Tortellini Soup

This soup is so good! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the end result was fantastic! When getting a pre-made tortellini, have a look at the ingredients. Make sure that it is whole grain, and that there aren’t any ingredients on the package that you can’t pronounce. If possible, get an organic brand, but if that isn’t available, there are plenty out there that work well. Fresh tortellini can usually be found in the deli section of your grocery store.

1 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 litre vegetable stock
1 19oz can diced tomatoes, liquid included
5oz fresh, whole wheat tortellini, cheese flavoured (these come in different size packages, so choose one that is about 5oz)
5oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
8-10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Fresh Parmesan cheese for topping

In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 2 or 3 minutes. Add stock, and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook for half the cooking time stated on the package. Add in all other ingredients, and continue cooking until the tortellini is cooked. Top with fresh parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Pumpkin Dip (for apples)

My daughter loves apples! She also loves dips. So, I thought I would combine these two favourites of hers into a pumpkin dip for apples. This is very smooth, and great for a quick snack. It does make quite a bit of dip, but don’t worry, it won’t last long...

1 15oz can of pureed pumpkin
½ cup each light cream cheese, plain yogurt and agave syrup
1/8 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and mix well. Serve with apples or any other fruit.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are flourless, and unbelievably good! Next time I will probably try almond butter instead of peanut butter to change it up. They are so easy to make!

2 cups all natural, unsweetened peanut butter
1 tsp baking powder
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar cane (I used a little less, but 1 cup is what should be used)
1/2 tsp sea salt
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first five ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chocolate chips. Place in balls on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for 18 minutes.

Makes approximately 18 cookies. If you want smaller cookies, then take a few minutes off of the cooking time.

Mixed Berry Lemonade

When it is hot out, as it has been here, this is a perfect drink! My daughter can't get enough of it either.

Juice of 2 lemons
1/3-2/3 cup agave syrup (or to taste)
2 cups frozen mixed berries
1 litre cold water
Extra ice if desired

Combine all ingredients in a blender, puree and serve. It's that simple!

Summer Sangria

This recipe doesn't have a huge amount of alchohol in it. You could certainly add more of the liqueur if you want. This is a great summer drink for sitting on the patio at a bbq. Very fruity and easy to drink!



1 Bottle of red wine (any will do)
Juice of 2 oranges
1 cup peach juice
1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup Agave nectar
3 cups sparkling water or club soda
½ cup orange flavoured liqueur (optional)

Combine all ingredients into a large pitcher, and stir. Let it refrigerate over-night at least, 24 hours is ideal.

Bean and Rice Fiesta Salad

1 cup brown rice, cooked according to package directions
1 19oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup diced tomatoes
3 green onions, finely sliced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
¾ cup frozen corn, thawed
Salt to taste

Place all ingredients in a bowl, and mix well. Let it refrigerate for a couple of hours so that the flavours really come out.