Showing posts with label appetizers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appetizers. Show all posts

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies


  • Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies


  • Ingredients!!
  • 1 cup instant oats 
  • ¾ cup whole wheat or gluten-free flour 
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg 
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup almond butter
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 ½ tbsp mini chocolate chips

  1. Whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla. Mix in the peanut butter until smooth. Stir in the honey. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in 2 teaspoons chocolate chips.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops onto the prepared sheet, and flatten to the desired thickness and width. Gently press the remaining miniature chocolate chips into the tops. Bake at 325°F for 11-14 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
Notes: It’s extremely important to measure both the oats and flour correctly 
Instant oats are also known as quick-cooking or minute oats. 

If you prefer, maple syrup or agave may be substituted in place of the honey. 

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Chicken Tortilla Soup

 
Chicken Tortilla Soup
 
 
Five minutes before jumping in the shower it's time to create dinner in the crockpot! !
With limited time during the week to cook relying on the crockpot to do the cooking. As well as showing others you can be busy and still create a healthy meal for the family.   Making the most of the 21 day fix!!!
 
 

Ingredients
6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth [or chicken broth!]
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes...
¼-1/2 cup tomatillo salsa
3 TBSP tomato paste
2 TBSP olive oil
3 cups black beans [cooked or canned]
1-2 cups pinto beans [cooked or canned]
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 small corn tortillas, torn into small pieces
2 small onions [approx 1 cups]
2 jalapenos
1 large bell pepper
juice of ½ a fresh lime
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp cayenne pepper
salt, to taste [amount added will vary on sodium content of broth + tomatoes/beans]
shredded mexican cheese blend
crunchy tortilla chips

...plus add your favorites from the list below:
tons-o-toppings:
greek yogurt
tortilla strips
chopped red onion
chopped green onion
sliced jalapenos
sliced avocado
Directions:
For a brothier soup, keep a bit of extra vegetable or chicken broth on hand to add towards the end. I like my soup hearty and skipped the "soupy" soup this time around!
Instructions
1.Essentially you're going to toss everything in and walk away,
2.Turn your slow cooker to high and add broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomatillo salsa, beans and chicken breasts, whole.
3.Next dice your bell pepper, jalapeno, and onion and tear your corn tortilla into small pieces before tossing them into the pot as well. The corn tortillas help the soup to thicken a bit and also act as noodles!
4.Add your seasonings,olive oil, and lime juice + cover.
5.Within a few hours the chicken breasts should be juicy and perfectly cooked, if you happen to be around, feel free to scoop them out with tongs or a fork, place them on a cutting board, and chop each breast into six large pieces. Now it'll shred oh-so-easily! Use two forks to create pulled/shredded chicken and add it back to your slow cooker. If you aren't home yet you can complete this step once you return. No worries!
6.The soup will simmer away on high for four-six hours [total time] and make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing

 
Family and living life to the fullest
Sums up what we're all about
A little tipsy from time to time

Finding balance during a time of the year life is full...
Looking for the small things daily to stop and be thankful for
Happiness starts from within
And doing things unconventional
Life is short to just survive
So many opportunities and goals to go after
As a busy mom yes you can have the best of both worlds.
But before you tackle any goal set out to be your own best version.
I enjoy helping other woman to work towards their own personal best
 
XOXO

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Brownie Batter Overnight Oatmeal

 Brownie Batter Overnight Oatmeal

I absolutely LOVE this Overnight Oatmeal In A Jar Recipe. It’s so easy to make and the results are delicious. Even if you’re not a fan of oatmeal, you will love this one. It’s creamy, sweet and packed with flavor and texture. Unlike that instant oatmeal they sell at the grocery store.
This is the perfect thing to dig your spoon in. Forget about breakfast, this also works as an afternoon pick me up. Add your favorite toppings and you’re good to go.

1 cup Unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup lain low fat Greek yogurt (or mashed banana, or pumpkin)
2 tbs Unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tspSalt
2 tbs Baking stevia
1 cup Old fashioned oats
Prep time to make this recipe is 5-10 minutes.

Brownie Batter Overnight Oatmeal
 
 
Directions:
 

In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. Divide between 2 small bowls, mugs, or mason jars. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least an hour (or more) so the oats soften and absorb the liquid). Top with chopped nuts or topping of choice if desired! Enjoy cold, or microwave for 30-60 seconds to enjoy warm!


Just your small town girl sharing clean eating recipes and tips along the way.



 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Chicken Caprese

Chicken Caprese (21 day fix approved)


Chicken Caprese
Hey there!!  It's Sunday and that means it's time to clean out the fridge before buying new groceries for the up coming week.  Something that I hear and totally understand is where to start when it comes to clean eating?  I'm a simple girl and like to share with others ways to keep things simple as well.  For example this simple snack was something I had earlier in the week with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  If you're following along with the 21 day fix this would be 1 blue, 1 green, and 1 teaspoon.  So to keep things simple I created lunch today using the same 3 ingredients but added chicken to make a complete meal vs just a snack. 
 
 
 
 

A simple chicken dish with your favorite classic "caprese" ingredients!
 

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to uniform thickness
  • 1/2 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
  • 1 cup lightly-packed fresh basil, torn

Directions:

To Make The Chicken:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (You will know that it is ready when the oil is shimmering, or it sizzles when you place a drop of water in the oil.) Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. Remove chicken and set aside.

To Make The Balsamic Reduction:

Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half. Remove and set aside.

Putting the dish together:

Plate the chicken, then top with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Serve warm.

21 day fix:
1 teaspoon
1 blue
1 green
1 red
If you would like accountability and would like to learn more about the 21 day fix.  Apply below and we can chat:
 
Fill out my online form.
There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Green Grape and Avocado Quinoa Salad

Green Grape and Avocado Quinoa Salad



It’s been such a full week with moving a family of five and buying our first horse.  I could not be more thrilled to be blogging while the kids play outside and have room to just be kids.  This time last week I was in the middle of packing everything up and trying to make sure everything ran smoothly and then I ended up turning quickly and fractured part of my foot.  A week later and it’s feeling much better not what was in the plans and thankful for family that helped out.  This past Monday I started a five day “Summer Salad” group that is 5 days long.  My amazing coaches put together their favorite recipes and we created this group together.  Amy within our team shared this recipe and I could not wait to try it.  As my sister headed home for a few days she made this recipe for our first family get together at the new house.  Sunday evening with boxes getting put away and beds made we cooked on the grill BBQ Pork (hot dogs for the kids) and lots of fruit and veggies.  The first of many family meals at the new place and this recipe will be served again.

Green Grape and Avocado Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
Zest and juice of 1 lime ...

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
4 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
2 cups green grapes, halved
1 1/2 cups diced cucumbers 1/2 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
4 scallions, white and light green parts, sliced
1 avocado, diced
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together lime zest, lime juice and olive oil. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Toss all ingredients together and serve either chilled or at room temperature.


Enjoy!!
This was the sun coming up yesterday

Green Grape and Avocado Quinoa Salad

Thursday, May 28, 2015

21 Day Fix Fruit Salsa

 21 Day Fix Fruit Salsa
Hey There!!  I love Thursday's in our kids language it's a "stay home day".  Pretty much it means I don't have to work outside of the home and we pretty much leave the day open to do whatever they would like to do.  I also like to keep things fresh and after two years of eating clean I enjoy making one new recipe a week.  Bingo we found it!!  Not only is it 21 day fix approved but the kids loved it as well.  I'm currently in the middle of doing a hybrid schedule of working out using Insanity Max 30 and ChaLean Extreme, ChaLean Extreme is designed to strength train three days a week and let's just say on those days my metabolism goes crazy and I like to keep extra water on hand as well as enjoying a treat like this.  Even though I love the 21 day fix workouts after being pregnant and doing it for the entire 9 months I was ready to change the workouts but still follow the 21 day fix nutrition guide.
 
21 Day Fruit Salsa

 

Ingredients
1 6inch whole wheat tortilla shell
1/2 small gala apple
1/2 purple container of frozen strawberries (partially thawed)
1 tsp of coconut oil
2 tsps of raw sugar
Cinnamon to taste
 
21 Day Fix Fruit Salsa

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
Put your teaspoon of coconut oil in a small dish and melt it in the microwave (15 few seconds).
In a small dish place one of your teaspoons of raw sugar and sprinkle some cinnamon in until you get a nice even mixture of cinnamon to sugar. Place bowl to the side.
Take the tortilla shell and put it on a cutting board. Brush some of the coconut oil onto the tortilla shell until it has a slight coating over the whole shell. Then sprinkle the cinnamon/sugar mixture over the tortilla shell. 
Cut the tortilla into small triangles (chips), and then transfer the chips over to a non-stick baking sheet. 
Place in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes. 
While the chips are baking take your partially thawed strawberries and blend them and also dice up your apple into small pieces. Put the diced apples and blended strawberries into a small bowl. Sprinkle over your last teaspoon of sugar and mix. Put the bowl to the side
Once the chips are done, let them cool and then enjoy!

This counts as-Serves 1
1 yellow, 1 purple, 1 tsp (oils), and 2 tsps.


If you would like to join me with creating a healthy lifestyle I would love to share with you a system that works well for busy woman.
XOXO

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Frozen Vanilla Berry Bark

Frozen Vanilla Berry Bark

Frozen Vanilla Berry Bark



I’m feeling summer!!  Yes it might be the last day of April but I’m ready for cookouts and summer!  Living in PA this past winter felt like it took forever I’m not sure if it was the mix of being pregnant and super bad weather but I’m ready for May and summer gatherings.  If your looking for a fun after school snack this coming May or a fun snack to have on hand after doing yard work this will be very helpful.  I'm currently in month two of Insanity Max 30 and this snack will fall right in place with clean eating and Maxing out results.  Here is how far I came Click Here.
 
Ingredients:
- 32 oz vanilla Greek yogurt
- strawberries
- raspberries
- blackberries or blueberries
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean puree

Directions:
1. Mix the honey and vanilla into the yogurt in a large bowl.
2. Spread the yogurt out onto a baking sheet using a rubber spatula.
3. Place berries on top.
4. Freeze (at least 1-2 hours).
5. Use a knife to break into pieces.
6. Enjoy right away while it's COLD!
 
Have a great day

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings

Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings
 
Over Christmas a family member had made this same recipe and I could not wait to have it again.  As someone that use to work in the restaurant industry regular chicken wings just don't appeal to me.  However I LOVE spicy!!  And this recipe gives you the feeling of spicy and you’re eating something you should not be eating yet the base of it is cauliflower.  Give this a try on your future game days along with some homemade dressing you could use for the rest of the week.
 
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wings
 
 
Ingredients
 
1 head of cauliflower, chopped into pieces
1/2 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil
 
 
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Mix together the flour, milk, garlic powder, and salt to form a thin batter.
  3. Coat the cauliflower pieces in the batter and place on a shallow baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 18 minutes.
  5. While the cauliflower is baking, heat the hot sauce and butter together over low heat until the oil is warmed.
  6. Toss the baked cauliflower gently in the hot sauce mixture.
  7. Return to the baking sheet and bake for another 5 minutes.
  8. Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese, for dipping.
When it comes to picking out clean eating Ranch or Blue Cheese there are other brands that can be better then what you find to be popular on the shelf.  Here are a few homemade recipe as well Ranch & Blue Cheese
 
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Wings