk the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture. Return the mixture to saucepan, add in the chocolate chips once the cream mixture cools down completely.

3. Add the cream mixture into the ice cream maker, and follow according to you're manufacturer instructions.

Light Garlic Soup

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(Adapted from: comfort food fast easy and elegant food that smoothes the soul, by: Anne Garden)

Serves: 4

3 Tbsp. Olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 c. Chicken or vegetable stock
4 c. Carrots
4 c. Celery, chopped
4 c. Cauliflower florets
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper
Croutons
Grated Cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. In a large Dutch oven saucepan heat oil, add in the garlic and stir, and cook for about a few seconds. Then add in the stock, carrots, cauliflower, celery and bring to a boil. Reducing the heat to medium low, allowing to cook for about Five minutes.
2. Garnish with croutons and grated cheddar cheese.
~Health Benefits:
Dutch oven also known as Cast iron is best to cook in, rather than non stick Teflo

Sweet potato cookies

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(Adapted from:http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sweet-potato-cookies/)


Serves: 3 dozens
1/4 c. Milk*(Almond, Soy,Rice)
2 c. All purpose flour, sifted *(gluten free flour)
1 tsp. Baking powder
1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt
1/2 c. Butter
1/4 c. Coconut sugar
1 egg * (egg substitute)
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1 tsp. Ground nutmeg
1/2 c. Manuka Honey
1 c. Peeled, shredded sweet potato
1/2 tsp. Baking soda
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Combine sugar and butter, blending in egg, honey, and sweet potato.
Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, nutmeg. Blend in butter mixture and milk.
Drop about a teaspoon 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until brown.