by Kami | Jul 22, 2015 | Breads and Quick Breads, Breakfast, Recipes, Vegan
I cannot believe we’re on the last half of July! Does anyone else feel like this year is flying by? I want to slam the breaks on my summer days and prolong the summer as long as possibly especially since my baby boy is rapidly approaching his first birthday!! I tear up thinking about it. Am I the only mom who gets emotional on birthdays? If so… just lie and say you get me. Well, at this point, all I can do is hang on, enjoy every second, and comfort myself with these light, fluffy applesauce muffins. Not only are these approved by my husband and 3 year old, my cute baby smeared the muffin all over his face while he hastily ate his. Before I started blogging, I was clueless on how this all worked. Extremely clueless. It is hard work juggling everything! I started meeting other bloggers and quickly realized this blogging business is packed with talented, educated, and family-focused individuals. We have a passion and want to share it with others. We spend long, late hours working while our kiddos sleep in order to build our businesses. Although I love creating healthy recipes and hosting my health challenge, I wanted to do more to support and encourage others in my same spot! I united with my brilliant friend, Sabrina, and formed a plan on how to host a food blogger conference unlike any out there! I now have 4 babies… my two beautiful children, No Diets Allowed, and Everything Food Conference. All four require insane amount of work and diligence, but I have to say my two delightful, joyful kids are by...
by Kami | Jun 10, 2015 | Desserts, Recipes
Frequently, I get mistaken for someone who does not like dessert or sweet things because I’m healthy. I either try to convince them that I do very much like my dessert despite the ‘yeah right’ look in their eye or I just smile politely and think ‘if they only knew’. Why has the universe convinced everyone that healthy eaters are poor deprived souls with an anti-dessert movement? Tis not so. These Healthy Honey Peanut Butter Cookies would have anyone singing praises for desserts! By now, you should know my husband is my guinea pig. He knows it. I know it. It’s a mutual agreement! I thrive off the challenge of sneaking health into my recipes. I’m always plotting my next recipe with some hidden health benefit and hoping to knock it out of the park on the very first try. To be honest, I usually have to bake something a few times before I hear the magical phrase, ‘babe… this is REALLY good!’ Not this time. As soon as my healthy honey peanut butter cookies were pulled from the oven, he downed at least 4. They are chewy, soft, sweet and nutty. Everything you dream a peanut butter cookie to be. I really love Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour. I know, I know. I keep mentioning it. But have you tasted it’s fluffy goodness in my Banana Zucchini Muffins or Morning Glory Muffins? I’m not getting paid for my opinion… I seriously just love the flour. It’s finely ground whole wheat flour which results in light, fluffy baked goods. I actually got the idea for this healthy peanut butter cookie recipe from the back of the...
by Kami | May 20, 2015 | Breakfast, Recipes
It’s not a special occasion at this house unless it starts off with these basic crepes stuffed to the brim with strawberries and bananas. Oh, and don’t forget to spread on some coconut oil first. Is there a more heavenly breakfast than crepes? No. The answer is no. I planted four strawberry plants over a year ago. When purchasing, the helpful plant-man (I’m sure there’s a much more mature name for him) instructed me to focus on establishing the roots really well and to not expect any strawberries during the first season. I only listened to half of his instructions. I established the roots really well and then anxiously watch and waited… watch and waited… and never got a single strawberry. Ugh. Well, it’s strawberry season and my plants are blossoming! I’ve already picked like 5 strawberries. Yeah, I’m rockin’ this strawberry garden thing. And just in time to stuff them into my crepes. Who wouldn’t love the convenience of walking into your backyard and picking fresh strawberries? Unless you hate strawberries. Do people like that exist? Anyway, I dream of a day when I do the same thing for fresh eggs. Just fresh eggs… without the chickens. Fresh eggs taste SO much better! If you don’t have access to fresh locally produced eggs, go certified organic, cage-free, or free-range. Once you crack a quality egg, you’ll immediately notice a difference. The yoke is a bright, vibrant yellow and egg whites are clear. Try it… you just might like it. Am I preaching to the choir or do I need to share my undying love for coconut oil once more? It’s time to...
by Kami | May 14, 2015 | Desserts, Recipes, Vegan
When it comes to fresh peaches, I am hooked up! My brother and sister-in-law have a crazy producing peach tree along with some of our generous neighbors (love you all!). Since peach season comes and goes oh so quickly in the Fall, I stock up. I’m actually surprised that I have any leftover to freeze because I cannot contain myself from eating dozens at a time. Oh, I love biting into a ripe peach and having the juice run down my chin despite attempting to eat like a civilized person. Okay, back to the cobbler. Even if you don’t have an abundance of peach trees around you, thank goodness frozen peaches are available all year long. Since peaches have a thin skin which don’t protect the fruit well enough from pesticides, I recommend purchasing organic peaches. Also, there is no comparison for the fresh-from-the-garden taste of organic produce. Also, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention whole wheat pastry flour…. again. It really makes this peach cobbler recipe light and fluffy without skipping out on nutrients. You would think I’m running an illegal scam with how much I promote this flour, BUT I promise I’m not getting paid off for my opinion. I really do use it in everything! My miracle whole wheat bread, blueberry waffles, and Banana Zucchini Muffins are just a couple of many recipes where I’ll help you fall in love with whole wheat pastry flour. If you can make a recipe healthier without compromising taste, why not? Instead of cool whip or whipping cream, try scooping on my blender ice cream or pouring on some coconut...
by Kami | May 12, 2015 | Chicken, Recipes, Slow Cooker
If you need a guaranteed recipe that will be loved by all, Mango Chicken Tacos are THE only way to go (well, my Baked Burritos are similar and pretty awesome too). They are quick, healthy, SUPER tasty, and foolproof. People rave about this recipe each time and make me feel like a celebrity chef! I really should feel guilty about all the praise since the hardest part is putting the lid on the slow cooker. BUT who am I to correct someone when the juicy mango chicken DOES taste like I’ve slaved away for hours in the kitchen? #lovemyslowcooker Last weekend, My husband and I went shopping with our kids. The Nike Outlet had a 30% off your total purchase coupon that could NOT be passed up. Anyway, we spent too much time oohing and aahing over sale prices and needed to grab something to eat quick since bedtime was rapidly approaching. We quickly scanned the restaurant options and chose a random Mexican place. When I say it was the worst Mexican we’ve ever eaten, I seriously mean Taco Bell is gourmet compared to this place. From rubber tortillas, shredded chicken from a can, and mystery guacamole, it was disgusting! When we left, I almost felt it my civic duty to camp outside and warn fellow innocent families of the horrifying food that waited them inside. Well, I had to make these mango chicken tacos within a couple days to remind us how great Mexican can taste. Come close. I’m going to share my secret on how to make each healthy recipe a yummy success. Ready? Purchase quality ingredients! When you have quality ingredients, the flavors automatically make everything taste exceptional. Quality...
