Going Against the Grain ~ Book Review

Book Description:

This two-part book is a vital adjunct to any home attempting to be gluten-free. The first part guides you through early diagnosis and is an essential guide for any beginner diagnosed with celiac disease or some form of gluten sensitivity. You will learn how to identify symptoms of the disease, how celiac disease is diagnosed, and the consequences if left untreated. It will help you to understand how to read labels and how to manage your gluten-free home in a shared environment. It outlines practical advice for parents of children with celiac disease as well as tips for eating out and dealing with social settings such as special occasions or when traveling. Honorary foreword provided by renowned Dr. Peter HR Green, MD - Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. 

Growing up authentically Sicilian, Nuccia Ardagna thought that getting rid of gluten meant giving up her favorite traditional foods, but that could not be further from the truth! Nuccia combines her passion for eating amazingly Italian with her new dietary needs to bring you scrumptious, traditional Italian (and Sicilian) recipes. From simple, classic appetizers to decadent desserts you thought you could never enjoy, every recipe is easy-to-follow and offers beautiful full-color pictures throughout. You can feel confident about entertaining guests and family with these mouth-watering recipes. You can eat healthier, feel better, and truly enjoy living gluten-free while never having to sacrifice great taste! In this book, Nuccia not only shares her personal story with celiac disease but also the recipes she grew up with at home and uses to entertain guests. Look for the bonus section at the end of the book along with a section dedicated to her favorite links and resources. 

We hope you enjoy the book and find it helpful in your journey. 

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Nuccia Ardagna loves to travel to the place of her roots: SICILIA! Being Sicilian, she grew up with mamma, nonna and all her zie learning all the tricks of the trade and creating DELICIOUS Italian food from scratch. When diagnosed with celiac disease she was forced to learn new habits and, now, after trial and error and experimenting, wants to share her exquisite culinary creations with you.

She IS a true Italian to the core. 

Connect with Nuccia: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Review: 

I am not gluten free but I love to read about health and wellness. More and more people are going gluten free either because they have an intolerance or celiac disease or are like myself and just trying to feel better and eat healthier. This is a great resource book on gluten, what it is, how to read labels and become gluten free. You don't need to stop enjoying food or going out with friends and family you just need to educate yourself and others. This will book will help for sure! I also love how easy and tasty these recipes are. I can't wait to try a the soups in the fall. My kids love veggie and I am enjoying finding different ways to make traditional dishes healthier.

Giveaway!  2 copies up for grabs! US & Canada!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Take a look at the rest of the Book Tour (click below)

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Quick & Easy Muffin in a Mug ~ Recipe

Here is a super great way to enjoy a clean healthy muffin within minutes. It is great for a quick breakfast or even an after school snack. 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oats - I use large cooking oats
a splash of unsweetened almond or almond/coconut milk
1 large egg
a splash of extract - I like to use maple, vanilla or caramel
a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice 
a handful of berries if you like can be mixed into the muffin or just placed on the side
a couple tsp of flaxseed meal can also be added
 
Directions: 

Spray a large mug with coconut oil or other cooking spray. Add oats, almond milk, egg, extract, spice and mix well. Cook on high in microwave for 2 minutes. Let cool and enjoy! 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups ~ Recipe

I know that it can be tough trying to keep on track with your clean healthy eating when everyone around us is eating chocolate from Easter. Yikes! I will admit I did find my hand in the chocolate bag a few times. It is okay, enjoy the treat and move on. No need to beat ourselves up over it. One thing I like to keep on hand is protein chocolate. I make a few batches and put them in the fridge for when I am craving that sweet treat.

They are super easy to make and they can be made a number of ways. Today I will share my basic Chocolate Peanut Butter cups with Garden of Life Raw Protein and BetterBody Foods Coconut oil and PBFit Peanut Butter.

Ingredients: 

1 scoop of Garden of Life Raw Protein (any flavor you choose) or Organic Plant Protein.
1 Tbsp BetterBody Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp PBFit
1 Tbsp water 

Directions: 

1. Mix 2 Tbsp of PBFit with 1 Tbsp water in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. In a glass bowl or measuring cup melt 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in the microwave (time depending on your microwave but I usually do 15 secs at a time til melted).

3. Add 1 level scoop of your choice of Protein powder to the melted coconut oil and stir.

4. Pour/spoon into molds or onto parchment paper on a cookie sheet or plate.

5. Add a tsp of Peanut Butter to each chocolate mold.
6. Freeze for 10-15 minutes and voila you have some healthy chocolate peanut butter cups!

Enjoy!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Hot Kellogg's Mini-Wheats ~ Recipes & Giveaway

During the winter or cooler mornings I love to start my day off with a warm breakfast of either oatmeal or eggs, recently I tried out Kellogg's Mini-Wheats hot! I don't know why I didn't think of this years ago as I used to love other similar cereals like this with warm milk. The whole family has been enjoying Mini-Wheats with warm milk or almond coconut milk and some berries. What a great way to get off to work or school in the mornings!

Here are a couple of our favorite recipes and continue on to the end of this post for a great Kellogg's giveaway!

Berry Nice to Heat You

Ingredients 
1/2 cup milk (whichever you use)
2 tbsp blueberries
2 tbsp sliced strawberries
2 tbsp raspberries
1 1/2 cup (approx. 28) Strawberry Flavour Mini-Wheats

Directions: 
1. Warm up your favorite milk.
2. Pour Strawberry Flavour Mini-Wheats cereal into a bowl and add the warm milk.
3. Sprinkle with fruit.
4. Dig into a berry nice bowl!

You Light Up My Bowl 

Ingredients
1/2 cup warm almond (milk of choice)
1 cup (approx 21) of Brown Sugar Flavour Mini-Wheats cereal

Direction:
1. Warm up favorite milk.
2. Pour 1 cup of Brown Sugar Flavour Mini-Wheats cereal in bowl and add warm milk.
3. Light up your day!

Maple Almond Twist

Ingredients 
1/2 cup warm almond milk
4 tbsp of slivered almonds
1 1/2 cup (approx 28) of Maple Flavour Mini-Wheats cereal

Directions:
1. Warm up milk
2. Pour Maple Flavour Mini-Wheats into bowl and pour in warm milk.
3. Sprinkle with almonds.
4. Go nuts!   

Giveaway time! Enter to win this awesome Kellogg's Mini-Wheat box! This giveaway is open to Canada only. Please make sure to do the mandatory entry. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Cauliflower Pizza Crust ~ Gluten Free

I love pizza! One of my favorite go to quick and easy meals. I used to make the homemade kind right from making my own crust in the stand mixer and then adding tons of tasty toppings. Then my son wouldn't eat the pizza if it was homemade and I really didn't feel like spending all that time making the crust etc if he wasn't going to eat it. He said it was the sauce... hmm. Anyways now that I am working on eating less starchy carbs I have been on the hunt for anything that is tasty, clean, and easy to make. This recipe fits all those. There are many cauliflower crust recipes all over the internet and it really is very versatile. You just play around with the ingredients for the crust and toppings of your choice. I know I will be making different ones and will share if you would like. Let me know in the comments below.

Here is the pizza I made just recently.

Ingredients:

medium to large head of cauliflower
3 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp Parmesan & herbs seasoning by Club House

Toppings
lean ground turkey - 1/2 lb
pizza sauce
onions
yellow pepper
mushrooms
spinach
old cheddar cheese

You will need cheese cloth to squeeze out the liquid from the cauliflower.

Directions:   

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Wash, dry and chop cauliflower into small florets.
3. Place half the cauliflower in a food processor and pulse to a very fine crumble. Add remaining cauliflower to food processor and pulse until super crumbly.
4. Once cauliflower is all crumbled put it into the cheese cloth and squeeze! Squeeze as much of the liquid out of the cauliflower as you can. This is super important to get a crust that holds together and isn't soggy. (I am speaking from experience - do not skip the cheese cloth stage!)
5. Now that you have the cauliflower squeezed dry as you can you can add the following - 3 eggs, garlic & onion powder, taco seasoning and parmesan & herb seasoning. Mix well.
6. Spray a pizza sheet or cookie sheet and press cauliflower mixture into pan in a thin layer.
7. Cook crust in oven for 40 to 45 minutes on 350F.

8. Once your crust is baked add toppings. I browned my lean ground turkey while the crust was in the oven. Crumble ground turkey on crust over pizza sauce.
9. Bake crust with toppings for another 5-10 minutes to melt cheese and warm toppings.
10. Enjoy!

The best part of this pizza is that it is 21 Day Fix approved and it is Gluten Free!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Love of Cooking Spiral Slicer ~ Review

I recently received this fun little kitchen tool that I may be totally obsessed with! Since starting on the 21 Day Fix Extreme program and eating plan I have been cutting back on the starchy carbs. Sorry pasta but you have been mostly replaced! Yes, for the past almost 3 weeks I haven't eaten pasta!! This coming from a pasta junkie. I have a new "pasta" that I am in love with and it loves me back thanks to this lil kitchen tool called the Spiral Slicer. Super healthy and a great way to get more veggies in for the whole family.

There are tons out on the market but this one is from a company called Love of Cooking. You can pick this lil gadget up on Amazon Canada or Amazon US.

Super easy to use. All you do is insert a veggie into the right end (there is a slicer and a spiralizer) and twist your veggie until you reach the end or the amount of food you need. It is also easy to wash if you rinse right away and use the little brush that comes with it. It also comes with silicone ties to tie up foods to cook or steam. I haven't used those yet but they do look handy.

I have made them warm by sauteing in a fry pan with some coconut spray and some garlic and herb seasoning or eat them raw. The ideas are endless with this tool. 

I highly recommend this kitchen tool and the kids love the dishes also! They think it is super fun to eat carrot or zucchini noodles!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Banana Pancakes ~ Gluten | Dairy Free ~ 2 Ingredient

I love breakfast foods! I will be honest I have a hard time not having breakfast for dinner at least once a week but since starting the 21 Day Fix Extreme I have been really dialing in my nutrition and eating clean. This system has really gotten me thinking outside the box and eating things I may not have thought of before. I want to share another great tasty and super easy breakfast item with you. I shared a recipe not too long ago for a 3 Ingredient pancake but sometimes we can't always use protein powder or you just want a change.

If you like bananas you will want to try these. They do taste like eggs and bananas but I love to add a tsp or so of natural peanut butter or almond butter on them with some more fruit on the side.

Ingredients:

1 medium banana
2 eggs

Directions: 

Mash banana in a bowl very well.
Add 2 eggs and whisk banana and eggs together.
Heat a frying pan with coconut spray on it and cook your pancakes to your liking.

They will be thinner than regular flour pancakes but you can usually make 3-4 medium pancakes and stack them high!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Green Juicing Diet: Green Juice Detox Plan for Beginners-Includes Green Smoothies and Green Juice Recipes ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis: 

Discover optimal health on a green juice diet.

Green juice recipes are not only an easy and delicious way to get your daily intake of vitamins and minerals, but drinking green juice from fruits and vegetables is proven to significantly reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. A green juice diet is one of the most beneficial types of diets, with flavorful green juice recipes high in necessary nutrients and healing antioxidants.
Whether you are looking to lose weight, cleanse your system or are seeking a daily health supplement, the Green Juicing Diet provides a nutritional path to a healthier you through the power of green juice.

The Green Juicing Diet will show you how to maximize your health through green juice recipes, with:

Dozens of easy and delicious green juice and green smoothie recipes
Step-by-step guidance for starting your own green juice cleanse
Dozens of quick and easy green juice and green smoothie recipes to detox, lose weight, and boost your immunity
Advice on improving hair and skin health through the healing benefits of juicing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices

Green Juicing Diet: Green Juice Detox Plan for Beginners is a quick and delicious way to lose weight, improve health, boost immunity, and feel more energized.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

Review:

I make basic smoothies for breakfast or after my workouts but haven't ventured into "green" ones that much. This is a great beginners guide for juicing and smoothies. This book explains why you should juice or make smoothies, the differences for both and the benefits of both. A chapter on equipment needed especially good if you are thinking about juicing. The section I liked the best was the one about the fruits and veggies that are common to use, their tastes and benefits to using them. The book ends will a section with some great recipes that I can't wait to try out and see how they will help me on my journey to becoming healthier. If you are looking for a juicing cleanse there is a whole chapter on this. I am not sure I could to that yet but maybe in the future.

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Vegan Recipes in 30 Minutes: A Vegan Cookbook with 106 Quick & Easy Recipes ~ Review

Book Synopsis:

Create delicious, filling vegan meals in under 30 minutes!

Take the stress out of making hearty vegan meals with the easy recipes in Vegan Recipes in 30 Minutes. This handy kitchen guide is perfect for the busy vegan cook who wants to whip up satisfying, wholesome vegan meals using everyday kitchen utensils and afforda-ble ingredients from you local grocery store. With simple, straightforward recipes, quick tips for easy meal prep and storage, and helpful meal plans, Vegan Recipes in 30 Minutes will help you get nutritious vegan meals on the table in no time.

Vegan Recipes in 30 Minutes makes it easy to create balanced vegan meals, with:

• 106 mouthwatering recipes such as Vegan Chocolate Macaroons, Spicy Nut But-ter Noodles, and Sweet Potato & Kale Hash
• 141 pantry, freezer, and grocery staples
• Easy-to-follow weekly meal plan
• 23 ideas for easy meal preparation and storage to save you time and money
• 10 tips for a happy and hearty vegan life

With quick, tasty recipes, Vegan Recipes in 30 Minutes will make your vegan meals as simple as they are delicious.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.  

Review:

This has been a great addition to my cookbooks especially with my new fitness & nutrition journey. I have been taking away starchy carbs and adding more veggies. This book includes so many tasty and easy recipes that my whole family will enjoy! This is a great beginners guide to becoming Vegan or at least adding more vegetables to your diet. At the beginning of the book they go into explaining what Veganism is and the guidelines & rules for being Vegan. How to get the vitamins that you need while eating Vegan and What and What not to eat. I love how the ingredients in the recipes are very simply and can be found in your local grocery store, which is great as I don't live in a city with the specialty sections that have a great selection. All in all a great cookbook! 

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! A great cookbook for people looking to start eating more vegetables or becoming Vegan.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Protect your teeth with ProNamel while still enjoying the taste of fall! ~ Apple Crisp Recipe

With Fall well underway I am sure everyone is enjoying the harvests of fall with delicious apples, pumpkins and squash but are you taking care of your teeth properly before eating or drinking items that are acidic? Apples are very acidic and before enjoying these healthy fruits one should use a toothpaste that will protect their teeth from the effects of Acid Wear. 

Did you know that nearly half of Canadians (46 per cent) say they consumer fresh fruits and fruit juices daily? I am really happy about the numbers when it comes to fresh fruit. 

ProNamel is proven to help protect from the effects if acid wear and also provides many of the benefits of a regular toothpaste like cavity protection, breath freshening and it also helps to remove plaque with brushing. ProNamel is safe to be used twice a day, everyday as your regular toothpaste.

I especially love the cool minty taste of the ProNamel toothpaste. I was actually quite surprised as usually mint isn't my favorite as it can be over powering. This one is just a nice mint and the paste is not gritty but very smooth going onto your teeth and in your mouth.

ProNamel helps to re-harden acid-softened enamel making it stronger and ore resistant to future acid wear. Now you can keep enjoying your favorite foods and beverages! A few of our families favorite fall dishes are apple pies and apple crisp. My son also LOVES my homemade cinnamon apple sauce.

We recently tried a new apple crisp recipe by Rose Reisman but changed up a few things. I didn't have dried cranberries in the house (hmm I think we have a cranberry monster snacking on them) raisins were the substitute. I also didn't have cornstarch so I used flour instead. 


Visit ProNamel and take the quiz to see if you are at risk for Acid Wear. Find out the Truth about acid on the website also.  

Apple Crisp with Cranberries & Pecansby Rose Riesman 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Serves 12

6 apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp lemon juice

TOPPING
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup large rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9- x 13-inch-square baking pan with cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, stir together the apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cranberries, cornstarch, cinnamon and lemon juice. Place in the pan.

3. In another bowl, stir together the flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, oats, pecans, oil, water and cinnamon
and mix until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.

4. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crisp is golden and apples are tender.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. ProNamel product was provided courtesy of GSK, however the images and opinions in this post/article are my own.*~

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Apple Raisin Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffin Recipe

Source: Clipartbest.com

With Apples everywhere you turn right now I thought it would be a great time to make a new Apple muffin recipe.

Now that I have kicked into full swing with my fitness workouts I thought this would be a great time to find the time and energy to start baking again. I still eat treats here and there and it will be great to know what I am eating. 

I love making muffins and I also love playing around with different recipes. Usually I will find something that looks good and will start adding or removing ingredients to make it more of something my family will like or healthier.

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick oats
2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup milk or 1/2 cup of each milk & water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 cup apple, peeled and cut into chunks (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup raisins that had been soaked in hot water.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F.
In a small bowl cover raisins with hot water and let soak while making batter.
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, add milk/water and vegetable oil. Fold in apples and raisins (drain water off raisins before folding in to batter). Be sure not to over mix batter.
Pour batter into greased/lined muffin tin. 
Cook for 12-15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes 12 regular sized muffins

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Mayim's Vegan Table ~ Cookbook Review

While she's an actress with a PhD in neuroscience, at the end of the day Mayim Bialik is a mom, one who knows what it's like to be a busy parent with little time to spend in the kitchen. She shares the concerns of parents everywhere: when it comes to nutrition and feeding your family, you want healthy meals, but also food that everyone—kids and parents—can enjoy, and a balanced lifestyle that's inexpensive and fuss-free. Not only does Mayim's Vegan Table share more than 100 easy plant-based recipes for dishes that are as good to eat as they are good for you, but Mayim has also teamed up with pediatrician Jay Gordon to offer:

• Basic nutritional information about a plant-based diet
• The real deal on raising kids on a plant-based diet (myths and misperceptions, debunked)
• Vegan family essentials (including a list of what to always keep in the pantry)
• Tips and strategies for easy meal planning and healthy eating out

And, of course, the food: you'll find recipes for Mayim's favorite breakfasts, snacks, lunches, dinners, and desserts, including kid-approved meals like build-your-own tacos and mac n cheez, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired salads that parents will love, comfort-food classics like kugel and matzoh ball soup, and many more.

Purchase on Amazon.

About the Authors: 

Mayim Bialik, PhD, CLEC, is an Emmy-nominated actress, trained neuroscientist, author, and the
mother of two sons who have been raised entirely vegan. Currently starring on CBS’s The Big Bang
Theory, Mayim is a contributing editor at Kveller.com. Mayim's Website & Twitter @missmayim

Jay Gordon, MD, FAAP, is a prominent pediatrician practicing in Santa Monica, California, and the
author of numerous books and magazine columns. he is a long-time member of the attending staff of
UCLA’s Medical School. Website | Twitter @drjaygordonmdfaap

Review: 

This is a great book for vegetarians and people who would like to become a vegetarian or just add extra veggies to your diet. I love that this cookbook has easy to make recipes along with most ingredients that can be found easily in your grocery store. No need to head to a specialty shop to make most of these. I found I had a lot of the ingredients in my house already and I am not a vegetarian. I also love that Mayim shares her Jewish roots in this cookbook with some fabulous Jewish recipes. I work in a Jewish group home and cook most of the meals so this will come in handy for sure and I can hardly wait to share all these great recipes with my family. The book also has a nice beginning with nutrition and info on the basics. I love the kitchen tip at the end of the recipes. There was one recipe I was wondering what an ingredient was and it was in the kitchen tip. 

Want to learn how to make cheese from nuts? It is in this book! I am excited to try a couple tofu recipes with my family even though hubby said "let me know how it goes" when I told him about the recipe. I also love that this book isn't all about tofu. There are more recipes with veggies, beans and nuts.

I reviewed the Kindle version of this cookbook and find it really hard to enjoy it as much as I know I would if it was a paperback. I think I will get the paperback edition to add to my cookbook collection and it will make it easier to drool over the recipes. 

I give this recipe book a 5 out of 5 stars! I highly recommend it. 



~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce ~ Recipe

We have had an over abundance of Apples in our house as of late for some reason or another. I decided to make homemade applesauce to get some used up before losing them. Here is a super easy recipe that wont take much time but will make your house smell so tasty and fill your belly with a just as tasty applesauce. You can make the recipe as is or remove the skin but by keeping the skin on you will keep more nutrients in your sauce. I know some people don't like the skin though so it is okay to remove it.

Easy Cinnamon Applesauce

Ingredients:

12 apples
1 cup of white or brown sugar
1 heaping Tablespoon of Cinnamon
A splash of vanilla if you like

Directions:

Wash apples (remove skin if you wish) core and chop.
Add to a big pot, cover with sugar, fill bottom of pot with water and put on medium heat on stove. Shimmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and mash apples to the consistency you like.

Serve while warm and enjoy! 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Easy Banana Bread Recipe

One of my all time favorite baked goods is banana bread. If you have a few bananas ripping on your counter and want something super tasty for the family you will want to try out this recipe. It is one that I have had on hand for years! It was one of those passed on recipes. I have adapted it a bit to my own liking as I cut back the sugar and add more bananas plus a splash more of pure vanilla. YUM! I have also made it with maple and almond extract. You can add walnuts, pecans, raisins or chocolate chips. We have also made it with adding Strawberries in the summer.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine or shortening
3 large bananas, mashed
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups flour - Again you can play with this as I have made it with bean flour etc
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pure vanilla or extract - you can add more as I do or different flavors

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325F
Cream sugar and margarine
Add mashed bananas, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla and salt
Add flour and milk alternately
Fold in your add ins - chocolate chips, walnuts etc
Bake in a loaf pan for 1 hour - I will usually split mix between 2 pans this just makes in not as thick

 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Bake It, don't fake it! by Heather Bertinetti ~ Cookbook Review

Book Summary:

Looking to impress your friends and family with decadent desserts but afraid you lack the skills to pull it off? Are you reaching for that packaged cake mix and can of frosting instead of whipping something up from scratch? Fear no longer— we’ve got the fix for you. Heather Bertinetti, a talented pastry chef with years of experience in Manhattan’s top eateries, is sharing her insider tips for how to make restaurant-worthy desserts right in your very own kitchen.

Bake It, Don't Fake It! is filled with recipes perfect for the home cook, such as Bourbon- Chocolate Pecan Pie, Strawberry Daiquiri Truffles, Red Velvet Macarons, and PB&J Whoopie Pies. Once you learn the whys and why nots of baking, you’ll be able to get creative and give all of your favorite treats a special touch. As an added bonus, you’ll find Heather’s “Chef It Up!” tips throughout the book, where Heather reveals her tricks for giving homemade desserts the wow presentation factor. All of the equipment you’ll need is probably already in your kitchen and all of the ingredients are readily available in your local supermarket, so it’s time to get baking!

Purchase a copy on Simon & Schuster Canada

About the Author:

Heather Bertinetti is the talented young pastry chef working her way through some of Manhattan’s most acclaimed restaurants. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in baking and pastry arts, Heather joined Gramercy Tavern and, just two years later, Per Se. She then went on to open and receive rave reviews at Alto, Convivio, Marea, and Osteria Morini. Heather has been lauded by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and was named in Zagat's 2011 "30 under 30: New York's Hottest Up-and-Comers."

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | 

My thoughts:

If you love to bake or even if you just love yummy treats that look like they would be hard to make this will be the book for you. Heather lays out each recipe with a little intro about the treat. Then is the ingredient list which includes items that are easy to find in your local grocery store.  Under the title is how much the recipe makes. I can't tell you how much I get frustrated when there isn't a yield to a recipe. I look at these to know if it would be a good recipe to take to events or if I should make two batches for the family etc.

The directions for these tasty treats are very simple. They are for the most part only a paragraph or two. It is always best when a recipe has small directions. This in turn usually makes the recipes less intimidating or at least it does for me. I love how the author adds variations and tips at the bottom of the recipe. Included at the back of this recipe book is a Ingredients & Substitution section. Sometimes you may not have something on hand or someone isn't a fan of an ingredient this is a great section to learn which items you can swap with which. It does make a huge difference when you start substituting. Another great section at the back of the book is the glossary to help explain things further in depth.

Almost every frosting, filling and cream is included in this recipe book! I am a sucker for a great buttercream and there are so many variations. What to impress your guest at your next get together? Grab a copy of Bake It, Don't Fake it! and impress everyone that comes with your gourmet pastry skills!

This has been a great addition to my baking cookbooks. The kids have loved helping bake up tasty treats. One of my favorite muffin recipes in this book is the Carrot Streusel Muffins. 

Bake It, Don't Fake It! is filled with recipes perfect for the home cook, such as Bourbon- Chocolate Pecan Pie, Strawberry Daiquiri Truffles, Red Velvet Macarons, and PB&J Whoopie Pies. Once you learn the whys and why nots of baking, you’ll be able to get creative and give all of your favorite treats a special touch. As an added bonus, you’ll find Heather’s “Chef It Up!” tips throughout the book, where Heather reveals her tricks for giving homemade desserts the wow presentation factor. All of the equipment you’ll need is probably already in your kitchen and all of the ingredients are readily available in your local supermarket, so it’s time to get baking! - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.ca/Bake-It-Dont-Fake-It!/Heather-Bertinetti/Rachael-Ray-Books/9781476735542#sthash.gE2bW4RS.dpuf

Looking to impress your friends and family with decadent desserts but afraid you lack the skills to pull it off? Are you reaching for that packaged cake mix and can of frosting instead of whipping something up from scratch? Fear no longer— we’ve got the fix for you. Heather Bertinetti, a talented pastry chef with years of experience in Manhattan’s top eateries, is sharing her insider tips for how to make restaurant-worthy desserts right in your very own kitchen.

Bake It, Don't Fake It! is filled with recipes perfect for the home cook, such as Bourbon- Chocolate Pecan Pie, Strawberry Daiquiri Truffles, Red Velvet Macarons, and PB&J Whoopie Pies. Once you learn the whys and why nots of baking, you’ll be able to get creative and give all of your favorite treats a special touch. As an added bonus, you’ll find Heather’s “Chef It Up!” tips throughout the book, where Heather reveals her tricks for giving homemade desserts the wow presentation factor. All of the equipment you’ll need is probably already in your kitchen and all of the ingredients are readily available in your local supermarket, so it’s time to get baking! - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.ca/Bake-It-Dont-Fake-It!/Heather-Bertinetti/Rachael-Ray-Books/9781476735542#sthash.gE2bW4RS.dpuf

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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