Spring rolls

Build my own spring rolls is definitely my new favorite dinner! It's relatively simple as long as you don't mind a lot of chopping, prepping, and a couple of re-dos :) The rice paper can be found in the Asian section of your grocery store and Adam and I watched a U-tube video on how to roll them. As for the peanut sauce we went with a Whole Foods recipe. Here is where the magic bullet is really handy. Just blend the following...

• 2 1/2 tablespoons tamari
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 3 teaspoons German mustard
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

Looks like a pretty canvas to me!

Gone bananas

Ready for a guilty pleasure without the guilt? Try my banana/almond milk smoothie. This is one of those things I wish everyone knew about because those that don't are truly missing out. I make this daily and it really tastes like banana fro-yo. So here is all you have to do:

1. Buy a bunch of bananas and wait until they get ripe, preferably a few freckles.
2. Peel them and cut them into fourths.
3. Freeze them.
4. Combine one banana with 3/4 cup plain almond milk or a milk of your choice.
5. Blend! The magic bullet is okay but the consistency is much better when using a real blender.

Sometimes I will add a smidge of honey or a bit of cinnamon, as shown, but it is really good with just two ingredients-- I promise! Usually this serves as a dessert for me but it also makes a great breakfast or snack paired with some type of nut.

Deviled eggs

I've discovered deviled eggs at the age of 26 and I am now making up for lost time! It all started on a cold snowy day at the lake house (seriously) with my mother-in-law Barbara and sister-in-law Haley back in December. They were in the kitchen making them together and everyone was saying how good they were. Finally I tried one and I'm oh so in love now.

Hard boil eggs then take the 2 yokes and add 1tsp mayo and some chopped sweet pickles-- I have never eaten pickles until now and this really adds a lot to the recipe. (So if you are not a pickle lover, just try it once). Then re-stuff the eggs. Sprinkle paprika and kosher salt on top. These are a perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack-- an especially good one in time for Passover or Easter :)

Presentation

Starbucks calls their oatmeal the perfect oatmeal but I think mine is the most perfect oatmeal! We don't have a microwave in our house so I make mine on the stove and it's so much better that way. Toasted almonds, fresh raspberries, and brown sugar are my condiments of choice.

We laugh at my mom because she sits down to eat a luna bar with a plate, knife, placemat, and napkin. Now I have to say that this oatmeal was that much better because I presented it well. I have rarely seen my mom eat standing up and I am so grateful she passed down those good habits to me. So my tip of the day is it doesn't matter what you're eating- just sit down, enjoy it, and make it count!

P.S. Sorry no napkin or spoon pictured mom :P

Butterfly

I came across this creative picture and wanted to share it...

Spring garden

I couldn't be happier that spring is finally here! We have planted our tomatoes, peppers, onions, and strawberries. Much more to come and I'll be sure to update along the way. Adam says our soil is awesome so I'm hoping for a terrific season. Check out the gorgeous tree in our backyard :)

Rice cake ideas

Rice cakes are a great gluten free alternative. I like putting jelly on them and swirling almond butter on top. Or sometimes I'll do peanut butter on the bottom and sliced banana over it. Here are a couple more suggestions for guacamole/avo lovers! The 1st pic is 1/2 cup mashed garbanzo beans + 1 wholly guacamole 100 calorie pack + lemon juice with cucumber. The 2nd pic is 1 wholly guacamole 100 calorie pack with 2 hard boiled eggs. These make delicious snacks or light lunches!