"Cats Healthi-r "TOASTED ALMOND BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP"

Hey everyone....hope your Monday is off to a great start....mine has been quiet....which in my house is a bit scary :-) So I decided to post my healthi-r version of my broccoli cheese soup. This was my "stress project" this weekend. I love seeing pics of everyone's cooking and baking creations on the internet. I know some are having to go back to work....back to our "normal" routines....if can....and I do say that w/compassion. Shopping is so weird now that it makes me just want to stay at home and cook or bake! For some "odd reason" I have a hard time following arrows! :-)
 Although, this "downtime" does gives me the chance to re-vamp my recipes to be "test worthy" when my family does get together. My grandson Davin is my "official tester." Trust me...if you want the honest truth....have a child test your recipe. :-) Anyway.... my toasted almond broccoli cheese soup is healthi-r and so easy to make. I've incorporated my favorite sliced almonds by "Nature's Eat's." These almonds are wonderful as a snack but especially d'lish incorporated into a meal for that extra healthy kick! Recipe can be easily doubled....freezes well & can be served as a side dish just by slightly tweaking the recipe. This is also a fast go to recipe for a stress-free work night & left-overs for lunch next day. Win...win :-)
 I hope you enjoy the recipe....stay strong & positive!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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"TOASTED ALMOND BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP"

w/ NATURE'S EAT'S SLICED ALMONDS

Here's all you need....

3/4 c sliced almonds by Nature's Eat's
1 bag frozen broccoli florets (thawed and pat dry)
1 can of Campbell's Cream of Celery Soup (only use half) but I received a funny email once by a friend that said "can't find  half a can"….let's just say I'm slowing learning ;-)
1 1/2 cups Vegetable broth...or your preferred broth
1/2 cup low-fat milk or your preferred milk (lactose free use water as needed)
4 oz. of Velveeta Queso Blanco....you can substitute another cheese if desired but have to say...."love  this cheese with this recipe" :-)
Smoked Paprika
Sat/Pepper to taste
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Here's all you do...

Pre-heat oven to 400*
Line a baking sheet with Parchment Paper.
Spread broccoli and almonds evenly on pan and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Toast for about 10-12 minutes (ovens vary)
Note: if you prefer almonds not toasted....omit....and save almonds for garnish
Remove from oven and let slightly cool

In a large non-stick pot....cream together half can of cream of celery soup...vegetable broth & milk on medium heat. Add in cubed Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese. Using a heat proof whisk....whisk together until all incorporated.
Fold in your toasted broccoli and simmer on low for amount 10-15 minutes.
Serve in bowls & garnish with your toasted sliced almonds. Enjoy!

Tips....
*Spicer version....add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to soup while simmering.
*Serve as a side dish....just add less broth or more cheese :-) and serve over Cauliflower Rice!
*Leftovers....soup will thicken so just add a bit more broth...milk or water to your taste.

FRIDAY'S TIP: "BAKING COOKIES W/ GLUTEN FREE FLOUR"

Hey everyone....hope all is going well in this "new norm" were all facing. I personally will never say I have a crazy chaotic life again! I don't know about you but I will totally embrace my crazy life again! I am extremely proud of our grandson's adapting to their "home schooling" and all the kiddos. I pray everyday for everyone to get through this safely. I for one will admit that "under stress" I love to bake and come up with new recipes. I have been tweaking my recipes to make them healthi-r and although it tastes good, sometimes it doesn't look that "eye appealing." So I wanted to share this recent tip with you, especially if you've been baking gluten free cookies. Baking is an exact when it comes to measuring ingredients and probably why I love cooking...you can add as you go....taste & experiment :-) Below is a few tips that I hope helps that I've recently tried and worked for me. I'll be posting some healthi-r recipes soon so keep following. In the meantime....stay safe....positive....try new recipes with your family and even a card game or two :-) Hugs!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Cookie tips:

Test a cookie before baking the whole batch.
If you need a thinner cookie....gently flatten with palm of your hands before baking.
If cookie is too flat....chill dough for about 10-20 minutes before baking ( I do this automatically now) :-)
*Eggs at room temperature..... I now "try" to remember to set my eggs out on counter before baking. I will be the first to admit this has been a bit of a challenge....I normally bake cookies on the "moment"....like I said,,,,I admit....I stress bake :-)
Baking with "gluten free" items can be a bit trickier so I help some of these tips help make your baking a bit easier. Enjoy!

"CLEANING Old School w/ Baking Soda!"

Good morning....hope all is well. I know we all are going through a difficult time so I wanted to take a few moments and share a cleaning tip. I've been shopping and due to the short supply of cleaning products it made me realize of how lucky I am to be my age. No humor intended...but with my generation we cleaned a bit different. We used "elbow grease" which is another story of how my sweet grandmother Lottie had me looking for hours to find it! But we used "baking soda" for cleaning and washing and sanitizing. I was shocked at the grocery store recently when I saw cleaning products unavailable but a huge assortment of "baking soda." I've been speaking with people lately that either didn't know about how useful the product is or with all the stress going on just completely forgot. The amount you do mix depends on what you are trying to clean and always keep the product out of a children.
You can google.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning for benefits and use of baking soda. But below are some tips that I've used it for.
Remember safety first and 2gether with Gods grace we can get through anything!

Blessings from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Tips:....
*clean store bought produce....mixed with water gently removes the waxy coating on produce.
*clean countertops & stainless steel sinks
*I personally use to clean my cutting boards after each use!
*HELPS to remove spaghetti stains on plastic containers....honestly, I've learned to store leftover spaghetti sauce is glass containers. My OCD "Only Cat Does" kicks in! :-)
*Store a new open box in your refrigerator to absorb smells. I change out monthly...probably could keep for a few months then discard but my OCD takes over :-)
*Helps to disinfect toothbrushes and use as a mouthwash while mixed with water. Don't swallow if used as a mouthwash....just swish and spit :-) I wouldn't recommend this for a child.
*Helps to disinfect toys when mixed with water! Yes, if my daughter only knew how much I did this when she was young...again my OCD!
* Helps to remove "crayon marks" on walls.....don't ask how I know but will say it does depend on what type of paint you have on your walls so test a small area first. Hopefully you only have a "small area to clean'" ;-) :-) :-)
Kids are under stress to right now....their schedule has changed....they aren't seeing their friends to laugh with so it's up to us parents....grand parents to help them get through this time as well. I recently told my grandson Davin that he is making history. He thought that was pretty cool especially when he asked me if I ever had school via computer. Of course my answer was no we didn't even have computers! Again, sometimes humor is the best medicine amongst chsos.
Be strong and keep the faith!

"CATS FUN-FRIDAY TIP"....WEIGHT-LOSS INSPIRATION!

Hey everyone....hope your weekend is off to a great start. As I've previously posted, I'm on a "weight-loss-journey." I'm very blessed to have my sweet daughter Nichole as my "life coach." A few months back she recommended for me to "write down what I eat throughout the day," so I can see the things that need improvement. Be "count-a-ble."  I just love her! Well....I did try for a few days and then it became a huge slap in the face of when you think you are cooking and or baking healthy but you're really not. So.....I took her advice but on "Mom's pace"....#babysteps! ;-)
What I started to do and have to say pretty much have stayed on track, is that every month I "give up" something that I love to eat or in some case, drink. Yes, it seems that it will take longer but for me it's working & not so frustrating. Loosing weight can be a task but if you make it work for you & realize that your health is important. Stop and think of all your loved ones that depend on you. If our health is bad we are no good to help others. Plus, it's amazing how you'll feel. I know, this has helped my self-esteem....self-confidence & I've only lost 13 pds. Can't wait to see how I fell in the near future.
My adopted sweet daughter Heather recently stated for me to watch out for the carbs as well. A lot of "sugar free" items have more carbs which can be worse depending on your system & exercise routine. I love these girls....both smart and beautiful & health conscious. I'm truly blessed!
Below is a few tips of what I've "deleted" in my journey so far. If you know me "coffee" is a big part of my life, so read on for my "caffeine tip." :-) Hope this helps & please feel free to email me any of your tips you'd like to share!

Blessings from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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January....meat
February….diet sodas (mostly just water w/lemon)
March...my afternoon coffee!!!! This was and still is a huge deal for me but let me share this tip. In the morning I slice a lemon into wedges and place in a container in fridge. Not only is it convenient throughout the day but it's a steady reminder when I open the fridge of what only to drink. I squeeze a lemon into my bottled water and I'm good to go! In the afternoon, I'm now doing the same instead of my coffee. The lemon is a natural detox for your body so it's a win...win in my book :-)

My morning routine!

"CATS FUN-FRIDAY TIP"

Hey everyone....you/we made it....it's finally Friday. Well.....if you're like me you already have your weekend planed out or I should say...."my new recipes planned out" :-) I do want to take a moment and share this tip with you....recently, while washing the lids to my pans, I had noticed a "water build up" around the inside of the lid. I won't waste your time of telling you how this kicked in my "OCD" or how I then took down all my pots and pans and removed all the lids to see how they looked. I also won't share with you how "long" it took me to come up with this "cleaning tip." :-)
Here's the thing....I wash all my pots and pans/lids by hand....I do not submerge into water but this will still happen while you are washing a lid. It's going to happen and it may seem trivial but this was driving me nuts! :-)
Needless to say...they are "all" cleaned back up looking pretty and ready for my next baking/cooking adventure! You can see in pic below that I do have an "older semi-retirement home" and I do make a "focal point" using the shelf above my stove. I've been blessed to design many "gourmet kitchens" and sometimes it's a bit frustrating not having what I design for others but we do projects one "design at a time." Meanwhile,  it's about using what I have and definitely making things work for my family.
I always say...."Trends come and go but Family is Forever" so make sure your home functions to your family's lifestyle.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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quilt blog: www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you do....hold lid with one hand and take a dry paper towel and pinch it into the rim (between glass and lid) and run it around to let the paper towel absorb the moisture.
Seriously....that's it.....I almost didn't post this but was recently talking to a group of ladies that stated they had the same issues. :-)

All cleaned....back up on "display" looking pretty as ever! My OCD was a bit better however I am now "pre-spring cleaning closets" :-) :-) :-) or :-( :-( :-(

CAT'S ALMOND/HAZELNUT DROPS!

Hey everyone....well if you're like me the week is going too fast! Sometimes I can't believe it's already Wednesday due to just feeling like I just left church last Sunday. Time does fly too fast sometimes. Due to my "weight loss journey," I've twisted some of my old recipes that I'd like to call "healthi-r"...and who doesn't need an afternoon pick-me-up. These are great to make with kiddos...freezer friendly & just a great healthi-r snack to grab on the run. I keep mine in the fridge in a sealed container so they last longer. Ha! They can be addicting so be careful :-) They are called "drops" due to not being able to call them the traditional no-bake cookies.  I truly believe what makes these taste so sweet is that I "roast the almond flour" by Nature's Eats. That's right....roasting the almond flour enhances the nutty flavor in the flour. It only takes a few minutes and most of the time it's what your oven temp is usually needed for baking. Ovens vary....but I roast mine @ 350* for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the amount of flour I am roasting. You just line a cooking sheet with parchment paper....add your "almond flour by Nature's Eats & roast for 3-5 minutes stirring half way....definitely set your timer....does roast quickly. The smell is amazing and well worth the extra time!
Anyway, hope your week is going well. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers on my "weight loss journey."

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

CAT'S ALMOND/HAZELNUT DROPS!

Here's all you need...

1/2 c. "Roasted" almond flour by Nature's Eats
1 c. sliced almonds by Nature's Eats
2 1/2 c. Quaker gluten Free Quick 1-minute oats
3/4 c. Nutella hazelnut spread
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk
1/4 c. organic coconut palm sugar (optional....if you need less sugar....omit 'cause you get enough
"sweetness" from your hazelnut spread & peanut butter.
1 TB. unsalted butter

Here's all you do...

Roast 1/2 c. almond flour per directions above.
In a large bowl, combine almonds & oats.
Fold in roasted almond flour & stir until combined.

In a non-stick pan ( I keep one just for baking) melt on medium heat the butter, milk & sugar. Stir until combined. This is a quick process.
Remove from heat & fold in hazel nut spread until well combined.
Mix into the dry ingredients.
Fold in creamy peanut butter

Drop by rounded spoonful onto a lined cookie sheet and "flash freeze" for about 10 minutes.
Remove....Serve on a cake plate or store in fridge for a "healhti-r snack"

Tip....I use "small parchment cups" to serve and store. Less mess :-)

"ROASTING ALMOND FLOUR by NATURE'S EATS"

Hey everyone....I have to share the ultimate new baking trend. It's "roasting" your almond flour by Nature's Eats. This almond flour is healthy and when you "roast" it before using in your recipe it enhances the natural almond flavor. The smell is absolutely amazing during this process. You will be seeing a lot of my "healthi-r" recipes using Roasted  Almond Flour by Nature's Eats. The process is so easy and you most likely are using the oven temp already for your baking needs. I actually will remove half of my almond flour that is called in the recipe and roast it....depending on the recipe I might roast it all. Roasting does change the texture of the almond flour a bit but in most of my recipes it's a win...win :-) Pic below is roasting almond flour and sliced almonds by Nature's Eats. The recipe for this step is coming soon but the technique is the same. Also a "clever tip" when using the parchment paper!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy roasting your almond flour and when we meet up in person you can "thank me" for the amazing smell in your kitchen :-) It's addicting!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Roasting Almond Flour by Nature's Eat's"

Here's all you do...
Pre-heat oven to 350*
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place your almond flour on baking sheet and roast for 3-5 minutes (oven vary so watch carefully)
Carefully stir half-way through.
Let cool.

TIP: using the same parchment paper...fold paper in half using it to add the almond flour into your ingredients. No mess!

CAT'S WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY W/ NATURE'S EATS!

Hey everyone....hope you're week is going well. I'm excited to share that I'm collaborating with Nature's Eats products on my weight loss journey. I absolutely love their products for cooking and baking. They have so many healthy products to choose from to make your "weight loss" easier. I've been on this journey since last October. I've lost 10 pds. but still have 40 more to go. I know this can be achieved with using healthy products & having the best "life coach"....my daughter, Nichole. She's always kept me positive & focused! I've realized that "loosing weight" does not mean you "sacrifice taste"...it's all about using the "right ingredients." #nature'seats! :-) You'll be seeing lots of new healthi-r recipes all using Nature's Eats products. I'm excited about this new journey ahead...so keep me in your prayers....and send positive thoughts! :-)
#Cat'sCookingHealthi-R w/ Nature's Eats

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Quilt Blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com
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Products I love!

www.natureseats.com

"BE STILL MY HEART-GRANOLA"

Hey everyone....hope all is well and you had a wonderful "chocolate day." I was a bit down in my back but my "sweet neighbor" came by with "lemon curd filled cupcakes." Yes...that's what I said. Everyone should have a neighbor like her....they were very pretty and d'lish! If you know me, I'll be getting that recipe for us all to enjoy! Well this recipe is for my "sweet grandson Davin." Words can't express how proud I am of this young man. He has such an old sole and excels at everything he does. Definitely a product of his successful Mom & Dad!  He is currently playing Basketball so I wanted to come up with a fast and easy granola recipe that my daughter can make during her busy schedule as well. This is definitely a "heart friendly" granola for any child doing sports or after school snacking. I'm going to try and mail some to them this week to do a test of how long it stays fresh when mailing. This recipe is also healthy for us "older kiddos" that might be watching our sugar levels. I've used several of my favorite healthy ingredients but you can change it up to accommodate your family's taste buds. Perfect on yogurt...ice cream....whatever your "heart" desires. I called it "Be still my heart-granola" due to while I was baking it this morning, he text me a video of him scoring a huge play during his basketball game this morning. Oh my goodness, I can't always be at his games so it's so dear to my heart when he sends me a video...#bestmorning! :-)
Enjoy the smell while baking!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog;  www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you need:

3 cups Quaker Oats Gluten Free quick 1-minute oats
1/2 c sliced almonds ( I love Nature's Eats almonds & walnuts)
1/2 c roughly chopped walnuts
1/2 c roughly chopped pistachios
1/4 c honey
1/2 c creamy peanut butter (I used Smuckers Natural Creamy peanut butter)
1 tsp. salt
1 Tb. unsalted butter

Here's all you do:

Pre-heat oven to 275*
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
In large bowl combine oats, almonds, walnuts & pistachios (or nuts or your choosing)
In a "microwave safe dish" combine honey, peanut butter salt & butter for about 15 seconds.
Stir until creamy.
Add to oats and blend well.
It will be a bit lumpy and you can combine with clean hands if desired (this would be the part your kiddos would enjoy :-)
Pour onto baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven...stir...and bake an additional 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and let completely cool before storing in an airtight container.
I store mine in a mason jar and keep in refrigerator.

Options...when completely cooled add some sugar free dark chocolate chips or candy of your choosing if you'd like to turn recipe into a "trail mix" and/or divide granola & do both!
This recipe also makes a great gift!

Products I use & love!

Creamed peanut butter, honey, butter & salt

Chopped almonds, walnuts & pistachios

Mixed ingredients 

Enjoy the smell while baking!

"VALENTINE PANCAKES 4 KIDDOS"

Hey everyone....this is a fast and furious post for a fun and semi-sweet Valentine breakfast for kids of all ages. Valentine's day is tomorrow which is also a school day so this simple fun breakfast can be made the night before and refrigerate until morning then warm in microwave. The syrup I used is sugar free and you can sweetened it with sugar free candy as you melt in the microwave with syrup. Your kiddos will have a fun sweet breakfast without the sugar before going to school. I will be definitely making these for my grandson soon but it won't be until summer. So, in this case....try this fun recipe any day with your kiddos as a sweet surprise. Show your love everyday so on Valentine's day you can go straight for the chocolate! Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...
Favorite pancake mix
Syrup
Hershey's cacao unsweetened powder
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nutella (optional)

Here's all you do...
Mix Pancake mix as directed but add a Tablespoon of Hershey's cacao….this will give the pancakes a "chocolate look" without the sweetness.
Heat a non-stick griddle on medium heat with your oil choice or butter :-)
Cook pancakes as you normally do but as you finish each one lay them on a cutting board lined with parchment paper to cool. The cutting board gives a sturdy surface to cut out hearts.
 Once slightly cooled use a heart cookie cutter to cut each pancake. Use different heart shapes if you wish.
I also dusted cocoa powder on plate and place a fork before dusting to give it a fun look. Do so if you wish....you'll score points with the kiddos :-)
Melt syrup in a microwave dish with a few semi-sweet chocolate chips to desired temp and drizzle over pancakes....yum! (use a squirt bottle if desired or just drizzle with a whisk)
If you desire, I made some Chocolate Hearts with Nutella....freeze them until you get ready to serve. They loose their shape fast! Still working on that hack for us!
Hope you  enjoy and have a wonderful Valentine's day!

Dust cacao powder up high then remove fork B4 adding pancakes :-)

Ingredients I love!

Be still my heart :-)

"CHOCOLATE COVERED VEGGIES....yes please!"

Hey everyone....hope all is well. We all know Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us and personally I feel everyday is Valentine's Day. I know...sounds corny….but this day puts too much pressure on people. If you just take the time throughout the year showing someone you care then on this day you can splurge on "chocolate" :-) I'm not much on flowers but chocolate and a sweet hand made card from my grandson is all I need. I'm still having to cut back on my sugar so Valentine's Day is a bit hard for me. I recently googled low carb chocolate recipes and I had to laugh....I came across chocolate covered veggies. Why didn't I think of that when my daughter was young. What a clever way to "tie in" some veggies on Valentine's Day. What a fun project to do with the kiddos as well. I had to try with a few of my veggies that I love....carrots, radishes and then for a salty kick....sliced almonds. Oh my goodness....yes...I realized that anything you can "dip in chocolate" is absolutely d'lish! Yes you can do the norm....chocolate covered strawberries...apples...bananas...kiwi...cherries...apricots and then for a salty kick, you have chocolate covered potato chips...pretzels...pickles...bacon and even jalapenos. Oh my gosh even cheese....can you say..."yes please" to all of the above. Not to put a dampen on your chocolate haven right now but the recipe below is actually made with sugar free Hershey candy. If you don't need to watch your sugar use what your "heart desires"...after all it's Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...
Favorite veggies or fruits
Hershey's sugar free candy (or your choice)
Coconut oil

Here's all you do...
Wash and rinse your veggies or fruits (pat dry with paper towel)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (hint...make sure your baking sheet fits in freezer...if not use a plate or a non stick paper plate)
Melt chocolate with a 1/4 tsp of coconut oil in a microwave safe dish on low in 10 sec interval's, stirring as you go until chocolate is melted.
Dip your veggies in chocolate and place on parchment lined baking sheet...
Place in refrigerator to harden (about 15 minutes)
Remove and place in airtight container and keep in refrigerator until you bag them up for your favorite Valentine or place on a sweet glass cake plate like I did.
Tip: I bought carrot chips, already sliced and good to go! The radishes were cut in half, then I cut each half again trying to get a piece of the "stem" to have something to hold on to :-)
Almonds were bought pre-sliced as well. Also I used one hand for picking fruit and one hand for dipping in chocolate. I used same bowl when needing to make more melted chocolate. Such a easy and fun project to do with kiddos and a great gift to give to a friend or loved one.
For the kiddos, I bought some X & O pretzels then drizzled melted chocolate and place in decorative bag if desired.
I guess in my "mind" it's a somewhat healthy Valentine's gift! :-)

Products I Love

Veggies I Love

Yum!

Healthy Edible Decor'

Sweet gift for kiddos

"ROOSTER = WELCOME....NO MATTER WHAT STYLE"

Hey everyone...hope your week is off to a great start. Recently, I was at a friends house and as soon as I walked in, I immediately felt welcomed. That's correct....I was welcomed by "Rooster décor"....I felt right at "home" and maybe it's because I also love and have rooster décor. Her home really touched my heart....it made me realize that a "Rooster" is like a "Pineapple"....they both symbolize welcome. Yes, maybe it's a "south thing" but then I did some design research. No matter your design style you can incorporate a "rooster"....Country French....Rustic....Modern/Country...Farmhouse or whatever your décor. You can incorporate a "rooster" just about in any room. It just amazes me of how something so simple can have different meaning in someone elses "design eye." I always say...."no mater the design trend....make your home suit your family's needs." Designs come and go but your family is forever!

Below are some designs incorporating a "Rooster" :-)

Have a great week & check back soon!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

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Quilting blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Country French"

"Modern/Country"

"Rustic"

"Farmhouse"

 

HOMEMADE TREATS FOR YOUR "BEST-FRIEND"

Hey everyone....hope your weekend is going well. A bit chilly in Texas these days. I've been eating healthy-r and it made me realize that my four-legged dear friend might too. I have a sweet neighbor that has a border collie named Missy...she reminds me of the one I had years ago. She will run to me every time I'm outside for a dog treat. I don't have a dog anymore so she really makes my day! I was searching healthy dog treats recently and I did a minor twist on a fast and easy recipe. I had a blast making these and I thought what a fun time with your kiddos in the kitchen....baking treats for your family's "best-friend". They are very easy and "MISSY-APPROVED"....have to say,..."I had to test them too" :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog: www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's my twist....I added more peanut butter and a 1/4 cup less of the whole wheat flour then what original recipe called for...basically see what would be best for your pets digestive system.
Instead of using a rolling pin...I divided the dough in half and using a double hand palm method, starting in the middle, I smoothed dough into a flat 1/4 " thickness....rotating dough while doing so.
Note: use some flour on surface to help dough from sticking!


Here's all you need:
*1 3/4 -2 c. whole wheat flour
*1 c. quick cooking oats
*1/3-1/2 c peanut butter
* 1 1/4 c. hot water

Here's all you do:
Pre-heat oven to 350*
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.
Fold in peanut butter with the hot water. Blend well....dough will be sticky :-).
Knead dough well....add flour if needed if it's hard to handle.

Using my tip above....roll dough to 1/4' thickness & cut with a dog-bone shaped cookie cutter.
If you don't have a cookie cutter you could shape into flat round cookies or whatever you design :-)

Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 40 minutes (ovens vary)
Let cool completely (preferably over night but out of their reach) :-)

Store in airtight container....original recipe states you could freeze them up to 6 mos.
I put some in a container in pantry and then a few in freezer to test myself.

Most of all....have fun making these "fun treats" :-)

"TOASTING in the New Year!"

Hey everyone...hope your week is going well. Recently, while shopping I heard a couple of ladies talking about their New Year's Resolutions. Honestly, I had to laugh. We all look different but we all have the same values and ideas....be kind...workout....family time, etc. Mine was a bit different this year because I actually started eating Healthy-R last October....note...not by choice. This past Holiday season was my first ever "Meat-less dinners"....we decided to cut meat out to help with digestion issues and inflammation in joints, & hopefully all over improvement :-) At first, it was a shocker due to I'm a "meat and potatoes gal" but now I'm not missing it at all and down 10 pds. One thing that I will say I've gotten addicted to "Toasting my nuts", especially Almonds. Toasting or roasting enhances the natural oils in the nuts which improves the overall tastes of the nuts. I never realized how much flavor and how easy it is when adding to your favorite recipes.
I prefer "toasting" due to usually doing small amounts at a time per recipe. I will "roast" when doing small amounts when baking or larger amounts and store in airtight container in fridge and add to salads, oils etc. Seriously you can't go wrong....a few minutes of your time is very rewarding. Needless to say the aroma is wonderful. You will find when I blog, I don't post nutritional value and why I state "Healthy-R"....I'm not a nutritionists so I don't feel it's correct for me to state the nutritional value in the recipes. My recipes and products are what I've found that works great for me and I always say check with your doctor before starting any nutritional change in your diet. Also, email me any great tips you have to share as well.
 Below is some tips for toasting and my "Healthy-R" energy bites....warning they are addicting :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilting blog: www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Toasting Tips"...
*Toast nuts before chopping
* Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat...1-2 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning and even cooking.
*Remove...let cool....use right away or store in air-tight container (preferably glass) and keep in refrigerator to keep freshness longer.
*Store in refrigerator 1-2 weeks or freezer container up to 3 mos.
*Label & date :-)
*If you are watching your salt intake (like me) purchase farm fresh nuts if possible or unsalted.
*Recently I've discovered on the back of nut bags you sometimes see "may have come in contact with other nuts while processing"....just be careful if you have nut allergies but love this is stated!

 "Cats Energy Bites"

Here's all you need...
1-14 oz. can Fat Free sweetened condensed milk
1 c. smooth peanut butter (healthy brand is better)
1 3/4 - 2 c. quick cooking oats
1/2 c. 50 % less sugar dried cranberries
1/2 c. "toasted' sliced almonds (addicted to and used Nature's Eats products)
pinch of salt (optional)
tsp. of butter

Here's all you do...
Melt butter in non-stick pan with sweetened condensed milk ....stirring constantly until sides pull away from sides of pan.
Remove from heat and add peanut butter then fold in oats & cranberries until all incorporated.
Let cool (in a rush transfer to a bowl and put in fridge for about 10 minutes)
Drop by spoonful on parchment paper and then roll into balls
Tip....I like to place in tiny foil liners....makes it easy to eat plus kinda cute-c if giving as a gift :-)
Enjoy!

"HAPPY NEW YEAR & THANK YOU!"

Hey everyone....wanted to wish everyone a Blessed New Year & to say "thank you" for following my blog. Especially thank you to all the emails during my back difficulties. It's been a trying year but with the Grace of God all is good! I've done some lifestyle changes now for 7 weeks and you might see some "different style" of my cooking recipes but the décor will always stay the same....sweet and simple :-) My passion is design....cooking and quilting so again I thank you for following me and please continue to email me with your q's....always glad to help!
May we all be Blessed with more dirty dishes and a home full of love!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Follow on Pinterest
Quilt Blog.....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com