Coconut Pineapple Berry Punch

*If you are looking for a refreshing drink to satisfy that thirst during the hot summers, this one is perfect! It's made with fresh pineapple and blackberry juice, a hint of coconut and mint for a refreshing taste, and just the right amount of sweetness!* _________________________________________________________________________

Summer Break, Day 5.

Get me out of here.

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

Every year I count down the school days until summer break, hopelessly waiting for the lack of schedules and rushing out the door to be late for school once again. The papers start piling in from the past 6 months of school projects that weren't sent home. I quickly must black trash bag that crap before my daughter is convinced I don't love her and her 4 pages on writing words with a long U sound.

The last week of school is Hell Week because you have to be 3 places at once every day, and if you miss one well then you are like a horrible person. It's also the one week a year where I have to get dressed and do my hair every day.

So hard.

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

But it's exciting to know that freedom is near, schedules and homework is no more, and lunches don't have to be impressive...

That is until your a week into summer break and you are ready for school to start again. Then what do you do?

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

Establish a chore chart and become the meanest mom ever. Check.

Limit TV time so the kids can play with their toys instead and become the meanest mom ever. Check.

Have your kids do some type of learning activity at least a few time a week and become the meanest mom ever. Check.

Wish you didn't spend so much money at Target so you could book yourself a vacation and become the meanest mom ever for leaving them with daddy. Check.

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

Don't you just love summer?

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

If all else fails, make a delicious and refreshing pineapple punch drink and pretend you are on that vacation all by yourself, when really you are just standing behind a shower curtain trying to hide.

Check.

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

Coconut Pineapple Berry Punch

Ingredients

  • 3/4 of a pineapple, cut into slices or chunks
  • 6 oz blackckberries
  • 1 c. light coconut milk mixed with 2 TB. honey
  • 10-12 mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Run 1/4 of the pineapple through a juicer. Next add the blackberries, 1/4 of the pineapple, then the mint leaves, the rest of the pineapple, and lastly the coconut milk.
  2. Pour juice into glasses filled to the top with ice.
  3. Drink and enjoy!
  4. Makes 2 large juices, or 4 small.

3.5.3208

Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish
Pineapple Coconut Berry Juice from The Diva Dish

Lastly, go back to Target and buy $1 slime which will end up keeping your kids entertained for a miraculous amount of time.

AND THEN start saving for a vacation...

Croissant French Toast

*If you are looking for the perfect 'tradition' breakfast, this Croissant French Toast is the perfect recipe!* I know how it is friends. You try and make one meal for the whole family, and all of the sudden everyone turns into food critics/has an opinion/all of the sudden hates their favorite food called mashed potatoes.

Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish

Usually on the weekends we will make a more grand breakfast, like pancakes or waffles. Trust me...It's not all fancy cakes and smiley pants. One child doesn't want a pancake, they prefer a waffle. The other child enjoys the pancakes, but only takes two bites. The baby throws hers on the floor, and my husband doesn't care for the fact that they are whole wheat. He decides he would rather have toast and chocolate milk. Cool.

I'll just be here in the kitchen all day guys, DON'T WORRY!

Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish

Over the years I've obviously learned to tell my family how much I adore them, and if they don't like it well, that's too bad. But it still doesn't mean they turn in to the Leave It To Beaver family around meal times and say, "Gee Mom, this was delicious. You are the best cook." June had it so easy.

Sadly, I don't remember the last time I wore pearls and I rarely vacuum. I'll never be June Cleaver, but I would like to hire her once a week.

Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish

That being said, I like to share recipes that everyone enjoys, because WWJD? What would June do, right?

This Croissant French Toast was a tradition I started a few years back. If you read the list of ingredients, it's not the healthiest. In fact, it's not healthy food wise at all. But we eat this traditionally 2 times a year during LDS Conference, or when we have special guests in town. It brings everyone together, and it's something that EVERYONE enjoys! In my opinion, it's definitely a part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish

This didn't go down without a fight though, I might add. It all started when the family wanted french toast, but we had no bread. Only a box of croissants, because we are fancy and sophisticated. My husband, who apparently is a  french toast connoisseur, said this was a mistake and would never work. Although my husband made me french toast in college one time when we were dating making him master french toast chef, I had to ignore his suggestion and go with my gut.

The rest is history, because we look forward to this breakfast every conference!

Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish

Croissant French Toast

Ingredients

  • 10-12 mini croissants, halved
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk, half and half, or heavy cream (If you want it really rich!)
  • 2 TB. vanilla
  • 2 TB. brown sugar
  • Dash of salt
  • Butter for the pan/skillet

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, wish together the eggs, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, and salt.
  2. Heat griddle on low/medium heat, and coat with butter.
  3. Dip halved croissants in egg mixture, coating and soaking both sides.
  4. Place them on the griddle, and cook on each side a few minutes, or until golden brown on each side. Don't press on them with a spatula.
  5. Serve immediately and top with butter, fruit, powdered sugar, and/or pure maple syrup.

3.5.3208

Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish
Croissant French Toast via The Diva Dish

Here is the deal friends, I'll share something with you if you promise to share something with me...

1-If I find a meal that everyone enjoys, I will share it.

2-If you know where June Cleaver might be, would you give her my digits?

Thanks, you guys are the best!

Vegan Blueberry Lemon Muffins, Sweetened w/ Honey

 *These are the perfect breakfast or snack muffins, as they are made with whole grains and naturally sweetened with honey! Add a little butter and honey to a warm muffin, or top with honey peanut butter for breakfast!* My daughter LOVES muffins. Whenever I make them, she can easily eat 2-3 in one sitting, and then request them at her next meal.

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish

She's also my candy child, and some days I wonder if she will turn into a blueberry like Violet from Willy Wonka. I have a 'secret' stash of candy, and I usually have to find a new hiding spot for it each day. When I'm not looking, I'll find her climbed up onto the counter, almost on top of the fridge just so she can have a jelly bean.

Jelly bean?...Broken leg?...

Totally worth it.

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dis
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dis

She's also the first child awake, the most opinionated, wears her headbands on her forehead, and loves to wear bright red and pink lipstick every single day!

Life is never dull with her.

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish

Which is why I dedicated these muffins to her. They are never dull, naturally sweet with burst of tartness, and perfect for very early early mornings :)!

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Naturally Sweetened

Serves:

12

This is the perfect breakfast muffin, as it's made with whole grains and naturally sweetened with honey!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 c. white whole wheat flour
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. melted coconut oil
  • 2/3 c. honey
  • 2/3 c. non dairy milk
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2/3 c. blueberries, plus more for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, milk, vanilla, and honey. Once whisked together, slowly whisk in the coconut oil. Add wet to dry, and mix until combined. Don't overheat.
  4. Fold in the blueberries.
  5. In a prepared muffin tin, scoop batter into 12 regular sized muffins. Top the muffins with 1-2 blueberries.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway though.

3.5.3208

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Sweetened with Honey! Via The Diva Dish

They would also taste good at say...9:30 in the morning...in case you happen to start your morning then...

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

 **Homemade bread is probably one of my all time favorite things in this entire world, besides my family obvi! This Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread is hearty and filling, and best with butter:).** I'm the type of person where I have to have a really belly filling breakfast. I'll never understand people like my husband who are good with a class of milk and a granola bar. I'm just...I mean, like aren't you hungry 30 minutes later? Don't you feel shaky like you haven't eaten in 4 days and start to  have a better understanding of those hungry snicker bar commercials?

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

My staple as of late has been toast and runny eggs. I could eat it everyday, unless the runny egg makes me gag. Let's talk about this for a second. When it comes to runny eggs, the only part I want runny is the yellow yoke. No joke.

But if there is white running on my toast, gag. Barf. I'm done. I can't look at a runny egg for at least a week out of being traumatized.

(Light Bulb Moment: Now I see where my kids get it...#diva)

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

Back to this bread. Due to the fact that bread is a staple in my life, I really try my best to make sure it's a healthier bread. Obviously I would LOVE a sourdough bread with the yellow yoke only runny egg  breakfast...And I'm sure I'll make that sometime soon...But the majority of my days are spent with hearty whole wheat bread.

I find that it's more filling, and I'm not hungry again 9:30. (9:45, different story.)

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

Homemade bread is scary, especially when whole wheat is involved. There are chances the bread turns to brick, or simply doesn't rise. Getting that water temperature just right for the yeast was my biggest problem. Here are a few things I've learned:

-Get a candy thermometer.

I know that sounds weird, but if getting the yeast to rise is your problem, fill your glass cup with hot water, stick the thermometer in, and when it cools down to 110 degree, whisk in your yeast mixture. I've got it down to where I don't need one, but a thermometer helped so much in the beginning.

-Buy Vital Wheat Gluten.

I know a bag is expensive, but you only need a few TB. per recipe. It really helps when baking breads with Whole Wheat, that way you don't get that 'brick' texture!

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

Now, let's get to the recipe shall we. All this bread talk/pictures is making me hungry :).

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

This is a hearty and filling bread!

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 c. warm water
  • 3 TB. honey
  • 2 envelopes active dry yeast
  • 5-6 c. 100% whole wheat flour
  • 3 c. bread or white flour
  • 1 c. wheat germ
  • 2 TB. salt
  • 4 TB. sugar, or coconut sugar (optional)
  • 3 TB. vital wheat gluten
  • 4 TB. plain greek yogurt
  • Oil for greasing the bowl
  • Butter for topping the bread

Instructions

  1. Mix the honey and yeast with the warm water. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the wheat flour (start with 5 cups), bread flour, wheat germ, salt, sugar, and vital wheat gluten.
  3. Using a stand mixture, add the yeast mixture and greek yogurt. Mix together, then gradually add in the flour mixture, 1/2 c. at a time.
  4. Add enough flour until the dough isn't sticky to the touch. You might not use all of the flour mixture. If you need more, add the rest of the whole wheat flour gradually, using only the amount you need.
  5. Remove the dough and form into a ball.
  6. Rub olive oil on the dough as well as on the inside of the bowl.
  7. Return the dough to the bowl, cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
  8. Once doubled, punch down. Cut the dough in half, roll into a loaf. Add loaves to greased loaf pan, and set in a warm place until doubled.
  9. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  10. Bake bread for 20-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Brush tops with melted butter.
  12. Enjoy!

3.5.3208

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

If getting your kids to try 'brown bread' is a challenge, just simply ask if they want warm bread with butter and honey. So simple.

Kids are so easy.

Also, simply ask what vegetables they would like for dinner too. I'm sure they will simply tell you a list of their favorites...

Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish
Homemade Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread via The Diva Dish

Have you made homemade bread? Do you have a tried and true recipe?

Also, runny egg thing? Just me?

The BEST Acai Bowl

From the age of 16 through 20 I worked at smoothie businesses. One might think this is where my love of 'healthy living' developed...But when a pizza place next door starts exchanging you breadsticks for smoothie, well...

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

Also, did you know the majority of smoothie chains make their smoothies with sugary juice and frozen yogurt ice cream? It makes them taste oh so delicious! But it also kind of cancels out the fact that drinking a smoothie is a healthier option.

Does that mean pizza bread sticks could have been a healthier choice?!

I'd like to think so.

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

Hands down one of my ALL TIME favorite smoothies are Acai bowls, which are becoming quite popular.

(Let it be known that I totally like Acai Bowls before they were cool.)

But unlike so many others, I won't toss my beloved smoothie bowls to the curb when it gets popular. I won't think of it any different even though it has become quite the media whore.

No. I will love them forever. Why? Because when Acai Bowls are tomorrows news and another health craze becomes the star...I'll still be there. Just like I was for Kale.

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

One smoothie place I worked for used apple juice and strawberry juice with acai ice cream.

Another used almond milk, vanilla ice cream, and acai smoothie packs.

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

With the knowledge I have and for the love of all things healthy, I came up with is what I think the BEST Acai Bowl ever.

But seriously, what makes them so popular? Besides the looks, it's a great way to make a meal out of a smoothie. You can add fruit, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of funny and eat it all up with a spoon!

It's mad I tell you, MAD. But once you do it, you won't be able to stop thinking about it. Then before you know it, you will dream about it, and then well...

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

Then you will make an acai bowl i guess.

Or you will drive to the nearest juice bar and have them make it for you because most likely they will know you by name and exactly what you want. So in order to avoid that embarrassment you will have to make it at home sometimes.

You're welcome.

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

The BEST Acai Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 acai smoothie packs, I found mine at Costco
  • Handful of frozen strawberries and blueberries
  • 1 frozen banana
  • a little bit of non dairy milk-I used cashew or almond
  • (opt. a little bit of apple juice)
  • 1 TB. agave
  • handful of ice
  • Toppings:
  • chopped fresh strawberries, frozen blueberries, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey

Instructions

  1. Add all smoothie ingredients into a blender and add a splash or two of liquid (milk and apple juice.) The less milk, the creamier.
  2. Blend until creamy.
  3. Add toppings to smoothie and dig in with a spoon!

3.2.2885

The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish

Would I trade this acai bowl for a box full of breadsticks now a days? I mean...No, but I love bread sticks so...halfsies?

Healthier Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

*My kids request donuts often, and I love baked donuts that I can make from home as a healthier alternative! These are made with pancake mix, so half the work is already done for you! Enjoy these Healthy Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts with your kids anytime without the sugar overload!* **************************************************************************

We live somewhat close to a donut shop, and every so often on a  Saturday we will walk over with the kids and get them their favorite chocolate donuts! There is also a green juice place next door, so usually I'll grab my breakfast there and then stare them down with jealousy as they eat.

It's a wonderful family tradition.

I've made quite a few baked donuts at home, but I always seem to have a problem with the texture. Especially if I have used bananas in the batter, then I just feel like I'm eating a circle sized banana bread. But lately I've been baking with pancake batter, and for some reason the texture has been just perfect!

Light, airy, but still cake like. All that's missing is a rich chocolate frosting with 1/4 cup of chocolate sprinkles on each donut.

Even better, these things bake up in a little over 10 minutes, and you don't have to wait in a long line only to find out the parent in front of you took the last chocolate donut that would have belonged to your 4 year old. Thank goodness for a game of rock, paper, scissors with your husband to see who has to relay the message to her...#firstworldtoddlerproblems

Speaking of my husband, he ONLY eats glazed donuts. I just. I can't. It's all about the cake donut my friends. Am I right?

Healthy Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts from The Diva Dish

Healthy Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts from The Diva Dish

Also, I've talked about my love for Kodiak Cakes before, and I swear they aren't paying me to say this, but they have been my favorite pancake mix to use! I just LOVE the ingredients, so if you haven't ever tried it, definitely do so!

And while you are at it, drizzle some good quality melted chocolate over the top of your donuts. When the chocolate hardens on the soft donut it's OH SO GOOD!


Healthy Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

Ingredients

  • 1 c. chocolate pancake mix-I used Kodiak Cakes

  • 2 TB. flour

  • 1/4 c. coconut sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 2 TB. melted coconut oil

  • 1/2 c. milk of choice plus 1 TB to thin out batter if needed

  • 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Whisk the pancake mix, flour and coconut sugar together.

  2. Then add the egg, coconut oil, and milk and whisk until combined.

  3. Fold in the chocolate chips.

  4. Grease a donut pan.

  5. Add the batter in a large plastic bag, and then cut the corner off.

  6. Pipe the batter into each donut, filling almost all the way to the top.

  7. (This should make about 5-6 regular sized donuts.)

  8. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.

  9. Let cool and then remove from the pan.

  10. Top with desired toppings

For the glaze:

  1. Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate plus 2 TB. coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl.

  2. Whisk until smooth

  3. Dip cooled donuts into glaze and sprinkle with toppings. Place donuts in the fridge for 5 minutes to set frosting if desired.


And if you are feeling a little creative, why not add these delicious donuts on top of a DONUT CAKE?

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Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie + Our Kitchen Before Pictures!

*Need a quick snack for your hungry littles, or even yourself? This Walnut Berry Smoothie is the perfect treat to keep those bellies full!* I've discovered over the past month that there is not only ONE but TWO places near my house that make Acai bowls. You know those smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey?

I've been back and forth to both locations because I don't want to embarrass myself with how many acai bowls I'm really eating. Gosh dang...They are just so good.

Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish

Unfortunately a regular bowl is just shy under TEN DOLLARS, and after 4 visits in a week your husband will start to question your insanity. I've tried to make my own acai bowl at home, especially since I used to make them in high school when I worked at a smoothie place...I'm like a pro.

But by the time I go to the grocery store to buy the acai, my kids all of the sudden act like a pack of wild kangaroos raised them, I forgot my list at home, and the store feels like it's 115 inside and I begin to sweat profusely. And then I'm pregnant, so that basically means my mind is a bowl of spaghetti.

NOW do you see husband?!?

Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish

SO, I've been trying to make my own versions at home using what I have on hand LIKE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT...and I recently found a combination that I LOVE.

Smoothies are such a staple in my household, we are basically addicted to them. They are just so quick and you can add whatever you want depending on how you are feeling.

In this case, my girls asked for a pink smoothie, so I did my best and aimed to please.

Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish

Sadly it was purple and they were pissed.

Thank goodness for Princess Sofia the First and her purple obsession!

Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish

Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 c. almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1/3 c. yogurt of choice, I used plain greek yogurt for more protein
  • 1/4 c. frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 c. frozen blueberries
  • 1/4 c. frozen raspberries
  • 1/4 c. frozen dark sweet cherries
  • 1 heaping TB. walnuts
  • 1 heaping TB. chia seeds
  • 1 TB. honey
  • 1/2 c. ice

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy.
  2. Serve immediately.
  3. Optional: Top with your favorite toppings, like fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey!
  4. Serves 2 littles and one mama (For a snack)

3.2.2885

Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish

This is great as an afternoon snack, bedtime snack, or 'I just need a snack'. You can definitely make this to be like an acai bowl and top with your favorite granola, fruit, and honey! But if your like me, you forgot the granola along with the acai...

Nailed it.

********************************************************************************************

Side note:

We are re-doing our downstairs in our home!! :) (Yes, we are having a baby in two weeks lol!) I know this isn't a DIY blog, but who doesn't love before and afters right?!

We don't have the after just yet, but I do have really crappy before pictures!

Before: kitchen/ The Diva Dish
Before: kitchen/ The Diva Dish

Yup! That's our fridge in our living room!

Before: kitchen/ The Diva Dish
Before: kitchen/ The Diva Dish
Before: kitchen/ The Diva Dish
Before: kitchen/ The Diva Dish

I'm excited to show you the after!

Have a great week!

Mini Pancake Muffins (Pumpkin)

Who doesn't love pancakes in the morning?! What if we turned them into Mini Pancake Muffins perfect for those little hands! (And not to mention, perfect to eat when time is short!) Keep reading for the recipe! *********************************************************************************************************

I've never understood people that don't eat breakfast, or aren't very hungry in the morning. I feel like they can't be trusted...

IMG_9327
IMG_9327

I go to bed thinking about what I'm going to have for breakfast, I wake up in the middle of the night wanting that breakfast, and I get up in the morning rushing to go eat that breakfast. Almost before I do anything, like put my glasses on. Or get my children out of their bed.

Luckily for me, my girls are just as excited about breakfast, and usually remind me at 6 in the morning it's time to get up RIGHT THIS SECOND and make it for them because they might pass out of starvation.

IMG_9331
IMG_9331

My four year is the most particular about the foods she eats, so I usually get asked every morning if she can have Cheerios, water, and five pounds of blueberries. As easy as it is to sometimes let her get her way, I'm trying my best to offer her different suggestions. (And let's be honest, blueberries aren't cheap when you buy them by the pounds...)

I usually can do pancakes with her, but not waffles. Unless I lie and tell her it's a pancake, then I'm in the clear. But don't add blueberries to the batter because she will react as if you cut off all her hair in the middle of the night while she was sleeping. Dramatic? No, total reality. She definitely doesn't get it from me...

IMG_9346
IMG_9346

So I took a big leap of faith and decided to make muffins out of pancake batter. I thought it would be fun to make them bite because for some reason kids LOVE mini foods! I added a few chocolate chips on top, which was a risk, but it definitely went over well. I also thought about making these banana muffins, which you could do, but I bought 47 cans at the beginning of pumpkin season so I'm trying my best to use those up!

Oh boy...these were good!

IMG_9339
IMG_9339

My girls dipped theirs in pure maple syrup, but you could definitely drizzle it on top as well! Even adding a little melted butter or coconut oil on top would be heavenly!

These, my friends are 4 year old dramatic princess approved!

IMG_9341
IMG_9341

Mini Pancake Muffins (Pumpkin)

Ingredients

  • 2 c. pancake mix, I used kodiak cakes protein pancakes because they have the best ingredients
  • 1 c. milk of choice
  • 1 chia egg=1 TB. chia seeds mixed w/ 3 TB. cold water. (let sit for 5 minutes.) OR one egg
  • 1/2 c. coconut sugar
  • 1/4 c. melted coconut oil
  • 1 c. pumpkin puree-Can sub mashed banana
  • 1 TB. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 TB. pure vanilla extract
  • Chocolate chips to top muffins with

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until combined. (Leave out the chocolate chips.)
  2. Spray a mini muffin pan with oil, or use mini muffin liners. Add batter to the pan, filling about 3/4 full. Top with a few chocolate chips.
  3. Bake in the oven at 350 for 18-20 minutes, or until they are done.
  4. *If using an egg, these may cook faster than if using a chia egg, so watch muffins carefully!)

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Just looking at these muffins makes me hungry for 2nd breakfast!

Wait, what? You don't have 2nd breakfasts? Oh...It must be a 29 weeks pregnant thing than right?

Right????!!! ;)

Hint of Coconut Overnight Baked French Toast

With the holidays approaching, that means a lot of family will be staying together and spending lots of time with each other! So I love the idea of having an Overnight Baked French Toast ready in the morning for everyone to enjoy together! Unless being around a lot of family is overwhelming and you are perfectly fine waking up at 445 to eat a bowl of cereal quietly to yourself with no one disturbing you...I've never done that.

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Speaking of family, my parents came for the weekend! (You aren't overwhelming mom, I promise!) They cleaned my house, fixed things here and there, hung pictures, washed and folded my laundry, gave us food, and babysat my kids. I just sat all weekend, it was lovely.

My parents always leave my house so exhausted, I don't understand..

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I wanted to do something nice for them, since I basically turned everything over to them, and the one (only?) way I know how to say thank you is through food. I wanted to have homemade cake, muffins, dinner ready, and fresh bread on the counter for when they got here. But I forgot how much energy it takes for me to find the flour in my pantry and I had to go with plan B.

Breakfast.

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I didn't want to be slaving over a hot stove making pancakes for everyone, because no one gets to eat together, especially the one 'slaving' :). So I love the idea of baked french toast, because it's ready all at once and we can all enjoy it together!

Speaking of love, have you tried this vanilla paste? I swear it has changed the way my baked goods taste! Can I drink it? No, because it's like $15 a bottle and I wouldn't want to waste it...

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You can also change up the flavors and make it however you and your family would like, especially the syrup! Homemade syrups are the best!

And while everyone is happily enjoying your homemade breakfast, you can sneak away and go back to bed and no one will know. Unless your 4 year old finds you...

Busted!

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Hint of Coconut Overnight French Toast

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf whole wheat french bread, cinnamon french bread, etc. (Stale is good!)
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 3/4 c. buttermilk (non dairy if needed, add 1 tsp. vinegar to non dairy milk)
  • 3/4 c. milk (non dairy if needed)
  • 6 eggs
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 TB. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 2 TB. vanilla extract
  • 1.4 c. coconut sugar or honey
  • 1/2 c. unsweetened coconut

Instructions

  1. Tear apart bread and place into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until combined. Pour liquid over the bread cubes, and toss just a little bit to make sure all of the bread is coated.
  3. Cover and place in the fridge overnight to make in the morning. (I left mine in for two days, and it still turned out fine!)
  4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 and bake un-covered for about 30-35 minutes.
  5. Serve warm with a drizzle of melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and more coconut!

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Do you have a favorite holiday breakfast? Share with me in the comments below, I would love to hear your family traditions!