mise en place

Pecan Pie ballsRecipe INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 c. Raw pecans 1 c. Pitted dates Pinch salt 3 T. Flax meal 1 t. Vanilla 1 T. Pure maple syrup DIRECTIONS: Combine ingredients in a food processor. Roll into balls. Enjoy!

Almond Butter Protein Balls Recipe INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup Almond Butter 1/4 cup raw honey 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup water 2 cups gluten free oats 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (optional) 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional) DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients together in a food processor and then shape them into 1-inch balls.  Snack serving size is 2 balls. Place left overs in the freezer. These protein balls make awesome snacks to take on outings.

Ultimate Green Smoothie Recipe INGREDIENTS 2 c. frozen pineapple 2 handfuls spinach or kale 2 handfuls raw cashews juice of 2 limes 1 cup light coconut milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder DIRECTIONS Blend and Enjoy!

Mexican Chicken Soup INGREDIENTS 5 cups chicken broth                                 1 T. Avocado Oil 1 medium red onion, diced 1 red pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 c. fresh chopped cilantro 1/4 t. black pepper 1/4 t. salt 1 t. cumin 1 bay leaf 1/2 c. frozen sweet corn 2 cups cooked chicken 1/2 c. short grained brown rice 1 serrano pepper, minced Juice from 2 limes Zest from 1 lime DIRECTIONS Combine onion, red pepper, and garlic and seasonings (except cilantro) with avocado oil in a pot over the stove. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Add broth, chicken, rice, sweet corn, serrano pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer about 30 minutes, stirring regularly. Reduce heat and add cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Discard bay leaf before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with tortilla strips. 

Broccoli Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe INGREDIENTS 1 T. extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup carrots, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1 sweet onion, chopped salt and pepper 4 cups raw broccoli 2-3 garlic cloves 8 cups chicken broth 1-2 T. fresh parsley, chopped 1/2 t. dried thyme 2 large chicken breasts, cooked or 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped 2 cups cooked quinoa 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese DIRECTIONS Heat oil in large soup pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion and season with salt and pepper. Saute the mixture until tender, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli and garlic, season with more salt and pepper, then saute for 2-3 more minutes. Add the chicken broth, parsley, dried thyme, and bring to a boil. Add cooked quinoa to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes on high; lower heat to medium, then cook for 10 minutes. Add chopped chicken to the soup; serve with Parmesan cheese.

Magic brownies have been a favorite Weight Watchers recipe for many health conscious brownie lovers. The "magic" ingredient is pureed black beans to add fiber and protein. There are so many variations of this recipe. I opted to go for a quick and easy version that can be made with only a few ingredients on hand. Magic Black Bean Brownies Recipe 1 (15 oz.) can of black beans, drained and rinsed 1 t. cinnamon 1 box brownie mix (my favorite is Betty Crocker Ultimate Fudge) 1 banana or 1/4 c. applesauce (optional to add moistness) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, puree black beans with cinnamon, and banana or applesauce until smooth. Transfer to mixing bowl, and combine with brownie mix. Stir by hand until shiny and mostly lump-free. Pour batter into a greased 8x8 baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes. Brownies will be rich, moist, and fudgy. Cool before cutting. bon appétit

This recipe is fast, easy, & delicious! It does not taste healthy but tastes sinfully delectable! It is not low fat but uses only healthy fats and natural ingredients. This recipes is suitable for a raw foods, vegan, sugar-free, or gluten-free diet. Enjoy! Super Healthy Fudge Bites 1 cup Almond butter 1/2 cup Cacao Powder (or cocoa) 1/2 cup Agave nectar 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped (optional) 1 dash of Cinnamon 1 teaspoon pure Vanilla Combine all ingredients except for walnuts. Mix well. Add chopped walnuts. Refrigerate for one hour, cut into squares. **You may use a silicone mold for the heart shape. bon appétit

I have never been a huge fan of pumpkin pie until I met my husband. I have always felt that there are so many other decadent pies out there, why would I bother eating basic pumpkin pie? Each year around Thanksgiving he requests that I make this pie using the recipe on the can of Libby's brand pumpkin. I found out that this recipe has been on Libby's brand cans of pumpkin since 1950. I can honestly say old fashioned pumpkin pie has grown on me. Famous Pumpkin Pie INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can (15 oz.) pure pumpkin 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell Whipped cream (optional) DIRECTIONS MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. POUR into pie shell. BAKE in preheate...