Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake was one of my favorite dinners growing up (along with pancakes, cherry puddin', and apple dumplings).  I knew it was gonna be a good night when my mom said we were going to have strawberry shortcake for dinner.  We normally had a small-ish dinner....salad with grilled chicken or something then could indulge in the strawberry shortcake.  So this is definitely a tradition I plan on carrying on with my own family.  I think this is about the 3rd time I've made it for John so I'm on my way.  I don't think he quite understands the appeal but when we have kids I'm sure that will change.

So typically I would serve this shortcake in a bowl covered in strawberries with milk on it.  However we didn't have any milk, we didn't feel like running out and getting any, AND we had an almost expired carton of heavy cream in the fridge.....so I decided to make the indulgence a little more so by making homemade whipped cream.

Strawberry Shortcake

Shortcake:

1 1/3 c whole wheat flour
2 tbsp ground flax seed (This can be omitted)
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 c honey (or whatever looks right as you're squirting it out of the bottle)
1/4 c oil (canola, coconut)
1 big spoonful of plain or vanilla yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c milk (I used coconut milk because it's all I had)

Mix all ingredients together, pour into a greased 8x8 pan.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Whipped cream

1 c heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp confectioners sugar

mix ingredients together.  Whip until peaks form and you have the right consistency.  I used an electric hand mixer, but you can do it by hand (if you have the patience) or with a stand mixer.

Wash and cut up strawberries and assemble shortcake.  Great for one of the last nights in August...

Strawberry Lemonade

I love lemonade.  Not the kind from a mix but the fresh shaken kind.

Strawberry Lemonade

1 lemon
5 frozen strawberries
2 or 3 tsps sugar
ice cubes
water

Cut lemon in half.  squeeze one half of lemon into glass, put in frozen strawberries and microwave for 25 seconds.  Mash strawberries into lemon juice.  Squeeze the other half of the lemon in.  Add sugar, ice and water.  Put larger cup over the glass and shake it until sugar is dissolved.

Try making this lemonade without any fruit, or with blueberries, or raspberries.  Add flavored vodka or rum..the possibilities are endless.  So refreshing!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and....Broccoli?

So here's a fact no one cares about, when I eat dinner alone I almost always eat roasted sweet potatoes with a whole lot of steamed broccoli.  However, tonight I was thinking what if I roasted the sweet potatoes and broccoli together??? Because I've recently come to the realization that all vegetables taste better when they are crispy.  And I have to say, I was not disappointed.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

Sweet potatoes
Broccoli
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Cajun seasoning

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Wash sweet potatoes,  Roughly peel or peel completely whichever you prefer (I keep some skin on for the extra fiber...), chop into rounds, and place on one side of baking sheet.  Chop Broccoli or use frozen and put on the other side of baking sheet.  Toss both with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning.

Roast for 18-22 minutes stirring or flipping mid way through.

I might try roasting or grilling lima beans next....

Grilled veggies with quinoa

So...There is no picture for this one.  Sometimes I totally make something up with leftovers and things I already have in the cabinet.  Not thinking it will really be all that good.  But even though there is no picture for this one I thought I would still document the recipe...because I loved it.

Also, I have been using my George Foreman all the time.  I wish I had a real grill (someday) but the George does work pretty nicely.  Plus, John cleans it for me since I always burn myself when I try.  Bonus!

I don't have the exact measurements for this recipe as I mostly just used leftover fresh veggies, so it can be altered depending on the number of people...or what veggies you have.

Grilled Veggies with Quinoa

red bell pepper
green bell pepper
zuchinni
sliced onions
grape tomatoes
green beans (fresh or frozen)
olive Oil
salt
pepper
A handful of fresh chopped:
Thyme
Sage
Rosemary
garlic cloves
Quinoa (I used 1/2 cup prepared as the box suggested)
Parmesan cheese

Prepare quinoa as box suggests.  Add half of the chopped thyme, sage, and rosemary to quinoa before cooking.

Chop veggies as desired, toss in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the remaining herbs.  Grill (on George or your nice real grill) until cooked through and slightly charred.  Toss with cooked quinoa, add salt and pepper as needed.  Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Who knew grilled veggies could be so good?

Black Bean Brownies

Edit:  I made these again substituting 1 c butternut squash cubes for one of the bananas and adding a tad more cocoa, instant coffee powder, and sugar.  They didn't taste so much like bananas after that.  Get creative!  I intend on substituting pure pumpkin puree for the bananas once fall gets just a little bit closer.  And I'm thinking of trying sweet potatoes and carrots after that.
 
Don't let the name scare you!  These things are so delicious!  Not to mention chock full of fiber and dare I say, healthy for you?  Minus the sugar of course?  Which for 12 brownies is pretty minimal. and they're so easy to make too! mmm...so moist and fudgey. I am going to be making these all the time.

Black Bean Brownies

1 can black beans, rinsed
2 bananas
1 egg
1/4 c water
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp instant coffee powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 c oat bran (or regular oats)

Combine all ingredients in a food processor except oat bran.  Process until smooth.  Add oat bran process a little bit more.  If using regular oats you may want to process it a little bit longer.  Pour into greased muffin pan.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!  And relish in the fact that something so delicious could actually be at least a little bit good for you!