Peanut Butter Granola

Peanut Butter Granola

When I was younger my absolute favorite cereal was Reese’s Puffs. Seriously so good. And I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had them, it’s been like 15 years, at least. I just cannot buy them. First, they are loaded with sugar, but second and more importantly, I will eat the whole box in like 1 day. I’m not even kidding.

Peanut Butter Granola

If there is anyway to incorporate peanut butter into my breakfast, I am all about it! This peanut butter granola is perfect over some vanilla yogurt or with some milk. And of course you have throw in some mini chocolate chips because peanut butter and chocolate is the best thing ever.

Oh, and as you can see from my photos, I like the big chunks of granola. You know the biggest chunks are the best ones. Don’t even try to tell me they’re not!

Peanut Butter Granola

Peanut Butter Granola

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Yield: About 8-10 servings

Serving Size: roughly 1/4 cup

Ingredients

  • 2 cups oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • optional:
  • sliced almonds
  • raisins
  • dried fruit

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, stir in the peanut butter and the honey and heat tor about 30 seconds until the peanut butter and the honey are melted. Remove from the microwave and stir together. Mix in the oats until they are all well-coated with the peanut butter and honey mixture.
  3. Spread evenly onto the baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes. If your oven tends to cook things more quickly, I recommend stirring the granola about halfway through. Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely. Once cooled, break the larger chunks into smaller bite-sized pieces. Store in an air-tight container.
http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/05/peanut-butter-granola/

Peanut Butter Granola

Cinco de Mayo Skinny Recipe Roundup

Ok guys, I told you I just had to do one more Mexican-themed post! But, it’s Cinco de Mayo this weekend, what do you expect?!

Although I love Mexican food, it will often cost you a LOT of calories. Between all of those chips, sugary margaritas, huge portions, and tons of cheese, you can consume an entire day’s worth of calories in one sitting.

I have made you a list of 10 great Cinco de Mayo recipes! And you know what the best part of this list is? These are all pretty healthy options! You can still enjoy the day with these recipes without feeling guilty the next day. And aside from the pork tacos, these are all vegetarian options! Trust me when I say that with these recipes, you will not miss all the calories!

Cinco de Mayo Skinny Recipe Roundup

(from left to right, top to bottom)
1. Easy Mexican Rice
2. Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls
3. Teedo’s Famous Salsa
4. Crazy Guacamole
5. Chili Lime Pulled Pork Tacos
6. Spicy Black Bean Enchiladas
7. Corn Salsa
8. Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing

Cinco de Mayo Skinny Recipe Roundup

9.  Skinny Raspberry Margaritas
10. Skinny Strawberry Margaritas

Teedo’s Famous Salsa

Teedo's Famous Salsa

Ok, so I’m starting to think that I am part Mexican. I just can’t stop posting Mexican recipes. I’m not sorry! Aside from maybe a Cinco de Mayo roundup, I will take a break from all the Mexican, okay? Good. Great. Wonderful.

Many of you might know Jenny from Picky Palate. If you don’t know Jenny, then you must visit her blog immediately! Jenny’s blog is amazing and has pretty much any recipe you will ever need!

Jenny wrote her first cookbook last fall. I received a copy of the book for Christmas and just had to dive right in. I basically want to make every recipe in this book! One recipe that has been on my list for some time is the Teedo’s Famous Salsa recipe. Teedo is the nickname Jenny has for her father and this salsa recipe is his specialty!

Teedo's Famous Salsa

While I am constantly making guacamole around this house, I have not yet made my own salsa, until now! I don’t know why this took me so long because it is so easy to make! One of the ingredients that really stood out to me in this recipe was the addition of avocados. Avocados in salsa! What a brilliant idea! The avocado adds a slightly creamy texture to this salsa which is just wonderful! Next time I make it, I think I will do less time in the processor. I tend to prefer chunkier salsas!

Teedo's Famous Salsa

Teedo’s Famous Salsa

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 14.5-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (you can also use petite diced tomatoes)
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 avocados, peeled, seeded, and mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, add in all of the ingredients and pulse until the salsa reaches your desired consistency.
  2. Serve or cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

This recipe has been reprinted with permission from the author, Jenny Flake Picky Palate, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/05/teedos-famous-salsa/

Teedo's Famous Salsa

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Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Why must weekends be only two days? Weekends are not long enough. Saturdays are always spent running around, grocery shopping, and then Sundays are spent cooking and taking photos. I want a day of complete laziness!

Luckily many of the recipes I make are relatively easy because well, I just don’t have the time or energy for more difficult ones. This fruit salad is ridiculously easy, but it is so good, it might just be my new favorite thing. It’s getting to be so dang hot here, I have been craving lots of cold fruit and smoothies. I just couldn’t resist buying so much of it so I could make this salad! The honey lemon dressing is light, but gives the salad the perfect touch of sweetness!

You can use whatever fruits you want for this. I used strawberries, bananas, cantaloupe, honey dew, grapes, and oranges. Pineapple or other berries would also be great! Live it up, go crazy!

Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Serves 4-6

Fruit salad tossed with honey lemon dressing - the perfect summer treat!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped fruit of your choice
  • 3 tbs. honey (or to taste; can also use agave nectar)
  • juice of one lemon (can also use the zest if desired)
  • Suggested fruits:
  • strawberries
  • bananas
  • mango
  • cantaloupe
  • honey dew
  • pineapple
  • grapes
  • oranges
  • apples

Instructions

  1. Combine all of the chopped fruit into a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice.
  3. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss to combine. Cover and chill for about 30 minutes and then serve.
http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/04/fruit-salad-with-honey-lemon-dressing/

Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Low-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits

Low-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits

And I am back from Seattle! I was there this weekend at a conference for work. I have always wanted to go to Seattle. I like the idea of cooler weather an rainier days. And that is certainly what I got when I arrived. Four days straight of nothing but cold weather and rainy days! This coupled with the fact that I am still sick and was busy with the conference, I didn’t get to do much exploring which totally stinks!

Oh, the stomach flu. It is an evil thing that just doesn’t seem to want to go away in this house. I was able to start eating solid food again while I was away in Seattle, but I had to take it slow and steady. My mind wants a huge burger to make up for barely eating for over a week, but my stomach still says that’s a not happening.

Low-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits

And now my poor husband has caught this evil little bug. Although I think I could eat more, we are back to eating nothing but chicken noodle soup and drinking 10 gallons of Gatorade a day. My husband is in the first few days of this so I knew making another pot of soup was on my to-do list after getting back home. When we are feeling well, we like to have grilled cheese with soup, but grilled cheese is still too heavy at the moment so I decided to mix up some of these simple and low-fat buttermilk biscuits to eat with our soup instead. They are easier on the tummy and are the perfect size if you don’t want to eat a lot of bread. They go perfectly with soup, but would really go well with any meal!

Low-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits

Low-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 14-16 biscuits

Serving Size: 1 biscuit

Calories per serving: 121

Fat per serving: 4.2 g

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 5 tbs. butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk*
  • 3 tbs. honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and the salt.
  3. Add the cubed butter and blend in with the flour using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture is a coarse meal.
  4. Add the buttermilk into a bowl, whisk in the honey until well-combined. Pour the milk into the flour mixture and stir until it is just combined with the flour.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough together for about 1 minute. Roll the dough out into a rectangle that is about 9x5 inches and about 3/4 of an inch thick. Fold the dough into thirds. Roll out into a rectangle again. Fold the dough into thirds once more and then roll out again into a 9x5-inch rectangle.
  6. Using a biscuit cutter that is about 1 3/4-inch round, cut the dough into circles. Alternatively, you can use a drinking glass to cut the biscuits if you do not have a biscuit cutter. Place the rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, about 1-inch apart. Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the biscuits are lightly golden.
  7. Serve with butter and/or honey.

Notes

If you can't find fat-free buttermilk at your store, just add about 1 tsp. of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular fat-free milk, stir, and let sit for about 5 minutes.

Recipe from Cooking Light

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/04/low-fat-buttermilk-biscuits/

Low-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits

Apple Snack Bites

Apple Snack Bites

Hi guys! Forgive me for kind of being MIA this week. I’ve been trying to get over a bad stomach bug. Needles to say, food hasn’t been on my mind. And now I am in Seattle for a conference so I am happy to introduce a great guest blogger, Anne, from Teach. Eat. Love.!

I met Anne while we were both living the dorm life at FSU way back in the day (or at least it seems like it was way back in the day!). Anne is a new blogger and she is super talented! Anne’s blog is all about teaching kids how to eat healthy, natural, and wholesome foods. She creates delicious recipes that your whole family can enjoy eating so please stop by her blog sometime and tell her hello! I’ll leave it up to Anne from here to tell you about these tasty little apple snack bites she has made for us today!

Hi! I’m Anne. I love coming up with fun and healthy recipes to help my daughter become a better eater. Before my family started our journey to better eating, my daughter’s snacks used to consist of appalling amounts of cheddar bunnies. We still have bunnies every once in awhile for a special treat, but now I look for more nutrient-dense foods like these apple cinnamon snack bites. They’re kind of like a Larabar, but in a kid-sized portion.These snack bites have protein, good fats, fruit-derived sugars, and best of all, they’re delicious.

Apple Snack Bites

Apple Snack Bites

Yield: 15-18 bites

Ingredients

  • 1 packed c. Mejool dates (about 20)
  • 1/2 c. packed dried unsweetened apple rings (about 10)
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 T. water
  • 1 tsp. sunflower oil
  • Optional coating:
  • 1/4 c. almond flour
  • dash of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, puree the dates, apples, and almonds.
  2. Add the cinnamon and sunflower oil.
  3. Add enough water until the mixture barely clings together. I used 2 tablespoons, but depending on the moistness of the dates you use, you may need more or less.
  4. Pour the almond flour into a bowl along with the dash of cinnamon. If you don't have almond flour, graham cracker crumbs would be a delicious substitute.
  5. Using a tablespoon, scoop out the date mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all of the mixture is used.
  6. Roll each ball into the coating.

Notes

Recipe from Teach. Eat. Love.

I'm not exactly sure how long these will keep since they're always devoured in a day or two at our house.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/04/apple-snack-bites/

Thanks for making these tasty little bites, Anne! They look fabulous!

No-Bake Energy Bites

No-Bake Energy Bites

So it turns out that when you try to take pictures of brown balls, they either look like a). meatballs or b). poo. Yes, I just said poo in a food blog. Forgive me.

No-Bake Energy Bites

But really, these are neither of those things. They are tasty little no-bake energy bites that I can’t stop eating. And the great thing about them is that they are healthy! These little bites are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. These bites will fill you up and satisfy any sugar cravings (without there actually being a ton of sugar in them). And at only 90 calories per bite, you don’t have to feel guilty about eating them! They would also be perfect for an after-school snack for your kiddos.

No-Bake Energy Bites

Since these bites are no-bake, feel free to play around with the ingredients! I just added some mini chocolate chips to mine, but you could also add raisins, dried fruits, coconut, or nuts. Oh, and did I mention that they are also gluten-free and vegan?! You can’t go wrong with these little bites, so go make a batch right now!

No-Bake Energy Bites

No-Bake Energy Bites

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: About 20 bites

Serving Size: 1 bite

Calories per serving: 90

Fat per serving: 5.3 g

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quick oats (use gluten-free oats if you want to for these to be gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar (you can also use honey or maple syrup)
  • 1 tbs. melted coconut oil
  • 1 tbs. chia seeds
  • 2 tbs. flax seed meal
  • 3 tbs. mini chocolate chips
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • Other add ins:
  • raisins
  • nuts
  • dried fruits
  • shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes.
  2. Using your hands, roll the mixture into balls. Mine were about 1-1 1/2-inch in diameter.
  3. Place the bites into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for about 1 week.
http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/04/no-bake-energy-bites/

No-Bake Energy Bites

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

You guys know me by now. I have told you time and time again that I love snack-type foods and I love anything southwestern/Mexican. So what happens when you combine the two?

Pure bliss. That’s what.

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

I guess the inspiration behind these are those Southwestern Egg Rolls from Chili’s. It’s been years since I have been in a Chili’s. I stopped going after realizing that even their salads were over 1,000 calories. But oh man, those egg rolls are so dang good.

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

This was my first time making egg rolls. I had this idea that making egg rolls was difficult. But you know what? It’s not. And now I want to make like 100 different types of egg rolls. Perhaps it is because I chose to bake them instead of frying, but these are pretty easy to put together and they are perfect to serve for a party or just a snack at home. They also freeze well if you need to do that. This recipe is vegetarian, but you could also toss in some shredded chicken if you wanted.

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 12 egg rolls

Serving Size: 1 egg roll

Calories per serving: 125

Fat per serving: 4.2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 California avocado, diced
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbs. freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely diced tomato (can also use chunky salsa if desired)
  • 1/4 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • cooking spray
  • sour cream, Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, guacamole, or avocado lime dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients though the egg roll wrappers.
  3. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
  4. Take one of the egg roll wrappers and lay flat with one corner facing you, scoop about 2 tbs. of the mixture into the center of the wrapper. Roll the corner that is facing you over the mixture and lightly tuck the corner under. Then take the two sides that are facing outwards and fold over the first fold. Then roll the egg roll until the last corner is wrapped around the rest of the egg roll. As you roll, use your fingers to keep the mixture tight in the center. Finally, place some water on your finger and brush it on the tip of the wrapper, and then press down to seal. Place the egg roll seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
  5. Spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the tops start to turn golden brown. Gently flip over and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/03/baked-southwestern-egg-rolls/

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

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Purple Monster Smoothie

Purple Monster Smoothie

There is something about winter time that just winter that makes us eat less fruits and veggies. Most fruits are consumed in the form of pie and cookies. Not totally a bad thing, but you know, not so great either.

I have been trying to eat more fruits and veggies since the holidays, but I know it’s still not enough so I have been trying to get more in though smoothies.

Purple Monster Smoothie

The first time I made a green smoothie years ago, I kind of wanted to barf. To mask out the taste of spinach, I used only an apple and maybe some pear and it just didn’t do it for me. After lots of tweaking, I came to realize that I was just not a green smoothie kind of gal.

Purple Monster Smoothie

So, what kind of gal am I? A purple monster smoothie gal (or a purplish brownish one, whatevs). I like berries in my smoothies. I’m okay with that.

Purple Monster Smoothie

Purple Monster Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 small banana, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat yogurt (regular or Greek)
  • 1 cup frozen berries (I used mixed berries)
  • 1 tbs. chia seeds (optional)
  • orange juice or water to thin the smoothie out, if needed

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with this smoothie. You can also use pineapple and/or apple if you don't want to use the banana.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/01/purple-monster-smoothie/

Purple Monster Smoothie

Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken

I’m tossing another Super Bowl dish at ya. Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. Go long.

I’m so lame.

My darling husband isn’t much for appetizer or snack-type foods. Is he crazy?!! I know a few things that he can’t resist though and one of those things is buffalo chicken. The man loves all things buffalo chicken. Last year, I made these buffalo chicken bites. This year, it’s buffalo chicken taquitos. Because my man also loves taquitos. And well, so do I.

Buffalo Chicken

Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: About 12 taquitos

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (can add more if desired)
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (colby and monterey jack cheese also works well)
  • 12 6-inch flour tortillas
  • cooking spray
  • ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sour cream (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
  2. In a bowl, stir together the cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Then mix in the chicken, garlic and onion powders, and the cheese until everything is well-combined. If it seems dry, you can add in more buffalo sauce if desired.
  3. Place the tortillas on a microwavable plate. Place a damp paper towel on top and microwave for about 20 seconds.
  4. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the middle of each tortilla. Roll it up nice and tight and place the on the baking sheet seam-side down. Spray the tops with some cooking spray.
  5. Bake for about 15 minutes. Flip over and spray with a little more of the spray. Bake for another 5 minutes or until golden brown.
http://eat-drink-love.com/2013/01/baked-buffalo-chicken-taquitos/

Buffalo Chicken