Summer Berry Parfait with Yogurt and Granola

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
• 3/4 cup blueberries
• 1 (6 ounce) container vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1/3 cup granola

Directions

1. Layer 1/4 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/3 container yogurt, 1/3 tablespoon wheat germ, 1/3 of the sliced banana, and about 2 tablespoons of granola in a large bowl. Continue to build the parfait, repeating the layers until all of the ingredients are used completely.

Homemade Applesauce

Ingredients

• 4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Simple Summer Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 4 ice cubes
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)

Directions

1. Place the banana, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and ice cubes into a blender. Pour in the orange juice, vanilla yogurt, and honey. Puree until smooth.

Last night I snuck out of my room, pass my fathers bedroom through the kitchen and out into the back yard. He asked me to meet him later that night when I spoke to Kyle last. We were sitting on the bench in the back of the community park that is close to both our houses. We meet there often, in secret. My father refuses to like Kyle, he wont even give him a chance. Father caught us together in my room, on my bed. It was a mistake to bring Kyle to my house. Now I wish I could take it all back. Not the parts with Kyle, it was so magical. He was so gentle and caring. I love him! But now I have to sneak around like a criminal just to see my love. We met underneath the stars that night and before either one of us said a word I was wrapped in his arms my lips pressed against his. We talked for hours before we pryed ourselves away so we didn't get caught, dusk was coming and I had to get my ass home before father woke-up early for bedcheck.

How to remove a tan

Has this ever been you? A subtle tan can really enhance our features and boost our sex appeal or you can end up looking like her.
Getting rid of a sun tan can be quite difficult.
However, if you do some of the things that are contrary to preserving a tan such as using a granular exfoliator regularly and you avoid further sun exposure while using a sunscreen with a higher SPF than you would normally use, your tan will begin to fade more rapidly. In addition to these measures a few home remedies might be useful for getting you closer to your goal.

1. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice applied on the problematic spots for about 15 minutes before taking a shower can be a good way to lighten the color of your skin.

Lemon juice is a veritable natural bleaching agent so it works really well when it comes to lightening the color of your skin.

2. Alternatively a paste made with yogurt, honey and turmeric can have a similar effect. Leave this paste on the problem areas for twenty minutes than rinse with lukewarm water.

If you would rather use single ingredient instead of a paste,

3. Cucumber juice can be a good alternative for your face and neck.

4. If you have problems with redness caused by sun expose, you can soothe the skin using a mixture of honey and cucumber juice.

5. Cucumber slices can be applied on the rest of the body for a similar effect.

The key with these natural home remedy is consistence. Make sure to apply these natural remedies on a regular basis to be able to see gradual improvements.   
If the nasty tan is the result of improper use of self tanner you should have a different approach depending on the areas that need to be corrected.
Face and the neck area is not a highly problematic zone due the fact that the color tends to fade faster compared to other areas. Larger areas such as the torso, the arms or the legs can be a bigger source of frustration. However there is a quite simple and safe method you can use for these areas.

1. Baby oil is a perfect product to tackle this problem as its ingredients help break down the dye used in most self tanners.
Applying baby oil before a bath is a safe and smart way to fix a less than perfect tan. To speed up the process even more you can add ¼ cup of Epsom salt in the hot tub before jumping in to enhance the color fading you already acquired. The salty water will act as an exfoliator. Use a washcloth to accelerate the process even more but make sure to use gentle movements to prevent skin irritations.

15-Minute Dinner Nachos Supreme

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (1.12 ounce) package Pace® Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
• Pace® Thick & Chunky Salsa
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Tortilla chips

Directions

1. Cook beef and taco seasoning in skillet until browned. Pour off fat.
2. Add soup, water and rice. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 5 min. or until done.
3. Top with salsa, cheese and lettuce. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups cooked white rice, cold
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken meat

Directions

1. In a small bowl, beat egg with water. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add egg and leave flat for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and cut into shreds.
2. Heat oil in same skillet; add onion and saute until soft. Then add rice, soy sauce, pepper and chicken. Stir fry together for about 5 minutes, then stir in egg. Serve hot.

BLT

4 slices bacon

2 leaves lettuce

2 slices tomato

2 slices bread, toasted

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Directions

1. Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Arrange the cooked bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices on one slice of bread. Spread one side of remaining bread slice with the mayonnaise. Bring the two pieces together to make a sandwich.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 heads Bibb lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat the grill for high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and slice.
3. Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pecans until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
4. In a blender, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
5. Arrange lettuce on serving plates. Top with grilled chicken slices, strawberries, and pecans. Drizzle with the dressing to serve.

Best Bean Salad

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can wax beans, drained
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup salad oil
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup white sugar

Directions

1. Combine the green beans, wax beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, green pepper, onion, and celery in a large bowl; toss to mix.
2. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a separate bowl until the sugar is dissolved; pour over the bean mixture. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight before serving.

All-Around Good Smoothie

This is a recipe I experimented with to try to get a good amount of vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber in my diet. The great part of this is that I don't get bored with it (even though I drink it every day) because I can change the type of fruit I use whenever I want.

1/2 cup nonfat milk

1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt

1/2 frozen banana, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons powdered protein supplement

1 1/2 tablespoons flax seed

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

Directions

1. In a blender, blend the milk, yogurt, banana, protein supplement, flax seed, honey, and strawberries until smooth.

Old-Fashioned Pink Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 9 cups water
• 2 cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup cranberry juice, chilled

Directions

1. In large pitcher combine sugar, water, lemon juice and cranberry juice. Stir to dissolve sugar. Serve over ice.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in beans and corn, then add sugar, salsa, and pepper flakes; mix well. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
2. Melt 2 teaspoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with cheese, then top with some of the bean mixture. Place another tortilla on top, cook until golden, then flip and cook on the other side. Melt more butter as needed, and repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 5 tablespoons boiling water
• 4 eggs, separated

Directions

1. Grind chocolate chips in a blender, using short pulses. Add boiling water and blend to melt the chocolate. Add egg yolks, one at a time, blending well after each.
2. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture gently. Pour the mousse into wine glasses or other serving glasses and chill in refrigerator until set.

Quick and Simple Ways to Cut Calories

Have a salad before the main course.

If you choose to eat steamed vegetables, try adding flavor using lemon and thyme instead of butter.

Liquid calories are another important factor that can cause weight gain. Just drink water.

Try freezing fruit juice and making sorbet instead of a similar calorie-laden dessert.

If you are craving spaghetti try substituting Alfredo sauce with marinara sauce.

If sharing your sweet tooth sounds appealing, try sharing the dessert with a friend.

Vegetarian options typically have less calories and saturated fat compared to meat based recipes.

Eat open faced sandwiches. You can also try replacing Swiss cheese with hummus.

Try buying a small bag of popcorn instead of a bag of chips.

Try baked potatoes instead of mashed potatoes.

When you plan on eating steak, make sure the portion is smaller than your palm.

Try eating from slightly smaller plates and avoid going for seconds.

If you feel like snacking in front of the TV, measure your snacks by placing them into a small clear bowl to avoid mindless eating and to keep yourself accountable.

Glossy Bob Hairstyles

Try this out, its a great article. I hope this helps you out with all your bob hairstyling needs.


Kiss goodbye to your unadventurous haircut and check out these glossy Bob hair styles that look simply irresistible this season. If you're tired of looking average and dull, visit your favorite hair salon and ask for a brand new and super-polished hairdo. Make effortless chic your trademark and keep an eye on the spotless condition of your locks.
Update your look with small changes and add an interesting twist to your locks. Mid-length hair provides you with an army of hair styling options. Go for asymmetry in order to achieve a cutting edge and high class visual effect with your hairstyle, or you can also keep things more simple with a polished and softened look. The following glossy bob hairstyles will arm up the strands with a more glamorous feel. The new season hair dressing tendencies scream for versatility and attitude. Make a new hairdo your trademark and learn how to bring out the most of the refined anatomy of the cut. Timeless styles as the layered or blunt Bob will definitely tame your beauty cravings.

Subtle elegance comes from the ultra-suave structure of Bob haircuts. Those who decide to go midi will have the chance to explore the multitude of varieties of this timeless do. If you're keen to embrace one of the most sought-after looks both when it comes to Celebsville as well as the street, be sure to consider the fab examples below as the perfect source of inspiration for your upcoming makeover.

Drama is not always the real solution for your style dilemmas? If you wish to rock out the transition from long to medium and keep things slow, take a closer view at these barely there layered bob haircuts. Similar hair designs will furnish your face with a perfectly defined frame. Use the newest hair styling tricks to stand out from the crowd and flaunt your mesmerizing look.

Furthermore, if you're searching for a new style that suits your punked-up look, you can skim through the myriad of choppy designs. Enjoy the privilege of inspiring millions with your brand new do. Indulge yourself into a great adventure in the land of no-bad-hair-days, with these exquisite cuts. Midi Bob hair styles look simply stunning matched with all face shapes. Play with your hair texture to create different impressions. Make every event you're preparing for the best occasion to nail down a new hair styling alternative. This way you'll be definitely able to maintain your ultimate hair chameleon title.

Easy French Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients

•  1 (10.5 ounce) can beef consomme
•  1 cup water
•  1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
•  8 slices provolone cheese
•  4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise

            Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Open the hoagie rolls and lay out on a baking sheet.               
2. Heat beef consomme and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat to make a rich beef broth. Place the roast beef in the broth and warm for 3 minutes. Arrange the meat on the hoagie rolls and top each roll with 2 slices of provolone.               
3. Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese just begins to melt. Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the warm broth for dipping

How to Repair Your Hair with Olive Oil

After a long winter’s exposure to dry indoor heat, our hair needs some nourishing relief! Here’s the simple solution. This easy hair treatment will result in healthier, more manageable hair and a really clean, invigorated scalp. Olive oil nourishes, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair, while the couldn’t-be-easier process is both stress-reducing and health-promoting

INGREDIENTS (enough for 1 or 2 treatments, depending on the length and thickness of your hair)
½ cup olive oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil (others may be substituted, if you wish)
1 plastic bag that can fit over your hair


1. Pour olive oil into a jar with a lid, then add essential oil. Put lid on jar and shake well to disperse the essential oil. Let sit for 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Shake again before use.
2. Rinse hair with warm water. Warm 1 tablespoon of oil treatment in the palms of your hands. Using your fingertips (not nails), gently massage the oil into the scalp in a  circular motion. Repeat until the entire scalp has been massaged. Rub the ends of your hair with the remaining oil.
3. Place a plastic bag over your hair, secure by tying or with a hair clip or clothespin, and allow the oil to remain for at least a half-hour.
4. Rinse well, then shampoo as usual.

11 one-ingredient face masks

I'm making healthy skin even easier for you with one-ingredient, all-natural,
facials made from common supplies you can easily find right in the
refrigerator shelf or kitchen cabinet. Raiding your pantry is also a great way
to save money and cut back on food waste and packaging.
If you want pretty and healthy skin, don’t skimp on the bare-bone basics. Be
sure to always drink lots of water and wear sunscreen moisturizer.

1. Honey -- A humectant, honey, attracts and retains moisture,
so it's great for anyone who wants to combat dry skin. Use a cloth damp with
warm water and pat skin to open pores. Smear honey onto skin and leave on for 15
to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then pat skin with a cloth dampened in
cold water to close pores.


2. Raw egg yolk -- Egg yolks are high in vitamin A, a common
ingredient in acne-fighting products. Spread on face and neck and leave on skin
for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.


3. Raw egg white -- You'll get a lifting effect as the
protein in egg whites dries on your skin. Beat egg white until frothy and spread
on face. Wait until it dries and rinse off with warm water.


4. Grapes -- They contain powerful antioxidants, called
polyphenols, which help combat aging. Cut one grape in half and rub lightly all
over face.


5. Banana -- Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits
available because they contain magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, folic
acid, and vitamins A, B, and E, all of which benefit the skin. Mash one overripe
banana and spread onto face. Rinse off after 15 to 30 minutes with warm
water.


6. Plain yogurt -- Yogurt contains alpha-hydroxy acids,
including lactic acid, which are commonly used to help reduce the appearance of
fine wrinkles. It's also rich in B-complex vitamins, including B-5, or
panthothenic acid, which is commonly used to promote skin healing. Apply on face
after cleansing and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.


7. Apple cider vinegar -- It has a tonic action that
promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. It's
also antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or yeast
that trigger infection. Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water and
apply over face with a cotton ball as a toner after washing face every day and
every night.


8. Olive oil -- Olive oil is a source of squalene, a natural
moisturizer used in many cosmetics. Natural antioxidants found in olive oil
include A and E vitamins, as well as some polyphenols. Dab on lips at bedtime if
chapped or leave on face overnight. It can also be used to de-frizz hair.


9. Avocado -- The fruit is rich in vitamins, A, C, E, iron,
potassium, niacin, and pantothenic acid and its natural emollients. Mash
avocado, then leave on skin for 10 minutes. You can also use it to strengthen and condition your hair.


10. Baking soda -- This pantry staple has a gentle abrasive
action. Use as an exfoliant for face by adding to your regular cleanser. It also
helps neutralize skin's pH.


11. Milk -- Seriously? Yes, seriously. Like yogurt, it
contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is often used to revitalize
skin. Swab on face with cotton ball, leave on until your skin feels tight. Rinse
off with warm water. Your skin will feel super-soft afterwards.

Fruit Pizza

Ingredients

•  1 (18 ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
•  1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
•  1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
•                     
•  2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
•                     
•  1/2 cup white sugar
•  1 pinch salt
•  1 tablespoon cornstarch
•  1/2 cup orange juice
•  2 tablespoons lemon juice
•  1/4 cup water
•  1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slice cookie dough and arrange on greased pizza pan, overlapping edges. Press dough flat into pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.               

In a large bowl, soften cream cheese, then fold in the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust. You can chill for a while at this point, or continue by arranging the fruit.               

Begin with strawberries, sliced in half. Arrange in a circle around the outside edge. Continue with fruit of your choice, working towards the middle. If bananas are used, dip them in lemon juice so they don't darken. Then make a sauce to spoon over fruit.               

In a saucepan, combine sugar, salt, corn starch, orange juice, lemon juice and water. Cook and stir over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 or 2 minutes, until thickened.  Remove from heat, and add grated orange rind. Allow to cool, but not set up. Spoon over fruit. Chill for two hours, then cut into wedges and serve.

Quick Berry Milkshake

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups ice cubes
• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

            Directions

1.   Fill the blender 3/4 full of ice cubes. Pour in the milk, sugar, berries and vanilla. Blend until smooth.               

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch dried oregano
• 18 ounces dry penne pasta
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

            Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil and add chicken; cook until slightly brown. Add onion and garlic to cook for about 5 minutes or until garlic is golden and onions are translucent.               
2. Add tomatoes, broccoli, salt, pepper and oregano; stir well and bring to a boil. Cover and turn down heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.               

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender; drain and add back into pot. Pour chicken sauce into pot and mix well.               
2. Add basil and toss well; top with Parmesan cheese. Serve.

Butternut Squash Soup

Delicious and very easy to make. You can use 3 to 4 cups of chicken broth instead of the water and bouillon cubes. Also works well with half as much cream cheese if you don't want it too rich."
Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons chopped onion
• 4 tablespoons margarine
• 6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
• 3 cups water
• 4 cubes  chicken bouillon
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

            Directions

1.  In a large saucepan, saute onions in margarine until tender. Add squash, water, bouillon, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil; cook 20 minutes, or until squash is tender.               
2. Puree squash and cream cheese in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan, and heat through. Do not allow to boil.

Orange Honey Garlic Chicken

Really easy, tangy and tasty. A delicious orange/honey/soy/garlic marinade! Yummy!"
Ingredients

•  1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
•  3 tablespoons soy sauce
•  2 tablespoons honey
•  1/4 cup orange juice
•  2 cloves crushed garlic
•  1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
•  1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
•  1/2 teaspoon paprika

            Directions

1. To Make Marinade: Combine the soy sauce, honey, orange juice, garlic, oregano, pepper and paprika. Mix all together and pour over chicken pieces. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.               
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).               
3. Remove chicken from refrigerator. Place chicken and marinade in a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake, uncovered, in preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours. Baste once.

Clothing Haul

Here is a small clothing haul along with a few items from CVS. The five tank tops are from Wet Seal and were 5 for $20. The dress, top left came from Ross for $15.00. The sweats and sweatshirt art from wet seal and were about $12.00 total. The red top was at Ross for $8.00. From CVS prenatal vitamin, Aussie leave-in conditioner, and a few random make-ups. Come back later for more, I just keep on shopping. :)

My Video

Check out the sims3 video I quickly put together. It's best if you can listen to it as well.

http://www.thesims3.com/contentDetail.html?contentId=308994

Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

•   1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
•  4 eggs
•  1 cup vegetable oil
•  2/3 cup water
•  3 cups white sugar
•  3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•  2 teaspoons baking soda
•  1 1/2 teaspoons salt
•  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•  1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
•  1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

            Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.               
2.  In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.               
3.  Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.               

Sauteed Apples

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 large tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

            Directions

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add apples. Cook, stirring constantly, until apples are almost tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.               
2. Dissolve cornstarch in water; add to skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve warm

Granola

           Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

            Directions

1.  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oats then cook and stir until starting to brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.               
2.  Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and brown sugar; cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Return the oats to the pan. Cook and stir for another 5 minutes or so. Pour out onto the cookie sheet and spread to cool.               
3. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container and stir in the almonds and dried cranberries. Any additional nuts and fruit can be stirred in at this time also.               

Irish Breakfast

Ingredients

• 6 thick slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 eggs
• 2 small tomatoes, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups whole mushrooms
• 4 slices prepared soda bread

            Directions

1.  Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in a large skillet. Fry over medium heat until it begins to get tinged with brown. Fry on both sides. Remove from pan, but save grease.               
2.  Melt butter in skillet. Crack eggs into pan, being careful not to break yolks. Place tomato slices, mushrooms, and bread in pan. Fry gently, stirring mushrooms and tomatoes occasionally. Keep everything separate. Turn bread over to brown on both sides.               
3. When egg whites are set, but yolks are still runny, dish half of everything onto each of 2 warmed plates, and serve immediately.               

Panzanella Panini

Ingredients

• 1 French deli roll, split
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• 4 fresh basil leaves
•  olive oil

            Directions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat.               
2. Sprinkle cut sides of roll with balsamic vinegar.  Layer one slice of mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, basil leaves, and the remaining slice of mozzarella cheese on the roll. Close sandwich; rub outside with olive oil.               
3. Place sandwich in preheated skillet; top with another heavy skillet to press. Cook until bread is toasted and golden, about 3 minutes. Flip sandwich; top with skillet. Cook second side until toasted, about an additional 2 minutes.

Cheesy Tuna Melts

Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 English muffins, split and toasted
• 8 slices ripe tomato
• 8 slices Cheddar cheese

            Directions

1.  Preheat oven to broil.               
2.  In a bowl, mix together tuna, celery, mayonnaise and salt. Spread tuna mixture onto the toasted muffin halves and place them on a baking sheet. Top each half with a slice of tomato and a slice of cheese.               
3. Broil until cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.               

Black Bean And Corn Salad

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

            Directions

1.  Place lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Cover with lid, and shake until ingredients are well mixed.               
2.  In a salad bowl, combine beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Shake lime dressing, and pour it over the salad.  Stir salad to coat vegetables and beans with dressing, and serve.

Holiday Chicken Salad

Ingredients

•  4 cups cubed, cooked chicken meat
•  1 cup mayonnaise
•  1 teaspoon paprika
•  1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
•  1 cup chopped celery
•  2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup minced green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• ground black pepper to taste

            Directions

 In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise with paprika and seasoned salt.  Blend in dried cranberries, celery, bell pepper, onion, and nuts.  Add chopped chicken, and mix well.  Season with black pepper to taste.  Chill 1 hour.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit

Ingredients

•  1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
•  1/2 cup pecans
•  1/3 cup red wine vinegar
•  1/2 cup white sugar
•  1 cup vegetable oil
•  1/2 onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 heads Bibb lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

            Directions

 Preheat the grill for high heat.               

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and slice.               

Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pecans until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.              

In a blender, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.               

Arrange lettuce on serving plates. Top with grilled chicken slices, strawberries, and pecans. Drizzle with the dressing to serve.

GAS STRIKE MARCH 10TH

OKAY! WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!! Gas Strike March 10th! This worked once before...let's try it again. On March 10 if everyone does not buy gas for one day, it will hurt the oil companies. It's time we stood up to them. We CAN have a voice...REMEMBER "MARCH" 10th DO NOT BUY GAS! Please re-post this to as many people as you can...it is urgent that this spreads like wildfire!

Bombshell Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

            Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.               
2. Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.               
3. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.               
4. Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting.

Brownies

Ingredients

•  1/2 cup butter
•  1 cup white sugar
•  2 eggs
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
•  1/2 cup all-purpose flour
•  1/4 teaspoon salt
•  1/4 teaspoon baking powder
•                     
•  3 tablespoons butter, softened
•  3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
•  1 tablespoon honey
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1 cup confectioners' sugar

            Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.           

 In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.               

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.               

To Make Frosting:  Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar.  Frost brownies while they are still warm.               

Corned Beef

Ingredients

•  4 pounds corned beef brisket
•  1 cup brown sugar
•  1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Irish stout beer

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Rinse the beef completely and pat dry.             

Place the brisket on rack in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Rub the brown sugar on the corned beef to coat entire beef, including the bottom. Pour the bottle of stout beer around, and gently over the beef to wet the sugar.               

Cover, and place in preheated oven. Bake for 2 1/2 hours. Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Irish Shamrock Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1 1/3 cups baking mix
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheet.               

Cream together the butter or margarine and the pudding mix. Blend in the baking mix, egg and sugar and mix well.               

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 3/8 inch thickness and cut into cookies with a shamrock cookie cutter.               

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges. Let cookies cool on rack. Frost with green colored icing if desired.

Original Irish Cream

Ingredients

•  1 cup heavy cream
•  1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
•  1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey
•  1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
•  2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1 teaspoon almond extract

            Directions

In a blender, combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake well before serving.               

Detox Diets Pros and Cons

Here is a great artical I found that you might want to check out if you ar eplanning on trying a detox diet.


Turning to a detox diet at the beginning of a new season might seem like a tempting idea, especially  when eating habits weren't as good as they should have in the last couple of months. But are detox  diets really a sound idea health wise? Read about the pros and cons of detox diets  to be able to make a more informed decision on this matter.

Detox diets have become a quite popular concept nowadays. The desire to lead a healthier lifestyle and various celebrities who swear by these diets for their svelte physique and radiant skin have definitely contributed to their rise in popularity. While proponents of these diets might enlist several different advantages of following these dieting concepts, many skeptics seem to think that the hype around them is greater than any supposed benefits. Analyzing the various aspects that detox diets imply might help shed more light on the subject and help you make a decision easier.

Detox diets are said to have various benefits such as: eliminating harmful toxins from our bodies, promoting a clearer skin, boosting energy levels, helping weight loss or increasing energy levels. Detox diets can range from relatively mild to radical depending on the guidelines. While most detox diets endorse higher fruits, legumes and vegetables intake, the consumption of water, fruit juices and various herbal teas while eliminating processed foods, caffeine, sugar, fats and sometimes wheat and dairy, others encourage fasting or consuming massive amounts of water and a type of food that supposedly has great cleansing powers. Many times there are also various types of supplements that are recommended for a stronger effect.

While extremely restrictive detox diets such as the lemon cleansing diets obviously raise many health concerns and should be avoided, are more balanced detox diet providing any real benefits? Well, for starters consuming natural, unprocessed food as opposed to junk food is always a good idea as it will increase the daily dose of nutrients you get. Likewise, cutting high calorie food with a high fat content can also help accelerate weight loss.

Also, the motivation factor behind these diets should not be overlook as it can have a relatively strong effect. If a detox diet is seen as the starting point of a healthier lifestyle and is intelligently built, the psychological benefits may also count. Encouraging a high intake of fruits and vegetables seems to be the main benefit of most detox diets.

However, if we take a closer look at the general views of the medical community on the subject, we might discover a completely different side. It seems that there is no solid evidence that supports the idea that the body might need help detoxifying itself. Since the body detoxifies itself through lungs, kidneys, liver and skin constantly, no solid evidence was found that a short time diet might help boost the body's natural functions. Detox diets are not seen as healthy due to the fact that they often cut out some food groups in detriment of others.

As most crash diets have demonstrated already, cutting entire food groups (by eliminating dairy or fats) has no long term benefits and might cause deficiencies of various nutrients. For example, cutting out fats completely might hinder the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.

In addition, since most detox diets are low in calories, side effects such as headaches, or low energy levels might occur, not to mention the fact that any weight loss may be regained once the calorie restriction is abandoned, especially if we return to our old habits. Due to the fact that there is little evidence that detox diets might be necessary, many people point out to the placebo effect for any improvements that might be experienced.

http://www.fitness-diet.becomegorgeous.com/healthy_diets/detox_diets_pros_and_cons-3932.html