Chocolate & Peanut Butter Drizzled Popcorn

Popcorn, for me, is always a favorite snack because I feel like I can induldge a little bit more with popcorn as opposed to sitting in front of a t.v with my big fat hand in a bag of greasy chips.  But…sometimes ya need to switch things up.  And so.. peanut butter and chocolate drizzled popcorn was born.  And everyone welcomed this little bundle of joy with open arms mouths.  It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet.  And honestly, when you add peanut butter to anything, it's always better!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup of kernels)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• salt

Directions:

In a microwave safe bowl, add chocolate chips and melt in 30 second intervals, stirring after each 30 seconds.  Microwave until completely melted and thin.  Set aside.

In another bowl, melt peanut butter in the microwave for 1 minute or until completely melted and smooth.  Stir.

Drizzle melted chocolate on popcorn, then drizzle melted peanut butter over popcorn.  Sprinkle with salt.  Let cool so the chocolate slightly hardens.

Enjoy!

Easy Peanut Butter Granola Cereal

This easy granola cereal is so delicious and tastes almost like a peanut butter cookie.  I don't know about anyone else but cookies for breakfast? Don't mind if I do!

It only has 4 ingredients, is so simple to make, and tastes absolutely yummy with some ice cold almond milk poured over the top.  My kids like it with bananas, strawberries, and regular milk.  It's even delicious on top of some yogurt.  Any way you prefer, it's a sure winner!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 stick butter or margarine
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  

In a large bowl, combine butter, peanut butter, and honey.  Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until completely melted.

Add in oats and stir well.   Spread mixture out on a baking sheet.  Bake for 10-15 minutes, removing the baking sheet from the oven every 5 minutes to stir and flip.  Bake until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Cool.  Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!



Yield: 4 Cups of Cereal

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie

A cookie for breakfast? Um, I think so! But this isn't your typical cookie.  This "cookie" is eaten with a spoon and made with healthy ingredients that make this yummy treat a perfect way to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup oats
• 2 Tbsp. whole wheat flour (can use regular flour)
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsp. vanilla greek yogurt
• 1/2 Tbsp. chocolate chips
• 1/2 Tbsp. white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Place in the center of a small microwave safe plate.  Shape into a cookie shape with your hands.  Gently press down.  Microwave for 1 minute.  Your cookie is done when it springs back and is slightly dry in the center.  Microwave in 10 second increments if 1 minute isn't long enough.  Eat when warm.

Enjoy!

Simple, Raw & Fresh Veggie Wrap

This wrap is super simple to make with a lot of flavor!  You can add in any veggies you like and use any type of wrap.  The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients:

• 2 flour tortilla ( can use whole wheat, corn, or a spinach wrap)
• 2 outer lettuce leaves
• 1/4 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 tomato, sliced
• 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 Vlassic pickle sandwich stacker, sliced in 4 pieces lengthwise
• 1/4 red onion, sliced thinly
• 5 black olives, sliced
• 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar
• 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

Add ingredients to your wrap of choice in any order you prefer.  Drizzle with oil and vinegar.  Fold in half, fold in both sides, and roll together. 

Enjoy!

Avocado Egg Salad

This creamy and delicious take on egg salad is not only super yummy but a better option when you're trying to eat healthier.  With only 3 ingredients, you'll be sure to make this a regular lunch time meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole hard boiled egg, plus 1 hardboiled egg white
• 1/2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1/2 avocado
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Peel and chop your eggs with a fork or you can place in a food processor.  

2. Add in remaining ingredients.

3. Mix together until avocado and egg are combined and the salad is creamy.

Enjoy!

Serves: 1

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 tsp. dried italian seasonings
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 4 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. water
• 1 envelope Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix (.7 oz envelope)

Directions:

Add all ingredients in a mason jar or bowl.  Whisk or shake to combine all ingredients together.  Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Enjoy!

Broccoli & Macaroni

Ingredients:

• 1 bag stream fresh broccoli cuts or florets ( can use regular frozen broccoli and cook according to package)
• 1 16 oz box pasta of choice ( I use ziti)
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 Tbsp. salt + 1 tsp. salt
• 6-8 garlic cloves

Directions:

1. Cook broccoli according to package.  Set aside in a bowl. Add 1 tsp. salt to the broccoli.

2. Bring water to a boil in large pot to cook pasta.  Add 2 Tbsp. of salt to the water before adding in pasta.  Cook according to time on the box.

3. While pasta is cooking, chop garlic.  Add 1/4 cup of oil to a sautee pan and heat on medium high heat.  Add in garlic and cook until fragrant.  About 1-2 minutes.  Do not brown, as the garlic will have a bitter taste.

4. When garlic is done, add garlic and oil to the broccoli and stir.  Set aside.

5. Before draining pasta, save 1 cup of "pasta water" in a separate bowl and then drain.

6. Add macaroni back into the pot.  Add in broccoli mixture and the cup of pasta water.  Stir to combine.

7. Top with grated parmesan cheese.  (optional)

Enjoy!