Category Archives: blogging

GingerBread PopCorn

Posted by Jo on September 30, 2011 1 comments

I am loving this new recipe.  I didn’t think I would because I am not a huge fan of molasses and this recipe calls for it.  But, I was pleasantly surprised when I really liked this popcorn!  This is similar to caramel corn, but since I don’t eat (refined)sugar, it’s a healthy option! You can even add nuts to it if you want to and make it like those fancy name brand toffee popcorns!

Here we go!

Gingerbread Popcorn

What you’ll need:

  • 12 cups popcorn (1 bag of microwave popcorn yields approximately 7.5 cups of popped popcorn)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (or 1 tablespoon molasses and 1 tablespoon honey)
  • 1/2 cup splenda (can use sugar {GASP} or brown sugar {DOUBLE GASP ;) })
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

What to do:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Heat remaining ingredients in a small saucepan until butter melts.
  4. Stir mixture until well combined.
  5. Pour mixture over popcorn.
  6. Toss until popcorn is well coated with sauce.  Divide popcorn into 2 un-greased 9″ x 13″ x 2″ pans.
  7. Bake 5-8 minutes. (Ovens may vary – so watch it closely and adjust baking time as necessary with your oven, so it doesn’t burn).
  8. Take out of the oven and allow to cool just a few minutes before putting in a bowl and devouring enjoying!

Linking up with Alli over at Sweet Tooth Friday!! Cause it makes me Happy :)

Talk about Service!

Posted by Jo on September 30, 2011 None comments

Wow, Now you can apply and be approved for loans from the privacy of your own home.  And I thought I had heard of everything!

Read what this lady had to say about the title loans charlotte, NC area. “I didn’t even have to leave my home, and my loan was funded the next day.”

Now, that’s what I call service! I always thought you had to go in and sit in a stuffy office that was about 85° and 3 foot x 3 foot square.  With some punk kid just outta college who has no clue what life is even about who’s got bad breath and zits, asking you questions about where you spend your money and why and whether you’d be willing to sell your children if it came down to it.

OK, obviously this is a sensitive subject for me….so, carry on….  :)

God Made A Way…

Posted by Jo on September 30, 2011 None comments

Remember this post?  Of course you do…

Some of you probably thought I was some kind of nut for posting it! Come on, I know you did.  It’s okay, you can admit it, I’m comfortable with that!  :)

We all are born and we all die right? Easy question….

Most of us wonder what is going to happen to us when we die, right?  Another easy question…

Well, the answer to that question is this, we either go to heaven or hell…those are the options, according to the bible.

This is the thing.  You must know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior in order to go to heaven! Plain and simple.

You have to realize you are a sinner (we all are)…

You have to realize that there is a penalty for that sin (sin always has consequences)…

You have to accept that Jesus paid that penalty for you (when He died on the cross)…

You have to realize that He is your only way to heaven (you can’t do anything to get yourself there)…

It’s as simple as that.

That (in a nut shell) is the plan of salvation and if you wanted me to , I could show you bible verses to back those points up.  In fact, if you visit my “Romans Road” page, you will find those exact verses!!   :)

Have questions?? Leave them in the comments!! I’ll be happy to help in any way I can, if I don’t have the answers, I’ll gladly pass your questions on to my pastor and have him help you!  :)

Broccoli Salad

Posted by Jo on September 29, 2011 None comments

Here is a twist on an old favorite of mine, Broccoli Salad.  Every Time I would go to a church function or family get-together,  I would see this salad and ask the person who made it, “Does this have sugar in it?”  And every time, the answer was, “Yes.”  So, I would not eat it, even though it’s a favorite of mine.  Very frustrating, to say the least.  Obviously, I was happy when I came across this recipe that uses Stevia® instead of sugar!! I am assuming you could use Splenda® as well, if you prefer.

Here is the recipe, if you try it please come back and let me know how it turned out and whether or not you liked it!!

Broccoli Salad

What you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise (I use the olive oil mayonnaise)
  • 2-4 packets Stevia In The Raw ®  (could use 2-4 teaspoons Splenda®)
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons real bacon bits
  • 6 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional, I like sunflower seeds in mine!)

What to do:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Stevia® and vinegar.
  2. Add onion and bacon and mix together until well incorporated.
  3. Add broccoli florets, mixing well to coat broccoli completely.
  4. If using, sprinkle in walnuts and toss to combine.
  5. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

This recipe will serve at least 6 people.  Enjoy!!

BB’s Chicken w/Marmalade

Posted by Jo on September 26, 2011 None comments

This is another “LDL” recipe…I have not tried this one yet, but I am going to as soon as I get the ingredients!!  :)   Here we go…

BB’s Chicken w/Marmalade

What you’ll need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • no stick spray
  • 1/2 c. orange all-fruit marmalade(Polaner)
  • 1/2 c. ranch dressing (not dry mix)
  • 1/2 c. onion soup mix
  • 1/2 c. mandarin oranges, drained

What to do:

  1. Place chicken in 9×9 sprayed baking dish.
  2. Bake @375° for about 20 minutes, drain any liquid.
  3. Blend marmalade, ranch dressing and onion soup mix in blender.
  4. Pour over chicken.
  5. Bake for another 20 or 30 minutes or until chicken is done.
  6. Add oranges during last 5 minutes of baking.
  7. Enjoy!!

If you try this recipe, make sure you come back and share with us how you liked it!! Thanks!!

Change Is Good…

Posted by Jo on September 25, 2011 2 comments

As you may or may not have noticed, some things have changed around here.  I found a really nice autumn theme to spruce up the place, What do you think??  Well? Do you like it? Do you?  I really like it!

And you might notice, I have been posting a lot of recipes.  There will be a lot more of that happening.  That will be the major theme of the blog from now on.  Healthy recipes.  Mostly gluten and (refined)sugar free recipes to be exact.   Not all of them will be gluten and (refined)sugar free, but most of them will be, because that is how my family eats for the most part, so it stands to reason that that would be what I would be sharing, no?  :)

Fear not, friends, you will still be able to come  and find out where to purchase the best cigars and other random, yet totally useful and most ridiculous IMPORTANT information here at blog-diggidy.com, because I am nothing if not efficient my dear friends, NOTHING!  ;)

Carry on…

“SGYNBTGFYWW” Cranberry Orange Muffins

Posted by Jo on September 23, 2011 None comments

The name of these muffins is so long I had to shorten it for the title of this post.  The actual name of these muffins is….are you ready for it???

So Good You’ll Never Believe They’re Good For You Whole Wheat Cranberry Orange Muffins! Whew…*deep breath*

These really are so good, you really will forget they are “healthy”.  Mine were made with freshly ground wheat berries bought in bulk (or you can use any whole wheat flour).

Since I am eating a gluten-free diet, I no longer make these.  Once I lose all the weight I want to, I will add these back to my diet.  As I will all the other healthy whole grain recipes I have.  Whole grains are not bad for your health, but they are not good for weight loss.

SGYNBTGFYWW Cranberry Orange Muffins

What You’ll Need:

  • 3/4 milk
  • 3/4 c. canola oil
  • 1/3 c. orange juice
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/2 c. soft white wheat (whole wheat pastry four)
  • 1/2 c. sugar (I use Splenda)
  • 1 T. baking powder
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 T. grated orange peel
  • 3/4 – 1 c. dried cranberries (to your taste, I like a lot!)

What To Do:

  1. Preheat oven 400°.  Grease muffin pan.
  2. Beat milk, oil, juice and egg.
  3. Stir in flour, sugar, powder and salt just til moistened (batter will be lumpy).
  4. Fold in cranberries and orange peel.
  5. Divide batter into the muffin cups and sprinkle the tops with a little sugar/Splenda.
  6. Bake until golden brown, 18-20 minutes
  7. Let cool about 2 minutes and remove from muffin tin.

Makes 12 muffins.  *If the batter seems too dry, you can add a little more milk*

BTW, I’m linking up with Allison for this week’s Sweet Tooth Friday!!

Key Lime Chicken, Anyone?

Posted by Jo on September 23, 2011 None comments

So, I’m kinda liking this recipe, it  sounds exotic and yummy…

Haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my counter right now!!  :)

Bob’s Key Lime Chicken (LDL)

What you’ll need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (6oz) can frozen lime juice (no sugar added)
  • 2 T. honey
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (no sugar added)
  • 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 t. lemon pepper
  • 2 T. cornstarch
  • 4 pineapple slices

What to do:

  1. Place chicken in a shallow baking pan (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray).
  2. Bake @ 375° for about 20 minutes; drain any liquids.
  3. Blend remaining ingredients, except pineapple slices and pour over chicken.
  4. Bake for another 25 minutes or until chicken is completely done.
  5. In the last 5 minutes of baking, add pineapple slices.

Doesn’t this sound yummy?? I thought so, too!!  If you try this, make sure you come back and let me know how you liked it!!

Another New Recipe…

Posted by Jo on September 22, 2011 None comments

Source: Rachel Ray 30-MINUTE GET REAL MEALS

I personally have not tried this recipe, but it sounds divine.  It also fits into my healthy eating lifestyle, which is awesome! I like eating foods that taste good that are also good for me!!  I did change the recipe just a bit!!  :)

So here we go!!

Ginger- Garlic Tuna Burgers on Cucumber Salad


What you need:

  • 1 3/4 to 2 pounds ahi tuna, cut into cubes
  • 3-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
  • 4 garlic cloves , finely chopped
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons tamari (dark aged soy sauce) (eye ball it)
  • 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Vegetable oil, for drizzling, plus some for the salad
  • 1 romaine lettuce heart, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh bean sprouts or pea shoots
  • 1/2 English (seedless) cucumber (the one wrapped in plastic), cut into 1/4 inch dice
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
What to do:

Heat a grill pan or large skillet over high eat.

Place the fish in a food processor and pulse until the fish is the consistency of  ground beef.  Transfer the ground ahi to a bowl and mix with the ginger, garlic, tamari, black pepper, scallions and cilantro.  Form 4 equal patties and drizzle them with vegetable oil.  Place the tuna burgers in a screaming hot pan and cook for 1 minute on each side for very rare, 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, 3 to 4 minutes on each side to cook through.  Hold the cooked patties on a plate under foil.

In a medium bowl combine lettuce , sprouts and cucumber.  Dress salad with lime est and juice, salt and vegetable oil to your taste.

Pile the salad up equally onto 4 plates.  Top salad with tuna patties.

ENJOY!!!

YUM!!

Posted by Jo on September 21, 2011 3 comments

I literally just got done making this recipe and had to get on here and share it with y’all.  I couldn’t wait.  Yep, it’s that good.

I am not a fan of the original Nutella, but I like this version.  It is made with almonds, instead of hazelnuts.   I eat a gluten/sugar free diet, so it surprised me when I read this and found out I can have it!!

Homemade “Nutella”

What you’ll need:

1 cup roasted almonds, salted or unsalted (your choice)

1/4 cup honey

2 T. cocoa powder (dark chocolate for a special treat)

3 T. hot water

What  to do:

Place almonds in food processor and process until roughly chopped, about 30 seconds.  Add cocoa powder, honey and water.  Process til creamy.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Source

Thanks Allison!!

Blessings…

Posted by Jo on September 20, 2011 1 comments

Surprisingly, I am coming out of my “funk” much earlier than I thought I was going to.  I recently blogged about missing my son and crying a lot and going through some tough times.

I thought I was going to be there for a while.  I really did.  But I started praying more and getting into my bible more and I think it really helped.  Ya wanna know why?  Because I serve a mighty God, that’s why!!

I truly believe that! If we are faithful to ask God to help us, He is faithful to do so!!  And some times, even when we are too stubborn to do so, He is still faithful to take care of us!! I have often been to stubborn or just too clueless to reach out and ask for God’s help and yet, He has been right there beside me all the way…

It’s not rocket science folks.  If you are in need, go to the ONE who can meet your need!  People are going to let you down.  Parents, friends, spouses, siblings, etc.  They are human, just like you.  No matter how good they are, they are flawed,  just like you!   The one “person” you can always count on, without fail, is God.  He will never let you down.

Now, I’m not saying you will always get your way and you’ll never have problems, but He will never leave you or forsake you.  He loves you and He will meet your needs and take care of you!

Natural Disasters…

Posted by Jo on September 14, 2011 None comments

Lots of Natural Disasters plastered all over the news lately, it’s sad.  Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, they’re all over the news.  All over the world.  It’s scary.  I don’t know about you, but I feel helpless as to what to do for those in need.  I don’t have the money to help people who need it.

I don’t have the time to go and help either.  I do have the resources to help in this fashion though.  Here is a place where you can rent Commercial and Industrial water pumps that can handle a variety of problems including:

  • Flood Control
  • Industrial
  • Storm Water Drainage
  • Bypass Pumping
  • Agriculture
  • Construction Dewatering
  • Transfer Pumping
  • Emergency Standby
  • Quarries
  • Sewage
  • Mining
  • Irrigation

They carry pumps that are any where from 2″ to 60″ and they are always adding new equipment, so  look them up online at  wegotpumps.com or give them a call at

888-817-8677