If you have ever purchased a veggie burger in the supermarket, you probably have an opinion. Some love them, whereas others feel just the opposite. The recipe below tastes nothing like the store-bought varieties, but is guaranteed to be party favorite even with the most devout omnivores. It is also very easy to prepare and the cooked burgers can be frozen and microwaved later on. Read more…

I was beyond excited when I first learned that I can make my own vanilla extract at home. Follow the recipe below and infuse yours from at least 2 weeks to up to several years. If your extract has been infused for only a short time, you can use in in cocktails or add the vanilla vodka to your mixed drinks.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a small, clean jar. Place 2 vanilla beans (for great-quality beans at a reasonable cost, try http://www.amazon.com/30-Grade-Organic-Vanilla-Beans/dp/B001N9FDEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1265723610&sr=8-1) into 4 oz of vodka (again, use the best quality vodka you can get). You can fold the beans in 1/2, but do not split them. Slightly seal the jar and allow to steep.

Baking bread always seemed too complicated for me to ever try my hand at it. This all changed when I saw an easy bread recipe on a package of flour. I have not bought another loaf ever since. Read more…

Would I get your attention if I said that you could get a few servings of fruits, a serving of dairy, and your healthy fats in all before lunch time? Just follow the tips below to make the most delicious smoothies, which can be consumed any time of the day and take seconds to prepare. Just a hint – add a little Bacardi or good-quality vodka for an after-dinner treat. Read more…

Having posted the last entry about Maslenitsa, I started daydreaming about my childhood favorite recipes. Many kids nowadays grow up eating pizza and pasta as their comfort foods. One of my childhood favorites was sirniki (also known as tvorojniki). Instead of cheesecake, I used to have zapekanka. Read more…

If you have ever wondered what Russian food tastes like, Maslenitsa is a perfect time to experiment with making some blinis (aka pancakes). Maslenitsa represents a pancake week or cheesefare week, which takes place one week prior to Great Lent = now. Maslenitsa celebrates an approaching end of winter, but is also a great way to feast prior to the fast. Forbidden foods during Great Lent include meat, fish, dairy, and eggs – basically anything that comes from animals. Read more…

I get shivers down my spine when I hear the word eggnog. Don’t get me wrong, I do like the taste of an incredibly sweet and rich dessert. The nutritional information, on the other hand….not so much.

Since I was not going to give up on my cravings, I set out on a search for a healthy recipe substitute for this holiday favorite and below are just a few of a great recipes that I have come up so far. Read more…

TUNA SALAD Read more…

I was asked about quinoa while having lunch with my best friend the other day. When the conversation picked up at the table, it turned out to be that 9 out of 10 people have never tried this wonderful grain, which also happens to be one of my favorites. Read more…

RICOTTA TOAST

Yield: 1 serving

Whole Wheat Bread, 2 slices

1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese

Grapes, Green Seedless, 1/2 cup

Honey, Drizzle

Toast 2 slices of bread. Spread each slice with the reduced-fat or fat-free ricotta. Cut the grapes in 1/2 and put on top of the toast.  Drizzle with a bit of honey. Enjoy.

*** This toast can also be topped with figs, pears or fresh berries instead of grapes.