Eliminate Food Waste With Simple Recipes

We Can Reduce Food Waste

Americans waste food. According to an article in Forbes, the USDA has determined that people waste, on average, nearly a pound of food per day.  Another article states that, on average, Americans waste more than 20 pounds of food per person per month (Amy Palanjian "12 Ways To Use Food Waste"). Whether it is a pound a day or 20 pounds a month that is not acceptable. According to the USDA, In 2017 an estimated 1 in 8 Americans were food insecure. Wasting food when so many others are hungry is a shame. There are steps we can take to reduce this waste. We can make the most of groceries, reduce waste, and save money by making simple changes in our routines. 

Darkening Bananas

Bananas that are overripe can be used in banana bread, smoothies, or a banana “ice cream”.  Read my recipe for Banana Soft Serve. Banana peels can be used for a tooth whitener and can help ward off pests in the garden. Read more about uses for banana peels here.

Herb Stems and Vegetable Stems

Herb and vegetable stems can be used in a variety of ways. Parsley, basil, and carrot tops make great pesto. Beet and kohlrabi stems/leaves are great sautéed. Read my recipe for Carrot Green Pesto and Savory Beet Greens.

“Portions of this post was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

 

Blueberry Crumble Muffins

Blueberry Crumble Muffins

Muffins with morning sun coming in through the blinds. 

What a sight to wake up to on a weekend morning!

The  blank canvas I started with today was Mom's Place Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins w/ Crumble Topping. I love customizing a packaged product to create something unique. The muffins themselves without the changes taste great, just like homemade. The muffins with the modifications add a kick of flavor.

I modified the package directions and added the following to the mix:

• 1/3 cup oil
• 2 flax eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt *See NOTE
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup diced fresh ginger 

NOTE: to make vegan ... soak 1 cup of cashews in water overnight and blend

The taste and texture calls you back for more!

I followed the package directions for the following:

• I added 2 melted tbsp unsalted butter to the crumble mixture NOTE: add coconut butter to make vegan. Next time I will add 1/2 the crumble as it is a sweeter topping than I normally use. I will also add 1/4 cup of oats. I will save the other 1/2 for another batch at a later time.
• I used large muffin tins and filled them 1/2 full of the muffin batter and topped them with the crumble mixture. 
• I sprayed the muffin tin rather than use a liner as the packaged suggested. Next time, I will use a liner for ease in clean up and storage.  

A Small Company with Big Flavor ... 88 Acres

I had the opportunity to try 88 Acres Sunflower Seed Butter at the Nourished Festival in San Diego. I enjoyed the flavored sunfllower seed butters and have enjoyed having them on toast ... the maple was excellent as a substitute for maple syrup on french toast!

 I cannot wait to try the PUMPKIN SEED BUTTER and the WATERMELON SEED BUTTER ... two products I have not had and am eager to taste and use in recipes!

The ginger apple seed bar reminded me of a fall day. It would go great with hot cider or ginger tea!

I Just Can't Get Enough ... Grounded Snacks

Lundberg Family Farms Continues to Delight Customers

Not only does Lundberg Farms create excellent sweet and savory rice cakes that are enjoyed by people of all ages, but they also create baked grain bites that are masterful. Each flavor, made from flavors curated from around the world, and enhances your meal.

I had an opportunity to try the product at the Nourished Festival in San Diego in February. Since that time, they have been a regular inhabitant of my cupboards!

The Wonders of Jool

The Wonders of Jool

There are many uses for Jool. It is great on its own as well as in recipes. Jool's natural sweetness lends it to uses for breakfast or dessert.

Jool for Breakfast

I added a layer of Jool Chocolate Date Spread to my Banana Bread Recipe to create a layer of flavor in the middle. I served the bread with a thin layer of Jool Chocolate Spread and even added a roasted banana.

Dates contain natural sugars and are high in fiber and antioxidants. They have a low glycemic index and may help control blood sugar. They contain 20% of the RDI for potassium, 14% of magnesium, and 12% of vitamin B6. Studies have shown they may contribute to brain health, bone health, and ease a woman's labor pains.

I DROOL for JOOL

I DROOL for JOOL

I Drool for Jool! 

When I came across Jool Chocolate Date Spread at the La Jolla Open Aire Market I KNEW I needed to try the product. It was everything I love in one package! To me, dates and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly. I am SO happy I tried this product!

You Know You Love A Product When ...

When you open the jar you see something that LOOKS like Nutella, but know that it is not Nutella as it only has THREE ingredients: dates, chocolate, and olive oil. I celebrate a product with no added sugars...the natural sugar of the dates is all you need here!

When you spread the Jool Chocolate Date spread on bread, a banana, a pancake, a waffle, or an apple you are transformed. The rich cacao and the sweet date flavor complement the fruit and pastry and send you on flavor thrill ride. Sprinkle on some walnuts and you get a crunchy delicacy!

So Many Ways to Use Jool Chocolate Date Spread ...

I decided to use Jool Chocolate Date Spread in one of my tried-and-true recipes. I added it to my Power Cookie Sandwich Recipe. I loved the results! I made a batch using dates and cranberries and a batch using dried bananas. Both tasted great ... but the dried bananas were special. The next batch I make, I will use a combination of dates and dried bananas.