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cathubbard@hotmail.com
Sorghum, Lentil and Brie Salad with Orange Maple Vinaigrette – so yes, I know this is a mouthful, however I feel like each flavor is integral which is why I included all of these ingredients in the title. I felt it was important to give you an idea of all the deliciousness that is packed into this mouth watering salad. I must re-iterate…this salad is mouth watering.
Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies. Stay with me here…I was not a believer – at all. When it comes to chocolate chip cookies I am a purist. Butter, sugar (the good stuff – think C&H), brown sugar and all-purpose white flour is the direction my cookies go. So, the unhealthy kind is where my head is at. While I still adore chocolate chip cookies, especially my tried and true all-time favorite recipe that you must try (click here), these Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies are an awesome and healthier alternative.
This Chicken and White Bean Chili from Neiman Marcus is freaking awesome! For some reason I have neglected the Neiman Marcus cookbook for the past six months and I am so glad I dusted it off. The chili recipe I am highlighting here is healthy, delicious and satisfying. Not only is this one-pot wonder delicious, it is easy to make and comes together quickly.
I know that January is the month to detox and get your body back on track after the holidays, however this hasn’t been the case for me. There is actually a great reason – I haven’t felt like it. The shock to my system (both body and especially mind – HA!) would just be too much and I wasn’t ready. But now I have regulated my taste buds and I am ready to get back on track with some delicious and satisfying food. Yesterday I made this Creamy Vegetable Lentil Soup that is so good you would never guess there is no cream, is low in fat and super simple to make.
Banana Muffins, Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins – nothing new, nothing fancy, but oh so delicious. I have tried numerous recipes looking for the perfect muffin and this is it and I have to add that my boys love them. Like, really, really love them. Whenever I ask them what they want for breakfast these Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins are in their top three items they will ask for. And….I have to admit they are one of my favorite breakfasts as well.
I was given this recipe by a teen that used to watch my boys. He was telling me about these amazing muffins that his mom always made and actually had the image of the recipe on his phone. He said that so many people asked for the recipe after tasting the muffins that this is how his mom would give out the recipe.
These are a basic banana muffin – but a really, really good muffin. There is no fancy ingredient or big secret, just the perfect combination and proportions for a scrumptious treat. They are moist and fluffy, but not dense or dry. I attribute the perfect, moist texture to using oil instead of butter. While butter gives great flavor and I would never use anything else for cookies, these muffins benefit in a major way from using oil. I also find that the rich, delicious flavor of the bananas is elevated by using oil.
These are great any time and keep well, but are especially fantastic right out of the oven. There is nothing like watching the steam escape the inside of the fluffy muffin as chocolate chips slowly melt onto the delicate crevices. When I feel like being a real rebel I love to slather mine with butter. Nothing like some additional fat added to the all-purpose white flour baked goodness to really put you into a full on food buzz.
