Creamy Brie & Apple Soup

When it comes to food pairings, apples and brie make a delectable combination.  There is something about the creamy cheese and the sweet crunch of an apple that makes this a winning pair.  Whether you put in on crackers, or melted in a sandwich, it is always  crowd pleaser at any time of the day.  So when we can across this creamy brie and apple soup we could not wait to give it a whirl.  We are big fans of soup when the weather gets colder, so awe are always on the hunt for new soup recipes.  This one did not disappoint and it is super simple which we love!  It is perfect for a Sunday evening, or to serve as the soup portion at a dinner party :)

 Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 2 Braeburn apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 3 ounces Brie, rind removed (1/2 cup chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

 Instructions: 

In a medium saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and celery, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in apples and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer about 10 minutes or until apples are very tender. 

Transfer apple mixture to a blender. Add Brie and salt, and purée.

Return soup to the saucepot and heat over medium heat until hot. Serve garnished with thyme. 

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Three Ingredient No Bake Bar

Some days life can get so busy that you forget to keep your body fueled with food.  We love finding simple and yummy recipes that are great to make in a pinch and that the whole family will like.  We also try to find snack recipes that are great for after a workout or yoga session that aren't too heavy.  That is why we love snack bars like these because they are super simple and great for any time of the day.  You can whip them up in a matter of minutes and everyone will want to grab one before heading out the door, or when they get home and need a quick pick me up.

What are your favorite snack foods?  We would love to know!

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Frozen Veggie Pops!

When the August heat is just too much to bear, sometimes a cold treat is the best way to cool off and relax.  But so many of the frozen pops from the store are loaded with sugars, weird ingredients, and have no nutritional value.  Well guess what?! Making popsicles at home is super simple, and our you can make them plenty of vegetables and fruits so they are extra healthy!  We absolutely love making these frozen veggie pops because they tatse great and are loaded with wonderful ingredients that will leave your kids feeling refreshed and full.

Ingredients

Orange Delight Popsicle

• 3 large carrots, cut into chunks and steamed until soft
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 whole mango, sliced
• ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
• ½ cup water
• 4 TB raw honey

Green Dinosaur Popsicle

• 1 cup raw spinach
• 2 bananas
• 1 cup pineapple
• 1¼ cup water
• ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
• 2 TB raw honey

Tickle-Me-Red Popsicle

• ⅓ cup roasted beets (learn how to roast beets for smoothies)
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
• ½ cup water
• 4 TB raw honey
• 1 banana

Instructions

1. Place the ingredients for each smoothie (or smoothie of choice) in a high speed blender
2. Blend ingredients.
3. Pour the liquid into popsicle molds and freeze for at least four hours (this time will vary depending on your freezer).
4. To remove the popsicles, run the molds until cold water for 10 seconds, pulling the popsicles away from the molds.

{ recipe and image via}

5 Minute Endive & Apple Salad

It sure felt like summer this week, which meant lots of dinners out on the patio!  When the weather gets this warm, there are definitely nights when we don't want to turn on the oven or use the stove top, so delicious salad recipes are great to have on hand.  We whipped up this super yummy and very simple 5 minute endive and apple salad twice this week since it is so good and a breeze to make.  We also love making it for a quick lunch or to bring to a summer BBQ!

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 2 Endives
• 1 fuji or gala apple
• 1/3 C crumbled feta or blue cheese
• crushed up toasted almonds or walnuts

• Vinaigrette Ingredients

  1/3 cup cider vinegar
  2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 
  1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 
  1/4 teaspoon salt 
  1/4 teaspoon pepper 
  1/3 cup olive oil

Instructions

• Slice up the endives and apples and combine in a bowl
• Add crumbled cheese 
• Mix up dressing ingredients and pour over salad bowl to desired covering
• Add nuts