Friday, May 15, 2015

Simple Cinnamon Roll Smoothie!



Cinnamon Roll Smoothie // frozen bananas, rolled oats, cacao nibs, almond butter, cinnamon, dates, almond milk, ice
I never used to be much of a sweet tooth, add that to the list of things that have changed since kids!  Now, I savor my moments of blissful sweet alone time, especially when it (which it typically does) incorporates food :) This sweet sensation is great as a go to for on the go breakfast or a healthified sweet tooth satisfaction.  My hubby likes it so much he wants me to make it into ice cream (I'll let you know how that goes)  In fact, we all liked it so much that I am now out of almond butter!!!

 I, of course, found the original recipe on Pinterest via this photo.  I know, you're hooked now, right?  I then discovered the blog of Food-Mouth.com, a blogger of the same scruples as myself.  1.See food 2. Put in Mouth  :)  You can check out the original recipe here.  Being the simplifier, short cut taker, easy way maker that I am.  I modified it a bit to include fewer ingredients and therefore, less time.  To be fair, I have never tried the original recipe (let me know if you do!).  I made it this way and it was so good, I didn't even bother.

The oats help to give it the velvety creamy texture and also helps to keep you feeling fuller longer.  As a matter of fact, the combination of complex carbs and protein from the Almond Butter and Almond milk, and energizing banana would make this a great pre workout or post workout treat!!  Maybe add some Chia or Hemp Seeds for an added emphasis on those important amino acids.  

So without further adieu:

Ingredients:
- 2 frozen bananas ( could also use fresh and add some ice cubes, may not keep as well though)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs or chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon natural almond butter
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup almond milk
-1 tsp Vanilla (or use Vanilla Almond Milk)

Directions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If too thick, add more almond milk. Serve and enjoy.

That's it!!  Simple, easy, and most importantly, absolutely delicious! 


Monday, March 23, 2015

Easy Banana Coconut Flour Pancakes That Aren't Flat!!

I don't know how it works at your house but at my house if Momma's not cooking its probably pizza night.  My hubby is great at a lot of things, but cooking is not one of them.  I'd venture to say that if I quit cooking he would live on cereal and boxed Mac'n'Cheese.  Sunday, however, is the exception.  At our house, Sundays = Pancakes and Daddy's on duty.  Since it has become such an anticipated and enjoyable event every week, I decided it was time to find a pancake recipe that was easy, healthier, and still tastes great.  I found these Greek yogurt pancakes that fit the bill until low and behold the Sunday came that we were out of Greek yogurt!  I tried and failed for about 3 weeks to find a recipe that was gluten free, used ingredients that I had in my cupboard, and WEREN'T FLAT!!  Last Sunday.......I NAILED IT!!  I started with this recipe, but the pancakes came out flat and already had an "eggy" taste to them.  So I found this recipe  and I liked the picture :)  but I decided to alter it a bit.  Here's what I ended up with and they were great!

Makes about 8 pancakes

Combine Dry Ingredients:
1/4 C. Coconut Flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
1 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 Tbsp Coconut Sugar - Could substitute other granulated sweetener here

In a seperate bowl, combine wet ingredients:
3 Eggs
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 C. Milk ( I used Almond Milk but I don't see why you couldn't use Dairy or Coconut Milk)
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 smashed ripe banana

***Very Important***  The next step is to combine the wet and dry ingredients, but don't mix too much!! It's okay to be lumpy, as matter of fact, it will be lumpy due to the banana.  If you over mix it can cause the baking powder not to work effectively and pancakes could come out less puffy.

Heat pan on medium high and add just enough Coconut Oil to coat the bottom of the pan.  When pan "spits" if a drop of water hits it, its ready!  Drop desired amount of batter in ( we use 1/4 Cup )  heat until bubbles come to the top, flip.

Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!!  We like Peanut Butter and honey :)  Also, if you want to make an extra large batch, you can freeze and heat up at a later date!





Sunday, March 22, 2015

Seriously Easy Broiled Grapefruit

Ok, I have a problem in my house.  There are some foods that I personally like to eat, but no one else in the family likes.  Case and point = grapefruit.   I like the occasional grapefruit, but have a hard time finishing a bag without some going bad.  I know what your thinking, why not just buy a few individual grapefruit then?  The answer it two part:
1.  Good intentions.  Grapefruit is healthy!  I want to make healthy whole foods readily available for my family.  We have a big island in our kitchen and I try to always have at least two big bowls full of fruit and veggies on the counter for easy grab and go food.  It also helps me to make better choices for meal plans when I look and see what we have that needs to be used.
 2.  It's cheaper to buy in bulk!  I can get more for the money and it's something we should be eating anyway.

Maybe it was my modest upbringing, but I can not stand wasting food!  So, noticing the bowl full of grapefruit sitting on my counter I decided it was time to consult Pinterest as to how put them to good use!  I noticed this Broiled Grapefruit post right away, because it was so out of the box.  I hadn't expected anything remotely close this.  It looked interesting and  - most importantly - EASY! So I decided to give it a shot.......and........success!!  It is so GOOD that I don't know if I will ever be able to go back to eating it raw again!!

Here's How:

  • Cut in half.  Cut each section away from membranes and cut around the peel, just as you would do to enjoy raw.  Be sure to cut thoroughly or it will stick.

  •  Sprinkle with Cinnamon and Sweetener.  I used Truvia but you could use Coconut Sugar, Honey, Agave, etc.

  •  Place on top rack of oven and Broil until charred.  Approximately 10 min.
 
  • Let cool and enjoy!!  Repeat as necessary ;)  Shown here with my Coconut Flour Banana Pancakes :) 

Check out these other versions:

Be creative and invent your own combinations!!!  And please share them with me :)