Since summer is winding down, I thought I'd share some information on how to freeze all those wonderful summer fruits and veggies so you can enjoy a bit of summer when the weather gets cold.

Strawberries - Freeze hulled, unwashed berries in a single layer on a tray, then seal in freezer bags

Melons - Peel melon, slice in half and discard seeds. Cut into cubes and seal in freezer bags

Blueberries and Raspberries - Freeze unwashed berries on a tray then put into freezer bags

Snap peas & Green Beans - Blanch in boiling water until tender-crisp (1-2 mins) then drain and cool in ice bath. Drain well then put into freezer bags

Corn - Blanch whole cobs until tender (4-6 mins), then drain and cool in ice bath. Drain well, then slice off kernels. Seal in plastic bags.

Here's a tasty and healthy pancake recipe. I found it in Clean Eating magazine. http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/minisite/ce_index.htm They are a bit of a different texture than your standard pancake. More dense and definitely more filling. My VERY picky 3 year old son wolfed down three of these today. Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Pancakes

1 1/2 c. organic oats (flakes)

 1 1/4 c. skim milk

1 large egg

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1 c. whole wheat baking flour

1 tsp. low sodium baking powder

1/4 c blueberries (optional)

In a medium bowl, mix oats with milk; let stand 5 mins. Add egg and oil and mix. Add dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Mix in blueberries if using. Cook on hot nonstick skillet until golden brown. Flip and cook until other side is golden.  Makes 8 pancakes.

Serving size: 2 pancakes. Calories: 272 , total fat: 7 g., protein: 11 g.

For those of you living in the Northern Virginia area, check this out! http://www.farmbuyersclub.com/

This is essentailly a direct to consumer buying club which provides local, organic items to consumers from local farmers. Products available include grass fed beef and lamb, organic blackberries, homemade salsas, even all natural dog treats.

Giving up alcohol works! I lost 3 lbs. last week by simply cutting out drinking during the week. I drink in moderation, only one drink a day usually. But doing just this small thing made a huge difference! Instead, I'm drinking tonic water with lime, just to make me feel like I'm drinking an "adult" beverage. Also, alcohol slows your metabolism, so that's just further incentive to give it up. If you're having trouble losing those last few lbs. try going alcohol free for awhile.