Baked Beans and Pears from The Cooking Club of PA

Baked Beans and Pears (from the Cooking Club of PA

 My parents went to a cooking class put on by the Cooking Club of PA (http://www.thecookingclubpa.com).  My mom enjoyed it so much that she sent me the website with some recipes to try.  The first one I went with was Baked Beans and Pears. I didn't stick to the exact recipe but it is a yummy (and much healthier) version of the baked beans that come out of a can.  It is even husband approved!



Here is the original link: http://www.thecookingclubpa.com/#!baked-beans-and-pears/ck7d

Here is my take on Baked Beans and Pears:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of  coconut oil

1/2 of a medium onion, chopped

2-15oz cans Great Northern Beans

2 organic pears, diced (skins on) 

1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard 

2 tablespoons of  honey

2 tablespoons of  balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup of nitrate free cooked bacon, chopped

Directions

1) Heat a large skillet and add the coconut oil.  Saute the onions for 2 minutes.  Drain the beans.  Add the beans to the skilled and cook for about 5 minutes.

 2) Remove the skillet from heat.  Add the remaining ingredient (except the bacon) and stir until well mixed.

 3) Transfer the mixture to a 2 quart baking dish and top with chopped bacon.  Cover the dish and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the bacon, if desired.

Avacado Dream Smoothie

Avocado Dream Smoothie

Green smoothies are my new go to breakfast item. They can be made the night before, eaten on the way to work and get your nutrition off on the right foot for the day!

I rarely make the same smoothie twice. My decision making process is normally dependent on what is in the fridge and what veggies need used.  Yesterday, I found a keeper and I call it the "Avocado Dream".  I use my magic bullet to whip these up and it takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.  They are loaded with veggie, smooth and airy.  Give it a try!

Ingredients:

-1/2 an avocado

-1/2 a frozen banana

-1/2 a cup of pineapple chunks(and juice) 

-Handful of spinach

Directions:

1) Place the spinach in the magic bullet, add just enough water to puree the spinach. You could use coconut water here if you want some added sweetness.

2) Add the avocado, banana, and pineapple chunks. Blend until smooth, add additional water if necessary

Now this smoothy isn't very sweet but I don't think it really needs any added sweetener.  The pineapple does a great job of masking the flavor of the spinach and the avocado creates a smooth and rich texture. However, if you prefer something sweeter, try adding a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar.

Let me know what you think! What will your next green smoothie include?