You guys.

I am having a major food-related crisis!

If you have been reading the ol’ blog for a while, you probably know these things about me:

A) I enjoy healthy foods and attempt to live a healthy lifestyle.

B) I enjoy baking and creating desserts that are often FULL. OF. SUGAR.

I have discovered in the last day or two that I have convinced myself that I eat healthily, but I actually consume a lot of sugar in my daily diet. I don’t eat a lot of processed food (I make most of our treats from scratch), but that alone doesn’t mean I’m a picture of health. I have made a lot of changes in the way we eat over the past few years, but I haven’t been able to let go of sugar.

OF COURSE, sugar is bad for you. I am on-board with this, aren’t we all? We know the terrible stuff that happens when you eat tons of sugar. I thought since I don’t drink soda and don’t eat Twinkies that I was in the clear, but in fact, I’m probably a sugar-crazy-zombie, too.

So, I haven’t officially quit sugar (ahhh!!) but I am thinking about it and doing my research, and trying to get my head around the idea of not baking cakes whenever I want. The past day or two, I’ve been making the conscious effort to avoid processed sugar and I do feel a difference. My self-control needs some work, though- maybe this is God’s way of working on me in that area.

You guys, I just love treats. I’m going to have to find a way to work treats into this whole low-sugar idea, because I think we’re meant to enjoy sweet things.. at least sometimes. Why else would God have given us such amazing treats like fruit and honey? I still have to get my head around it, so while I do, let’s focus on something sugarless, but still sweet in their own way..

Caprese salad skewers.

Easy, easy, easy. And healthy, too. (I think, but what do I know?)

These little guys are make-ahead, party-ready, easy-to-snack-on-while-having-a-long-conversation kind of food. Just put the stuff on a stick. It’s not rocket science. People love things at least 2-3 times more when it comes on a stick, trust me.

Anyone out there have any wisdom about the sugar thing? I am planning on reading Nourishing Traditions this weekend- I’ll be sure to report back. If I go forward with this nonsense, will you guys still read the blog? You won’t leave me if I stop making baking giant cakes, will you?

I hope you’ll stay- you’re my faves.

Happy May, ladies and gents!

I want to start of the month with a little giveaway for you.. how does that sound?

The lovely folks at Cooking Light have come out with a new cookbook called Way To Cook.  This cookbook isn’t just your typical pretty food photography and written recipes.  The book takes you through various food categories and explains basic techniques through pictures.  And I have two to give away to you guys!

If you’re a fan of Cooking Light Magazine and their visual technique explanations, you will love this cookbook.  Each section explains a technique and then shows a few recipe examples.  It’s all about learning and growing as a cook.  How cool is that?  It’s so accessible.  It actually reminds me of food blogging in a way- it’s like a collection of great tutorials.

I wanted to make a recipe from the book and I picked this fresh crab salad from the “way to assemble” section. If you click the picture below, you can see all of the extra nuggets of information you get in addition to the written recipe.  I love that!  This recipe is perfect for summer lunches, get-togethers and picnics.  You can also use it for Cinco de Mayo this week, but I would change a few flavors- substitute cilantro for basil and lime juice for lemon juice- quick and easy.

The only thing I didn’t like about making this recipe was the price of crab!  I guess I don’t buy crab very often.. but it is expensive!  I cut down the amount of crab in the recipe by half and it still seemed like plenty to me.  I served it over greens, but you could serve alongside a grilled sandwich or with some cool summer soup.

Looks good, right?

Would you love to win the cookbook for your shelf? (Giveaway is closed.)