Healthfull Ever After

Banana Apple Oat Chocolate Chip Muffins

2013-05-22T12:41:00.001-07:00

Once again I had rotten bananas sitting on my kitchen counter. My daughter noticed them last night and begged to make her favorite banana cake. It was right before bedtime when she asked, and I promised her we would bake after school.

As soon as we walked in the door from school, she started looking in the pantry for ingredients. I have been baking a lot of banana cake lately so I tried making up a new muffin recipe to spice up our morning breakfast.

My daughter mashed, poured, stirred and ate way too many chocolate chips and apple before either ingredient even made it into the batter! They smelled so good when they came out of the oven we couldn't wait till breakfast. They were a delicious and healthy afternoon snack. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Banana Apple Oat Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe:

¼ cup olive oil

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup white sugar

¾ cup nonfat Greek Yogurt

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

2 eggs

3 ripe bananas- mashed (the riper the banana, the sweeter the muffin)

½ cup old fashioned oats

1 apple- chopped (peel it if you have the time). I used a Fuji. Green would also taste delicious.

1 ½ cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips and chopped apple.

3.) Blend in the chocolate chips and apple last.

4.) Pour batter into paper baking cups (produces around 12 muffins) and bake 30 minutes or until cooked through.

*I usually take a fork right in the middle of a muffin and see if the fork comes out clean (ready) or gooey (still needs baking time.

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ketchup and BBQ Sauce Frosting

2013-05-02T16:13:00.002-07:00

Meatloaf Cupcake Recipe:

Ingredients- serves 4

1 ½ lbs ground sirloin

½ cup carrots- finely diced

¼ cup white onion- finely diced

1/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1 egg

¼ cup ketchup for mixture plus ¼ cup ketchup for frosting

1 tsp Dijon mustard plus ½ tsp for frosting

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

2 tbsp BBQ sauce plus 1 tbsp BBQ sauce for frosting

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.) In a large bowl, combine meat, diced carrots, diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, egg and ¼ cup ketchup. Use your hands to really blend ingredients together.

3.) Mold the meat to form 12 cupcake shapes and place in a lined or greased muffin tray.

4.) In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup ketchup, ½ tsp mustard and 1 tbsp BBQ sauce for topping. Brush “frosting” over each cupcake.

5.) Bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through.

I pick up my son on the late side today so I wanted to prepare a dinner in advance that I could easily make during the day and pop into the oven while he unwinds. My daughter was already filthy once today after playing in the sandbox so after a thorough scrubbing, we got her hands dirty again preparing our meatloaf cupcakes.

She was very excited when I pulled out the muffin pan and very confused when I pulled out carrots, meat and breadcrumbs! She had fun mushing the ingredients together. We prepped the meatloaf so that when we walked in the door, my son got to participate by adding the final touch- brushing on the ketchup frosting. I hope your family loves this simple recipe. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

MagNoodles Organic Smart Pasta

2013-04-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

While I loved the spaghetti squash recipe that I just posted, my kids prefer real noodles. I was sent MagNoodles by the owner herself, knowing what a complete health nut I am. I was not sure how my kids were going to like this multigrain vegetable pasta, but after my daughter's first bite, she said, "YUM" out loud and polished off her entire bowl. That answered my question about whether these were going to be a new staple in our house.

These organic, vegan, Non-GMO noodles are made with kamut, spelt and various vegetable powders, making them high in fiber and protein. Great news for pasta lovers! You can find these noodles in Chicago at Jewel or go to www.magnoodles.com for where to buy these delicious and healthy noodles. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Spaghetti Squash

2013-04-17T18:52:00.001-07:00

I have always been puzzled about this healthy noodle like vegetable. It is only 40 calories and 8 carbs per cup. I love noodles, so I admit, I was hesitant how this would compare. I purchased my first Spaghetti Squash this week and am so happy I did! YUM. It was so easy, healthy and delicious! Just the way I like my meals.

My kids were fascinated when I sliced the squash in half and steam poured out. I was fascinated when I let them scrape the insides of each half of the squash and noodle like strings appeared! I cannot promise you that your kids will slurp this dish up like real spaghetti, but I can guarantee that this is a way healthier way to enjoy spaghetti!

You can customize this easy "noodle" dish with your favorite spaghetti preparation. I tried my first round of spaghetti squash with marinara sauce, spinach and fresh shredded Parmesan cheese. Next, I am going to try cooking it with my turkey meat sauce. How do you like your spaghetti squash?! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

The squash really looks like spaghetti noodles.

Spaghetti Squash Recipe:

1 large spaghetti squash
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup your favorite marinara sauce
1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
1 cup baby spinach
sea salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.) Use a fork to puncture your squash several times before placing it into the microwave.
2.) Microwave for 10 minutes. Let cool before cutting.
3.) Using a sharp knife, cut the squash lengthwise.
4.) Take out the pumpkin looking seeds and discard seeds.
5.) Using a fork, scrape the sides and noodles appear! This part is MAGICAL. Put noodles aside in a big bowl. You can refrigerate any leftover "noodles" to cook for the next day.
6.) Heat a skillet on medium high, add the olive oil.
7.) Add the noodles and cook for 2 minutes.
8.) Add your sauce, spinach, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Blend.
9.) Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese.

Magical squash!

Fried Matzah Recipe

2013-03-16T06:38:00.001-07:00

I cannot take credit for this Fried Matzah recipe. This is a generational recipe that started with my husband’s grandfather, passed down to his father and now to my husband.

With Passover around the corner, Matzah can be found at most markets. I bought a box the other day hoping my husband would whip up his famous and fantastic Fried Matzah for breakfast!

This morning when my husband spotted the Matzah in the pantry, he enlisted the kids to help him cook breakfast. Both my kids enjoyed breaking the Matzah into little pieces. They soaked it in water, got their hands dirty coating the pieces in the egg and milk mixture and loved watching their dad cook diligently at the stove.

It is these little moments where I take a step back and watch my husband as a terrific dad that makes me love him even more. And, did I mention, breakfast was delicious! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Fried Matzah Aka Matzah Brie Recipe:

(4 servings)

• 4 Matzahs - broken into pieces

• 3 cups cold water

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon butter for frying

Directions:

1.) Soak Matzah pieces in cold water for about 3 minutes and drain.

2.) In a large bowl, mix Matzah with beaten eggs, milk and salt.

3.) In a frying pan on medium high, add butter until it melts and then add Matzah mixture until the edges appear crispy, about 5-6 minutes.

4.) This favorite dish tastes delicious topped with maple syrup, jelly or cinnamon and sugar.

Breakfast is served!

Funfetti Cupcakes (*with a healthy twist) & Classic Buttercream Frosting

2013-03-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

We were going to another family's house for dinner last night and were in charge of dessert. I was so excited to pick up cupcakes from my favorite bakery, but my kids had a different plan in mind.

My sweet kiddos wanted to bake the cupcakes from scratch, and I am never one to pass up a baking project! We debated about the flavor and ultimately settled on funfetti for a colorful sweet treat! This recipe is easy, healthier than your typical cupcake, and delicious!

My son cracked the eggs and made a complete mess, as usual. My daughter poured in the ingredients while my son stirred. For the frosting, both kids insisted on testing it several times! We had fun slathering on the frosting and decorating with sprinkles. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Funfetti Cupcakes (*with a healthy twist) Recipe:

Ingredients - yields 8 cupcakes:

1/4 cup butter – softened to room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds

1/4 cup applesauce

1 tbsp canola oil

2 large eggs (*or 4 egg whites)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 

½ cup low fat milk (*or 2% Greek yogurt)

¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Mix the softened butter, applesauce, oil and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, baking powder and flour. Stir in milk until the batter is smooth. Blend in sprinkles.

3.) Pour batter into muffin pan.

4.) Bake cupcakes 30-40 minutes, or until top is golden and a fork inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.

Classic Buttercream Frosting Recipe:

Ingredients:

▪ 1/2 cup unsalted butter - softened to room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds

▪ 1 1/2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar, SIFTED

▪ 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

▪ 1 tbsp milk

▪ a pinch of salt

Directions:

1.) Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, milk and salt.

Frost away and decorate!

AlternaVites Kids Vitamins

2013-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

How many of you have had your dentist warn you about your children eating to many gummies for fear of cavities? (Of course, gummies are my daughter's favorite snack!)

Let me introduce you to AlternaVites Kids Multivitamin & Mineral Crystals. It is a multivitamin that kids can pour directly into their mouth or into any drink/smoothie or on top of their morning yogurt or oatmeal. These vitamins come in two kid friendly flavors. They contain no sugar and are free of aspartame and high fructose corn syrup!

My daughter had the Strawberry Bubble Gum Flavor this morning and actually cried when she finished the little package and I would not let her have more! Bye bye gummy vitamins and hello happy dentists and parents!

Visit www.walgreens.com or www.alternavites.com for more info and purchasing.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2013-02-13T12:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have shared this easy, healthy and delicious cake recipe before, but it was not in the shape of a heart! I bought the cake pan at- no surprise- Target.

Here is the recipe again for those of you who missed it. I promise you this cake will make your friends and family very happy! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe:

baking spray

1 package yellow cake mix (I bought Pillsbury Classic Yellow)

1 3.4oz vanilla instant pudding

4 eggs

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup 2% Greek yogurt

1 tsp vanilla

¾ cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1.)Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.)Grease pan with baking spray.

3.)In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips and mix until smooth. My son had fun measuring, pouring, and stirring.

4.) Blend in the chocolate chips.

5.)Pour batter into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the fork test comes out clean.

Zucchini Fries

2013-02-03T18:05:00.006-08:00

Zucchini Fries are my family’s new favorite veggie side. While fries imply something unhealthy for you, this savory, crunchy and delicious twist on zucchini is healthy! Best of all, they are easy to make and super fun for the kids to help bake!

My kids participated by whisking the egg. (I have the cutest giraffe whisk -thanks Target!) Then my kiddos dipped each zucchini slice into the beaten egg and then into the seasoned breadcrumbs.

While this recipe is a fun activity for the whole family to participate in, this was not a very clean activity. My kids had so much fun baking these fries and eating the fruit (or in this case, veggie) of their labor, this healthy recipe is worth a little mess! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 eggs- beaten

3 medium zucchini- sliced thin

2 cups panko breadcrumbs pre-seasoned or plain seasoned with salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.) Slice the zucchini to resemble thin French fries.

3.) Mix the eggs and place into a bowl for dipping.

4.) Fill a separate bowl with the breadcrumbs.

5.) Dip sliced zucchini into the egg and then the breadcrumbs.

6.) Lay the coated zucchini side by side on the parchment paper.

7.) Bake for 20 minutes.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2013-01-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Despite the rain and fear of frizzy hair, my sister, sister-in-law, mom and I laughed all the way to my mom's birthday celebration! My mom radiated as she spoke about the different chapters in her life.

Mom, thanks for your tremendous love! I now know from raising my own children how difficult a job being a mother is! Thanks for teaching me how to love, to give, to be a good friend, to be strong, to persevere, to shop, to bake and to hug tightly!

To another year of love, laughter and living healthfully ever after! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Quinoa Alla Vodka

2013-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think of simple recipes for a happy and healthy new year. I was craving a creamy pasta tonight so here is the healthy swap that came to mind- Quinoa Alla Vodka!

Together, my daughter and I measured the quinoa and the water (practiced her math), poured the ingredients into the pot (worked on hand eye coordination) and threw the spinach into the pan. Her favorite part was sprinkling on the goat cheese, which is the secret to this recipe's rich taste.

My husband couldn't believe I could make this healthy dish taste decadent, but I promise, it is heavenly! The best part besides the amazing taste, it was super easy! I served the quinoa with an Arugula Apple Almond Salad. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Quinoa Alla Vodka Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup dry quinoa- cook according to package directions
1 cup your favorite marinara sauce (I used Rao's Tomato Basil Sauce)
1/2 tsp chopped garlic (optional)
1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
about 4-5 cups baby spinach
olive oil spray

Directions:

1.) Cook quinoa according to package directions in a pot and set aside.
2.) In a separate large pan, turn heat to medium high and spray olive oil. Saute garlic for 30 seconds.
3.) To the large pan, add spinach and stir for 30 seconds.
4.) Pour on marinara sauce and stir.
5.) Blend in cooked quinoa and goat cheese.

Arugula Apple Almond Salad Recipe:

1 apple- chopped (I used Fuji but any sweet apple will do)
3 cups arugula
1/4 cup whole raw almonds
1/4 goat cheese crumbles
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.) Toss salad and enjoy!

Quickest Thai Noodles Ever

2013-01-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is the simplest noodle dish! The healthy bonus is that it is packed with protein from the creamy peanut butter. My son thinks I whip up the best Thai Noodles in the world! (He is so sweet.) This afternoon, he begged for his favorite Thai dish for lunch.

My daughter helped with the prep by mixing the peanut butter, soy sauce and sesame oil. My kiddos slurped up their healthy lunch in just as much time as it took me to make it! These Thai Noodles are perfect for dinner too! Quick, easy, yummy and nutritious! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Thai Noodle Recipe

Ingredients

About 7oz or half a box of whole grain noodles

½ cup natural peanut butter (I LOVE Parker’s Honey Creamy PB- you find it in the refrigerator section at Whole Foods)

¼ lite soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

Directions:

1.) Boil noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse.

2.) In a bowl, blend peanut butter, soy sauce and sesame oil.

3.) Return rinsed noodles to pot and turn heat to low, pour mixture onto noodles and stir for about 2 minutes.

4.) Garnish the top with crushed peanuts to look pretty!

Happy New Granola!

2012-12-31T12:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I have always had a love affair with granola. In high school, I was a little "granola," owning many pairs of overalls and listening to Phish. Now the only granola in my life is sprinkled on yogurt or in milk.

Recognizing that most granolas are high in sugar and calories for a tiny portion, I started to bake my own, except healthier. I carried my granola with me while driving carpool and watching the kids' activities. I would share it with friends who started asking me to bring a bag of granola for them.

One afternoon during school pick up, my partner and I shook hands on a granola dream of bringing on the go healthy granola to everyone!

Jolly Oak Good For You Granola is now available online in 3 amazing flavors: Nut Free Dark Chocolate Coconut, Gluten Free Cinnamon Apple Raisin and Original Apricot Cherry. If you live in Chicago, you can find Good For You Granola at Freshii, Olivia's Market, Forty Carrots at Bloomingdales, Steve's Deli, TipsyCake, Little Beans Cafe and East Bank Club.

Visit Jolly Oak's website and Like Jolly Oak on Facebook for updates. To a Happy and Healthy New Year! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy (granola)!

5 Ingredient Gluten Free Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Cookies

2012-12-15T07:37:00.001-08:00

I always love recipes calling for rotten bananas since every week I end up with one to three ripe bananas! This recipe came from one of my new mom friends. Her recipe called for no added sugar and no chocolate. However, when I baked these cookies with no sugar and no chocolate, my kids took one bite and frowned (I thought they were pretty good)!

With round 2, I added a tiny bit of sugar and ½ cup of chocolate chips. This time, my kids smiled as they finished their entire healthy protein packed PB banana chocolate cookie! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Cookie Recipe:

5 Ingredients:

(yields 12 cookies)

1 cup banana or about 3 bananas- mashed (the riper, the sweeter)

1 cup natural peanut butter

¼ cup white sugar

1 egg

½ cup chocolate chips- optional

Directions:

1.) Mix and stir all ingredients except the chocolate chips until smooth.

2.) Blend in chocolate chips.

3.) Drop 1 tablespoon of batter onto parchment paper or greased cookie sheet.

4.) Bake cookies at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Buttermilk Blueberry Cake- Perfect for Breakfast!

2012-12-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

We are invited to a holiday brunch and were asked to bring something sweet for breakfast but with no chocolate (just what my kids need is sugar for breakfast!). With low sugar in mind and no chocolate as an ingredient, I have the perfect recipe- my Buttermilk Blueberry Cake!

Once again, I have substituted out some of the not so healthy ingredients like butter and added in healthy alternatives such as applesauce and Greek yogurt. No one will miss the heaping amount of butter or loads of sugar usually found in buttermilk cake.

My kids measured and counted (utilized their math skills), poured and stirred (strengthened their tiny muscles). They were ecstatic about baking a breakfast cake, and they only asked if they could add chocolate chips ten times. Happy Holidays! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 

1/4 cup applesauce

¼ cup 2% Greek yogurt

2 tsp. lemon zest from 1 lemon 

¾ cup white sugar

1 egg, room temperature 

1 tsp. vanilla 

1 cup white flour (set aside 1/4 cup of this to toss with the blueberries) 

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp. baking powder 

1 tsp. sea salt 

2 cups fresh blueberries 

½ cup buttermilk

2 tbsp white sugar

Directions:

1.) Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Mix butter, applesauce and yogurt with lemon zest and 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy.

2.) Add egg and vanilla.

3.) Toss blueberries with ¼ cup of flour (this prevents the blueberries from sinking to the bottom), then whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.

4.) Add flour mixture to batter, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in the blueberries.

5.) Grease a 9-inch baking pan with baking spray.

6.) Spread batter into pan.

7.) Sprinkle top of the batter with 2 tablespoons of sugar.

8.) Bake 35-40 minutes. Allow cake to cool before serving.

Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

2012-11-30T16:58:00.002-08:00

When I walked in the door this evening, my kids were ready for an activity! My son suggested we bake sugar cookies! This seemed like a terrific idea to me with the holidays right around the corner. These cookies are perfect for any holiday party. My family is a chocolate house; however, this sugar cookie recipe is sure to please even chocolate lovers.

My son used his warm hands to soften the butter (until he said the butter was too mushy and gross) while my daughter poured in the ingredients. They fought over the rolling pin, but the rest of our baking was smooth sailing!

This baking activity is even better than most because your family’s creativity comes into play. My son preferred using a variety of cookie cutters and my daughter invented her own shapes. They got their hands sticky, learned to share the rolling pin, and best of all, had fun using their imagination!

When my son tasted the frosting he declared that it tasted just like Sweet Mandy B’s (one of my favorite bakery’s frosting)! It is not easy to make sugar cookies nutritious, but I added Greek yogurt to the recipe for a healthy twist and give these cookies a fluffy and soft texture in the middle! The homemade frosting melts in your mouth! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Sugar Cookie Recipe:

½ cup (or 1 stick) unsalted butter- softened to room temperature

½ cup 2 % Greek yogurt

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 ½ tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

2 ¾ cup white flour

pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.) Mix together butter, yogurt, sugar, egg and vanilla.

3.) Add baking soda, flour and salt. Mix.

4.) Lightly dust parchment paper with flour and spread on cookie dough a little under ¼ inch thick. Using a rolling pin is easiest to flatten the dough and my kids loved it!

5.) Create shapes of your own or use cookie cutters.

6.) Bake 8-10 minutes or until the edge of the cookies start to turn a golden brown.

7.) Allow cookies to cool before frosting and decorating.

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting Recipe:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 tablespoons low fat milk

food coloring if you want colored frosting

Directions:

1.) Combine all ingredients until smooth.

2.) Spread on cookies!

Strawberry Cornbread for Thanksgiving

2012-11-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

As I was dreaming up some special Thanksgiving foods this afternoon, my daughter was giving her princesses a time out- she told me they were making a mess and not cleaning up! (I wonder how she came up with that scenario.)

I realized the time outs were becoming ineffective once my daughter started asking if she could have a time out. Our new approach is a rewards chart. Each day my kiddos can earn two stars.

My daughter continued to announce that her princesses did not earn any stars today, however, she earned her stars and wanted to bake as her reward.

With Thanksgiving one week away, I wanted to try out a new cornbread recipe, and I can always use my daughter’s helping hand. As we measured and poured in the ingredients together, she demanded we add strawberries.

We created this quick, easy and healthy Strawberry Cornbread Recipe. What a terrific reward! This cornbread tastes amazing with a smear of butter on it. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Strawberry Cornbread Recipe:

1 cup cornmeal  

1 cup all purpose flour 

3 teaspoons baking powder 

2 tablespoons white sugar 

1/2 teaspoon salt

 1 cup lowfat milk 

1 large egg 

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 cup fresh strawberries- sliced and diced

Directions

 1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Grease a loaf pan with baking spray and set aside.

3.) Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl.

4.) Blend strawberries into the batter and then pour batter into greased loaf pan.

5.) Bake 40-45 minutes. Use the clean fork test to determine if the cornbread is cooked through.

Allow the cornbread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it.

Pretzel S'mores Bark for the Holidays!

2012-11-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

When I entertain, I like to put nuts or chocolates on the table for people to nibble on while they are sipping their wine or sitting around chatting. When I go to friends' houses as a guest, I like to arrive with something festive. This Pretzel S’mores Bark is the perfect homemade gift! You can fill a cellophane bag with this decadent treat and tie a cute bow at the top. Happy Holidays!

My husband was the inspiration behind this recipe (he loves the combination of pretzels and s’mores). While this decadent chocolate bark does not seem healthy, a sweet study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that adults who regularly eat cacao-based treats weigh less than those who eat chocolate less frequently. This is great news because I eat dark chocolate everyday!

The best part of this recipe is the fun my kids had preparing it! They stared in awe as they watched the chocolate chips melt in the microwave. They took turns crushing the pretzels and graham crackers with the back of a spoon in a Ziplock bag, and their favorite part was sprinkling on the marshmallows, pretzels and graham crackers. My son was strategic about his placement, and my daughter practiced her ballet moves as she kept tiptoeing off with the marshmallows!

Feel free to customize this chocolate treat to your family’s favorite flavors. Have fun choosing toppings- nuts, peppermints or dried fruit would all taste delicious! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Pretzel S’mores Bark Recipe:

2 cups dark chocolate chips

2 graham cracker sheets- crushed

½ cup pretzels- crushed

¼ cup marshmallows- chopped

Directions

1.) Put pretzels and graham cracker sheets in a large Ziplock bag and with the back of a spoon crush into tiny pieces.

2.) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3.) Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe container. Microwave for 1 minute and then stir chocolate chips with a wooden spoon. Microwave for another 30 seconds and then stir. You may have to microwave a couple more times for 30 seconds and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

4.) Pour chocolate onto parchment paper and spread with a wooden spoon or spatula about a little less than ¼ inch thick.

5.) Sprinkle chocolate with marshmallows, pretzels and graham crackers.

YUM.

6.) Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate hardens.

7.) Peel chocolate off paper and break into pieces.

*This bark tastes fresh for about two weeks if kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Kale & Butternut Squash Quinoa with Goat Cheese

2012-11-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

People keep asking me for healthy Thanksgiving dishes. Here is one that, surprisingly, my son gobbled up tonight! This dish is festive, healthy and easy!

My son took an interest in rinsing the kale and ripping it into shreds. We made this side dish with my Honey Mustard Chicken tonight (see older post for chicken recipe) and the pairing was perfect! I am sure this yummy side will complement any Thanksgiving turkey. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Kale and Butternut Squash Quinoa with Goat Cheese Recipe:

1 cup dry quinoa- cook according to directions and set aside

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ cups butternut squash- cut small

½ yellow onion- diced

1 tsp chopped garlic

4 cups kale- rinse, dry and tear into pieces (it looks like a lot of kale but it drastically shrinks when it is cooked)

1 tsp lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

sea salt to taste

pepper to taste

3 tablespoons dried cranberries

1/3 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

Directions

1.) In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, butternut squash, onion and garlic. Cook until squash browns and starts to become tender, about 6-8 minutes.

2.) Reduce heat to medium and add kale, lemon zest, fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt and pepper and stir until kale wilts, about 2 minutes.

3.) Add cooked quinoa and pour on 1 tablespoon olive oil and blend.

4.) Turn heat to low and sprinkle in cranberries, almonds and goat cheese. Stir until all ingredients are blended.

Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

2012-10-31T06:18:00.003-07:00

With Hurricane Sandy keeping most of the east coast inside, I cooked a Sweet Potato Chicken Chili to keep everyone warm and cozy!

Feel free to customize the chili with whatever vegetables your family and friends prefer or make the chili vegetarian. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Sweet Potato and Chicken Chili Recipe:

1 lbs ground white chicken breast

½ tsp steak or hamburger seasoning

1 can 14.5 oz tomato sauce

1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes- undrained

½ red onion- diced

1 cup broccoli florets- chopped (or cauliflower would taste terrific)

2 stalks celery- chopped

2 stalks carrot- chopped

1 14.5oz can kidney beans- drained and rinsed

1 large sweet potato- chopped

salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 cup water

Directions

1.) In a sauté pan, on medium high heat, brown chicken 6-8 minutes or until cooked through. Sprinkle steak seasoning on chicken while it is browning to give chicken additional flavor.

2.) Transfer cooked chicken into a large pot that you will be using for chili.

3.) In the same sauté pan, on medium high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil and chopped sweet potato. Sprinkle on a touch of salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sauté sweet potato about 8-10 minutes.

4.) Transfer caramelized sweet potato into chili pot.

5.) To the pot, add vegetables, beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder and water. Blend.

6.) Simmer with lid for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. You can let the chili simmer up to two hours. *This chili tastes great warmed up all week long!

All the ingredients ready to simmer.

Strawberry Banana Bread

2012-10-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

My kids are not big breakfast eaters. Sometimes they say they are not hungry or they say they want chocolate chip cookies for breakfast! I am always trying to bake healthy muffins or breads that they can wash down with their morning milk. This afternoon, we baked a healthy breakfast bread with flax seed and without butter or sugar.

This week my daughter is on a strawberry kick so I included fresh strawberries as an ingredient. Since my family adores chocolate (way too much) and anything with chocolate usually wins my children over, I added dark chocolate chips.

My son loves to mash so convincing him to pause his Sunday afternoon movie to mash the bananas was easy, and my daughter used her new princess dolls to help stir the batter. Together we created a healthy breakfast for them, and a healthy dessert for my husband and I tonight! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe:

2 large ripe bananas- mashed

¾ cup vanilla milk (you can also use soy milk or almond milk)

¼ cup honey

1 ½ cup whole wheat flour

5 big strawberries- chopped

2 tbsp ground flax seed

1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon

1 pinch of sea salt

½ cup dark chocolate chips

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Combine all ingredients.

3.) Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.

4.) Bake 50 minutes or until bread is golden brown around the edges or use the fork test.

And the winner of the Just BARE chicken contest is Connie Blue! Congratulations Connie! Just BARE is sending you an apron and wooden tongs! Thanks for participating in the Just BARE cooking challenge! For lots of delicious chicken recipes, visit Just BARE's website.

Butternut Squash Spinach Pizza

2012-10-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

When I ask my kids what they want to eat for dinner, the answer is usually pizza. (I am not sure why I bother asking them what they want for dinner.) In any event, tonight we created a healthy and delicious seasonal pizza that required minimal preparation.

My kids were very excited for pizza! My daughter helped brush the olive oil and the sauce on the pizza crust. My son helped shred the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it onto the pizza. The vibrant orange and green colors were a pleasant change from the white and red pizza we always eat.

The flavors of this pizza were light and delicious. This makes a wonderful appetizer or complements any dish. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Butternut Squash and Spinach Pizza Recipe:

1 ½ cup butternut squash- sliced about 1/4 inch thin; the thinner the slice, the crispier the squash

olive oil spray

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 premade pizza crust

3 tbsp pizza sauce or marinara sauce

1 cup baby spinach

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese- freshly shredded

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.) Spray olive oil spray on baking sheet and evenly lay butternut squash.

3.) Drizzle squash with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin.

4.) Roast butternut squash for 20 minutes.

5.) Brush 1 tbsp olive oil over pizza crust.

6.) Brush 3 tbsp pizza sauce over olive oil.

7.) Place roasted butternut squash and spinach over sauce.

8.) Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese.

9.) Bake according to pizza crust directions, about 10-12 minutes.

Lemon Cauliflower Steak

2012-10-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I planned to cook chicken fried rice; however, ever since I was pregnant, chicken and I have a love hate relationship. Tonight I was not in a chicken mood. I prepared the chicken as usual for my family and roasted cauliflower to accompany the fried rice for myself.

What I did not anticipate was that both my son and daughter would LOVE the cauliflower. My daughter demanded her own plate of cauliflower and asked for seconds (yes, of CAULIFLOWER)! This recipe is super quick and easy and complements almost any dish! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Not my finest photography but I promise you won't be disappointed!

Lemon Cauliflower Steak Recipe:

1 cauliflower head- sliced into ½ inch sections

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

sea salt- to taste

pepper- freshly grinded to taste
a pinch crushed red pepper flakes- if you like spicy

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese- freshly shredded (My son loves grating fresh cheese. Watch the little finger tips!)

½ lemon- fresh squeezed juice

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2.) In a 9x13 baking dish, lay cauliflower steaks side by side.

3.) Drizzle on olive oil and sprinkle on salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.

4.) After you take the cauliflower out of the oven, immediately sprinkle on cheese and evenly drizzle fresh lemon juice on top.

Chunky Apple Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2012-10-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

I entered Artizone's Flavors of Fall Cooking Contest and received a mystery box with secret ingredients. My secret ingredients were gorgeous vibrant green apples and Chinese Five Spice, a mixture of cinnamon, star anise, anise seed, ginger, and ground cloves.

My initial thoughts were to enter an apple cake or an apple pie. However, my children were craving chocolate chip muffins this morning, and since they dictate breakfast, we ended up using the secret ingredients to bake Chunky Apple Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.

This is certainly my family's new favorite fall muffin, and I must buy more of the Chinese Five Spice! The aroma from the oven was heavenly. Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

My box of secret ingredients.

Chunky Apple Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe:

1 ¼ cup sugar

1 cup or 1 large Granny Smith Apple- peeled and diced

1 1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice

½ cup canola oil

2 eggs

¾ of a 15oz can of solid pack pumpkin

1 1/2 cup white flour

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp sea salt

1 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Mix sugar, diced apple, and Chinese Five Spice.

3.) Add oil, eggs, pumpkin, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix.

4.) Blend in dark chocolate chips.

5.) Bake for 35 minutes or until you can put a fork through the middle of a muffin and the fork comes out clean.

YUM

Pumpkin Hummus with Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

2012-10-07T18:50:00.002-07:00

I hope you like pumpkins since they have inspired many of my recipes lately! Today our afternoon activity involved constructing our healthy snack of pumpkin hummus and cinnamon sugar pita chips.

My kids enjoyed brushing the heart healthy olive oil onto each pita triangle. They also enjoyed the crunchy and sweet snack we created together this afternoon! Get messy! Have fun! And eat healthy!

Pumpkin Hummus Recipe:

1 15oz can chickpeas

1 15 oz can pure pumpkin

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp garlic- minced

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 pinch dried parsley

Directions:

1.) In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Hummus is ready!

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Pita Chips Recipe:

About 4 whole wheat or multigrain pitas- cut into triangles or any shape your kids enjoy

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp white sugar

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) In a small mixing bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar.

3.) Cut pita into triangles.

4.) Lay pita in a single layer onto baking sheet.

5.) Gently brush oil over each pita.

6.) Dust each pita with sweet mixture.

7.) Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pita looks golden in color.

8.) Let cool. They last about 3-4 days in an airtight container (if you have any left over).