Orange Pineapple Cheesecake - No bake

I have previously posted this recipe using peaches HERE . I just used mandarine oranges instead. To get the pumpkin shape, I used a pumpkin cookie cutter, buttered the outer edges and pressed it into the cheesecake half way. I then poured the gelatin mixture and removed the cookie cutter after it set. Decorate with mandarine oranges and you're good to go. By the way, this is a DELICIOUS dessert. I'll do with some green and red jello for Christmas. I wonder if you used a second color of jello for in the middle of the cookie cutter if it would stick or look cool... hmm have to try that.

Pumpkin/TVP "Faux"tmeal

I love oatmeal, but hate the carb cravings it gives me. I was wanting something warm in my tummy on a cold morning and came up with this recipe. TVP is just defatted/dehydrated soy flour. It comes in little protein packed granules (remind me of Grape Nuts) BUT they have to be rehydrated to use. Full of protein and fat free, they are a great substitute for many things, including meat.

Joni's TVP Pumpkin Treat

1/4 cup TVP granules (I use Bob's Redmill)

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup pumpkin

Pumpkin pie spice

2 TB fat free cream (or dairy product of your choice)

1 packet of Splenda

Raisins or dried fruit for topping (optional, of course)

First rehydrate the TVP by combining with the water and covering with plastic wrap. Heat in microwave for about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Combine with pumpkin, spice and Splenda. Heat in microwave for another minute. Top with dried fruit, toasted coconut or granola.

A Week of Family Dinners

So, I haven't been posting a lot. Getting back to work full time with the baby has been an adjustment of major proportions. (Especially since we haven't done this is 9 years!)

I wanted to let you know what I've been cooking. It is possible to get dinner on the table for your family even if you aren't uber organized (that would be me!).

MONDAY: Chili - 1lb ground beef w/ onions and green pepper (I just precook and freeze ground beef to use during the week, making this dish super easy), 1 large can pureed tomatoes, one can kidney beans, one can beef broth, add seasonings (chili powder, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin and a pinch of cayenne). Simmer for about 15 minutes and you're done. Top with sour cream and shredded cheese and we have a complete meal.

TUESDAY: Broke out the crock pot. I put in a pound of stew meat, some baby carrots, cut up turnips and a can of mushrooms (drained). Then the magic ingredient - French onion soup mix (Yes, it is high in sodium...). Sprinkle the soup mix on top and cook on low all day. What a great smell when you walk in the door!

WEDNESDAY: Leftovers- this is our late night, so DH and I had leftovers and I put a frozen pizza in for the kids. Made them eat some carrots and fruit with it - so I guess I'm not a total loser mother!

THURSDAY: Stir fry over cauliflower fried rice.
Peanuty Stir Fry - Kyoto Blend Veggies from Market Day, chicken, 1 can lite coconut milk, 2 TB soy sauce, 1 TB red curry paste, 1 heaping TB peanut butter, garlic powder. I browned chicken and set aside and put veggies in microwave to cook. I then mixed sauce ingredients and simmered a bit. I added back in chicken and veggies. We enjoyed this a lot. I'm eating leftover stir fry today over some angel hair cabbage.

FRIDAY: TGIF - going out to eat! I tend to cook over the weekend, so we usually eat out on Fridays. Mom is ready for a kitchen break by then.

OK - so, fairly nutritious food. All done in about 30 minutes with no fuss. You can do this. You can save money and shed pounds by cooking at home. TRY IT!

Punkin' Puddin'

This is just a throw together recipe. I really just wanted an excuse to post this picture! I also wanted a recipe that didn't use Cool Whip.

Joni's Easy Punkin' Puddin'

4 oz 1/3 fat cream cheese

1/4 cup splenda

1 tbl vanilla DaVinci syrup

1 cup milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp cinnamon (I just discovered Viatnamese Cinnamon - wowza, so good)

1 envelope SF vanilla pudding mix

Soften cream cheese and beat in Splenda with blender. Add the pumpkin and then the liquids. Add liquids slowly and beat well, or your cream cheese will be lumpy. Then add cinnamon and pudding mix. Refrigerate until set.

Soup's on - Tomato Basil

I wanted soup and sandwiches because it's a fall thing to me. So, I came up with my version of tomato basil soup based on what I had on hand. Sub out whatever tomato products you happen to have. I dont think you can mess this up and whatever you do will put Campbell's to shame!

Joni's Tomato Basil Soup

6-8 medium tomatoes

2 T tomato past

1 can chicken broth

1 can water

1/2 medium onion

1 clove garlic

1 sweet red pepper

1 T canola oil

1 cup basil leaves

Salt/pepper to taste

1/2 cup fat free half and half (any milk product would work)

1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/4 cup butter (I used Smart Balance)

Saute onions, garlic and peppers in canola oil until soft. Add broth, water, tomatoes, tomato paste and basil. Simmer 30 minutes. Using a blender, food processor or immersion blender, blend until smooth. (If using a blender or food processor, make sure you vent the top a bit and only blend in small batches - don't burn yourself!). Return to pot and add half and half, butter and cheese while on LOW heat. Take off heat, garnish with more cheese and serve.

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The sandwich part of "soup and sandwich" was really good and used up some leftovers.

Stack the following:

1/2 Arnold's bread round (just use one circle - this is open-faced)

2 tsp Alfredo sauce

1tsp real bacon bits

shredded chicken

cheddar cheese

I put these in my convection oven at 375 degrees until the top was browned. If you dont have a convection oven, I would broil for a few minutes to get the top browned. These were YUM!

Donuts - again!

Okay, so I've been making these mini donuts like a crazed woman. Hubby has been eating them, so at least they aren't all on my butt and thighs. I have been trying to get some coconut flour in them as almond flour is so expensive. Coconut flour is much cheaper. If you've every tried to bake with coconut flour, you know it is a moisture sucking fiend. (I think you could use it instead of silica gel in those little packets to keep stuff from getting moisture in it).

So, after several misses - I finally hit the mark. I just couldn't get an acceptable result with NO almond flour, but was able to cut it in half.

Joni's Coconut Flour Cake Donuts

1/4 cup coconut flour1

1/4 cup almond flour

1/4 cup ground flax meal

1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 egg

1/4 cup applesauce

2 T melted butter (I use Smart Balance margarine)

2 T milk

2 T Sugar Free Syrup (I used vanilla Torani)

Mix dry, mix wet and combine. Drop into mini donut pan filling almost to top. Bake 350 (NOT 325 like previous donut recipe) for 10 minutes