Love Homemaking

Homemade Granola Recipe

Melody Thacker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:55:00 GMT

This is a delicious and healthy granola recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt or for a treat any time of the day! Sprinkle on fresh fruit, microwave for a few minutes to have instant fruit crisp.

Ingredients:
4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flakes
1 cup natural bran
1.4 cup toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp Watkins vanilla extract
1 cup raisins or other dried fruit
Watkins cooking spray

Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 deg. F. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients; oats, wheat, bran, wheat germ, nuts, seeds and salt together until thoroughly combined. In a separate little bowl, combine the water, honey and vanilla. Combine wet with the dry ingredients and mix well.

Spray two baking sheets with Watkins cooking spray and spread the granola mixture on the pans. Squeeze or pat together to make small clumps. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the granola mix is nice and golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even baking. Add raisins, stir again and bake for an extra 5 minutes.

Let the granola mix cool and then fill it into airtight containers.

Readers Top 10 Favorite Recipes!

Melody Thacker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:07:00 GMT

Here are our readers current top 10 favorite recipes. The common theme among these is that they are fast and easy. Plus you'll find they are healthy too, several of the favs are made with organic foods and we even have a vegetarian recipe.

#1. Hands down our reader's favorite recipe is Easy Baked Apples probably because they makes a quick, easy and healthy dessert. Apples are naturally low in carbohydrates, calories and salt, plus they are high in fiber!

#2. The next most popular is Yogurt Cheese. If you've never heard of it before, it's a healthy, low fat substitute for sour cream and cream cheese to use in recipes such as dips and spreads.

#3. It seems a lot of people are also looking for Recipes For Cooking Roast Beef and we give you two ways! You choose how you want to cook your roast; in the oven or a slow cooker along with veggies for a one pot meal. Mmm, roast beef is one my family's favorites too.

#4 & #5 are both marinates, considering it's barbecue season I'm not surprised. Garlic Mustard Marinade is a personal favorite of mine, it's great for less tender beef steaks and it tastes wonderful. And you'll love this Spicy Citrus Marinade For Chicken as much as our readers do!

Three of our top 10 recipes are organic recipes and I'm not surprised as more and more people are serving organic food to their family for health and/or environmental concerns.

#6. Try these Organic Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, for a delicious, meatless main course.

#7. Perhaps you'd prefer an Easy Organic Meat Loaf, ah comfort food! This isn't your traditional meatloaf recipe thought.

#8. And this Apple Honey Glazed Wild Salmon With Organic Baby Spinach is not only healthy, it's also a gourmet delight.

Our reader's last two favs are both slow cooker recipes. Since so many people work a slow cooker is the solution to getting a healthy meal on the table in a hurry. We tend to think of slow cooker meals for the winter, however they are great for the summer too as this appliancce doesn't heat up your home.

#9. Try our Hearty Beef Barley Stew In A Slow Cooker. This hearty stew is a delicious one pot meal that contains all the important food groups; vegetables, meat and whole grains.

#10. Last but not least, a tasty and Easy Chicken Cacciatore.

I hope you enjoy our latest top ten readers favorite recipes, feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Easy Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

Melody Thacker — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:05:00 GMT

Coleslaw is a great salad for the summer or any time as it is can be made ahead and keeps well in the fridge for several days. This coleslaw dressing recipe is easy and super healthy too. It's low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium which is great if you are watching what you eat due to health concerns or if you are trying to lose weight. Cabbage contains lots of fiber and nutrients so enjoy this tasty salad with out worries!

Coleslaw dressing ingredients:

1/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
Watkins black pepper to taste

Stir together yogurt, vinegar, honey and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Use immediately or store in a covered container in the fridge for several days.

Coleslaw ingredients:
1 dressing recipe above
2 cups shredded or finely chopped cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup shredded or finely chopped green pepper
¼ cup finely chopped celery

Prepare vegetables, add dressing and mix well. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. You may want to drain liquid before serving. Makes about 4 servings.

In a rush? Use 3 cups of already prepared, bagged coleslaw.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

Melody Thacker — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:16:00 GMT

Make this delicious and easy Chicken Cacciatore in your slow cooker this week. Cook up a pot of whole wheat pasta and you'll have a healthy, low fat nutritious meal to serve your hungry family.

Ingredients:
1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
3 lbs boneless/skinless thighs and breasts
fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (6oz) can tomato paste
2 Watkins bay leaves
1 (8oz) can stewed tomatoes
Watkins black pepper to taste
1 tsp Watkins Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Watkins garlic granules
2 cups boiling water
2 teaspoons Watkins chicken soup base
freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese, for garnish

Instructions: Place sliced onions at bottom of crock pot. Add chicken and mushrooms. Stir together remaining ingredients (except cheese) and pour over chicken. Cook on low 7-9 hours or high 3-4 hours. Serve chicken, mushrooms and sauce over pasta of your choice, garnish with freshly grated cheese and add a green salad for a well rounded meal.

Recipes For Cooking Roast Beef Two Ways

Melody Thacker — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:46:00 GMT

You can't beat cooking roast beef and gravy for Sunday dinner or any day of the week. It's a great one dish family meal or to serve when you have guests. One of things I like about cooking a roast is the left overs, to make another meal and for sandwiches.

1 - 2 tablespoons Watkins grapeseed oil
1 large onion, cut into wedges
3 pound beef roast of your choice, choose boneless top round or rump roast for the slow cooker version
3 - 4 carrots, peeled and thinly cubed
3 medium white potatoes, cubed
2 bay Watkins leaves
2 - 3 tablespoons Watkins onion soup mix
2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup all purpose flour

Instructions for Oven Roast: Place the beef and onion wedges, carrots, potatoes and bay leaves in a roasting pan. Mix onion soup mix in 2 cups of boiling water until completely dissolved. Pour over top of the meat and vegetables. Place covered roaster in the oven, cook at 350 deg F for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until vegetables and meat is fork tender. Remove the cover half a hour before the roast is done to brown it.

Instructions for Slow Cooker: In a large fry pan over medium heat grapeseed oil. Place the beef and onion wedges in the hot oil. Brown the beef turning to brown each side. Once meat is browned place meat and onions in the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes and bay leaves. Mix onion soup mix in 2 cups of boiling water until completely dissolved. Pour over top of the meat and vegetables. Cook on high about 3 1/2 hours or until meat is fork tender.

Instructions for Gravy: Mix 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil with flour in a medium saucepan. Stir until mixture becomes a paste, add a teaspoon of oil at a time if needed. Gradually add 2 cups of broth from the meat. Bring to a boil stirring constantly until liquid thickens into desired consistency. Add more broth if it's too thick.

Golden Winter Seafood Chowder

Melody Thacker — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:30:00 GMT

This golden colored winter seafood chowder is one my husbands all time favorite soups and it's sure to warm your tummy too. It make a quick easy dinner in 30 minutes or less. Serve it with a green salad and crusty whole grain bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup onion, chopped fine
1/4 cup butter
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
2 cups water
2 teaspoons Watkins chicken soup base
1 cup potato, peeled and cubed
2 ribs of celery, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1/4 cup Clamato juice
1/4 teaspoon Watkins lemon pepper
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) package of sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can crab meat, drained and flaked
1 cup shrimp, peeled, de-veined and cooked

Instructions: Place the butter into a soup pot over medium heat. Allow the butter to completely melt. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until tender. Pour in the water and chicken soup base. Add the potatoes, celery and carrots. Pour in the Clamato juice and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the lemon pepper and stir to blend the ingredients together well. Bring soup to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender.

Add the flour and milk together in a small bowl. Whisk until completely combined. Turn the heat back up to medium. Add the mixture to the soup. Bring the mixture back to a rapid boil. Continue to cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes as the liquid thickens to your liking. Once thick reduce the heat to low and add the cheese, crabmeat and shrimp. Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted into the soup.

Should I Breast Feed My Baby?

Melody Thacker — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:54:00 GMT

I'm going to be a grandmother soon so I've been having lots of fun helping my daughter prepare for the arrival of their first baby and our first grandchild. I'm very pleased that she has decided to breast feed her baby! "Should I Breast Feed My Baby?" is one of the most important decisions a mother makes. I nursed all four of my children, loved every minute of it and wouldn't have considered doing anything else. There are many benefits of breast feeding for both Mom and baby for their health and convenience.

So, what are the health benefits of breastfeeding your baby? There are more nutrients in breast milk and it's more easily digested than any other source. In addition, most breast fed babies have an easier time feeding than those who are fed with alternatives such as bottles. Another plus is that babies who are breastfed are less likely to become sick, according to doctors. My babies were never sick and even when they got older they had fewer colds and viruses than other kids who were bottle fed.

It is a suggested that babies who are breastfed not only develop as they should, but they do not gain as much weight as their counterparts. This reduces your child's chances of suffering from childhood obesity.

Studies have also shown that premature infants grow at a faster rate when breastfed. Furthermore, certain research indicates that babies who receive mother's milk are more likely to score higher on tests to determine their IQ level.

The benefits of breastfeeding to mom are just as important too. Most moms who breastfeed tend to lose the additional weight gained during pregnancy quicker than those who do not. Studies have shown that breastfeeding decreases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer as well. It has also been determined that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop osteoporosis, which has become a concern for those who are pre and post-menopausal.

Breastfeeding is a natural process, it's not only a healthy benefit to baby, but to mom as well. This is a time when mom and baby begin the bonding process, in an atmosphere that is calm and serene. As a mom I enjoyed the opportunity to have some quiet time and snuggle with my baby. I also enjoyed the convenience of having a ready supply of food, with no fuss, mess or preparation required to feed my hungry infant.

Moms who breastfeed babies are providing the best health benefits they can give their newborns in the first days and months of their lives. Since there has been so much research and studies conducted determining the health benefits derived from breastfeeding, the consensus is that breastfeeding babies outweighs bottle-feeding by a long shot.

The next thing on our to do list is find our more about nursing bras and I found this wonderful resource for nursing bras and breast feeding tips. I hope you find it helpful as well.

Anise Christmas Cookies

Melody Thacker — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Anise cookies are a wonderful Christmas cookie to make and bake with you children or for a Christmas cookie exchange. Roll out the dough, cut into holiday shapes with cookie cutters, bake and decorate if desired. This makes a good sized batch so there is enough for sampling, saving for guests or giving as gifts.

Before you know it Christmas will be upon us so don't forget to have some fun with your children during this busy time of the year. Baking cookies is a good learning activity that's fun and delicious.

Ingredients:
1 2/3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Shortening
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
3 teaspoons Watkins Anise Extract
5 1/2 Cups Flour

Directions: Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add milk, baking soda, and anise extract. Mix well. Gradually add flour. Chill dough for about 1 hour. Roll out 1/2 of dough at a time, keeping remainder of dough chilled. Cut into desired shapes and place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen.

Anise extract is available here in the US catalog or the Canadian catalog.

Low Fat Lemon Muffins

Melody Thacker — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:44:00 GMT

These low fat lemon muffins are moist and delicious with flecks of nutmeg and lemon peel through out to flavor them. The apple sauce and pineapple juice are what make them moist with out any fat and they are not too sweet. Enjoy your lemon muffins as a healthy holiday snack and they are great for packed lunches too.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 Cups Oat Bran
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour (try 1 cup whole wheat & 1 cup all purpose)
2 teaspoon Watkins Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ground Nutmeg
2 Cups Un-sweetened Applesauce
4 Large Egg Whites
1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Honey
2 Tablespoon Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Lemon Extract
1 teaspoon Watkins Lemon Peel

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spray two 12 cup muffin tins with Watkins Cooking Spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda, lemon peel and nutmeg. Mix well. In a separate bowl, combine remaining wet ingredients and mix well. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until just moistened, batter should be lumpy! Fill muffin cups almost full. Place in oven and reduce heat to 375 F. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Makes 24 muffins.

Per serving (1 muffin): 108 calories, 2 grams of fat, 23 grams carbohydrate, 95 mg sodium

You can buy Watkins lemon extract, lemon peel, nutmeg and grapeseed oil in the Watkins Online US catalog or the Watkins Online Canadian catalog

This recipe will be featured in the Healthy Holiday Recipe Round Up, join in the fun by submitting your recipes or find more great recipes to help you live a healthier lifestyle!

Healthy Rum Raisin Spice Muffins

Melody Thacker — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:37:00 GMT

These healthy rum raisin spice muffins are made with whole wheat flour and oat bran, plus they are low in sugar and fat. They're perfect for a holiday breakfast or afternoon treat. I don't know why I haven't posted more muffin recipes here as they are one of my favorite things to bake! If you'd like to see more muffins and quick bread recipes just let me know.

Ingredients:
1 cup raisins
3 tbsp. apple juice
1 tsp. Watkins Rum Extract
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup oat bran
3 tbsp. Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
1 large egg white
2 tsp. Watkins Vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup plus 1 tsp. sugar, divided
1 1/4 tsp. Watkins Baking Powder
1 1/8 tsp. Watkins Cinnamon, divided
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. freshly ground Watkins Sea Salt

Directions: Set oven rack to upper third of oven; preheat to 425 degrees. Coat 12 muffin cups with Watkins Cooking Spray or use paper baking cups.

In small bowl, combine raisins, apple juice and Rum Extract; let stand 10 minutes. In medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oat bran, Grapeseed Oil, egg white and Vanilla. In large bowl, combine flours, 1/3 cup sugar, Baking Powder, 1 tsp. Cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir raisin mixture into buttermilk mixture, then stir into flour mixture just until moistened; do not over-mix.

Divide batter into muffin cups (they will be nearly full.) Combine remaining 1 tsp. sugar and 1/8 tsp. Cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until golden brown and springy to the touch. Cool on rack 5 minutes before serving. Makes 12 muffins.

You'll find Watkins grapeseed oil, rum extract and the spices to make these delicious muffins in the US catalog or the Canadian catalog.

If you are looking for more healthy recipes or you are a blogger who would like to share your recipes please visit the Healthy Holiday Recipe Round Up, we'd love to have you join in the fun.

Hearty Beef Barley Stew In A Slow Cooker

Melody Thacker — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:36:00 GMT

Any time, is a great time to use your slow cooker, and with the cooler weather it's time to enjoy stews again. This hearty beef barley stew is sure to hit the spot with you and your family. It's a delicious one pot meal that contains all the important food groups; vegetables, meat and whole grains. Serve with some whole grain buns or bread to soak up the juice, for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. cubed stew beef
2-3 carrots (thinly sliced)
2 celery ribs (thinly sliced)
1 large onion (diced)
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup barley
1 teaspoon Watkins basil
1 teaspoon Watkins black pepper
5 cups hot water
5 teaspoon Watkins beef soup base
1-2 teaspoons Watkins grapeseed oil

Directions: Pre-heat a heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron fry pan, add grapeseed oil and cubed beef, brown meat on all sides over high heat. Place carrots, celery and onion in slow cooker container and place browned beef on top. Combine water, undrained tomatoes, barley, basil, pepper and soup base; pour over top of beef and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for approximately 8 hours or until meat and vegetable are tender.

Tip: If you have a large slow cooker, make extra to freeze for another meal.

You'll find the best tasting, quality spices and beef soup base in the Watkins US catalog or the Watkins Canadian catalog.

Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Melody Thacker — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:41:06 GMT

I thought it would be nice to put together some new, traditional and some unique thanksgiving dinner ideas for you. If you are new to cooking, tired of serving the same old menu or want to try something new this should help. I'll share my recent finds, which are great recipes, photos and ideas you can use to make your thanksgiving dinner extra special or extra easy!

We'll start with a few appetizers, my favorites are Bacon And Onion Stuffed Mushroom Caps or a couple of easy spinach dip recipes.

For the main course my family's favorite menu choice; the Traditional Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, we serve it with mashed potatoes, gravy, citrus honey carrots, brussel sprouts and one of these best salad recipes. After eating all of that, we can barely put away a slice of Moms homemade pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

If you don't wish to cook such a big or elaborate turkey like the one above, try these Watkins Roast Turkey Recipes, you'll find one for Roast Turkey with Sausage and Apple Stuffing and if you are serving a smaller crowd Roast Turkey Breast.

You've just got to have stuffing for thanksgiving dinner, if you don't wish to stuff the bird try this Quick And Easy Homemade Bread Stuffing or a variation of the recipe that I made for my husband's birthday dinner Apple Pecan Stuffing Muffins and everyone loved them.

For some new international ideas, I enjoyed reading this article as well as the photos and think you will too! My Big Fat Greek Thanksgiving check it out, you'll be treated to a Greek menu including the turkey with all the trimmings. I believe some of recipes were added in following posts. Then I discovered a Mediterranean Spiced Thanksgiving Dinner that you might like to try.

It's a tradition to have cranberry sauce with your turkey so I found this Mulled Cranberry Sauce Recipe and for something different try this Cranberry chutney recipe that sounds wonderful.

Last but not least, here a some photos of turkey and thanksgiving cakes, may they inspire you to bake and decorate something similar or you can just enjoy looking, for a no calorie treat! Speaking of cake, here's a recipe for Pumpkin rolls, a jelly roll type sponge cake that sounds delicious.

Spicy Citrus Marinade For Chicken

Melody Thacker — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:08:00 GMT

Marinades can be made out of a variety of ingredients, this spicy citrus marinade gives chicken a unique and delicious flavor. When you marinate meat it is best to leave it in the marinade for a minimum of eight hours to get the best flavor, the easiest way is to leave it to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons Watkins grapeseed oil
1/4 teaspoon Watkins sage
1/2 teaspoon Watkins ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Watkins garlic, minced or granules
1/2 - 1 teaspoon Watkins Calypso Hot Pepper Sauce
4 lbs. chicken, cut into parts

Directions: Combine all ingredients and then pour over chicken parts that has been placed in a large zip-top bag or a container with a tight fitting lid. To cook chicken, broil or grill until thoroughly cooked.

You'll find the ingredients to make this marinade in the Watkins US catalog and the Canadian catalog.

Cherry Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Icing

Melody Thacker — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:58:00 GMT

You must treat yourself once in awhile and this cherry spice cake with cream cheese icing fits the bill. This moist and delicious cake is perfect for birthdays or when ever you need to make a dessert for someone special.

1 1/2 cups canned cherry pie filling
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Watkins Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ground Cloves
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ground Allspice
Watkins cooking spray
Cream cheese icing, recipe below

Directions for cake: preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour or spray with cooking spray three 9 inch round cake pans. Place the cherry pie filling into the container of a food processor. Pulse until roughly chopped. In a large bowl, cream butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Alternate stirring in the dry ingredients and cherry pie filling. Stir just until blended. Divide the batter evenly between the three pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Place the pans on a wire rack to cool. Once the cakes have cooled enough to handle, tap them out of the pans and allow them to cool completely on the wire racks.

Cream Cheese Icing
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Watkins Vanilla Extract
8 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Directions for frosting: combine the cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an
electric mixer until blended. Gradually mix in the sugar, stirring until smooth. Spread icing between the layers and onto the sides and top of the cake.

Baking Tip: line your cake pans with wax or parchment paper, this ensures your cake won't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Naturally this cake tastes best made with Watkins vanilla, spices and cooking spray; you find them all in the online catalog.

Organic Citrus Honey Carrots

Melody Thacker — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:23:00 GMT

Carrots are a popular vegetable with kids and adults alike. If your family isn't a fan or cooked carrots they'll love these citrus, honey carrots. If you don't have baby carrots peel and slice larger carrots about 1/2 inch thick, on the diagonal. I discovered Fountainview Farms organic carrots a number of years ago and they are the best tasting carrots I've ever eaten. If you ever come across them do give them a try.

2 pounds organic baby carrots
3 tablespoons Watkins grapeseed oil, original or citrus and cilantro
3 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons butter
The juice of one organic lime
Watkins sea salt and organic black pepper to taste.

Directions: Place prepared carrots in a large heavy bottomed saucepan, add enough water until just covered, bring to a boil and cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, until barely tender. Drain the water and return carrots to pan. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and until the carrots start to caramelize or brown.

Pineapple Puff Cookies

Melody Thacker — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:21:00 GMT

These moist pineapple cookies are great for school or packed lunches or any time you need cookies! The glaze is a nice added touch and adds to the flavor. These cookies freeze well.

1 & 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup sour cream or 1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 egg
1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
3 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon Watkins vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped or flaked almonds
Pineapple Glaze (recipe follows)

Directions: Preheat oven to 375º. Cream together sugar and butter, in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in sour cream, egg, vanilla and pineapple. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in almonds.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until almost no indentation remains when touched in center. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to wire rack and cool completely. Spread or drizzle with pineapple Glaze.

Pineapple glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon Watkins pineapple extract
2 tablespoons milk (2 to 3 tablespoons)

Stir together all ingredients adding just enough milk to make the glaze thin enough to spread or drizzle over cookies.

Organic Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Melody Thacker — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:41:38 GMT

This is a great time of the year to buy organic produce so I thought I'd share my vegetarian stuffed bell pepper recipe with you. It's a great for a side dish or main course and it's healthy too. It contains lots of healthy fiber, as well as being low in fat and sodium.

3 organic bell peppers
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup organic corn
1 c. cooked brown rice
1/2 c. organic onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. Watkins organic cumin
1 oz. light cheddar cheese, grated
1 oz. Jalapeno Jack cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tsp Watkins organic garlic granules
1 tsp. Watkins cilantro
1/4 c. water
Watkins cooking spray

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9" x 13" pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Combine remaining ingredients except the cheese. Fill pepper halves with bean mixture and place in roasting or baking pan. Pour 1/4 cup water in bottom of pan. Cover with foil or a lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover and sprinkle each stuffed pepper with cheese. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

You can get the very best organic and natural herbs and spices in the Watkins gourmet shop.

Moms Need Pampering Too

Melody Thacker — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:19:00 GMT

As a Mom, you deserve a break and a bit of pampering too. Now, you can't always take a day off just for you. However, you can pamper yourself any day of the week, right at home. These quick pampering tips for moms are sure to give you a quick boost!

Start by making yourself a nice, warm beverage. My personal favorite is Watkins chai latte but maybe you'd like a cup of organic coffee or a Vanilla cocoa, you can find them all here.

Next, turn on your favorite music. When was the last time you treated yourself a new CD by one of your favorite artists? Choose something soothing or calming or motivating music if your prefer.

Now, steal a few minutes for a relaxing bath! Fill your bath tub with hot water. Squirt in some nice-smelling bubble bath or add scented bath salts. Try a calming scent like Watkins Calming Bath Soak and enjoy the sweet lavender aroma.

J.R. Watkins Natural Head to Toe Kit contains everything you'll need to pamper yourself from head to toe in a convenient, reusable plastic pouch.

This kit contains: two hand and body lotions, two hand and cuticle salves, two shea butter body creams, a peppermint foot lotion and a beeswax lip balm.

What it doesn't contain is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Parabens, Phthalate, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Dyes or other nasty chemicals!

My personal pampering favorite is Watkins New Manicure Pack! If you are craving baby soft, irresistibly smooth hands this has everything you need to give yourself a complete in-home manicure.

It contains: Aloe & Green Tea Body Cream made with shea and cocoa butter, plus a Lavender Hand and Cuticle Salve, a nail buffer, and a nail file, all packaged in a reusable bag! Again these are natural, and chemical free so you can treat yourself worry free.

So don't forget to take a little time to pamper yourself this week, you deserve it!

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Melody Thacker — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:17:00 GMT

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are super healthy and they taste great in this salad, it's no wonder it's one of my family's favorites. I always have to make a big batch when everyone comes home for a visit. I like to chop my veggies small but it's worth the effort, you can make them bite size if you like. I usually make the low fat version.

1 bunch of broccoli
1 head of cauliflower
8 strips of bacon, fried and crumbled
1/3 cup of chopped purple onion
1 cup of seedless grapes, cut in half
1 cup of mayonnaise, regular or low fat
1 tablespoon Watkins Bacon and Onion Dip Seasoning
1/3 cup of sugar, or less
2 tablespoons of vinegar
1/3 cup pecans, broken

Directions: In a large salad bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar; mixing until smooth. Separate the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets or chop if desired. Add them along with the bacon, onion, pecans and grapes to the salad dressing and combine well. Refrigerate until serving time.

Low fat version: to reduce the fat in this salad omit or reduce the bacon, replace the 1 cup mayo with 1/2 cup low fat mayonnaise and 1/2 cup low fat yogurt or yogurt cheese. The bacon and onion dip adds a nice smoky bacon flavor.

Note: Broccoli is thought to lower the risk of stomach cancer and contains beta-carotene, and other antioxidants. With large amounts of calcium and potassium, it also helps to prevent osteoporosis and lowers high blood pressure. Cauliflower is high in folate, which aids cell growth and replication. Both these vegetables also provides a decent supply of fiber, which may prevent cancer.

Ham And Pineapple Baked Beans

Melody Thacker — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:27:00 GMT

This ham and pineapple baked beans is super quick and easy to make. It's great for barbecues with hot dogs, hamburgers, or a side salad and for bringing to a potluck dinner. In fact the first time I had this was at a potluck, the cook kindly shared the recipe with me.

2 cans pork and beans
1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks, drained
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 large onion, diced
1 cup ham , cubed
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 Tbsp. vinegar
3 Tbsp. soy sauce

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35 minutes, stirring once or twice during baking time. Serve piping hot.