Baked Pumpkin French Toast

This is a special Sunday morning treat, that is easy to make and tastes far more decadant then it really is.  Eggs are always healthy, consumed in moderation and pumpkin puree is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium, and a good source of vitamin E, fiber, vitamin A,C and K.  Also an excellent source of beta carotene which is high in antioxidents which keeps bad cells out.  This combined with healthy goodness of oats, which is extremely high in fiber and aids in keeping digestivbe system moving, which can prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  Whole wheat bread provides fiber as well as many B vitamins.  Thiamin, Niacin, Ribofavin, Folate and iron and calcium as well.
this seves 8
Ingredients:
8 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 can pumpkin puree
8 slices whole wheatbread

topping
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter cut in small pieces

cube wholewheat bread, line them up in greased 9x13 baking dish
in bowl whisk until fully mixed eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin puree
pour over bread mixture and toss gently so all bread is evenly coated.

in seperate bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour and butter, combine until it makes a consistent crunchy mixture
sprinkle evenly over the the pumpkin, egg, bread mixture

bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes.

Oatmeal Pumpkin Raisin Cookies

Yet another pumpkin recipe.  This one was delicious.   Pumpkin is low in saturated fats, low in cholesterol, and sodium and a good source of vitamin E, fiber, vitamin A,C and K.  Also an excellent source of beta carotene which is high in antioxidents which keeps bad cells out.  This combined with the uber nutrition of oats, which is extremely high in fiber and aids in keeping digestive system moving, which in turn helps to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
 2 cups flour
1 1/3 old fashioned oats
1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup(two sticks) of butter
1 cup packed brown sugar softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup raisin
preheat at 375
combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree and vanilla in a bowl, in a seperate bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, combine with wet ingredients
when completely mixed add raisins.
Drop spoon fulls of batter on a cookie sheet, place an inch apart
bake for 10-12 minutes

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Corn and Scrammbled Eggs

This is an easy, healthy dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  I served it alone, but there is nothing wrong with a piece of whole wheat toast or perhaps even a tortilla to make it a rollup.  I also served it with tobasco, salsa can work as well or even red pepper flakes. 
serves 4
ingredients:
2 tablespoons canola oil
8 eggs lightly beaten
1 can 11 ounces corn
1/4 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste


In a large skillet or frypan over medium heat, heat oil
In large bowl mix eggs, corn, milk and s and p
Pour into hot skillet
When the eggs begin to set, stir the eggs(scramble them)
Give the eggs a good stir and flip every 30 seconds or so until the eggs are completely set

Add salsa, tobasco or red pepper flakes(all optional) 
On this blog I have mentioned how healthy eggs are many times. The little 80 calories pack so many nutrients in just one serving, and for less then .20.  The vitamin A in eggs helps to promote good night vision, general cell growth and for healthy skin.  Also consuming eggs adds a large concentration of antioxidents, which come from selenium and also vitamin E.  Antioxidents help keep the bad cells out.  The corn in this dish also adds to the nutritional value.  Corn provides a large amount of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Apple Pumpkin Crisp

Heres a warm, yummy cinnamony dessert, that is easy to prepare, delicious to eat and healthy to boot. 
Ingredients:
1 can apple topping

1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree

For crumb topping
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
12 tablespoons cold butter

Mix first 5 ingredients and place in a 9inch pie pan that is 2 inch deep
in a seperate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the crumb topping and spread evenly over the apple combination.

What I love about this is the sweetness of the apple, the creamy smoothness of the pumkin puree and the crunch of the oats.  Pumpkin is low in saturated fats, low in cholesgterol, and sodium and a good source of vitamin E, fiber, vitamin A,C and K.  Also an excellent source of beta carotene which is high in antioxidents which keep bad cells out.  Combine this with the healthy goodness of oats which is extremely high in fiber and aids in keeping the digestive system moving, which in turn helps to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

This cookie is a combination of cookie and cake.  It is great for a snack or dessert. I made them with dark chocolate, but they would be great with raisins, cranberries or nuts such as walnuts or pecans.  Once again, pumpkin is the star ingredient.

1 Cup  Pumpkin Puree
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup canola oil
1 Egg
2 Cups Flour
2 Tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp milk
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375
Mix pumpkin, sugar, egg, canola, milk, and vanilla.  Add dry igredients, mix well and add chips.  spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Oatmeal with Pumpkin Butter $2.42

I saw a recipe for pumpkin butter and it looked so good I had to try it. First of all, the word "butter"is so decieving. when i think of butter I think of rich and fat laden cream. Pumpkin butter has no fat whatsoever.  It is creamy and spreadable and sweet,  but no heavy cream or even butter in the recipe.I love it because it is versitle and ofcourse healthy.  I cant stop talking about the beta carotene in pumpkin and all the antioxidents, not to mention vitamin A and C.   I dropped a dollop of this gem in my oatmeal, but it would be great spread on bread or bagel, in yogurt, french toast, pancakes....yum, the list goes on.   I looked up a bunch of recipes and then kind of created my own.
   

To make Pumpkin Butter

1 can pumpkin puree $1.99
1/2 cup sugar .33
1 tsp cinnamon .10

mix together in a saucepan and simmer on low for 1 hour, stirring constantly
mixture should thicken within that hour and become like butter

make oatmeal according to recipe, when made pour into bowl and spoon a  1/4 cup of pumpkin butter on the oatmeal, stir in and enjoy!
         

Peach French Toast $3.23

1/2 cup brown sugar .33
1 cup butter .12
2 tablespoons water
1 cup sliced peaches .99
6 slices bread 1.20
3 eggs .45
1 tsp vanilla .12
1/2 tsp cinnamon .02

In a sauce pan stir together brown sugar, butter and water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stir frequently.
Pour brown sugar mixture into a 9x15 inch baking dish and tilt dish to cover bottom
Place peaches in layers over sugar coating
Top with slices of french bread
In separate bowl wisk together eggs and vanilla
pour over bread and evenly sprinkle with cinnamon
refrigerate 8 hours
Remove dish from fridge 8 hours before baking
bake 25-30 minutes

Oatmeal Egg Fruit and Nut Scramble $1.31

This recipe is loaded with so much goodness, it is mind boggling. protein, calcium, fiber, tons and tons of vitamins. I have made this for every different meal of the day, so it isnt just for breakfast. Also, I have varied the fruit and have even added dried cherries and raisins. This recipe is for one person, so adjust for as many are eating.

1 cup oats .23
1 egg .15
1/4 cottage cheese .25
pinch cinnamon .03
1/2 cup peaches .25
1-2 tablespoons nuts(walnuts, almonds or pecans).40

lightly spray and heat a non stick pan on medium
combine oats, egg, cottage cheese
add mixture to skillet, stir with spatula frequently
cook egg through til fluffy
stir in fruit, nuts and cinnamon
toss for 30 more seconds in skillet and serve

Ham and Cheese Strata $6.67

This is a great egg dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The prep time is quick and it can be made well in advance and refrigerated, until ready to cook. What I like about it, is it is flexible in terms of what I can put in it. This recipe is loaded with many good and good for you ingredients, but if undesired or simply not on hand, mushrooms, tomatoes or ham can be ommited, or all three. I, ofcourse like them in the recipe because mushroms provide that oh so important, and not always easy to find vitamin D, and canned tomatoes are clearly one of the healthiest foods one can consume, but not the less, eggs, milk and cheese are a necessity for this recipe, as is bread(and ofcourse we only use wholewheat), so there is lots of nutrients with those ingredients alone. My camera ran out of battery, and I only managed to snap one pic, even though I wanted to get a picture of an individual piece, Ill have to make it again....



10 slices whole wheat bread $1.00
4 slices ham .80
1 can 10 oz mushrooms $1.79
1 cup diced tomato .99
1 cup shredded cheddar $1.32
2 cups milk .45
2 tablespoons yellow mustard .20
1/4 tsp pepper .02

heat oven to 375
spread half bread cubes on bottom of baking dish
evenly spread 1/2 tomatoes, mushrooms, ham and cheese over bread
repeat layer
in bowl crack eggs and mix in milk, mustard and pepper
pour over bread combo
bake 50 to 60 minutes
let stand 5 minutes and cut and serve

Walnut Pecan Granola $5.40

Great antioxident, snack, breakfast and sweet enough to be a dessert!! Although Oats have made my top 10 convenience store super foods, they are also on tons and tons of others super 10 list. With fiber, protein, vitamin A, B6, zinc and did I mention FIBER. Oats are so great because just 1/2 cup a day will help to lower cholesterol and aid in cardio health, not to mention control blood sugar, which can keep diabetes at bay. Try to eat Oats everyday, and if oatmeal gets boring, find different ways to prepare the little beige gems.
6 cups oats 2.10
1/3 cup canola oil .50
3/4 cup honey 1.20
1/4 cup apple juice .20
1/4 cup pecans .60
1/4 cup walnuts .60
1/4 cup raisins .20

mix oil, honey, and apple juice in bowl
add oats to the liquid mixture
mix evenly, so the oats are completely covered in oil
pour into a large cake pan, and pat down so the oat mixture evenly lays in the pan
bake at 350 for 40 minutes
remove from oven and toss the oats and repat them down in the pan
bake another 20 minutes on 250
remove and pour into another pan
add raisins, walnuts and pecans

Mexican Mini Quiche $3.29

These little egg muffins make a great breakfast or appetizer, I have served them for both. Also, I was making them for an adult crowd, so I used Rotel because I wanted a little kick in them, but they could be made with so many different ingredients. My son is happiest when they are made wth bacon, but then again he is happy when anythng is made with bacon. Next time Michael. Prep time for these quiches was approx 10 minutes and bake time 15-20, so very easy for an elegant meal or appetizer.

makes 12 minis
6 slices of bread(cut two rounds out of each slice of bread for bottom of muffin tin) .60
4 eggs .60
1 cup milk .20
1 cup shredded cheddar 1.00
1 cup Rotel .89

place rounds in bottom of greased muffin tin
evenly sprinkle cheese on top of all 12 muffin rounds
in bowl combine egg and rote
mix well
pour evenly over bread and cheese combo
bake in preheated oven 15-20

Remove let stand for a minute
place toothpick in center, if toothpick comes out clean, quiche should slide right out of pan by lifting a side with a fork or knife

Apple Oatmeal Fritata $2.22

Another "anticancer" recipe, brought to us by Dr OZ. I never thought of combining oatmeal and egg until recently when I made a recipe of Jillian Michaels that involved the two super foods, and now I am finding lots of other creative ways to combine the two ingredients. This recipe actually calls for dried apples, but since I am snowbound at my house, I only have dried cherries to work with, so I am going to have to vary the recipe this time, but Im thinking it is going to still be good, and i will just have to make the apple version another day..
You know the gig, this meal is loaded with antioxidents from the oats, and ofcourse fiber, which can play a big role in keeping us heart healthy and controlling diabetes. From the eggs, we obtain protein, iron and Vitamin A which nourishes our skin and helps our vision and vitamin E, which serves as an antioxident. Cherries are an added bonus to give the recipe a sweet, tart contrast and provide more antioxidents.
This recipe is easy to assemble and be microwaved or cooked in a skillet like a pancake
serves 2
ingredients:
4 egg whites .40
2 cups rolled oats .45
1/3 cup cranberries .33
1 tbsp cinnamon .20
2 tsp apple sauce .64

in microwave bowl combine all ingredients except for apple sauce
place in microwave for 2-3 minutes on medium
remove and serve with apple sauce

in skillet combine all ingredients except for apple sauce and pour in skillet on medium with 2 tsp canola oil
cook 2-3 minutes until egg is cooked and pancake is crispy.

Dr Oz's Anti Cancer Chilled Apple Oatmeal $2.66

Anyone who is a follower of Dr Oz, knows he is a big on weightloss, because for obvious reasons being overweight causes many other health problems-heart disease, high blood preasure, diabetes and even cancer. He also is big believer that certain foods in our diet can help to prevent Cancer. Ifact, he has been quoted as saying, that some cancers are 70% preventable. I, too, am a big believer in prevention, unfortunately, because of my family experience and history, Im not such a believer in curing cancer-esp internal organ cancers in a later stage, but I have to believe in prevention. My father passed away from a cancer that is highly hereditary, and a cancer with a litterally a 0% survival rate, so after reading those statistics, I really got on the prevention bandwagon. I dont want to hear about survival rate with/after treatment. So, I drink 3-4 cups of green tea everyday, I eat oats and other forms of fiber everyday, get vitamin C, E, tons of water.
Dr Oz has lots of "anticancer" recipes on his website, that are convenience store friendly. This oatmeal recipe is a snap to make and is packed with antioxidents, and with all the nutrients in oats and calcium in milk, it can help prevent some forms of cancer. Combining the meal with green tea adds a boost of "catachins" which reduce growth of blood vessels needed for tumor growth.

serves 2
1/2 cup oats .15
1/2 cup 1% milk.10
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt $1.59(or whatever is available)
1/4 cup applesauce .32
1 tsp ground up almond.20
1 tsp sunflowerseeds .15
1/8 tsp cinnamon.05
1 tsp honey.10

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate Chip pancakes seem kind of decadent and dessertlike and not too healthy, but that just doesnt have to be the case. First of all, the pancake mix I purchased states clearly on tbe box that the mix contains calcium and iron. For a special treat, occasionaly I include chocolate to the batter. The only glitch is I dont use milk or semisweet chocolate, I use dark chocolate because of all the healing amd health benifits of dark chocolate. Dark choclate has been known to lower blood preasure, and also contains flavanoids which proect against heart disease(milk and semisweet chocolate do not) Dark Chocolate also is a powerful antioxident which is instrumental in keeping bad cancer cells out of our systems. This AM I treated family to chocolate pancakes which I admit I dont do often because it takes a bit more time and we are scrambling in the am to get out the door usually, whether its school, sports or church. The pancakes got rave reviews and requests for seconds.
serves 4

Marinara Egg Scramble $3.47

This easy egg dish can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I made it for lunch today, and thought it quite tasty and easy to prepare. I bought 2 dozen eggs Sunday and therefore want to be creative yet healthy with a bunch of egg dishes. I found this off the internet on the www.allrecipes.com site. This recipe serves 4
and is high in protein, iron and zinc from the eggs and both tomatoes and eggs contain large amounts of vitamin E, which is a great antioxident, not to mention tomatoes are high in vitamin C and the highest source of lycopenes around.
Ingredients
serves 4
6 eggs .48
1 can diced tomato $1.99
2 tsp olive oil .20
2 tsp garlic powder .10
1 tablespoon dried onion .20
salt and pepper to taste .10
4 slices whole wheat bread optional .40

heat oil in skillet on medium
add dried onion, garlic and saute for 5 minutes
add entire contents of tomato can
add salt and pepper, stir and simmer for 30 minutes
crack and whisk eggs until a smooth consistency
turn up heat on sauce
pour in eggs
stir constantly for 5-10 minutes until egg is completely cooked
serve over toast