Our Search for Happiness

On my summer reading list was "Our Search for Happiness"-
by M. Russell Ballard.
And let's just go ahead and add it to my favorites list, too.
It was phenomenal! Inspired! Motivating!

This book is exactly what it professes to be-
"an invitation to understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."
Everything is described in simple, perfect words.
It's funny- it's inspiring- it's definitely one to read.

Whether you are a Mormon or not,
I recommend this one to you.
It is eye opening.
And believe it or not,
I feel very much happy (:

If you are interested, click here.

Shutterfly(:

Golly, it's been awhile!
But I just HAD to share my experience on shutterfly today.
If you haven't heard of shutterfly.com, well, you have missed out!
Sign up and get your prints through them.
...Most of what I buy is actually (almost) free.
I have gotten a free calendar, free photo book, free prints-
you get the picture:)
Rad right?!

I got an email for 10 free cards today and thought, what the heck?
Why not order a handful of holiday cards.
I mean, it's not like Christmas is forever away, right?!
Ha!
Despite that, it was fun. And well worth it!
Did I mention that if you sign up for shutterfly.com you get 50 free prints?!
True story.

Here's a peak at my cards:

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Romney 2012

America borrows approximately
36 cents per every federal dollar that is spent. Scary.
And did you know that after continual promises of "hope," "change," and "reclaiming the American dream" -
Obama has actually increased the number of unemployed persons to almost 13 million Americans?!
In its May economic release, the government reported the unemployment rate
as a consistent and unchanging 8.2%.
I don't see any "hope" and "change" in that.



There are less jobs since Obama moved into the white house,
health insurance costs have increased nearly 25%-
not to mention the cost of gas rising 90 cents during his presidency-
and national debt has gone through the roof!
$6.3 trillion dollars of debt was stockpiled by the first 43 presidents-
but $6.5 trillion has been added in Obama's only, one term of presidential office.
It's no wonder why I'm skeptical of giving him another (reckless) term.



Romney has my stamp of approval.
Why?
Let's take a glance at his experience, stance, and character.

First, Romney is a businessman.
He is an expert with economics and a fond supporter of free enterprise.
As governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney flipped a $3 billion dollar budget deficit into a surplus-
WITHOUT raising taxes.
By placing Romney in Washington, we know he will reduce military spending,
eliminate costly programs, and relax the current federal regulations of small business owners.
Romney doesn't mess around.
Among his primary donors are no other than American banks-
including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and J.P. Morgan.
Why are the "deep pockets" supporting this candidate?
Because like me, they have confidence that Mitt Romney is the one to make things happen,
the man "believing in America."



Romney has a plan.
He is against national debt-
and in favor of economic freedom.
We can rest assured that with his foreign policy plan,
Romney will not be so quick to justify policing other countries.
It is the time of global economy, is it not?!
Which is why every country and every continent have interest to the United States of America-
Romney will think twice about spending billions to aid countries whose manufacturers are costing us unemployment of our own and leaving us jobless!
He has an energy plan that safeguards our environment,
but also preserves our jobs.

He is a man of high standards.
There is honor and patriotism in a life led with such high moral values.
Mitt Romney has the charisma and energy of Obama-
But is consistent and fearless.
He is a leader like no other,
A leader who accepts challenges-
and has proven to tackle them head on.
What other presidential candidate can we put full faith in,
knowing that they have lived a life of such personal integrity and morality,
that no questions have been asked?
He is STRONG.
And has proven time and time again that he is the man for the job.

Who will I be voting for in this upcoming election?
Who else?!
Mitt Romney!!

Please refer to the following links:
* Click here to read what Mitt's son thinks of his dad
* See 18 Statistics Proving Obama has NOT helped the economy
* Read why an avid supporter of Ron Paul now endorses Mitt Romney instead


(Images courtesy of Rude Awakening, Mediaite, and Getty Images.)


by YourLocalSecurity.com

colorado times!

So I told you about Matt's birthday-
But did I mention my mom's?!
I don't think so!

My mom turned 38 last week (hehe)
and we were there to share in the good times.
And the best part was...
She had no idea we were coming!!

Call me sentimental, but it really was such an amazing opportunity.
Because we are saving our dollars,
This is our only time we will be visiting Colorado this summer.
So to see my mom (and the rest of the fam!) was such a blessing.
I love her SO MUCH.
Happy birthday, mom!

From Benihanas to downtown art shows,
we chatted and hung out with our favorite people ever: family.
In fact, I had so much fun, I barely remembered to take pictures-
Luckily I had my phone on me!
At least there's a handful right?!

Chow,
Bethany

quarter of a century!

Matthew is OFFICIALLY a quarter of a century years old.
I knew he was an old man...
But 25?!
WOW!

I surprised him for his birthday-
And it became the funnest night.
EVAR.

We started off with a fresh dinner:
*Key west grilled chicken skewers
*jicama black bean salad
*homemade (raw) horchata
Check out the recipes at the bottom of my post-
Just in case you are intrigued;)

After dinner,
I surprised him with tickets to the Lakers playoff game 4!
WE HAD A BLAST!

Against all my better judgement, we made funnel cakes when we got home.
Can you believe it?!
Matt has been craving them for over a month
(ever since we went to six flags and I protested against them)
so for his birthday, I said what the heck?
Why not?!
It's his birthday after all!

Aside from him getting a fiery burn from hot oil,
I would say his birthday was a success!
;)

The night ended with us looking at the stars on our big back patio,
where I had set up a bed and candles and incense and...
and I'll save you from the mushy stuff.

Needless to say, it was a great day!
And with a family barbecue and mountain motorcycle ride planned for the following day,
It was a big ol' grand weekend.

...Yay for birthdays!

------------------------------------ ♥ ------------

key west grilled chicken skewers
ingredients
3T. soy sauce
2T. honey
1T olive oil
Juice of a aime
2 garlic cloves, minced
cilantro, to taste
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

directions: this couldn't be easier! in a small bowl, mix all marinade ingredients, mix in chicken breasts, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes prior. Place on skewers and grill till juices run clear. Enjoy!

jicama black bean salad
serves 8
2 large ears of corn, husked
5T. extra-virgin olive oil
2 15oz. cans black beans, rinsed, drained
1c. 1/3-inch dice peeled jicama
1/2c. 1/3-inch dice peeled carrots
1/3c. thinly sliced green onions
1/3c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/4c. (packed) chopped fresh basil

for dressing:
3T. fresh lime juice
2T. orange juice
2.5t. grated lime peel
1/4t. ground cumin

directions: start off by brushing 1T. olive oil onto corn and grilling. Cut off corn kernels and mix with remaining ingredients, leaving out the remaining olive oil. whisk dressing ingredients together + remaining olive oil. mix dressing into salad. season with salt + pepper. serve immediately- or can be made morning before. cover and chill. recipe from epicurious!

homemade {raw} horchata
makes about 7 cups
1c. raw cashews
2/3c. white rice, uncooked (medium or long-grain preferred)
2.5c. water + 3 cups water
one 3-inch cinnamon stick
2/3c. sugar, or to taste*
1t. vanilla extract

directions: In a large blender canister, Vita-Mix canister, or large bowl combine cashews, uncooked rice, 2 1/2 cups warm tap water, cinnamon stick, cover and place in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. Remove canister from the refrigerator, remove the cinnamon stick, and blend the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes on high speed, or until blended as smoothly as possible. Then add sugar (to taste), vanilla extract, 3 cups more water and blend again for 2 more minutes, or until mixture is as smooth as possible. If desired, strain horchata through a sieve or cheesecloth (I did not find it necessary as the cashews blended incredibly smoothly in my Vita-Mix). Serve immediately as is, over ice, or refrigerate and serve chilled, shaking before if mixture has separated. Horchata will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days; use common sense.

Notes: *I used traditional recipes here and here and here as reference for the sugar (and they use more than I did). You may wish to start with 1/3 cup sugar, and increase from there if you prefer something less sweet. You can use another form of sweetener, to taste. All amounts are to taste. If you are serving over ice, it will also water down and become less sweet, something to keep in mind. This is a sweet beverage; it’s not supposed to be “barely sweet”; it’s supposed to be sweet. The Mexicans are not shy with sugar; they pour sweetened condensed milk over sweet potatoes as I witnessed in Mexico City. If you prefer a thinner horchata increase the amount of water, to taste, or strain it. Whatever blender you use, blend, blend, blend. Depending on type of blender used, and taste preferences, strain if desired.

(recipe, directions, and pictures all from "Love Veggies and Yoga"

what better?! a weekend with Averill.

It is high time I admit the truth:
My life just wouldn't be the same without Averill.
She is probably my oldest friend-
the bubbly inspiration that has helped me become who I am.

I have known her for, well, FOREVER!
And funny thing is, I don't ever remember meeting her.
That's just how long I've known her for.
Have a friend like that?
Well, then you know exactly what I mean.
Or at least somewhat.

You see, Averill is like nobody else.
She is a gorgeous girl that's BURSTING with talents-
In fact, ever since I can remember,
people would be awe-struck from her voice.
She can sing like no one else!
And from the get-go, she has been writing and plotting plays and books and stories in general!

Maybe you've heard the quote from the Los Angeles Times Syndicate-
"Some people march to a different drummer-
and some people polka."
Yes, this is Averill.
You really should meet her.
She is an inspiration after all!

We grew up going to dances and giggling over boys-
scheming and spying and laughing, day and night.
We pulled endless all nighters to watch and analyze movies-
and with Ave's film program in Boston and my videography exposure,
we continue the tradition today.

But oh no, the list doesn't stop there!
We have uncovered plots for movies-
and written stories.
We've hosted parties..and ate chocolate till we were sick!
Believe it or not, we even went through a rock climbing phase.

She has helped me through the darkest times- and the lightest times.
And I can never thank her enough for her support during the biggest time:
my wedding day.

Here are just a handful of the very found memories of us!

Lucky for me, she came out to visit us this past weekend!
We spent the time relaxing and tanning and talking and cooking-
just revisiting good times :)
With Ave, it's always good times!

Forever friends ♥

Recap: Raw Week

raw banana-cocoa smoothie

raw tacos, with cashew-walnut meat

raw banana chips

recap: raw week
So raw week was an adventure-
to say the least.
Surprisingly, it was very easy!
Who woulda thought?

My friend Averill asked if I had craved anything?
And if so, what?
Well, ya know what I told her?
I hadn't craved a thing.
(Except more raw cookie dough...the healthy kind, of course!)

Of course, I have eaten raw before,
but what I discovered this past week was shocking!
Raw food is FUN.
and DELICIOUS,
easy,
and makes me feel just so darn GOOD.

Here are some specifics I learned from eating 100% raw:

1. I had much more energy- more energy to get more things done and more efficiently, more energy to workout (and workout harder), and more energy in general. I felt lighter, happier, and more enthusiastic. My head felt clear.

2. Sleeping was easier. In all honesty, I slept ok before! However, during my raw week, I feel asleep so much easier- and slept so much deeper. I woke up earlier and more refreshed than ever!

3. Cravings went out the window! I tend to crave late-night fatty foods or chocolate. Guess what? Raw week changed all that. I ate RICHER foods and nothing else crossed my mind.

My sis asked about the hush-hush subject: bowels.
Lucky you, I will spare details.
Let's just say...
They improved.

So are you convinced? Will you succumb to the challenge?
Eat raw for one week-
And you won't regret it.

Granola, anyone?

You will never guess what I made during last week's "raw week" !
Did my title give it away?!
I whipped up raw granola-
And man, was it good.

In fact, choosingraw.com calls it "The only raw vegan granola recipe you'll ever need!"
It's a good thing I doubled the recipe!

Recipe...doubled:
{yields 6 cups}

2c. soaked and dehydrated buckwheat*
4T. ground flaxseed
2/3c. sunflower seeds
2/3c. pumpkin seeds
2/3c. raisins
2/3c. dried, chopped apples*
2/3c. cup maple syrup (or agave)
2T. coconut oil
4T. water
2t. cinnamon
1t. pumpkin pie spice
1/2t. nutmeg
Dash salt

*Before preparing, I soak raw buckwheat groats in water for approximately one hour. Meanwhile, I chop up enough apples and prepare on dehydrator sheet. Once the groats have soaked for an hour, I drain and rinse, and place on another dehydrator sheet. Set dehydrator to 145 degrees for approximately one hour. Afterwards mix ALL dry ingredients (including buckwheat and apples) in large bowl. Whisk together remaining ingredients in SEPARATE bowl, then pour over dry ingredients. Mix with hands. Dehydrate at 115 for 10-12 hours. It should be that familiar granola texture (slightly "sticky"). Refrigerate. Devour. And make another batch.

PS> Serve warm for breakfast by heating in dehydrator for 10-30 minutes prior to eating. Try adding a smoothie too!

Hello California!

So guess who moved to Cali?!?
MmmHmmm, you guessed it.
WE DID!

Alright, alright, so maybe it's old news,
But we got here about 2 weeks ago-
So I decided it was about time to post all about it.

We have settled into Anaheim Hills.
We are not too far from all of the following:
Arnold Schwarzenegger's old home.
Disneyland.
The Ocean.
Mother's Market...he he.
Six Flags.
LA.
LDS Newport Beach & LA temples.
Hollywood.
...And best of all: family!

Seems like a good opportunity to get my tan on!
Or take advantage of the heat like these people did:

Raw Carrot Cake Truffles

Had a bad day? Craving sugar?
Whatever the case,
Your life is missing these.
Seriously!

Just process/blend all ingredients, roll in cinnamon or shredded coconut, refrigerate an hour, and serve!
Caution: they'll be gone before long.
Sooooo...what are you waiting for?
Give them a try!

Raw Carrot Cake Truffles
{All thanks to Tera Warner!}

1c. almonds
1/4c. walnuts
1/4c. pecans (or sub for 1/4 c. walnuts)
6 Medjool dates, pitted
1/4c. raisins
1t. coconut oil
1/4c. coconut, shredded and unsweetened
2 large carrots, chopped
1T. flaxseed, ground
1t. cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg

Raw Cookie Dough Bites...Mmmm

Thanks to "a dash of compassion" I have this wonderful recipe!
{The picture is hers, too!}
The only thing I changed was subbing the dark choco chips for raw carob chips.
Why?
I just wanted a different flavor!
But don't be shy-
Try it both ways ;)

These are absolutely aMmmmmmazing!
If you are anything like me-
and crave gooey, chocolatey cookie dough-
Well, here's exactly what you need.

It tastes EXACTLY the same or maybe even RICHER.
But, of course, with way less calories and fat.
Treat yourself the right way...
With this recipe.

2/3 c. almonds
2/3 c. walnuts
2/3 c. oats
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. sea salt
1/4 c. agave
2 t. vanilla
3 T. (raw) carob chips (you can also use dark choco chips or cacao nibs)

Using your food processor, process the nuts, oats, cinnamon and salt until fine. Add the agave and vanilla. Process. Last, add the carob chips. Pulse briefly. Roll dough into balls and place cookie pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze about an hour. Store balls in a tightly covered container in the freezer...Enjoy! Thanks, "a dash of compassion" for the recipe!

Ps. Here's a picture of mine- I actually added MORE carob and pulsed much longer. Turned out marvelous- though the picture obviously does not do justice!

Attention: Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

So greatest smoothie ever. Right here.
Don't even dare argue with me.
I mean, please, I am obsessed with smoothies-
and this one?
Well, don't mind me if I drool while typing up the recipe!

Speaking of the recipe:
It's my sisters!
Honestly, I have the best sister in the whole wide world.

Now without further adieu,
Here is the recipe...
YUMMMMMMMM.

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
{serves 2 plentifully}

1 c. coconut water (buy it by the can at almost any store)
1/4 c. agave
1 t. vanilla
1/4 c. cocoa powder
2 bananas
2 c. frozen cherries

Blend. And go to heaven.

*Chef's note: this is definitely DPW (dinner-party-worthy)! Serve this in small glasses as a dessert, topped with cherries and sprinkled with cocoa powder.

bring it: one week of RAW.

Alright, so call me crazy, but I decided to eat raw.
For one week.
What the heck, right?!

I've blogged raw food before-
And bragged on my raw foodie sister-
But never have I attempted a completely raw diet.

I started Monday. And it will last through Sunday.
Why?!
Well, first let me give a brief intro to the raw lifestyle.

What is "raw," anyway?
In general, raw food indicates itself as unprocessed and uncooked.
The whole idea is intended to keep food living-
So that all enzymes are active and no nutrients die via cooking or processing.
Therefore, to be considered "raw," food cannot be heated >40-49 degrees celsius.
Or 104-120 degrees fahrenheit.
There are debates within that range,
But basically: the lower the heat, the lower risk of killing active enzymes and nutrients.

Most people think "raw" or "living" food encompasses only carrot sticks and apples.
Think again.
My diet this week includes raw carrot cake truffles, raw granola, and raw cookie dough bites!
Among other things, of course.
So what can you eat?
Well, when someone says "raw," you might as well think "plant."
It includes fruits & veggies, nuts, seeds, grains, and more.
Of course this excludes dairy, eggs, meat-
unless we're talking coconut meat, of course!

So here's the deal:
You can make raw tacos taste 10x better than those fresh tacos you had down in Mexico-
Or feast on delicate raspberry cheesecake made from cashews, agave nectar, and raspberries!
It's an easy feat.
And you won't crave a thing.

Would I recommend raw food as a lifestyle?
Well, that's a whole new matter.
Vegans and raw foodies alike lack one specific necessary vitamin-
And that's vitamin b12, only available from animal products.
What does b12 do for us? And why is it so important?
Don't worry-
I'll fill ya in with a whole new post on the topic.

Just know that vitamins and minerals are our key to living a long, happy, and healthy life-
Especially if we get them in healthy amounts and from the purest source (food.)
So share this week with me by checking into-and trying-the recipes I post!

♥ Bethany

Quesadilla, chiunque?

So before I discovered my intolerance to lactose, I LOVED quesadillas.
Favorite food by far!
But now I have found something even better.
Cheese-less quesadillas.
Weird, right?!
Cheese seems to mask the fresh flavor and spice.
Don't take my word for it-
Try a vegan quesadilla yourself!

I pack ours full of spice.
My favorite (vegan) quesadilla will include some of the following:

grilled veggie/vegan patties, cut into squares*
diced tomatoes
chopped onion
fresh cilantro
roasted red pepper
chopped red bell pepper
chopped sweet peppers
spinach/romaine (to add AFTER grilled)
chopped jalapeno
avocado/guacamole
homemade salsa
hot sauce
lime juice
minced garlic/garlic powder
ground black pepper
cajun seasoning
mexican chili powder
lemon pepper
...or anything else that sounds good! Be creative!

*Chef's note: for the veggie/vegan patties, I have tried brands like Boca, Amy's, Gardenburger, Morning Star, etc. I like making v. burgers by hand too! But if I am making quesadillas or need something QUICK, then I love going for the "Black Bean Chipotle" by Gardenburger. It just has a lot of flavor and around 90-100 cal. per patty. Score!

Popcorn, Baby!

So popcorn?
Yeah, it is a rare thing if Matthew and I go just a couple nights without it.
We LOVE popcorn.
YUM!

At our last apartment, we had no microwave.
Tough right?
So instead we made it on the stove.

Popcorn is a GREAT snack.
Why?
Well, it just happens to be filling, low-cal, and inexpensive!
And here's another perk:
There are ENDLESS topping options.

EASY stove popcorn instructions:
1. Add 3 popcorn kernels + 2-3 T. oil to a large pot
2. Heat the pot over medium high heat + cover with lid
3. Once you hear one of the kernels pop + add 1 cup of popcorn kernels + cover
4. You will hear the rest of the kernels popping- Let cook until all have popped, by holding handles of the lid and shaking to avoid any burning
5. Add toppings + stir
6. Serve in your favorite popcorn bowl!
(Chef's note: you will not want to add much more than the 1 cup of kernels because this amount fills up your pot, once all popped!)


Topping Option #1: Il Classico
olive oil
sea salt
ground black pepper


Topping Option #2: Italiano
olive oil
sea salt
ground black pepper
crushed/ground rosemary


Topping Option #3: autunno spezie ("autumn spice")
1/2 c. (vegan) confectioner’s sugar (you could also try a sugar sub.)
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/4 t. nutmeg
2 t. cinnamon
3 t. salt
(I based this recipe off of a recipe found at http://www.manifestvegan.com ...great recipes can be found there!)

To Die For Year-Round Pumpkin Recipes!

Pumpkin recipes are NOT just for Autumn time.
I make them all year round.
Why??!
Well, pumpkin is just that good!

Pumpkin cookies are my absolute FAV- with or without choco chips.
And last week,
I tried whipping up my own pumpkin pancake recipe.
They were sugar-and dairy-free!!!
And guess what?!
It was pretty darn good!

Sooooooo...
Purpose of this post: make you fall in love with pumpkin.
Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids-
Beta-carotene in particular is great because your body will synthesize if your vitamin A intake is low.
Wicked, right?!
Pumpkin also has vitamins C, K, and E-
Not to mention minerals magnesium, potassium, iron, and more.

So whip up these recipes and tell me what you think!

Gluten/Dairy/Sugar-free Pumpkin Cookies
(Great with or without chocolate chips! Makes about 50-60 cookies!)

1 large can pumpkin (28 oz.)
1 c. oil
3 c. sugar substitute
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
5 c. gluten-free all-purpose baking mix (or flour, if you're not allergic, of course!)
1 t. sea salt
2 t. baking soda
2 t. baking powder
3 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 bag chocolate chips, optional

Combine eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add pumpkin. Mix all dry ingredients together separately. Add to pumpkin mixture. Spoon onto an UNGREASED baking sheet and bake at 375 for approximately 8-10 minutes-or until toothpick comes out clean. {Chef's note: these are by far the BEST pumpkin cookies I have ever tried. I got the recipe from a friend in Boulder, CO and won't try any others. If you have Celiacs, or are cutting down on flour, try these! Like with any other recipe made with gluten-free baking mix, you won't be tempted to try the batter...But once cooked, you will never suspect flour-free. As for the chocolate chips, it's not too hard to find dairy-free chocolate chips. Just check your local natural foods store if you are serious allergic or gung-ho about dairy-free eats. I will warn you that it's near impossible finding dairy-and-sugar-free chips. They are also INCREDIBLE without chocolate chips. They are light and addicting...and ohhhhh so good!}

Sugar-and-Dairy-free Pumpkin Pancakes
(Serves 2-3 people graciously)

Ingredients:
1.5 c. whole wheat flour
2-3 T. sugar substitute (stevia works great!)
3 t. baking powder
1/2 t. sea salt
1 t. cinnamon
1.5 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 pinch nutmeg
1 c. unsweetened almond milk
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 (large) egg
2 T. coconut butter, smart balance, or another butter alternative

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, sugar sub., powder, salt and other spices). In another bowl, whip together the almond milk, pumpkin, egg, and butter sub. Add to flour mixture. Next, preheat a large (greased) skillet. Pour desired batter onto skillet, and flip once those "pancake bubbles" begin to form. Flip only once. Top with coconut butter, honey, and additional cinnamon/pumpkin pie spice. Or bananas! Or whatever you wanna try. It's your kitchen after all ;)


Let me know what you think!
Xoxo,
Bethany

Is The Hubby Going Gray?!

He says it's a gray hair.
I think it's just a light brown.
Who knows?!!

"Age is just a number."

Almond Pesto with Chopped Tomato

I am proud to say that this is an original.
For this recipe, I studied various pesto recipes,
And just wasn't satisfied by what I saw.

Meanwhile, Matthew Lee was complaining about getting more protein,
So that's when I thought--
Why not add almonds to basil,
And just concoct my own pesto?!

So here it is.
My almond pesto recipe,
With chopped tomato and grilled onion on top.

I wanted something a little THICKER than the average pesto, so thats what I made.
Want something thinner, but still including the almonds?
Well, then, add less almonds and more oil.

Almond Pesto Ingredients:
2/3 c. fresh basil
1/3-1/2 c. olive oil
1/4-1/3 c. almonds
2 T. sunflower seeds
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. cracked black pepper

Directions: blend all ingredients, excluding the almonds, in a food processor. (Don't have a food processor? Try with your blender!) Once everything is blended, add the almonds and pulse briefly, until they are chopped finely, but still giving texture.

Serve on top of shell pasta or gnocchi. Top with freshly chopped tomato and grilled onion. I then added additional cracked pepper and various spices. Bon appetit!

Quick and Easy Orange Rolls {Butter-Free}

This incredible recipe is all credit of "your homebased mom."
These are THE best rolls Matt and I have EVER had!
YUM.
You HAVE to try these.

True, they are not the most healthy things you have eaten,
However, they make a fab dessert every so often.
The only thing I have changed is to make with a butter substitute, because Matt and I are lactose-intolerant.

So, what are you waiting for?!

Buy frozen rolls, and follow package instructions to thaw and rise. Typically, you will thaw the rolls overnight. Or, put in greased 9x13" pan for 2-3 hours that has been covered with clear wrap also greased with cooking spray. Next, dip each roll in melted butter substitute (smart balance or coconut butter) and then with grated orange rind + sugar. Place back into glass pan and let thaw again, under clear wrap, for another hour, or until fully risen.

Bake to dough instructions and then cover with orange glaze.

Here is the recipe from "your homebased mom."

Ingredients:
12 frozen dinner rolls, thawed (good brand is Rhodes)
grated rind from one orange
1/2 c. sugar

For the citrus glaze:
1 c. powdered sugar
1 T. melted butter substitute (i.e. smart balance or coconut butter)
2 T. fresh squeezed orange juice
2-3 drops orange essential oil, optional

Mix all citrus glaze ingredients and lightly spread on rolls once they have been baked. Eat while they are still warm! ENJOY!!