Apple Slaw

I love a good coleslaw recipe, and this one adds just the right amount of sweet and savory.

Apple Slaw

Recipe from Ready Set Eat

4 c. coleslaw mix
1 c. chopped apple
2 Tbsp. sliced green onions

3 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. spicy brown mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. oil (I used olive)

Toss coleslaw mix, apples, and green onions together in a large serving bowl.

In separate dish, whisk together the honey, vinegar, mustard and salt.

Whisk in oil until well combined.

Pour over coleslaw and stir to coat.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Smoothie

As a lover of anything with peanut butter I am happy to say that I am glad I found a breakfast and snack that I can actually feel good about eating.  This could even suffice as a dessert.  It is filling and delicious!  The peanut butter can be substituted with any nut butter you prefer.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Recipe modified from My Whole Food Life

2 bananas

3/4 c. almond milk

2 Tbsp. peanut or almond butter

1 heaping Tbsp. cocoa

1 Tbsp. chia or flax seeds

1 tsp. honey

1 c. ice

Combine all items in blender and puree until smooth.

Serve immediately.

Makes 1 large serving.

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

We are not usually big brussel fans, but this recipe was wonderful!  It takes some time to dice them up, but it's worth it!

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Menu Managed Original

2 Tbsp. olive oil (or bacon grease)

2 Tbsp. butter

3 c. brussel sprouts

1/2 large onion, sliced thin

salt and pepper to taste

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Slice brussel sprouts into even pieces (I chopped each one into 6 pieces).

Heat oil and butter in large skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly translucent.

Add brussel sprouts and season with salt and pepper.

Continue to saute for 15-20 minutes, until onions and sprouts are caramelized.

Sprinkle chopped bacon on top, mix and serve.

Crockpot Pesto Chicken

I don't know that I can make any meal made in the crock pot actually look appetizing, but this dish has 4 ingredients and it tastes amazing.  Double points for being able to have the crockpot do all of the work.

Crockpot Pesto Chicken

Recipe from Picky Palate

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

6 oz. basil pesto

1 ranch seasoning packet

1/2 c. chicken broth

Line bottom of slow cooker with chicken thighs.

Combine pesto, ranch packet and chicken broth and mix to combine.

Pour over chicken.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4.

Layered Party Punch

Aside from the ridiculously delicious and refreshing taste, the best thing about this punch is the way it looks.  Somehow it magically stays separate enough to view layers of individual colors.

Once you dig in and start serving it up however, the raspberries turn it a bright pink.  Its a win win.

I served this for my sisters baby shower, and it was a huge hit!

The juice concentrates can be substituted for whatever you can find in your local store - An equal mix of orange and pineapple juice (no water added) is also fantastic!

Layered Party Punch

Recipe from No Biggie

1 can frozen pina colada concentrate, thawed

1 can frozen orange pineapple juice concentrate, thawed

4 cans of water

4 liters diet lemon-lime soda (I found a pina colada flavored one that made it take on the green/blue hue)

Ice

4 c. fresh or frozen raspberries

Pour thawed concentrates into punchbowl and stir.

Use one of the empty concentrate cans and fill it up 4 times with water, add to the punchbowl and stir.

Add soda to the mixture.
Do not stir.

Add ice - you can really add as much or as little as you wanted, I add about 16 cups.

Top with raspberries.

Apple Chips {Oven Baked}

Before I dive into this, be sure to head on over here to view the Biggest Food Storage Sale of the Year.  There is a giveaway and a chance to earn some free product as well.

Apples are one of those fruits that don't last very long at our house.  My 5 year old eats at least 3 a day.   I have to hide them from him.  In an effort to get something more than the regular applesauce, apple slices, apple pie filling and apple juice we tried dehydrating for the first time.

One day I will get myself a dehydrator.  But not this year.  We used the oven instead. 

These apple chips make for a great snack, and are a good way to preserve what is abundantly in season at the moment by baking in the oven.

Apple Chips

apples

cinnamon

sugar

Use a mandolin, or slice apples as thinly as possible.

Remove seeds, but don't worry about cutting away the middle section altogether (I love the star shape that it makes!)

Layer individually over silicone lined baking sheets.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake at the lowest temperature your oven will allow (for me that is 170).

Time will vary on the thickness of your slices.

I baked mine for about 5 hours, and then turned the oven off but left them sitting overnight with the oven light on.

If you used a mandolin they could be done in 2-3 hours.

Cool completely, and store in an airtight container.

Waffle Iron Hashbrowns

This is not necessarily a recipe, but if you think crispy crunchy hashbrowns are a must, and you hate waiting for them to get that way standing over a skillet then this is for you!

These can be made in either the traditional or belgian waffle makers.

Waffle Iron Hashbrowns

Idea from Nature's Nurture

Spray waffle iron with cooking spray.

Layer shredded potatoes on iron, about 1/4" thick.

Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning that suites you.

Close the lid and cook for 15 minutes.