Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Tartlettes

This is just a good old-fashioned delicious and just plain yummy recipe.  You can alter it to make it wheat free (gluten free).

Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Tartlettes

A puree of raspberries laces the chocolate mousse filling with delectable flavor, elevating these cute little tarts to pastry-shop status. You can bake the pastry shells in advance, if you’d like; store them at room temperature until you fill them.

CRUST
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled, cut up
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

MOUSSE
1 (6-oz.) container plus 1 cup fresh raspberries, divided
5 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1. Process flour, powdered sugar and salt in food processor until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add egg yolk and vanilla; pulse briefly until mixture is moist and crumbly. Shape into flat round; cover and freeze 15 minutes.

2. Break dough into 18 (scant 1-tablespoon) pieces; roll each into walnut-size ball. Press into mini muffin cups, pressing dough to top of cup. With fork, poke bottom crust three times and sides of crust several times. Freeze 15 minutes, or refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight.

3. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown around edges. (Crust will puff up during baking. If it puffs too much, poke with small knife halfway through.) Cool completely in pan on wire rack; remove from pan.

4. Meanwhile, puree 6 oz. of the raspberries (about 1 1/2 cups) in food processor until smooth. Strain through sieve to remove seeds.

5. Place 1/3 cup of the puree in medium heatproof bowl (reserve any remaining puree for another use); add chocolate. Place bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water (bowl should not touch water); heat until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove bowl from saucepan; cool 15 minutes or until room temperature.

6. Beat cream in medium bowl at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Whisk large spoonful of cream into chocolate mixture to lighten; fold in remaining cream. Immediately spoon into pastry bag fitted with large star or plain tip; pipe into cooled pastry cups, mounding mousse. Garnish each tart with a fresh raspberry. Store in refrigerator.

18 tartlettes

Keep It Tasty!

Rebecca

PER TARTLETTE: 145 calories, 9.5 g total fat (5.5 g saturated fat), 1.5 g protein, 14.5 g carbohydrate, 30 mg cholesterol, 20 mg sodium, 1.5 g fiber

Oatmeal Power Breakfast

Between picking up kids, working, girl scouts and hundreds of other errands...I often have to eat on the run.  This habit can not only be unhealthy but also help you gain weight.  So here is a recipe that will help you make your own healthy and quick breakfast to start the day right...enjoy!

Oatmeal Power Breakfast (Makes 1 Serving):

 

Total fiber = 5 grams

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 tablespoon ground flax-seed
• 2/3 cup 1% low fat milk
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped nuts, optional
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, optional

Directions:

1. Combine the oats, ground flax-seed, and milk in a deep microwave-safe bowl and stir to combine.
2. Place in the microwave, uncovered, and heat on high for 90 seconds. Remove carefully and stir in the blueberries, and the nuts and maple syrup as desired.

Nutrition Information per Serving: 210 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated, 1.4g omega-3), 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 10g protein, 20% calcium

Keep It Tasty!

Rebecca

 

Lemon Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

Chicken is one of our favorite dishes so I am constantly on the look out for different ways to cook it.  Using a crock pot is always a nice way to make sure your meat is so tender it falls apart and I love coming home to a cooked meal!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

Ingredients:
- 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 2 cups fat free, low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon pepper seasoning
- 4 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions:
Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Mix together the lemon pepper seasoning, paprika and salt. Coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Place the coated chicken in the crock pot and cover with the fat free chicken broth, garlic cloves, parsley and onions and lemon zest. Cook on low heat for about 3-4 hours (or until done).

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size is 1 breast, with approx 4 tbsp of sauce
Each serving = 3 Point Total

(NOTE: read your labels and make sure your chicken broth is both corn free and wheat/gluten free to make sure this recipe fits your needs.)

Keep It Tasty,

Rebecca

Beef Fajitas (Crock Pot)

 Let's face it, cooking for our families is something we all need to do, whether we like to cook or not. Sometimes, using a crock pot is an easy way to give your family a wonderful meal while NOT standing over a hot stove. I love appliances that do most of the work for me!

Though this recipe is for beef fajitas, I encourage you to try it will chicken or even pork? And while you are at it...come up with some of your own variations and see what you like.

Ingredients:

1 lb. beef flank steak, cut into strips
1 medium onion, cut into strips
1/2 cup of salsa
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 small green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
Flour tortillas, warmed OR Corn tortillas, warmed (depending on your needs)
 

Additional salsa (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Cheese (optional)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except bell peppers, tortillas, and optional items in slow cooker.  Cover; cook on low 5 to 6 hours. Add bell peppers.  Cover; cook on low 1 hours.  Serve with flour tortillas and optional items, if desired.

Keep it Tasty!

Rebecca

Healthy Gluten-free Carrot Muffin Recipe

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Grease 12 medium muffin cups.

Dry Ingredients

Sift together:

·        2 cups gluten-free flour (preferably whole-grain gluten-free flour)

·        1 tsp xanthan gum or guar gum ( if not using a pre-packaged mix that has it included)

·        1 tbsp flaxseed meal

·        3 and 1/2 tsp gluten-free baking powder

·        1/2 tsp salt (regular or sea salt)

·        1/2 tsp cinnamon

·        1/4 cup brown sugar (1/2 cup for a sweeter dessert muffin)

Wet Ingredients

Beat together:

·        1 egg

·        1 and 1/4 cup milk (or rice milk)

·        1/4 cup olive oil (or a preferred lighter tasting oil)

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir only until combined. Batter will be lumpy.

Fold in 1 cup of grated carrot. (If you want to make it very simple, you can use a jar of carrot baby food.) Folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans is optional.

Fill muffin cups two thirds full. Slightly more for paper cups. Bake for 20 minutes.You may need to adjust the temperature and time for your own oven.

Alternative Ingredients for Apple Muffins

To create gluten-free apple muffins: substitute 1 cup of chopped apple or 1 jar of apple baby food for the carrot or carrot baby food. Apples have the health benefit of being high in soluble fiber.

Gluten-free Muffins For The Kids

If you have a child with a gluten allergy, serve these muffins with baby carrots or carrot sticks for a healthy snack. Children often enjoy gluten-free foods and products just as much as the more conventional choices

Keep it Tasty!
Rebecca

Easy Beef Strogonoff (30 minutes or less)

I found this recipe on one of my favorite recipe sites, however, it was too dry and needed some serious altering.  Well if you have not figured it out yet, I am use to altering recipes.

The best part of this recipe, besides being tasty, is that it is one of my 30 minutes or less recipes (very nice if you have had a long busy day.)

There is one more advantage to this meal, if you follow my recipe, it is gluten free because I use Brown Rice Pasta instead of regular pasta. (using regular or whole wheat pasta is fine, I just can't use it because of allergies.)

Easy Beef Strogonoff (30 minutes or less)

Ingredients:
1 lb. Top Sirloin Steak sliced in small strips
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cube or packet of beef bouillon (make sure it is gluten free if needed)
1 medium onion sliced
12 oz. sour cream (can use low fat or fat free)
oil

8 oz. brown rice pasta (or other pasta)


Directions:
In a large skillet, brown beef in oil over medium high heat.  When meat is done, drain excess fat from skillet.  Add garlic powder, salt, pepper and stir.

Add bouillon and onion to skillet and saute until onions are translucent.  Remove from the heat (very important) and add sour cream.  Stir all together and serve over hot cooked noodles.

For noodles, cook per directions.


Note: without any alterations (like low fat or fat free sour cream) this recipe is 977 calories per serving.

After I tried this recipe like it is here, this quickly became a family favorite. One that they ask for often. I hope your family enjoys it as much as our family has!

Keep it Tasty!
Rebecca

Teriyaki Chicken (Easy Crock "Pot Style)

I love cooking in just about every way except using the oven. There I only like to bake...don't know why since my mother always used the oven. I guess it just doesn't fit my life style. However, using a crock pot or slow cooker does. So with that said, here is a delicious (and easy) recipe I think you will enjoy!

Teriyaki Chicken (Easy Crock Pot Style)

Ingredients:
2-3 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken pieces. (cut into bite size for best results)
1 20 oz. can pineapple chunks
A dash of ground ginger
1 cup teriyaki sauce (for gluten free, use a gluten and wheat free sauce)

Directions:
Place chicken in the crock pot. Pour remaining ingredients over top of chicken. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours. (Cook time may very.)

Serve over hot cooked rice and a green vegetable for a full meal.

Now isn't that an easy and delicious meal? Let me know what you think and I hope you enjoy!

Keep it Tasty!
Rebecca

Microwave Brownies

These are fun, fast, delicious and super easy to make. When I found the recipe, it was way too much cocoa and tasted very bitter. With a little altering, these brownies are a yummy treat that can be a quick fix for those times you just need a little indulgence.

I have included a recipe for making 1 brownie and 7 brownies. That way you can make one for just yourself or several for a small group of friends and family! I made these one time just minutes before I had a small meeting at my house and it saved me! Everyone loved them and I had snacks available with items I had available.

Oh yeah, did I mention these are Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Corn Free and Diary Free brownies?

RECIPE FOR 1 BROWNIE:
1/2 tablespoon cocoa
1 1/2 tablespoons white rice flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon oil

DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients. Spoon into a cupcake liner (double for strength) and cook on high in microwave approximately 45 seconds. (Microwave time may very). Let cool and enjoy!

RECIPE FOR 7 BROWNIES:
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
2/3 cup + 1/4 cup of white rice flour
1/2 cup brown sugar packed tight
1/2 cup -1 tablespoon oil
1/2 cup -1tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spoon equal amounts into 7 cupcake liners (double for strength). Cook on high in microwave approximately 2 1/2 minutes. (Microwave time may very). Let cool and enjoy!

Keep it Tasty!
Rebecca

Friendship Blossoms

Here is something sweet and pretty for your gives to give at Valentine's Day. It's easy, fun and tastes good!

Materials
• Scrapbooking paper or card stock
• Scissors
• Lollipops
• Tape

1. For each, cut three heart-shaped petals, two leaves, and two flower centers from scrapbooking paper or card stock.
2. Poke a small hole in each, crease the petals as shown, and slide the pieces onto a lollipop stem. Tape the bottom to secure.
3. Poke a small hole in each leaf and slide them onto the lollipop stem. Tape the Bottom to secure. (Hint, you might want to write your message on the leaf first.)

Always Make It Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

Balloon Sandwich

This race, a feat of cooperation, works on the premise that two back are better than one. This rowdy romp is best held outside or in a spacious room.

Supplies:
-Balloons

Directions:
-Begin by choosing partners and lining them up back to back at a starting line. Place a balloon (not a helium one) between their backs so that they must hold it there and not let it fall to the ground (emphasize no hands!)
-At the sound of a whistle, the pairs must take off in this position, shuffling their way toward a finish line. If the balloon pops or drops, they must return to the starting line for a replacement.
-The first sandwich to cross the line wins.

Always Have Fun,
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

MVP Popcorn Balls

These snacks are great for any party but are perfect for sports themed parties.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 quarts popcorn
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter or margarine

Supplies:
waxed paper
food coloring (optional)
clear or colored cellophane
ribbon
paper
pen

Directions:
Pop 2 1/2 quarts of popcorn and set aside. Combine 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/3 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a medium-boil stage.

Quickly whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 cup butter or margarine. If desired, add food coloring. Pour mixture over popcorn and toss until well coated. Spread mixture on large baking sheets or pieces of waxed paper and let it cool slightly before forming it into balls. Lay popcorn balls on pieces of clear or colored cellophane. Gather excess at the top, and tie it with a ribbon. Add special MVP tags or draw lines on each to look like a basket ball. For fun, let your child autograph the outside of each ball just like a pro ball player.

This would even be great for kids to do as a craft.

Always Have Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

Catch The Dinosaur's Tail!

Direct everyone to form a single-file line and hold onto the waist of the person in front of them. The first person in the line is the head of the dinosaur, and the last person is the tail. when the game begins, the head tries to catch the tail. If the head successfully catches the tail, he or she stays at the back of the line and becomes the new tail. The chase continues!

Always Have Fun,
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader

Autograph Seekers (Activity)

This party activity is a fun icebreaker and a great way to capture memories of your "star-studded" birthday event.

Supplies:
- Newspaper
- Sheets of White Paper
- Cardboard (1 piece per guest)
- Pen
- White Plain T-Shirts (1 per guest)
- Permanent Fabric Markers

Directions:
Cover a table with newspaper and lay out T-shirts. Insert a piece of cardboard between the front and back of the shirt to prevent bleed-through. Cut star shapes out of paper (one per guest), and write a party guest's name on each; tape one next to each shirt (this is so everyone will be able to keep track of whose shirt they're signing). Have everyone draw a picture on the front of their own T-shirt. When each guest is done, ask them to flip the shirts over. Then, each guest should walk around the table autographing the back of the other guests shirts. Hang dry during remainder of the festivities.

Always Have Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

Pretty In Pink Diva Singing Contest

Have guests perform in front of your crowd. Let the birthday child award prizes for most real, most brave and silliest performances (this if especially fun to do after the "Rock Star Makeover Contest")

Always Have Fun,
Rebecca
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

Flower Cupcake In A Cone

Ingredients:
1 box of cake mix, any flavor
Flat-bottomed Ice-Cream Cones
White Frosting
Large gumdrop disks, such as Sunkist Gourmet Fruit Gems (one 14 oz bag can decorate 5 cupcakes)

Directions:
1.Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box. Fill the narrow bottom of each ice-cream cone with the batter. Set the cones in a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven, being careful not to tip them over.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool, and then frost the tops.
3. To make each candy flower, cut 6 wedges from the edges of a gumdrop disk and cut a green gumdrop disk into slices for leaves. Press the wedges into the middle of the cut flowers for flower centers, then arrange the candies on top of the frosted cupcakes. One box of cake mix yields 34 cupcakes (or make fewer and use the remaining batter for a small cake.)

Carrot Scavenger Hunt

Your kids will not only love their vegetables, they'll seek them out.

Supplies:
-Orange construction paper
-Green construction paper
-Scissors
-Glue
-Snacks

Directions:
1. Cut out 20 carrots from orange construction paper and glue on the green construction paper tops.
2. "Plant" them all around the house--under sofa cushions, in the silverware drawer, or taped to the refrigerator door, for example.
3. Then send your kids around the house to gather all the carrots. Let them redeem their carrots for snacks, such as a small box of raisins, a pack of gum, a bag of pretzels, or a piece of carrot cake.

Another great twist is to let each child cut out their own carrot and green top, decorate it, write their name on it and then "plant" them. After all carrots are found, make sure each carrot gets back to its owner. This way, the party guests gets to make a craft and they have a great reminder of the fun they had to take home with them!

Monkey Pops

Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Popsicle Sticks
- Plastic Freezer Bags
- Yogurt or Warm Chocolate Sauce

Directions:
Peel the bananas and cut in half (across the middle). Push a Popsicle stick into the flat end of the banana, until it's at least halfway through. Place in freezer bags until party time. Dip frozen banana pops into yogurt or chocolate sauce and serve to your eagerly awaiting party guests.

Best Monkey Contest

Supplies:
-Prizes (like Monkey pops; recipe in the next few days)
Enlist other parents, older siblings, or neighbors to be judges of the competition. Give each "monkey" (a.k.a. party guest) a chance to demonstrate his or her best monkey call. When every child has had a turn, award prizes for the loudest, squeakiest, mot real, funniest, etc. so everyone wins.

Always Make It Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cupcake

1. Top a cooled cupcake (baked from your favorite reicpe) with grass-green frosting.

2. For the rainbow, use a large, heavy knife (parents only) to cut a long, narrow strip from each of several flavors of Airheads candies (this is sticky stuff, so work on waxed paper).

3. Lay the strips side by side, press them together, then cut the ribbon of strips in half to make two rainbows.

4. Curve each one into an arch and trim the ends to make the strips all even. Set one rainbow upright on the cupcake (save the other for another cupcake) and deposit a pot's worth of gold coins to one end. If necesary, place a gold coin behind the rainbow for support.


MMMMMMMmmmmmmmm! Talk about having your treasure and eating it too!

Always Make It Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

Frog Face Pizzas

You will need half an English muffin for each child. Split muffins and top with prepared pizza sauce and shredded American or mozzarella Cheese. Let each child decorate their won pizza. Use pepperoni, mushroom, olives and peppers to make funny faces. Bake on a cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Always Have Fun!
Rebecca
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop