Easter Eats

When it comes to holidays, we are so quick to turn sugar cookie dough into some symbol of that special day. I have hunted and found fun ideas for healthy holiday snacks that kids can make and enjoy. I made this cute bunny snackwith Aleyah’s class last week. We used a large multigrain water cracker rather than a Ritz. You could also use a mini bagel or english muffin. This idea is actually from another mom’s blog that popped up when I googled ‘bunny snack’.

Bunny snack

Now onto the Easter basket…Okay, so the next 4 weeks is packed full for me. I had to make a trip to Wal Mart (I only go when I ABSOLUTELY have to), and while I was there I decided to do some Easter basket shopping. I came across mini Larabars (about 100 calories each) and was so excited! They are the perfect size for my kids. I also picked up some Annie’s Graham Bunnies, dried cranberries, and the fun-size M&Ms. I will also be putting in some cashews- all my kids love them.  I like to make my kids’ baskets fun but healthy too.

Strawberry Bruschetta

Strawberry Bruschetta

I made this delicious treat for my family the other night. I took the idea of the famous Italian appetizer and made it sweet. I replaced the tomatoes with strawberries and the mozzarella with mini chocolate chips! I grilled the bread, but you can do this under the broiler or even in a pan.

Strawberry Bruschetta

Whole grain bread slices

Smart Balance butter

Organic sugar

Cinnamon

Strawberries, chopped

Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Honey

Spread slices of bread with Smart Balance butter. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Grill over medium-low flame until grill marks appear. Flip and grill another minute or two. Remove from the grill and top with the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips. Place back on the heat just until the chips soften. Pull the bruschetta off the grill and drizzle with honey.

 

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for Your Best Body Now book. Entries must be in by Thursday at 9 PM.

Shamrock Smoothie

Here is a great smoothie that you can make to celebrate the luck ‘o the Irish! Don’t let the spinach scare you- it does not alter the taste of the sweet fruits in this!

Shamrock Green Smoothie

2 kiwis, peeled

1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and quartered

1 large banana (peeled of course!)

1 handful spinach leaves

1 cup almond milk

2 Tablespoons honey

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until thoroughly blended. This makes about 2, 8 oz servings.

 

Shamrock Green Smoothie

Cooking Up Spring Vegetables

Now that you know what’s in season, it’s time to start cooking! Here are some great recipes utilizing those fruits and veggies. The asparagus, peas, and basil would be a great St. Patty’s Day side. (I would replace the butter with olive oil.)

Running Recovery

Despite a 20+ mph east wind, we were able to complete 10.5 miles at just under a 10 minute pace. Not too bad for my first time! It is vital to eat and drink after a hard workout. Complex carbs and protein are a must to minimalize the fatigue on the body. My post-run recovery meal today was a Peanut Butter and Banana smoothie. A little trick that I use…peel ripe bananas, wrap individually in foil, and stick them in the freezer. Pull one out when needed. This makes the smoothie extra cold!

Protein-Packed PB and Banana Shake
1 cup almond milk (You can use regular milk- I just prefer the almond milk)
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1 banana
2 T peanut butter
1 T honey

Pour all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth. Makes about 2 cups.

A Clean Eat – Chocolate Peanut Butter Chews

I found this recipe on the Eat Clean Diet site, and we just tried these this afternoon and they are great! No baking- just mixing and rolling into balls. Pop them in the freezer, and 5 minutes later they are ready! I substituted agave nectar for the brown rice syrup. I’m sure honey would work just as well. I used Kashi’s 7 Whole Grain Puffs for the brown rice cereal. I hope you get the chance to make them. Enjoy!

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Chews

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Crisp Brown Rice Cereal
  • 1/4 cup smooth all-natural peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp organic brown rice syrup
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Line a plate with parchment paper. In a medium sized bowl, stir together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, 2 tbsp chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 35-45 seconds. Stir well and immediately add in the 1 tsp cocoa powder. Stir until incorporated. Immediately stir in the rice crisp cereal until all rice crispies are coated.

Wet hands thoroughly and shape the mixture into ‘golf-balls’. Press mixture together firmly into balls so it will hold. Wet hands after each ball is formed so the mixture will not stick to your hands. Place the balls onto parchment paper and freeze for 5 minutes. You can keep these chews in the freezer in a sealed container.

per large ball, makes 7 balls: 113 kcals, 6 grams fat, 14 grams carbs, 8 grams sugar, 2 grams protein.

Lemon Walnut Chicken for a Flat Tummy

My husband is off camping with the youth group, so the kids and I had my in-laws over for dinner tonight. I made a new recipe from Fitness Magazine’s Flat Ab Diet.

Lemon Walnut Chicken

The Lemon Walnut Chicken was delicious! I changed it up a bit by grilling the chicken and then making the topping on the stove. I also grilled zucchini, scallions, and mushrooms in my grill basket, and then threw some peach and plum halves on there too. I made a greek yogurt and honey topping for the grilled fruit. My father-in-law had never had grilled peaches, and he loved them. My kids loved the yogurt topping! Check out the other recipes in this diet. The shrimp and avocado rice bowl looks delicious too.

Oh la la! French Toast Bake

Ellie Kreiger's French Toast Bake

I LOVE this recipe. I make it fairly often and have even done it in the crockpot on low for about 6 hours. I like to change out the peaches sometimes for blueberries or mixed berries- whatever fruit sounds good to you. I also grabbed up some pumpkin seed and cranberry bread from Publix and that made it even tastier! This recipe is one of Ellie Krieger’s, a Food Network personality and a nutritionist. I enjoy her recipes and informative advice. Try this one- you will love it too!

Our Valentine Berry French Toast Bake

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 large whole-wheat baguette (about 12 ounces)
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup low fat milk (I like to use almond milk!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups sliced peaches, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced about 1 1/2 tablespoons
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch slices and arrange the slices in a single layer in the baking pan. Whisk together the eggs, egg whites, milk and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the bread in the pan. In a medium bowl, toss peaches with the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar. Scatter the peach slices evenly on top of the bread. Combine the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Uncover and bake for 40 minutes.

Serving suggestion: Top with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or  a drizzle of pure maple syrup

For All My Mommy Friends with Babies!

Veggie baby food ideas for your little one!

Chocolate- Ahhhhh!

Check out these 7 chocolate recipes!
The Chocolate Almond Truffles sure look delicious!!