Pretzel Snack Recipe

I have a new show obsession, THE KITCHEN on the Food Network. I love the cast, the recipes, the vibe of the set, the DIY stuff, etc. Cooking shows aren't something I normally watch, but I DVR this one it's THAT good. The cast is funny, clever and smart. The recipes are all delicious with healthy options and products that are a little out of the ordinary which is cool. The DIY projects are usually always recycling something and having a new use for it which I absolutely LOVE. I have made DIY cleaner made from fruit that I use for our kitchen counters and just this last episode they did some very interesting things with old cans that I have to try.

 

Also on the most recent episode they made two versions of pretzels snacks, one sweet and one savory. After seeing how good they looked I had to try them so I whipped them up quickly yesterday.

 

The jar on the left is chocolate syrup (I use the 5 simple ingredients one made by Hershey's since it doesn't have all the additives in it and preservatives) and blended unsalted peanuts. I realized after blending I could've just used my PB2 and the other option is instead of blending to just smash some up so it's more chunky. You simply coat the the pretzels with the syrup and then coat that with the nuts.

 

The jar on the right is a balsamic glaze coating the pretzels with parmesan cheese, italian spices and garlic powder.

 

Both are really good! Next time I think I would coat them both more and add more toppings.

 



Product of the Week

These are like a treat, but healthy! I really was surprised how much I liked them because they are "crunchy" and not chewy which I usually prefer. But they aren't really that hard compared to other granola bars I have had that aren't chewy.

The serving size is two bar for only 180 calories, 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.

Perfect snack or an addition to a breakfast or lunch. It is a good option for someone craving chocolate too!

Check them out!

Product of the Week

 

 

Hey everyone!  My beachbody friends on Facebook always talk about different extracts to add to their Shakeology like coconut, mint, almond, carmel.  Some of these are hard to find, but the Watkins line of extracts can be found at most Walmarts.  It is also sold on Amazon but it's about double the cost then Walmart which is about $3.00.  This is found in the baking aisle. Check it out when you are out and about next time.

 

I first added some to my coffee and loved it, now I also add it to my latte Shakeology. It would be a great addition to some homemade cookies instead of using vanilla too. I also heard the mint extract is great in chocolate shakes. I want to get the coconut one in the summer for that tropical feel to my drink.

 

Try it and enjoy!



Success!

 

Well, day 2 of the group I have completed what I needed. I feel even more motivated now. Yesterday's workout was AWESOME. Country Heat is better than I thought it would be and a true workout. I sweat just as much as I do with any other workouts. I felt like I really accomplished something and felt good about that and myself. Parker joined in a little here and there, he loved the music and had to put his cowboy boots on for it. Too cute!

 

This program I prefer over Cize which is surprising to me because my dream for many years growing up was to be a hip hop dancer so you would think Cize would be my absolute favorite. Cize is very fun, but it's 15 minutes longer than Country Heat and that 15 minutes is a long time with you have a toddler hanging on your leg or wanting something or bored or thirsty, etc. Cize also repeats a lot throughout the workout. When a new move is introduced, you practice it and then you have to start the routine over and put it all together and this continues to the end with the last move. Country Heat has about 20 or so different moves just like Cize but once you do one or two, you move onto other moves and don't have to repeat the previous ones. I am new to country music, my son likes it. Usually I would say I would prefer hip hop, but that has now changed. Country music really is so fun! The music really kept me interested and excited. Country Heat is something I could see myself doing daily so it was well worth the purchase. Can't wait to do a different routine after work!

 

After a CRAZY day at work, a hardcore workout, making a healthy dinner for the family, prepping my sons lunch for the next day, hanging a stuffed animal hammock and other stuff around the house...

 

I DESERVED THIS! :)

 

Simple, quick and delicious!

 

apple slices

vanilla almond butter

mini chocolate chips

 

 

So good! This or something similar to it will become one of my new favorite snacks.

 



Pancake Muffins

I posted a picture of the pancake muffins I made on the Passion N Beauty Facebook page and someone wanted the recipe so I thought I would share.

The recipe calls for:

pancake mix (I used Kodiak Cakes which is an all natural brand that has different kinds. This one was whole wheat, oat and honey)

water, amount as directed on pancake mix 

1 egg

vanilla

cinnamon

mini dark chocolate chips (optional)

-- Mix all the ingredients and bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Simple! Delicious! And most importantly for me toddler approved! :) This is perfect for moms on the go, quick to make and great to have a snack on the go. 

Good vibes,

Jenn

Energy Bites!

Super easy recipe!

- 2 cups oats

- 1/4 cup honey

- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter

- 2 ripes bananas

- mini dark chocolate chips 

- cinnamon

I just winged it with the chocolate chips and cinnamon, amount wise. 

Mix all together, roll into balls and refrigerate for 2 hours. Although I tasted it right out of the bowl and it was amazing!

Frozen Greek Yogurt

Three things!

1.) I LOVE ice cream. It's one food I could eat daily if it wasn't a million calories in each pint.

2.) I HATE wasting food. It's like throwing money in the garbage. And I am a penny pincher! 

3.) It's getting warmer out!!! 

Those three things inspired THIS:

Last night my son had a greek yogurt with his dinner. He liked it but ate all his pasta first so he was full and didn't finish the yogurt. I didn't want to throw out the rest and covering it with foil is pointless because it usually just ends up in the trash anyways. I've wanted to freeze greek yogurt for awhile now to enjoy like I would ice cream so what better time. 

I put the rest in two cupcake liners, topped with some dark chocolate chips because my "ice cream" flavors always need some sort of chocolate in them and put them in a baggie in the freezer. 

When we got home from school/work I took them out and they looked great! The liners came off fine and they smelled amazing, I used coconut yogurt. I let them sit in a bowl for a little so they weren't as hard. 

Perfect snack for me and my son. They are toddler approved! Can't wait to make different kinds as the weather gets warmer and warmer. My new ice cream substitute! Yum. 

I think I will get small containers for the freezer and make this in bigger batches. :)

Why do we only eat pumpkin in the fall?

I get why pumpkin is huge in the fall, makes sense. But when baking canned pumpkin is usually always used and that may not be in your front display now but it's still sold in the baking aisle.

I LOVE pumpkin and decided I couldn't wait until fall. I found this recipe and it sure was a delicious breakfast. 

The recipe calls for:

1 cup pumpkin purée

2 1/4 cup oatmeal or steal cut oats***

2 eggs

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

4 tbsp coconut butter

1/2 cups + 2 tbs organic maple syrup

1 tbsp pure vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 

-- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-- Line or spray the muffin pan with baking oil. 

-- Mix all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor or blender.

-- Fold in the chocolate chips or use them to top each muffin.

-- Fill the muffin tin 3/4 of the way.

-- Bake in the oven for 22-24 minutes and let cool.

*** So I didn't use oatmeal because the recipe I found said "rolled oats" which I now know just means oatmeal. Instead I bought steel cut oats which I've never had before but knew they were very healthy for you. Because of this I'm sure my muffins are a different texture then the recipe I saw but I like it. Makes the muffins hearty and fills you. 

One batch I only topped the muffins with some chocolate chips and the second batch I mixed them in the batter. 

ENJOY!

Quinoa Porridge

The recipe calls for:

quinoa

coconut milk

greek yogurt

nuts/mini chocolate chips

natural peanut butter 

-- Cook the quinoa with coconut milk instead of water.

-- Add all the toppings, mix and enjoy!

Some substitute options:

almond butter instead of peanut butter 

jelly instead of yogurt 

fruit instead of nuts and chocolate chips

almonds instead of peanuts/peacans

almond milk instead of coconut 

Protein Coffee

I am in HEAVEN! 

The recipe calls for:

ground coffee

chocolate protein powder

water

coconut milk or milk/cream of your choice

-- This is so simple! Add coffee to the filter in your coffee pot like every morning and add one tablespoon of protein powder per two tablespoons of coffee. 

-- BREW and await the deliciousness!

-- Pour in your favorite mug, add milk/cream of your choice and ENJOY!

Each sip keeps getting better and better...CHEERS! ☕️

Healthy Chocolate Cake, Is There Such A Thing?

There sure is!

 

My mom's birthday was last month and my whole family is really trying to be healthy, but I still wanted to make something special for her. There is even a 90 day challenge going on with myself, my husband and brother to prep for our vacation in June. Even though we are trying to have a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean we can't have dessert. I wanted to make a cake for my mom because what is a birthday without a birthday cake. I was browsing online and found one that looked awesome. I had a few of the ingredients so I decided to try it out.

 

The recipe calls for:

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 eggs

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of sea salt

 

-- Preheat the oven to 320 degrees.

-- Combine all the dry ingredients. (cocoa, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking powder and sea salt) Mix together.

-- Add the eggs, honey, coconut oil, vanilla. Mix together.

-- Pour mixture into a greased round regular cake pan. I just sprayed the pan with some coconut oil.

-- Bake for 25 minutes.

-- Top with shredded coconut. You could also make an icing as well or some powdered sugar. I went the healthiest route I could think of and it paired well with the coconut flour in the cake.

 

 

 

This cake was delicious and very moist! It's definitely worth trying out. I am now obsessed with coconut flour. It smells so good and is a great substitute for regular white flour. We have since made pancakes with the coconut flour.

 

ENJOY & HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY WAS A GREAT ONE MOM!

Product of the Week

I haven't posted anything since my son was born in June, but now I am back at it!

Let's start it off with a healthy, low calorie product I recommend...

I love chocolate and I love ice cream, but I don't love this baby weight.  This is a treat that satisfies my cravings and it's only 100 calories! :)  They also have ones with nuts on it and also dark chocolate covered frozen stawberries.  Try them out!

Product of the Week

 

These are too good to be true!  They taste so good and are not only a great source of fiber, but not they have a protein bar line.  There are other flavors to choose from but this one is my favorite.

 

Try them out!  You won't be disappointed.

Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches

I've posted this recipe a couple years ago, but what better time to post it again.  Spring is here and the warm weather is coming.  This is a super easy recipe that makes a great snack especially on a hot day.  The kids will love them and they are a lot better for them than the ice cream truck.

The two different kinds in the picture below are:  a low-fat cinnamon graham cracker with some natural chunky peanut butter and fat-free cool whip and the other one is a chocolate graham cracker with just some fat-free cool whip.  Just wrap them separately in saran wrap or foil and put them in the freezer.

You can add anything to them instead of peanut butter like nutella, chopped nuts, sprinkles, even sliced fruit.

I have been really craving ice cream lately so this is a much better alternative than Dairy Queen and Rita's.

Have the same craving?  Satisfy it in a healthy way...

Are You A Dessert Lover?

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Just a few ingredients and about only 170 calories depending on how much fat-free cool whip you add to it.  To me it was just as satisfying as a restaurant dessert, but about 1,000 calories less.  I freeze the cool whip so it's kind of like ice cream which is something I crave very often especially with the warmer weather now.

 

Heat the fiber brownie (any flavor you like) in the microwave for about 15 seconds, scoop on some fat-free cool whip and indulge in this healthy dessert option!

 

 

 

Mother's Day Cupcakes

Sometimes you have to indulge, what better day then on Mother's Day!  My mom is a huge Nutella fan so I wanted to make the dessert for our family dinner and I found the perfect recipe for her.  :)

Nutella Icing

   

The recipe calls for:
2/3 cup nutella
2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs heavy whipping cream
a dash of salt

-- In a big mixing bowl, use a hand mixer and combine the nutella (I used Shoprite brand), sugar and butter.  Beat for about 2 minutes on low.
-- Add the remaining ingredients and mix on medium for about 1 minute or until the icing is smooth.

Susan G. Komen, Race for a Cure

My whole family and some friends did the 5k on May 5th to support the Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure.  It was a beautiful day surrounded by beautiful inspiring people.  I made some homemade trailmix for everyone with raisens, cinnamon almonds, unsalted cashews/peanuts, dark chocolate covered pomegranate pieces and pink m&m's.  I had a semi bad food weekend so it was nice to eat a healthy breakfast and get some exercise (3.2 miles) to burn some calories.

  

Our team Fit for Tits raised more than last time, so that was amazing!  For anyone who wants to donate to this cause at any point go to their website here.  My mom is a survivor so this cause is very close to my heart, every dollar counts!  I hope a cure is found in my lifetime.

Calling All Coffee Lovers

Starbucks is having their Happy Hour for Frappuccino's once again!!!

 

May 3rd to 12th

from 3-5pm

 

There are two new frappuccino's, Hazelnut and Carmel Ribbon Crunch!  I have yet to try them, but I think 50% off during happy hour will be a perfect time to.  Click here for more flavors.

 

And remember there are lighter options for them all!  So enjoy this happy hour with no guilt!  Enjoy!

Oatmeal Bars

Need a fast breakfast for the work week coming up?  Here you go!

I am going to cut them into bars, put them in baggies and have an easy on the go breakfast for every day this week and some leftover for snacks.  The recipe is very easy and you will probably have almost everything in your pantry already!  If you don't have applesauce you can use a mashed banana instead.

The recipe calls for:
1 1/2 cups oats
1 egg
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/3 cup dark chocolate, chopped
a dash of salt

-- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-- Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
-- Spray a pie pan with cooking oil and pour the mixture in.
-- Bake for 20 minutes.
-- Store in the fridge.

Cut Costs & Cut Calories, Coffee Style

In today's economy I think most people are trying to find more and more ways to cut every day expenses.  With doing this we still want to be able to enjoy things that we love though.  We can't give up everything or life wouldn't be as enjoyable.  For me my favorite cost is Starbucks coffee.  It's something that immediately brightens my day.  As much as I know I could do without and I do do without it when it just can't fit it into my budget on certain tight months/weeks, sometimes you just need to have it.

"Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed, but chocolate makes it worthwhile."

My usual drink is a Grande Non-Fat Mocha (only one pump, no whip), this is the basic mixture of espresso and chocolate, two of my favorite things.  The normal grande size has four pumps of mocha (all flavored espresso drinks have four pumps at a grande size), but to cut calories I only get one because it's just enough to taste the mocha without it being overbearing.  Sometimes too much chocolate is too much, believe it or not.  You can do without all the pumps in all of their drinks if your thinking about your waistline.

A way to cut calories and also cost is to make your own espresso drink, but still with the taste of Starbucks signature espresso.  If you have a espresso machine, like I do, just purchase Starbucks espresso beans, but even with having a maker I rarely actually make it myself.  It's just easier and for me faster to just stop in the Starbucks I pass daily.  But I more recently found something for the Keurig that you can put in your own espresso beans, grounded already.  It's called a reuseable filter, check your local Kitchen product stores.  This is much easier and faster then using an espresso machine.  So purchase your favorite espresso beans, whether it's Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts or wherever and enjoy brewed espresso from your home!

Today I decided to save some cash and instead of ordering my normal hot drink at Starbucks I made a hot chocolate k-cup at home with my Keurig.  This is made with water obviously so the lack of milk will save quite a bit of calories.  This is my substitute for the chocolate flavor.  Then I made an espresso k-cup with my Keurig, mixed them together, added a little cinnammon and creamer.  It was my very own Mocha.  Granted it's not completely the same and I will still enjoy my normal drink from Starbucks when I can, but it's good to know of other options.

Grande Mocha - $4.33

2 K-Cups & Creamer - About $1.60

That is $2.73 of savings per day!

Also, at the coffee shops they have great smelling fresh baked goods that may be hard to pass up.  By not being around them you could possibly save on unneeded calories!  Make something or grab a healthy breakfast bar from home.