Thursday, January 3, 2013

Orange Vanilla Creme Fruit Infused Water - A Recipe

So lately I have been trying to increase my water intake. I seriously have an issue with drinking natural, pure water. I don't know why or how that began, but I do know that not drinking enough water can lead to many health issues (more on that later).

In an attempt to make my water more pleasurable and tasty, I decided to infuse my water with natural fruits. I have on occasion made lemon water to have in the fridge ready (and my husband and son love it) but I have not been able to drink that either! Earlier this week I made a blueberry, raspberry infused water, but that just wasn't getting it either! UGH! What was I to do? I need to drink water, but I want it to taste good!

In yet another attempt today, I made a Orange Creme Fruit Infused Water! I must say that this is delicious and tastes so good! This... I can drink! It doesn't have any "cream" in it but it sure does taste like it! YUM!

Now, I present to you the most delicious tasting water you can imagine (if your taste buds are like mine - I like it sweet!)


{ ORANGE VANILLA CREME FRUIT INFUSED WATER }
2 Large Oranges
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
water
a large pitcher, glass preferably

1. Slice 2 large oranges into thin slices.
2. Place in empty glass pitcher
3. Add 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - I used a regular household teaspoon because I was in a hurry. I think its more of a personal taste preference. You can start with a smaller amount and add more to taste (once you add the water).
4. Fill with water.
5. Allow the flavored to infuse overnight or for an hour or so. I couldn't wait and has mine right away - it was good!
6. Enjoy!



Remember you can always add more vanilla to taste! Start small and add as you prefer!

~ Melissa ~





I'm sharing this at Thank Your Body Thursday, Tasty Traditions, Fight Back Fridays, Fresh Bites Friday

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Real Food White Sugar Substitutes - Healthy Recipes

This morning I was searching for some yummy healthy brownie recipes to make for my family. I found a lot of them online, but wanted to try my hand at something new! As I am just beginning this Real Food journey I thought it would be fun to take a well used family recipe and tweak it to a "healthier" version. I have never tried this on my own and we'll see how these brownies turn out - will they pass the husband/son taste test? I will keep you posted!

Okay, back to the reason for this post! I found while searching the internet, using basic "food" knowledge, and using what I had in my pantry that there are a lot of Real Foods to use as substitutions for white sugar! Some of these can be used for more than just baking!



Here is a list that I have compiled of Healthy Real Food Substitutions for White SUGAR! These conversions/substitutions are based on 1 cup of white sugar.

1. Honey - replace with one cup of Honey
2. Maple Syrup (grade B is best) - substitute with 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
3. Agave Nectar - substitute 1 1/4 cup Agave Nectar
4. Molasses - use 1/2 to 3/4 cup Molasses
5. Stevia Drops - 1 teaspoon of Stevia drops is equivalent to 1 cup of white sugar.
6. Brown Rice Syrup - replace with 1 1/3 cups of Brown Rice Syrup
7. Date Sugar - use 2/3 cup date sugar

This is just a starter list for me, but I must add that it will continue to grow as I continue to grow and learn as well!

Oh, how did the brownies turn out? I replaced 1 cup of white sugar with 1/2 cup of Maple Syrup. They are cooling now, but the kitchen is filled with a wonderful aroma!

{ Melissa }



I'm sharing this at: Real Food Wednesdays