Foodie Friday: Peanut Butter Cup PARTY Popcorn

Last night was the premiere of the Tone It Up girls’ new show on Bravo, Toned Up. Aside from creating a wonderful fitness and health plan [that really works!], these girls have also formed an incredible community around the world. In Baltimore, this community brought me together with a group of ladies who happened to make an appearance at my wedding 😉

Don’t mess!

Knowing what a strong community this is, I quickly took advantage when I came to California. I’ve been welcomed to the Bay Area group with open arms and when I was invited to a Toned Up premiere party, I jumped at the opportunity to get to know these girls too! Obviously I couldn’t show up empty-handed so I needed to figure out a figure-friendly snack to bring.. that I could make in the hotel room.

Peanut Butter Cup PARTY Popcorn

Serves 6

Ingredients
– 12 cups popped popcorn
– 1/3 cup sliced almonds; toasted
– 1/3 cup Trader Joe’s Roasted Coconut Chips [these are the best!]
– 2 oz dark chocolate squares
– 2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams
– 4 tbsp Old Fashioned Smooth
– Pinch of salt

Directions
Lay popcorn, almonds, and coconut chips out in one flat layer on a couple trays. In one small bowl, add dark chocolate squares and Dark Chocolate Dreams. Microwave for 30 seconds, remove from microwave, and stir the mixture. If it’s not melted, microwave in additional 30 second intervals until fully melted. Using a spoon, drizzle over the popcorn mixture.

In another small bowl, add Old Fashioned Smooth and microwave about 15-20 seconds until melted. Using another spoon, drizzle the peanut butter over top of the popcorn mixture. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over all of the popcorn, almonds, and coconut. Place the trays in the freezer to setup.

MMM toasted almonds!

This recipe is what I call “dangerous.” It makes enough to serve about 6 people, but if you’re anything like me, by the time it makes it out, it might only serve 1 😉

And how could I show up without the proper accompaniment?

Red wine is better with chocolate than milk.

I’m not too picky when it comes to my wine, but this is one of our faves! Trader Joe’s is the best. How did I ever live without wine in grocery stores?!

I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to meet up with these girls for the premiere of the show and I hope to meet more of the Bay Area girls next time!

Food for Thought

Did you watch the Toned Up premiere?
What is your favorite drink with chocolate?

What I Ate Wednesday #37: Powerbowl A Day Challenge

I think I’m beginning to see the end in sight! Weekend wedding errands have slowed down and the little pieces are finally falling into place. It’s such a relief to know that all of this crazy is, in fact, coming together. It’s going to be an awesome wedding, if I do say so myself!

In the meantime, last week finished up another #plantPOWER challenge hosted by the wonderful Kasey of Powercakes and Heather of For the Love of Kale. I really enjoyed this challenge the first time around, and while I didn’t participate quite as much this time, I enjoyed it just as much. It really has introduced me to so many options in the world of plant-based food! And since Kasey can’t sit still ;), she’s started another challenge which I am equally in love with; Powerbowl a Day! This challenge just started on Monday, so there’s still plenty of time to join and I would highly recommend you do. [Don’t know what a powerbowl is? Check out Kasey’s tutorial!]

And it happens to go perfectly with this month’s WIAW theme.. go figure! 😉

[Breakfast]
Slimmed down sweet scramble.. gasp! But I do have a little surprise for you.. I’ve been topping my scrambles with homemade cashew butter. Look for the recipe this Foodie Friday!

[Lunch]
Powerbowl #1: spinach base with beets, green pepper, cucumber, carrots, tomato, 2 veggie patch falafel, 1/2 avocado, roasted garlic hummus, and baba ghanoush. It was awesome. And it was devoured!

[Dinner]
I was definitely feeling a big bowl of veggies for dinner so I knew a warm kale salad would be perfect! Enter powerbowl #2: kale base with sweet potato, roasted broccoli, beets, and Kasey’s creamy tahini nooch sauce. It was epic. And I had leftovers for lunch yesterday too!

[Snacks]
– Key lime pie greek yogurt [more green!!] with coconut.. I’m thinking tropical. Take me somewhere warm!
– Good N Natural Peanut Butter bar. I believe my tweet said something along the lines of “natural and SO good!” Thanks for the insight.. happens to be the name of the bar. Duh. But definitely check these out!
– Peanut butter. Yep. I mixed a little old fashioned smooth with a little white chocolate wonderful and popped it in the microwave for 10 seconds for dessert! I added a few blueberries and some dark and white chocolate chips too 🙂

Food for Thought

Are you a powerbowl eater? What are your favorite toppings?

Foodie Friday: Superbowl Recipe Roundup & a Winner!

Are you ready for Superbowl Sunday?! You may not be as psyched as I am, but I guess that’s because my Ravens are playing!

Even before I knew they would be playing, I already started planning what I could make for the big game. Shocking, right? I knew I wanted to have some healthy options available and because the game is at 6:30pm, I also knew I didn’t just want snacky foods. So I started making a list..

Dips/Snacks

Beet / Walnut Dip [Healthy. Happy. Life.]
Clearly this one is happening. I mean, it’s pretty close to purple so that was a given. Not to mention, it sounds fantastic!

Spicy Sriracha White Bean Dip [White on Rice Couple]
I love this dip; it’s like a spicy hummus! I made it for a New Years Eve party and it was devoured.

Lemony Baked Feta Artichoke Dip [A Bubbly Life]
This looks like a fun twist on a regular spinach artichoke dip.

Cauliflower Bread Sticks [Mama Grubbs Grub]
At this point, many of you have seen the cauliflower pizza crust recipes going around. This is essentially the same idea, but just cut up into dippers. Perfect for a healthier option than a typical cheesy bread.

Proteins

Buffalo Chicken Rolls [Can You Stay for Dinner?]
A great option if you’re looking to do something outside of the normal wings n things.

Reuben Rolls
One of my must-makes from my Pinterest obsession. This might just be the weekend for them!

Butternut Squash & Chipotle Chili [Cookie + kate]
This is another definite. I’ve made this chili a few times before and absolutely love it. And you can’t go wrong with football and chili!

Peanut Butter & Co. Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Debbie, the lucky winner of the Peanut Butter & Co. giveaway!

Debbie says :
oh gosh. i have a serious peanut butter addiction and i actually haven’t tried this brand!
the dark chocolate dreams sounds AMAZING!!

Please email me at Brittany@BarrAndTable.com with your shipping address by Sunday, February 3rd at 11:59 PM EST to claim your prize!

Food for Thought

Are you making any special recipes this weekend for the big game?

National Peanut Butter Day {Giveaway!}

Today might just be my most favorite day of the year; National Peanut Butter Day. There’s nothing I love more than opening a fresh jar of peanut butter and, of course, grabbing a spoon for that very first bite. Ok, maybe first few bites.. thanks, Mom 😉

There actually was a time that I sent my mom this picture. She totally understood and I’m sure her response was something along the lines of “mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!” So you see, peanut butter has always had a special place in my heart. And not only is it delicious, it’s also quite good for you!

In honor of National Peanut Butter Day, I have not only compiled a list of peanut butter delicious recipes from my blog for your quick browsing pleasure, but I also have a very special giveaway! First things first.

Peanut Butter Recipes

• Hail Merry Peanut Butter Coconut Banana Bites
• Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Cups*
• Peanut Chili Baked Tofu*
• Tilapia Stir-Fry with Chili Peanut Sauce*
• Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake*

And don’t forget to top all of your oatmeal with a deliciously large scoop of peanut butter for maximum dining pleasure! You know I added a little extra to my breakfast this morning.. it’s only right.

*These recipes use peanut flour, but that can be substituted with peanut butter.

And now for the giveaway! Peanut Butter & Co. was kind enough to send me a few samples to review [practically a dream come true!] and offer one lucky reader the chance to win 3 jars! It was a tough choice, but in the end, I went for White Chocolate Wonderful, Mighty Maple, and Old Fashioned Smooth. These proved to be fantastic choices!

I started out trying the White Chocolate Wonderful, which happens to be very appropriately named; it was absolutely wonderful! Next I tried the Mighty Maple, and while I didn’t think it would be able to get better than the White Chocolate Wonderful, it did! Holy moly, this one is so good! Finally, the Old Fashioned Smooth; full of peanuty flavor as the only two ingredients are peanuts and salt. I love that! And now I’m offering one of you the chance to try all of these fantastic flavors!

Peanut Butter & Co. Giveaway

How to Enter

You have up to 5 chances to enter! Be sure to leave separate comments for each entry. Entries will be accepted through Thursday, January 31st, 11:59 pm EST. A winner will be chosen on Friday, February 1st.

1. Leave a comment telling me which flavor you’re most excited to try. (Mandatory)

2. Follow @PeanutButterCo and @BarrAndTable on Twitter and leave a comment telling me. (Optional)

3. Like Peanut Butter & Co. and Barr & Table on Facebook and leave a comment telling me. (Optional)

4. Follow Peanut Butter & Co. and Barr & Table on Pinterest and leave a separate comment telling me. (Optional)

5. Tweet “I entered to win some @PeanutButterCo from @BarrAndTable and you can too! http://wp.me/p2mo7x-g2” and leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet. (Optional)

*Giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. Winner has 48 hours to contact me and claim prize, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Happy National Peanut Butter Day! Eat up! 😉