Wordless Wednesday- 50 Shades of Pink

Spring is the most beautiful time of the year in Bucks County, Pa.
The weather is finally warmer, the flowers are budding everywhere, and people are out and abound.

I took some beautiful shots of the colorful flowers all around my neighborhood. 

These peonies are in front of my house

Yard Sales are Relaxing and Therapeutic

I like to shop at yard and garage sales. I find it therapeutic and so relaxing. Why?

Yard and garage sales take me into close-by neighborhoods where the flowers, shrubs, trees, and landscaping are in full bloom. Everything is colorful, prolific, and so fragrant. It's simply beautiful to just take the time to ride through the neighborhoods and take in the beauty as a locate my destination.
Look at all my finds.

Best Roasted Carrot Hot Dogs

It looks like a hot dog- but it is actually a roasted carrot !!

Looking for a vegan and gluten free hot dog alternative for your next BBQ?
Well first look in your refrigerator for a bag of carrots. 

Marinated roasted whole carrots not only look similar to hot dogs but they fit perfectly on a hot dog roll ( gluten free of course). Add some ketchup, mustard and even a little sauerkraut and you have now created the star of the BBQ- 

Healthy, tasty, easy, gluten free and vegan!

Easy Recipe
All you need to do is marinate some carrots in a roasting pan. Then roast until tender and serve.

The result really looks like hot dogs and they taste good.

My son and his family were visiting for dinner, and I made these cute little hot dogs (along with a full meal) just to see their reaction.

Kid Approved

My two granddaughters (ages 10 and 7) couldn't wait to taste them. We put them on a hot dog roll, added some sauerkraut, (which they both love) and they took their first bite.

Surprisingly they were both pleased! I asked the 10 year old if it tasted like a hot dog.
She gave me the rolled eyes and said , "No" - but then added it still tasted good and she liked it!

So there you have it for your next BBQ- 

If you have a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free guest (and who doesn't now a days?) you don't have to run out and search for a vegan, gluten-free hot dog !!! 

Try these marinated carrots topped with sauerkraut, ketchup, or mustard. If you really want to be nice, open a can of black beans to serve on the side or make my incredibly delicious black beans in your Instant Pot. (no soaking of beans and cooks at 45 minutes) 

I used Udi GLUTEN FREE hot dog rolls which they stock in the freezer section of our local supermarket. If you can't find gluten free hot dog rolls, they sell other brands of gluten free hot dogs rolls on Amazon gluten free hot dog rolls .

Ingredients; 
8 organic carrots
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup
3-4 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of smoky paprika
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
** I used a Pyrex pie plate to roast

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Steam organic carrots for 10-15 minutes until they begin to be a little soft. While the carrots are steaming, mix the honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and smoky paprika and place in a small pyrex roasting dish. Remove the carrots from the steamer ( do not over cook- just slightly soft)  and add hot whole carrots to the small roasting dish and mix well. Allow to sit for half hour and then cover and roast at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove cover (or foil) and roast another 5 minutes.

Happy Memorial Day- How will you be celebrating?? 

Sharing on Beth Fish Reads Weekend Cooking where anyone can share a food related post.

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Amazon. If you click on a link on my site that takes you to Amazon and make a purchase, I will receive a very small compensation at no cost to you. This affiliation helps me cover the costs of running a blog and I do appreciate your purchases !

Wordless Wednesday- Carole King Musical - Beautiful

The Carole King Musical, Beautiful, was nothing short of beautifull.

I enjoyed every minute of the story, the songs, and the fabulous cast. 

It is a play worth seeing!

B

Some of Carole King's Songs

And don't forget to stop by the famous Sardis Restaurant for lunch while you are in the neighborhood- you might see a celebrity!!

Flowers from my garden in a bud vase that belonged to my mother

Shared on Wordless Wednesday at Beth Fish Reads Wordless Wednesday blog carnivals:

  Wordless Wed on Tuesdays wordless on tuesday http://thesimpleyear.com/, image in ing, ClaireJustine linky  and Saturday snapshot hosted by West Metro Mommy  Create with Joy bethere2day nanahood

Brie with a Fruity Topping

I

Brie is one of those appetizers that everyone seems to love and  gluten free.I don't know about you, but when I entertain I like to make delicious food that is as easy as possible to prepare and serve. It doesn't get easier than brie and a delicious fruit topping! 

Brie requires very little preparation and can be made at the last minute. It tastes great with fresh fruit, jams, and nuts.

Spring Salad with Orange Cashew Dressing

This colorful spring salad calls for seasonal dark greens and sweet strawberries and the citrus dressing adds an interesting touch- all naturally gluten free of course!

Fresh Greens are prevalent in the spring and fall. If you belong to a CSA ( Community Agriculture) or frequent the farmer's markets, a variety of fresh greens should be available right now. 
Otherwise, local supermarkets are usually well stocked.

Anti-Aging Morning Routine with Qi Gong

My Anti Aging Morning Routine

Looking for a way to energize and feel better?

Qi Gong is an easy age old exercise to help relax, center, ground, and rejuvenate - I find it much less strenuous to do than yoga or pilates and according to many sources a daily practice of Qi Gong provides amazing anti-aging benefits to the body.

According to the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance ( see their article)  Qi Gong can help loosen muscles , build bone density, reduce stress, balance emotions, improve circulation, improve posture, flexibility, balance, memory, and help with better digestion. See all the videos below

Broccoli Raab and Potato Soup-vegan and healthy

Broccoli raab, small red or white potatoes, and carrots make an unusual yet interesting soup that is naturally gluten free and vegan.  The rich green vegetable can be a tad bitter, but the potato and sweet carrot balance out the flavors making this an excellent way to enjoy eating your greens.

Portobello Spinach Stacks- A Plant Based Entree

This Portobello mushroom entree makes a "meaty" tasting dinner that is low calorie, low in fat, but has a significant amount of protein. In addition, this entree is plant based, gluten free, and nut free. Regardless, it tastes absolutely delicious. (updated Nov 2023)

How to Store Fresh Basil - doesn't turn dark!

Have you ever bought fresh basil only to have it turn dark after a day or two? 

I love to keep fresh basil in the refrigerator, but I am so disappointed when it doesn't last that long. 

I just learned a way to make it last. In fact, the friend who shared this tip with me says her basil and other fresh herbs last and stay fresh for weeks in the refrigerator with this method. 

Spicy Lentil Soup - a favorite on Cinco De Mayo

I always try to come up with a recipe for Cinco de Mayo! This year I'm making a spicy salsa lentil soup that is easy, tasty, plant based, gluten free and healthy. Since I retired, "easy" is the main ingredient in my recipes.

Caprese Salad Kabobs with Pesto Sauce ( and vegan alternative)

Looking for an easy but eloquent appetizer?
I make these Caprese Kabobs and top them with homemade  pesto or sometimes I pick up a jar of pesto at Whole Foods for $3.99..

These kabobs are delicious, easy to transport, easy to eat,  fresh and healthy!
In addition, they are perfect for vegetarian and gluten free guests.