Author Archives: Sandra Huddleston

Summer Refreshment

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Need something quick for breakfast, a pick-me-up after working out or just a yummy, not-so-guilty treat?  Try one of these.  For me, the key to a really great smoothie, is freezing the fruit. It eliminates the need for ice, which can water down the smoothie.

Here’s how to freeze the fruit: Slice bananas, lay on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. Once frozen, place in a zip top bag until needed. Same for capped strawberries (can leave whole), peaches, blackberries, etc.  This method helps them not to clump together. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the fruit for another use before it spoils.

Here are three of my faves:

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

1 cup frozen banana  (one large one)
1 cup vanilla lowfat yogurt
1/2 cup lowfat/skim milk,
2 Tblsp. crushed graham crackers, I use wheat germ/ground flax seeds
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Process in blender. Yields 2-1 cup servings. It is like a rich, banana milkshake.

Berry Banana Smoothie Continue reading →

Creative Teacher Gifts

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School is almost out, looking for some ways to say “thanks for a great year” to your child’s wonderful teacher?  Some require a little planning ahead, and some you can run out and pick right up!  Here they are:

  • Gift cards (Favorite restaurant, hobby store, home improvement store, etc.)
  • A summer tote bag filled with sunscreen, visor, magazine or novel and sweet & salty snacks,etc.
  • Flowers: hanging pots or potted annuals for them to enjoy all summer
  • Money or Money Tree
  • Devotional or journal
  • Baked goods: cookies, brownies, etc. (your favorite recipe or bakery)
  • Note cards or stationery
  • Canvas apron or captain’s chair with all the children’s hand prints stamped on it
  • Candles
  • A scrapbook or memory jar: Have parents send in a picture of their child along with a favorite thing they learned or memory about “Ms./Mr. Teacher’s” class this year.

Always enclose a note from your child to the teacher thanking them for a great year, in their handwriting if possible.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Sandra

Scrumptious Caesar Salad

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This is one of my family’s favorites for this time of year.   The crunchy romaine and the lemon are so refreshing.  Here is a “healthier version” recipe for a delicious caesar salad.  Hope you enjoy these 5 easy steps to a delicious meal!

Simply Caesar Salad

(Serves 4)

1 large head of Romaine lettuce

homemade croutons or a bag of Caesar style croutons, if desired

Dressing: 

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup lemon juice (juice from 2 lemons)

2 cloves of garlic

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1.  Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 days ahead. (Any dressing that’s leftover makes a great marinade for chicken, fish or shrimp.)

2.  Rinse and tear or cut lettuce into bite size pieces.  Place in a bowl and chill.

3.  When ready to serve, combine lettuce and desired amount of dressing & croutons.

4.  Add sliced, grilled chicken breast or grilled salmon fillet to make a heartier meal.

5. Eat and Enjoy!!

Sandra