Natural State of Being

Ingredients:  2 & 3/4 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp  salt 1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup & 2 tbsp granulated sugar 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 large egg 2 tsp vanilla extract jam (of your choice) Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with butter, oil, or nonstick cooking spray. 2. Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside for later. (These are your dry ingredients.) 3. Cream together sugars and butter in a large bowl, mixing on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.   4. Add egg, then vanilla extract and mix well. 5. Add dry ingredients to large mixing bowl, mix until thick and not sticky. Do not over blend, too much mixing will make your cookies tough. 6. Roll dough into balls, of about a 1-2 inch diameter, roll them in a sprinkle of granulated sugar, and set on your baking sheet. 7. With clean hands, p...

Looking for a simple, yet mindful and wholesome task to put your heart into this weekend? Fill your home with the scent of warm berries as you cook up some fresh jam. Whether you are searching for a new hobby, the perfect homemade gift, or simply wondering what to do with your leftover berries, jam creation is something you don't want to overlook! Preparation The process consists of just a few steps, and the only ingredients you will need are: Berries of your choice (My Recipe: 2 cups blackberries, 1 cup raspberries) Sugar (1:3 ratio to berries) Lemon juice Be sure to have a calm, clean kitchen before you begin cooking to add ease to the whole process. The only materials you will need are: Large saucepan  Slotted spoon/fork/masher (for mashing berries) Jars (for storing finished jam) Blackberry-Raspberry Jam Recipe 1. Wash berries. 2. Heat berries in saucepan at medium-high heat. 3. As the berries warm, mash them with a slotted spoon/fork/masher. 4. Add sugar and lemon juice (to fl...

These Strawberry-Lemon Brownies taste like an early glimpse into springtime.  You'll want to add this simple delicacy to your permanent baking repertoire as soon as its fresh, gooey sweetness hits your tongue. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect Valentine's Day treat, or just looking for a new twist on an old chocolate favorite, these brownies are sure to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen! Allow your efforts in the kitchen today to guide you on your journey to mindfulness.  The wholesome task of baking will put you in tune with your mind and body. Embrace your senses, open your heart, and sink into your natural state of being. You will need: 14 medium strawberries 2 lemons 1 egg 1 Ghirardelli Triple Fudge Brownie Mix 1/4 cup vegetable oil  1/4 cup water 8x8" glass baking pan large mixing bowl zester Instructions Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Rinse strawberries and lemons. 2. Zest lemons (save for later). 3. Slice and juice lemons. 4. Cho...

Craving sweets this Valentine’s Day?  Switch out processed sugar for some of nature’s candy: fruit!  Fruits are packed with tons of  natural  vitamins and nutrients that improve the function of your immune and digestive systems. Stock up on fresh fruits at a local Farmer’s Market next weekend, or find an orchard or farm nearby to visit for your produce.  Below you will find a list of the best organic, in-season fruits to satiate your sweet tooth this winter.  Your body will thank you. Pomegranate   Pomegranates are considered to be one of the healthiest fruits in the world.  These gorgeous red fruits offer an incredible array of health benefits from anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties, as well as plentiful doses of vitamins A, C, and E. Additionally, pomegranates boast a standard 7g of fiber and 3g of protein.  Pomegranates symbolize fertility, beauty and eternal life. They are believed to be an aphrodisiac and represent fema...