Depression-Era Fruit Cake

Here is another vintage recipe from my great-grandmother.  Definitely comfort food, and not a clean eat.  This is a must-have at Christmas in my household, although it is good at any time of the year. Smells absolutely fabulous when it is baking. 

2 c sugar
2 c cold water
1 tbsp butter
2 c raisins*

Boil for 5 mins.  When cool, add:

3 c white flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cloves

Mix until smooth.  Pour into large, greased loaf tin.  Bake at 350F for 90 mins.  The loaf will be dense, with a thick crust.  Can also be baked in greased muffin tin or individual mini-loaf tins, for about 30-40 mins. 

*You can also use 2 c of various dried fruit, such as golden raisins, sultanas, dark raisins, currents, craisins, chopped dried apricots, etc.

Pam's Little Protein Muffins

This is a super-easy recipe, and is a nice change of pace from plain oatmeal and egg whites.  If your diet allows, get creative and add in chocolate chips, dried fruit, sweetener, coconut or even an egg yolk.  This is the stripped-down clean version.

1/2 c whole oats
1 tbsp ground flax
1 tsp cocoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c liquid egg whites (or about 6 whites from eggs-in-shell)
6 walnut halves, chopped

Blend all ingred except walnuts (and any add-ins) in magic bullet or blender until smooth.  Pour into 3 muffin cups sprayed with no-stick spray and top with walnuts (and add-ins).  Bake at 350F for 15 mins.  Makes three muffins, which is one serving.  Enjoy!

Clean-Eatin' Asian-Style Soup

As some of you know, competition dieting can get pretty boring so it helps to be a bit creative in the kitchen.  Here is a new Pam-creation that is right on point for my diet, and can be adjusted to add more, less or no carbs. 

5 oz raw lean beef, such as flank steak or inside round
1 1/2 c water
One clove garlic, minced
1 tsp minced ginger
3-4 drops fish sauce
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp thai seasoning (or 1/2 tsp chinese 5-spice)
Red pepper flakes, to taste
1 green onion, cut on the bias
2-3 heads baby bok choy, coarsley chopped
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1/2 c cooked brown rice (soba or glass noodles work well, too)
Sriracha sauce to taste
Cilantro to taste

Cut beef into very thin strip.  Add to medium saucepan with water, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, red pepper flakes and thai seasoning.  Bring to boil, cover and simmer about 10 mins.  Add green onion and celery.  Simmer 3 mins.  Add bok choy and cooked rice.  Simmer two more mins.  Place in bowl and add srirachi sauce and fresh cilantro to taste.

Makes one very large serving, or two smaller ones. Enjoy!