Sweet Potato Cupcakes w/ Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

March 11, 2011 Arielle

...That are vegan...

Don't ask me why I didn't include that in the title.

Actually, please ask me.

Maybe it's because I know If wrote vegan, 1/2 of you wouldn't look at it.

And that 1/2 of you would also think I am weird.

Let me just say this...If vegan looks (And taste) THIS good...

Then I am A-O-K with with weird.

There is nothing wrong with being weird. For instance. You might think that my 7 month old daughter is weird because she likes to make out with herself in the mirror.

You think it's weird. I think she is simply expressing her self in a healthy way....

But if she is still doing this 10-15 years down the road...I might agree with you on the weird...even a little worried...thing.

And let me be clear that I am not saying Vegan's are weird. Because I myself eat alot of Vegan dishes.

Am I weird?!?

Heck to the no! (Just nod your head and agree)

You see what I am trying to do is explain and teach...I think that is how I am going to put it. I have alot of friends and family who question the way that I eat. They always ask me..."Now is this vegan, does this have butter, what did you put in those cupcakes...??" And I simply reply with..."yes, maybe not, and you don't want to know!"

This post isn't about trying to convince everyone to eat the way I do, or avoid animal products all together. I really want to share with others how I made the decision for me not to eat meat sometimes, as well as avoiding some dairy. And in return, I will share with you something that may...well...

Make you love me forever.

Choosing to not eat meat (all the time) didn't really happen because I simply saw how cows & pigs were killed, and decided from then on I was turned off. It happened gradually. I started watching documentaries and reading books. I learned the truth about our food and it's industry and realized what I was putting in my body was potentially harming me. I didn't like the thought of mass production and animals sitting in their own droppings. It scared me that animals who were sick and full of diseases were being processed and packaged and shipped to stores around the nation. It bothered me that in ONE hamburger was the meat from 1000's of different cows. It terrified me that young children, and MANY adults were sick with diabetes and a number of other diseases due to the mistreatment of their bodies. And it sickened me that products are recalled all the time due to contamination.

I thought about my daughter and my family, and then I thought about our bodies. Why would I want to put harmful things into my body, which is such a blessing. My body is a temple, and I should treat it that way.

Now I'm not saying eating meat is a bad bad naughty tsk tsk thing. But too much of anything is a never a good thing. Unless it's chocolate. I will NOT argue there. So I began to eat meat in moderation, and if I ate it, it was usually chicken, and I made sure it was organic. Call me a freak, but I wanted my chick a dees fed the right food, treated properly, and taken care of..aka not stuffed with crap, barely able to walk, unable to see the light of day...

I began to include whole fresh ingredients, and a lot of my meals were vegetarian/vegan based. Of coarse I love the occasional goat cheese, eggs, and Argentine Empanadas because they are my favorite, but I chose to remember all things in moderation.

And I have never felt better. I love my body and what it does for me, and I want to treat it the best way possible.

Again, this is not meant to force a vegan/vegetarian diet on you. Every person is different and requires different needs. This is all based off of me...and what is best for me and makes me happy :)

And what makes me happy the most...

are these delicious VeGaN cupcakes :)

Vegan Sweet Potato Cupcakes w/ Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients: (Cupcakes)

1 1/2 C whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. Baking soda

3/4 tsp. Baking Powder

1 cup soy milk

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup canola oil

1/2 cup organic sugar

1/2 cup sucanat or brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 cup sweet potato puree

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup earth balance (butter)

1/2 cup vegan cream cheese (tofutti is best-or reg cream cheese)

3-4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

3-4 TB 100% pure maple syrup

1-2 TB soymilk

Directions: (Cupcakes)

1. Preheat oven to 350. In a liquid measure, whisk together soymilk and vinegar, and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl sift together flour, BP, BS, and spices and set aside. In another bowl add sweet potato and soymilk. Mix until combined. Add oil, vanilla, almond extract and combine. Then add sugars and mix until combined. Then add the dry ingredients and mix...until combined :)

3. Pour batters into cupcake pan and bake for 22-27 min.

4. Once done, let cool and prepare frosting.

5. For frosting cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Then add powdered sugar, syrup, vanilla, and soymilk. The trick with frosting though is to do it in batches to reach your preference. I like my frostings sweet. If you want it more sweet at sugar. If it's too thick add milk. If it's not enough cream cheesy add more by the TB, and does it need more maple? You get the idea.

6. Frost cupcakes and top with pecans. Eat..and Enjoy!

I topped mine with more maple syrup...

That was definitely a smart move.

These are so moist and the frosting is so creamy, you wouldn't even guess they were...shhhh..the V word!

Which is why I don't usually tell people..aka..the hubby. Poor guy doesn't even know what I feed him. But he keeps coming back for more :) SO I guess I don't feel to bad!

I promise if you try these..

You will be puckerin' up to me trying to squeeze for more "V" dishes from me!

Just ask Baby Boo...

I hope those kissable lips are for me and not for someone...or something else Baby Boo!

What a weirdo.

Chocolate Cherry Green Drink

March 5, 2011 Arielle

Mom's don't get sick days.

There is no boss for her to call up and say "I won't be coming in today."

She can't lay in bed all day and watch Housewives of Miami, and then wish she had tan legs instead of white unshaved ones.

She most definitely couldn't take the hottest bath that only a dragon could tolerate, thus turning her white hairy legs into bright red, burnt off hairy legs...

And she is quite positive she couldn't take long long naps either...to the point where she doesn't remember where she is or what time it is.

Because, you see...

Mom's just don't get sick days...

That is unless you have a knight in shining armor. One who would much rather spend his day off relaxing and catching up on some zzzz's from his 4 in the morning internship.

Instead, this knight in shining armor teaches your Baby Boo to climb up the stairs..

And this knight in shining armor is more than a teacher, he's a cook as well.

He prepares wonderful meals of applesauce and oatmeal, and airplanes them in to a very picky Baby Boo's mouth..

And that knight in shining armor is also a pleaser.

Because he knows that your Baby Boo doesn't really like foods of any sort, so instead of making matters worse, he gives her what makes her happy..

A dishcloth.

And then the knight will wonder how his Baby Boo is related to his princess...

Because his princess is a major lover of food. In fact the day before his princess got sick she spent the afternoon baking...

...and then consuming leftovers...

Then this knight in shining armor realizes his princess is probably very regretful of her ridiculous amount of sugar consumption, do to the fact she hasn't left the bathroom floor.

But he would never remind her of this..

Because he is also smart...

And as his princess lays upstairs regretting every decision of food consumption in the past year, she thinks about the one thing that def most totally could not have made her sick...because it was too delicous..

Choco Cherry Green Drink

Blended together until smooth: 1 cup coconut milk, 2 cups spinach, 2/3 cup frozen cherries, 1 frozen banana, chocolate protein powder, and ice.

And then as the evening comes to an end, and that mom's sick day seems to have a light at the end of the tunnel, she kisses her knight in shining armor thanking him for saving her from a day of added stress and misery.

And when she looks into his eyes that knight in shining armor will no longer have a "shine" about him, but a mere "Pale" look. That mom will ask him what's wrong, and that "Pale" prince will look at his princess and say...

"Sorry my princess, but I am not going to be able to come in today...

I'm calling in sick"

Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

March 2, 2011 Arielle

Baby Boo is Bad...

Bad to the bone...

She's growing up before my eyes, and I can't stop it. If I'm not depressed about the fact that she doesn't lay there and COO any more, then it's probably because those sweet little coo's turned into...

PPFFTTHHH!

Baby Boo do you love me?

ppffttthh!

Give Mama a kiss Baby Boo!

ppffttthh!

Sometimes I feel like everything is just a big joke to her...

But now I'm beginning to think that the spitting in my face isn't really a problem. And even though I am a little embarrassed when she spits in other peoples face...

It's the fact that in between spit bombs, she says...

DADA!

You may think it's cute and precious, but I've been trying from day one for her to say Mama. I was pretty sure I had instilled it into her brain, at least that was until Hubby watcher her.

For 30 minutes.

Then when I got home he said, "Your not going to be happy, but...."

He didn't even have to explain.

Maybe I can win her over with some sweet potatoes?

Mashed ones for Baby and a casserole for Mama!

Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

2 small bananas

2 petite sweet potatoes

2/3 cup oatmeal

2 cups coconut milk (or any non dairy milk or reg. milk)

1 TB Chia Seeds

1/4 cup finely shredded coconut

3 TB Pure maple syrup

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

dash of salt

(Topping)

1/3 cup chopped candied pecans

2 TB Earth Balance or butter

1/4 cup Sucanat or brown sugar

2 TB whole wheat pastry flour

(Adapted from here)

Directions:

1. Peel and Dice sweet potatoes. Bring a small pot of water to boil and add potatoes and cook 5 minutes just so they are tender.

2. Once potatoes are cooked, set aside and using the same pot add milk, oats, and chia seeds. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and cook about 5-6 minutes. Let mixture thicken. It should look similar to this:

3. Once oatmeal is cooked, remove from heat and add potatoes and bananas

4. Then with a potato masher, mash the mixture together.

You want it to be somewhat chunky like so:

5. Then stir in spices, coconut, syrup, and vanilla. Pour into a casserole dish and set aside.

6. Next make the topping. Combine all ingredients into a bowl, and mash together. I used my hands :)

7. Pre heat oven to 350. Spread topping on top of oatmeal.

8. Bake in oven for about 20 minutes, then on LOW broil for about 3-4. Watch it carefully!

The house will SMELL AMAZING!

9. Once done, Dig in and...Do I have to even tell you...

ENJOY!

If this doesn't win Baby Boo over...Then probably nothing will work.

Seriously, Breakfast Casseroles are my New Favorite Thing!

I think what I enjoyed the most was the crunchy topping. Probably because It has sugar. Not gonna lie there.

And funny story, as I sat there and ate Baby Boo crawled up onto my lap acting like she wanted a bite...

So I took some of the sweet potato, mashed it a little and fed her. I for SURE thought she was a MAMA's girl again...

Then I said,

"Baby Boo...Do you Love Mama NOW!?"

Do you know what she said...??

DADA!

Orange Cookie Dough Protein Balls

February 26, 2011 Arielle

It's no secret that I crave something sweet after every meal.

It doesn't always have to be chocolate...

but I definitely prefer it. :)

It's funny how my mind works with dessert. Let's say I have been eating good all week, and feel it's okay to live a little..Some people would want to dive into something fried, or greasy, or savory. But the way I see it, if I eat a couple of fries or snack on fried artichokes, it doesn't count. I still want to eat dessert. I haven't lived until something sweet has touched my mouth.

That's why I love...

I was gonna say balls, but I wouldn't want my blog popping up on google search for a phrase like that ;)

Let's call them Schmalls.

Schmalls are delicious. You can make them decadent or simple. I have made schmalls before, but these are a little different.

You see I have had this HuGe box of oranges sitting in my house for the past week, and I've been tempted to throw them into...everything.

Then my husband asked me..

"Why are you on this orange kick lately??"

and then he said...

"You know, I have never been a fan of oranges.."

And then I said...

"You know, I have never been a fan of sharing.."

More Scmalls for me!

Sun Kissed Dipped Cookie Dough Schmalls

Ingredients:

2/3 cup cashes

1/2 cup + 1 TB oats

3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

5 pitted and chopped dates

1 tsp. vanilla

4 TB maple syrup

1/2 tsp. Zest of an orange

1 tsp. Juice from an orange

4 TB chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips)

Chocolate Dip

1/2 cup dark chocolate for melting

1/2 tsp. Orange Zest

(Adapted from the amazing Ohsheglows)

Directions:

1. In a food processor or high speed blender, process the cashews and oats until fine.

2. Then add flour and dates, and process until fine crumbs.

3. Now add in maple syrup, vanilla, 1/2 orange zest, and 1 tsp. OJ. Puree until a big Schmall forms.

4. Next add in chopped chocolate/ chocolate chips. Take dough and form into little schmalls. Insert a toothpick in them and place on a prepared cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mat. Set in fridge, then get ready to melt chocolate.

5. In a double broiler, melt chocolate and orange zest until creamy. Remove from heat, and get schmalls out of the fridge.

6. Dip the schmalls into the chocolate about halfway.

7. Keep schmalls refrigerated or in the freezer. (I like them in the freezer best ;) )

8. Enjoy!

If your a chocolate and orange fanatic, you are going to love these! But if your not, you can definitely omit the orange, and make plain cookie dough schmalls!

Are you ready for a math question?

What does 5 schmalls minus 2 schmalls equal...

definitely not 1....

Hubby??

Question:

Have you ever known someone who says they are sooo picky about certain food, that they won't branch out? And then, once you make something they swear they will hate...They end up falling in love?

Love stories & Kale Chips

February 22, 2011 Arielle

A little over 3 years ago, I started my 4th semester of college. It was a new year, and I wanted a fresh new start.

I was newly single, and well...not ready to mingle.

I wanted nothing to do with the opposite sex. I wanted to focus on school 100%, and try and figure out who I was. I had just been accepted into a study abroad program in Mexico, and was excited to enjoy what was ahead of me...

But then the unexpected happened...

My new roommates and I decided to start off the new semester by going to a party thrown at one of the clothing stores in our small little college town. The last thing I wanted to do was date again. I was just there to have a good time, flirt with boys, and dance. Then this boy came up to me. I knew of him, but I didn't know him. He was well known around our small campus community. His apartments threw the biggest parties, many girls liked him, and did I mention he was...hot :)!

He asked me my name and I told him. We chatted for a little while, and then went back to enjoying the party. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. I honestly thought...why would he be talking to me...? We ran into each other a couple more times that night, where he repeatedly asked me my name (jerk), and then in the end asked me for my number. I was hesitant to give it to him, because I figured...he probably just wants to hook up..(haha)..But I did. I don't know why. I just did.

Then a couple days went by and we saw each other here and there. We continued to flirt via text, and then one night he called. The conversation went like this...

Boy: "When am I going to see you again?"

Me: "I dunno, when do you want to see me?"

Boy: "Well how bout this..you call me if you ever want to see me again! "

Me: "haha ok..."

I was shocked. ME call YOU! Umm aren't the boys supposed to do that kind of work. I was nervous. Why? He was this hot well known stud, and I was just this quiet nerd trying to pick up my spanish skills for Mexico. It would be so out of character for me to call boys and make the first move...

It just wasn't me...

So as I paced my tiny apartment back and forth, heart pumping, 50 million looks in the mirror fixing my hair...I finally decided...

I was gonna call that boy.

And the rest is history... :)

If I didn't jump out of my comfort zone...I wouldn't be the person I am today. And I wouldn't have the most amazing people in my life.

Now this may sound a little bit off, but I am relating this story to food. The fuel to our bodies. Eating the right food, is similar to taking chances. It's hard to step out of our comfort zone of the fast food, ready in minutes, quick and easy, cheap and tasty.

Why would you want to go to the store, buy expensive organic meat, all the ingredients to go along with the meal, then go home, cook the meal, and finally sit down to eat...?

When in fact you can go through the drive through and buy a hamburger on the dollar meal, and have it ready in minutes.

Choices about the food you eat, go along with the same choices that you make in life. Why study hard, stress in college, and pay a pretty penny to get a good education? It would be so much easier to breeze by in school, skip college, and go straight to working. Difference is the experience you will gain, the knowledge you will have, and the amount of money you will earn.

Going along with food, eating right (and exercising) can help you live longer and feel better. All the while missing out on diabetes, diseases, cancer, sicknesses, and everything else that goes along with an unhealthy lifestyle. Healthy food may be expensive, but so are doctors bills when we don't take care of our bodies.

We have the choice to step out of our comfort zones and do what's best for our bodies. It won't be easy and it sometimes isn't cheap, but I can promise you, it will be worth it.

So I'm giving you an opportunity. To try something new. To try something scary. To try something...that seems...disgusting?

Salt & Vinegar Kale Chips

*Kale has an amazing source of Vitamins A, K, and C, and it's a cancer fighting food.*

Ingredients:

1 bunch curly kale

1 TB olive oil

1 1/2 TB vinegar

salt to taste

Directions:

1. Peel off curly parts of kale and place in bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, and a little bit of salt. Massage (literally) the kale, so that the kale becomes evenly coated.

2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and place Kale on a prepared baking sheet (parchment paper/baking mat). Make sure Kale is spread evenly through out sheet.

3. Bake kale for 25 minutes, or until Kale is completely crisp. Stir the Kale every ten minutes so every piece is evenly baked. Once done, taste the chips, and if you want, add more salt to your liking.

I was seriously planning on saving these for the hubby's lunches this week...

But there aren't any more left for lunches...

I really don't know where they all went! I swear I just had a few...

Wait...why do I hear an evil laugh...??

MUAAAHHHHAAAHHAAA...

I knew it was you Baby Boo!

Mama just has ONE thing to say...

Good Choice Boo...Good Choice!

Coco-nutty Cream Oatmeal

February 20, 2011 Arielle

We learn a lot of things in life.

Whether those lessons come from positive or negative experiences... we learn.

Unless of course your like Baby Boo...

Or shall we call her Baby Boo Boo...

I don't know when she will learn that licking plugs, eating computer cords, and using a tissue box to pull herself up on is NOT good idea...

(Even though I continue to protect her before she finds out =])

I guess you could say that I'm a little like Baby Boo though...or she's a lot like me.

I wish I could say that I learn from the first mistake, like most people...But to this day I continue to hit my hip on the same part of the counter EvErY. TiMe. I. WaLk. By..

AND don't even ASK me if I have learned to NOT let me husband be in charge of taking pictures.

Because the answer is No...

And now I am totally embarrassed. =]

OK, so it takes a few hard hits for me to "learn" from certain things.

And as I was looking for a breakfast idea that would keep me full for longer than an hour, I thought of oatmeal. But I hate oatmeal!

Why? I just don't find those brown sugar and maple oatmeal packages delicious. But it never occurred to me (DuH lightbulb!) that I didn't have to eat those nasty packages. I could simply make my own...learning oatmeal is actually quite delicious!

Coco-nutty Cream Oatmeal

Ingredients:

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup coconut milk or other milk of choice

1/2 large banana mashed

2 TB unsweetened finely shredded coconut

2 TB chopped dates

1 TB almond or peanut butter

1 TB coconut butter

2 pecans chopped

100% pure maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

1. In a pot at milk, and bring to boil over stove. Once milk is boiling, lower heat and add oats.

2. Let sit for about a minute, and then stir add mashed banana. Let mixture thicken for about a minute or two. Continue to stir every once in a while.

3. Remove from heat and pour oatmeal into a bowl. Top with dates, nut butter of choice, pecans, coconut, coconut butter, and if you want your oatmeal sweet, add a drizzle of maple syrup.

4. Eat and Enjoy!

I LoVe Oatmeal...now! =]

I love it because it is so versatile. You can top it with anything your little heart desires!

My favorite part was the chopped dates and coconut butter. If you have never had coconut butter before I totally recommend it. It's basically coconut pureed until smooth, and it's a completely...foodgasmic =]!

I think having oatmeal for breakfast might happen more often around my house...

Even though I could barely finish it! Highly unusual for me since I must eat everything off my plate! It was just so filling!!

Somehow, no matter how many times I do it, I will continue to make more food than necessary.

And truthfully...

I don't plan on learning from that "mistake"...

ever! =]

Question of the day??

Do you ever have "mistakes" you do over and over again, and can't seem to learn from them? =]

Strong Green Drink

February 18, 2011 Arielle

"Look MaMa...NO hands!"

"AHH Baby Boo! Don't Fall!"

"YUM Mama this door stop is DeLiCiOus!"

"Ew Don't eat that! How did you get that off?!?"

"Hey Baby Boo, have you seen my Lens Cap anywhere..?"

"Baby Boo don't eat the camera!"

"Are you hungry Baby Boo..?!?"

Mama's not hungry...

Mama needs a drink!

Make it a strong one...

Strong Green Drink

It's going to take alot of convince you that you should try this.

It's not for the faint of heart.

It's got alot of strong ingredients in it.

But its my FaVoRiTe green drink.

I know I say that often, but I mean it this time.

Ingredients:

2 Large Grapefruits

If you like grapefruit, you will most likely love this drink. Alot of the taste comes from the juice of this tangy and somewhat sour fruit...

haha somewhat... =]

1 Green Apple

Another sour taste to add to this concoction. Like I said..

I might have to beg you to try this...

Especially after you add:

2-3 Stalks of Kale

I'm going to be honest.

Kale=Nasty

2 Stalks of Red Chard

I'm just going to keep on writting okay..=]

2 Stalks of Collard Greens

And..

A Handful of Spinach

Oh, and if you want...

You can add 2 tsp. of your sweetener of choice. (I.E. agave, maple syrup...)

Directions:

1. You will need a juicer for this

2. Juice all ingredients, until you get a foamy green deliciousness!

Ok, so I'm gonna be real for a second here.

My first thought was...NaStY..

And it's not like I am afraid of Green Drinks...

I'm just used to them having things like coconut milk and bananas that mask the taste of the greens.

But when I took a sip of this Strong Green Drink...

I suddenly became fearful...Because I realized I was Ok to drink my greens without using other ingredients to mask the taste.

Because it was, how do I put this appropriately..

Freaking...Yummy

I can't explain how...

I'm not that smart...

"Hey Baby Boo, you want some?!"

"Baby Boo...

Baby BOO.."

Oh, now you want to take a nap...

Nut Butter Protein Balls

February 15, 2011 Arielle

*Update: The recipe for this post has been one of the most popular recipes on The Diva Dish. It's an older post, I only have 1 wee babe, so if you want to skip to the recipe go ahead and scroll to the bottom!

The Food Processor I own is this one HERE. (affiliate link)*

DAG-NABIT!

Thanks to Baby Boo's slight obsession over my computer, and her constant need to touch the key board...

My computer screen is now magnified enough for a 97 year old to read the monitor...

It's making me dizzy...

So this past week Baby Boo and I took a trip up to my parents house, and hubby met us there later in the week. We had alot of fun, that was until...

Baby Boo got sick...again.

This time her cold turned into something worse, and we spent many hours at the hospital/doctors...Baby Boo hated it.

So did Mama.

What Baby Boo had was pretty bad, and I was worried she was going to be miserable the whole week at my parents. But, she shined through on this one! She is such a good sport and managed to sneak a smile in here and there! =]

Such a trooper!

So, while Grandma spoiled Baby Boo, I watched the Hubby get a little Too into a game of Ping Pong.

He wanted me to take action shots of him.

Cuz he thought it would be sooo cool.

Here you go sweety!!

Look Ma NO ARMS!

I probably should redeem myself for that one...

Sexy.

I asked if I could play, but I was turned away. Geeze Loose 4 Balls and they NeVeR forget!!

Well if I can't play with their Ping Pong Balls...

Then I'll Make My Own...

Nut Butter Protein Balls

Ingredients

1/2 c. walnuts
1/2 c. pitted dates
1/2 c. almonds
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
3/4 c. oats
3 TB. dark chocolate or cocoa nibs
1/2 c. pure maple syrup
1/3 c. peanut butter or almond butter, unsweetened
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

In a [url href="http://amzn.to/2aLjBPl"]food processor[/url], blend the ingredients one by one, starting with the walnuts. Process until small crumbs appear, don't over process or you will have a walnut butter :).
Next add dates, process until crumbs. Followed by almonds, then coconut, oats, and lastly chocolate.
Once a thick crumb texture appears, add in the syrup, nut butter, and vanilla. Process until a thick dough forms into a ball.
Roll into inch sized balls on cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper. Store in an air tight container in the fridge. Last 1-2 weeks, balls can be frozen.

3.5.3208

These balls are totally share-worthy.

Whether or not I decided to share...

Is up to me...

They taste JUST peanut butter cookie dough,

minus the un-healthy ingredients!

Baby Boo is trying to convince me she is ALL better so she can have a Ball herself...

Nice try sweet heart.

Maybe Mama will share with you when your not all gums!

As for now...

I only share with me, myself, and I..

Huge Vegetarian Burritos

February 10, 2011 Arielle

**Note** If you haven't joined my Facebook page and would like to, do so HERE. There may just be a GiVeAwAy coming soon =]**

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

There is one thing that I have always despised about the Hubby.

It's not that he can put Baby Boo to sleep in a matter of seconds, where as it takes me an hour..

And despite that pissing me off, I don't despise him for it...I simply use love him more for it.

But there is one thing...one very important thing, that makes me angrier than if someone told me there would be no more chocolate in the world.

It's simply the fact of how he eats.

You see, in college when I was overly concerned about food, and would hide behind a couch if someone showed me carbs and told me to eat them, I learned that Hubby, who was BF at the time, could stomach anything. And when we would go out to dinner, he would down a "HUGH JASS" burrito no questions asked, all the while maintaining his sexy athletic figure. I would stare him down as I picked at my dressing-less bowl of lettuce, and wished bad things. Not so evil, but that maybe his BuTt would bubble out the next day from all the meaningless fat and calories he was eating. Needless to say my wishes never came true. =]

Ever since we have been married, I have come to the terms with the fact that some people are just lucky. They can eat whatever they want, and yet look like a champ. It simply is not a struggle for them. (AKA skinny mean girls in highschool =])

But I have learned that "looking thin" means nothing, but feeling healthy means everything. I'm not saying it's not ok to eat pizza, or have dessert. I mean, I do believe in, "living a little.." =] What I am saying is that, now, I simply don't have a desire to eat a whole large pizza from little "sleezers," because I know I will most likely feel like crap after I do.

I eat what I want, and what makes me feel better about my self...

And I feel a whole lot better when I eat one of these...

Hugh Jass Burritos

Ingredients: (Bean Puree)

1 can chickpeas

1 1/2 TB Balsamic Vinegar

1 TB Tamari (or Soy Sauce)

3-4 TB water

1 medium garlic clove chopped

1 1/2 tsp. curry powder

Ingredients: (Veggies Saute)

1 TB Olive Oil

4 garlic cloves chopped

1 LG cup chopped broccoli

1 cup yellow bell pepper

2 TB Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Tamari (soy sauce)

1 cup frozen corn

salt and pepper (dash or two)

Tortillas

Avocado

Hummus Cheese(ohsheglows)

Serving: Enough for 1 burrito

4 TB hummus

1 TB Nutritional Yeast

1 TB plain almond milk (or reg milk) to thin it out

Directions: (Bean Puree)

1. Combine all ingredients in the Bean Puree section into a food processor or high speed blender, and puree until smooth. Set aside.

(For the Veggie Saute)

1. In a frying add oil, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes. Careful not to let it burn.

**Side note....***

Do NOT drop your big glass of olive oil on tile...

You most likely, will regret this.

2. Add Broccoli and Bell Peppers, W. sauce, and tamari, and saute for 1-2 minutes.

3. Cover veggies and steam for 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Add corn, mix together, and remove from heat. Keep covered.

5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and warm tortillas over stove.

6. Build your burritos. Start with Bean Puree,

7. Then add your veggies saute.

8. Next, Fold those bad boys...

9. Then place in a baking dish. I was able to get 4 big daddy burritos.

10. Top with remaining bean puree then veggies.

11. Bake for 20 minutes.

Directions: Cheese Sauce

1. Mix all ingredients together with fork, until smooth.

Assembly:

Remove burritos, and drizzle with cheese sauce, and top with avocado.

A-Freakin-Mazing!

This Burrito, seriously...better than any one I have ever...

ever...

had...

And that cheese sauce...

Holy Heck...

Beware...

Food Porn...

You want to know the best thing about these burritos??

This is now Hubby's favorite meal...

Take that you skinny buns!

Hamburger Cupcakes

February 8, 2011 Arielle

Did you watch the superbowl?

I can honestly say...I was extremely looking forward to it!

Food...

Friends...

Commercials...

More importantly...

LAST game of the season.

I like...sports?...I do. It's just that after a while..I'm over them. Especially when it feels like Hubby has a "special" connection to each football team there is..

Which means..

We MUST watch every game!

So when I heard that the superbowl was coming up, a friend and I threw a little party. The men thought it was a "Superbowl" party...

But the women knew the truth..."I can't wait to have my husband back party!"

So when the big day came..

Everyone mingled, and shouted and cheered, and us ladies were sent in the kitchen to feed our starving husbands. We tried hard to put all our little girly efforts into making the party "cute," but try and tell your husband you need to decorate and photograph his food before he can eat it.

Dipped Strawberries that were "supposed" to look like footballs...

NOT gonna happen.

That's ok, because we were able to make these AdOrAbLe hamburger cupcakes!

They were super simple to make. Just cut a vanilla cupcake in half, place a brownie(patty) in the middle, add frosting, and ViOlA!

My cousin made these cute Sugar cookie "Fries" to go along with the Hamburgers:

(Want better instructions? Click HERE)

I think all hamburgers should be made this way =]

Now I just want you to know...

I didn't just throw on an apron and cook all day. I watched some of the game.

Enough to know Christina must be embarrassed, some of the commercials were funny, Half time show..MEH, and that the team that we were all rooting for...

WON!

What's that you say..??

There's a basketball game on??

Dang.

Vegan Sugar Free Chocolate Banana Bread

February 5, 2011 Arielle

Coco-A-Nana Bread

Recipe from:Whole Foods

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 cup oat flour (just take oats and grind in processor or blender into flour)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (can use all pastry flour instead of oat flour)

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

4 very ripe bananas

8 large dates, pitted and chopped

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 TB water

2 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/4 cup finely shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Whisk together thoroughly dry ingredients into a bowl, and set aside.

2. In a blender, add bananas, dates, coconut milk, water, and vanilla. Blend until mixture is thick, and dates are chopped very small. About 1 minute or more.

3. Form a well in the middle of the dry mixture, and add wet ingredients. Fold ingredients together, but careful not to over mix. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan (greased or covered in parchment) and smooth out top. Sprinkle with coconut.

4. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, or until center comes out clean.

5. Enjoy!

This bread is amazing! It's a perfect breakfast/snack bread.

It is SOO moist, and that's what I LOVE MOST about banana bread!

It's actually not the sweetest bread since there isn't "sugar", BUT the sweetness it has comes from the bananas and dates. It's perfect for breakfast so you don't have to start the day with a sugar overload.

Of coarse, I can never eat bread alone...

I think I eat Peanut Butter every morning...

for Breakfast...

and maybe some at lunch...

I'll stop there.

You know too much.

It's probably best if I just end with that picture...

Roasted Quinoa Bean Burger

February 4, 2011 Arielle

I'm feeling extremely happy today!

Not because I found a $50 gift card to Target at the bottom of my diaper bag...

But because I am happy to say that I have kept up with my running goals.

I never thought I would pick up running again after having Baby Boo. After not working out for "nine months"...which turned into...a year...it is just so hard to pick back up.

Sure I walked, and did some spin classes here and there, but when your a mom 24/7 with no time for yourself...

It's hard to fit it in.

And now I wonder...

How do people with more kids exercise?? Take time for yourself??

I guess this whole Mama thing is a work in progress, but I can attest that every day Baby Boo gets older, it's easier to exercise. Now that she can entertain her self with teething biscuits and measuring spoons,

Mama can fit in a workout video here and there...

...

Or have more time in the kitchen to cook some delicious food. =]

Like a life changing...

OK I won't go there again.

But i'll just say...it's pretty amazing.

Roasted Quinoa Bean Burger

Ingredients:

1/3 cup cooked black beans

1/2 cup assorted roasted veggies

(sweet potato, zucchini, onion drizzled w/ EVOO & balsamic vinegar, S&P)

1/3 cup plain cooked Quinoa

Salt&Pepper

*A reader said these stick together really well when you add 1 chia egg to the recipe!*

Directions:

1. Start with your veggies. I used 1 sweet potato, 1 zucchini, and 1/2 of onion.(What I had on hand. Would def suggest the sweet potato & onion!) Chop and spread on baking sheet. Drizzle w/ EVOO and Balsamic vinegar, Salt and pepper. If you don't want extra veggies to save for later uses in the week, divide veggies in half. (I.E. 1/2 sweet potato, 1/2 zucchini..etc..)

2. Cook in oven to 350 for 30 minutes.

3. Reserve 1/2 cup of mixture, and if you have extra veggies, save the rest in a sealed container in fridge to use through out the week. On salads, in sandwhiches, in quesadillas, etc..

4. In a food processor add veggies and black beans.

5. Blend until a little chunky.

6. Then add quinoa and process until blended. Leave a little chunky, you don't want it too creamy.

7. Add a little spices if you would like such as cumin or paprika. Then add Salt and Pepper to taste.

8. Form into balls, 2-3, and flatten out to patties.

9. In a preheated 400 degree oven, bake patties for 30 minutes. 15 minutes on both sides.

10. Once they are done, you can add a little coconut oil in a skillet and fry both sides for a crispy outer edge. (optional)

11. Place patty in a tortilla, or hamburger buns, and load with your favorite toppings.

12. Enjoy!

Unfortunately I was out of toppings since I was Low on groceries.

So I used some cilantro dressing and mustard...

Whatever works =]

This "burger" has amazing stats as far as nutrition goes. I don't like to count calories, but these are pretty amazing =]

Nutrition Facts

User Entered Recipe

3 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories182.3 Total Fat2.1 g Saturated Fat0.1 g Polyunsaturated Fat0.1 g Monounsaturated Fat0.0 g Cholesterol0.0 mg Sodium14.5 mg Potassium337.2 mg Total Carbohydrate35.1 g Dietary Fiber5.5 g Sugars5.3 gProtein6.7 g

Ok, are you ready for a challenge question??

What the heck does a sweet potato look like?

Are they orange, like sweet potato fries, or are they white like a regular potato..??

I'm so confused.

White Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter

February 3, 2011 Arielle

Everything else is going to be just not of an importance to you.

Because the recipe I am about to share...will most likely change your life.

And although I say that often...

aka

the recipe that changed everything...

I really mean it this time.

So even though I really want to share with you the fact that if life were like the movie Toy Story, then Tickle Me Elmo would probably not be as loyal to Baby Boo as Woody or Buzz Lightyear was to Andy...

(I mean, I'm just WaItIn' for that little laughing fire ball to shout, "ha ha ha...ha ha ha...NOT FUNNY!")

And although it's NOT FUNNY that I drag out probably the greatest thing that you will ever eat in your life...

You should know that at first I wasn't going to share this life changing recipe with you.

For starters, I had just posted a "live a little," recipe, and right after that posted a grass colored smoothie that had carrots in it.

Call me crazy, but I was concerned people were gonna start thinking that all I do is eat chocolate and drink green drinks...

And although that might be right

But then as I watched Baby Boo tickle Elmo to the point of "Shaken Elmo Syndrome," I realized that life is about having fun...

And if I just so happened to post another "live a little" recipe then I knew you would most likely forgive me.

If not?...Then maybe I should introduce you to Baby Boo's friend Elmo.

Tickled Peanut Butter

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups roasted peanuts, unsalted/lightly salted

1/2 cup melted white chocolate

1/2 cup small chopped pretzles

1/4 cup (heaping) finely shredded coconut

1 TB melted coconut oil

*Note*

You cold probably use pre-made store bought peanut butter. Just use the all natural kind that just includes peanut butter. (no additives like sugar and oil.)

Directions:

1. In a food processor, add your peanuts, and blend until creamy. (If using store bought PB, just mix all the ingredients together minus the oil.)

2. Scrape down sides, and add oil. Blend.

3. Scrape down sides again, and add melted chocolate.

4. Remove peanut butter from processor and pour into bowl.

5. Stir in pretzels and coconut.

6. Keep in air tight container.

You WILL thank me for this recipe =]

I figured it was best to chop up some greens to dip into this snack...

I soon realized a spoon just did a much better job.

Here is the PB in a little different lighting:

Yup..still life changing.

Stay tuned for tomorrow.

I am going to try and convince you that I have the most amazing life changing recipe for a Quinoa Burger...

Don't believe me on this one.

Ask Elmo...He's tickled about this one!

Layered Peanut Butter Crisp Bars

January 28, 2011 Arielle

I am going to make this short...

and sweet...

I am extremely passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

I love to post ideas about ways to eat better foods for our bodies.

But I would be lying if I said I ate that way all the time.

Truth be told...

I believe in healthy living, but I also believe in living...

Every so often...

I like to live a little =]

Layered Peanut Butter Crisp Bars

Adapted from: Baked

Ingredients:

*Layer One*

7 Cups Rice Krispy cereal/Brown Rice Cereal

3/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter

1 cup Brown rice Syrup

1/2 cup Honey

1 tsp. vanilla

*Layer Two*

8 ounces 60-70% dark chocolate

1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter

*Layer Three*

1 tsp. Brown Rice Syrup

6 ounces 70-80% Dark Chocolate

1 stick Organic Butter

Directions:

*Layer One*

1. Put cereal in a bowl and set aside.

2. In a pot on the stove, add honey and syrup and heat. Continually stir until melted about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and add in vanilla.

3. Add syrup mixture to cereal and stir until combined. Using a baking sheet covered in a baking mat or "lots" of grease, flatted out cereal to coat whole pan. Press down and make even.

4. Set aside.

*Layer Two*

1. Place ingredients in a metal bowl above a pot full of simmering water. (aka double broiler)

2. Continually stir ingredients until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.

3. Let cool for a couple of minutes then pour onto prepared pan full of krispies.

4. Put in freezer for about 30 minutes, or while you are getting the next layer ready.

*Layer Three*

1. Do the same thing as you did Layer two.

2. Place ingredients in a double broiler, and stir until melted and creamy.

3. Let sit until somewhat cool, then pour on top of layer one and two. Place in freezer for 30 minutes.

Once mixture is solid, then you can cut into squares. Keep refrigerated, due to melting =]

Let me tell you...

living a little every so often is definitely okay!

Oh and Fun Fact:

Throwing those bad boys in the microwave for a few seconds, then topping it with peanut butter ice cream...

Definitely a wise choice...

Planned Protein Power Cookies

January 21, 2011 Arielle

Today I planned.

I planned on waking up around 730, maybe 8.

We woke up at 530.

I planned on taking Baby Boo for a walk.

Ya...didn't happen.

I planned on drinking a delicious cold busting smoothie after learning the top 3 foods to fighting colds.

And I planned on photographing and drinking that cold buster smoothie while Baby Boo took her morning nap...

But since Baby Boo has protested sleeping the past few days, a photograph and a sip was all I could get...

I think it was good..

But I don't really know because by the time I could drink it...

it was freakin' warm.

I then began to think, maybe I should throw out all my plans of Baby Boo sleeping.

Even though she seems exhausted...

How many airplane rides does MaMa have to do to make this girl tired?!?

I can't blame Baby Boo though. There has been too many sneezes...

She is snot cool with that..

Catch my drift.

I decided that if Baby Boo was snot going to sleep, then she would be my partner in crime in the kitchen.

I planned on making enchilades.

Instead, all I made was a smoothie I didn't get to enjoy.

And all I consumed through out the day was a cookie, crackers and hummus, a granola bar, and a sip of greens.

Now, since I planned on sharing an enchilada recipe...

We all know that didn't happen...

So instead, here is a cookie recipe...

Because It's the one out of 4 things I ate today.

Protein Power Cookie

Although it's called a cookie, it's actually full of healthy fiber and protein. The secret ingredient is quinoa which contains tons of protein and antioxidants.There is no unhealthy fats or ridiculous amounts of sugar. It's a great pre/post-workout snack as well.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats

1/2 plain cooked quinoa

2/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

1/8 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut

1/3 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp. baking powder

4 TB freshly ground flax seeds

1 TB chia seeds

3 1/2 TB almond/peanut butter

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 TB canola oil

*note*

* Can use 5 TB of ground flax seeds if you can't find chia seeds.

* Buy whole flax seeds and blend in processor until fine.

Directions:

1. Combine oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, coconut, raisins, and chocolate chips into a bowl, then sift in baking powder.

2. In a separate bowl combine ground flax, chia seeds, syrup, agave, almond butter, and vanilla. Mix in oil.

3. Combine wet ingredients to dry ingredients, but DO NOT over mix.

4. Use a pan coated with parchment paper, scoop cookies with a ice cream scoop evenly apart and flatten tops with fingers slightly.

5. Bake in a pre heated 350 degree oven for no longer than 11-12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to cooling rack.

These are amazing. You don't even miss the butter!

Did I just say that?

I planned on sharing these with everyone in the family...

So far, that hasn't happened. It probably won't either.

I'm just being honest.

Now I plan on doing something about these bad boys...

But considering the fact I've been sporting them for the past two days, tells me that it's really not a plan I'm intending on fixing anytime soon.

Chocolate Maple Almond Butter

January 16, 2011 Arielle

Sometimes people think I'm wierd.

Actually it's more than sometimes...

it's like a lot.

It might be that when it comes to picking a restaurant, everyone looks at me because I'M usually the picky one.

And then when we finally agree on a restaurant, I'm giving the waiter a run for his tip because I am practically creating my own item on the menu.

Ya...I'm one of those people.

Although...maybe it isn't those restaurant outings that make me look weird. I mean, there are lots of picky people who like their foods prepared a certain way, right??

But if it isn't about the restaurants, then what is it?

It could be that I buy Organic Vegetables and some Organic Groceries.

Because if I buy Organic...

That means I am a tree hugging organic hippy born again vegan freak right?

(**note**Been called all of the above)

But if the reason that I buy organic vegetables and groceries is because I like my foods made with out chemicals, don't want to eat foods that may be contaminated with e-coli or salmanella, enjoy supporting local farmers, think animals deserve to eat grass, and care about what I put into my body because I believe it's a temple...

Is that so bad?

But if it isn't the restaurants OR the Organic groceries than what could it be?

Well maybe it has something to do with the fact that when I am in the kitchen I am most likely cooking with "abnormal" ingredients.

Things like, "whole grains, almond/soy milk, flax seeds, and vegetables." Then to top it off, I am secretly throwing avocados into pudding, adding beans into mashed potatoes, rarely cooking with butter, licking a tub of hummus, eating tons of goat cheese, and continuing to sneak pieces of chocolate every 5 minutes.

Now, maybe, just maybe...I am starting to understand why people think I am so wierd.

Not just wierd...

A "Tree Huggin' Organic Born Again Vegan Freak" weird...

But I am here to say this...

For a freak...I eat Dang Good Food =]

Chocolate Maple Almond Butter

Ingredients:

2 Cups raw almonds

3 TB 100% pure maple syrup

2 TB 100% pure maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

dash of salt

Melted together: 1 TB coconut oil with 1/2 cup dark chocolate

Recipe adaped from: Edible Perspective & Ohsheglows

Directions:

1. Pre-Heat oven to 325

2. Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and pour almonds on top.

3. Coat almonds with 3 TB of maple syrup.

4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes so they don't burn.

5. Once done, remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. (You can even just eat these as a snack! =])

6. Once they are cooled, place almonds in a food processor.

7. Now this is the part that requires a lil patience =]. Start to blend the nuts together. For a while your just going to get fine crumbs, but keep blending.

8. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep it moving smoothly.

9. Pretty soon those crumbs will start to look nice and creamy!

It will go from this,

To this,

10. Once it turns into BuTtA', THEN it is time to add the rest of the ingredients.

2 TB maple syrup, cinnamon, melted chocolate + coconut oil, and a dash of salt.

11. Combine all the ingredients into the food processor until creamy.

12. Place in a sealed container, such as an old peanut butter glass jar.

Use on top of toast, sandwhiches with jelly, on oatmeal, ice cream, on cookies, in baked goods, on top of marshmallows, on your finger...

You get the idea.

I used to be obsessed with peanut butter.

Until now...

I'm ALL about that creamy delciousness!!

(spoonful ONE of THIRTEEN)

Now if you will excuse me...

I'm going to go sit out side hugging a tree while eating a jar of Chocolate Maple Almond Butter.

And if I feel like it, you may hear me sing...

KOOMBYAAA MY LOOORDD...

KOOMBYYYAAAA!

Green Drinks & Nut Butter Coated Fries

January 14, 2011 Arielle

I have been feeling AmAzInG lately.

Ever since Baby Boo was born, I have kind of been a homebody...

She was always too little to take places, and since I was her only source of food, I couldn't really leave her with anyone for too long.

BUT NOW...

She is old enough to go for walks and ENJOY it! She loves to be outside and play. She is easy to take places because I know if she gets hungry I can give her a bottle. (She also isn't eating ever hour.) And she is easy to leave with the hubby if I need to go to the grocery store/gym.

So recently we have taken walks, I have gone to the gym, and we have played for hours. She is happy and so is mamma.

In other Baby Boo news, I have had to do alot of this lately:

This fearless little angle just arches her back and practically falls out of each thing she is placed in. Luckily mamma has reflexes like a cat...Powers which I didn't know I had until I had to use them.

Little dare devil.

Also, to keep up with my New Year's Goals, I have been aiming at training for a half marathon. I have been running and trying to build up my endurance, and have felt awesome! I have a program on my I-Phizzle that helps you train. It teaches you to run a little, then walk a little, and eventually you will be able to run that half marathon. Last night I ran 5 minutes, then walked one minute. Your supposed to repeat that 10 times. Not easy, but I know that I must keep it up if I want to reach my goal =]

Now, I don't know if your like me, but when I work out, I am more likely to make better choices about the food I am eating. I am SuPeR excited to share with you a NEW green drink that I think many of you will like. I'll reassure you again...

You cannot taste the spinach =]

My brother and sister in law always bring by boxes of oranges from the house. I love it because I am obsessed with fresh squeezed OJ.

The only thing I don't know if I like is pulp...

It makes me...uncomfortable =]

That's ok...pulp or no pulp, your still my lover fresh squeezed orange balls of juice.

And as I sqeezed that precious juice into my glass, I couldn't help but think of those ice cream bars I used to have as a kid...So creamy, so orangey...

And then I knew I just had to try and recreate...

In a green drink form...

Creamsicle Green Drink

Ingredients:

1 Cup fresh squeezed OJ

3/4 cup Vanilla almond/soy milk

2 cups fresh spinach

1/2 (heaping)cup frozen peaches

1 medium banana

ice

Directions:

Blend in blender until smooth and creamy.

Oh MY Lanta!

I couldn't believe something SO good, was a benefit to my body.

It definitely reminded me of those yummy ice cream bars.

If you want to turn this into a protein drink I'm assuming you could add vanilla protein powder too!

I think this drink brought me luck today, because as I was stumbling through recipes, I found one that rocked my slippers off (I don't wear socks...I wear Snooki slippers)

Nut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

1 tsp. Almond Butter

1 TB Peanut Butter

1/2 TB. Olive oil

Dash of Salt

1 Medium Sweet Potato (or LG. Parsnip)

Recipe by:Diet, Dessert, & Dogs and Ohsheglows

Directions:

1. Gather your ingredients:

2. Mix Nut butters, oil, and salt into a bowl and set aside.

3. Peel and wash potato or parsnip and slice into fries.

4. Coat with Nut butter mixture.

5. Spread onto baking sheet covered with parchment paper or baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 50 minutes.

I didn't think I was going to be able to wait that long...

But Baby Boo kept me preoccupied by wanting to play my her favorite game...

dress up...

When the fries were done...

I may have wept a little.

They were damn good.

And I may have drizzled a little agave on top...

I don't remember much after that...

Peanut Butter Bars

January 11, 2011 Arielle

My husband goes through phases with food.

He will fall in love with a certain product, and for a couple weeks our house must always be stocked with his flavor of the month.

But a phase means that it doesn't last forever.

Which is pretty frustrating because I will usually run to Costco to stock up on whatever he's obsessing over, and when I come home he will say,

"I don't like those anymore."

Which means I, the lovely wife, am stuck eating 3 boxes of unwanted crap cereal.

Or cheese crackers.

Or a certain type of juice that taste like butt.

That! Is true love =]

Do you want to know what he's crushing over this month?

Fiber One Peanut Butter Bars.

I myself must admit that they are amazingly delicious, and when I was pregnant, I ate a lot of them.

But I wasn't about to run out and stock up our pantry full of fiber, because Hubby will probably be over them in a week, and then I am left eating Fiber bars for every meal...

And we all know that can cause more than one problem.. =]

So I decided to make some of my own, that way I didn't buy 457 of them...and instead end up with 8.

I wasn't really sure what was in Fiber One Bars so I looked up the ingredients to get some what of an idea.

fiberonechewybarsoatspeanutbutter105-1.ashx

(Source: Fiber One website)

To be honest, I know what all of those ingredients are.

Some are real, some are fake, and some are crap.

That's why I was all the more intrigued to make my own version.

For the better of my wallet, my pantry, and my husbands body... =]

And I have to admit...

They were quite delicious!

Peanut Butter Bars

2 Cups oatmeal

2 Cups puffed brown rice cereal(i used honey flavored)

2 TB Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds

1/2 Cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp. Baking soda

1 cup Brown Rice Syrup

2 TB peanut Butter

2 TB margarine or butter

1/4 Cup organic sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

Dash of salt

2 TB mini Chocolate chips

Recipe adapted from: PeasandThankyou

Directions:

1. Combine oats, cereal, seeds, and flour, and soda in bowl.

2. Then add syrup, butter, vanilla, peanut butter, and salt into a saucepan and melt on low heat, mixing constantly.

3. Let the mixture come to a boil as you continue to stir. Let it thicken, and then remove from heat and let cool a little bit.

5. Once it has cooled slightly, add wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined.

6. Then Press into a GREASED 9x9 pan and smash chocolate chips on top.

7. Then bake at 325 for about 15 minutes.

8. Let Cool COMPLETELY before cutting into the bars. I know it's hard =]

These are so chewy and yummy!

Once they were cooled I wrapped them individually so they would stay fresh.

And I also made two matches and wrapped and froze the other half so when hubby is going through one of his "Phases..."

...I'm prepared.

Let's hope Baby Boo doesn't get that trait. She's already drooling over them...

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

January 10, 2011 Arielle

About a year ago, before Baby Boo came into our lives, I used to spend evenings cooking and baking away in the kitchen trying to kill time while my Hubby studied his little heart out for school.

Occasionally I would experiment with different ingredients, and when Hubby got home I would test them out on him. A lot of times he would humor me as I tried to force feed him black bean brownies, but I knew that if he didn't like it, NO body would.

Then one day I stumbled upon a recipe. A recipe like no other. I wasn't to fond of this kind of food, and I didn't really know what to expect, but the ingredients sounded AMAZING. I knew I had to try it. So that day I did just that. I went to the store, got my ingredients, threw it together, tasted it...and fell on the floor.

IT...WAS...INCREDIBLE!

I couldn't believe something could taste so good.

Later that night my Hubby's friends were coming over and I KNEW I just HAD to share it with them. They too were a little skeptical since I had already tried to feed them Vegan Cookies the last time they came over, but I knew that if they just tasted ONE bite...they would be in love.

When they walked into our house I told them I had made something, and I wanted them to tell me what they thought. They looked at me a little frightened and said, "what's in it?"(Oddly I always get that kind of response when I cook something for someone) I told them to just try it, and they so kindly did.

They took one bite...

Then they took another...

Then they looked at me in amazement, and licked their bowls clean.

It was love at first sight.

And to this day, they still talk about it.

So what is this most delicious recipe that I have talked so much of??

Meet Chocolate Pudding

Now I know a lot of you may not like pudding. I would say it isn't the dessert of "choice" for many, but you are going to really have to trust me on this one.

I feel like I am always saying that.

Anyways. The ingredients may shock you, as they did to me. But it makes this dish all the more enticing and amazing.

For starters,

peanut butter. You can NEVER go wrong with peanut butter...

in my eyes at least =]

Now the second ingredient may surprise you,

Avocado??

Shhhh...

Just trust me...

Chocolate Pudding

1/4 cup Peanut Butter

1/3 cup Agave Nectar

1/8 cup Cocoa Powder

1 Medium Avocado

1 Tablespoon coconut oil

1 tsp. Vanilla

Dash of Salt

recipe adapted from Fitnessista

Directions:

Throw all ingredients into food processor or high speed blender. Mix until combined and creamy.

It really is that simple..

Another reason why you should make this..ummm...

Now!

shop this recipe

Screen Shot 2019-02-04 at 10.42.36 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-02-04 at 10.44.26 AM.png

Screen Shot 2019-02-04 at 10.45.29 AM.png

Nog Scones

December 21, 2010 Arielle

Let me take a second to complain.

Dear Rain,

You have ruined what was supposed to be an aWeSoMe winter break. I no longer can take Baby Boo for a walk,(which equals no exercise for mamma), driving anywhere is completely unsafe and crazy, (that's also a jab at last minute shoppers), and your constantly going all night keeping me, and MORE importantly, baby boo awake.

I would also like to blame you for the sickness my hubby has which has him in bed sleeping all day, and therefore can't play with Baby Boo and I.

So with that being said,

I hate your stinkin' guts.

Sincerely,

Pissed off.

Moving on...

When mamma is cranky, mamma bakes.

Eggnog Scones

by, Peas&ThankYou (Love Love Love Her!!)

3/4 cup Silk 'Nog 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 cup organic unbleached flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup organic sugar 1 TB baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 t. cream of tartar 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg (or 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg) 1/2 c. vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance)

Directions

1. Combine 'Nog and lemon juice and set aside.

2. Combine Dry ingredients (flour, sugar, BP, BS, tartar, salt, and nutmeg)