No Bake Compromise

I do my best to eat right and cook healthy meals that are quite tasty as well.  However, I am not above a little compromise to please my husband by trying to preserve the food he loves.  One of his all time favorite cookies is the always simple to make No Bake Cookie.  Chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal deliciousness.  As a side note, they are one of my favorites too.  I experimented today and came up with a delicious version with a few healthier alternatives. Big bonus....the smile on my husbands face.  P.S.  He doesn't know about the "healthy touches".  At least not until he reads this blog in the morning :)

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

2 cups organic sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup organic almond butter
3 cups oats

Mix the sugar, cocoa powder, butter, olive oil and milk in a saucepan stirring often until it comes to a boil.  Let boil for1 minute.  Then add the remaining ingredients and quickly stir thoroughly as it thickens fast.  Drop by tablespoons onto wax paper.  Let cool.  They will harden as they cool.  Enjoy!

Meyer Lemon

A couple of days ago I went to Costco (as I do quite often) and in the produce section noticed they had Meyer Lemons.  I recognized the name and remembered hearing something amazing about them.  I still have no clue as to what that amazing thing was, but knew I must try them.  So into the basket they went.

When I got home and looked at the lemons, the first thing I noticed was their gorgeous color, deep yellow with a hint of orange.  The second thing I noticed was how full and plump they were.   I pulled out my cutting board and knife and sliced into one.  The skin was nice and thick. The inside was bright, juicy, and fragrant.  I reached into the cupboard for a glass and filled it with ice.  After removing the seeds from the lemon halves, I squeezed each half into the glass.  I then opened a bottle of Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water and poured the liquid into the glass over the lemon juice.  After a quick stir, I took my first drink.  Cold, crisp, fizzy, lemony, and tart.  Delightful!!

Whatever it was that I heard about these wonderful lemons in the past does not matter because now I have my own "amazing" thought of Meyer Lemons. 

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is such a simple meal to make, yet it is so nutritious. I love meals like this that are so healthy and filling, yet super easy from start to finish.  Of course I have added a few extra ingredients to mine for a little extra flavor and nutrition.  You can either cook this in a pot on the stove or put the ingredients in the slow cooker and have it ready when you get home from a busy day.  Try it out and see what you think!

1 small onion, diced
1 carrot, shredded
1 tablespoon minced garlic
16 ounces dry split peas, rinsed and drained
6 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked ham, diced

In a large pot, saute the onions and carrots in olive oil until soft.  Add the garlic and saute for a minute more while stirring.   Add in the remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Once the soup begins to boil cover and turn the heat down to low.  Let simmer for about an hour or until the peas are soft.  Make sure you stir it every so often so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.  If the soup thickens too much add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.  Enjoy!