You have likely heard it a thousand times before that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You want to start your days off right by eating something good for your health. An excellent meal to have is a bowl of oatmeal. It is low in cholesterol and can help control blood sugar. You can also make it a fun meal by customizing it each day of the week. That way you do not get bored with the same thing every day. 

Bake Your Oatmeal

Muffins are a staple of breakfast, but they are often packed with sugar. If you enjoy grabbing a muffin to-go first thing in the morning, then you should try baking your oatmeal in a muffin tin first. Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Let the oatmeal muffins stay in there for between 30 and 40 minutes. You then have tasty, warm treats to perk you up in the morning. 

Sweeten Oatmeal the Right Way

People with a sweet tooth can still indulge themselves a little bit by adding a pinch of dark chocolate to oatmeal. This is the healthiest type of chocolate to eat, and you can improve it even more with a dollop of organic peanut butter. In lieu of peanut butter, you can also add a few raspberries. 

Add Some Tropical Ingredients

Send yourself to your own personal tropical getaway by incorporating some island sensibilities to your daily bowl of oatmeal. Instead of using regular milk to make your food, use coconut milk instead. It is a much healthier alternative. You can also throw in some mango, pineapple and shredded coconut. 

Have Oatmeal for Lunch

Oatmeal is not limited to breakfast. You can also use it as a healthy base for your lunches and dinners as well. It basically serves the same function as quinoa or rice. You can use oatmeal as a base and put sauces or sautéed vegetables on top for simple meals on the go. 

Throw in Some Bananas and Spices

A classic combination is to add banana slices to your oatmeal for some extra vitamins. Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavor profile that cannot be beat. Some toasted almonds can complete the dish. 

Taking care of your body is worthwhile, but you should also make sure you have a comprehensive health insurance policy just in case. If you need insurance, then get in touch with Sackett & Associates Insurance Services. Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our blog to stay updated. ​

Every year we get a wealth of new information telling us the best ways to stay healthy for the long run. While the team at Sackett & Associates Insurance Services are here to help in emergencies with individual health insurance and group employee benefits, we like to help our clients and neighbors enjoy great living every day. We were surprised to learn that the old pantry stand-by of plain white flour is not quite so wholesome as we thought. In fact, we might be choosing all-purpose white flour instead of some options that offer a range of benefits with all of the same great taste.

Making Flour Perfectly White

The beautiful white flour typically used in baking is actually the result of a very long process that strips the wheat grain of its inherent nutrients. Wheat has fiber, protein, and other nutrients but these are almost entirely removed through intensive milling and bleaching. After the bran and other structures have been removed, all that remains is a starch that is quickly converted into sugar inside the body. The result is a spike in blood sugar, which can lead to excessive insulin production and weight gain. Even cardiovascular problems such as artery hardening have been connected to the effects produced by plain white flour.

What Alternatives Are There?

Luckily, as people have become more and more aware of white flour’s unhealthy properties, a wide variety of alternatives have appeared on store shelves. It is now possible to find many different flour varieties at your favorite neighborhood grocer instead of just at distant specialty stores. Next time you are at the supermarket, watch for some of these:

• Coconut flour – A low-carb flour rich in fiber and naturally gluten-free that can be used in muffins, biscuits, pancakes, or as the coating for pork chops and fish.
• Oat flour – A low-fat flour with lots of fiber; add to your favorite bread, pancake, or muffin recipes. If you cannot find oat flour at the store, make your own by blending uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder.
• Whole wheat flour – The color of white flour is part of what has made it so appealing, but now you can get attractive baked goods with the nutritional properties of whole wheat – just look for white whole wheat flour.
• Chickpea – This high-fiber, protein-rich flour is a natural fit for savory baked goods like crackers and bread; it is also gluten-free.

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There are many other great alternatives to traditional white flour that you can try in your cooking. A quick internet search will give you a wealth of recipes that taste great and require no more work than the preparations you are used to. For more information on health insurance coverage, please call us at 707-823-3689.​

here are few things that scream the holidays quite like pumpkin pie. There is nothing quite as warm and comforting as the feeling you get when you see your family close their eyes, breathe deeply and take in the delicious aroma of a pie fresh from the oven and bubbling with pumpkin-y goodness. 

If you can’t bake a cake, let alone a pie, don’t fret! There are pumpkin pie recipes galore, and many are perfect for first-timers and pastry chefs in training alike. 

This simple pumpkin pie recipe is ideal for old pros and those just getting their oven mitts out who may be a little greener around the ears than they’d like to admit. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it is the perfect time to put on your turkey-emblazoned apron, grab your whisk and get down to business. But don’t worry. With this recipe, no one will ever suspect you don’t have years of baking under your belt.

Prep Time: 10 min 
Cook Time: 50 min

Ingredients

• 2 Eggs
• 1 (16 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Combine all ingredients except the unbaked pie crust in a large bowl and mix well until ingredients are combined.
3. Transfer uncooked pie crust to a 9-inch pie dish and pour the pumpkin mixture into the crust.
4. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake until filling is set and the pie does not jiggle, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Fun for the Whole Family
The best part about this simple recipe is that it can be used for people of all ages. It is a fantastic recipe to bring together the old and young in the spirit of the holiday season. Gather around the kitchen, bake a delicious pie and build positive memories that you and your family can remember for years to come. 

Be Smart This Holiday Season
Celebrate this Thanksgiving by eating your favorite foods, like pumpkin pie, but don’t go too overboard. Maintaining a healthy diet is important for maintaining your overall health. Our professionals at Sackett & Associates Insurance Services are happy to help you find health insurance for a healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more from one of our agents. ​

Summer in Sonoma County means longer days, hours having fun outdoors and plenty of barbecues. You should be able to have fun with your family and friends even if you’re in charge of the grill. This delicious, sticky barbecue rib recipe is easy enough to let you do just that.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 8 racks of baby back pork ribs or 4 racks of St. Louis-style spareribs
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
• Low-sodium chicken broth (optional)
• 1 ½ cups of your favorite barbecue sauce

Get To Work

1. Preheat your oven to 300°.
2. Use a small bowl to combine your salt, mustard, paprika and cayenne and black pepper.
3. Place each rack of ribs on double-layered foil and sprinkle the rub on each one.
4. Wrap each rack and split them between two baking sheets.
5. Bake until tender, but not so long that they fall apart. This will be about two hours for baby backs or three hours for spareribs.
6. Unwrap the ribs and pour the juices into a heatproof 4-cup measuring cup. Set aside until ribs are completely cool.
7. Once cool, start a medium-hot fire if you use a charcoal grill. Use high heat on a gas grill. 
8. Add the chicken broth or water to the juices until you have 1 ½ cups. Whisk in more barbecue sauce.
9. Grill the ribs, turning and basting them frequently for 7-10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
10. Separate the ribs and serve them with even more barbecue sauce.

Things to Keep in Mind
Summer is the best time to try great grilling recipes, but always practice safety when using a grill. Remember accidents can occur no matter how safe you are. It’s important for your family to have the proper health and life insurance should something unfortunate happen. A safe and secure summer will make for a happy one. Contact Sackett Insurance in Sonoma County or follow us on social media to learn more about insuring your family.

Memorial Day is the perfect time to spend quality time with your loved ones. If you are planning for a backyard BBQ, finding a healthy recipe will help everyone feel great throughout the entire holiday weekend. Try this delicious chicken, charred tomato and broccoli salad that is sure to be a hit at your get together.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed.
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ pounds medium tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons plus 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ cup lemon juice

Directions:

1. Put the chicken in a skillet or saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer the chicken gently until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is no longer pink in the middle, or for 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and shred with two forks. 
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli and cook until tender, for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the broccoli in cold water until cool.
3. Core the tomatoes and cut in half crosswise. Gently squeeze out the seeds and throw away. Set the tomatoes cut side down on paper towels and drain for about 5 minutes. 
4. Put a large, heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and place cut side down in the pan. Cook until charred and beginning to soften, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Brush the tops lightly with another teaspoon of olive oil, turn and cook until the skin is charred, 1 to 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
5. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in the same pan over medium heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and chili powder, and cook, stirring constantly for about 45 seconds. Slowly pour in the lemon juice, and then remove from the heat. Stir to scrape up any browned bits.
6. Coarsely chop the tomatoes and combine in a large bowl with the chicken, broccoli, and pan dressing. Toss to coat, and enjoy!

All of us at Sackett & Associates Insurance Services in Sonoma County, California would like to encourage you to try this delicious recipe this holiday!