Recipes

Tomatoes are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. They add flavor, texture, and color to your cooking while also adding nutritional value. That is why they should be an integral part of any well-rounded diet. In this blog post, we will explore four recipes that highlight the versatility of tomatoes by using them in everyday cooking:

Photo Source

1. Tomato Salsa

Tomato salsa is a healthy and low-carb snack that can be whipped up in minutes. It requires no cooking, making it an ideal meal for those busy nights when you don’t have time to prepare dinner before heading out the door. The ingredients required are:

• Four fresh tomatoes, finely chopped.
• One onion, finely chopped.
• Two jalapenos peppers (more if desired), finely diced.
• Three cloves of garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press.
• One half cup cilantro leaves ripped from stems with your fingers then coarsely chopped/crushed by your palms over the sink. We recommend using rubber gloves while preparing this dish as jalapeno juice will sting any open wounds.
• One half cup lime juice.
• Two tsp salt, or to taste.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and let them sit in your refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so that flavors can develop. This recipe is also delicious when paired with tortilla chips!

2. Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Tomato and cucumbers are two of the most popular fresh vegetables that can be found year-round. They pair together beautifully in salads or as side dishes to many different meals. The ingredients required for this recipe include:

• Two large tomatoes, chopped.
• One English hothouse cucumber (or three regular pickling cucumbers).
• Unpeeled, seeded, and cut into half-moons.
• One cup red onion, peeled and minced.
• Two tablespoons of olive oil extra virgin variety.
• Three tablespoons of lemon juice freshly squeezed.
• One teaspoon sugar one-quarter tsp.
• Salt ground black pepper to taste optional garnishes.

Cilantro leaves snipped with kitchen shears then coarsely chopped by your palms over the sink OR finely diced jalapeno peppers combine all ingredients except optional garnishes in a large bowl. Mix well and let sit for at least 20 minutes before serving so that flavors can develop.

3. Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is an essential ingredient for many different dishes. It can be used as a sauce or soup base, added to chili, pasta sauces, and more! The components required for this recipe include:

• Two pounds (four large) ripe tomatoes cut into chunks without peeling.
• One clove of garlic peeled but left whole.
• Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
• One teaspoon of thyme leaves snipped with kitchen shears, then coarsely chopped by your palms over the sink.
• OR fresh basil leaves ripped from stems with your fingers then coarsely chopped/crushed by your palms over the sink.

Place all of the above except any optional garnish in a medium pot set on high heat until boiling. Reduce heat so that the mixture simmers. Cook for about one hour, occasionally stirring until liquid is reduced by half or more and tomatoes are super soft. Let cool before pureeing with an immersion blender until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, transfer the tomato mixture to a food processor or regular blender and blend until smooth. You can add this puree to your tomato soup recipe and other dishes for the most incredible results. 

4. Tomato Paste for Pasta

Tomato paste is a quick and easy way to add flavor to any pasta dish. It’s also inexpensive, which makes it an excellent replacement for canned tomato sauce, in most words. The ingredients required for this recipe include:

• Two (six-ounce) cans of ground tomatoes
• One teaspoon of sugar.
• One large onion, cut into four pieces; no need to peel!
• One carrot peeled but left whole.
• Three tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil extra virgin variety.
• Salt fresh ground black pepper.
• Two cloves garlic minced/pressed through a garlic press.
• One half cup red wine dry vermouth OR water If you do not have the time or patience to make your tomato paste from scratch using fresh tomatoes.

In a large pot, add all ingredients except wine and stir well to combine. Then bring the mixture to a simmer on medium-high heat for about one hour, occasionally stirring until liquid is reduced by half or more and sauce has thickened considerably. Stir in wine and cook for about an additional 30 minutes.

These are four recipes in which you can use tomatoes to add flavor or as a sauce base. Tomatoes pair well with many different ingredients, and they’re easy to prepare! Try these recipes out today for the best results!

Apples are by far one of my most favorite fruits, which is probably why I love the fall so much. Growing up in Virginia, there was nothing I loved more than picking McIntosh apples with my family. With the cooking spree that generally followed at home a close second. Between our homemade applesauce, apple crisp, apple pie, apple fritters, tarts, and Waldorf salads. Needless to say, things could get pretty fruity at home during the apple season.

While I have an extreme fondness for apples there is also a great legacy of apple-loving in America. Apples have been recorded as culinary staples in colonial kitchens stemming back to the early 1600s, making them a true staple of American culture.

In 1603, Jamestown settlers grew apples for one sole purpose- making cider. The apples they produced then were small, tart varieties more akin to crab apples, unlike the handy fruit snacks we enjoy today. 

Even though apples are not the most purchased fruit in the United States. They come in at a close second behind bananas. But whether it’s through fresh apples or apple products, the average American consumes roughly 19 pounds per year. Making them the perfect fat-free, low-cal, sodium-free, cholesterol-free 80-calorie snack. 

As the old adage goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Eating an apple before bed can help cleanse and whiten your teeth, eating the skin of apples can provide you with age-fighting anti-oxidants, including Quercetin, apples are nutrient-dense in fiber, and contain high levels of boron, which increases mental alertness. Now for a new more modern American apple facts!

1) Washington State produces the most apples each year in the United States. In fact, 70% of all apples sold in the U.S. come from the Evergreen State. This is followed by production by New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, and Idaho. 

2) The United States currently produced close to 200 unique varieties of apples but the only native apple in North America is the Crabapple. Crabapple trees once called common apples, became a staple of American markets as early as Boston in 1625. It is believed that apple seeds brought over from Europe began to change consumer markets and over time crabapples became out of step with American tastes. That was until the reemergence of the 20th-century cider renaissance, where now over 30 varieties of crabapples can be commonly found in store-bought microbrews. 

3) It takes an apple tree five years to produce its first fruit. Apple trees are slow, but steady producers. Once the tree begins to grow, each apple tree can become quite voluminous. The average tree can fill 20 fruit boxes, with the average box weighing in around 42 pounds! 

4) It takes around 40 apples to produce 1 gallon of cider. Making that each glass of cider you drink is the equivalent of 4 apples. 

5) The top 10 varieties sold in the United States are Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Jazz. The most used apple for baking is the Red Delicious, due to its sweet, rich flavor. The top cider producing apples are McIntosh, Rome, and Empire.

Now that we all know a little more about these naturally sweet snacks, I thought I would share with you a few ideas to get you thinking of all things apple in the season to come. Five Marc Zboch-Inspired recipes inspired by the fall classic: A Marc Thomas.

So pull out those crock-pots, baking mitts, and coffee mugs! Here are my 5 favorite apple recipes for the fall season ahead.

Crock-Pot Apple Chia Cider: What I love about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make, stores well, reheats like a dream, and encompasses my two favorite drinks, cider, and Chai tea. This drink is always a favorite for family get-togethers, and family movie nights deep in the Fall. The best part? It can be prepped in under five minutes! This will be your new go-to drink this fall at home!

Harvest Crock-Pot Apple Butter: Need a way to use up leftover apples? This organic apple butter is perfect for just that! I often use leftover apples from my Crock Pot Apple Chai Cider recipe! What I love about this tasty apple butter is it a truly low and slow recipe, but oh so worth the wait. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, the amount of sugar used in this recipe can be reduced or removed as a whole, making this a true low-glycemic recipe! 

Crock-Pot Pork Loin with Apple-Cranberry Sauce: Looking for a super simple weeknight meal idea? Well, it doesn’t get much easier than my Crock-Pot Pork Loin with Apple-Cranberry Sauce! What’s nice about this dish, is that is can be made for a weeknight dinner, taken along to a potluck meal, or even served for Christmas Dinner. And my favorite part of this recipe? The aroma put off by the rosemary, granny smith apples, and cranberries. It’s totally reminiscent of the holiday season!

Make-Ahead Apple Pie Pecan Chia Seed Pudding: This yummy, nutrient-dense, flavor-packed chia seed pudding is a fun and frugal vegan, a gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free recipe you’ll want to try this coming apple season! Enjoy it on toast, layered in parfaits, or warmed for a fun breakfast treat! 

DIY All-Natural Apple-Honey Cough Syrup Recipe: If you are anything like me, then throughout the year you suffer from dry, scratchy, painful throat symptoms. With allergy season right around the corner, here’s my go-to fall All-Natural Apple-Honey Cough Syrup! Not only is this blend all-natural, but it also costs a mere $0.50 per bottle!

Friends, those are my 5 favorite go-to apple recipes each fall. With the start of National Month a few short days away, I hope these recipes will inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to America’s favorite snack, the apple! Now, I’ve got to ask, do you have any go-to apple recipes you enjoy each fall? If so, I’d love to hear about them below! 

Disclosure: This post was made possible by MomsMeet.com and Flavor Your Life Campaign. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. Read full Disclosure Policy here. 

If you’re anything like me, then olive oil is a staple in your home pantry. My love of olive oil stems from my childhood growing up along the shore in South Jersey. I lived in a very diverse multi-cultural neighborhood full of rich, vibrant Italian, Greek, Eastern European, and Jewish cultures. Where around suppertime each night the sweet smell of European olive oil perfumed our street by way of each family’s distinct culinary traditions. Making European olive oil one of my sweetest childhood memories. Which is why I stock my kitchen with quality European olive oil.

I use European olive oil daily in a variety of ways. From dips to salad dressings, it’s my go-to oil at home. And no matter how I use it one thing’s for sure- when it comes to olive oil quality is everything. My Grandmother would always make a point of using olive oil in most of her cooking and now I do the same. One of my favorite treats, a fresh baguette and olive oil for dipping. Nothing is better, friends!

Recently I was given the opportunity to sample the Flavor Your Life European Olive Oil. This campaign, supported by the European Union, is dedicated to providing North American consumers with the latest information about European extra virgin olive oil and to educate consumers of the lasting health benefits that European olive oil provides. As I mentioned earlier, quality is what olive oil is all about. I loved the flavor of this oil and it definitely made a difference when cooking with it.

As I mentioned earlier, when choosing olive oil for your family at home, quality is key. So here are a few key points to consider about olive oil before your next purchase.

European Olive Oil facts:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the freshly pressed juice of olives.
• It is cold-pressed, meaning it is pressed without heat or chemicals.
• Quality olive oil must contain acidity levels below 0.8% or virtually free of acidity.
• This has nothing to do with the pH or taste, but the fatty inner acids.
• Higher levels of acids indicate improper production and product rancidity.
• Proper peroxide value must be below 20 milliequivalents of oxygen/kilo of oil, which indicates the amount of oxidation or aging that’s occurred.
• Aging olive oil can be measured in varying degrees that olives are exposed to oxygen, light, and heat.

Why Choose European olive oil

• The olive tree has been revered in Europe since Antiquity.
• For thousands of years, olive growers have cultivated hundreds of varieties of olive trees (cultivars), optimizing each cultivation for different environment conditions and terrains to produce the most delicious yields possible.
• This resulted in a centuries-old pact between olive growers and consumers the world over. 
• The greatest impact on olive oil taste is the type of olive tree (cultivar), region the olive is grown (which affects climate and soil), and the time of harvest.
• Europe offers a vast array of avor pro less, so keep a variety of oils in your pantry for different occasions.
• Olives are often harvested early in the season, typically in late August (varies by region).
• Olives are harvested when they are under-ripe. Which produces oils that are greener, more bitter and pungent.
• Olives harvested at the end of the season, late November into December, are over-ripe and tend to taste milder.

How I love to use European olive oil at home

One of my favorite ways to use olive at home is by brushing fresh vegetables with European olive oil and then grilling the vegetables. I use these vegetables to make pressed paninis, as healthy chip alternatives to pair with hummus, as entrees for quick dinners on Meatless Mondays, or cut up and added to summer jar salads. If I’m feeling super fancy, I’ll pour some into a little dish with some salt, pepper and maybe a little Parmesan cheese to dip my vegetables! So good and so simple.

I cannot speak highly enough of European olive oil. Each time I’ve tried my sample in recent summer fare, I’m taken back to my year studying abroad in Paris, France and my semester abroad with my former exchange family in Saint-Lô, France. Places where I sampled some of my favorite olive oil-infused dishes! I’m also reminded of my month-long trip to Tuscany where I was able to taste all the different olive oils from the region, oils that were nothing short of divine. 

Tips for Cooking with and Storing Olive Oil

During the course of this review, I learned several things including how to use a variety of olive oils. I have always just used the at-hand store oils, but now I’d like to seek out different types to enhance the food we cook.

Despite using olive oil all the time, little did I know that we were storing it incorrectly? The Flavor Your Life website says that olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place. Fifty-seven degrees is optimal. In addition, you’re not supposed to store the oil by the stove, which is exactly where we keep it.  This is why we will be storing our olive oil moving forward in a more conducive location. Now, if you’d like to learn more about European Extra Virgin Olive Oil as well as the various types available, be sure to check out the Flavor Your Life website.

With each bite, I’m reminded of how European olive oil varies by region as well. That Spanish extra virgin olive oil, golden yellow oil with a fruity flavor that lends itself well to tapas. Or the mild natural taste of the French varieties as well as the bold taste of Italian varieties, oils are known for their earthy, herbal aroma and rich grass-rich flavor. Then there is my favorite olive oil, Greek olive oil, a bold, seasoned oil that’s delicious in every conceivable way. As you can see, the sky is the limit in terms, in terms of the flavor that European Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings to the table. 

As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to dishes that can be made with the rich, bold, delectable taste of  European olive oil. Whatever you cook, bake, grill, or saute, just a humble drizzle European olive oil can turn dinners into memories. So, I encourage you all to try European olive oil in your own home.

You can also stay connected with the Flavor Your Life campaign on Facebook and Twitter, and if you’d like to see my recipe for European olive oil grilled vegetables below as well! 

So now friends, I have to ask, how will you be using European olive oil in your own kitchens this season? I’d love to hear about it below! 

[yumprint-recipe id=’81’]

Disclosure: I received several products to try from Sunbutter and MomsMeet.com. All opinions are my own.

Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control, since 2007 an estimated 3 million school-aged children have been diagnosed with nut-related food allergies? A number that exponentially rises with each passing school year.

While there are many theories as to why so many children have feverishly developed nut allergies in recent decades modern science doesn’t conclusively know for sure why. And with nut-induced allergic reactions ranging from mild skin-related allergies to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can include vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, death, nut allergies are no longer isolated health concerns but have become district-wide school issues.

To complicate matters, there is no way to predict which children with nut-allergies will be at risk for anaphylaxis. As a child doesn’t need to consume nut-laden foods to trigger an anaphylactic reaction. The mere contact with another child that has been exposed to an allergen can trigger an attack. Making childhood nut-allergies a very serious matter each back-to-school season!

Because of this information and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which grants every child in this country the right to medical accommodation in any institution that receives federal funding, including public schools. Which is why so many schools have become nut-free institutions. In fact, over 10,000 public, charter, and private schools across the country are currently nut-free schools!

While banning peanut butter is not a fool-proof endeavor by any means, it is an excellent way to help contain nut products from children with severe allergies at school. Which brings me to a greater point. When it comes to school lunches, have you ever met a child who doesn’t want to eat the ubiquitous pb&j? No one in my family for sure! Fortunately, there are alternative parents can purchase to give their children yummy lunches will not putting other children in danger, such as SunButter products.

The SunButter line of products is a nut-free, all-natural, roasted sunflower seed alternative to peanut butter which is also vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, cruelty-free, certified kosher. Sun Butter is also a more nutrient-rich product, containing seven grams of protein per serving and more vitamins and minerals than nut butter alone. Sun Butter products are also free from all of the top eight food allergens., making them lactose, egg, seafood, fish, nut, wheat, soy, and legume-free!

Another reason I love SunButter products? They are sustainably produced. Compared to almonds, which do not only require irrigation but upwards of 400 gallons of water to produce a single jar 16-ounce of almond butter, SunButter products are produced in a region of the country where no irrigation is needed. Making each 16-ounce jar a more sustainable, zero-waste product.

As a family, we had the pleasure of trying several SunButter jars recently including the 16-ounce jars of the creamy, natural, natural crunch, organic, no-sugar-added, and the 6-count box of 1.5-ounce creamy snack cups. Priced at only $5.99 a container, this makes SunButter perfect for on-the-go errands, playdates, and even after-practice snacks!

I love that SunButter has the same consistency as convention peanut butter, just a bit saltier. Giving SunButter a sweet and salty taste that I really enjoyed. I’ve also made a habit of keeping the snack cups in my gym bag for post-workout or when out and about and need a snack before shopping for groceries!

I’ve also been able to find several other ways to use Sun Butter products at home including several family favorite meals, including Spicy Thai Noodles with SunButter Sauce! A simple, delicious dish that tastes great, and makes for an awesome Meatless Monday meal when topped with your favorite garnish, including Thai basil, green onions, and even peanuts, for a more traditional flare!

I love how creamy SunButter makes this sauce! I could also see using this sauce on other dishes such as skewered chicken kabobs, over rice noodles, in stir-frys, or as a sweet and savory dressing for fish or tofu tacos, lettuce wraps, and noodle bowls too!

The best part? I make this sauce fresh each time in a blender and bring it up to temperature by adding it cooked noodles. While my family loves making this dish with Udon noodles, you could, of course, use rice noodles, rice, or quinoa too!

This sauce can also be made several days in advance. Making this 20-minute meal one of the easiest weekday dinners you can make at home this busy back-to-school season at home. Be sure to pin this recipe, you’ll be glad you did!

So, friends, I encourage you to check out SunButter products. Not just your kiddos lunches this back-to-school season but for fun dishes, you can make at home, such as Spicy Thai Noodles with Sun Butter Sauce! If you’re interested in checking out sun Butter products, click here to find out where Sun Butter products are sold in your neck of the woods. You can also download their app for recipes and tips for living a more vibrant, nut-free life at home this season!

Now I have to ask, have you tried Sun Butter products or do you have favorite pb&j or other Meatless Monday meal suggestions, I’d love to hear about them below!

[yumprint-recipe id=’86’]

Please note, this post is sponsored by MomsMeet.com. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you.

Do you ever need a little pick-me-up during the day besides coffee? Then let me introduce you to one of my favorite mid-day snacks- Chocolate Chai Energy Bites!

Trust me. You’re going to want to try these energy bites pronto. They are full of yummy, plant-based goodness and feature one of my favorite vegetarian staples, Once Again Nut Butter.

This is one of my go-to nut-based butters as it is Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free, and Fair Trade Certified. It is also high in protein, fiber, has fewer calories and
less saturated fat than the leading hazelnut spread and is made without artificial flavors, colors or hydrogenated oils.

Once Again Nut Butter’s Amoré Hazelnut Spread is the first in the company’s line of specialty products, introduced just this year featuring Rocky Raccoon, from the Beatles song of the same name. And who doesn’t like a good piece of rock trivia, you know?

A few things I really love about this brand is that Once Again Nut Butter is an employee-owned business located in upstate New York that has been manufacturing nut butter, seed jars of butter, and honey since 1976. Their products are sustainably made and sourced, this gourmet dessert butter is healthier than other dessert toppings. Moreover, their signature product, the Once Again Organic Amore Almond Spread with Milk Chocolate retails for $9.99. Additional products, including sunflower, almond, cashew, and peanut butter, in both chunky and creamy varieties alike, can be found in your local markets too! To find this brand in your area, click here.

As I have a huge weakness for anything sweet, and knowing that this spread is healthier for them and better for the communities that Amores ingredients are sourced from, this makes me feel good about giving this to my family. Which is why I knew it would be perfect for making Chocolate Chai Energy Bites!

This snack features some of that delicious chocolate spread from Once Again Amore Nut Butter and are packed with whole ingredients like agave, oats, coconut, nuts, chia seeds, and my secret ingredient, organic chai tea! The best part? They can literally be whipped up with your food processor in minutes!

I like to form mine into little 1-inch balls, but feel free to portion out whatever size you’d like to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or an extra boost of energy before a workout. My friends and I all love them, and I’m pretty sure you will too!

To make this recipe, simply combine all ingredients together in a food processor and pulse until combined. Cover mixture and transfer to the refrigerator, and let cool for about 30-60 minutes. This will slightly harden the mixture and make it easier to form into balls.

When the mixture is cool, remove and roll into balls of your desired size. Mine were about 1-inch in diameter. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in a covered container for up to a month.

Friends, if you are looking for a fun, easy-to-make snack for you and the kiddos, be sure to try these Chocolate Chai Energy Bites. You’ll also want to pick up a jar of Once Again Nut Butter Amoré Hazelnut Spread the next time you are in-store at your local grocery store!

Now I want to ask, do you love energy bites? Are you looking forward to trying Once Again Nut Butter Amoré Hazelnut Spread? Let me know your thoughts below!

Connect with Once Again Nut Butter Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest | Yummly 

There’s something kind of magical about being an adult. Especially on Valentine’s Day. Because in my home it means I get to combine two of my favorite tasks, creating vegan desserts and lavishing love on my family!

This year I’m making one of my favorite easy-to-make vegan desserts, DIY chocolate truffles. The perfect Valentine’s Day recipe. A little decadent. A little fancy. Treats that can be made in under an hour and for a fraction of the price you would pay for store bought treats. Did I also mention they are organic, gluten-free, low in processed sugar, and are customizable too?

Besides being very pretty these date truffles taste kinda amazing. Made from organic cocoa powder, organic maple syrup, and topped with organics, they are so so good! Which is why I wanted to post this little inspiration today – and some of you might be needing to bring a dessert or treat for a date with your loved ones or are looking for healthier treas to send to school for Valentine’s Day. These treats just might fit the bill!

The star of the show? Organic Medjool dates, of course! What would a plant-based dessert be without them? As with most date-heavy recipes, they are simple food processed treats. Easy enough to make on a weeknight but decadent enough to serve as a date-night-in treat too!

Now, you might be thinking, what if you are making them just for yourself? You’ll be sure to have an absolutely wonderful Valentine’s Day night-in and enjoy every moment and bite of it! Oh, and the best part? They can be made ahead of time and kept tucked away in your freezer and thawed hours before delivering these treats! A huge bonus in my book! Self-care always!

So if you are looking for a healthy, affordable Valentine’s Day treat this year, these DIY Valentine’s Day Chocolate Truffles are worthy of any Saint Valentine’s Day festivities!

I love that these date truffles can be customized with a myriad of colorful coatings. I like to use a mixture of cocoa powder and Ceylon cinnamon for some, chia seeds mixed with black sesame seeds for others, and enjoy adding chopped pumpkin seeds or walnuts to others! The choices are endless!

Now if you’d like to see how I transform these delectables to giftable using humble Dollar Tree Valentine’s Day wrapping, check out my latest YouTube collab video for more ideas:

I hope these truffles will inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to your Valentine’s Day treats this year at home! Eating plant-based doesn’t mean you have to skin on the luxury and sophistication you have come to expect from commercial truffles this time of year! Give them a try, you’ll love them!

Now I want to ask, will you be making treats for yourself or loved ones this Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear your foodie love story below!