Almond Butter STUFFED Brownie Bites {Recipe ReDux}

Happy Mother’s Day!

I have a chocolate-y treat for you today that you won’t want to pass up. They’re gluten-free, paleo, and sweetened with fruit! Dried plums, to be specific. But don’t go running!

When was the last time you tried a dried plum? They’re delicious! A little sweet, a little tart, and chewy like candy. Not to mention, each serving is just 100 calories, provides 3g of fiber, 293mg of potassium, 16mg of magnesium, and more vitamin K than any other fresh or dried fruit. And in honor of May’s National Osteoporosis Month, why not give them a try?

Almond Butter STUFFED Brownie Bites

Makes 16 brownie bites

Ingredients

• 3oz. California Dried Plums [about 12-15 dried plums]
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk [I used cashew milk]
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp coconut oil; melted
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp almomd butter; divided
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 1/4 cup chocolate nut butter*
• 2-4 tbsp milk

*If you don’t have chocolate nut butter, you can sub regular nut butter and add cocoa powder. You will need to increase the amount of milk if you do this.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place the dried plums in a food processor and process into a paste. You may need to stop and scrape the sides down a few times.
3. Add the vanilla, milk, applesauce, coconut oil, and 1/4 cup almond butter to the bowl and process until smooth.
4. Add in the egg and pulse a few times until just incorporated.
5. Add the remaining dry ingredients to the bowl, pulse a few times to get it started, and finish incorporating completely by hand.
6. Using a 1/2 tbsp, scoop the mix into 16 mini muffin tins.
7. With a 1/2 tsp, scoop almond butter on top of the brownie bite base.
8. Finish off with another 1/2 tbsp of the mix to cover the almond butter and place in the oven for 8-9 minutes.
9. While baking, make your frosting. Add the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together until smooth.
10. Remove the bites from the oven and let cool completely before frosting.

Nutritional Information
75 Calories / 5g Fat / 6g Carbs / 2g Fiber / 3g Sugar / 2g Protein

Now who wouldn’t want to snack on that today?! And because I can’t make these for my mom today, you should!

Don’t miss out an all of the California Dried Plum recipes from all of the other ReDux-ers!

And, of course, happy mother’s day to my mom! I wish I could be with you today to celebrate how awesome you’ve always been and always are for me. But hey, if you want to come out here again, I have some brownie bites waiting for you!

Food for Thought

Are you a dried plum fan?
How are you celebrating your mother’s day?

Disclosure: I received free samples of California Dried Plums mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Dried Plum Board and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Link Love #73

I have to admit, I totally expected yesterday to feel like 2 days. And today? Oooh, it’s a doozy! But there were a few things that made the day a little easier. Before I even got out the door, I got a picture of this little cutie.

I can’t believe how big she’s getting! And look at those little curls. Gah she’s the cutest!

And finishing up my shift at my first job, a gym member came in with this guy.

Such a sweet dog. I wish they came in earlier so we could have played more! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the day better. And to make your day a little better..

Health

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well

How Weight Training Can Help You Keep the Weight Off – The New York Times Well
Key Nutrients for Marathon Training – Elisa Zied via Carrots ‘N’ Cake
Why You Should Think Twice About Vegetarian and Vegan Diets – Chris Kresser
How to Eat Clean: The Do’s and Don’ts of Healthy Clean Eating – Clean Eating Veggie Girl
Stop Hacking Life – Carla Birnberg

Fitness

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch

5 Ways to POWER UP Your Push Up – Cotter Crunch
Weekend Warrior 2: The Trifecta Workout – Lifting Revolution
Legs + Abs + Arms Boot Camp Workout – Peanut Butter Fingers
Barre Ab Burner {Video} – Fitessista
Build a Better Butt – Pancake Warriors

Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart – Eating Bird Food

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Tart + Healthy Valentine’s Day Desserts – Eating Bird Food
The Last Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Nutella Oatmeal Cookie Shake – How Sweet It Is
Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema – Half Baked Harvest

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #71

I deem this week hell week. I’ve recently started working at a new gym on top of Athleta and my existing gym. My schedule is pretty nutso but I at least made it through Monday which was the longest one. Success! There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Next week, we’ll be all moved into our new place and I’ll hopefully iron out some crazy schedule kinks. Not to mention, once we move, we’ll have a whole slew of visitors! It’s going to be an exciting 6 months 🙂

Health

2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality – Love, Life, Surf

2 Steps to Make Healthy Eating a Reality – Love, Life, Surf
Making Fitness News: Which Is Best Cardio Or Strength Training For Decreasing Your Waist? – Lifting Revolution
20 Post-Workout Food Options – Coconuts & Kettlebells
Stop Being Disappointed With Your Body and Start Making Changes – Greatist
A Guide to FAT: Healthy Fats vs. Unhealthy Fats – The Little Honey Bee
FYI Friday – Nutrient Requirements for Active People – Iron – Pretty Little Grub

Fitness

Cardio Tabata Superset Workout – Pumps & Iron

Cardio Tabata Superset Workout – Pumps & Iron
4 Compound Exercises Great for Tabatas {And a Workout to Try} – Cotter Crunch
Make Your Move with Weight Training – Hungry Healthy Girl
Developing Upper Body Muscles – Blonde Ponytail
What’s Your Fitness Missing? – Mark Crabtree via FitFluential

Food

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Hemp Protein Bars – Peachy Palate

Chewy Chocolate Crunch Hemp Protein Bars – Peachy Palate
Paleo Cashew Coconut Protein Fudge – The Big Man’s World
Short Rib Black Bean Beer Chili – The Beeroness
Spinach, Prosciutto and Butternut Squash Pizza – A Zesty Bite
Savory Oatmeal with Soft-Cooked Egg + Bacon – According to Elle

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #60

As I was walking to work yesterday, I was thinking about how chilly it was. It was like, 58 degrees, you know. Freaking cold! Ha! In just 1 short year, I’ve gone from laughing at people bundled up when it was almost 60 to wishing I had bundled up more. In just 2 short weeks, Nathan and I are going to be back home in Baltimore [for 2 weeks!!] and I can’t help but laugh about how cold we’re going to be.. and when I say laugh, I really mean cry. Oooh boy, we’re going to be in for it. That said, I’ll put up with the cold weather to see this..

Come on, is that not one of the sweetest things you’ve ever seen?! It’s going to be a good time and I’m looking forward to getting some of those snuggles for myself. Just 2 more weeks. Powering through! And to help you power through your week, enjoy the posts, friends.

Health

Wellness Wednesday: Perfectionism + 8 Things To Help You Relax & Stress Less – Ambitious Kitchen

Wellness Wednesday: Perfectionism + 8 Things To Help You Relax & Stress Less – Ambitious Kitchen
How to See Results From Working Out – Running on Real Food
How To Survive A Level 5 Meltdown of Epic Proportions When Your Pants Don’t Fit – Beauty and the Box
The 5 Ways We Burn Calories Every Day – Your Trainer Paige
56 Reasons to Lose Weight BEFORE the End of the Year – Workout Nirvana

Fitness

Core Couch Workout – Pumps & Iron

Core Couch Workout – Pumps & Iron
Barre/HIIT Combo {video} – Fitnessista
Step-By-Step Guide To Master The Kettlebell Turkish Get Up – Lifting Revolution
Work Out Wednesday: 3 Not Your Average Ab Workouts – She’s Wicked Healthy
Should You Focus on BIG Muscle Groups in a Workout? – Cotter Crunch

Food

Warm Toasted Caramel Coconut Gooey Chocolate Crunch Bars – Half Baked Harvest

Warm Toasted “Caramel” Coconut Gooey Chocolate Crunch Bars – Half Baked Harvest
Homemade Paleo Almond Joys – Fed + Fit
Brussels Slaw with Tahini Dressing and Za’atar Crostini – The Lemon Bowl
Pumpkin Beer Cheese Soup with Maple Chili-Spiced Popcorn – Destination Delish
Chocolate Chip Pear Blondie Bites – Hummusapien

Food for Thought

What’s one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Link Love #55

Hi friends! I hope your week is going well so far. I was able to have a nice, relaxing Monday without having to run off to work. It was great to take my time at the gym in the morning, eat my breakfast at a reasonable pace, prep some extra food for the week, and get myself ready for a conference call in the afternoon. Quiet weekdays are sometimes a necessary and welcome change of pace.

I’ve had a project in mind over the past couple months and am trying to workout the details, but in the meantime, I’m going to be adding an extra page to the blog [<– accountability!] for personal training. I’m hoping in the coming months to unveil an online training program for purchase! Until then, I want to offer customized personal training plans. If you’re interested, shoot me an email and let’s get chatting! And of course, if you’re in the bay area and are looking for a trainer [or know someone who is!], I’d love to work with you.

Health

Science Proves Gluten Sensitivity Isn’t Real, People Are Just Whiners – Buzzworthy

Science Proves Gluten Sensitivity Isn’t Real, People Are Just Whiners – Buzzworthy [Possibly a little controversial, but an interesting read!]
Foods You Thought Were Bad But Aren’t: Rice – Lifting Revolution
Gluten Free Food Ideas To Eat Before Your Long Run – Cotter Crunch
12 Unexpected Ways to Transform Your Relationship with Food & Yourself – Corinne Dobbas
Taryn Brumfitt’s 10 Tips to Embracing Your Body – To Live & Diet in L.A.

Fitness

Sexy Shoulder Workout – The Almond Eater

Sexy Shoulder Workout – The Almond Eater
4 Exercises You Don’t Expect To Work Your Core – Slim Sanity
Lifting Weights to Failure | Why You Don’t Need To – FitKnitChick
Booty Burner Workout – Fit Foodie Finds
Full Body Cable Workout – Fine Fit Day

Food

Autumn Acai Bowls with Vanilla Bean Cashew Butter – How Sweet It Is

Autumn Acai Bowls with Vanilla Bean Cashew Butter – How Sweet It Is
Baked Apples Stuffed with Spiced Butternut Squash and Gingersnap Crumble – Heart Beet Kitchen
Fudgy Paleo Avocado Brownies – Peachy Palate
Grain Free Almond Butter Pumpkin Bars – The Roasted Root
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Bacon Feta Pizza – The Law Student’s Wife

Food for Thought

What are your thoughts on the gluten sensitivity post?
What are some of your favorite posts from the past week?

Foodie Friday: Sesame Carrot Noodles with Beef, Broccoli, & Asparagus

Do you ever look quickly at a recipe and think it says one thing and when you go back and take another look, realize it’s actually something else? And then sometimes what you originally think turns out to be an even better idea.

Ok, let me break it down for you. When I was meal planning last week, I chose this sesame carrot noodles with grilled asparagus recipe. Any kind of Asian-style recipe is always a go in this house, so a sesame sauce on carrot noodles sounded like an awesome idea, right? I lie. It was actually soba noodles with a sesame carrot sauce. Still sounds awesome [and honestly, something that Nathan would go for over carrot noodles] but I was totally stuck on the carrot noodle idea. My version of this recipe was born.

Sesame Carrot Noodles with Beef, Broccoli, & Asparagus

Adapted from Clean Wellness
Serves 4

Ingredients

Carrot Dressing
– 1 cup carrots; chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger; chopped
– 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce [can sub tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos to make gluten-free]
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 1 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
– 1/4 tsp chili flakes

Noodle Bowl
– 1 lbs asparagus
– 1 bunch broccoli
– 2-3 medium carrots; spiralized
– 2 oz. black bean noodles [can sub soba noodles]
– 1 lb london broil; sliced thinly
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
– 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 2 green onions; chopped
– Toasted sesame seeds [Optional for serving]

Directions
Combine all dressing ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Cook your noodles according to the directions, drain, and set aside.

While your noodles are cooking, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Toss the sliced beef with the soy sauce and sesame oil, then add to the hot pan. Quickly sear on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add 1/2 tbsp EVOO to the pan and toss the carrot noodles in. Cook them until soft, about 5-7 minutes, and add the broccoli. Saute for 2-3 minutes before adding the asparagus. Cook for another 2-3 minutes and add the black bean noodles into the pan.

Toss about 2/3 of the carrot dressing into the pan and mix the noodles together with the veggies. Once everything comes together, add in the beef and most of the rest of the dressing, saving about 1 tbsp per serving to drizzle on top. When the beef is warmed through, divide between 4 bowls, sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds, and serve!

Nutritional Information
Per 1/4 recipe

390 Calories / 15g Fat / 22g Carbs / 6g Fiber / 10g Sugar / 34g Protein

The best part of this recipe is that it is equally as delicious without the added beef and because we’re using black bean pasta, it has a whopping 17g protein before adding any extra protein on top! I’m kind of in love with the black bean pasta; it really doesn’t have any distinct flavor so it’s perfect for adding any kind of delicious sauces. And it turns out it’s husband-approved too 😉

Food for Thought

Have you ever tried black bean pasta before?
Would you swap the beef for another protein?

Link Love #40

Guys. I need to tell you. The fruit in California is absolutely outrageous. It must be because the fruit is grown here and there’s not a week of transfer before it gets to me in Maryland anymore, but I’ve never had such flavorful strawberries, plums, blueberries.. seriously, everything! I’m not a peach gal and I’m eating peaches! Nathan’s not a plum gal guy and he’s eating plums. I never want it to end!

I’ve been pinning fruit recipes out the wazoo and have a couple to share today, but you should definitely check out my Pinterest boards for more!

Health

Are You Addicted to Adrenaline? – Cotter Crunch

Are You Addicted to Adrenaline? – Cotter Crunch
Get Rid of “Should” – Fine Fit Day
Healthy Eating: A Shared Responsibility – Kath Eats Real Food
Why You Should Throw Away Your Scale – fANNEtastic Food
Why Calories In vs Calories Out is Outdated – Mommy Run Fast

Fitness

30-Minute Kettlebell HIIT Workout with Finisher – Pumps & Iron

30-Minute Kettlebell HIIT Workout with Finisher – Pumps & Iron
I LIFT 20 minute leg workout purely training #64 – Purely Twins
Friday Happy Hour Workout Plan – Lifting Revolution
Sculpted Summer Arms Workout – Peanut Butter Runner
Sweat for Summer Interval Sprints – Fit2Flex

Food

Samoa Baked Doughnuts with 1-minute Maple Caramel – Edible Perspective

Samoa Baked Doughnuts with 1-minute Maple Caramel – Edible Perspective
Sweet and Savory Breakfast Polenta and Egg Stack – Clean Eating Veggie Girl
Raw Snickers Candy Bars – Peachy Palate
Crispy Peanut Tofu & Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry – Minimalist Baker
Chilled Avocado Sweet Corn Soup – Running to the Kitchen
S’mores + Peaches = S’meaches – The Kitchy Kitchen

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?
What is your favorite fruit?

Link Love #39

It definitely feels like a little victory having made it through Monday.. anyone else feel the same? This week is going to be a little nuts for me, but the plan is just to keep on trucking. Besides, it’s June [when did that happen?!] and that means we’re headed home at the end of the month!

As always, last week featured some pretty fabulous posts and I had a hard time choosing my tops, but I think I got a good group of bloggers.

Health

Why You Don’t Want to Look Like a Model – Fitzala

Why You Don’t Want to Look Like a Model – Fitzala
#SuitYourself To Love Yourself – Lifting Revolution
Sports nutrition should we stop talking calories? – Run to the Finish
Body Transformation Starts With the Mind – The Change Blog
You’re Allowed to Love Your Body – Snack Therapy

Fitness

HIIT Scorcher – Fitnessista

HIIT Scorcher – Fitnessista
Race Week Triathlon Tips and Repeating our Chances – Cotter Crunch
Tabata Core Workout – Power Fitness
Easy Ways to Add Balance Training to Your Workouts – FitKnitChick
Fit Bit Friday 143: The 20-Minute Upper Body Blitz Workout – Eat Spin Run Repeat

Food

Flourless Almond Butter Samoa Bars (Paleo, Vegan) – Purely Twins

Flourless Almond Butter Samoa Bars (Paleo, Vegan) – Purely Twins
Sriracha Kale Caesar Salad – Running to the Kitchen
No-Churn Caramel Peanut Butter Cup Soft Pretzel Ice Cream Sammies with Hot Fudge – Half Baked Harvest
Spiralized Carrot and Cucumber Kale Salad with Peanut Sauce – Eating Bird Food
Summer Caprese Burger – The Fueled Athlete

Food for Thought

What was one of your favorite posts from the past week?

Foodie Friday: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Happy Friday! Have you entered my LÄRABAR giveaway yet?

A few months ago, I was introduced to this Paleo Spaghetti Squash Casserole recipe from Alysia at Slim Sanity. Immediately I thought it looked great, but I never expected to make it for dinner unless it was just for me. Nathan isn’t much of a squash fan. Or a casserole fan. So there’s that..

When I started meal planning, I brought it up to him in hopes that he’d agree to try it and what do you know, he went for it! With the awesome selection of ground meats made in-house available to us at Berkeley Bowl, my only request to him was to pick out the kind he wanted to use to make sure he’d like it [kind of like getting your kids to help.. sorry Nath ;)]. The first time we made it, we used 1/4 lb chorizo with 3/4 lb ground turkey and it turned out great! Except we made a few adjustments that I didn’t write down. So this time I made sure to write it all down and share my [un-paleoed] version of the casserole.

Un-Paleoed Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Makes 12 servings
Adapted from Slim Sanity

Ingredients
– 1 medium spaghetti squash; roasted
– 1 28oz. can San Marzano tomatoes; diced & juice reserved
– 1/2 lb ground turkey Italian
– 1/2 lb ground pork Italian
– 1 red onion; diced
– 1 red bell pepper; diced
– 4 cloves garlic; minced
– 1 cup packed spinach
– 1/4 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp dried basil
– Salt & pepper to taste
– 2 eggs; beaten
– 1 – 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar; grated
– 2 tbsp EVOO; divided

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice spaghetti squash in half, season with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast face down on a baking tray for 30-45 minutes, until the squash shreds easily. Shred the whole squash and set aside.

While the squash is baking, place a small pot over high heat and pour in the juice from the San Marzanos. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and allow the the tomato juice to reduce down to half.

Place a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and brown the meat. While the meat is browning, prep the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. When the meat is browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and toss the onion and bell pepper into the pan. When the onions become translucent, add the diced tomato, spinach, garlic, and seasonings. Slowly start to incorporate the shredded spaghetti squash and reduced tomato juice until everything is mixed well in the pan. Taste test now for salt and pepper before you add the eggs! Finally, add in the 2 eggs and mix well.

Pour everything into a greased 9×11 pan and place in the oven. Baked uncovered for 40-45 minutes until everything has set. Remove from the oven, add the shredded cheese on top, and place under the broiler 5-10 minutes until well browned. Be sure to watch closely because the cheese can brown quickly!

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow to rest about 15 minutes until it has fully set. Slice into 12 equal squares and dig in! Because we used Italian sausage [pork and turkey], this was almost like lasagna. It was really good and definitely tastes more decadent than the numbers prove it to be!

Nutritional Information
Per square

230 Calories / 14g Fat / 11g Carbs / 2g Fiber / 5g Sugar / 15g Protein

Food for Thought

What is your favorite casserole recipe?

What I Ate Wednesday #76: Newbs

Yesterday I took an impromptu day off from the gym. In my head, it sucked. But when it hurts to move your legs to get out of bed, it’s really a good sign. And after chatting with a few friends blends, I decided that I should get over myself and listen to my body. That said, I still couldn’t sit still all day so I did some quick workouts every hour. But guess what, I’m alive! An extra rest day didn’t kill me and, in fact, was kind of nice. Whoda thunk?! Hopefully now my legs will consider forgiving me and go back to moving like normal.

Speaking of normal, we’re finally back to our regularly scheduled meal plans this week, but I did try some new fun things on Monday.

[Breakfast]

This iced coffee promptly reminded me that I needed to buy some straws.

Another rendition of the sweet breakfast scramble. Topped with nut butters and granola.. what else?!
– 1 egg
– 3 egg whites
– 1/2 banana; mashed
– 2 tbsp coconut flour
– Splash of almond milk

Mid-Morning Snack

Wild blueberries really are so much better.

Frozen wild blueberries are my new favorite. And the kiwis out here are pretty awesome!

[Lunch]

I’ve been addicted to eggs lately.

No huge salad is complete without a fried egg on top. And if you’ve never had the pizza veggie burgers from Trader Joe’s, get on it! I’m pretty sure Nathan even admitted to liking them.

Afternoon Snack

This is my kinda dr!

This is a new-to-me brand of kombucha and it was great. Unlike some other brands, it didn’t have that noticeable fermented tea flavor [otherwise known as gym socks.. ha!] and kind of tasted like apple cider. I really enjoyed it.

A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

I’m still celebrating National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day…….

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

ALL THE BARS!

One of my faves.

A few weeks ago I was sent a box of the KIND Healthy Grains bars to review. Because I’m a big fan of KIND bars anyway, I was really excited to try their new product line. These bars are essentially their healthy grains clusters in bar form which makes it even easier to take with you. These bars are all around 150 calories and have 6-9g sugar. Not bad for a quick bite! I really enjoyed the Maple Pumpkin Seed bar but of course my favorite was the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate!

[Dinner]

I went back for more potatoes. That didn’t last long!

Out of our ordinary, I decided to make baked pesto chicken parm. This might be the first time we’ve actually had pesto in the house but I think it’s going to be used up pretty quickly.

[Evening Snack]
Finished off the night with an apple. And more puffins. Because why not?

Food for Thought

What are your thoughts on multiple rest days per week?
What’s your favorite sweet and crunchy snack?
Have you tried the KIND Healthy Grains Bars yet?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.