Homemade Pizza

Today I'm going to share with you a super fun pizza recipe to do with your family, friends, or when your bored and feel like doing something crafty.  For this recipe I made the dough from scratch.  When follow the recipe I doubled it so I could make a 16in pizza but you can half the recipe if you want a smaller pizza. This recipe is also great because you can put whatever toppings you would like.  Whether your a picky eater or super adventurous your welcome to do whatever you'd like when topping this pizza.  Not only is this pizza most likely cheaper than ordering, but it is also most likely healthier, and you can know exactly what goes into it.   Hope you enjoy and lets get started.


Pizza Dough: based from impatientfoodie.com 2 ingredient pizza dough

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• Milk(if needed) 
• Olive oil

Directions:
1) Mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and Greek yogurt together.
2)Once mixed knead for 8-10min or until dough is combined. (If the dough is to dry add some milk, but if dough is to wet add in a little more flour)
3)Taking the dough, flatten it out and form into a pizza shape, or whatever shape you prefer. Taking the shaped dough brush some olive oil, then put on your toppings.  After pizza is ready place into the oven on 450°  at cook for 10-15min or until the pizza looks done.

Ham and Pepperoni Pizza:

Ingredients:

• Marinara sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese
•  Ham
• Pepperoni
• Chopped onion
• Tomato chopped and seeded

Directions:
Take the dough and first begin by spreading out your marinara, then top with your cheese.  From their take your  pepperonis, ham, onions, and tomato and place on top.  

Hope you enjoy this recipe and make your own pizzas at home!
                 -Megan

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Veggie Fried Rice

Hey everyone, today I'm going to share with you a super easy and delicious recipe for fried rice.  This recipe is great as a meal, or as a side for you favorite dishes such as stir fry.  I even made this recipe on Sunday and heated up wed when pressed for time, that way I could still have a tasty and nutritious meal.  This recipe makes about 1-2 servings so you may need to adjust portion sizes.  Also you may change the vegetables by  adding or remove any to meet your preferences. Another great way to add more nutritional benefits to this meal would be using brown rice as it supplies fiber, and some other benefits white rice may not have.  Hope you enjoy this great recipe, for when you feel like having a little something extra with your rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked brown rice (you can us left overs, or make some on the spot.  I used the Uncle Ben's 10minute brown rice)
• 1 green onion chopped
• 1/2 cup broccoli or about 1 head chopped to bite size portions
• handful of snow peas cut into 1in bits
• 1 egg
• soy sauce
• oil
• salt
• pepper

Directions:
1) Place your oil in a pan and heat up, once heated scramble your egg in the pan.  Once done set aside in a separate bowl.
2) Take your WOK and place about 2tbsp of oil in it, then place your cooked rice in and coat in the oil (make sure to use high heat)
3) Once rice is coated and heated add in the chopped vegetables and mix into the rice. Add some salt and pepper to flavor. Afterwards cover with a lid and let sit for 5min on medium heat.  (This gives the vegetables a vibrant color and cooks them really well)
4) After 5min add in the scrambled egg and about 1tbsp of soy sauce to flavor. (soy sauce may vary on preference) Keep in pan until everything is heated then serve, or place into a container and store in the refrigerator to reheat later.

Hope you Enjoy!
             -Megan

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Healthy Snacks to Help Curb your Hunger

Do you ever hit  a time were your starting to get hungry, but its not quit time to have a big meal??? Well today were here to share some healthier options to snack on when theses cravings hit. So next time when you want to grab a bag of chips, candy, or some other processed unhealthy snack,  try one of these.

1. Vegetables with light ranch- vegetables are a great source of vitamins, and other nutrients your body needs.  These benefits will help your body to function well  and it's also a great way  to get some color into your diet.  Although if your someone who doesn't crave vegetables try dipping it in some light ranch to add a little flavor.  Just remember not to dip to much as it can overpower the benefits of the vegetables. Some of my favorite veggies to use would be carrots, celery, or broccoli, but you can always choose what ever appeals to you.
2.  Pita Bread and Hummus- this snack is a great way to fill your self up and satisfy your cravings.  To help make this meal healthier try using whole wheat pita bread, or if you have time and are feeling adventurous make your hummus or pita bread homemade.  Another tip I have is to portion out this snack and put it on a plate or in a bag.  By doing this it will allow you to enjoy your snack without subconsciously eating to much.
3. Nuts- Another great snack to have is nuts, which come in many different forms; such as cashews, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, and others.  Choosing your favorites section out the amount you want and enjoy this filling snack.  The great thing about these is that nuts are filled with healthy nutrients like fats(the good kinds not trans fats), proteins, fiber, and other antioxidants.
4. Apples with Peanut Butter-  This is one of my favorites as I find it the perfect amount of crunchy, and creamy.  For this snack cut your apple into slices then dip into the peanut butter(crunchy or creamy whichever is your favorite), and enjoy.  In this snack the apple provides your body with fiber, and healthy sugars.  The peanut butter also supplies protein, healthy fats, and potassium.
5. Cheeses sticks- A cheese stick is the perfect snack for when your on the go, their really easy to have on hand and they don't make a big mess.  This snack is also great when paired with fruit as well.
6. Homemade Popcorn- The normal microwave popcorn is usually unhealthy for you as it contains lots of butter and salt.  Although popcorn can be a really healthy snack, it fills you up, and provides your body with whole grains, and fiber.  When making this yourself make sure to go light on the oils and salt, as you can easily turn this into an unhealthy snack.
7. Fruit- As many people know fruit is one of the best snacks.  Their is so many different types, so you can change it up to what your feeling.  Some of my favorite fruits are pineapple, apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, oranges, raspberries, and so many more.  Fruit is great because its low in calories, but it also supports your body with many different vitamins, and it helps to lower your cholesterol.
8. Greek Yogurt- Greek yogurt is super good and is also a good source of protien.  I really enjoy having this as it fills me up, and gives me protein for days when I don't eat a lot of meat.  
9. Rice Cakes- Rice cakes are another good snack for on the go as they don't create any mess.  I really enjoy rice cakes because they can fill you up, and satisfy my cravings.

Hope you enjoy these ideas and try some yourself.
    -Megan

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Delicious recipes for overripe bananas

Do you ever have a build up of untouched bananas in your freezer and no idea how to use them? Well this is the blog for you! We're going to show you 2 easy and delicious recipes that anyone can make!

Banana Breakfast Bars:

Ingredients:

• 4 overripe banana's
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 cup old fashioned oats

Directions:
1. Mash the bananas in a bowl
2. Stir in the oil and the brown sugar
3. Add in the eggs, vanilla, salt then stir until combined
4. stir in the baking soda
5. Add in the flour and oats then stir until everything is mixed. (the mixture will be slightly chunky)
6. Place the mixture into a buttered 13*18 pan. Spread the mixture out so it is a flat as possible and covers the pan.  Then place the  pan in the oven and bake for 15-17min, or until the mixture is solid and has solidified.
7.Once you take it out let cool for about 10ish minutes cut and enjoy. The mixture should make about 40 bars depending on size.

Optional: If you would like you can melt about 1/4 cup white chocolate chips with about 1tsp almond milk and drizzle on top the bars.

Banana Muffins with Brown Sugar Crumb Topping:

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 4 bananas
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 stick of butter
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour

Directions:

1. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt into a small bowl

2. Peel and mash bananas in a larger bowl and stir until there are limited chunks

3. Add the white sugar, 1/3 cup of melted butter and eggs to the mashed bananas

4. Once the batter seems thoroughly stirred, gradually add the flour mixture

5. In another small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of flour, and the rest of the stick of butter melted. (If the crumble isn't clumping together like the picture below, add more butter)

6. Lightly spray a muffin pan or line with paper cups, then spoon the batter in. Follow by sprinkling the crumble on top of the batter like the picture shown below.

7. Cook in the oven for 12 minutes at 350 degrees 

8. Let cool and enjoy!

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Orange Honey Glazed Carrots

Today I'm going to share a delicious carrot recipe from the kitchen of Ina Garten.  I originally made these carrots for my families Thanksgiving Meal and they were an absolute hit.  I was even asked to bring them to my families Christmas Day dinner, and our New Years Day get together.  The best part about this recipe is how easy it is and the ability to be prepared prior to the big meal, helping to relieve some of that last minute stress on a big gathering.

Through the multiple attempts of making these carrots I have made some observations and came up with  some tips and tricks for cooking them to the perfect texture without being overly cooked.  I also have a few modifications from the original recipe for prepping them the day before.  Hopefully you enjoy and lets get started.

Ingredients:

• 3 bunches peeled carrots
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• Kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh minced ginger
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Take the peeled carrots and cut diagonally into 1 in thick slice (it helps to have carrots that are thicker so they wont cook as fast.)

2. Put 1/2 cup water, the butter, honey, 2 tsp salt, and ginger into a large saute pan and bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling put the carrots into the pan and cover.  Let the simmer on a medium-low heat for 5 min.

4. After 5 min remove the lid a cook for 20 min or until the carrots are soft but still are slightly tender.

5. Once your done with that take the pan and place into the refrigerator over night.

6. About 10-20 min before your ready to eat take out the carrots and put in the orange juice and orange zest.  

7. Let the carrots cook so the juices evaporate and form a glaze.  (If you still have a lot of juice but the carrots are done cooking, separate the juice and boil it in a separate pan until it is reduced to about 1/2 or 3/4.

8. Once reduced put the sauce back in with the carrots then take off heat and let it glaze onto the carrots, serve and enjoy!

-Megan

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Delicous and Easy Honey Mustard Dressing

This recipe is one of my personal favorites as well as my dad's.  Every time I make this recipe we have a delicious dinner.  Their is multiple uses for this sauce as you can use it as a dip for chicken tenders, or you can use it as a marinade. One of my favorites to do with this Honey mustard is marinade my chicken in it over night then cook it on the grill.  Serve this with some homemade sweet potato fries, and heat up the extra sauce to a boil for dipping and you'll have an amazing meal. Hopefully you enjoy this sauce and feel free to experiment its many uses.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup honey mustard
• 1/2 cup stone-ground mustard 
• 1/2 of a lemons juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• a pinch or two of red pepper flakes

Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

-Megan

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