Tag: food and beverages

Watermelon and Banana Fruit Smoothie Recipe

Watermelon and Banana Fruit Smoothie Recipe

My family enjoys eating watermelon year round. Matter of fact, it’s one of their top five favorite fruits to eat. When I purchase a fresh watermelon it never lasts long…they’ll eat the entire melon in less than 2-3 days! Besides eating watermelon as a snack…we 

How to Make Classic Old-Fashion Apple Dumplings

How to Make Classic Old-Fashion Apple Dumplings

We have an apple tree in our backyard. It produces a semi-tart baking apple. When I make apple dumplings I like to buy Gala apples at our local Farmer’s Market and combine them with the baking apples from our tree. I will do half and 

Home Canning Chocolate Pudding with Recipe

Home Canning Chocolate Pudding with Recipe

Homemade chocolate pudding is one of my family’s go-to snacks. Not only do they snack on it…often times it’s the dessert to a quickly-served meal. We don’t purchase or use boxed mixes or buy those pudding snack cups. We make all of our puddings from scratch…that way we control the ingredients that go into them. Plus, they taste 100% better!!! Homemade pudding is amazing!!!

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When I make homemade pudding I like to double-up the recipe so that I can can some for later use. I can it using a water bath canner and jelly sized glass mason jars. You’ll need some basic home canning supplies set up and ready to go if you plan on canning it. If not…you can place it into a bowl in your refrigerator to enjoy later. The recipe will make approximately 5-6 half-pint jars.

NOTE: I like to use the Selefina Vanilla Extract Powder instead of liquid vanilla extract. You use it the same way…a 1:1 ratio. If your recipe calls for 1 tsp. of vanilla extract…you use 1 tsp. of vanilla extract powder. I love how easy the powder is to use and I think it tastes a lot better than using liquid. You can purchase it directly from Selefina.

Home Canning Chocolate Pudding with Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 Tbsp. cocoa powder
6 Tbsp. corn starch
1 1/4 cup powdered milk
4 cup water
2 tsp. vanilla

In a medium sized bowl whisk together the granulate sugar, cocoa powder, corn starch and the powdered milk. In a large pan add the 4 cups of water and simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the ingredients from the bowl….making sure to distribute it throughout the water and to remove any clumps. Bring it all to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Stir in the vanilla.

Ladle the pudding into your prepared glass mason jars leaving 1″ headspace. Remove the air bubbles. Wipe the rims clean. Add the seal and ring until it’s finger-tip tight. Place on the rack of your water bath canner. Continue filling the rest of the jars. Lower the rack down into the hot (lightly simmering) water. Turn up the heat. Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.

Pull the rack up to the rim of the water bath canner. Let jars sit in the rack on the rim for 5 minutes. Lay a cotton dry towel out on your countertop. Carefully remove the jars from the canner placing them on the towel. Let them cool down to room temperature. You shouldn’t touch or move the jars for 12 hours. Check the seals. If they sealed correctly you can place in your pantry. If for some reason one doesn’t seal you’ll want to refrigerate it and use it up within the next 3 days.

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Selefina Freeze Dried Fruits Add Flavor to Smoothies, Oatmeal, Breakfast Cereals and More!

Selefina Freeze Dried Fruits Add Flavor to Smoothies, Oatmeal, Breakfast Cereals and More!

Over the past 2 years we’ve featured many different spices and spice blends from Selefina on the TwoClassyChics blog. They’re our go-to source for the best spices from around the world. You’ll find your classic spices along with unique spice blends, gourmet salts, natural food 

Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Making homemade guacamole is a lot easier than most people think. Not only is it easy-to-make it tastes 100% better than the stuff you buy premade at your local store. Fresh…is always best! Here is the recipe that I like to use when I’m making 

The 10 Best Foods to Support Women’s Health

The 10 Best Foods to Support Women’s Health

The 10 Best Foods to Support Women's HealthWhen it comes to maintaining optimal health, the foods we eat play a pivotal role. For women, certain foods can particularly enhance health by supplying essential nutrients that support various bodily functions—from reproductive health to strong bones and mental wellness.

Broccoli: A Crucible of Nutrients

This nutrient powerhouse is a great source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and compounds that may help reduce hormonal imbalances. Consuming broccoli supports detoxification and preserves overall health. For additional benefits related to aging, neuromodulator injections can be considered.

Whole Grains: Sustaining Your Energy

Incorporating whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat into your diet ensures a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Rich in fiber, these foods help in maintaining a healthy digestive system and promote cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels.

Yogurt: Cultivating Your Gut Health

Yogurt, especially when it’s rich in live probiotics, supports digestive health—a key element of overall wellness. It’s also packed with calcium, making it great for bone health. Including yogurt in your diet might also promote better skin health, thanks to its beneficial bacteria.

Berries: Sweet and Powerful Antioxidants

Berries are not just delicious; they’re also full of antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation. The rich colours in blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries come from their high concentration of antioxidants, supporting heart health and possibly reducing cancer risk.

Fatty Fish: Omega-3 Rich

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption can help decrease symptoms of depression and boost cognitive function.

Nuts and Seeds: Essential Healthy Fats

Almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds contain healthy fats, proteins, and fibers. They’re perfect for a heart-healthy snack that also stabilizes blood sugar levels. Plus, they’re portable and convenient for busy days.

Spinach: Leafy Green Superfood

Spinach is loaded with iron, a crucial component for blood health, which is especially important for women who menstruate. It also contains high levels of folate, essential for pregnancy and prenatal health.

Beans and Legumes: Plant Proteins

Beans and legumes are fantastic sources of protein and fiber, making them excellent for maintaining muscle and digestive health. They are also low in fat and help in managing weight, which is crucial for hormonal balance.

Dark Chocolate: Luxurious and Healthy

When consumed in moderation, dark chocolate can be a fantastic source of antioxidants. It’s also a mood booster, thanks to its magnesium content which can improve premenstrual symptoms.

Orange Vegetables: Vitamin A Storehouse

Vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This is essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health.

Incorporating these healthy foods into your daily diet can significantly enhance your well-being. Don’t wait to make these changes; start today for a healthier tomorrow. Aim to gradually introduce these nutrient-rich foods into your meals and notice the tangible benefits they bring. Remember, taking care of your health is a form of self-respect and empowerment.

Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Bars

Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Bars

Chocolate…it’s something that I can’t say no to. I enjoy all kinds of different varieties but admit that I’m passionate about premium dark chocolate. I have no problem enjoying it a few times a week in a variety of different ways. Chocolate is one of 

Baked Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Baked Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Baked yellow squash casserole makes a healthy side dish. If you don’t have squash available, you can certainly use zucchini as a substitute. From start to finish…this recipe should take you less than 1 hour to make. You can use any flavor of shredded cheese