Well we went from summer to winter!! That’s usually how the weather works here in NC!!! But this northern soul is not complaining. Who doesn’t like being cozy in sweaters and UGG boots?! With the chilly temps, I had to plan my meals strategically. I knew I wanted some comfort foods on the list but without all the calories. So I made my list and checked it twice:-)
Its a good day when I can throw everything in a crock pot and let it cook! I love having home-made granola on hand. I was not eating yogurt for a while but with all the running I have been doing I knew it was time to add it back in. One of my favorite brands is the NOOSA! And they have a Maple one out right now. GO buy it. I buy the individual cups and toss a spoonful or TWO of home-made pumpkin granola on top for a little crunch. Yes, I made granola in the crock pot! I just set it on high for 2 hours and stirred it every 30 minutes. At the end I added all my nuts, raisins and cranberries and let it dry out until it was crunchy. Crock pot Pumpkin granola
Two comfort meals. You would never guess by the flavor that these are filled with nutrients but not high in calories!! The only thing I changed with the Shepherds pie was the potato’s on top and I left out the cheese. I used the baby tri-color potatoes. And the stuffed acorn squash I just literally threw stuff together, this is what I love about cooking. No need to measure, just throw what you like to together and call it a meal!
I cut my acorn squash in half, baked at 400 for about 30 minutes until soft. I let it cool and took out some of the flesh and added that to my mixture. My mixture is apple chicken sausage, spinach, onion, garlic and apples. I cooked all that together until the apples were tender, threw it all inside the acorn squash and baked until golden on top.
Two great appetizers! With the holidays around the corner here are a couple healthy options. Again, the crock pot was used so that freed up space in my oven.
Now you want a CHEAT meal?? Make these!! It will kill that craving for something bad! Buffalo Cauliflower
And these meatballs are perfect for a get-together! And I made them GF, with simply just adding GF breadcrumbs. Slow Cooker Cranberry Meat-a-balls
And we can’t forget about the holiday treats!! I made these for Life group, making them again for a girls get together and then AGAIN for Thanksgiving! I have not made them GF, YET but that is on my list to try!! If you try this recipe and you do them GF please let me know how they taste and which flour you use! You can never go wrong with an Ina Garten recipe! And if you need another blog to follow check out The PB Runner I love following other blogs and especially those that are right here in Charlotte with me!! Not only did Ina inspire me to make these but so did Jenn!! Apple Pie Bars
And last but not least. . . every girl needs a GOOD tinted lip gloss!! DoTerra strikes again with a limited edition of this tinted lip gloss! I am so glad I bought it. It makes your lips feel amazing and gives you just the right amount of color! Now lets hope they bring it back for good because right now its sold out!!!!
Hope you are having a GREAT start to your week!!! Can’t wait to be back with you next week!! And here is the BEST news of the DAY. . . my Brother, SIL and Niece will be here visiting is VERY soon!!! I am SOOOOOO excited!!!!!
Ciao!!
Are you hosting Thanksgiving??
Have you ever made a Turkey??
Can’t wait to talk Thanksgiving with you guys!!!!