Meal In Progress - Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Everything tastes better when it has pumpkin spices don't you think? Especially this time of year. This is a quick adaptation you can make to any pancake or waffle mix. I used a gluten free pancake mix but you could make these from scratch too using any recipe you prefer. Pancakes are not too finicky so it's usually pretty easy to add a little something and not mess the whole thing up.

Meal In Progress - Quick "Baked" Apple

Apples are practically synonymous with fall. So crisp and sweet raw or soothingly delicious when cooked. Here's a super quick and easy way to make a baked apple. It takes less than ten minutes. Seriously!

Quick "Baked" Apple

Ingredients
1 apple
2 T brown sugar
cinnamon
splash of lemon juice
walnuts and raisins (optional)

Instructions
Using a knife, core out center of apple. Fill with walnuts, raisins, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add a splash of lemon juice. Microwave on high for 3 minutes or until tender. Enjoy!

That's it. It's so easy right? I chopped up my baked apple and stirred it into my morning oatmeal. It would also be great over pancakes or waffles or as a quick evening dessert.

Meal In Progress - Tomato Summer Salad

This has been my go-to salad this summer. It's super easy to make, takes advantage of fresh summer tomatoes and is very adaptable.

Tomato Summer Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup Red Cherry Tomatoes
1 cup Yellow Pear Tomatoes (or similar variety)
1 can white beans
1 cup cubed fresh mozzarella
Handful of chopped basil
Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Instructions
1. Cut tomatoes in half and toss in large bowl with beans, mozzarella and basil.
2. Lightly dress with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Meal in Progress – Cheese and Crackers

Sometimes, it's so hot out that the only kind of cooking tolerable is, well, not cooking. So today's meal is simply crackers (gluten-free of course), sharp white cheddar cheese and champagne grapes. Simple, satisfying and quick so that you can get back to crafting. 



P.S. Did you know that champagne grapes are the beginnings of zante currants? Oui. C'est vrai.

Meal In Progress – Berry Yummy Popsicles

It's still pretty hot where I live making it perfect weather for popsicles! Even better is a popsicle made with fresh berries and yogurt.

Berry Yummy Popsicle

Ingredients:
2/3 cup fresh berries
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 T agave nectar
1 T lemon juice

Instructions:
In a blender, combine until smooth all ingredients. Freeze using a popsicle maker (I have one of these. It's pretty cool. hee hee.). Or, just pour you mixture into ice cube trays, freeze it up and enjoy. Makes about 3 large popsicles or one tray of ice cubes.