I finally understand all of the hype.

I listened for years as the "older folks" discussed the beauty of it all…the joy it brought them.

But I just didn't get it.

They could seriously talk passionately on the subject for hours…days even.

The magic of it all just escaped me.

My lack of understanding would not allow me to wrap my brain around it let alone embrace the miracle of it.

Until now…

GOOD THiNGS | Carrot Soup :: Recipe

Hello Hello, friends! I'm so happy it's Monday!
When the sun is shining and the day is beautiful it sure is easy to be positive and happy and excited about the day ahead…isn't it?

It's going to be a busy week for me with two milestones to celebrate: Clara's 18th birthday and Ella's Pre-School Graduation!

Right now though, I'd like to share this delicious

GOOD THiNGS | Best Ever {Fresh} FRUiT Cake

For most people…

"Fruit Cake" typically warrants wrinkled noses and groans during the Christmas/Winter Holidays at it's very mention.

Thankfully...this isn't the season for "fruit cake"! 

And... as you can see from the image below...

there's no need for wrinkled noses and groans because...

what I'm sharing with you today isn't your traditional "Fruit" Cake…

Fresh "Fruit Cake"

Made completely of fresh fruit...

this cake is sure to turn heads while still tending carefully to the heart health of those we love.

Click the "Read More" link below to get the rest of the details on the most delicious and nutritious fruit cake ever!

GOOD THiNGS | Simple Green Smoothies 30-Day Challenge

It seems there's been nothing but sugar on the blog lately! *wink*

How about a little detox from all the sweets today?
Let's focus on something I think is perfectly festive for St. Patty's Day...
and is absolutly nutritious and good for you too...

Green Smoothies

We've talked Green Smoothies before...here and here.
Today, however, is a bit different...

Click the "Read More" button for the entire scoop...

GOOD THiNGS | Kale Chips

I've recently vowed to increase my vegetable intake to at least 6 cups a day. 

atleast 1/2 of those cups being specifically greens.

That being said...

I'm having to find creative ways to incorporate more greens into my eating regimen...

so that consumption is enjoyable rather than torturous. *wink*

I jumped on the kale train awhile back...

strictly making smoothies with it.

Although I'd seen kale chip recipes floating around the web...

It wasn't until recently I attempted my first batch.

I've found them to be a simple way to add some extra greens to my day...
ultimately helping me to reach my goal.
They are supposed to be a healthy form of "snacking"...
in that they should replace the bag of chips we typically reach for.

They are quite easy to make...
and although they'll never compare to potato chip as far as taste...
the vitamins and nutrients in kale...
leave potatoes in the dirt! *wink*

Kale is also in season right now!
"During the winter months when other leafy greens are out of season kale is in full bloom, in season, and richest in flavor.  This leafy green, cruciferous vegetable is versatile to cook with and can be prepared just like spinach or any other greens." via www.mindbodygreen.com


What better time to share my process for making Kale Chips...
adapted from several recipes/tips I found.

KALE CHIPS

RINSE AND DRY

Fresh kale is far better than the bagged version - in my opinion.

Rinse thoroughly and spin dry using a salad spinner or by laying flat and patting with a paper towel.

Kale must be dry otherwise you'll end up with "steamed" kale vs. a crispy chip

REMOVE LEAVES FROM STEM

Strip the leaves from the stem and tear into bite size pieces.

Keep in mind kale shrinks so don't make the pieces too small

PREPARE FOR BAKING

Arrange one layer of kale on baking sheet(s).

OLIVE OIL AND SALT

Spritz (or drizzle) olive oil onto kale leaves.

Sprinkle with salt to taste.

BAKE

Bake kale at 350º for 15-20 minutes.

Bake until crispy - but not browned.

REMOVE FROM OVEN

A good indication they are done?

Listen for the kale to sound like the rustling of  fall leaves when moved around on the baking sheet

READY TO EAT

Put your finished kale chips in a bowl and get to snacking.

TREND ALERT
You'll find kale chips replacing bowls of chips at more and more celebrations.
Kale can be found on the menus of gourmet restaurants throughout the country.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING KALE? (source)
1. Anti-inflammatory: Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing the arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases.
2. Iron: Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.
3. Calcium: Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.
4. Fiber: One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.
5. Omega fatty acids:  A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.
6. Immunity: Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

WHAT DOES ALL OF THAT MEAN FOR US? (source)
• Heart-healthy
• May lower cholesterol
• Great for your skin
• Protects your vision
• Fights fat
• Good for your bones and teeth
• Improves digestion
• Aids in weight loss
• Keeps your mind sharp

OTHER ALTERNATIVES FOR KALE CONSUMPTION:
• Sautéing/Braising
• Kale Salad
• Add to Soups
• Steaming

KALE VARIETIES (source)
• Green/Curly kale – the most common variety in the grocery store, has a firm texture and curly leaves.
• Red kale – similar in taste and texture to green kale, but adds a splash of red or purple to your plate.
• Dinosaur kale (also called Tuscan or Lacinato) –  the leaves are flatter and more tender than the other types.

I'm no "health" expert...

but I do enjoy sharing what I've learned along the way.

I encourage each of you to do your own research as well.

And if you have already been bitten by the kale bug...
I'd love for you to share any great recipes/ideas you have.

If you haven't tried it yet...
how about a go?
I'm not promising you'll never eat another potato chip again...
but I can promise you better health. *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Would I rather eat some Doritos or Cheetos?
Of course I would.
I'd also prefer to only eat dessert for every meal.
I'm just realizing as I get older...
the price I'll pay for poor eating habits just isn't worth the sacrifice of my health.
I'd rather feel good...
have more energy...
and ultimately invest in my "health account..."
vs. continuing to make deductions from it.
Know what I mean?

GOOD THiNGS | Bananas over bananas

Over the Summer...
something happened.

In my search to reach for healthier snack alternatives...
I became obsessed with bananas.
I thought I'd share with you what I refer to as...
My "Banana Evolution"...

It all began with these...

Green Smoothies

After including  lots of green smoothies for my breakfast or lunch...

I started noticing my thirteen year old daughter snacking on something interesting...

The frozen banana halves I had stocked in the freezer for my smoothies.

She just wrapped some plastic around the cold, frozen banana and ate it like a popsicle.

She swore they tasted just like ice cream so I had to try it. YUM!

Which then inspired these...

Banana Popsicles

I decided to add a stick to fresh cut bananas and then freeze them...making them an official popsicle.

Shown here using rods from The Pastry Pedestal™

Which led to the ultimate treat

Soft Serve Banana Ice Cream

Frozen Bananas + Food Processor = Banana Ice Cream

Variations of this ultimate treat quickly evolved...

Soft Serve Banana Nut Ice Cream

Frozen Bananas + Blender  topped off with Honey + Walnuts = Banana Nut Ice Cream

(see how the blender creates more of a creamy outcome vs. the firmer version from the food processor).

Soft Serve Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Frozen Bananas + Blender + Peanut Butter = Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Topped off with a super simple homemade raw chocolate syrup:

2 TBSP Agave Nectar + 1 TBSP cocoa powder

Can it get any better than that?

A whole food, simply made yummier by freezing it.

I love it.

SUPPLIES NEEDED (Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings)

• 2-3 frozen bananas (sliced or cut into chunks prior to freezing)

• Food processor or blender

Optional: Toppings 

INSTRUCTIONS

Using a blender or food processor, add 2-3 frozen bananas.

Blend for a few seconds until bananas reach a creamy, "soft serve" ice cream consistency.

Sprinkle with nuts, fruits or raw syrups to keep things nice & healthy. *wink*

Serve immediately.

TiPS:

Using a Blender - you may want to put the bananas in the blender and let them thaw for a few minutes prior to blending.

                                 Your results will be more creamy than "soft serve". Still delicious.

Using a Food Processor - I prefer the consistency of the ice cream I got using my super mini food processor.

                                               It's more of a true soft-serve ice cream. 

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to discover such a simple, healthy,  FUN snack alternative.

I hope you'll be inspired to try it out yourself.

I'm working on perfecting a "fall" flavored version.

I'll let you know what I come up with.

Make it a great week, friends!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

The Peanut Butter + Banana version is my absolute favorite.

But then again...we all know I have a weakness for peanut butter. *wink*

Lots of fun things coming up...

Including a FUN giveaway announcement!!                                      

GOOD THiNGS | Watermelon Blueberry Salsa

Before Summer is officially over...

and the fruits of the season are completely gone...

I have GOT to try this...

Watermelon Blueberry Salsa

photo source

Doesn't that sound SO good?

I found this on Monday...

created and posted by Lindsay of  Love & Olive Oil...

and to me...

it is the epitome of Summer.

I pinned it to my "Good For You" Pinterest Board as soon as I saw it and I cannot wait to try it.

In fact...

I may have to run and pick up the ingredients today.

Perhaps you'll want to try it out too?

CLiCK HERE to be taken directly to the recipe.

If you try it out, I'd love to know your results...

Thank you for the inspiration Lindsay!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I can't believe we are closing in on the last days of Summer.

As much as I look forward to the structure and routine that comes with the start of school...

I also LOVE the extra time I get to spend with my girls.

I am looking forward to getting back to a regular work routine.

I've been completely out-of-sorts...