Recipe ReDux- Chocolate

Swanky Dietitian — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:06:22 +0000

I have been so busy that for a split second, I thought about passing up this month’s Recipe ReDux challenge. But with chocolate being the ingredient to use, I knew I just couldn’t.

I think I have said this before, but I love these challenges cause I can experiment a bit more than I usually do on my blog. And these chocolate nut baked oatmeal bars turned out pretty darn good.

Of course the focus is on healthy recipes, so I bought the good chocolate. The pricey-but-worth-every-bite chocolate.

Now, why should you eat 70% or higher when it comes to chocolate? Well the higher the percentage, the more of those healthy compounds called flavonoids.

And when it comes to chocolate, be sure that sugar is not listed first on your ingredient list.

Chocolate Nut Baked Oatmeal Bars (makes about 12)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (or any nut you liked)
2 oz 70% dark chocolate
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups skim milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together dry ingredients.

Mix together wet ingredients.

Pour wet into dry. Stir to combine.

Pour into baking dish either coated in cooking spray or lined with parchment.

Bake for 40 minutes. Let cool and cut into squares.

These were quite excellent! I love that you get a taste of chocolate in each bite.

The ingredient list on these babies is pretty fabulous too. With every taste you get fiber, protein, and healthy fat.

If you want to add in more sweetness, dried fruit be a great addition.

Enjoy!! I know I am. As I write this post, I am munching on one with my coffee. Not a bad way to start off the morning if I do say so myself.

For past Recipe ReDux Challenges, check out my page here.

What is your favorite healthy way to use/eat chocolate?

11 Random Things

Swanky Dietitian — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:35:20 +0000

Hi! I had a pretty low key weekend. It started off with a movie Friday night. Swanky boyfriend and I went to see the action movie, Safe House. This movie got two thumbs up from the boy and I (well I guess that’s 4 thumbs up ). I definitely recommend it.

I will take Ryan Reynolds any day. And yes ladies, he did have his shirt off for a moment.

Since my weekend wasn’t all too eventful, here’s a fun post for ya!

Jill tagged me in a post called 11 Random Things. Jill is also a fellow Las Vegan!

How it works…

Rules:
1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about “you are tagged if you are reading this.” You legitimately have to tag people.

11 Random Things About Me!

My favorite chick flick is the Notebook. And Ryan Gosling just keeps getting better.
I am such a chicken when it comes to scary movies and haunted houses. I jump at every turn. And after I watch scary movies, I need to have ALL the lights on!
My first job was a hostess at Macaroni Grill. I even wore a tie!
My dietitian idol is Ellie Krieger. I’ve gotten to meet her twice! Her advice to me both times was to get my Master’s Degree. Getting on it, Ellie!
I don’t like feet. My friends used to try putting their feet on me when I was younger and I would freak out.
Dietetics wasn’t my first career choice. I originally had majored in business then started pre-reqs for pharmacy school. After taking a nutrition class, I decided that was the profession for me.
I was in Delta Gamma sorority in college up until I switched schools. Any sisters out there??
I would love to do another half marathon. While juggling school and work makes it kind of tough now, I can’t wait to get back into running and complete my second half.
I have been thinking about getting yoga certified. I haven’t looked much into it, but I think it would be a blast to teach! Any ideas?
My favorite drink is a nice, cold Blue Moon. Sounds so refreshing right about now.
My favorite blogs are Iowa Girl Eats and Carrots and Cake. I love not only their recipes, but hearing about their lives.

11 Random Questions

What is your favorite comfort food from your childhood? This is a tough one. I would have to say Pastina with butter and parmesan cheese. Pastina are teeny pasta. My mom would always make this for me growing up when I was sick.
If you won a huge lottery, what would be the first thing you bought? I would probably buy a house since I live in a smaller condo and would love to get a bigger place.
If you could choose a different career, would you and what would it be? I would probably go to culinary school. Thankfully nutrition and cooking do tie in together.
Dog or cat preference? I am an animal lover all around. I have two cats and am often called a “crazy cat lady”.
Mac or PC preference? I own a PC.
Do you prefer talking on the phone or texting and why? Texting. During work, it is much easier for me to text versus talk on the phone.
Did you ever have a really rebellious phase? Not so much. I did live it up my freshman year in college though. Shhh, don’t tell.
Why do you blog or read blogs? I love getting recipe ideas and connecting with bloggers. It is fun to read about people’s adventures.
What is your biggest pet peeve about websites? (Curious for personal and professional reasons!) I would say the format, especially with blogs. I want to be able to easily find information I am looking for.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received? My parents got me a car for my 16th birthday. That was an amazing gift!
How many kids are in your family and what is your place in the birth order? I have one older sister. It is just her and I!

11 random questions:

What is your favorite color?
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
What’s your most embarrassing story?
What is your favorite season?
Are you a morning or night person?
What is your biggest pet peeve?
What is one of the favorite things you love about blogging?
Black or white?
What is one of your favorite blogs? Why?
What is your favorite joke?
What was the last good movie you watched?

I’m passing this onto a few fabulous girls:

Hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about yours truly! I am hoping to work on a paper for a bit tonight. Hopefully I will have more to report next weekend.

How was your weekend? What was the last good movie you saw?