Dawna Stone

You Can Have A Better Life

Dawna Stone

Cranberry-Oat Cookies

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These wheat- and dairy-free cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Although I prefer them for a mid-day snack or after dinner treat, the healthy ingredients make them a perfect choice for breakfast as well.

I’ve always found cooking to be more enjoyable when I get everything ready in advance this way I’m not constantly running back and forth between my pantry and kitchen cabinets. If you cook or bake regularly, I’m sure you’ve heard the term “mise en place” which means everything in its place. It truly helps even the most seasoned cook.

After looking over my recipe I gather all the tools I need and then proceed to measure out all the ingredients. Doing so may dirty a few more dishes but the added ease this method brings is worth it.

Mise en place_Cookies 1200x1200 Cranberry Cookie Ingredients 1200x1200

I love these cookies, especially this time of year when I tend to crave the sweet (yet tart) treats. These definitely satisfy the cravings while still leaving me feeling light.

Cranberry Oat_tray 1200x1200  Cranberry Oat 1200x1200

Cranberry-Oat Cookies
Servings
20-24cookies (depending on size)
Servings
20-24cookies (depending on size)
Cranberry-Oat Cookies
Servings
20-24cookies (depending on size)
Servings
20-24cookies (depending on size)
Ingredients
Servings: cookies (depending on size)
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl mix together the oats, oat flour, cinnamon, xanthan gum, baking soda and sea salt and set aside.
  2. In a medium-large bowl whisk together the coconut palm sugar, coconut oil, egg and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until combined. Gently fold in cranberries.
  4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. With a small ice cream scoop or spoon, transfer the batter to your cookie sheet. If desired, flatten cookies slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of the ice cream scoop or spoon, as these cookies will only spread slightly.
  5. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. (Makes 20 – 24 cookies depending on size)
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Citrus Cod Filet

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I love fish – it's a delicious and a perfectly healthy meal for the entire family. With a busy schedule and two energetic kids, my philosophy with recipes has become ‘less is more'. This Citrus Cod recipe has minimal ingredients, is incredibly easy to make, and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. This meal is delightfully fresh and leaves you incredibly satisfied!

Citrus Cod Fillet
Servings
4
Servings
4
Citrus Cod Fillet
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Preheat broiler.
  2. Set aside half the orange for garnish.
  3. Whisk together 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
  4. In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine cod filets with orange juice mixture. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes.
  5. Coat a broiler pan with olive oil cooking spray.
  6. Remove filets from plastic bag (discard bag) and place on broiler pan. Broil for 7 - 12 minutes (depending on thickness) or until fish cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Green Beans: Place two inches of water and green beans in a saucepan with steamer tray. Bring water to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Steam beans until tender making sure not to overcook them.
  8. Garnish fish with a slice of orange and serve with green beans.
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Mango and Avocado Salad

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This salad recipe is amazing as a side to a meal or as a satisfying snack. You'll taste a perfect balance between sweet and savory…yum!

Mango and Avocado Salad
Servings
2
Servings
2
Mango and Avocado Salad
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper and set aside for dressing.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Top with dressing, toss lightly and serve.
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Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Salad

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I'm not kidding when I call this a ‘hearty' salad! Chicken and broccoli rabe combined with avocado, beans and a flavorful dressing…I think you'll agree this is a perfect salad!

Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Salad
Servings
2
Servings
2
Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Salad
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. In a medium skillet or pot, place chicken breasts side by side in water or broth. Make sure liquid completely covers chicken (1 inch above chicken is best). Bring water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Partly cover pot with lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Turn off heat and let chicken sit for an additional 15 minutes or until completely cooked through. Remove chicken from liquid and set aside. If you are tight on time, you can always use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  2. While chicken is cooking prepare salad mixture. In a medium saucepan with steamer basket, bring one inch water to a boil. Add broccoli rabe, cover and steam for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Do not overcook. Let cool after steaming.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine broccoli rabe, beans, avocado (optional), tomatoes, scallions and parsley.
  4. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, salt and pepper. Pour over bean mixture and gently toss. Top with warm chicken and enjoy.
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Navy Bean and Asparagus Salad

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Delicious, refreshing and filling. What more could you want? I hope you enjoy this Navy Bean and Asparagus Salad as much as I do!

Navy Bean and Asparagus Salad
Servings
2
Servings
2
Navy Bean and Asparagus Salad
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan with steamer basket, bring one inch water to a boil. Add asparagus, cover and steam for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Do not overcook. Let cool after steaming.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine beans, asparagus tips, tomatoes, scallions and parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic, Dijon, salt and pepper. Pour over bean mixture and gently toss.
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Setting Realistic Goals Can Help New Year’s Resolutions Stick

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2014 Ahead

Not surprisingly, New Year’s resolutions are top of mind this time of year. Many of us are setting goals around self-improvement, financial success and relationship. But merely setting the goal may not be enough. Before you embark on your journey to achieve your goal or goals, you need to clarify goal specifics. Following these 10 simple tips can help any New Year’s resolution stick!

 

#1: Clearly Define Your Goal
Your weight loss goal needs to be well-defined and given an assigned time frame. For example, having a generic weight loss aim isn’t as effective as articulating the goal to lose 45 pounds by March 1. The probability of achieving success increases when you hone in on a well-defined goal with a target end date. Making goals clear and specific helps you to achieve them.

#2: Make it Realistic
Make sure you set realistic intentions. Your goal should be challenging but also achievable. There’s nothing worse than setting yourself up for failure. If your goal is to lose weight, it should be one that gets you to a healthy weight for your body, disregarding futile hopes of resembling a supermodel or Hollywood superhero.

#3: Write it Down
Write down your goals and refer back to them often. Mount your goals somewhere you’ll see them on a regular basis like your bathroom mirror. “Out of sight, out of mind” really is true. Keep your goals top of mind!

#4: Make It Your Own
It might go without saying, but make sure that “your” goal is not someone else’s. Too many people get sidetracked by what others want for (or of) them. You have to really want the goal. If your husband wants you to lose weight but you feel perfectly content as you are, the likelihood of achieving the goal is much lower than if you want the change for yourself.

#5: Break it Down
Break down your big goal into several small goals. Each milestone or short-term goal will get you closer to your final mark, yet the process will feel less daunting. For example, if you have a goal to lose 30 pounds, attempt to lose the first 10 pounds by a certain date, the next 10 pounds by a later date and so on.

#6: Review It
Review your goals on a regular basis and monitor your progress. Praise yourself when you’re on track. If you happen to fall off, figure out what steps need to be taken to get moving in the right direction once again.

#7: Share It
Share your goals with others. Just telling someone else about your ambitions makes them seem more real and makes you feel more accountable. It may also help you garner support for your goals, which will make the challenging days feel easier.

#8: Adjust It
Be prepared to reevaluate your goals, and make minor adjustments as needed along the way. Also, try not to get caught up comparing yourself to others.

#9: Know Why It’s Important
Write down why it’s important for you to reach your goal. No matter the reasons for your goal, exploring the root of your desire and seeing the answers in black and white will help keep you motivated.

#10: Reward Yourself
Reward yourself for a job well done. If you have achieved your goal or are on the right track, celebrate yourself. Just make sure your reward is in line with your long-term goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, food may not be the best “prize”. Instead, reward yourself with a new pair of shoes or a smaller size pair of jeans, get your nails done, or buy yourself a new lipstick. It doesn’t matter how big or small the reward, just acknowledge your hard work and the achievement.

Whether you have a weight loss goal or other challenging goal you hope to achieve, following a few simple steps can help you achieve your goal with ease. What are your goals for 2014?