Gingersnaps

Are these healthy? No. Are they ridiculously good? Yes. Sometimes you just want a cookie, dammit.
My sister-in-law Tracy gave me this recipe years ago, and it rocks.


2¼ cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
1 tsp each:
   baking soda
   baking powder
   ginger
   cinnamon
½ tsp. cloves (or dash nutmeg)
sugar

Lightly whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, & spices.
Cream together butter, brown sugar, molasses, & egg.
Stir in flour mixture.
Roll in to 1” balls, press in to sugar.
Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Suckin' Much

An article in the paper today said Napa County has the highest rate of obesity in the Bay Area. A little part of my soul cried  when I read it; that sucks! We need to change it. Don't be a a part of that statistic. If you are, you have the power to change it. Start now.

Ginger Sauce

There is a Japanese restaurant I LOVE that makes this savory bowl of yum. It's a wonderful dipping sauce for any protein or veggie (I adore it with grilled shrimp), or thin it out with a little water and use it as a salad dressing. It's got practically zilch in calories, but such a treat!

In a blender combine:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped yellow or white onion
small piece (1-2 inches long) ginger, peeled

Done. How easy was that?!?

Oat Waffles

Healthier than frozen waffles, and easier than you think.

1cup flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp sugar
1 cup oat flour*
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups low fat or fat free milk
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl combine the next 4 ingredients; mix the wet ingredients in to the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour by 1/2 cupfuls on to a preheated waffle iron. Bake according to manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.
Makes 8 waffles.
*To make oat flour grind 1 1/4 cups uncooked oatmeal in a food processor or blender until it looks like flour (powder -y, if you will)

Watermelon Limeade

Watermelon was on sale today, it made me think of this crazy good, refreshing drink.

1 seedless watermelon (about 6 pounds), cut in to chunks
3/4 cup lime juice (10 - 12 limes)
2 - 4 Tbsp. sugar
ice

Using a blender, puree the lime juice and watermelon together, working in batches. Pour the puree in to a pitcher, stir in 2 Tbsp. of sugar until dissolved; add more to taste if needed. Serve over ice, it looks gorgeous garnished with fresh lime slices and mint leaves.
If you prefer a thinner consistency or more subtle taste, you can dilute it with water.

Peanut Butter Popcorn Treats

Put these puppies in your kid's school lunch for big smiles! (Grown ups think they rock, too.) Made with whole grain popcorn, it's a yummy alternative to a familiar treat. Watch out, they're addicting.

6 cups air popped popcorn
1 Tbsp butter
¼ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
8 oz. (about ¾ of a regular sized bag) marshmallows

Over medium heat, melt together butter and marshmallows, stirring constantly. As marshmallows begin to melt, add peanut butter and stir until melted in. Remove from heat. Slowly stir in popcorn until well coated. Pour in to a greased 9” X 13” pan. Let cool before cutting in to squares.