Eggnog Blueberry Pancakes

Here is a seasonal holiday recipe that is delicious when served with warm maple syrup. If you are not a fan of eggnog, simply substitute with the milk of your choice.

Ingredients
1 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup milled flaxseed
1/4 t salt
1 t cream of tartar
1 t sugar
1 egg
1 cup eggnog (i.e. Silk soy eggnog)
1-2 t butter or margarine
1/2 cup wild blueberries, frozen or fresh

Directions
Mix together flour, salt, cream of tartar, and sugar in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, blend egg and milk.
Stir egg and milk into flour mixture.
Melt butter and add to pancake batter
Thaw and drain blueberries if frozen. Fold blueberries into pancake batter.

Heat lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spoon pancake batter onto skillet and brown on both sides.

Makes 8 pancakes.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Sometimes a good bowl of homemade chicken soup is just what the doctor ordered. Try this comforting  soup when you're have the sniffles, when your tummy is upset, or when you just need some extra TLC.

Ingredients
5 cups water
2 boneless chicken breasts, organic
1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 t powdered garlic
1/2 t dried parsley
1 1/2 cups spiral rice noodles, cooked 

Directions
Place water, chicken, onion and seasonings in a large pot. Bring to a boil; cover with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes. When the chicken is no longer pink in the center, remove pot from heat and shred with two forks. Add cooked spiral rice noodles. Makes 4 servings.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

This is a slow cooker recipe that is great for the holidays...or any day! Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium, manganese and fiber. And they are especially delicious dressed-up with a little maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
6-7 sweet potatoes (about 4 pounds), peeled and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place peeled, sliced sweet potatoes in slow cooker. Mix melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Pour over sweet potatoes. Top with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook on low 4 hours. Stir and serve.

Savory Rice and Vegetables

Here is a simple and nourishing vegetarian recipe that you can fix in a pinch. Let it cook while helping the kids with their school work or finishing a load of laundry. Or put up your feet and relax for a few minutes knowing that dinner will be ready soon!

Ingredients
4 cups water
2 cups brown rice
1 green onion, diced
1 large zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
1 large carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 t coriander
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t pepper
1 1/2 t salt
2 t dried parsley

Directions

• Dice vegetables and set aside.
• Pour water and rice in a large pot.
• Place diced vegetable and seasonings on top. Stir to make sure that the seasoning are well-distributed.
• Cover pot. Bring to a boil; then turn to medium-low heat for 40-45 minutes.

Voila! Dinner is served.

Pair with a green salad and cranberry applesauce for a well-rounded and colorful meal.