I love bread and the smell of bread baking in the house.  There is something so "homey" about it.  Now I don't have a bread maker and I am not really sure if I want one....but I do really like the taste of homemade bread better than store bought bread.  There is something about all the parts you have to clean up with a bread machine that really turns me off.  Today I am sharing a recipe that is easy, clean, and doesn't require too much time in the kitchen.  Enjoy!

Making the switch to clean eating has been a gradual change for our family.  While most meals were easy to convert and we were already pretty healthy in our food choices.....sometimes I just didn't have the ingredients I needed.  If you are like me you really can't just waste food and throw everything out and start fresh.  And let's face it most of us cannot afford to do that either.  So, as I was making the switch I bought  new ingredients as I needed them and made the change gradually.

Here is a list of the items that I use in my pantry and what I consider to be my staples.  I compiled my list from various websites, recipe books, and Tosca Reno's suggestions.  While this is in no way a complete list and I still find myself running to the store here and there, it is a good start.  Most of these items, especially the grains, I buy in bulk to help cut down on the cost as well as the number of trips to the store.  As you start to build your clean pantry remember to think whole foods with no added sugars or preservatives.

Happy Shopping!

It's summertime and nothing is better than grilling out and eating outside.  I sometimes struggle with what I can make as a clean side dish to go along with our summertime meals.  I have always thought that making homemade fries would be difficult or that they would only taste good if you fried them.  Let me tell you, I officially stand corrected.  I am in love with these sweet potato fries!  It is quite possible that I could eat them at most meals.  Good thing they are packed with a lot of fiber and are a great clean alternative to their greasy counterparts.  So, if you are like me and looking for an easy side dish try whipping some of these beauties up and your family will love you.

Sweet Potato Fries

Serves 4.

Ingredients

·         1 pound sweet potatoes

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 teaspoon minced garlic

·         1/4 teaspoon sea salt

·         1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1 .    Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, combine garlic and olive oil; set aside.

2 .    Clean potatoes and remove any blemishes. Cut potatoes into approximately ½ inch lengthwise strips.

3 .    In another bowl, toss sweet potato strips with garlic and olive oil mixture and coat evenly.  Spread potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping half way through. Continue baking until lightly browned. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.