Time has been flying by, and I am so thankful that I started this site. I’ve met so many wonderful new people, expanded my culinary and health knowledge, improved my photography skills (which still aren’t that great yet), learned a bit about website programming, [...]]]> Two years ago today, my first post went live.

Time has been flying by, and I am so thankful that I started this site. I’ve met so many wonderful new people, expanded my culinary and health knowledge, improved my photography skills (which still aren’t that great yet), learned a bit about website programming, and had a blast creating my recipes and sharing them with you!

In honor of today, I will share some of my favorite and most popular posts from the past two years. At the end of the post, you can enter a giveaway, too!

2 Years of Sharing

Spoonful of Sugar Free two year milestone.

Most Popular Sweet Recipes:

Flourless Banana Bread

One Size Fits all Pancakes

Peanut Butter Butter Cups

Power Brownies

High Protein Cookies

Smacaroons

Bitter Chocolate Cake for One

Most Popular Savory Recipes:

Dairy-Free Nachos

Pesto Socca Pizza

Brown Rice Quiche

Healthy Chicken Salad

Roasted Chili Lime Nuts

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade Ketchup

Favorite Being Healthy Articles

10 Ways to Kick Sugar’s Butt!

Love Yourself

Surprising Places Sugar Lurks

McDonald’s “Real” Fruit Smoothies

Jumping Jack Workout

Milestone Spice Giveaway

Courtesy of Spices Inc.

I am very excited for this giveaway! It sounds like a fun way to be involved, and win some yummy spices. For the giveaway, you will leave a comment to create your own 6-jar spice set. The winner not only receive their customized gift set but will also be added to the Spices Inc. site as a “Limited Edition Spice Set” for others to buy, too!

North America residents only, sorry!

How to Enter:

•  Leave a comment with the following:
• Choose any 6 spices, herbs, seasonings or chiles from Spices Inc. site.
•  Select a creative name for your spice set
• Provide a couple of sentences on why you picked these particular spices (i.e. family favorites, reminds me of my grams, etc) this is equally important as the story is often one of the biggest deciding factors when two spice sets are “almost too close to call.”

The person with the most creative spice set and name will win! 

Giveaway ends May 24th at Midnight.

P.S. I would love it  if you followed me on facebook, twitter, and pinterest, but it is not required to enter.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters! Today I’d like to dedicate this post to my Grandma, who passed away 2 1/2 years ago. While you read this I will be in Minnesota, at the funeral of my Grandmother’s sister who recently passed. Without further ado, I give [...]]]>

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters! Today I’d like to dedicate this post to my Grandma, who passed away 2 1/2 years ago. While you read this I will be in Minnesota, at the funeral of my Grandmother’s sister who recently passed. Without further ado, I give you the story of my Grandma, Helen.

My Grandma was born in a small Midwest town in 1920. She was very smart, independent, and artistic. She left home right after high school to work, which was rare for a woman to do during that time. She worked in Chicago at CBS Radio and in Washington D.C. for a Congressman, until she returned home to take care of her ill parents.

Once home, she started a family and married at age 35 and had two children. She continued to work as a church secretary and for the Department of Agriculture while she raised her children. She loved politics, and worked with a governor and congressman.

Working hard was important to Grandma. She continued to work and drive until 4 months before her death at age 89. She was a tough fighter with a strong will, and she continued to prosper even after heart surgery at age 67, two heart attacks, and a car crash where her head went through the windshield!

Even more important to her than work, though, was family. She had two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Pictured above is her with her youngest grandchild (my little brother). She always invited us over to her home for sleepovers, pancakes, and games. She made the best pancakes: slightly crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside with a light drizzle of Karo syrup.  I loved her baked chicken, and deviled eggs, too, and I always asked her to make a batch of deviled eggs for my birthday.

You know how people always say, “Off to grandma’s for cookies?” Well, my siblings and I went off to grandma’s for marshmallows. She always had a package, and we would play card games to win them.

But enough about food, because you know I will go on and on about that!

My grandma loved antique dishes, flowers (especially pansies), painting, and dancing. The props I used for today’s recipe all belonged to her. Her jewelry, her plethora of handkerchiefs, and even her glasses!

I think of her every time I put on a piece of jewelry she passed down to me, when I look at the beautiful dishes I inherited from her, when I eat some of my favorite recipes from her, and when I recite her favorite prayer:

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters, he restoreth my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou prepareth a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” -Psalm 23

My grandma was a true lady. She knew exactly how to dress, how to act, and how to speak and write. Her cursive handwriting was straight from a picture with the looping curves of her pen.

I cherished my time with her, and loved everything she taught me. I look forward to seeing her again, and seeing the smile on  her face.

Now a note about these scones. They are definitely a more savory scone with hints of fresh citrus and the light flavor of lavender. It is hearty, not fluffy, and might be considered a biscuit or thick cracker to some. I liked the blend of flavors, and the savory aspect of them.

**I found these handkerchief within her stacks. I thought it was pretty funny!

Health Benefits:

• Hazelnuts: A major superfood, and they are full of monounsaturated, good-for-you fats. It contains many nutrients that benefit the brain, and regulate cholesterol. The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Lavender: This herb is known as a calming herb. It can help relax you and treat insomnia in high doses. It is also a powerful antiseptic and can sooth digestion problems.
• Orange: The common benefit of this citrus, vitamin C, helps prevent cold and flu viruses. They are also good sources of beta-carotene, vitamin A and B, pectin, and potassium. An orange contains over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties.
• Coconut: Coconut is widely misunderstood because of it’s high fat content; however, coconut’s saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chains are easy to absorb and digest, and are converted quickly into energy. This means that the body is less likely to store the medium-chain as fat. Coconut is also a great source of dietary fiber with a whopping 5 grams per oz!

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom and Grandma! 

I love you!

 (this picture was taken a few months before she passed-still healthy an strong!)

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

Tell me something special about a mother in your life (grandmother, mother, aunt, etc). How are you celebrating her today?

I’ve been very excited about this recipe. A grain-free, sugar-free, paleo muffin bursting with lemon flavor and only 50 calories a pop? Yes please. I’ll take four.

I created this recipe to test out NuNatural‘s new Lemon stevia, which I am now in love with (for my thoughts on stevia [...]]]>

I’ve been very excited about this recipe. A grain-free, sugar-free, paleo muffin bursting with lemon flavor and only 50 calories a pop? Yes please. I’ll take four.

I created this recipe to test out NuNatural‘s new Lemon stevia, which I am now in love with (for my thoughts on stevia in general, check out my FAQ page). A few drops of this lemon stevia with a squirt or fresh lemon juice in water tastes like a refreshing lemonade. You can even add some chia seeds to make it even more hydrating. Chia seeds could probably even replace the poppyseeds in this recipe if you feel adventurous.

Health Benefits:

• Lemons: Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and potassium. It can help lower blood pressure, strengthen immune system, and help relieve indigestion and constipation. Because of its diuretic properties, it can help cleanse the blood and flush out toxins.
• Coconut: Coconut is widely misunderstood because of it’s high fat content; however, coconut’s saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chains are easy to absorb and digest, and are converted quickly into energy. This means that the body has no opportunity to store the medium-chain as fat. Coconut is also a great source of dietary fiber with a whopping 5 grams per ounce!

Eat these for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You might want to quadruple this recipe with the amount of muffins you will eat the next few weeks.

Citrus NuNaturals Liquid Stevia Giveaway

Courtesy of NuNaturals.

There will be 4 winners! 

We cannot ship to P.O. Boxes, sorry!

This giveaway is officially over. Thanks to all who entered! The winners are Alex@therunwithin, Katherine d, Briita, and Ben. 

How to Enter:

There are multiple ways to win. Please leave a separate comment below for each entry.

1. Answer this question: Are you a fan of citrus-flavored foods? Tell me what you would use this stevia for!
2. Subscribe to Spoonful of Sugar Free by entering your email address in the “Subscribe” box on the right. Or follow by RSS, google reader, etc. 
3. Like me on facebook.
4. Follow me on twitter
5. Tweet about this giveaway. Can be something like, “I want to win @NuNaturals citrus stevia @SugarFreeAlex  http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/05/08/grain-free-lemon-poppyseed-muffins ”
6. Like NuNaturals on facebook.
7. Follow me on Pinterest and Pin this recipe.
8. Blog about this giveaway on your blog.

Can’t wait for the giveaway to end and want to buy your own?

You can order your own stevia online at NuNaturals and enter the discount code BLG0612 to receive 15% off your entire order. Discount effective until June 30th, 2012. Continental U.S. customers will also receive free shipping if order is $35 or more.

Good luck to everyone!

Don’t you hate it when people leave you hanging?

I know just how it feels. Like when I gave you a Preserved Lemon Recipe, and then didn’t give you this Chicken recipe to go with it?

I promise I wasn’t in a bad mood! I didn’t think, “Muahahaa…I will [...]]]>

Don’t you hate it when people leave you hanging?

I know just how it feels. Like when I gave you a Preserved Lemon Recipe, and then didn’t give you this Chicken recipe to go with it?

I promise I wasn’t in a bad mood! I didn’t think, “Muahahaa…I will give my readers this tasty-looking chicken picture, and then wait three days to give them the recipe! Hahahaha…”

Well, maybe part of the above was true, but not the “muahaha” part…maybe…

The recipe looks like it has a lot of ingredients and steps, but it is actually quite simple. It only requires one saucepan,so it makes clean-up easy. For the spices, simply mix and rub. Feel free to double or halve the recipe if you are serving more or less people. I would probably make extra, though, because leftovers are great, too!

Health Benefits:

• Moroccan Spices: The spices rubbed on this dish contain many nutrients and health benefits: paprika helps improve blood circulation, cumin promotes good digestion, ginger combats inflammation, turmeric helps fight against Alzheimer’s, and cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Lemons: Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and potassium. It can help lower blood pressure, strengthen immune system, and help relieve indigestion and constipation. Because of its diuretic properties, it can help cleanse the blood and flush out toxins.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

This recipe contains a lot of spices, and the combination is the key! Do you like to use spices a lot in cooking? What are your favorites?

Many Moroccan recipes call for Preserved Lemons, which are actually quite simple to make. The lemons are preserved with salt and sit in their own juices for about 3 weeks before they are ready to eat and to be used [...]]]> In the mood for something different for dinner? How about having a Moroccan dinner night?

Many Moroccan recipes call for Preserved Lemons, which are actually quite simple to make. The lemons are preserved with salt and sit in their own juices for about 3 weeks before they are ready to eat and to be used in recipes.

The result is a soft, edible rind that has a slightly salty, tart, and very-lemon taste. After rinsing the lemons lightly (to take a bit of the extra salt of), you can chop or slice them to use in recipes.

Preserved Lemon Uses:

• Preserved lemons compliment moroccan flavors of cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, and go well with meat, seafood, and vegetables.
• Chop and stir into cooked grains with other aromatic herbs and spices of choice. Couscous is the Moroccan choice of grain, but substitute quinoa or millet to make it gluten free.
• Chop and toss into salads. Try adding them into chicken salads, as well.
• Add to sauces
• Roast with veggies
• Add to various stir-fries with veggies and meat.
• Add to soups and bean mixes.
• Place in regular or carbonated soda water for a tangy drink

Stay tuned on Monday when I share this recipe for Preserved Lemons!

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

Do you preserve or can food?

I’ve never canned or preserved anything. These lemons were my first. Pickles are next!

This guy was born.

My sweet, lovable, hairy, lazy, fluffy, attention-hogging, golden retriever, Pudder!

Happy Birthday! I love you, big guy!

Print

This guy was born.

My sweet, lovable, hairy, lazy, fluffy, attention-hogging, golden retriever, Pudder!

Happy Birthday! I love you, big guy!

Pudder loves peanut butter, a dog after my own heart! He also likes to eat apples, so I combined the two ingredients to make this cake. Last year I made him a similar cake, but it contained brown rice flour and no eggs. This year, I made it grain-free because he switched to a grain-free dog food. If you want to see last year’s cake, click here.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

Do you have any pets? Tell me about them!

If you do have pets, do you celebrate their birthday?

When I was around 10 years old, my family belonged to a club that had the most delicious Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving brunches. There were huge lines of spiral ham, veggies, and a dessert. What I remember most, though (beside the chocolate lava cake that was divine!), was the [...]]]>

When I was around 10 years old, my family belonged to a club that had the most delicious Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving brunches. There were huge lines of spiral ham, veggies, and a dessert. What I remember most, though (beside the chocolate lava cake that was divine!), was the ice sculptures with all you can eat shrimp cocktail around. I’d layer my salad plate up with a mound of shrimp and a whole bowl of cocktail sauce for myself. I probably didn’t end up eating it all because my mom always said my eyes were bigger than my stomach!

I loved that shrimp cocktail, though. It is extremely easy to make, too, with only two ingredients: ketchup and horseradish. Now that I have a sugar-free ketchup recipe, I can eat all the shrimp cocktail I want!

Shrimp Buying Tips: 

• Unless you are buying the shrimp fresh, right off the boat, it is usually best to choose frozen shrimp because it is frozen right after catching.
• Make sure “shrimp” is the only ingredient listed on the package. Some manufacturers add STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate) which is a dangerous chemical preservative.
• Buy wild, not farmed.

Health Benefits:

• Horseradish:The glucosinolates in it have powerful antioxidant properties and can also be used to reduce thyroid function and to relieve aching joints. Glucosinolates also act as natural antibiotics against different types of infections because they increase blood flow in the infected area and remove the waste products from that region of the body.
• Tomato: Best known for its high lycopene content. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may reduce incidences of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration. Tomatoes are especially high in vitamin C and A as well.
• Shrimp: Shrimp is low in calories and loaded with protein. Shrimp contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid that gives them their pink color and that can act as a potent antioxidant and protect the skin from premature aging. Also the omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp provide antioxidant protection. It contains shrimp that plays an important role in the production of new cells, including hair cells and skin cells.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

What is your favorite way to eat and prepare shrimp? (links welcome)

]]> http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/04/29/shrimp-cocktail/feed/ 2 http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/04/26/have-an-exciting-run/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=have-an-exciting-run http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/04/26/have-an-exciting-run/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:23:49 +0000 Sugar Free Alex http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/?p=4175 I’ve never been much of a runner.

I remember P.E. class in first grade, and it was time to do “physical testing.” Ugh. I was good at sit and reach (touch your toes), but not the dreaded 1-mile run. It was the first time I had ever run a mile. My time? 16 minutes.

I’ve [...]]]> I’ve never been much of a runner.

I remember P.E. class in first grade, and it was time to do “physical testing.” Ugh. I was good at sit and reach (touch your toes), but not the dreaded 1-mile run. It was the first time I had ever run a mile. My time? 16 minutes.

I’ve come a long way since then, but I still don’t particularly like running. I’d rather take a bike ride, do some weightlifting, or jumping jacks.

But…sometimes you have to do what you don’t want to do. Here are some tips and things to do while running to keep you from boredom. You might actually have a…(dare I say it?)…exciting run!

10 Ways to Have an Exciting Run:

1. Pick a wildflower bouquet on your run to give to a friend, teacher, or your mom! (Your mom will love you forever if you do this.) Please make sure there are no ants or bees in the flowers, though. It is no fun to run along with ants crawling up your arm and bees stinging your wrists!
2. Create a story in your head. “Once upon a time there was a girl running through the woods with legs as fast as lightning…” -I never said the story had to be true!
3. Bring your camera and snap some fun shots of nature, cars, people, or animals along the way. I wear something around my neck that holds and protects the camera, and put the camera strap around my wrist so I don’t drop it.
4. Recite poetry or quotes in your mind or out loud. “Twas bryllyg, and the slythy toves Did gyre and gymble in the wabe” -The Jabberwocky
5. List things you are thankful for. You’ll come away from the run feeling refreshed both physically and mentally!
6. Make a mental list of things you need to do. Ok, so maybe this one isn’t exciting, but it will prepare you for the week.
7. If you have woods or a nature trail nearby, run there (if it is safe). I find it much more entertaining to run in nature with animal calls everywhere than to run on cement. Grass is also easier on your joints.
8. Pray. Running is a great time to meditate and pray about anything or anyone who needs prayer.
9. Get a running partner. You can talk with them and not even think about running!
10. Count things. The number of Bugs, trees, blue cars, whatever. This is sort of like an “I-Spy Running Game.”

 Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

How do you keep from being bored while running (or exercising in general?)?

Let’s expand this list with your ideas!

P.S. The winner of the Oxo Food Scale giveaway is Dena Goody. Thanks to all who entered!

Do you ever get in a salad slump? Bored with your current go-to dressing, or bored of your go-to veggies?

This happens to me every once in a while. Instead of grabbing a piece of Baker’s chocolate and calling it a day, I flipped through a random cookbook and saw a Berry Dressing. [...]]]>

Do you ever get in a salad slump? Bored with your current go-to dressing, or bored of your go-to veggies?

This happens to me every once in a while. Instead of grabbing a piece of Baker’s chocolate and calling it a day, I flipped through a random cookbook and saw a Berry Dressing. This dressing, however, contained a whopping 1/2 cup of sugar! Who needs added sugar in a recipe with naturally-sweet berries?

So, with a bag of frozen berries in one hand and a bundle of curly kale in the other, I started to the kitchen to create a fresh lunch. Full of vitamins and bursting with citrus flavor, I was ready to take on the hot, humid day.

Health Benefits:

• Berries: Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, you name it! They are all full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. The deep colors of the berries are not just for looks, the pigments contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that can help prevent certain types of cancer. They also contain a good amount of vitamin C to help prevent colds and flu. The seeds on the berries contain fiber to help your digestive system.
• Orange: The common benefit of this citrus, vitamin C, helps prevent cold and flu viruses. They are also good sources of beta-carotene, vitamin A and B, pectin, and potassium. An orange contains over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties.
• Almonds: Almonds are a major superfood, and they are full of monounsaturated, good-for-you fats. It contains many nutrients that benefit the brain, and regulate cholesterol. The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Kale: This leafy green contains a whole host of nutrients to keep you healthy. One cup of kale contains 5 grams of fiber, 15%  daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6, 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds. It is also a great source of calcium, much better than any dairy product.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

Build you perfect salad! Tell me what it has on it below. Does it have veggies, meat, nuts, dressing, herbs? (Links welcome)

Ever found a tasty looking recipe, but the ingredients are all listed in ounces and grams?

Yes! This has happened to me before, and I was always disappointed because I had no way to measure the ingredients. With this 5-pound digital scale, though, I am now able to make those recipes! If only [...]]]>

Ever found a tasty looking recipe, but the ingredients are all listed in ounces and grams?

Yes! This has happened to me before, and I was always disappointed because I had no way to measure the ingredients. With this 5-pound digital scale, though, I am now able to make those recipes! If only I can remember what the recipes were…

You can even use the scale to measure your packages to send in the mail. Or you can use the scale to measure the ingredients in a muffin and then send the muffins in the mail!

Oxo 5-lb Food Scale Giveaway

This Giveaway is now Closed. Thanks to all who entered!

One winner will receive the 5-lb Digital Food Scale courtesy of Oxo. U.S. residents only, please, and no P.O. boxes-sorry! 

How to Enter:

There are multiple ways to win. Please leave a separate comment below for each entry.

1. Answer this question: What would you use the food scale for? (links welcome)
2. Subscribe to Spoonful of Sugar Free by entering your email address in the “Subscribe” box on the right. Or follow by RSS, google reader, etc.
3. Like me on facebook.
4. Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Can be something like, “I want to win @oxo food scale @SugarFreeAlex  http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/04/18/oxo-food-scale-giveaway/ ”
5. Follow me on Pinterestand Pin something of mine.
6. Blog about this giveaway on your blog.

Giveaway ends Wednesday, April 25th at Midnight.