Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole

November 29, 2010 by endofstory

This is my favorite sweet potato casserole that I make every year for Thanksgiving… 

Sweet Potato and Apricot Puree with Pecan Streusel

Yield: 6 to 8 servings as a side dish

Ingredients:

  • 5 large sweet potatoes (about 3.5 pounds)
  • 6 ounces dried apricots (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar (or less to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted lightly

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Prick potatoes and bake in middle of oven for 1.5 hours, or until very soft.  Scoop flesh into a bowl
  3. In a saucepan cover apricots by 1 inch with cold water and simmer until soft, about 30 minutes.  Reserve 2 tablespoons cooking liquid and drain apricots.  In a food processor puree apricots with granulated sugar and reserved liquid until smooth.
  4. Add puree to potatoes with salt to taste and with an electric mixer beat until smooth.  Spread mixture in a buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish.  Puree may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled.
  5. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
  6. In a small bowl blend with your fingers flour, brown sugar, butter, pecans and salt to taste until combined well and crumble over puree.  Bake puree in middle of oven until heated through and streusel is bubbling, about 15 minutes.

Gourmet Magazine, November 1994

Posted in Food & Wine, Recipes | Leave a Comment »

My FAVORITE Coffee Cake

August 29, 2010 by endofstory

This coffee cake is absolutely delicious.  It is from the Silver Palate cookbook.  It is not healthy at all, but so delicious – a real treat.  I made it for an afternoon party 2 weeks ago, and of all the things I made, 5 people individually asked me for THIS recipe.  For a nut-free version, I replace the pecans with whole uncooked oats.  This is a great recipe to welcome a new neighbor… or to invite random people over for coffee… or to serve for a party or holiday.  It always pleases.

Julee’s Original Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Spinach and Berries Salad with Dill

August 29, 2010 by endofstory

This is a great Summer salad from the Denver Junior League.  It is pictured on the cover of the Colorado Colore cookbook, which was a gift to me from my sister.  I took the cookbook with me to the Cherry Creek Whole Foods the other day, and someone stopped me to tell me that this is their absolute favorite salad to make.  She makes it every Christmas (which must be pretty expensive at that time of year – what a treat).  Anyway it is pretty, delicious AND nutritious!

Spinach and Berries Salad with Dill

Red Wine Vinaigrette:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salad:

  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 pound baby spinach leaves trimmed (I never trim)
  • 1 pound baby butterhead lettuce
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 pint fresh strawberries sliced
  • 1/2 pint fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill weed
  1. For the vinaigrette, combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, dry mustard and onion powder in a gar with a tight fitting lid.  Shake to mix.  Chill until serving time.
  2. For the salad, spread the almonds on a baking sheet.  Toast at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown stirring after 3-4 minutes.  (Note: whenever I toast nuts, I never set a timer, forget I’m toasting them, then I start to smell them and pull them out of the oven, and they are always perfect.)  Toss the almonds, spinach, lettuce, green onions, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and dill weed in a large salad bowl.  (Note: if you have super ripe fruit -e.g., raspberries falling apart, etc.-, add it at the very end!)  Add the vinaigrette just before serving and toss to coat.

Serves: 8-10  (it truly does!)

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Roasted Banana-Walnut Bread

July 27, 2010 by endofstory

Roasted Banana Walnut Bread without the walnuts and fresh from the oven!

I have been baking today (it’s cool in Denver), so here’s another delicious whole grain bread recipe!  This is adapted from a recipe I found on a flyer at our local health food store.  Kids love banana bread, so we make this one quite often.

  • 3 cups sliced bananas (about 4 large)
  • 1 Tablespoon butter, divided
  • 1 Tablespoon turbinado or raw sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup fat free milk
  • squeeze of lemon (I never measure this)
  • 1 2/3 cup stone ground whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  1. Preheat oven to 425.  Place bananas on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Cut 2 teaspoons of the butter into small pieces and dot over bananas.  Combine sugar and cinnamon in a cup.  Sprinkle the mixture over bananas and roast for 20 minutes.  Scrape bananas into bowl.  Mash with a fork.
  2. Reduce oven temp to 350.  Combine oats, buttermilk and lemon in a small bowl.  Let stand 15 minutes.
  3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups.  Level with a knife. Combine flour, flaxseed, baking soda, and salt.  Stir with a whisk.
  4. Place agave and oil in a large bowl and whisk until well blended.  Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.  Add roasted bananas, mik-oat mixture and vanilla.  Whisk to blend.  Add flour mixture.  Stir until blended.  Spoon batter into a 9×5 inch loaf pan coated with remaining 1 teaspoon of butter.  Sprinkle walnuts evenly over the top and bake at 350 F for 45-55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cook 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack.  Remove from pan.  Cool completely on wire rack.  Cut into 12 slices.

Posted in Food & Wine, Recipes | 1 Comment »

Favorite Whole Grain Muffins

July 27, 2010 by endofstory

I use this recipe as the foundation for most of my quick breads.  The kids call these “Favorite Muffins”… the name Whole Grain Muffins with Oats, Raisins, Cranberries and Dates is too long.  These are DELICIOUS!

Yield: 12 muffins

  • 1 cup stone ground whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons untoasted wheat germ
  • 2 Tablespoons wheat bran
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups whole oats
  • 1 cup chopped dried fruit (our favorite is 1/3 cup dates plus 1/3 cup cranberries plus 1/3 cup raisins)
  • 1 cup fat free milk
  • squeeze of lemon juice (I never measure this)
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • cooking spray
  1. Spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level it with a knife.  Add flour to a large bowl along with the sugars, wheat germ, wheat bran, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Stir with a whisk.  Stir in oats and dried fruit. 
  2. In a small bowl combine milk, lemon, oil, vanilla and the egg.  Add this to the flour mixture.  Stir untiljust moist.  Stir in boiling water.  Don’t over stir!  Let batter stand 15 minutes. 
  3. Preheat oven to 375.
  4. Spoon batter equally into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray.  Bake for 20 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched in the center.  Remove muffins from pan immediately and place on a wire rack to cool.

Posted in Food & Wine, Health, Recipes | 1 Comment »

My Favorite iPhone Apps…

July 24, 2010 by endofstory

Those of you who know me will surely miss the ancient cell phone I’ve had for years that was held together with duct tape.  Well I “misplaced” it last week, and decided to upgrade!  Equipped with a $50 credit for a new phone, I went to AT&T and asked for the cheapest BlackBerry they had.  That seemed like a safe choice, but it was out of stock.  Next to it was the iPhone 3GS… $49 seemed reasonable, so I got it without a second thought. 

This phone is soooooooooooooooooooooo much nicer than my last phone, I cannot believe what I’ve been missing.  I no longer have to print out my Google calendar schedule or my grocery lists.  Email is so easy and fast.  And I won’t bore you with any other niceties… I know everyone reading this already has a smart phone.  You probably even have an iPhone 4.

Anyway here are the Apps that I’ve discovered in the last 3 days.  I think most of these are free.  Please let me know of any Apps that you love!!!!!

  1. Pandora - Are you kidding me?  I can run Pandora on my phone over wi-fi?  Honestly where have I been?  Dad, Pandora is free personalized radio that streams over your phone or computer.  This is my favorite App.
  2. Google Earth - I’m not really sure what the purpose of this is, but it is really cool.  It uses Satellite imagery and maps… and allows you to explore virtually anywhere on earth!
  3. Facebook – I can finally participate in Facebook now!  Well, maybe…
  4. Open Table – I use this on my PC to book dinner reservations for all our date nights.  Now I can do this right on my phone!  I have already put this to use.
  5. My Sister’s Blog - I can learn all about my sister’s travels through Spain, France and Italy real time with vivid photos and videos.  I feel like I’m right there driving the convertible through Tuscany, sipping wine on the beautiful plazas of Siena, cycling tandem through Tuscany, exploring the wine country of Provence, and last month she watched Espana win the world cup while in Barcelona.  Suddenly my new phone doesn’t seem all that exciting.  Let’s move on.  (comment if you’d like this blog address, and I’ll email you a link… it’s not public)
  6. Geocaching - Now this one is just bizarre.  Apparently people all over the world hide things in waterproof containers, then provide clues for other people to find (via GPS) what they’ve hidden.  A quick search of our neighborhood highlighted more than 50 hidden geocaches within 400 meters of our house.  My son is really into this.  This one requires more research on my part.  This was one of the most expensive Apps I’ve seen at $10.

PLEASE let me know of any other worthwhile Apps… with hundreds of thousands to choose from, I’m a little overwhelmed!

Posted in Technology | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Quinoa with Pine Nuts and Spinach

June 10, 2010 by endofstory

The whole family is willing to eat this whole grain side dish.  We serve it with fish or BBQ chicken.  Quinoa is kind of a pain to rinse, but it is a complete protein (contains all 9 essential amino acids)… and high in magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus.  You can read more about the health benefits and preparation methods of quinoa at The World’s Healthiest Foods website (one of my favorite food web sites).

This is my favorite quinoa recipe.  Sometimes I leave out the zests and red pepper, depending upon the main dish.  Sometimes I chop up a leek and/or green onions and add with the shallot.  Sometimes I replace the shallot with 1/4 of an onion.

Quinoa with Pine Nuts and Spinach

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3/4 cup quinoa (white or red or whatever… we use white)
  • 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 Tbsp shallot, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt or sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries (or currants)
  • 4 oz baby spinach chopped – fresh or frozen
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or other spice to taste

Toast pine nuts in a dry oven pan at 350 for about 5 minutes (toast only until fragrant; they don’t need to turn brown; be careful not to burn them).  Set aside. 

Rinse quinoa in cold water for a minute or so in a sieve or any fine mesh filter… or coffee filter if you have nothing else.  It is important that you rinse your quinoa, because it is naturally coated in saponin (which is bitter in order to deter birds, and mildly toxic to humans… the presence is saponin is obvious by the production of soapy suds when rinsing, when the suds are gone the saponin is most likely gone).

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Saute shallots until soft, stirring often.  If you are adding chopped frozen spinach, add the spinach now. 

Add rinsed quinoa and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly.  Add stock, salt, pepper and dried fruit.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and cook on low until the liquid is absorbed and the grain is soft.

If you are using fresh spinach, stir in spinach now until it is wilted.

Remove from heat.  Add zests, pine nuts and remaining spice.  Toss gently to combine.

Serves 4 as a side dish.  Good hot, room temp or chilled.

Posted in Food & Wine, Health, Recipes | 1 Comment »

Spinach and Black Bean Quesadillas

June 10, 2010 by endofstory

This meal is sooooo easy… and healthy.  I found the recipe on display at our local health food store.  I wish I had time to soak and boil dried beans… maybe some day… until then I use Eden brand beans, which come in custom BPA-free cans.  I double the recipe and make the filling in a big cast-iron skillet.

Spinach and Black Bean Quesadillas

  • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach
  • 4 8-inch whole wheat flour tortillas
  • 1 cup (or less) shredded reduced fat Mexican cheese
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin (optional)
  • fat free greek yogurt (optional… or sour cream)
  • refried beans (optional)

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion: saute and stir until soft.  Add spinach: cook and stir until wilted.  Add beans: stir to combine.  Season with salt and pepper.

Coat a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat.  Add 1 tortilla: cook until light golden brown, turn over.  Top with spinach-bean mixture, a little cheese, a little cumin, refried beans and yogurt.  Fold tortilla in half, press gently to close, cook 2 minutes or so until lightly browned.  Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes (optional).  Remove from skillet and serve!

Serves 4

Posted in Food & Wine, Recipes | 2 Comments »

Best Sunscreens for 2010

June 2, 2010 by endofstory

Environmental Working Group has published their 2010 Sunscreen Guide.  Our pediatric dermotologist referred us to to this group 2 years ago when I was looking for an effective sunscreen.   According to this non-profit organization 4 out of 5 sunscreens do not provide adequate protection and/or contain toxic chemicals.

The sunscreen we’ve been using for the past 2-3 years (Badger SPF 30) just received the highest rating, and it is sold out everywhere in Denver!   We are ages 3, 5 and 30-something; and it is very effective for all of us.  We have used many sunscreens on EWG’s list. Here is some information to hopefully help you decide which one(s) to buy. 

Note: I included EWG’s score (1 is best, 10 is worst… rated in terms of effectiveness and lowest toxicity) and the price.  Note that all of these sunscreens are highly rated by EWG, even though I have some gripes about some of them.

Badger SPF 30 ($15, Score: 1):

  • This is my #1 choice for kids.  We have never gotten burnt using it
  • it never causes a negative reaction on our skin
  • the #1 ingredient is organic olive oil, which is great for your skin
  • It is 20.5% Titanium Dioxide, which is a quality highly effective sunblock
  • Badger now makes an unscented version, which I haven’t tried yet, but I will as soon as I can find it.  The original version (containing lavender oil) seems like it would attract bees, but it never has
  • I’ve also read that the stick version of this sunscreen is great, but I haven’t tried it
  • It appears as a white film as you apply it, so you know if you’ve missed a spot… but the negative is that it applies a white film… it does disappear after 10-15 minutes. 
  • it does not contain parabens or any toxic ingredients for that matter
  • I’ve used this on our kids since they were infants (6 months+), and it has been great for my son with eczema (sp) in our harsh Denver sun
  • Available at Whole Foods and other natural stores like Vitamin Cottage

Vanicream SPF 35 Sport, SPF 30 Sensitive, SPF 60 Sensitive ($13, Score: 2):

  • These sunscreens do not seem to be as effective as Badger.  We all seem to freckle more when using it… I can’t explain why, but I know what I see.
  • It doesn’t seem to be effective at all after we’ve been swimming for 15+ minutes.  I wouldn’t use this when swimming.  We are comfortable using it in Denver winters though.
  • No parabens, dyes or fragrance, which is great
  • Available at most pharmacies behind the counter, even though you don’t need a prescription for it.

California Baby ($15, Score 2):

  • This sunscreen seems very effective to me, and we actually used it as our primary sunscreen on our son until age 3.  Two years ago it was sold out everywhere in Denver, so we switched to Badger.
  • According to the Environmental Working Group this sunscreen gets a great rating, but not quite as high as Badger.  Please refer to the Environmental Working Group’s web site for more info.  It still gets a significantly higher rating than all the other sunscreens on the list.
  • Note: I LOVE their unscented sunblock stick, and we use that very regularly with great results.  Their unscented sunblock stick does get the highest rating from EWG.
  • No parabens or dyes in the sunblock
  • This one goes on pretty white, but it disappears after a while
  • I also LOVE their super sentive shampoo & bodywash for kids… And their Super-sensitive every day lotion.  We have been using this regularly for 5 years, and I LOVE both of these products.
  • Available at Whole Foods and other Natural Stores like Vitamin Cottage

Blue Lizard Sunscreen ($8, Score: 3):

  • This sunscreen seems very effective, and the Sport version is the ONLY sunscreen that prevented me from getting tan while training swimming laps for an hour in an outdoor pool.  However it contains parabens, so we stopped using it.
  • Available in dermotologists’ offices and online

Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple Sunscreen ($8, Score: 3):

  • This sunscreen always makes the “most effective” list, but it doesn’t seem to be as effective as the others.  It is pasty, and both our kids turn blotchy after using it.  Not sure if the blotchiness is a tan/burn or just a reaction to the sunscreen.  The positive is that it is readily available in any store that sells sunscreen, and I would definitely buy this one if you can’t find these others.
  • Available everywhere

Eucerin Every Day Protection SPF 30 ($8, Score:3):

  • This is what I use every morning on my face.  It is very moisturizing for my dry skin.  I never break out from it.  It is my favorite cheap ($8-ish)  facial sunscreen for adults.
  • No parabens, which is great for the price… and while it seems very effective, it apparently contains some toxic ingredients per EWG.  However, the ingredients must not be that bad, because it still gets a very good score of 3.  It works for me, so I’m going to keep using it.  I wouldn’t use it on kids.
  • Available in most drug stores, Target and some grocery store

 I hope this helps.  I will proof read and update this post as needed!  For more information on sunblock, please see my previous post All About Sunblock or read EWG’s quick sunblock tips, which contains the latest info/research.

Posted in Babies and Children, Health, Parenting, Pregnancy, Seasonal | Leave a Comment »

Red Wines to Try — $10 and under

January 21, 2009 by endofstory

Funny that all my posts seem to be about wines these days.  Definitely put these two on your list to try…

MERIBEAU ROUGE (Red Table Wine) — $6

My friend who is a wine distributor reported to me that people buy this wine by the case until it sells out.  Only $6 a bottle, and it is 1000 ml instead of 750 ml.  This is my new favorite wine.  It’s hard to find, but go to your local wine shop and ask about it.  This is one of the only links I could find for it on the internet. https://www.wineaccess.com/store/columbuscirclewine/ecommerce/product.html?product_id=10982594

BOGLE PETITE SIRAH  — $10

If you can’t find the Meribeau, a wine loving friend brought this up to the mountains last week, and it is delicious for $10/bottle (not bad for California wine).  It is widely available.   http://www.boglewinery.com/bogle_petite_facts.htm

Posted in Food & Wine | Leave a Comment »

Older Posts »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.