Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!

We hope you have a healthy, happy, Memorial Day holiday, and remember to thank all of those who have given their lives serving our country.

Last week we posted some tasty Memorial Day picnic recipes and ideas, so be sure to check those out.

We are on vacation and will not be posting for the rest of this week, but be sure to check back next week for more delicious from-scratch summer recipes - and in the meantime, if you haven't checked out our website in a while, we have a new design, and lots of great resources for cooking healthy meals from scratch.

Visit the Cooking From Scratch page for a FREE E-Book of 3-Ingredient Recipes - the ultimate in delicious simplicity!  http://www.newholisticliving.com/cooking-from-scratch.html

Recipe: Hawaiian Sunset Fruit Dip

This one's not 100% from scratch, but it's quick and easy. Making your own vanilla pudding is also quite simple, and will taste better! This makes a great, light and fruity dessert for your Memorial Day or beach picnic. Just bring along your choice of fruit, and enjoy the summer breezes!

Hawaiian Sunset Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: the_moment)

1 (3.4 oz) package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1 1/4 cup cold milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1/3 cup shredded coconut
Fresh fruit for dipping – melon, apple, strawberries, kiwi, orange, peach, mango, papaya, etc.

Directions:

• In a large bowl, put the pudding mix and milk and whisk together until smooth, then add the sour cream and whisk to combine.  With a spoon, stir in the pineapple, with the juice, and the coconut.
• Cover and put in refrigerator for at least an hour.
• Serve cold alongside fresh fruit for dipping.

Recipe: Island Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Whether you're planning a beach themed picnic as we mentioned Monday, or just wanting to spice up your grilling choices this Memorial Day, these tasty burgers will hit the spot and bring a sweet and spicy taste of the islands to your plate wherever you may be spending your holiday!

Island Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground beef
salt and black pepper
dash garlic salt
1 pineapple, peeled and sliced lengthwise
1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
1/8 cup pickled ginger, diced
1/8 cup soy sauce
1/8 cup rice wine vinegar
pinch salt and black pepper
hamburger buns

Directions:

• Heat grill to medium.  Brush lengths of pineapple with cooking oil and place on grill.  Cook, turning a few times, until pineapple is hot and has good grill marks.  Remove to cutting board and allow to cool.
• Cut pineapple into small pieces and put in bowl; add sweet red bell pepper, pickled ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and salt and pepper; toss to combine, taste and adjust seasonings.  Refrigerate until burgers are ready.
• Turn grill up to high for burgers.  Form the beef into1/2 thick patties, season with salt, pepper, and dash of garlic powder.
• When grill is ready, cook burgers 3 to 4 minutes, flip, then continue grilling for 3 to 4 minutes or until done as desired.
• Serve hot burgers on hamburger buns (toasted on the grill if desired) with a large spoonful of chilled pineapple salsa.

Related Resource:

Picnics: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining
By Sara Deseran and Jonelle Weaver

Here's a delightful 96-page hardcover with truly original recipes for exciting picnic fare that includes salads, main-dishes, sandwiches, and desserts. Over 45 recipes are shared here, including exotic recipes for Focaccia bread, salmon and shrimp, zucchini, and Chocolate-Walnut Cake. Weaver contributes twenty-four color photographs to inspire your taste buds to explore the book's possiiblities.

Creating A Beach-Style Memorial Day Picnic

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for most people, and it's a great time to go to the beach for a picnic. But even if sand, surf, and sun are on your mind, but you can't easily get to the beach this Memorial Day weekend, you can still enjoy the feeling of being there. Why not have a beach-style picnic, complete with food, props, and music to make it seem like you're spending a day with “beach blanket” movie favorites Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello?  Let's take a look at how to spend a day at the beach when water is nowhere to be found:

Create the Beach

Cover of Beach Party

Setting the mood for a beach-style picnic starts with the props.  A day at the beach includes beach chairs, umbrellas, big blankets, beach balls, towels, beach bags, beach pails and shovels, hats, coolers, and music.  A little background music featuring the Beach Boys or other surfin' music really sets the mood.  If you have boogie-boards or surfboards, all the better!  Even if there's not a wave in sight, surfboards make great serving tables and backdrops.

An added feature that's great fun is sand, of course.  Most any building supply house offers clean sand for sale.  Just one bag will provide enough to fill quite a few beach pails.  Stick the little shovels in and set them all around.  Sifting sand through your fingers (or toes) is a great way to relax and enjoy the 'beach.' 

If you have a few seashells sitting around, throw those around the tables and in the pails for more authenticity.  Use more sand in metal buckets to support an assortment of candles.  Use candles in shades of blues, greens, and tans to replicate the colors of the sea and sand.

For a real element of water, a small kiddie pool is the perfect addition to your backyard or park beach party.  All you need is something to splash, even if it's just to dip your feet or hands in.  Cover the bottom of the pool in sand if you're feeling especially energetic.  Pull up your beach chairs, stick your feet in, and you have an instant beach... almost!

Some people's idea of the perfect day at the beach is just sitting under the umbrella sipping a cool drink all day long.  Other people like to stay active.  Providing something to do during your beach-style picnic is relatively simple.  If you are hosting the picnic in your backyard, you already know what you have for fun and games.  Frisbees, badminton, and volleyball are obvious beach games.  A park may offer other distractions like horseshoes and jungle gyms, or even walking trails.  Take advantage of what you have, then gather for refreshments under the umbrellas to cool off.

Feed the Beach Bums

A day at the beach, even the pseudo-beach, can really work up an appetite.  Planning a beach style picnic when you're not going to the beach can actually work to your advantage.  Public beaches don't often allow cooking on the beach.  However, many park facilities, or your own backyard, of course, will offer grilling or even a campfire spot.  With these options, you can  enjoy standard beach-style food for your Memorial Day picnic, like burgers, hot dogs, and, of course, marshmallows and S'mores.

Along with campfire food, you want to include delicious options for foods that satisfy the beach-goer's appetite.  Many folks aim for the simple things when they're deciding on what to bring in their beach coolers.  Finger foods, pre-made salads, sandwiches, and the like are favorites for beach time food.  But, that doesn't mean you can't be a little creative with a few culinary surprises for your hungry guests.

For instance, you could marinate some vegetables in advance in a light dressing for an appetizer. Homemade dips, cold cocktail shrimp, and pate could be served with hearty crackers or pita bread. Try thin-sliced turkey with fresh vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and tomatoes, wrapped inside Armenian flatbread similar to soft tortilla wraps for a filling dish that's easy to eat, and delicious, too.

A fruit salad can provide ample opportunities for creativity, but you want to think outside apples and oranges. Include nectarines, blueberries, and blackberries with a little fresh ginger and a squeeze of lime juice for a simple yet splendidly refreshing treat.  Cut up a real watermelon with seeds for a genuine seed-spitting contest (along with wonderful refreshment) and you've got a real live beach party.

Meyer lemonade with fresh strawberries and ginger ale (Photo credit: chotda)

An Oasis of Drinks

Summer beach picnics call for plenty of iced tea with fresh mint.  You could also bring freshly squeezed lemonade which evokes memories of long ago... times spent relaxing in chairs lined up to enjoy the expanse of water and the much anticipated sunset.  Go ahead and freeze the lemonade in freezer bags, then set in coolers if you are traveling.  By the time you get to your destination, they will thaw and be ready to enjoy.  The added advantage is the frozen bags of lemonade add chilling to the cooler for your foods.

Of course, depending on the ages and preferences of guests at your beach picnic, you may enjoy sodas or fruit mix drinks as well as spirits like beachy mixed drink favorites for grownups. Remember, you want to create an illusion of sun, surf, and sand, so whatever beverages come to mind are perfect.  If you're thinking of mixed drinks of any kind, freezing the fruit drink beforehand in freezer bags, then mixing with soda or spirits upon arrival gives you infinite options for beverages for young and young-at-heart alike.

Dig Those Crazy Desserts

Keep sweet treats light and breezy, just like a day at the beach.  Try a simple parfait made with yogurt, granola, and the fruit of your choice. Or, try a lighter dessert bread or crumb cake instead of the standard fudge brownies, pies, or gelatin molds found at most picnics.

If frozen treats are part of your beach time memories, go ahead and freeze popsicles or ice cream in any form you like.  Ice cream should be frozen quite a bit harder than you would normally eat it before transporting.  Keep them on the bottom of the cooler, piling your salads or sandwiches on top. For extra protection, wrap them in several thicknesses of newspaper.  Depending on the heat, your frozen treats should stay relatively solid for some time.

Another easy trick for a cold dessert at a beach picnic, whether you're at the beach or doing a faux-beach picnic, is to freeze fruit in the can.  A good choice is canned pineapple or peaches.  Transport the frozen cans (another advantage is they serve as 'ice' in coolers) to the picnic spot.  When ready to serve, open the can and push the semi-frozen or “slushie” fruit out of the can and serve in a paper funnel cup, with a spoon and a straw.  You can pour in a little fizzy clear Cola or Ginger Ale for a real summertime treat.

Head to Toe to the Beach We Go

No matter what you include as a backdrop for your special beach party picnic, it's still the clothes that bring the whole thing together.  Yes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, sarong, sandals, and big floppy hat just scream BEACH!  So be sure you set the mood first with your style. 

Loose flowing garments are just fine if swimwear is not suitable.  Choose caftans or other flowing garments of lightweight gauzy fabrics or linen.  Dig around in your closets to find loose fitting lightweight shirts or pants of any kind. You're going to set the “scene” for your guests and have a lot of fun in the doing.

As you can see, the idea for a beach-style picnic is to be informal and breezy with the setting, table, music, food, drinks, and even the clothing, and it's perfect for a Memorial Day Party!  The success of a beach-style picnic depends on your ability to sway like an ocean breeze and let the mood capture your guests.  Enjoy the rhythm of the islands... and each other this Memorial Day!

Recipe: Garlic Lime Dressed Chickpea Salad

This delicious twist on a fresh summer bean salad uses protein-rich chickpeas, and a simple dressing of garlic and lime juice. It only takes a few minutes to make, and a great make-ahead dish as the flavors will continue to develop as it sits. This one is also great for potlucks, or for a quick summer lunch, add lettuce or sprouts and stuff into a toasted pita pocket.

Garlic Lime Dressed Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2 limes, juiced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
1/2 medium onion, diced

Directions:

• Whisk together the lime juice, garlic, cumin, olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
• Add the chickpeas, parsley, and onion to the bowl and stir until coated well with the dressing.
• May be served immediately at room temperature, or placed in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more to let the flavors develop.

Recipe: Savory Vinaigrette Dressed Tubetti Veggie Salad

This fresh, zesty pasta salad is great for any spring or summer barbecue or potluck. Lots of fresh veggies, herbs, and pasta, mixed with a fresh, simple homemade dressing equals lots of flavor and color on your plate!

Savory Vinaigrette Dressed Tubetti Veggie Salad
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

1 (1 lb) pkg tubetti (or ziti, penne, or other tube-shaped pasta)
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 head broccoli, cut into bite size florettes
3 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 regular carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced into strips
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Put tubetti pasta in a large pot of boiling water, add the 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook until just short of being al dente, then add broccoli and cook for a minute or two longer, just until pasta is al dente.  Drain pasta and broccoli very well through a colander and transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
• In a food processor combine the garlic, oregano, mustard, and vinegar, pulsing until just combined.
• With motor running, start gradually drizzling in oil, processing until a smooth vinaigrette dressing is formed.
• Pour this vinaigrette dressing over the drained tubetti and broccoli in the bowl and toss to coat well.
• Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and parsley, tossing gently until blended.  Taste and salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve immediately.

Related Resource:

Well Dressed: Salad Dressings
By Jeff Keys

Salads are naked without tasty dressings. This book is filled with recipes for viniagrettes and creamy dressings to enjoy on a variety of salads, including light, summer pasta salads. This collection of 75 different dressing combinations combines, not only the usual dressing ingredients, but you'll find mangos, sweet onions, green olives, capers, and many other exciting ingredients. You'll also find plenty of warm dressings, too. Create pasta salads for picnics, or any meal.

Making Your Own Healthy & Tasty Salad Dressings Is Easy!

Fresh salads and healthy lifestyles go hand in hand - and spring is the perfect time for both! After all, what could be better for you than a big plate full of leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fiber-rich legumes and lean proteins? Unfortunately, you could end up negating these delicious and healthy choices if you aren’t careful about the type of salad dressing you use.

Taking a quick look at the list of ingredients on your favorite bottle of store-bought dressing can be a real eye opener. In fact, you may be surprised to see a host of ingredients you weren’t expecting, including high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, trans fats, MSG, and an assortment of artificial colors and preservatives - all to make it all seem more fresh and "natural" - when in fact it is anything but.

(Photo credit: SliceOfChic)

Fortunately, making your own homemade salad dressing is faster and easier than you might think. Plus, you get to control how much you make at one time, so you don’t have to worry about throwing out your hard-earned money if you don’t use it all in time.

When it comes to homemade salad dressings, vinaigrettes are fast, easy and delicious choices. One general rule of thumb to keep in mind when creating your own vinaigrettes is to use 1 part vinegar (or other acidic ingredient) to 3 parts oil. In other words, if you use ¼ cup vinegar, you’ll want to use ¾ cups of oil. If you like a little more kick to your dressing (like I do), try a 2:1 ratio instead.

When choosing these key ingredients, don’t be afraid to get creative. Think beyond plain white, red or cider vinegar and give rice vinegars, aged or white balsamic, or fruit-infused varieties a try as well. Citrus juices, such as lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, also work particularly well.

When it comes to choosing your oil, it’s hard to beat a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. However, you may want to consider other healthy alternatives, such as a more delicate grape seed oil, as well. Olive oils infused with garlic, rosemary or other herbs are also great choices.

A third ingredient you may want to add to your vinaigrette is Dijon mustard. Dijon is a popular choice because it tastes great and acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind all the other ingredients together and keeping the oil and vinegar from separating as quickly.

Beyond these three ingredients, there are countless ways you can customize your vinaigrette recipes to complement your salad ingredients. For example, you can add minced garlic, onion, shallots, fresh or dried herbs, honey, or a variety of fruit juices or zests.

Here is a basic recipe to get you started: 

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (Photo credit: Chris and Jenni)

Basic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1-2 cloves finely minced garlic
salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl or container with tight-fitting lid. Mix or shake vigorously to combine thoroughly.

Starting with this basic recipe, and tweaking with different vinegars and herbs to suit your taste, I bet you can come up with dozens of yummy options to suit whatever salads are on your menu this spring and summer. Enjoy!

And be sure to check back later this week for some tasty salad recipes with fresh dressings you can make at home!

Recipe: Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Casserole

Who doesn't love French toast? Give this tasty breakfast casserole an extra healthy punch - and a lovely color - with pumpkin and spices, and the kids will be all over it! Assemble the night before, and pop in the oven before the kids get up, and you will have a nutritious hot breakfast all ready in a jiffy.

Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

6 slices French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
6 slices Pumpernickel bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 cup pecans
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 cups half-and-half
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Maple syrup for serving

Directions:

• In a 3 quart glass baking dish, add the French and Pumpernickel bread, bacon and pecans.
• Mix together the pumpkin puree, half-and-half, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. 
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread and make sure the bread is coated as evenly as possible. Using a spatula press the bread down to help absorb the egg. Cover with tin foil and refrigerate overnight. 
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
• When oven is preheated, bake (covered) for 40 minutes, remove from oven, uncover, return to oven and bake an additional 20 minutes. 
• Drizzle maple syrup on top and serve immediately.

Recipe: Sausage & Apple Breakfast Casserole

Feed your kids' sweet tooth with a healthy breakfast option with this delicious, sweet and savory casserole. Plenty of protein, together with apples, cinnamon, and whole-grain bread make this a breakfast that will stick to your ribs, and keep your kids alert and energized until lunchtime.

Sausage and Granny Smith Apple Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: stevendepolo)

1 package natural pork sausage roll
6 cups whole grain bread, cubed
3 cups whole milk
10 eggs (free range/organic if possible)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped 
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups cheddar cheese, divided 

Directions:

1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish while preheating oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a large skillet, brown the sausage and drain. Set aside. 
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla and salt. 
4. In another large mixing bowl, mix together the apples, cinnamon and sugar. Make sure the apples are well coated. 
5. In the prepared baking pan, layer half the bread crumbs on the bottom and then half the sausage, half the apples and then 1 cup of cheese. Continue to repeat layers until ingredients are gone. 
6. Take the egg mixture and pour evenly over the layers. 
7. Bake for 1 hour or until hot and bubbly.

Wake Your Brain Up With Breakfast

We have all heard the phrase, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”  There are many reasons why it's important to start the morning with a proper breakfast.  Simply stated:  Breakfast gives your body and brain the fuel they need to function.

It is especially important for children to eat a nourishing breakfast in the morning.  Young, growing brains need lots of energy to help focus and keep learning.  A child who skips breakfast is going to feel tired, restless, and irritable, possibly for the entire day.  Studies have proven time and time again that children who do not eat a healthy breakfast in the morning suffer both academically and socially.  They also suffer physically, often with obesity being the result.

You know how you, as an adult, feel if you skip breakfast.  Now just imagine if your brain was developing and growing at the rate of a child.  That empty tummy you experience if you skip breakfast is nothing compared to what a child will feel.

French Toast Souffle' Casserole (Photo credit: Bunches and Bits {Karina})

With that said, we know that eating a healthy breakfast every morning is important, especially for a child.  An easy way to ensure your child gets a healthy, well-rounded meal in the morning is with breakfast casseroles. 

I can hear you saying right now; “But I can't make a breakfast casserole in the morning!”  You don't have to.  Avoid a lot of preparation in the morning by planning ahead and you won't skip a beat during the morning rush.  Design a few breakfast casserole recipes to suit your family member's tastes and make several smaller casseroles on the weekend and put them in the refrigerator.  Now, before you wake your children up for school, pop their casseroles in the oven.  Before they walk out of the door, they'll have a delightfully delicious and nutritious breakfast to wake them (and their brains!) up. 

There is so much you can add to a casserole to meet everyone's nutritional needs.  To wake up your brain you want to eat foods that are high in protein, good carbs, fiber, calcium, iron, other minerals, and lots of vitamins. 

Make a breakfast casserole that contains whole-wheat or multi-grain bread, eggs, milk, maybe some cheese, meat, poultry or seafood, and vegetables, too, for a savory nutrition-packed dish.  If your child prefers a sweet breakfast, make a breakfast casserole that contains the same hearty bread, eggs, and milk, then add fruit and even nuts to the mix. You still get the protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but this time in a sweeter version.

With a nutritious breakfast, you can boost body and brain function, helping your child feel better and think better so he or she can perform better in school and throughout the day.  All of this in one simple to make breakfast casserole!

There are many great ways to get the nutrition needed in the morning, but breakfast casseroles are definitely a great option.  They are versatile, easy to mix up and serve, and ready when you are.  How will you start your day out tomorrow?  Give your brain, and your child's brain, a chance to wake up with a hearty and healthy breakfast casserole.

Cinco De Mayo Recipe: Mexican Beef Pie

This easy casserole makes it simple to prepare a great Cinco De Mayo meal without a lot of work. Tasty Mexican ingredients such as corn, tomatoes, cornmeal, and chili powder go great together with the ground beef, and the ease of preparation will make this one a hit for your Cinco De Mayo party! Feel free to add other ingredients if you like, and if you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper, or substitute a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for the plain tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese if desired before serving.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Mexican Beef Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
12 oz corn
15 oz diced tomatoes (do not drain juice)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
3 cups water
1 cup cornmeal 
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup ripe olives, chopped

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Get out a skillet and sauté ground beef and onion in butter until beef is browned. Add the corn, tomatoes, pepper, salt, and chili powder; set aside.
2. Boil the 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Once it begins to boil, slowly stir in the cornmeal and 1 teaspoon of salt. Turn it down to low heat and stir constantly, cooking, until very thick. Remove from heat and add the beaten egg and olives. 
3. In a 2 quart casserole dish, spread half the cornmeal mixture and top with beef mixture. Use the remaining cornmeal mixture and drop by spoonful on top of the beef mixture layer. 
4. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until nicely browned.