Lightened Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake (gluten free option)

Autumn means ALL the pumpkin-spiced things! It’s a seasonal craze I can support  — and, by support, I mean “hold up to my mouth and shove in!”Lightened Pumpkin Crumb Cake - gluten-free

So, with the hubby’s birthday right in the smack of pumpkin month, I don’t even ask him what flavor cake he wants. He’d normally say “chocolate,” but in September, October and November, the only option is pumpkin spice. Check out my Lightened Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake (gluten-free), get the recipe and find out what yumminess I served it with. Continue reading

Chai Tea Spiced Apple Muffins (Vegan)

One of the most requested foods my oldest son asks me to bake when he comes home from college to visit is a big batch of muffins. From pumpkin muffins to blueberry muffins to banana chocolate chip muffins, I’m always happy to oblige my son!  With limited cooking skills, he’s very grateful – at least I think that’s him saying “thank you” with his mouth stuffed full of my newest muffin Vegan Chai Tea Spiced Apple MuffinsVegan Chai Apple Muffins

These are perfect to make ahead for quick breakfasts and snacks, plus they freeze fabulously – so of course extra were made to send back to college. Read on to get the full recipe and the cookbook that inspired these easy vegan muffins.  Continue reading

Greek Stuffed Breakfast Sweet Potato

I remember when mom used to make whole-grain pancakes, sausage and a fruit salad for DINNER! She would always rationalize the “backwards night” by reminding us that we were getting all the food groups, like we could even hear her through the . Today, I realize that she had a point, it really doesn’t matter what you eat and when, as long as it’s balanced. So, why not put a spin on her flip-flop with dinner for breakfast!96 Greek_Breakfast_Sweet_Potato_Skins_three_fork

I’ve done green salads, rice bowls, and steak kebabs for a morning meal, these are all quite tasty before dawn breaks . . . and super easy if leftover! Today, I’m sharing Greek Stuffed Breakfast Sweet Potatoes, a perfectly portioned and perfectly delicious way to start your day. If you’re time-crunched and always quick grab that sugary pastry, give this recipe a try (it takes only 15 minutes) and I promise you’ll feel so much better. Continue reading

Chocolate Cashew Baked Oatmeal Cups

When kids are young, you can have almost total control over their existence, including what they eat. In fact, it’s good parenting to offer a wide variety of wholesome foods, starting early on to get a clean-eating lifestyle established. But, as they grow up and fly the coop, decisions big and small, and not just about food, become entirely up the them.    Care Box with Silk Milk and Chocolate Cashew Baked Oat Cups

This month my oldest is leaving two years of dorm life to live in an apartment for the first time. There will be plenty of decisions to make – gas for the car vs. video games, making it to class on time vs. sleeping in, eating ramin noodle cups and vending machine donuts vs. preparing healthy meals at home. All these years I’ve been teaching him how to make good choices, and more recently, how to cook. For my own peace of mind, I’m sending off a care package this week packed with a Chocolate Cashew Baked Oat Cups made with a favorite pantry staple, Silk® Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk Bottles.

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How to Top an English Muffin Ideas for Any Meal

My childhood years were fueled by a lot of English Muffin Pizzas. My parents both worked and this quick-fix meal or snack could be made in the toaster oven in under 10 minutes, reducing my mom’s worry that I was sitting at home starving, or worse yet, burning the house down. Naturally, I’ve taught my own three boys how to fend for themselves and make these little single-serve pizzas and variations of an open-faced sandwiches.Quick & Easy English Muffin Ideas For Any Meal

One of the perks of English Muffin Pizzas is that each can easily be adapted to suit picky palates and gourmet appetites alike.  With just a quick switch-a-roo of ingredients (even leftovers found in the fridge or freezer), you can come up with a one-of-a-kind, personal-sized cure for any craving – even dessert!  Check out these quick recipes using English muffins and solve your current breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack situation.  Continue reading