Apple-lemon-berry punch

Serves: 5

1/8 (64 oz.) Apple juice, chilled
1/8 (64 oz.) Lemonade, chilled
1/8 (64 oz.) Strawberry juice, chilled
1/8 (2 litter) seltzer water

Directions:

1. In a medium sized punch bowl, combine together apple, lemonade, strawberry and seltzer water.

Chocolate-Coconut Oatmeal

This Breakfast of Champions will pack a powerful punch. The benefits of Chocolate. Which helps lower your blood pressure, and your "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. As the Benefit of Coconut helps, boost brain functioning and lower "bad" LDL cholesterol as well. Therefore, No wonder why Chocolate and Coconut work so well together.

Serves: 4- 6

1 Tbsp. Margarine
1 c. steel cut oats
1 c. Milk* (Dairy-free)
1 c. Shredded coconut
1 c. Cocoa powder
3 Tbsp. Pure cane sugar
1/2 tsp. Course Himalayan salt

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine steel-cut oats and Milk, and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the oats are just tender and the liquid is nearly absorbed. Add and stir in the Coconut and cocoa powder. Remove the saucepan from heat and let stand, covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Fruit Salad Pizza

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/12618/fruit-pizza-ii/

No! this is not made by, your fast food Pizza place. This Pizza is made with a cookie dough crust, cream cheese filling and fruit topping. Why it's even perfect for a cool after dinner dessert.

Serves: 5

5/8 (18oz.) pkg. Chocolate Chip cookie dough
5/8 (8oz.) pkg. Cream cheese, softened
5/8 (8oz.) container Whipped cream
1 1/4 c. Strawberries, Cleaned, hulled and sliced
1 1/4 c. Banana's, sliced* (Read Note)
1 1/4 c. Kiwi, sliced
1 1/4 c. Cherries, Pitted
1 1/4 c. Mandarin oranges
1 1/4 c. Raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree. Slice cookie dough and arrange onto a greased pizza pan, overlapping edges. you want to press dough flat into pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, then you want to fold in the whipped cream. Spread over the crust. Place into the refrigerator until chilled.

3. Once pizza crust is chilled, start arranging the fruit in a circular fashion working outwardly toward the middle.

*Note:

Dip Bananas into a bowl with 1 Tbsp. 3/4 tsp. lemon juice. The acid within the lemon juice stops the banana's, from turning brown.

Chili- Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Serves: 8- 10

5 lbs. Idaho potatoes, cut in 2- 3 inch pieces
4 Tbsp. Chili powder
2 tsp. Freshly minced Rosemary leaves
1/2 c. Milk
2 tsp. Course Himalayan Salt

Directions:

1. Place cut potatoes into a large pot, and cover just about 1-inch with cold water. Placing pot over medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes come out fork tender.

2. Removing the pot from heat, then strain and set aside. In a smaller pot add in milk, rosemary and chili. allow to come to a simmer, just enough to let the flavors to come together.

3. Remove from the heat, add in the potatoes and mash with a potato masher.

Living Better Tip:

What another awesome way, to enjoy these mash potatoes. Simply by making them into homemade French fries, as there is no better way to enough french fries. Especially, when it comes to making them your self. Directions on how to make these into french fries will be listed below.

Chili-Rosemary French Fries

Directions:

1. Spread potato mixture onto, an ungreased baking sheet. Smoothing out the top with spatula. place into the freezer for one hour, or until frozen.

2. Remove from the freezer, cut the mixture into sticks forms. Returning back to the freezer, until oil is well heated.

3. In a dutch oven pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F.

4. Remove the potato mixture from the freezer, and carefully place potatoes into the oil. (Be careful to try not to over crowd the pan, as they cook). Cook until the potatoes turn golden brown. Transfer pan onto a plate lined with paper towel, or brown paper bag. To catch the excess grease.

Moody Girl Ice Cream Float

Summer is just around the corner, and there is nothing that will quench your thirst. Like, this Adult infused Ice cream Float. You can even go as far as making a mock Ice cream float, for the little ones to.

Serves:2

2 Tbsp. Kahlua
4 scoops Coffee ice cream
2 cans Root beer
2 Tbsp. Peanut butter chips
2 Tbsp. Crushed Peanut's-(Optional)* if allergic to tree nuts opt them out
Whipped Cream-(garnished)


Directions:

1. In two cups large cups, add Kahlua and root beer into each cup.

2.Gently add in 2 scoops each, of Ice Cream into each cup.

3. pour more root beer over the top, and finish it off with whipped cream, Peanut butter chips and crushed peanuts.

Waffle Pizza Pocket

You heard of Breakfast pizza, Why have you heard of a Waffle pizza pocket? Yes! turn you pancake's into a waffle an Enjoy a Breakfast on the Go, in a pocket.

Serves: 6 (Makes 12 in total)

2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 c. milk *(Dairy free milk)
1 cup all purpose flour
2 Tbsp. powdered sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. Himalayan salt
1/4 c. 2 Tbsp. Tomato sauce, divided
3/4 c. Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 Breakfast sausage, cooked
3 3/4 eggs, scrambled
3/4 c. Frozen shredded hash browns



Directions:

1. Preheat the waffle Iron, according to manufacturer's Directions.

2. In medium sized mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Beat the mixture with a wire whisk until smooth. Heat a lightly greased dutch oven skillet over medium heat; remove the skillet from heat. Pour about 3 tablespoon of the batter into a waffle iron.

3. Pour mixture onto waffle iron allow to cook, according to manufacturer's directions.

4. Spoon 1 Tsp. Tomato sauce into the center, topping each waffle with 2 tsp. Shredded cheese, 2 tsp. eggs, hash browns and 2 tsp. sausage.

5. Cook until sealed around the edges, are golden brown.

6. Repeat step 3 to build another waffle, to place on top.

7. Place the top waffle on top, while it's pippin hot. So, it will melt the cheese.

Strawberry Hush Puppies

You are sure going to love these, as you have never heard of Hush puppies like this before. And the fun thing about it is, you can switch it up, using different other fruits. Now we are not only talking "Delicious", We are talking "Healthy and Inexpensive".

Serves: 7

1 3/4 Eggs, Beaten
1/4 c. - 3 Tbsp. Organic Pure sugar
7/8 Strawberries, Diced
3/4 c. - 2 Tbsp. All- Purpose Self- Rising Flour
3/4 c. - 2 Tbsp. Self- Rising Corn Meal
3 1/2 c. Coconut Oil

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine together eggs, sugar, strawberries. Incorporate flour and cornmeal.

2. Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350, into a wok, or skillet pan. Drop in Batter by using rounded teaspoonfuls into the oil, and allow to fry until golden brown. Make sure to cook in small batches to maintain the temperature of the oil. Once Hush Puppies are done allow to drain onto a paper towel, or a brown paper bag.

3. dust Hush puppies with powder sugar, or dip them into chocolate sauce.

Enjoy!

Fudge Brownie Bread

Inspired by: Brownies

Note: Picture will be coming soon

If you love brownies, you will definitely love making brownies into bread.

Serves: Varies

1 box of Brownie mix
1 (11 oz.) Jar Fudge sauce
3 lg. eggs
1/3 c. vegetable oil

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl. Combine brownie mix, Eggs, Fudge and oil. Blend until fully incorporated. - (mixture should be smooth)

2. Pour into a well greased loaf pan, about 3/4 half way. Baking at a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until cooked completely through. Check by sticking a tooth pick in the center, if it comes out clean. Fudge Brownie Bread is done.

3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, before slicing. Once completely cooled slice and serve with whatever you want.

Cheesecake Pancakes

Adapted from: http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/cheesecake-pancakes/672ed800-d7c4-4a3b-b151-656ff21c87f8

When it comes to having Breakfast I am no shy cat. Stack my plate with four pancake's and pour the syrup over them. Yes! I love waking up to having Breakfast. Especially, Pancakes.

Serves: 5

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, leave out at room temperature
2 c. Pancake mix
1/2 c. Vanilla wafer, crushed
1/4 c. Organic Pure Sugar
1 c. Milk
2 lg. Eggs


Directions:

1. Slice cream cheese into four lengthwise pieces, laying each piece of cream cheese on a cookie sheet: cover and place into freezer for eight hours.

2. using non-stick cooking spray, spray the griddle pan; and place over medium heat.

3. Cut cream cheese into bite- sized pieces; set along the side. In a large sized mixing bowl, blend pancake mix, vanilla wafers, sugar, milk and eggs with a wire whisk until Incorporated. Stir in the cream cheese.

Kombucha Float

If you love Root beer floats, you will for sure enjoy this new twist on floats.

Adapted from: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/211087/7eb6225e6c/379000935/0c82af0d19/

Serve: 1

1 c. unflavored Kombucha
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. -1/2 tsp. Organic pure sugar
1/3 c. clean fresh strawberries
1/3 c. vanilla Ice cream

Directions:

1.Using a measuring cup, combine together Kombucha, vanilla extract and sugar.

2. In a 16 oz drinking cup, Placing a spoonful of strawberries, Vanilla ice cream. gently pouring in the Kombucha mixture.

S'more fruit salad bowl

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/214947/perfect-summer-fruit-salad/

This is a perfect salad for a warm spring/ summer day. Especially, if your not in the mood to cook.

Serves: 5

1 c. Fresh pineapples, cubed
1 c. strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 1/2 c. kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 c. Banana, sliced
1 Orange, peeled and sectioned
1 Grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
1/2 c. seedless grapes
1 c. blueberries
1 c. mini marshmallow * if you are vegan/ vegetarian (you can find marshmallow's made with fruit pectin)
Chocolate syrup

Directions:

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl.Combine pineapples, strawberries,kiwi,Banana, orange,grapes, mini marshmallows and blueberries.

2. Pour chocolate syrup over the fruit salad, cover and place into the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 minute.

Thailand Fusion-Style Grits

Serves: 4

1 c. Grits
4 c. Water
1 Stick margarine, melt
1 1/2 tsp. Freshly minced garlic
1/4 tsp. Mixed herbs blend (Rosemary, Basil,Oregano)
1/4 tsp. Tamari sauce
1- 2 Beef seasoning (ramen seasoning packet)

Directions:

1. In a medium sized pot add margarine, and minced garlic. Allow the margarine to melt. Once Margarine is melted remove from the burner.

2. Slowly stir grits plus garlic butter,mixed herb blend, Beef seasoning into boiling water.

3. Reducing down the heat to medium-low; cover. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until desirable texture.


Living Better Energy Saving Tip:

What I find time saving is, once the water comes to boil and the you see the grits rise. Turn the stove off, and stir to allow the grits to continue to cook for 5- 7 minutes.

Maple & Brown Sugar Grits

Grit's is yet another dish that is very versatile and can be made different way's. Like, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Serves: 8

1/4 c. Maple syrup
1/4 c. Organic Brown Sugar
2 c. Grits
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Course Himalayan Salt
7 c. Water


Directions:

1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the grits and continue to whisk for 1 minute. When the mixture comes to a boil again, turn the heat to low. Stir frequently, cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Remove the grits from the heat and add Maple syrup, Sugar and Cinnamon, Incorporate well and serve.

Apple-Ginger and Spice Oatmeal

Serves: 2

1 c. Water
1 Gala Apple, Cored and Diced
2/3 c. Rolled Oats
1 tsp.Fresh Ginger, grated
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Directions:

1. Combine the water, apples and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, and stir in the rolled oats, Vanilla extract and cinnamon. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer until thick, for about 3 minutes.

Admin Corner:

I am here again in the corner because I need to tell you, some very good benefit's of Ginger and Apples. First let me start talking about Ginger, and then carry on from there. If you remembered when I posted up about the benefits of ginger. Which I hope you have very good memory, if not then I will share it once again. As I will not bring you a very long story, I will just get straight to the point.

Ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting healthy pigmentation and hair. Ginger is also carry other benefits. Like, it helps with digestive issues, Nausea, Pain reduction and Inflammation.

What do you know apple's also carry some similarly. Like Ginger. Apples help with Improving neurological health, Preventing dementia,Reducing your risk of stroke, Lowering levels of bad cholesterol, Reducing your risk of diabetes,Warding off breast cancer, and here goes the similarly I was talking about Obesity.

Baked Apple Crisp

www.livingbettercafe.blogspot.com/Therecipefile's

Adapted From: http://allrecipes.com/…/229088/apple-crisp-with-oat-topping/

This is not like your ordinary Baked Apples. This inspirations comes from Apple Crisp, just take Apples and reverse it.

Serves: 5- including the topping

5 Ambrosia Apples
1/2 c.- 2 Tbsp. Organic Brown sugar
1/4 c.- 1 Tbsp. Margarine
2 1/2 tsp. ground Cinnamon

Topping

1 1/4 c. Organic Brown sugar
3/4 c. - 3 Tbsp. Oat
3/4 c. - 3 Tbsp. All-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Core the center of the apple out, leaving a well.you do not want to cut all the way through. Stuff the apples with 2 Tbsp. sugar and 1 Tbsp. Margarine.

3. Topping: blend together brown sugar, oats, flour, and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a medium sized bowl. Using a pastry cutter to mash cold Margarine into the oats mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; place the crumble inside the apples, and places the apples in a baking dish. Pat down the topping gently until even.

4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until apples are tender and golden brown.

Mock Shrimp Salad

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/16859/moms-shrimp-macaroni-salad/

Serves: 8

1 c. Macaroni noodles
1 Tbsp. Finely chopped scallions
1 Tbsp. Bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c. Celery, chopped
3/4 c. Plain yogurt
1/4 c. Sweet relish
3/4 c. Prepared mustard
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp.Celery seeds
1 tsp. prepared horseradish
2 oz. Surmi Imitation shrimp (you can use shrimp,if your not allergic)
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh cracked black pepper (To taste)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with salt, add in the noodles and let cook until the way you like it; drain well.

2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine scallions, bell pepper, celery, yogurt, sweet relish, horseradish, parsley, celery seed, pepper flakes,black pepper and shrimp. Fold the macaroni into the mixture. Cover and chill at least 3 hours, or until ready to serve.

Waffle Supreme

Adapted From: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/17681/belgian-waffles/

Inspired by: Grilled Cheese

This is not like any other waffle you have ever tasted.The inspiration of a grilled cheese plus more, then you ever thought of.

Serves: 4

Waffle
1/2 (.25 oz.) Pkg. active dry yeast
2 Tbsp. Warm milk
1/4 c. Organic sugar
1 1/2 egg yolks
3/4 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1 tsp. Vanilla exact
2 c. all- purpose flour
1 1/2 egg whites
1 1/3 c. - 1 Tbsp. warm milk
1/4 c. - 2 Tbsp. Margarine, melted and cooled to lukewarm

Waffle Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in a 1/4 c warm milk. allow to stand until yeast becomes creamy, for about 10 minutes.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 1/4 c warm milk and the melted margarine. Stirring in yeast mixture, sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Stir in the remaining 2 1/2 c. milk alternating with the flour, ending with the flour. Beat in the egg whites until they form soft peaks; folding into the batter. Cover the glass mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap. allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, for about 1 hour.

Waffle Filling
6 oz. Chorizo Sausage
1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:
1. Crumble the sausage into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until evenly brown. Set aside.
2. Waffle assembly: Add cheese and chorizo to the waffle, and top with the waffle.
3. Place waffle on a griddle pan, until the cheese melt.

Oriental Thai Pasta Salad

Oriental Thai

Thai Beef 

Serves: 1

1 pkg. Ramen Noodles
1 - 2 Tbsp.Peanut Butter (Chunky or Creamy)
1- 2 piece(s) garlic clove,chopped thinly
1 pkg. Oriental seasoning package * (If making Thai Beef use the Beef Seasoning Package)
2 c. water
Directions:

1. Boil 2 c. water in a small sauce pot. Add noodles (I like to separate the noodles) because it makes it look like you have more. Cook for 3 minutes or how ever you like it, stirring occasionally.

2. Remove from heat, and drain the water. Then add in cold water to stop the cooking process and drain. Add in Peanut Butter, seasoning package and garlic. Stir until well incorporated, and serve.



Living Better Cafe Tip:

Ramen seasoning package's come in handy for other meal purposes also.

* Adds flavor to homemade soups,stews, Sauce's
* Making your own marinade
* Add flavor to other dishes as well. But, do pay close attention to the sodium content. 800 mg within one package alone, and 33% Daily Value.


Note:

Sorry if your looking for the Asian Pasta Salad with Oyster sauce dressing. Consider checking Asian Pasta Salad.

Fruit salad Taco

you will never think about having fruit salad, the ordinary way again. This salad will put a whole new spin to your original way, of eating.


Serves: 24

24 Hard Taco shells
4- 3/4 c. Strawberries, hulled and sliced
2- 1/2 lbs. Seedless grapes, halves
7-1/4 Kiwis, peeled and sliced
7- 1/4 Bananas, sliced
4- 3/4 c. Blueberries, cleaned and sliced
8 (11 oz.) cans Mandarin oranges, drained
4 (20 oz.) cans Pineapple chucks, drained
6 lbs. cottages cheese
24 Romaine lettuces leaves


Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine strawberries, grapes, kiwi, bananas,Mandarin oranges,Pineapples and blueberries. let chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour until ready to serve.

2. Add the lettuce at the base of the taco,and then top with fruit mixture. add on cottage cheese and serve.

Nutella Cobbler

Adapted from: http://thesnackbox.blogspot.com/2012/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cobblerwhaaaat.html

Serves: Varies

1 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. Pure Organic sugar, divided
1/2 c. milk * (Almond, Rice, Soy)- theses will work well to.
1/2 c. Nutella
6 Tbsp. melted Margarine
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. Organic brown sugar, loosely packed
1 c. hot water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and 1/2 c sugar.

3. Stir in using a wooden spoon. milk, Nutella, Margarine and vanilla extract. Mixture should look like brownie mixture when blended.

4. Spread mixture out onto a prepared greased 8" baking dish and even mixture batter out with a spatula or wooden spoon.

5. In a small glass mixing bowl mix together 1/2 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. sugar.

6. Sprinkle sugar mixture over the batter evenly. Poring water over the top. DO NOT STIR! AT THIS POINT.

7. Bake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes until the center is slightly firm, but not fluid like liquid. Serve with Magic (Ice Cream of course)