TheKitchenCookie

  I posted this recipe a couple of years ago but had forgotten how good it was. Today I did a remake and enjoyed it again for lunch with the addition of alfalfa sprouts and ground flax seeds. It was just as amazing as it was two years ago!   Enjoy!   3 cups chicken breast, roasted and diced 1 cup Savoy cabbage, thinly sliced then chopped ½ - ¾ cup celery, diced ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced ½ cup sliced almonds 1½ teaspoons ground golden flax seed meal Dressing: 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 2½ teaspoons mustard Stevia Salt and Pepper, to taste Milk, to desired consistency   Serve in a slightly hollowed out avocado half and on a bed of sprouts. Yum! To make it easier to scoop out with a spoon cut the remaining avocado in squares (leaving them in the shell) before placing the sprouts and a scoop of chicken salad on top.   ♥Blessings♥ 

  Figuring out ways to outsmart unhealthy additives to food has been something I enjoyed doing off and on for the past 9-10 years. I've definitely fallen 'off the wagon' a time or two in those years but it's still always there in the back of my mind and so I get back on again.   Confession: I have trouble staying focused once I feel like I know how to do something. I enjoy a new challenge, hence the reason for falling off said wagon. Does that even make sense?   Yesterday I had an inspiration like that and couldn't wait to try it. I love Broccoli Soup but the flour and Velveeta Cheese that is normally used for thickening are two things currently on my naughty list. I don't purchase Velveeta unless, well... never... if I can help it!   I had a few Avocados in the fridge full of healthy fats and friendly as ever. I decided to use one of those to thicken my soup and see what happens. I was pleased with the outcome. I hope you try it and enjoy ...

    I volunteered to bring this years desserts for our youth groups annual Valentine Supper fundraiser, so I've been trying out different ones when I have extra 'help' around to eat things. This one is super yummy and will definitely be there! It's also very easy which is a bonus!   A good quality boxed brownie mix is what I started with and I used the cake like option versus the ooey gooey one.   Bake as directed then cut into small squares when completely cool.   The creamy part... oh my... yum!!   1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup water 1 small package Instant White Chocolate Pudding 3-4 teaspoons (approx.) Mocha powder (Starbucks Via ready brew) 16 oz. Cool Whip Crushed Malted Milk Balls, optional   Combine all ingredient except the Cool Whip and whisk together.   Fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate until firm, then layer with brownies into a trifle dish.   Enjoy!   ♥

  I can read minds...  and I'm pretty sure at least one of them is thinking, "I'm hungry!!" haha     and she's thinking, "I have more fun rolling in the snow than I've ever had playing with any dolls. Just saying!" :)     and he's thinking, "WHY ISN'T IT WARM?!!!" (This fellow and a bunch of his buddies showed up early for the Super Bowl but discovered like many others will, that it will be much too cold to sit outside and watch. Brrr!! I think I'd head South again if I would be them!)     and he's thinking, "It was so embarrassing, I feel red all over!!" :)     and he's thinking, "The berries around here sure are scarce!! But the Lady of the House seems   thrilled   to have me here!!      I was at the window today and suddenly this guy and some of his friends showed up. I was tickled!! I love when unusual birds show up!   ...and what am I thinking? ...

    If you enjoy the flavors of lemon and raspberry you're in for a treat. And I promise it won't be a time consuming thing to make!   I started with a white cake mix and added whole eggs, softened butter in place of the oil and buttermilk in place of the water. Divide evenly into two 8 inch (parchment lined and non stick sprayed) cake pans. Bake as directed. Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the edge. Invert onto a piece of waxed paper on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely.   Cut each cake in half and proceed to fill.   For the Lemon filling I used this Lemon Curd recipe with the addition of  sour cream to tame the tanginess of the lemons. The raspberry filling is Smucker's Simply Fruit (spreadable fruit).   Refrigerate until firm.   The icing is my favorite. Basic Buttercream with the addition of raspberry Smucker's Simply Fruit. I'm not sure how much I added but add enough to make it a p...

  Lately I've been enjoying stir fry's for my lunch and then a lighter supper. Seems to be what works for me. It's a great way to get in a variety of veggies.   Chicken, broccoli, red bell peppers, red and green onions, carrots, and fresh ginger (grated) are usually the main stays. Sometimes I add spinach, zucchini or snow peas and water chestnuts or rice. Sautéed in coconut and sesame oil and seasoned with an Asian Sweet Ginger and Garlic seasoning. Yum!!                                                                           " Hang on to the image of who God created you to be.  Stick to it and...

  It's a beautiful snowy day outside and a laid back, cozy day inside today. Perfect for Hot Chocolate but I wasn't in the mood for the mix with all the artificial things in it so I concocted my own version with better choices. It was rich and yummy!   ½ cup heavy cream 1½ cups water 2 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder 2 Tablespoons coconut sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract Stevia, to taste Dash of Cinnamon Whipped Cream, for topping   In a small saucepan combine all the ingredients except the Whipped Cream. Heat till scalding. Pour into two cups and serve with a dollop of Whipped Cream and Cinnamon.   ♥                                                     ...

  Need a good snack for a mid morning or afternoon? These two are Linford's and my favorites. His is on the right and mine on the left. I keep them in glass jars on the counter for easy access and convenience and enjoy eating mine with an apple.       The Mr. Roasted and Salted Peanuts and Pistachios Raisins Dried Strawberries Dark Chocolate Chips       The Mrs. Roasted and Salted Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds Golden Raisins Roasted and Salted Gourmet Mixed Nuts   Enjoy! ♥                                                                        ...

  If you're looking for a bright, cheery topping for a cake that is also delicious, look no further! I really loved the flavor of this one! And its super simple. Well, at least if you have Lemon Curd hiding out in the fridge, or maybe the bought stuff in your cupboard? I'm kind of partial to this Meyer Lemon Curd.   4 ounces White Chocolate Chips or coating wafers ¾ cup (scant) Heavy Cream Lemon Curd, to taste   Place the chocolate in a small bowl.   In a small, heavy saucepan heat the cream till small bubbles appear around the sides. Whisk while it heats so that it heats evenly.   Pour over the chocolate and let sit for about a minute then whisk until smooth.   Add the Lemon Curd a Tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until you reach the flavor that you prefer. If the Lemon Curd is room temperature let this mixture cool for a little bit before pouring onto the cake. If it was refrigerated ...

 It's cold and windy today. The rain took our pretty snow away over night and we are back to a lack luster winter landscape. I wanted to prepare something that would warm up the ones that had to work outside today. I had some leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge and I'm always looking for ways to quickly use the venison meat in the freezer. This pot of soup worked well to use up the taters and some of the sausage. It's full of yummy flavor and I think it will hit the spot!   2 Tablespoons butter ¾ cup chopped sweet onion ¾ cup chopped celery 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried parsley 3 pints chicken broth 1/3 cup finely shredded carrots 2½ cups prepared mashed potatoes 3½ cups cooked, crumbled bulk venison sausage ½ cup heavy cream salt and pepper, to taste   Saute the onion in butter till they are soft, add the celery, basil, and parsley. (If you have the fresh herbs on hand that would be great. I didn't so I used the dried). C...

    My wish for all of you as we start a new year~~   I wish you enough sun to always keep your attitude bright and cheerful I wish you enough rain so that occasionally you will see a rainbow to remind you of Gods faithfulness  I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit from being broken  I wish you enough pain so that the smallest of joys in life appear much bigger then they are I wish you enough gratitude so you will take nothing for granted  I wish you enough gain to satisfy your needs and then some to share with others  I wish you enough loss so you can better appreciate all your blessing  I wish you enough grace to forgive without reservations.   ♥Be Blessed!♥