Archive of ‘Healthy Bites’ category

Organic no oil Carrot Zucchini Bread

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This is my favorite recipe for carrot zucchini bread, I made this today using all organic ingredients and it was great!  I knew I had to share it for my fellow organic loving readers.  I am always trying to make anything healthier, especially if it already contains sugar.  One of the reasons this bread is a perfect healthier option is due to no oil.  Vegetable oil for this recipe would normally be around a cup, which would amount to nearly 2,000 calories and 220 grams of fat!  Apple sauce (especially organic) is an amazing substitute for oil while baking, saving calories and fat.

The next item we switch for a healthier version is whole wheat flour, while whole wheat flour and regular flower have the same calories the whole wheat is much better option.  During the process of making white flour most of the nutrients and fiber naturally found in flour are lost.  Sometimes the nutrients are added back into white flour but not in its natural form, which is another reason white flour is so over processed. Below are the ingredients and directions to our delicious Organic no oil Carrot Zucchini Bread.

Buying organic ingredients does cost a little bit more depending on where you shop, but it is the best choice you can make for your family.  If a food label does not bear the USDA Organic label, it could still have organic ingredients but not enough to be approved for the seal.  What the seal means is that it is produced and processed according to the USDA standards. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers use it to prove that it is indeed organic.

Most food items that are completely organic — such as fruits, vegetables, eggs or other single-ingredient foods — are labeled 100 percent organic and can carry the USDA seal.
Illustration of the USDA organic seal
  • 100 percent organic. To use this phrase, products must be either completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.
  • Organic. Products must be at least 95 percent organic to use this term.
  • Made with organic ingredients.  Products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients may say “made with organic ingredients” on the label, but may not use the seal.
  • Less than 70%.  Foods containing less than 70% organic ingredients can’t use the seal or the word “organic” on their product labels, even if it does include organic ingredients.

Below are the ingredients and directions to our delicious Organic no oil Carrot Zucchini Bread.

  • 1 1/2 cups Organic Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Organic Unbleached White Flour
  • 1 ts Himalayan Sea Salt
  • 1 ts Organic Baking Powder
  • 1 ts Organic Baking Soda
  • 2 ts Organic Cinnamon
  • 1 ts Organic Nutmeg
  • 1 cup Organic Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Organic Brown Sugar
  • 3 Free Range Eggs
  • 1 cup Organic Apple Sauce
  • 1 cup Grated Organic Carrot
  • 1 cup Grated Organic Zucchini
  • 1 1/2 cups Chopped Organic Walnuts

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together, whole wheat flour, white flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg in a Kitchen Aid mixer or mixing bowl and mix.  Next add the sugar, eggs and apple sauce and mix together.  Last add the carrots, zucchini and walnuts and mix.

Next put into greased (we used coconut oil spray from Traders) and put into bread pan, or into cupcake pan.  Let bake for about 50 min. or until it is cooked throughout the center of the bread.

Organic carrot bread

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Oceanside’s Best Fish House – Hello Betty

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Located just steps away from the Oceanside Pier, Hello Betty is perfect for locals or for those visiting the area.  Hello Betty is one of my favorite restaurants, since it opened we have had my birthday there, my mother’s birthday and my best friend also had her birthday celebration there!  It is one of those places you take anyone who is visiting from out-of-town, and how could you not with the view?

Oside View

With daily drink specials from 4-6 it is the perfect place to stop on your way home from work, you will not find a better view on the coast.    During the summer the best place cool off with a drink is the roof top deck, which hosts drinks and light appetizers.  For my birthday I invited around a dozen friends to join me on the roof top deck for drinks and tacos.  Because Hello Betty had just opened a few months prior no one had visited before and everyone was blown away!  My friends couldn’t believe the incredible view and the exquisite tacos put it right over the top for a great birthday.  The hardest decision will be which taco to choose, with Mahi Mahi, Shrimp, Carne Asada, Veggie or a huge list of different types of fish tacos you will want to try them all.

Hello Betty Roof Top Deck

Hello Betty’s menu is not limited to just fish, the Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich (garlic mayo, chopped lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickled jalapeño, jack cheese all on a brioche bun) is the best in all of North San Diego County!  Last week I tried the Herb marinated Chicken Breast which is mesquite grilled and is accompanied by roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.  The dish was so heavenly from beginning to end, I may have found a new favorite on the menu.  My mother in law was visiting from Florida and she LOVED the Steamed Mussels with chorizo, tomato, chilis, garlic and dos equis amber she said they were the best mussels she had ever had.

Shrimp Taco

The decor in Hello Betty is spot on, with the surf theme touches throughout the restaurant.  The picture below is the hallway leading to the restrooms made out of surfboards.  You may even watch surfing movies while at the restaurant as it is usually playing on the many TV’s located in the bar area.  If there is a big game on they will of course put a game on for you if you would prefer.  A huge BONUS for dining with children is the little mini arcade located on the first level of the restaurant.  It is perfect as you can see your children playing video games (think old school ones) from your table.  The kids are close enough to see but not so close you have to listen to the sound of video games.  All of the games are only a quarter or two, not like some sports bars that charge upwards of $1 for one turn on a video game, this is a highlight if you are dining with children.

Hello Betty Surf Boards

When you visit Hello Betty be sure to sign up for their loyalty card, I just saw this last time I was there and couldn’t believe I didn’t know about it sooner.  Reservations are not required it is walk in’s only, even if there is a small wait you will not be bothered by it as you sit outside on the patio with a drink while waiting for a table.  Did I mention the view?  For more information or for the full menu click here.  Let us know after you visit and tell us what you think, but really what is better than a fish taco and a margarita…nothing, visit Hello Betty today and thank me tomorrow!

This is not a paid post, products and services were exchanged for a review. 

Chicken Tortilla Soup in a Crock Pot

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It is a little chilly today in Southern California (the low 60’s, haha) so I wanted to make something delicious to warm us up.  My house smells so good right now because of this soup!  I don’t cook a lot with my crock pot, however this recipe is so easy and delicious I had to share.  All of the ingredients I purchased are from Trader Joe’s so some of the items are kind of specific.  I always buy organic when I have the option but some items at Trader’s are not available in organic yet, like the corn.

  • 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 30 oz. Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 2 Organic Green Onions chopped
  • 1 Small Can Organic Tomato Sauce
  • 1 Small Can Fire Roasted Diced Green Chiles
  • 1 Can Whole Kernel Corn
  • 1 Can Organic Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 Can Organic Black Beans
  • 1 Package Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Organic Trader Joe’s Crushed Garlic

Combine all ingredients into your crock pot (except the black beans, add the beans when only 2 hours left)  Set the cook time on low for 6-7 hours, after 3-4 hours shred the chicken.  Once completely cooked add cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.  Add a lime for garnish and enjoy!

Chicken Tortilla

San Diego Restaurant Week January 2015

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My favorite time of year is finally here, San Diego Restaurant Week!  It is the perfect excuse to try out some restaurants you have been dying to go to but at very reasonable price.  In Encinitas you can step into Union Kitchen & Tap and enjoy a three course meal for only $30, at Blue Ribbon Pizza enjoy a three course meal for only $20 (get the butterscotch pudding it is incredible).   In Del Mar the always exquisite Pamplemousse Grille is offering a three course meal for $50, the first course you don’t want to miss is the lobster ravioli, it is my favorite!

Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features discounted prix fixe menus from more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants in 12 unique regions throughout San Diego County.  No tickets or passes are required. Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week.

Press Release: San Diego Restaurant Week in it’s 11th year of culinary excellence by offering an entire week of delicious discounted dining at some of San Diego County’s finest restaurants! For ONE WEEK ONLY, Sunday, January 18th through Saturday, January 24th, foodies will be able to eat their hearts out at over 200 participating restaurants that will offer three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for just $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and/or two-course prix-fixe lunch menus for only $10, $15 or $20 per person. Yes, you read that correctly! Saturday is now included with San Diego Restaurant Week giving you more variety in your dining options! San Diego’s tastiest countywide affair gives epicures the chance to explore scrumptious eats from the beaches to Downtown and from North County to South Bay. Leave the cooking utensils and dirty dishes at home and join over 150,000 diners as we celebrate San Diego County’s thriving and unique culinary scene. Tickets and passes aren’t necessary for this week of discounted dining; show up at any participating location or call ahead to make a reservation to ensure your chance to indulge with these deep discounts. Visit San Diego Restaurant Week on the web for more information and a complete list of restaurants or to make reservations in advance! For all of the foodie details on the go, download the San Diego Restaurant Week mobile app for Android or iPhone!
sd restaurant week


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No oil Carrot Zucchini Bread

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This is my favorite recipe for carrot zucchini bread, we just made this again two days ago and I knew I had to share it.  I am always trying to make anything healthier, especially if it already contains sugar.  One of the reasons this bread is great is because there is no oil used at all.  Vegetable oil for this recipe would normally be about a cup, which would amount to nearly 2,000 calories and 220 grams of fat!  Apple sauce is an amazing substitute for oil while baking, saving calories and fat.

The next item we switch for a healthier version is whole wheat flour, while whole wheat flour and regular flower have the same calories the whole wheat is much better for you.  During the process of making white flour most of the nutrients and fiber naturally found in flour are lost.  Sometimes the nutrients are added back into white flour but not in its natural form, which is another reason white flour is so over processed. Below are the ingredients and directions to our delicious Carrot Zucchini Bread, enjoy!

  • 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups White Flour
  • 1 ts Salt
  • 1 ts Baking Powder
  • 1 ts Baking Soda
  • 2 ts Cinnamon
  • 1 ts Nutmeg
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3 Eggs
  • 1 cup Apple Sause
  • 1 cup Grated Carrot
  • 1 cup Grated Zucchini
  • 1 1/2 cups Chopped Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together, whole wheat flour, white flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg in a Kitchen Aid mixer or mixing bowl and mix.  Next add the sugar, eggs and apple sauce and mix together.  Last add the carrots, zucchini and walnuts and mix.

Next put into greased (we used coconut oil spray from Traders) and put into bread pan, or into cupcake pan.  Let bake for about 50 min. or until it is cooked throughout the center of the bread.

carrot zucchini bread

 

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Summer Fun – Make Ice Cream in a bag

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A couple of years ago on the last day of school we made ice cream in a bag with my son’s class.  The kids loved it, and it was surprisingly very simple to make.  If you have younger kids like we did (they were in kindergarten) you may need to help with the shaking.  I would recommend wearing a pair of gloves to avoid frostbite!  We loved making ice cream in a bag, it is so easy and delicious!

  1. 1/2 cup half & half
  2. 1 tablespoon sugar
  3. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  4. 1 ziplock sandwich size bag (use a freezer bag)
  5. 1 ziplock gallon size bag (freezer bag works best)
  6. 3 cups crushed ice
  7. 1/3 cup rock salt
  1. Put first 3 ingredients in the smaller Ziplock bag and seal bag (Make sure it is closed). Put ice and rock salt in the larger bag and then add the filled small bag. Seal the large bag.
  2. Shake and squeeze bag until ice cream is thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Remove small bag, unseal, and eat out of the bag, poor into a bowl, or put on a cone.
  4. Add any toppings if you wish and enjoy!

ice cream cones

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