Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

photo credit and recipe adapted from: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/03/insanely-good-blueberry-oatmeal-muffins.html 

1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 cup milk
1/3 cup turbinado sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
baking spray

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a muffin tin with liners. Place oats in a food processor or blender and pulse a few times. Soak oats in milk for about 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.

In a third bowl combine whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and whisk to combine.

Combine oats and milk with sugar/oil mixture and mix well. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon into the muffin tin and bake for 26 minutes. Enjoy!!

Braised Beef

photo credit: http://www.fearlesshomemaker.com/2011/10/red-wine-braised-beef-stew

recipe adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/veal-stew-2/

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds beef stew meat
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup red wine
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook until onion is tender. Then add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
Add meat to the pot, and brown evenly.
Stir in tomato sauce and wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 hours or until tender.

Optional: You can add large chunks of carrots and potatoes in the last hour of cooking.

Apple, Cheddar, Walnut Salad

photo credit: http://www.alaskafromscratch.com/2011/11/04/apple-cheddar-green-salad-with-balsamic-vinaigrette/

greens of choice (I like baby spinach or baby lettuce)
sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
chopped apple
chopped walnuts
dressing of choice (I like balsamic vinaigrette or just olive oil and honey)

Toss ingredients and serve!

Mediterranean Crunch Salad

adapted from: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/mediterranean-crunch-salad

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans

1 small cucumber, chopped

1 cup chopped broccoli florets

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1 cup finely sliced kale, tough stems removed

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

3 or more tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives

1 small garlic clove, minced

½ tsp dried parsley

½ tsp dried thyme

salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar to taste (can also add feta or blue cheese)

Method

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.