Drying Fresh Herbs

I love fresh food, but there's something special about fresh herbs. The aromatics are so calming, refreshing and rejuvenating - all in one!

I recently learned from a local farmer how to use up all that fresh basil that's overtaking the backyard :) It's simple. You can use a dehydrator, if you want, but there's an even easier method that is way less time consuming. I'm all for that!

Just cut off your plant at the base, throw it in a paper bag and let it sit in a dark room or closet until it's dry! That's it! Then, pick out the "bad" stuff and store it in an airtight container. This is a great economical option if you cook with a lot of fresh herbs and spices :0)

My delicious afternoon apple :) I don't normally buy organic apples, although I probably should! Check out this link to see the "dirty dozen".

New side dish for supper last night :0) Tex mex rice cakes!

These little babies were really yummy! Here's the link to the recipe.

That's all I have for ya in the way of pictures for today. It's been a relatively calm day :) I'm projecting a fun-filled weekend - lots going on! To kick it off, we're doing a game night with friends Friday night and then bright and early Saturday morning is race time!!! {Oh, and plus I have a 3-page speech and outline due for Monday morning - better finish that up ASAP!} What are your weekend plans?

Naturally Sweetened Summer Blueberry Cobbler

{Hand picked blueberries turned into a healthy blueberry cobbler = heavenly}

I hope you're sitting down because this recipe is . . . amazing. It can be so discouraging to search for an "already in existence" healthy recipe because they can be difficult to find. Especially if you have high standards, requiring the recipe to be both yummy and nutritious all in one! But, I guess it just makes the treasure found valued even more :)

I went of this recipe as my base, and this what actually went into the mixture:

Naturally Sweetened Blueberry Cobbler
2 sticks butter
1 cup natural turbinado sugar
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups AlmondBreeze milk
4 cups blueberries (fresh is best!)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350.
2. Melt butter in dish.
3. Mix together dry ingredients, add milk.
4. Pour the milk mixture on top of your butter. Throughly stir.
5. Sprinkle your blueberries evenly on top of batter.
6. Bake for 25-40 minutes (depending on your oven). Watch it careful to be sure it doesn't burn. 
7. Enjoy with your friends and family! 

There was nothing left and the pan was scrapped clean! This recipe filled an 11x15 glass dish and served 11 people. If you have a smaller party you can halve the recipe to make less. It would be great served with ice cream, but we played it simple and served it as a stand alone.

I love sandwiches! There are so many delightful summer vegetables in season - making it quick & simple to throw together something nutritious. This tomato was from our garden!

Friday's feast was dip and salad with Mexican flair :) We served the blueberry cobbler for dessert.

I ran 3 miles this morning; it felt amazing to wake-up, spend time in the Word and get my heart pumping before I attacked the day's work.

If you haven't already, feel free to enter the Artisana Raw Nut & Butter gift giveaway! A winner will be announce July 27th. Join the fun!

Oh, and I'll leave you with this . . . What do you think about Monsanto and federal immunity?