Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese

Adapted from:http://allrecipes.com/reci…/87531/sloppy-joe-mac-and-cheese/

This Two in one dish pack's Whopper of a taste.

Serves: 9

1 (16 oz.) pkg. elbow noodles
1 3/4 lb. Ground extra lean turkey
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 ( 6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (1.3 oz.) sloppy Joe seasoning
1/4 c. plus 1 tsp. Margarine
1 small onions
1/4 c. plus 1 tsp. all purpose flour* gluten free flour
1 tsp. dried mustard
1 tsp. course Himalayan salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
3 1/3 c. half & half
1 Tbsp. plus 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar
4 1/2 c. shredded monterrey Jack cheese
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place macaroni in the pot, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a large casserole baking dish.
.
3. Place the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat, and cook until evenly brown. Drain grease. Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and sloppy joe seasoning. Reducing the heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes.
4. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until tender. Mix in flour, mustard, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the half and half and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk half and half mixture into the pot. Bring to a boil, and cook 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Mix in 3 cups of each cheese. Stir cooked pasta into the pot, evenly coating with the sauce. Transfer to the casserole dish. Layer with the beef mixture and top with remaining cheese.
5. Cover, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove cover, and continue baking 10 minutes, until bubbly.

Apple crisp cookies

(Inspired by: Baked apple crisp & Adapted

from:http://allrecipes.com/recipe/216023/apple-crisp-cookies/

Serves: 24 dozen

2 c. plus 2 Tbsp. All purpose flour, * gluten free flour
1 1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1/2 c. Margarine, softened
1/2 c. Organic pure sugar
1/2 c. Organic brown sugar
7 Tbsp. Apple butter
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. Apple juice
2 c. Old fashion oat's
1 Granny Smith apple, finely chopped

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375. In a large mixing bowl, mix all flour together with the cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, mash margarine, Organic sugar, and brown sugar together until thoroughly combined, then stir in the apple butter until smooth. Stir in eggs, vanilla extract, and apple juice until well blended together; pour in the liquid mixture into the flour mixture about 1/3 c. at a time, stirring after each addition. Mixing in the oats and chopped apple.
3. With 2 teaspoons, form the dough into balls and place onto a prepared un greased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
4. Baking in the oven until the cookies are lightly golden brown and set in the centers, for about 10 minutes; allow to cool for about 2 minutes on baking sheets until removing to cool on a cooling racks.

Money saving tip Tuesday... Baking Soda

Adapted from:http://www.chasinggreen.org/ar…/23-uses-baking-soda-kitchen/

Welcome to another edition of Money Saving tips.
In this edition I will be sharing some cool tips that won't break your bank, and will keep you smiling from ear to ear.
Baking soda has been around for quite some time now dating back to the early 1719, a French chemist, Nicolas Leblanc, produced sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. Then in 1846, two male bakers from New York, established the first factory to develop baking soda from sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide. I say quite interesting "Hey" just a little back history to get you started on this Beautiful Tuesday.
Living Better Cafe says why splurge on expensive products or expose yourself to harsh chemicals just to keep your kitchen space clean as a Whistle. So I am bring you yet another inexpensive tip that will keep the cash steady in your wallet.
Have you ever thought to use Baking soda to clean your produce? Why you can just by washing your fruits and vegetables in cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to remove some of the impurities left behind by tap water. You can also put a small amount of baking soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Be sure to do a thorough rinse of everything before serving, of course.
Want to tenderize you're meat for dinner or what ever meal you are going to serve, why there is no need to hassle trying to find expensive meat tenderizer when you can go inexpensive. The baking soda soften the meat by rubbing it down with baking soda, letting it sit in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours, and then rinsing well before cooking.
No need for to make a funky frown baking soda can cure it all.
Why baking soda is the solution to those yucky smelling containers. Looking to banish fishy smelly containers,soak store-bought, raw fish in 1 quart water with 2 tablespoons baking soda for about an hour inside your refrigerator. Rinse the fish and pat dry before cooking.
Looking to reduce the acidity in a meal? Lower the overall acidity of foods and beverages by sprinkling a pinch of baking soda while cooking foods like tomato-based sauces or brewing coffee.
Hold the "Vinegar"...... What it's to late, you place too much vinegar in a recipe, just add a teeny, tiny bit of baking soda to the mixture to make the taste less overpowering. We seriously mean a teeny, tiny bit: add too much and the vinegar-baking soda combination will start a volcano effect.
Give your Bean's a bath,if your making beans but could do without the after-dinner entertainment that accompanies them, simply add a pinch of baking soda to the beans as they're cooking. Their gas-producing properties will be significantly reduced.
Can I take your order,You want fluffy egg's? why here is the solution to this easy fixes. for every egg used, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Odor,Odor,Odor on the hands, that's no problem just simply wet your hands and vigorously rub them with about 2 teaspoons of baking soda instead of soap. Any smell from chopping garlic or cleaning fish should wash off with the soda.
Why when it comes to have a new born around, and you want something that doesn't have any harsh chemicals in it; that when it comes to cleaning your child bottles. Here is the great solution to use keeping all your baby bottles, nipples, caps, and brushes clean and fresh by soaking them in a container filled with hot water and a half a box of baking soda. Rinse and dry everything thoroughly afterward. Baby bottles can also be boiled in a full pot of water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda for three minutes.
Looking to clean your cutting board, why not keep your wooden or plastic cutting boards clean by occasionally scrubbing them with a paste made from 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 tablespoon water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Don't call the plummer just pour 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar (microwave for about a minute) to a clogged drain. Give it several minutes to work, then add 1 quart boiling water. Repeat if necessary. -(GREAT SAVING WELL KEPT)
Dish washing liquid needs a helping hand, why not try adding 2 tablespoons baking soda to the usual amount of dish washing liquid you use in order to give it more grease-cutting power.
You can save if you make your own dish washing liquid.
Say no more to when your down to the last drop of dish washing liquid.And in a pinch, combine 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons borax. The results may just be impressive enough for you to switch permanently.
Looking to clean your dish washer? just sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher between loads to eliminate odors. You can also pour in half a box of baking
soda and run the empty machine through its rinse cycle.
Smelly refrigerator? Baking soda can cure that for you just by removing smells and dried-up spills inside your refrigerator by first removing its contents, then sprinkling some baking soda on a damp sponge and scrubbing the whole thing down. Don't forget to place a fresh box of soda inside when you're done.
Having a messy microwave situation? Put a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 cup water in a microwaveable container and cook on High for 2-3 minutes. Remove the container, then wipe down the microwave's moist interior with a damp towel.
Insightful coffee/tea stains in you're cup? just dip a moist cloth in baking soda to form a stiff paste, then gently rub your cups and saucers to remove their stains.
Baking soda can also clean your thermos, and I know your wondering how? Know need to worry baking soda is at your rescue. The residue on the inside of a thermos is gross and unappealing. Fill the thermos with a mixture of ¼ cup baking soda and 1 quart water, and let it soak overnight. Rinse clean before using.
Let's make your stainless steel fixtures "SHINE", sprinkle your stainless steel fixtures with baking soda before giving them a rubdown with a moist cloth. For chrome trim, pour a little baking soda onto a damp sponge and rub it over the chrome, then let it dry for an hour or so before wiping it down with warm water and drying with a clean cloth.
Let's make your stove top spotless, just wet cooked-on grease stains on your stove top or back splash with a little water and cover them with some baking soda. Rub them off with a damp sponge or towel afterward.
Safe coffeemaker cleaner, you want to do this every two weeks or so, brew a pot of 1 quart water mixed with 1/4 cup baking soda, followed by a pot of clean water to prevent your coffeemaker from producing bitter or weak coffee.
Let's clean your cast iron, baking soda can remove even the most burned-on food remnants in your iron pots by boiling 1 quart water with 2 tablespoons baking soda for five minutes. Pour off most of the liquid, then lightly scrub it with a plastic scrub pad. Rinse well, dry, and season with a few drops of peanut oil.
Let's deodorize your kitchen trash can, just by, giving your kitchen trash can an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in baking soda. Rinse it out with a damp sponge, and let it dry before inserting a new bag. You can also ward off future smells by sprinkling a little baking soda into the bottom of your can before inserting the bag.

Hot of the Oven... Avocado

Adapted from: http://authoritynutrition.com/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado/

*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. That no other blog source will ever take you close into the story.
I say more good reasons to love L.B.C, not only are you revising original recipes. Your saving money while eating the way you want in a healthier way.

Welcome to yet another of edition "Hot Out Of The Oven News" I am always excited to share news that will help you live better. As I have brought you some very good information source on Flax seed's last week. As this week sources is loaded with good information also Avocado.The avocado is a rather unique type of fruit.
Most fruit consists primarily of carbohydrate, while avocado is high in healthy fats. Numerous studies show that it has powerful beneficial effects on health. As I will share with you the 12 health benefits of avocado plus more beneficial facts, that are supported by scientific researcher.
Questions what is an Avocado? it's a fruit that come's in comes in many shapes and colors like: from green to black can vary between them. They can also weigh anywhere from 8 ounces (220 grams) to 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
As the most popular avocado is called Haas Avocado.
Which is often called "alligator pear,” which is very descriptive because it tends to be shaped like a pear and have green, bumpy skin… like an alligator.
The yellow-green flesh inside the fruit is eaten, but the skin and seed are discarded.
Avocados are very nutritious and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals.
What are the most nutritious values found in Avocado?
Vitamin K: 26% of the RDA.
Folate: 20% of the RDA.
Vitamin C: 17% of the RDA.
Potassium: 14% of the RDA.
Vitamin B5: 14% of the RDA.
Vitamin B6: 13% of the RDA.
Vitamin E: 10% of the RDA.
Then it contains small amounts of Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin).
This is coming with 160 calories, 2 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats. Although it contains 9 grams of carbs, 7 of those are fiber so there are only 2 “net” carbs, making this a low-carb friendly plant food.
As avocado does not contain any cholesterol or sodium, and are low in saturated fat. While there are some that would beg the differ.
Avocados contain more potassium than a banana. Potassium is one vitamin we as humans are not getting enough of.
This nutrient helps maintain electrical gradients in the body’s cells and serves various important functions.
Avocados are very high in potassium… with a 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving containing 14% of the RDA, compared to 10% in bananas, which are a typical high potassium food.

While several studies have shown that having a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
Avocado is Loaded With Heart-Healthy Fatty Acids.
This is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is also the major component in olive oil and believed to be responsible for some of its beneficial effects.
Oleic acid has been linked to reduced inflammation and been shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.
As the fats in avocado are also pretty resistant to heat-induced oxidation, making avocado oil a healthy and safe choice for cooking.
Are you getting enough "Fiber" ?
Fiber is another nutrient found in relatively large amounts in avocado.
As fiber is indigestible plant matter that can contribute to weight loss, reduce blood sugar spikes and is strongly linked to a lower risk of many diseases.
A distinction is often made between soluble and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber is known to be able to feed the friendly gut bacteria in the intestine, which are very important for the optimal function of our bodies (14).
A 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving of avocado contains 7 grams of fiber, which is 27% of the recommended daily amount.
About 25% of the fiber in avocado is soluble, while 75% is insoluble.
How to help lower my cholesterol and triglyceride Levels?
While heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world .
It's known that several blood markers are linked to an increased risk.
Which includes cholesterol, triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood pressure and various others.
The effects of avocado on some of these risk factors has been studied in 8 human controlled trials.
These are studies where people are split into groups… one group is instructed to eat avocados, while the other is not. Then researchers see what happens to their blood markers over time.
These studies have shown that avocados can:
Reduce total cholesterol levels significantly.
Reduce blood triglycerides by up to 20%.
Lower LDL cholesterol by up to 22%.
Increase HDL (the “good”) cholesterol by up to 11%.
As one of the studies have showed that including avocado in a low-fat vegetarian diet led to improvements in the cholesterol profile.
Unfortunately, all of the human studies were small (13-37 subjects) and short-term (1-4 weeks), but the results were impressive nonetheless.
As many researcher say that people who eat Avocado tend to be healthier. While eating Avocado does have multiple benefit's that can help cure many ill elements like.
Great for eyesight: Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals that are essential to eye health. These two carotenoids act as antioxidants in the eye and can minimize the damage and reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Osteoporosis prevention: Vitamin K is often overshadowed by calcium and vitamin D when thinking of nutrients important for maintaining healthy bones, however, eating a diet with adequate vitamin K may be just as important. Vitamin K can improve bone health by increasing calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium.3
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. One-half of an avocado provides approximately 25% of the daily-recommended intake for vitamin K.
Cancer fighter: Low levels of folate have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Adequate intake of dietary folate (from food, not necessarily supplements) has also shown promise in protecting against colon, stomach, pancreatic and cervical cancers.
Although the mechanism of protection is currently unknown, researchers believe that folate's protective effects have something to do with its role in DNA and RNA production and the prevention of unwanted mutations. One-half of an avocado provides approximately 20% of the daily-recommended intake for folate.
Good for woman are Pregnant: Folate is also extremely important for pregnant women. Adequate intake protects against miscarriage and neural tube defects. Recent research has also shown that a father's folate status before conception may be just as important. In a study from McGill University, paternal folate deficiency in mice was associated with a 30% higher number of various birth defects than in offspring with no paternal folate deficiencies.
Lowering the risk of depression: Another benefit of foods with high levels of folate is a lowered risk of depression. Folate helps to prevent an excess of homocysteine forming in the body, which can block blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine can interfere with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but sleep and appetite as well.5
Improved digestion: Despite its creamy texture, an avocado is actually high in fiber, with approximately 6-7 grams per half fruit. Eating foods with natural fiber can prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer.
Natural detoxification: Adequate fiber promotes regularity, which is crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool. Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber may also play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation.
Protecting from chronic disease: According to the Department of Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences Program of the University of Kentucky, high fiber intakes are associated with significantly lower risks of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increased fiber intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance weight loss for obese individuals.

Breakfast nuggets

(Inspired by: Chicken Nuggets)

* Substitute

This is a perfect kid friendly breakfast.

Serves: 9

1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. All purpose flour* Gluten free flour
3 lbs.Ground breakfast sausage
1 1/2 c. vegetable oil
5 oz. shredded cheese (Your choice)
1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp.scallions, chopped finely
1/4 c.plus 2 Tbsp. bell peppers, chopped finely
1/8 tsp.crushed red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp. dried sage
1/8 tsp. Course Himalayan salt (to taste)
1/8 tsp. Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. preheat oven to 300.

2. In a small, bowl, blend together sage, crushed red pepper and cloves. Mix well.

3. Blend baking mix, cheese, breakfast sausage, scallions, and spice mixture together in a bowl. Roll mixture into miniature golf ball-sized balls; arrange nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until nuggets are no longer pink in the middle and browned on the outside, for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Philly Cheese steak Hero

(Inspired by: Philly cheese steak sandwich)

Serves: 5

2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. Olive oil, divided
1 1/4 Onion, cut into matchstick-size pieces
1 1/4 Bell pepper, cut into matchstick- size pieces
1 1/4 (4 oz.) pkg.Fresh mushrooms, slice
1 1/4 (10 oz.) pkg. Seitan, thinly slice
1 7/8 c.Shredded lettuce
1 1/4 Medium tomatoes, thinly slice
5 French rolls, split lengthwise
5 Slices Provolone cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425.

2. Add one Tbsp. of olive oil to skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onions, bell peppers, until onions and peppers become translucent, for 5 to 10 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until tender, for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding cooked veggies into a mixing bowl.

3. Add remaining oil into the skillet over medium heat, add seitan and cook, turn frequently until browned on both sides, 5 to 10 min. Return veggies mixture back to the skillet and mix well with seitan; season with salt and pepper.

4. Toast french roll in oven until good and warm.

5. Apply seitan with veggie mixture,lettuce, tomatoe and cheese slices over the filling of each sandwich.

6. Place back into oven until cheese is slightly melted.

Welcome to Philly please Enjoy!

Triple cacao cookie

( Inspired by Triple chocolate cookie)

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/…/amenas-triple-chocolate-chip-cooki…/

Serves:5

2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. Margarine
2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. pure cane sugar* sugar substitute
1 Tbsp. plus 3/4 tsp. light brown sugar
1/4 egg* egg substitute
1/8 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/3 c. plus 1 tsp. all purpose flour* Gluten free all purpose flour
1/8 tsp. course Himalayan salt
1/8 tsp. Baking soda
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Sweet cacao nibs
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Organic cacao nibs
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Raw cacao nibs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line the baking sheet with a silicon mat.

2. Mash the margarine, sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl with a spatula until creamy and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla; whisk vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds.

3. Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a small bowl; dump into the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Fold the sweet cacao nibs, raw cacao nibs, and organic cacao nibs into the mixture. Arrange onto the prepared baking sheet using a small Ice cream scoop or large Ice cream scoop.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes; remove from oven and allow to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Transferring onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

~Living Better Cafe Receipt

Margarine...... $ 3.29
T. sugar...... $ 2.99
organic brown sugar 24oz........$ 2.99
eggs.........$ 2.45
Vanilla extract......... $ 1.99
all purpose flour..........$ 2.99
Himalayan salt........ $ 1.99
Baking soda........... $ 4.99
Sweet cacao nibs...........(Check your local Trader Joes)
Organic cacao nibs.......... (Check your local Trader Joes)
Raw cacao nibs................. (check your local Trader Joes)
Total= $ 20.69 W/O tax