It’s finally spring! Rejuvenate and energize your body and soul with this mini weekend spring cleanse.
February 11, 2015
Yoplait Whips! – Whipping Up Healthy Meals
Whipped Greek yogurt? 100 calories? Yes, please! I’ll take these Yoplait Whips! as a healthy breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner 🙂
January 27, 2015
Delicious Eats Lately and Tasty Tuesday Linkup Party #51
Another round of the Tasty Tuesday Linkup Party is here! This time I’m sharing some delicious eats I’ve had lately as well as some exciting news for my linkup party attendees!
July 22, 2014
Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe – No Guilt and Lots of Flavor!
Hey my foodies! How was your weekend?
Mine was an emotional roller-coaster, but I don’t want to go there right now – more on that on Wednesday!
I hope you enjoyed yours and are ready for some tasty stuff!
As always, it’s Tasty Tuesday Linkup time!
Don’t forget to check out other link up participants and there’s only one rule to the linkup – link back or grab the link up badge from the sidebar. Let’s spread the word so we can have more participants next week!
My tasty find this week – Cheesecake Cupcakes.
Do you love cheesecake? Is it hard to stop before you finish the whole piece once you have it on your plate? You bet it is (for me)! These cheesecake cupcakes are going to save your calorie budget 🙂 They are bite size, and I made some healthy substitutions to the ingredients on the original recipe (which was shared by a co-worker of mine). So here you go – paradise on earth – cheesecake cupcakes!
You will need (for 12 cupcakes):
For the crust:
1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup very ripe avocado (who needs butter when you have avocado?)
For the filling:
1 block Philadelphia cream cheese
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 can condensed milk
1/4 can evaporated milk
Strawberries and fresh mint leaves (to garnish), or
1 can of crushed pineapple and 1/4 cup condensed milk (to top)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350° F
Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners
Mix Graham cracker crumbs with avocado until well combined
Spoon the mixture into the cupcake liners (about 2 tsp per liner), and press down with the spoon to make crust:
Bake crust for 10 minutes at 350°F.
While the crust is in the oven, prep the filling by combining all the ingredients for the filling and mixing until smooth and creamy.
Pour filling into the cups over the prebaked crusts when they are ready. Normally you’d fill the cups until they are 2/3 full (for regular cupcakes). However, cheesecake normally rises pretty well, but falls back when you take it out of the oven. So, I filled mine almost all the way to the top:
Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F.
They should look like this when they’re done and just out of the oven (cracked on top).
Slice the strawberries, and put on top of the cupcakes while they’re still hot, garnish with fresh mint leaves if you like. Another tipping idea: mix crashed pineapple and some condensed milk and spread on top:
Refrigerate for at least a couple hours before serving.
Enjoy!
Your turn, guys! Link it up!
This post was shared on Healthy Tuesday Hop, Recipe of the Week Linkup
Loading InLinkz ... July 1, 2014
FitBloggin’ 14: Tastes and Sights of Savannah
Hey guys! How was Monday?
I was dragging after the FitBloggin’ weekend. Lil’ better today, but still catching up on my sleep and getting back to my routine.
So! As you may have noticed, yesterday’s brief overview of the whole experience did not touch the two exciting parts of the trip to Savannah – food and sights 🙂
Since it is Tasty Tuesday, I’m going to tell you what I ate in Savannah as well is what I saw.
If you get to Savannah by air, here’s what you see when you get to the airport:
yep, that is INSIDE the airport
Most of the meals were provided so we had just a few chances to go and explore Savannah and eat out. Here’s a glance at our typical breakfast:
fruit, eggs, sausage, potatoes and a muffin
On the first night, Jennifer and I decided to eat at the hotel we were staying at (Hyatt Regency Savannah) at their Lounge called “Windows”
I ordered a crab cake sandwich looking forward to tasting the delicious fresh crab in it!
Mmmmmm
Well, that crab cake was HOT! It was so spicy I could not eat it. Thankfully Jennifer came to my rescue and we swapped halves of our sandwiches. The lounge was so nice as to give us 50% off that crab cake sandwich since I didn’t like it.
After dinner we headed out for the Ghost Tour with Peg Leg Ron and his shipmate Jacob 🙂 It was a ghost tour in a real hearse!
Ready to Roll! Photo credit
I didn’t take many pictures on the tour. I mean I did but none of them really turned out. Mysterious, isn’t it? 🙂
except this one pic of this spooky house!
But don’t you think Savannah is all that spooky and dark. It’s not. It is a very beautiful place – full of history and beautiful places to see and go to.
View from our hotel terrace
One of the 23 squares in Savannah
City Hall
But back to the food….
FitBloggin’ 14 was sponsored by many yummy brands 🙂
California Almonds had a whole snack bar set up for us to use!
California Avocado Commission made THE BEST blueberry muffins ever!
Run Disney provided lunch one of the days while presenting to all the runners in the audience 🙂
We also had a chance to explore Savannah and grab some food outside of the conference venue, so Jennifer and I went wondering around and found this:
Pralines from River Street Sweets
Remember I got a Foodie Penpals box from Tiffani with a bear claw from this store in Charlston? Yep, that was the same chain and their sweets are ahhhhhh-mazing! They deliver, you know? 🙂
On Saturday we had dinner to ourselves (not arranged) so we ventured out to Ruan Thai Cuisine where I had this delicious reminder of my days in Thailand:
Fried rice with scallops. YUM!
All in all, guys – I am in love with Savannah! Despite the heat and humidity – I’m ready to go back TODAY!
Now link it up! Share your recipes or any food related posts below. Nothing to share? Tell your friends!
Take care and talk to you soon!
Loading InLinkz ... June 24, 2014
Quinoa the Queen and 5 Ways to Easily Incorporate it into Your Diet
Happy Tasty Tuesday morning to you, my friends!
What fun things did you do this weekend? I was on a cleaning spree – so I scrubbed and cleaned, and washed and dusted, and vacuumed and what not 🙂
Love to have a clean house! Great feeling.
There was also some pool time on Sunday and hubby’s company picnic on Saturday.
FUN!
But back to tasty things 🙂 It’s linkup party time! Do you have something tasty you’re talking about on your blog? A new recipe? A restaurant review? Link it up below!
Don’t forget to check out other links!
Me? I am talking Quinoa today 🙂
Quinoa is a wonder-seed. Rich in protein (8 g, 16%), magnesium (118 mg, 30%) and fiber (5 g, 21%) it has become extremely popular among people with various dietary restrictions, preferences and tastes.
I personally discovered it about a year ago (thank you, Internet 🙂 ), and I have been hooked ever since I tried it for the first time.
If you’re looking into trying quinoa, here are some tasty ways to incorporate it into your diet.
{ONE} Salads
I usually make a whole batch of it on Sunday and add it pretty much to all my salads.
On a bed of fresh baby spinach
Here’s the link to my Quinoa Power Salad and ways to serve it.
Every salad (except the beet root salad) in this Sunday meal prep photo has white quinoa in it:
{TWO} Baking
I haven’t tried baking with it yet, but this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake by Peanut Butter and Peppers looks super-yummy!
{THREE} Breakfast Recipes
Some people eat quinoa cooked as oatmeal for breakfast.
Or, you can make this awesome Quinoa Pudding by Honest Fare and have that instead!
{FOUR} Add to Soups
Add your quinoa to soups instead of that pasta! So much better for you!
This Black Bean and Quinoa Soup by The Post Punk Kitchen looks simply ah-mazing!
{FIVE} Add to Smoothies
Yes, you read that right! I can’t wait to try and add quinoa to my smoothie!
Check out the recipe for this beautiful Tropical Quinoa Smoothie by Rabbit Food for my Bunny Teeth.
And those are your 5 ways to incorporate quinoa into your diet.
Now it’s party time!
Share your tasty finds with me 🙂
Questions of the day:
Have you ever tried quinoa? How did you like it? What is your favorite recipe with quinoa?
Take care, my friends!
Loading InLinkz ... June 10, 2014
S’more S’mores: 5 Recipes You Will Want to Make
Hey guys! Happy Tasty Tuesday! I hope you had a nice weekend.
As usual – we’re partying today and celebrating all the tasty stuff in our lives 🙂 Be sure to hop over to Meranda’s blog to check out what’s cooking over in her part of the cyber space, and check out the party participants in the linkup below. Hey, got something to add to the party? Link it up!
We went camping on Saturday. I. Love. Camping.
When I was a kid we’d go camping every summer for a week. We’d tent by the lake, swim, cook food over the camp fire and go fishing. I looked forward to it so much every summer! And that’s where my ability to start a camp fire came from, as well as my addiction to poking it with a stick all the time 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thankfully, my husband loves camping, too – so we try to make time and go camping every spring/early summer as a family.
One thing I discovered about camping when I moved to the US was S’mores (I know, right?). Oh. My. God. How come I didn’t know this goodness existed for the first 30 years of my life???
Anyway, no one can take that from me now – I love me some s’mores! 🙂 And because I love them so much – that got me thinking about ways to bring s’mores into my life any day I want – not just when we go camping. Check out what I found!
Yeah, that’s my hand holding on to that S’more for dear life 🙂 Anyway, back to the recipes! Click on the recipe name below to view the original recipe on it’s creator’s blog. Some of the recipes are quick and easy to make, others – more complicated and sophisticated. But one thing I can tell you for sure – those 5 will bring the camp fire favorite to your table any time you want it!
{ONE} No Bake S’mores Pie by Brown Eyed Baker
This pie looks mouth watering good, and according to the Brown Eyed Baker you only need 20 minutes to put it together! It doesn’t get any better, does it? 🙂
{TWO} 5 Minute Chocolate Fudge S’mores Mug Cake by How Sweet It Is
For all of you mug cake AND s’mores lovers out there. You’re welcome 🙂
{THREE} S’mores Stuffed French Toast by BS’ in the Kitchen
For this one, Bob over at BS’ in the Kitchen even has a video showing you how to make them!
{FOUR} S’mores Whoopie Pies by My Baking Addiction
Mmm….mmm…mmm… Right after I’m done with this post, I am going to look for a whoopee pie pan online so I can make these!
{FIVE} S’mores Fudge by the Novice Chef
Fudge AND s’mores? Yes, please!
And that’s how your get s’more s’mores, guys 🙂
Do share: Camping – yey or ney? Tent or cabin? Can you start a camp fire?
Take care, friends! And don’t forget to link up your tasty posts below.
Loading InLinkz ... June 3, 2014
Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Hey-hey, my foodies! How was your weekend?
Mine was really relaxing (lots of pool time as I predicted) and quiet. I got some much needed rest and relaxation to get me ready for the new week.
So here I am with my Tasty Tuesday post!
Meranda is taking a break from co-hosting the linkup today as she has other commitments, so it’s just me and you this time 🙂 Don’t forget to link up your favorite tasty posts below and check out the links of other partiers!
If you read this blog regularly, you know I can’t let food go to waste. A lot of my recipes are using leftovers 🙂
So I had these 4 apples sitting in my fruit basket for a while that needed to be used before they went bad. I felt lazy to make apple chips, so I made an apple upside down cake.
This cake is super easy and delicious – ideal with a scoop of ice cream on top. Here’s what you need.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (or sweetener of choice in an appropriate amount)
- 4 medium apples of any kind
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F
Take the core out of the apples, then peel them.
Cut them in half and slice.
Mix with cinnamon until evenly coated and place at the bottom of a greased baking form.
Beat the egg whites and sugar in a mixer until foamy.
Slowly beat in egg yolks and flour until well combined.
Slowly pour the batter over the apples.
Let the cake sit in the form for about 10 minutes or until there are no air bubbles on the surface.
Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out dry.
Let cool down, then remove from the form and flip it over “Apple Side” up.
Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top!
And that’s my Tasty Tuesday post, folks.
What’s yours? Tell me about tasty things you’ve tried lately. Link it up!
And keep having a great week 🙂
Loading InLinkz ... April 30, 2014
Foodie Pen Pals Reveal Day – April
Hey hey! Happy Wednesday 🙂 (man, I’m good at rhyming 🙂 )
How is your week going, guys? Ready for Friday yet? I am! I’m tired…
Anyway, Friday never comes soon enough 🙂 While we’re waiting, let me tell you about what I got in my latest Foodie Pen Pals box.
I was paired up with Sara this month. After a quick exchange of details about our food preferences and dietary restrictions (Sara is vegan) the boxes were finally sent off! Sara and I both got our boxes on the same day 🙂
Here’s what I got in my box of goodies:
Hazelnut cream filled wafers
Aren’t they gorgeous?
Omnomnom
These little guys are perfect healthy snack if you’re craving something sweet as cinnamon is a natural sweetener.
Sweet cinnamon roasted chickpeas
Now this was gone within seconds of me opening the box:
Sunflower seed almond butter
Oh and so was this (because, you know, it was just pure coconut):
Coconut snack bar
Larabar? What Larabar? I didn’t get no Larabar!
ALT Larabar that wasn’t there 🙂
Oh by the way, the bag of extremely delicious multigrain snack chips was also not there. No idea what happened to it – must have been lost in transit 🙂
My Foodie Penpals Box
Thank you so much for a wonderful box, Sara! I hope you enjoyed mine as much as I enjoyed yours!
Now time for you, guys, to check out my previous FPP posts to see just how awesome this program is. Here you go:
Convinced to try it yet? 🙂
Have a great rest of your week, guys! And don’t forget to get yourself a foodie penpal – so much fun!
April 18, 2014
Five on Friday: Kitchen Gadgets Hoarding Edition
Hey guys!
Finally everything is right in my world – husband is back from his endless trip to China, kids coming back today, and so is the weekend!
Are you ready for the traditional Five on Friday?
Today we will talk kitchen gadgets. I am a complete hoarder when it comes to kitchen gadgets (anything really – appliances, tools, cookware, cutlery – ANYTHING). You name it, I’ll hoard it 🙂
Anyway. Surprisingly there are still gadgets out there that I don’t own and that is what I am talking about here today – kitchen gadgets I want but don’t have (yet) 🙂
{ONE} Paderno World Cuisine A4982799 Tri-Blade Plastic Spiral Vegetable Slicer
Can you imagine?
The only thing that’s stopping me from getting one right now is the limited counter space in my kitchen. And I mean really limited.
{TWO} Transparent Toaster – Magimix Vision
Never ever burn a piece of toast again! I am totally getting this one when our old toaster dies 🙂 Maybe by the time it happens this one won’t cost the ridiculous amount of money 🙂
{THREE} Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker
Oh my god! Need I say more? This thing makes yogurt! Yogurt that you actually know what’s going into…. DREAM! And it’s only $25!
{FOUR} Hamilton Beach 25475 Breakfast Sandwich Maker
I LOVE breakfast sandwiches. The problem is I rarely have time to make myself one in the morning, and I don’t really like the idea of making them in advance, and freezing them to reheat later.
This little thing would be perfect for me! (if only I had counter space for it, too 🙂 )
{FIVE} Traditional Electric Crepe Maker Tristar
I am pretty good at making crepes.
See?
What I like about this crepe maker though is the lower edges than the regular pan I usually use – nothing gets in the way when you need to flip the crepe.
And that makes 5 kitchen gadgets I’d gladly own 🙂
Do share: What is your dream kitchen gadget?
Have a wonderful weekend, guys!
This post was shared on:
April 8, 2014
Tasty Tuesday – Let’s Talk Guilt Free Desserts
Hey guys! Happy Tasty Tuesday! How is your week going?
I’m back with the traditional Tasty Tuesday post today. Don’t forget it is a link up party, too! Link up your tasty finds (or your own posts) below and remember to check out other links, too!
What I have for you today is a selection of 5 guilt free desserts!
As you probably know, I am not supporting the fat free diet. I am a strong believer that our body needs all food groups and elements (including sugar and fat) – but I also believe those have to come in the right amounts and from the right sources.
Today I wanted to share with you 5 recipes I have recently discovered that use clean ingredients (entirely or mostly) and will leave you happy and guilt free.
Just to be clear – when I say “guilt free”, I don’t really mean the calories. I mean the ingredients (even though those two seem to come hand in hand in dessert recipes below). You will not feel guilty about eating these desserts, because they are better for you! Of course they won’t be guilt free if you overload on them 🙂 But if you apply the “everything in moderation” principle while eating these, you will be much better off than hitting your favorite ice cream place or grocery store for dessert.
You can click on the recipe title to get to the recipe on the author’s blog/website.
Here we go, let’s have some dessert!
{ONE} Frozen Yogurt Trail Mix Bars by the Lean Green Bean
Photo credit: the Lean Green Bean
I love this recipe for several reasons: it has simple ingredients, is very easy to make and makes a great meal prep item! You can make a batch that will last you a whole week and keep it in the fridge/freezer.
That is something I always admire about Lindsay’s recipes – simple ingredients and simple instructions.
Check out her blog for more recipes!
{TWO} 100 Calorie 2 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake by Eclectic Recipes
I love mug cakes – they make a great quick and satisfying dessert. You got 5 minutes – you got a great dessert! However, these babies are usually packed with empty calories ranging at 300-700 each and sometimes even more!
A healthy reasonably caloric mug cake is a rare find! and I just found one for you!
Photo credit: www.eclecticrecipes.com
I found this recipe over at Angie’s blog – Eclectic Recipes.
I loved it because once again – the ingredient list is simple and contains no funky stuff.
Make sure to stop by and check out Angie’s fabulous recipe collection!
{THREE} Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Peanut butter? Quinoa? Snack CAKE??? Count me in!!! 🙂
Photo credit: www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com
This one comes together in 30 minutes according tot he recipe and makes a great meal prep item as well (I am all about efficiency and productivity today 🙂 )
Now I don’t know about Truvia Baking Blend the recipe is calling for, I would probably just pass on that one – pretty sure the chocolate chips will do the job of making it sweet enough for me. I would probably also use avocado in place of all/half the butter the recipe is calling for. But other than that I just love this recipe! It is also simple and quick to make.
You have to check out the Peanut Butter and Peppers blog where Jennifer is sharing healthy living tips and recipes!
{FOUR} 100-Calorie Pumpkin Pie Tartlets
Photo credit: www.verybestbaking.com
I love pumpkin. Even though this recipe is listed on the Very Best Baking under winter recipes, I could eat pumpkin every day all year round.
{FIVE} Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Cups by The Falafelser
Can you believe these guys are 14 calories each? 🙂
Photo credit: http://thefalafelser.wordpress.com
No? Than you better head over here and grab the recipe!
Definitely check out The Falafelser for more recipes while you’re there. 😉
Now your turn! Tell me what delicious recipes/eats you have discovered lately! Link up below or just share in comments!
Have a tasty week, friends!
March 11, 2014
Tasty Tuesday – Latest Tasty Finds and a Linkup Party!
Hey guys! Happy Tasty Tuesday to you!
Before I start talking about all the tasty stuff, I wanted to bring your attention to the fact that starting from today, the Tasty Tuesday blog post is officially announced to be a Linkup Party!
Come here every Tuesday to add links to your favorite tasty recipes, restaurant reviews, meal prep tips, etc. etc.. – we are talking anything tasty!
And…since it is a party – once you add a link here, your links will also appear on the Tasty Tuesday blog post of the linkup co-hosts.
This week it is just me and Meranda over at Fairytales and Fitness. Be sure to check out her blog!
So. Down to business now – this Tasty Tuesday I am sharing recent Tasty Finds!
{ONE} Peanut Butter Pie Ball by Wishes and Dishes.
To all of you, peanut butter lovers – you are welcome! 🙂
{TWO} Red Velvet Mug Cake by Kiss My Broccoli
Heather, I just want to give you a hug for this one! I love red velvet anything 🙂
{THREE} Ham and Cheese Baked Egg Cups by the Lemon Bowl
{FOUR} Banana Blueberry Cinnamon Bread by A Hungry Runner
I have recently received a private message on Instagram with a video statement from my 11 year old daughter’s friends at school that this bread is super delicious. You gotta trust those girls! This bread is super awesome!
{FIVE} Lemony Cookie Bars by Lauren Kelly
Aren’t the gorgeous?
Stay fit, friends, and keep it tasty!
Don’t forget to link up your favorite tasty stuff below!
February 26, 2014
What’s on My Plate Wednesday – Weekly Eats
Hey guys! It’s hump day! Just 2 full work days left and then it is the weekend! Got anything special going on this weekend?
I will probably sleep a lot – I was not getting enough sleep this week. And when I don’t get enough sleep…well…you know…”don’t get body slammed by a low land gorilla” 🙂
It’s been a while since I shared my eats with you here, so here we go – “What’s on my plate Wednesday” post in store for you today. 🙂
Egg sandwich on an English muffin, corn muffin (recipe coming soon), oatmeal with cinnamon chips and sliced almonds, buckwheat with honey and butter, oatmeal with cinnamon chips and marshmallows. I’ve generally been pretty good with my breakfast choices as you can see.
Warm quinoa salad on a bed of spinach, pre-prepped salads, lentil soup (crockpot), salad/sandwich combo, Italian Grinder. Lunch…I am a Queen of Lunch Prep! So pretty good choices here too.
Pork loin with buckwheat, mushrooms and onions on the side; pork chops with buckwheat; salmon, rice, avocado and spaghetti squash; home made beef enchiladas; chicken roaster with veggies. Except when my hubby is making dinner (yes, enchiladas, I am talking to you), my dinners look pretty healthy. 🙂
Celery + homemade hummus, snapeas crisps, PB-banana smoothie, raspberry-banana smoothie, cuties. Yeah, this is my weakness. Can’t even begin to describe you what I snack on that doesn’t get to the social media in the form of pictures 🙂 Het, bare with me – I am working on it and it’s a journey!
What fun foods have you eaten lately?
Stay fit, folks!
February 8, 2014
Recipe: Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hey guys! Happy Saturday!
I hope you’re having a wonderful day. While I am at a very exciting event right now, which I will tell you about in the beginning of next week, I have scheduled this post to share a great recipe I have recently discovered.
I was looking for a recipe for oatmeal cookies last week and found this one in my recipe keeper. I honestly don’t know where it came from, but with a few changes to the original recipe, it turned out great and not so damaging 🙂
Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cup old fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 oz dried cranberries
- 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 375º F
- Beat butter, sugar and banana together until light and fluffy
- Add eggs, mixing well
- Combine oats, flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl
- Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition
- Stir in dried cranberries and chocolate chips
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown
- Cool on wire rack
Makes 18 cookies @ 173 calories per cookie.
Have a wonderful weekend, guys! Stay fit and warm.
January 28, 2014
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Hey guys! Happy Tasty Tuesday!
Just checking in today with a quick recipe that has been my “go to” breakfast lately. These cottage cheese pancakes are super delicious and come together in 15 minutes! Mix the ingredients the night before, make pancakes in the morning in 5 minutes and be happy. 🙂
You can also add some protein powder to this recipe for extra protein boost to your breakfast.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2-3 tbsp. cottage cheese (I used 1% fat)
- 2 tbsp. whole grain flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mix may be lumpy because of the cottage cheese.
- Make pancakes.
- Enjoy!
www.leanlena.com
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