Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

Today at my sons school, it is "Teacher appreciation breakfast" day. And being the over achiever MOM that I am, I had to make something instead of save tons of time and buy something. LOL! At least we have extra goodies for us now. YUM!

This recipe came from my friend Domenica Morello-Cresta AKA project mama. You rule mama!!! I revised it just a touch. These scrumptious muffins are perfect with some tea or coffee for breakfast, for snacking, or even a healthier desert choice. They are chock full of fiber and antioxidants, (I keep telling myself this as I eat them!) and then a lil bit of refined sugar to splurge.  

This recipe is definitely worth a share! Plus too many friends are asking for it.  

ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups oats old fashion
• 1 cup of white flour
•  1 & 2/3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 oz of brown sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or whole coconut milk
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 6 ounces chocolate chips 

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to blend. In a separate small bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla and oil.

Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until moistened. Add the chocolate chips and blend thorough.

Fill lined muffin cups full with batter. Bake at 400 degrees for 16-18 minutes, or until tops are light golden.

Makes approximately 16 muffins.

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Gluten Free BanAppBerry muffins

When you discover a recipe that is SUPER easy to make, totally healthy, with no sugar added, and that the whole family loves... YOU SHARE IT!

These muffins were inspired by Autumn Calabrese cookbook, "Fixate". I love this book btw, so many awesome recipes! You can check out and purchase the book here. 

I still can't get over that they are gluten free,sugar free and YUMMY! That my 6 yr old & husband like them so much one batch is gone in 2 days. But...… they are. And you need to try these!

Perfect for breakfast, snacking or desert. You choose!

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 mashed medium ripe bananas
• 1 Tbsp grass-fed butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups almond flower
• 3/4 Tsp baking soda
• 1 dash pink salt
• 1 dash turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 3/4 cup chopped apple
• 3/4 cup blueberries

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare 9 muffin cups, coat with butter or spray.
• Combine eggs, banana, vanilla and melted butter in small bowl; mix well.
• Combine flour, baking soda, turmeric, cinnamon, salt in a medium bowl; mix well.
• Add egg mixture to meal mixture;mix until blended.
• Add apples and blueberry and mix until blended.
• Divide batter evenly between the 9 muffin cups.
• Back 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

• Let cool for about 5 minutes and ENJOY! 

You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Yummy warm or cold. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Let me know when you do!

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Hummus, Avocado & Tomato Toast

Sourdough Toast! What could make Sourdough Toast EVEN BETTER? Adding Humus, Avocado and Tomatoes to it. So delicious and such a great breakfast or snack. All the right healthy fats and carbs to get you going.

Hummus, Avocado & Tomato Toast

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 piece of sourdough bread toasted
• 1 tbs hummus
• Drizzle of lemon over hummus
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 3 cherry tomatoes

Avocado has Healthy fats, Protein, Vitamins and minerals, and Dietary fiber 

Hummus also has Healthy fats, Protein, and Vitamins and minerals

Sourdough Bread has has a lower glycemic index and the protein gluten has been broken down into amino acids so it's a little less harsh on your belly than wheat or white bread, meaning it's easier to digest. (Plus it tastes better. :) 

Tomatoes have Vitamins galore, Potassium, Fiber and Antioxidants.

It's a winning combo in my book. 

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Vanilla Coffee Creamer

I love coffee but I LOVE IT with a hint of vanilla. 

My downfall has always been those horrible store bought vanilla coffee creamers. Chalk full of I don't even know how to spell or pronounce the stuff. SO BAD. I stopped buying them all together, and when I make Bullet Proof Coffee I do not miss it at all. But some days I want variety and I don't want BFC. 

So today was one of those days. I wanted my gross coffee creamer bad.I decided to play around and made my own Vanilla Coffee Creamer. And it was AWESOME!

(sing it!) EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

I got it perfect the first try. Why I have never made my own before now I do not know. Why I have never looked on Pinterest is beyond me! I'm sure there are a gazillion DIY healthy Vanilla Coffee Creamer recipes out there. But for now, I am happy with what I created. 

First off I always use Half and Half in my tea and coffee. FULL FAT Half and Half! Don't ever drink low fat or non fat dairy. The process of removing the fat is no good for you. That is a discussion for another day. The TBS of real half and half will not make you fat. Get over that thinking already.

Secondly, always buy organic ingredients when possible. Your health is worth it! We need to eat clean as much as possible. You can make your own vanilla by boiling down a vanilla bean but I found organic Vanilla Extract is perfect for this.

Then lastly, instead of sugar I use honey. It adds a creamy nutty flavor you don't get with sugar. Plus is better for you! CHA CHING! Honey has antioxidant and cleansing properties for your body. Also, if you buy local organic honey to your area, it helps subdue your allergies. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 Tbs Half and Half
• 2 pinches or 1 dash of Vanilla Extract
• 1 full tsp Honey or to taste
• 1 big ol cup of joe

DIRECTIONS:

Add Vanilla, Honey and Cream to cup and stir. Add HOT coffee and stir some more!

ENJOY!!  Use less or minus of the ingredient to your liking. But all you need are these 3 ingredients and no more. As my son would say, "Easy Peasy"!

 This is MY perfect cup of vanilla coffee. 

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Baking Bacon

What did we do before Pinterest? I mean really!? How did we discover cool new things to try, arts and craft ideas and how to bake Bacon!!! For real Baking Bacon! 

WHY HAVEN'T I TRIED THIS BEFORE?

 I Love bacon but I ABHORE cooking it. It gets grease everywhere, it smells up the entire house, (that may or may not be a bad thing), and removing the grease from the pan is always a pain. When I saw this article from Center Cut Cook I thought my oven would be splashed with grease and it would cause my house to smoke up. But oh how I was wrong! It was the perfect way to cook bacon. NO MESS! NO FUSS! And like the Center Cut Cook said, you don't have to baby sit it!

Discover, the best way to make perfect bacon!

INGREDIENTS:

• Hormon Free, Antibiotic Free Sliced Bacon 
• Maple Syrup ( optional )

DIRECTIONS:

• Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Make a small rim on the edges of the foil.
• Arrange the bacon in single layers. 
• Place the tray of bacon in a cold oven. 
• After bacon is in the oven, turn oven to 400 degrees. Bake until the bacon is cooked to your preference. Around 20 minutes give or take.  Pending on how thick your bacon is, the time will vary. Thin bacon cooks faster than thick. 
• When the bacon is to your liking and crispy, place bacon on a paper towel lined plate and softly pat grease off. 
• WALLA!

To make an extra special batch of bacon, drizzle some maple syrup on the bacon before you cook it! OMG! To die for!

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Original Recipe: http://centercutcook.com/how-to-bake-bacon/

Warm Lemon Water with Pink Himalayan Salt and Cayenne Pepper

Do you have a ritual to start your day?

I have one morning ritual that I do every day before anything else. I drink a cup of warm lemon water with Pink Himalayan salt and cayenne pepper. 

Now, I know some of you are saying EWW WHAT? But its great, really! It is not salty or hot as you only add a dash of the pink salt and cayenne. It tastes more like warm lemon water with a tiny kick. (I add more cayenne than most.)

  

I had been drinking lemon water with Himalayan salt for a few years but I only started adding Cayenne pepper a little over a year ago. I read an article from "The Food Babe" and she wrote about all the wonderful benefits adding cayenne pepper has for you. 

Here's the low down:

Drinking warm lemon water with Pink Himalayan salt and Cayenne Pepper first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, AND making this part of your daily routine you will reap amazing health benefits. Just think how great you will feel getting sick less, feeling lighter, having clearer skin, more energy and giving yourself a boost in your metabolism that leads to weight loss over time.

The Food Babe stated; "Doing this ritual every morning provides a super stimulant to the liver, your main detoxing organ in the body. Your liver will release uric acid and create bile to safely eliminate environmental and lifestyle toxins that would otherwise be trapped in your digestive system longer. Remember keeping your liver and digestive system clean and in optimal condition will help your body prevent diseases like cancer in the future. Combining cayenne with lemon increases the detoxing effect and raises the temperature of your body increasing your metabolism."

How and why does this have so many benefits? 

Well, Pink Himalayan salt is NOT your average table salt. 

It has not been refined like table salt. In fact, it's in your best interest to eliminate regular table salt from your home and diet all together. Sodium Chloride, AKA table salt, is a super refined, processed "salt" that has no nutrients. 

Pink Himalayan salt on the other hand has 80 + minerals and elements our body needs. It's a SUPER SALT! Creating an electrolyte balance in your body.

• INCREASES hydration instead of depriving you from it.
• Regulates water content both inside and outside of cells.
• Has a balance pH (alkaline/acidity) and helps to reduce acid reflux.
• Prevents muscle cramping. This is a real help for me. I get calf cramps in the middle of the night.
• Aids in proper metabolism functioning.
• Helps strengthen bones.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Helps the intestines absorb nutrients.
• Prevent goiters.
• Improves circulation.
• Dissolves and eliminates sediment to remove toxins.

And we all know how amazing Lemons are. 

I wont go into too much detail about the benefits of lemons as we all know how nutrients rich they are. We have been told our entire life to have lemon water and honey when we are sick. But beside cold and flu remedy they also give our bodies an abundance of other benefits:

• Combat caner
• Maintain healthy complexions
• Prevent asthma
• Increase iron absorption
• Boost your immune system

This drink is WINNING with these 2 ingredients alone!

But now lets talk about Cayenne Pepper.

Cayenne is a powerful ingredient with many uses. It's widely known for cleansing and detoxifying. It stimulates circulation and neutralize acidity. It's also used as a remedy to help all kinds of ailments:

• Anti-Cold and Flu Agent
• Anti-Fungal Properties
• Migraine Headache Prevention
• Anti-Allergen
• Digestive Aid
• Useful for Blood Clots
• Detox Support
• Joint-Pain Reliever
• Anti-Bacterial Properties
• Possible Anti-Cancer Agent
• Supports Weight Loss
• Promotes Heart-Health

Basically, drinking this combination will help cleanse your body every single day safely and naturally. All in one small 8oz cup. 

I plan to do it for the rest of my life. I absolutely love it! Give it a try for a week and see how you feel. 

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Overnight Apple Cinnamon Refrigerator Oatmeal

Okay okay I know I already have a recipe for refrigerator oatmeal posted, but I created a new and improved one for my clean eating group. FYI, If you want to join one of my free 5 Day clean Eating groups just friend me here and I can add you. They are always fun plus you will get a weeks of recipes for free!

 IT'S DA BOMB! 

I like this recipe even better. This is the joy I get from experimenting in the kitchen and winging it. I enjoy reading a recipe once, then making it my own. It's the only way for me. I can NEVER stick to someone else's recipe entirely. I use them for inspiration. Unless it's baking of course. I suck at baking. I'm a wanna be baker. But baking is like chemistry. IT MUST BE RIGHT!  I hope you use my recipes for inspiration and make them your own as well.

Overnight Apple Cinnamon Refrigerator Oatmeal 

Ingredients:

Makes 2 large servings.

Total time 12+ hours

• 1/2 cup rolled dry oats
• 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 tbs Chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
• couple dashes of Cinnamon
• 1/2 of small apple chopped
• 1/2 banana chopped
• 5 walnuts chopped
• 2 tsp Pure maple syrup or honey. *Liquid Stevia is a great no calorie option. Only 2 drops would be needed. 

Directions:

Make this the night before. 

Add oats in medium bowl. Add milk, yogurt, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, all but a tbs of chopped apple, banana, walnuts and sweetener of choice. Mix well. Add the remaining apple and sprinkle with cinnamon again. Cover tightly with saran wrap or a jar with lid and place in refrigerator overnight. 

Good morning!

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Baked Berry Oatmeal Cakes

I am always looking for a "make ahead" healthy breakfast for my family. That when in need I can grab and go! These babies are just that. Instead of making hot oatmeal in the morning. Make these the day before and store in the fridge or freezer. They are incredibly tasty, moist and filling. Like a treat! My entire family enjoys these. 

Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size: 2 oatmeal cakes
Total Time:  10+ hours soaking time, 55 mins total prep and baking time.
Equipment: Muffin pan with 12 muffin cups

INGREDIENTS;
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 3/4 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

PREPARATION;

• Combine oats and milk in a large bowl. Mix, cover and let soak in the refrigerator until liquid is absorbed at least 10 hours. 12 hour preferably.

• Preheat oven to 375°F. 
• In a small bowl, combine egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Mix well.
• Pour small bowl into the soaked oats until well combined.
• Add blueberries and cherries to mixture.
• Divide the mixture among the muffin cups (about 1/4 cup each). Top each with 1 tablespoon coconut.

• Bake the oatmeal cakes 25 minutes, until they spring back when touched.

• Let cool. Loosen and remove with a knife if needed. Serve warm.

Keep in an airtight container or bag and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Each serving is about  275 calories and worth it!!!! ENJOY!

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Perfect Granola

I have been craving granola for 2 weeks! I LOVE oats and a yogurt parfait is one of my favorite foods. But all the store bought granola has things I don't like. Too much cinnamon, too many nuts, or just TOO MUCH! Not to mention preservatives and junk. So, I ventured into the kitchen and came up with this! THE PERFECT GRANOLA! What makes it perfect is it has everything I LIKE. It's simple and only has the flavors I enjoy. So when you use this recipe, add or remove ingredients to make it your own per your own tastes. It's the only way!

Make it YOUR PERFECT GRANOLA!

 You could add any other ingredients if you wanted to: Roasted quinoa, flax seed, sunflower seeds, almonds, cinnamon , etc. The choice is yours! What do you like? 

My perfect recipe consists of this:

PREP TIME:

5 mins

COOK TIME:

30 mins

TOTAL TIME:

35 mins

 Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
• ⅓ cup organic local honey
• ½ teaspoon organic vanilla
• 3 cups gluten free oats or regular baking oats
• ¾ cup unsweetened shredded Coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts. I like walnuts or cashews
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup dried berries
• Dash of Himalayan pink salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine oil, honey and vanilla and whisk together until well combined. Add oats, coconut, cashews, walnuts, raisins and cranberries. Stir to coat evenly. Add pinch of salt if desired.
2. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Pour mixture and spread out evenly. 
3. Bake at 300 degrees for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Stir every 10 minutes bake evenly.

4. Let cool and harden for about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container. Large plastic bag works just as well. 

Sometimes I like to bake the oats without the fruit and nuts. Adding the coconut, cashews, walnuts, raisins and cranberries after baking the oats so it wont be as chewy. I like it both ways. Depends on my mood.

I can't stop eating it!

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Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Coconut Shake

This shake just made my whole day better. Total comfort food! And it really is. 

You feel like you are splurging. 

 Today has been a ROLLER COASTER of a day. Some people just exude negativity and I put my foot down today. I didn't loose it thankfully, I listened, but I also told them flat out how they made me feel and how I saw their actions. I didn't cherry coat anything this time. I needed to come home and workout hard after that frustration. Feeling so frustrated and agitated made my mind just crave junk food! Why does that happen? Knowing that would make me feel even worse, I made this heavenly thing instead.

This tastes more like a treat and instantly made me happy. How is it that Peanut Butter and chocolate just makes you instantly happy? Whoever thinks Shakeology is a diet food, or not satisfying needs to email me. We need to chat. Hunger pains... GONE! Junk Craving.... GONE! Mood... BETTER!

Todays recipes is my Favorite. My, "If I could only make 1 shake ever again this is the flavor I would choose" type of favorite.

Get the picture? A must have!

• 1 Chocolate Shakeology packet
• 1 HEAPING Tbs of Peanut Butter
• 8 oz of Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
• 1 Tbs of unsweetened coconut flakes.

Pure Delicious Heavenly Food!

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Overnight Refrigerator Chia Oatmeal

This really can't get much better or easier! No cooking at all, just dump it in, shake and stick it the fridge overnight! 

I have been playing with this recipe for a while tweaking it to my liking. It's so easy and good. You can really get creative with this. Healthy breakfast to go.  Protein, Fiber and tons of vitamins and nutrients! WINNING!

• 1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup coconut milk 
• 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped fruit or enough to fill jar

Optional

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if you are using regular milk or almond milk
• Instead of honey you can use stevia or  maple syrup. Honey is just my go to sweetener.
• You can use regular whole or skim milk and even almond milk. Coconut milk brings that extra flavor I love. 
• I don't always add the Greek yogurt. If I don't, I use 3/4 cup of full fat coconut milk instead. MMMMM
• All organic ingredients when possible please.

In a half pint (1 cup) jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey and fruit. Put lid on jar and shake until well combined. Refrigerate overnight or as long as 2-3 days. Eat chilled. YUMMY!!

Add whatever fruit you desire. Add coco powder for a chocolate version. Theyummlife.com has some great recipes if you don't feel creative. This is where I discovered this amazing breakfast recipe.

Recipe varies 250 calories pending on your options.

Vanilla Frapaccino Shakeology

This is BY FAR one of my favorite recipes. A little extra KICK in the morning or afternoon snack is always a good thing. No need to EVER buy a Frapaccino ever again. No need. Just try it and trust me. You'll see.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of Vanilla Shakeology
• 8oz of Coffee chilled (Use good coffee for petes sake!) 
• 3/4 to 1 cup Ice
• Dash of honey IF needed. Try it without first. You really don't need it.

Enjoy the rest of your day! SO GOOD!

Strawberry, Berry Shakeology

If you want a refreshing satisfying treat like shake. This is may just do it for you!

• 1 Strawberry Shakeology
• 3/4 cup ice
• 8 0z Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/4 of mixed organic frozen berries
• BLEND

Pure delight!!!

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