Fudge Ems!

It’s certainly no secret that I’ve been loving my Vitamix. I’ve been searching for recipes to try and also trying to come up with fun little bites too. I’ve been craving little chocolatey bites at night these days, you know, to go with red wine, and I am always looking for ways to make something healthier.

At this point, I’m sure everyone has seen variations on black bean fudge or brownies so I tried my hand at my own variation and I love the way they came out! They’re creamy, chocolatey, and have a little crunch from the cacao nibs. And each square is only 69 calories.. it’s a win-win!

Makes 18 squares

Ingredients
– 1 can reduced sodium black beans; drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup Peanut Butter & Co. Mighty Maple
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp coconut oil
– 2 tbsp brewed coffee [I used pumpkin coconut!]
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 – 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 2 tbsp cacao nibs [Can substitute chocolate chips]

Directions
In a high-power blender or food processor, add everything except the cacao nibs. Blend until very smooth and scoop into a bowl. Stir in the cacao nibs until evenly distributed. Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and pour the fudge mixture into the pan. Spread it out evenly and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours.

Remove the pan from the freezer and, using the foil or parchment paper, lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into 18 equal squares and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Store in the freezer. Or eat all of them immediately.. your choice 😉

Nutritional Information
Per square

69 Calories / 4g Fat / 2g Protein / 11g Carbs / 2g Fiber / 4g Sugar

Food for Thought

Have you ever tried making sweets using beans?

An Ode to Oatmeal: Protein-Packed TVP Oats

Have you entered my Chobani giveaway?

I’ve recently gotten a few requests for my go-to oatmeal recipe. I may be a bit obsessed [read: eat them every single day] but I just can’t stop! And frankly I see nothing wrong with that. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? 😉

Protein TVP Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients
– 2 egg whites
– 1/2 banana
– 1/2 cup almond milk + splash at the end
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup TVP* [If you don’t have TVP, just substitute another 1/4 cup of oats]
– Cinnamon. Lots of cinnamon!
– Your fave nut and/or seed butters [Optional.. but why wouldn’t you?!]
– Your fave granola [Optional.. see note above]

Directions
In a small pot, scramble your egg whites and put them off to the side. I add cinnamon to mine as they’re cooking, but you can just leave them plain.

Break up the banana into the pot and toss it with a sprinkle of cinnamon to coat. Add almond milk and water. Mash up the banana into the liquid until there are almost no chunks. Add the oats and TVP and bring to a light boil, then turn down to a simmer.

When the oats are almost finished cooking, add the egg whites back in with a splash of almond milk. This will make it creamier and help to incorporate the egg into the mix. When they’re done, top with 1 tbsp nut/seed butter [and another sprinkle of cinnamon!]

I can never decide which nut/seed butter to use so I typically split my tablespoon into 3 teaspoons of different ones.. it makes it that much more exciting 😉 I also throw a little granola on top for a some crunch! [Michele’s is the best!]

*You can purchase TVP from iHerb.com. Use discount code ZAF482 at checkout for up to $10 off your purchase!

Nutritional Information

Per serving, without optional toppings

254 Calories  /  4g Fat  /  31g Carbs  /  5g Fiber  /  11g Sugar  /  24g Protein

Food for Thought

What is your favorite breakfast? What’s your favorite way to dress up oatmeal?

What I Ate Wednesday #42: My Current Loves

When I suddenly realized that it was time for another edition of WIAW, I also realized that I have unfortunately not been doing a great job of taking pictures of my food and also of switching up what I’m eating. So because I’ve been eating so much of the same, I thought I’d share the favorites that continue to reoccur on my plate.

[Breakfast]
I’m on an oatmeal kick again and I just can’t shake it [not that I’m trying to..] Here’s my favorite recipe as of late..

– 2 egg whites
– 1/2 cup oats
– 1/2 cup lite coconut or almond milk
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 banana
– Cinnamon. All of it. I love cinnamon

Toppings
– 1 tbsp nut butters [I usually do 3 tsps of different nut butters!]
– Sprinkling of granola; my go-to right now is Michele’s Pistachio Lemon.. it’s a seasonal flavor and SO good!

Cook the egg whites separately with a sprinkle of cinnamon and set aside. Add milk, water, banana, and cinnamon to the pot and mash the banana until it melts in. Add oats and bring to a boil, then simmer until almost cooked through. Add egg whites back in and combine. Pour into a bowl and top with nut butter, granola, and a little more cinnamon. I told you, I love cinnamon!

[Lunch]
Spinach and cabbage salads with tons of fresh veggies, turkey quinoa burger

, and the easiest guacamole in the world. I take 1/4 avocado and mash it up with whatever salsa I have on hand. Right now I’m using tomatillo salsa and it’s crazy good!

[Dinner]
We’ve been crazy busy lately [oh, weddings..] so dinners have been out a lot. Or just the usual roasted vegetables and whatever protein I can get my hands on!

[Snacks]
– Pink lady beet juice [out of old coconut oil jars.. it’s normal]
– Apples
– Yogurt [Chobani.. duh]
– KIND bars

Food for Thought

What are you current go-to foods or meals?

Spaghetti Squash Kugel

Every year, Passover sneaks up on me and I’m never quite prepared. But over the past couple years, I’ve really learned a lot about food and nutrition. So this year, especially, I was excited to put my new knowledge to work.

Kugel is a traditional Jewish dish make with egg noodles, but that’s obviously a no-go on Passover. Seeing how people have been using spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute, I thought this could be the way to a successful Passover kugel.

I made 2 single-serving kugels, but this recipe can easily be multiplied to make a full dish.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients
– 1 cup cooked spaghetti squash
– 1 egg white
– 1/2 tbsp Brummel & Brown
– 1 tbsp xylitol [You can substitute raw sugar or white sugar]
– 2 tbsp light cream cheese
– 2 tbsp 0% plain Chobani
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt

Optional Mix-ins
– Raisins
– Apples
– Sliced almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, whip the egg white into stiff peaks and set aside. I highly recommend whipping the egg white with an electric mixer.. unless you want a really good arm workout!

In a medium bowl, melt Brummel & Brown. Mix in xylitol, salt, cinnamon, cream cheese, and Chobani in that order. Fold in spaghetti squash and raisins and taste. At this point, adjust any seasonings to taste if you like it sweeter. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg white.

Divide the mixture equally into 2 greased ramekins and sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon. Bake for 40-45 minutes until cooked through and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
Per single ramekin without mix-ins

96 Calories  /  4g Fat  /  13g Carbs  /  1g Fiber  /  4g Sugar  /  5g Protein

Food for Thought

Do you have a favorite Passover recipe?

Foodie Friday: Toasted Coconut Vanilla Overnight Oats

Recently I discovered a new favorite Greek yogurt from my favorite Greek yogurt brand. Have you ever seen Oikos Toasted Coconut Vanilla? If you’ve seen it, try it immediately. If you haven’t seen it yet, find it immediately!

I don’t typically go for the full-fat flavors, but sometimes it’s necessary. This is one of those times. This flavor is incredible and I knew I would have to try an overnight oats recipe as soon as possible. And the results? This breakfast kept me full for hours and I’ll definitely be incorporating this into my routine more often!

P.S. did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? It couldn’t be more perfect!

Toasted Coconut Vanilla Overnight Oats

Serves 1

Ingredients
– 1 container Oikos Toasted Coconut Vanilla Greek Yogurt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 tbsp chia seeds
– 1/3 cup almond milk [I use Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Coconut]
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings
– Unsweetened shredded coconut
– Nut butter [Earth Balance Crunchy Coconut Peanut Spread is highly recommended!]
– Ground cinnamon

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a tupperware container and mix well. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with your preferred toppings and enjoy!

I prefer my oats hot so I pop em in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. If you do this, you may need to add another splash of milk to get it to the right consistency.

Nutritional Information
Per serving, without toppings

286 Calories  /  11g Fat  /  34g Carbs  /  7g Fiber  /  17g Sugar  /  15g Protein

Food for Thought

What is your favorite flavor of Greek yogurt? Have you ever tried making overnight oats with that flavor?

What I Ate Wednesday #25 – Healthy Holiday Recipes

Have you entered my Hail Merry Macaroon giveaway? Only 2 more days!

I can’t lie, my meals have been pretty less-than-interesting over the last week. I’m a creature of habit and when I do a lot of food prep on Sundays, I tend to eat a lot of the same meals during the week. But I’ve been having fun in the kitchen and am happy to be sharing a couple healthy Hannuka recipes just in time for the holiday!

[Breakfast]
Like I said, creature of habit. I’m still going strong in my Sweet Breakfast Scramble obsession!

[Lunch]
Tone It Up‘s Carrot & Pumpkin Soup and a Jamie Eason turkey meatloaf muffin. This was seriously the easiest lunch and so delicious. I didn’t mind having it almost everyday.. in fact, I enjoyed it!

[Dinner]
Sushi! It was a nice night for a date so we hit up a happy hour for a glass of wine (or beer) and some delicious sushi.  I didn’t snap pictures of the edamame and pork shumai but they were delicious, as always. Salmon and avocado wrapped in cucumber is also always a great choice, but my treat roll was the crab stick, cucumber, and avocado topped with more avocado, salmon, tuna, and a little eel sauce. SO yum! Nathan got pork yakisoba and it was equally as wonderful. If you’re in Baltimore and looking for good sushi, I highly recommend Naname Cafe!

[Snacks] not pictured
Apple, Madagascar Vanilla KIND Bar, and 1/2 of a blueberry ricotta muffin. I love having 1/2 muffin in the afternoon to help hold me over.. so tasty!

Onto the fun stuff!

I’m so glad we’re sharing healthy holiday recipes because I just tested a few for Hannuka!

Sweet Potato & Zucchini Latkes

Makes 18 latkes

Ingredients
1/2 cup zucchini, shredded and drained
2 cups sweet potato, shredded
2 large egg whites
2 tbsp coconut flour* [I use Bob’s Red Mill, but you can sub other flour if you don’t have coconut!]
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp xylitol* + extra for sprinkling [You can sub regular sugar or other sugar substitutes]
1/2 tsp salt

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, shape into 18 equal balls, and flatten into pancakes. Bake about 1 hour, flipping half way through.

Remove from the oven and let cool on a cooling rack. Sprinkle with a little extra xylitol and cinnamon and enjoy!

Nutritional Stats
Per pancake without toppings

21 Calories  /  0g Fat  /  4g Carbs  /  1g Fiber  /  0g Sugar  /  1g Protein

Baked Sufganiyot

Makes 12 minis

If you’re not familiar with sufganiyot, they are jelly-filled donuts that are a staple during Hannuka. But of course jelly-filled donuts are not exactly on the healthy treats list, so I wanted to create a more figure-friendly way to enjoy these tasty treats.

Ingredients
1/4 cup unbleached white flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 large egg white
1/4 cup xylitol* + extra for sprinkling [You can sub regular sugar or other sugar substitutes]
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk [I use Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk]
4 tbsp your favorite jam [I used blackberry preserves]
~1/2 – 1 tbsp agave nectar*
~1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease mini muffin pan. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients from flour through milk until just incorporated.

Fill each muffin tin with about 1/2 tbsp of mix to just cover the bottom. Place about 1 tsp of jam in the middle of each “donut” and then top with the rest of the mix. Bake for about 12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (minus the jam!), turning half way through.

Remove from the oven and let cool about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with agave nectar and sprinkle with cinnamon and xylitol. Enjoy guilt-free!

Nutritional Stats
Per mini “donut”

52 Calories  /  0g Fat  /  14g Carbs  /  1g Fiber  /  5g Sugar  /  1g Protein

*These ingredients can be found on iHerb.com. Use code ZAF482 to receive $5 off of your first order.

Food for Thought

What are some of your favorite holiday recipes? Do you go towards the healthy options or the unhealthy treats?

Foodie Friday: Kind Apple Crisp

Happy Black Friday! I hope you’re still stuffed from Thanksgiving dinner; that’s the way it should be.

This year, I jumped early to call my dishes for Thanksgiving. Usually I would just make some peanut butter cups and call it a day, but as I’ve become increasingly more interested in cooking and baking over the last year, I couldn’t wait to do more.

Knowing I was going to want to have a healthy option for my overactive sweet tooth, so along with my [unhealthy but completely necessary] peanut butter cups, I offered to make an apple crisp. And the best part? It’s so easy and versatile!

Kind Apple Crisp

Serves 12

Ingredients
6 medium apples [I used 3 braeburn & 3 granny smith]
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups Oats & Honey Clusters Kind Snacks granola
1 1/2 cups Maple Walnut Clusters Kind Snacks granola

Directions
Preheat over to 350°F and grease an 8 x 13″ pan. Peel and thinly slice all apples and toss with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, combine your 2 flavors of granola.

Lay all of your apples out in your pan and top with granola. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.

If you want to make this ahead of time, take the crisp out of the oven after the first 3o minutes, let cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring the crisp to room temperature, then place in the 350° oven, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and golden brown on top.

Top with vanilla bean ice cream and enjoy!

Craving an apple crisp but don’t have a group to feed?

This is a great recipe to make for two! Make this recipe with 1 apple, peeled and sliced, adjust spice quantities to your liking, and top with about 1/4 cup granola. I recommend baking in 2 separate ramekins for single servings. This will keep the baking time the same, but adjust baking time according to the size of your dish.

Nutritional Stats
Per serving without toppings

137 Calories  /  3g Fat  /  22g Carbs  /  4g Fiber  /  9g Sugar  /  2g Protein

Food for Thought

Did you contribute any dishes to your Thanksgiving table this year? What was your favorite dish on the table?

Foodie Friday: Banana Brûlée Protein Pancake

A year and a half ago, I would head into work and eat a Fiber One bar at my desk. I called that breakfast.

And now? Oh man, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day! If I could eat protein pancakes and oatmeal all day, everyday, I would be the happiest of campers. So it really shouldn’t surprise you that I came up with yet another protein pancake to satisfy my cravings.

Banana Brûlée Protein Pancake

Serves 1

Ingredients
1 banana, divided
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 egg whites
2 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill Hot Cereal* [can be substituted with ground flax]
2 tbsp Perfect Fit Protein
1/2 tbsp chia seed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 packet stevia

Optional Toppings
Peanut fluff [2 tbsp peanut flour*, 1 packet stevia, & water to reach desired consistency]
Maple syrup
Berries
Chocolate chips

*These ingredients can be found on iHerb.com. Use code ZAF482 to receive $5 off of your first order.

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mash 1/2 banana with applesauce and egg whites. Add in the rest of the ingredients, except the other 1/2 banana & stevia, and mix until well incorporated.

Slice the other 1/2 of the banana. Pour batter into a greased, 8″ non-stick skillet or cake pan and press the banana slices into the top of the pancake. Place your pancake in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until set.

Once set, take the pancake out of the oven and sprinkle with stevia. If you have a kitchen torch, go ahead and torch the bananas, if not, place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the bananas have caramelized.

Remove from the oven, top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Nutritional Stats
Per pancake without toppings

304 Calories  /  4g Fat  /  49g Carbs  /  11g Fiber  /  21g Sugar  /  26g Protein

Food for Thought

What is your favorite meal of the day? Do you prefer sweet or savory breakfasts?

Foodie Friday: Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Pancake

I’d like to introduce you to my new love.

I’m not sure what came over me, but one night as I was thinking about what to make for breakfast the next morning (what, don’t you think about your breakfast immediately after finishing dinner?) and it hit me; dark chocolate and cherries. Duh! Why hadn’t I done this before?!

I took a mental inventory of my pantry and the next morning, I made my dream a reality. And it’s so very dreamy.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Pancake

Serves 1

Ingredients
3 egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill Hot Cereal [you can sub ground flax]
2 tbsp chocolate protein powder [I used PlantFusion]
2 packets stevia
1 tbsp dark chocolate cocoa powder [I used Hershey’s]
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp dried cherries [you can sub other dried fruits like raisins, goji berries, cranberries, etc]
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings
Banana slices
Peanut fluff [2 tbsp peanut flour, 1 packet stevia, & water to reach desired consistency]
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Sliced almonds
Dark chocolate chips
Dried fruit

Many of these ingredients can be found on iHerb.com. Use code ZAF482 to receive $5 off of your first order.

Directions
Heat a small 8″ pan over medium-low heat. Mix all of your ingredients together and grease your pan. Pour your batter in and let cook about 5-6 minutes on the first side, or until it is sturdy enough to flip. After flipping, finish cooking about 2 minutes on the other side.

Nutritional Stats
Per serving without toppings

245 Calories  /  5g Fat  /  29g Carbs  /  7g Fiber  /  11g Sugar  /  26g Protein

Food for Thought

What is your favorite protein pancake you’ve ever made? Do you go towards a sweeter preparation or a simple, plain pancake?

Chocolate Pudding and Giveaway Winners!

I have a serious sweet tooth so I’m always looking for ways to satisfy that without going calorie-overboard. I’ve seen tons of chocolate avocado pudding recipes all over Pinterest, so with some wonderfully ripe avocados sitting in my fridge, I figured now is the best time to try my hand at my own creation. And I have to say, I was quite pleased with the results.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Makes 3, 1/2 cup servings

Ingredients
1 medium avocado
1 medium banana
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I use Blue Diamond Almond Breeze)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp agave
2 tbsp semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Directions
Put all ingredients, except chocolate chips, into a food processor and process until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and stir chocolate chips in. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes until chilled and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Sliced almonds
Whipped Cream

Nutritional Stats
Per 1/2 cup serving

232 Calories  /  14g Fat  /  37g Carbs  /  8g Fiber  /  18g Sugar  /  4g Protein

Giveaway Winners!

I chose my 5 lucky Premier Protein giveaway winners using random.org.

Kate says : September 5, 2012 at 5:27 pm
i’m starving right now so chocolate pb sounds faaaaaantastic

fromicecreamtoamarathon says : September 5, 2012 at 3:36 pm
I want to try the chocolate peanut butter protein bar!!

runningeater September 7, 2012 at 7:42 am
I followed you

Shannon (@caloah) September 7, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Hello.. my name is Shannon and Im a Protein Baraholic. (Seriously not even joking tho!) The Chocolate Peanut Butter sound right down my alley! Would love to try it out. 🙂
This one cracked me up! I can totally relate.

alw6ys September 8, 2012 at 2:42 am
Yogurt Peanut Butter Crunch protein bar!

Congrats to all five winners! Please contact me at brittany.barr@gmail.com with your address so I can send the info on over to the wonderful people at Premier Protein!

Finally, a big thanks to Premier Protein for sponsoring such a great giveaway!

*Winners have until 11:59pm EST on Tuesday, 9/11/12, to respond. If I don’t hear back from you, I will be choosing a new winner.