Chocolate Covered Trailmix Bites

A SUPER HEART HEALTHY SNACK

A wonderful recipe adapted from the Whole Foods recipe website

                       Great Snack Option For Packing Along On Long Saturday Morning Hikes

 

 

Chocolate Covered Trailmix Bites

Ingredients:

1 Cup Nuts of Choice
1 Cup Dried Berries
Optional add ins:
      1/4 Cup Shredded Coconut
      1/4 Cup Seeds
      1/2 Pretzels
    or buy a prepackaged (1lb) Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Assortment--try and find berries in the mix
1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips- Try Giradelle 62% Cacoa

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchement paper and set to side

Combine all your ingredients excluding Chocolate Chips in a large bowl and mix well.

Gently melt the chocolate in a sauce pan on medium to low heat about 2 minutes.

Stir in all but 1/4 cup of trailmix

Spoon out balls onto the baking sheet

Sprinkle remaining trailmix on top and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes

Pack these delicious babies along with you on your next outdoor adventure.

Fresh and Free Orange Julius

One of my favorite desserts my mom would make my sister and I when we were younger was her famous Orange Julius's. They were creamy and scrumptious! She would use creamy vanilla ice cream and can of frozen orange juice! Put a little whipped cream on the top, throw in a little love, and it was an amazing treat!!!

But now that I am health conscience and food seems to stick to my thighs and belly a little more than when I was younger, I opt to skip the Orange Julius frozen treats. TOTAL BUMMER! But by combining some fresh ingredients I can still get that same great flavor an Orange Julius brings to the table.




FRESH AND FREE ORANGE JULIUS

Ingredients:

1 Medium Seedless Orange- Peeled
1 Frozen Banana - Peeled
1 Cup Dairy Free Vanilla Milk- Soy or Almond
          Or Plain Dairy Free Milk with 1 TBLS Vanilla Extract
Zest from the Orange
1 Packet Stevia
Optional: 1 Scoop Protein Powder Mix
Optional: 1/2 Cup Ice for more of an icey frozen drink


Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender or high powered drink mixer and combine until smooth and creamy

Pour into a cup and consume!!

Chocolate Cookie Dough Balls

I love raw cookie dough. I would rather eat it raw than baked into a cookie. I know that probably seems really weird. But if you are like me, than this cookie dough recipe will be sure to satisfy.

Chocked full of protein, these cookie dough balls are a great snack option. 

I love how they satisfy my sweet tooth and provide me with great nutrients. 

Chocolate Cookie Dough Balls

Serving Size: 6 Cookie Dough Balls


Ingredients:


1 Tbls Pumpkin Puree
1 Tbls Almond Butter
1 packet Stevia or other sweetener or 1 tsp Maple Syrup if you don't like alternative sweeteners
1 Tbls Cocoa Powder/or Carob Powder
1 Scoop Protein Powder
1 Tbls Water
Optional add ins: 1 Tbls Nuts; Chocolates Chips; Raisins; Shredded Coconut

Directions:

Combine Pumpkin Puree, Almond Butter, and Sweetener until well blended

In a separate bowl mix Cocoa Powder and Protein Powder and then stir into the pumpkin/almond butter

Add the water and stir vigerously

The dough should not be sticky. If your dough is a bit sticky sprinkle a little more protein powder to the mix.
Roll into 6 balls
Place in freezer for about 30 minutes

Pack these along with your gym bag because they make for a great after workout snack.

Filled with LOVE-Cheese Cake Filled Strawberries

Cheese Cake Filled Strawberries

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup All Natural Light Cream Cheese
1 Package Strawberries- Tops cut off and pitted
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1 packet of Stevia
Dash of Cinnamon-Optional
Optional Toppings:
         Graham Cracker Crumbs
         Drizzled Dark Chocolate


Directions:

In a mixing bowl whisk Cream Cheese, Vanilla, Lemon Juice, and Cinnamon

Spoon mixture into pitted strawberries

An optional garnishment:
          Top the strawberries with graham cracker crumbs and drizzle with melted dark chocolate chips

Yogurt Cheese with Berry Compote

This isn't a quick recipe, but I do feel that it is very easy recipe to make. When I made this there was a little sense of gratification knowing that I just made homemade cheese.

I love the berry compote that tops this cheese because it is only fruit.....No Sugar!

The list of possibilities is unlimited for using this compote. Other than topping on the yogurt cheese, this compote can also be used on top of pancakes, waffles, toast, rice cakes, or oatmeal. Get creative and start topping.

Berry Yogurt Cheese Cake

CHEESE

Ingredients:

10-16 oz Plain Greek Cheese
Vanilla Extract
Lemon Juice
1 Tbls Honey
4 Drops of Stevia or 2 packets

Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Follow the instructions from the provide link on how to make the Yogurt Cheese

http://yummylovescompany.blogspot.com/2011/12/yogurt-cheese.html



COMPOTE

Ingredients:

10 oz Frozen Mixed Berries
2-3 Tbls Water
1 Tbls Vanilla Extract
1 Tbls Corn Starch or Tapioca Starch

In a small covered sauce pan heat the mixed berries and water on low heat for about 10 minutes. The berries will begin to cook down.
When the berries have started to cook down become slighlty soupy you will slowly sprinkle and stir in the Corn Starch or Tapioca Starch. Continuously stir till it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Place the Compote in a container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
In the mean time spread your yogurt cheese to a dish.
After the Compote is chilled, spread over the cheese.

Enjoy with Graham Crackers or Fruit

Happy Spreading!
~K

Nut'n but LOVE Baby...Grilled Strawberry and Nutella

We've got nothing but love for you in this sandwich. It's warm, it's chocolate-ly, and it has strawberries. It has my attention!

Nut'n But LOVE Sandwich

Ingredients:

2 Slices of Whole Grain Bread

1 Tbls of Nutella or Chocolate Peanut Butter

3 Fresh Strawberries sliced in thin slices

1/2 tsp of butter

*To make this a vegan option use Chocolate Peanut Butter and Vegan Butter

Directions:

Butter one slice of bread and spread Nutella on the other side

Lay one slice of bread butter side down on a medium heat skillet and lay strawberries out.

Lay the second slice of bread Nutella side down and grill to your liking.

Enjoy! ~ K      

LOVABLE Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's that time of year for decadent dessert recipes to start popping up all over blogs. And you bet we are one of them. I LOVE chocolate, so I am stoked to start whipping up some red and white recipes dipped with chocolate!!
And nothing says LOVE like chocolate chip cookies, especially ones that you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying.

My cookies are flour-less and the only added sugar is from the monster chocolate chips I used.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
About 16 Servings

Ingredients:

1 Cup Rolled Oats
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/8 tsp Salt
1 Large Banana- Mashed
1 Tbls Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips---Or 1/2 Cup if you want really chocolatey cookies


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

In a food processor grind the oats to a fine meal.
Add in Baking Soda and Salt and give a quick pulse.

In a separate bowl mash the banana until all the clumps are out.
Stir in apple sauce and vanilla extract
Combine the dry and wet ingredients. You will need to stir well to coat all the dry ingredients.
Lastly, add your chocolate chips.

Using a Measuring Tablespoon begin to spoon ball shapes onto a baking sheet.
You should get about 16 cookies.

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes and then allow the cookies to completely cool.
They will firm up as they start to cool off.

                                     

                                            We made these cookies at our Yummy Party and they were the first to go.

Decadent Banana

This is the Perfect Energy Snack. All the ingredients provide fuel for your body. So whether you've just got done with a great work out or are needing an afternoon pick me up, this snack will get you replenished.
This snack has three ingredients and all three roar FUEL- ENERGY- POWER!

Decadent Banana

Ingredients:
1 Unpeeled Slightly Browned Banana
1 Tbls Raisins or Chopped Dates
1 Tbls Chopped Nuts-your choice

Prepare:

1. Bake
Slice banana down the center but only cut half way through banana
Carefully pry open the banana and push raisins in the center
Close the banana and place on a baking sheet
Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 Degrees
Let the banana cool for a couple of minutes
Peel back and top with nuts.

2. Grill
Slice banana down the center but only cut half way through banana
Carefully pry open the banana and push raisins in the center
Wrap the banana in aluminum foil
Place on grill at medium to high heat for about 5 minutes
Let the banana cool for a couple of minutes
Peel back and top with nuts.


Additional toppers:

Sprinkle Toasted Carob, Cocoa, Cacao, or Dark Chocolate Chips on top
Add a dollop of Greek Yogurt or Peanut Butter
Sunflower, Pumpkin Seeds, or Granola for some crunch


Happy Snacking!
~K

Jalapeño Cauliflower Poppers

Another great cauliflower recipe!

If you like jalapeno's then this a must try for you.

I am very excited about this recipe because I finally got my boss to eat something I brought for lunch and he fell in love with it and demanded the recipe!

I also served this recipe at our Winter Tasting Party and it was one of the top favorites!


Jalapeño Cauliflower Poppers


Ingredients:

1 Head Cauliflower
2 TBLS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Whole Jalapeno's
3 Tbls Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast
2 Tbls Water
Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 Degrees

1. Core Cauliflower and cut into small florets and place in a large bowl.

2. In a food processor add Jalapeño's, Olive Oil, 2 Tbls of Parmesan Cheese/Nutritional Yeast, Water, Salt, and Pepper. Blend to a smooth consistency.

3. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and toss to evenly coat.

4. Lay out on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes-
Shake the baking sheet or carefully stir the florettes and roast for an additional 12 minutes

5. Sprinkle with remaining cheese
Let the cauliflower cool a minute before placing in a dish so it will not get mushy

This recipe is a great snack paired with a bean dip.

~K

Mud Pie Dip

Another Peanut Butter Recipe! What can I say... I love peanut butter! And given the fact that it is so good for you.....why not?

Mud Pie Dip

2 1/2 Tbls Peanut Butter
8 oz Plain Non Fat Greek Yogurt
1/2 Tbls Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
1/2 Tbls Maple Syrup or 1 Packet of Stevia
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

2nd Option: Use Chocolate Peanut Butter and omit the and Cocoa Powder. Add 1/4 tsp of maple syrup

Mix all the ingredients together and serve with fresh fruit like banana's or strawberries!

Buffalo Chick.....P

This is a creative way for Veggie lovers to not be left out on Game Day! But you don't have to be a Vegetarian or Vegan to miss out on this tasty snack.

Buffalo Chick-P

Ingredients

1 Can Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Rinsed and Dried
2 TBLS Franks Hotwing Sauce
Pinch Cayenne
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 Degrees

Toss chickpeas and Hotwing Sauce in a bowl. Add Caynne and Black Pepper.

Spread beans on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes pull out the baking sheet and while using a spatula mix up the chickpeas so you can roast the other side.
Roast for an additional 15 minutes.

Enjoy!
~K

Rice Pudding

Oh my, this recipe says fall all over it! It also reminds me of my childhood when my mom would make rice pudding and she would always say as she was pulling it out of the oven, "this reminds me of my childhood when your grandma would make this"! I wonder if my grandma would say that to her while she was pulling her pudding out of the oven. So Grandma and Mom this recipe is for you!

I love that the recipe develops it's sweetness from the apples and raisins, therefore making the recipe SUGAR FREE! The recipe is also dairy-free as well, making it the perfect Vegan Rice Pudding.

Ingredients:

2 Cups non-dairy milk--I used Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 Cup uncooked Short Grain Brown Rice
3 1/2 Cups of water for cooking rice
1/4 Cup Pecans
1/2 Cup Raisins
1/2 Cup Ground Flaxseed
1 TBLS Vanilla Extract
1.5 TBLS Cinnamon
1 tsp Cardamom-Optional
2 Apples-use your favorite apple- I used Honey Crisp

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees
Cook Rice in 3 1/2 cups of boiling water till water is absorbed and rice is soft

While the rice is cooking peel and cut apples into slices-place in a food processor and chop to small pieces-Be careful not to puree

Place chopped apples and remaining ingredients in a large bowl.

When the rice is done cooking add to the bowl and mix well.
Pour into a sprayed 9x9 baking dish, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and then cover.

Bake for 1 hour.

Let Pudding cool for 10 minutes and serve
Pour cold milk over warm pudding and envelope yourself in a long time traditional fall treat! This makes for a great breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Sweet Oatmeal Bake

So yummy. So easy. So few ingredients!

For my birthday I wanted to make myself something that was sweet, but had a healthy benefit for me as well. I think I hit this one right on the nose. My recipe has four main ingredients. All of the ingredients are beneficial to a good health.

Oats- high in fiber, therefore filling your belly

Banana's- high in potassium and good on your digestive system

Carrots- lower your risk of cancer, great for your eyes of course, lower your risk of heart desease, and they help nourish your skin

Dates- provides you with energy, a great fiber source, iron source, rich in vitamins: calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium


Ingredients:

4 Cups of Oatmeal
6 Banana's
2 Carrots Shredded
1 Cup of pitted Dates
1.5 TBLS Cinnamon
1 TBLS Vanilla Extract

Directions:

In a large bowl mash banana's.

Stir in Vanilla and Cinnamon

Add oats and stir to combine

Add shredded carrots and stir to combine

Place ingredients in a 8x8 baking dish

Bake 300 degrees for 40 minutes

In a saucepan add dates and .5 cup of water and cook down on low heat for 30 minutes.

Place dates in a food processor and blend till creamy.

Place the date mixture over the top of cooled oatmeal. Cut into equal squares.

Enjoy as a nice healthy snack or dessert!

~K

a healthy cookie?

Is that possible? Why Yes!!!
These little babies are the perfect snack to satisfy a sweet tooth and give you an energy pick me up without the sugar crash and craving for more sweets!
I love recreating a recipe without sugar. If I think a recipe needs a little more sweetness I will use either stevia, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, or honey. Otherwise you won't find the white stuff in my kitchen.

You've heard this before that sugar is evil. And it's true. It causes your blood sugar to spike and you begin to crave more! It messes with your digestive system, makes you feel lethargic, makes you not fit in those skinny jeans, and the list goes on! It's not your bestfriend no matter how much it tells you it loves you and can't live without you!

In my recipe I use banana's and dates which are naturally sweet and will also give you energy.
I love this because it is a 4-5 ingredient recipe. Could you ask for anything better?! Just keep in mind this cookie isn't going to be your grandmothers mouthwatering oatmeal raisin cookie here. But it gets the job done when you want something sweet.

Banana and Date Cookies

Ingredients:

3 Banana's
12 fresh dates* (if you can't find fresh dates soak your packaged dates for about an hour or longer till they soften)
1 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats-Old Fashioned + 1/4 cup separated
1 TSP Vanilla
Optional--1 TBLS Cocao/Cocoa/ or Carob powder

*Fresh Dates--Medjool Dates are fabulous! I get mine at Whole Foods Market in the bulk section thanks to a tip from my sister. They are so fresh and soft. The packaged dates work just as well, but they aren't as lushious as the fresh dates. Ok, so I think they are pretty amazing!  And they are perfect by themselves for a treat. I think that their flavor resembles caramel a little bit. Can I just say I LOVE MEDJOOL DATES! So with that said...there will be more medjool date recipes in the near future.

Prepare:

Preheat oven 300 Degrees

Mash your banana's in a medium bowl.

Place your dates in a food processor and blend till it has a paste consistancy

Combine banana's, dates, oats, and cocoa(if using)

On a baking sheet...spread out 1/4 cup of oats on baking sheet to prevent sticking

Spoon out 2" balls on the baking sheet. With a fork gently flatten the cookies.

Cook for 30 minutes

Healthy Power Snack



It's like a granola bar you eat with a spoon!

Ingredients:

2 TBLS Pistachios or any other nut you prefer
2 TBLS Walnuts or any other nut you prefer
2 TBLS Sunflower Seeds
2 TBLS Pumpkin Seeds
1 TBLS Flax Seeds
1 TSP Cinnamon
Pinch of Nutmeg
1 TSP Vanilla
3 TBLS Honey or 2 TBLS Honey and 1 TBLS Brown Rice Syrup
1/2 Cup Oats

Prepare:

Combine first five ingredients in a bowl to mix. Stir in Honey and/or the brown rice syrup. Lastly, stir in the oats and combine well.


Enjoy a healthy power packed snack!

~K

Note: My picture doesn't have the oatmeal mixed in yet. That was later added and my husband said it needed to have a home in the recipe!

The Perfect Pancake

The Perfect Pancake PB Sandwich...also perfect for my lil' pirate

I absolutely love these pancakes! Not only does my picky eater son love them as well, but they are loaded with nutritious ingredients that will get your day off to a great start.
You are getting your omega-3 fatty acids from the flax seed, calcium from your almond milk, protein from the peanut butter, and antioxidants from the blueberries. And if you choose to use the bee pollen you are adding an amazing superfood which supplies your essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Now that is a perfect pancake! I make a batch at the beginning of the week and then freeze them. Then in the morning I pull one out and either make a peanut butter pancake sandwich or drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.
Enjoy! K

Ingredients:
1 cup Organic Buttermilk Pancake Mix
2 heaping Tbls Ground Flax Seed
1 Tbls Bee Pollen--optional--Note: Don't use the Bee Pollen if you have pollen allergies. And start in low dosed and work your way into it. And don't use if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
1.5 cup Almond/Soy Milk
1 Tbls Vanilla
1 Tbls Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Blueberries--frozen or fresh


Prepare:
Combine pancake mix, flax seed, and bee pollen in a medium bowl.
Add milk, vanilla, & peanut butter to mixture and stir
Fold in blueberries

Heat griddle on medium high
Makes 8 pancakes

Hummus Toast

This is very quick and easy lunch recipe. I like to pair it with a kale salad topped with my favorite vegan spinach pesto.

Ingredients:
2 Slices of Whole Grain Bread
2 TBLS of Hummus
2 Tomato Slices
1/2 Avocado sliced
4 thin slices of Cucumbers
Balsamic Vinegar for drizzling


Prepare:
Toast Bread
Top Toast with Hummus, Tomato, Avocado, and Cucumber
Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar
ENJOY!