Cinna-Blueberry Rolls

Do the blues have you down? 

No. Not those blues - these blues definitely shouldn't have you down, they should have you up!

(can you use the literally term to act as an opposite to the hypothetical term?)

Need a way to mix up your regular cinnamon roll?

Enter: the blueberry cinnamon roll. 

Yes, a traditional cinnamon roll (well healthier than 'traditional') with a blueberry bursting filling. 

So let's get down to business - anyone else have the Mulan song stuck in your head now?

(p.s., don't be afraid to do half the rolls in with a traditional cinnamon filling if you're leery about whomever you may be serving not appreciating the mix-up of blueberry)

Make your dough

For a delicious, whole-wheat recipe, look here-

it is done in the bread machine and ubber easy! 

As your bread is mixing up/rising, you can get started on the blueberry compote.

For that:

Turn stove on to medium/high

Add 1 1/2-2 cups blueberries (if using for complete 12 roll recipe, use close to two cups)

+ 3/4 cup water

Heat while mashing a little to aid in the process

Then add:

+ 2tsp. lemon juice

+ 2 TBSP. sugar

+ 2 tsp. cornstarch (or xanthum gum works well!)

Continue to cook until thickened

Keep about 1/2 cup whole blueberries, set aside

Spread the slightly cooled blueberry mixture on the dough, after rolling it out to a ~12 x 16 inch rectangle

Sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar (if you wish) and the remaining blueberries 

It's also about the time you want to be pre-heating your oven...

just sayin'

Now time to roll up the dough/filling...

And cut into cute little rolls

Lovingly place them in a greased 9x13 pan and introduce them to your oven that should be preheated if you listened to be about 2 steps ago...

Bake for around 20 minutes

Remove from oven, and...

DEVOUR! 

Tropically Coconutty Bars

Need a new granola bar recipe?
Are you kidding?!
Who DOESN'T?!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup rice crispies 

1/4 cup cereal (can be anything really~as in grape nuts, granola, shredded wheat, etc.)

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tbsp coconut oil 

1/4 cup coconut

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup sugar (sugar substitute works fine)

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

2 tbsp juice (like apple juice)

THE DRILL:

-Heat oven to 350*, get a 9x13 pan and cover bottom with parchment paper

-Melt coconut oil, add honey, sugar, salt, soda, vanilla extract and juice... mix well

-Throw together the dry ingredients; flour, oats, crispies and cereal

-Heat in microwave again

-Add the wet and mix well until all the dry is completely covered with gooey amazingness

-Dump into a 9x13 pan, cover with parchment paper and step, yes step on it to press it down completely

-Bake in oven about 10 minutes (edges will be golden)

Oh yum oh yum oh yum

These are slightly sweet. Coconutty and tropical in delicious ways.

Yes, coconutty is a word.

I don't care what the red line under my about to be published blog post says. It is. 

~highly adapted from: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/05/17/quaker-style-chewy-granola-bars/

Willamette Valley Granola Chips

Willamette Valley... ever been there? Me neither - but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy their granola chips!

I was lucky enough to receive some of their granola chips in the mail a few days ago to sample... what did I think?
Well...

Here is a close up of my HUGE plate of them... probably half the bag-not kidding. They are seriously good, and addictive. 

Here's a little bit more info-

The company is out of Oregon, they make delicious granola chips. The End.

Ok, Just Kidding!

That's what they look like, and what's in 'em

pre'neat huh?

They come in Butter Pecan (tastes JUST LIKE caramel corn), Vanilla Bean (my personal fav.), Honey Nut, and Wild Berry

They are crispy, crunchy, sweet, bite-sized treats, that are actually good for you, so they can be enjoyed more regularly that normal treats 

My roommate's boyfriend (who is a self-proclaimed, hater of all healthy food) said they were awesome! If that doesn't say something for their taste, I don't know what does!

They are a good source of fiber 

low in fat

made with whole grains

have a substantial amount of protein in a serving size

and are just plain awesome.

If you haven't tried these before - do it.

I really enjoy sprinkling these are frozen yogurt, or in a peanut butter and banana sandwich (sounds weird, but is delish!)

If you've tried these before, what's your favorite? How do you enjoy them?

*All opinions are solely my own, I received nothing but the samples from Willamette Valley Granola.

Big Train

It's obvious that I'm a coffee addict...
Ice coffee is my new THANG - it's just so chill. 

So when I find something that has protein, vitamins & minerals, is ubber easy to prepare and tastes good. Ya'll know I'm gonna let'ya know about it, right?!
right.

So here's the low down (ok, wow-don't really know why I'm all 'fresh prince of bel-air' up in here... maybe due to the copious amount of caffeine I've had (due to what I'm about to inform you on) or maybe because I'm eating a BIG bowl of granola from Impact Foods? Or maybe, just because I'm a happy person who knows Jesus loves her :)
...ya probs the last one!

Anywho's - I was so graciously given a sampling of Big Train's products to enjoy and then report back to my lovely readers, and a colorful, happy report it will be!
Big Train is a drink mix manufacturer that makes all kinds of stuff!
You can find something for every taste-bud, nutritional desire, and budget!
I got a sampling of different teas, iced coffees and their newest line - Fit Frappes

I'm going to give you the 4-1-1 on the Fit Frappes, since they are new and delicious and nutritious and, well-because I want to!

These are essentially a healthy frappe that you can make at home with just the addition of water. You can make them hot, cold, or blended - I did cold (oh...if only I had a blender...)

Each serving has around 20g protein, less than 1g sugar, 5g fiber, 20-50% of close to a bajillion vitamins and minerals (give or take) and 130 calories
Like, are you serious right now?! Did anyone else nearly faint when they saw this! I did.
Twice.

All I did was add my wonderful packet - btw - Espresso flavor is the bomb.com
I really hope you clicked that link :P
Anyways, all I did was add my packet to a cup/mixer/blender/thing, add between 12-16oz. water, shake away and pour over ice! I also added a little milk to mine, just to make things even more creamy!

Oh. So. Good. (even better when alongside a peanut butter sandwich!)

I have to admit, it separated a tinsy bit into the grainy-stuff, but that was probably due to not shaking it long enough
All in all-so delicious! And gave me a nice crazy caffeine jolt (the espresso one has about 200mg caffeine)
FYI - a 19.1 oz. canister will only set you back about twenty dollars (and that is 20 - 8oz. servings) way more economical that the buck's Star. (starbucks... sorry, my attempt to be clever!)

If any of you like iced coffee, you should definitely give this company a go, there are a TON of flavors and even non-caffeinated kinds - heck, even those of you who don't like coffee in any form should look at all the great product this company has. From smoothie drinks to hot chocolate (which I also got to sample and both my friend and I agreed it was DELICIOUS!) to low carb baking mixes, I'm sure you'll find something delicious and exciting to try!

Peanut Butter Cookie Granola

Peanut Butter + Granola = :)

Dare I say more?

This recipe requires no commentary, no extra words tell you how amazing it is and persuading your to make it-I mean, you'd be crazy to see a recipe containing the words peanut butter and granola and not deciding to make it within 35.39 seconds 

Just Crazy.

So here's the low-down...

melt peanut butter and margarine

til margarine is completely liquified - then add honey and egg white

combine it with a bunch of other random stuff.. 

throw it on a pan and stash in your 250* oven for 45 minutes or so

and magically it will turn into this!

Ingredients:

1.5 TBSP margarine

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 TBSP honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg white

1 tsp. baking powder

1 pinch salt

1 cup oats

1/2 cup fiber one cereal

1 1/2 cup crispy brown rice cereal

1 TBSP. chia seeds (opt.)

2 TBSP. flax seeds (opt.)

Preheat oven to 250*

Melt your peanut butter and margarine, then add all ingredients up to salt.

Mix well

Combine dry ingredients together

Pour wet-melted stuff over the dry and stir to coat all

Place on a cookie sheet and bake-stirring every 10 minutes for 40 minutes to an hour; until pieces are 'dry' but not overly brown

Swirled into a peanut butter smoothie? 

Heaven on Earth.

Impact Foods

Alright, so usually I wait until I've tried all the samples a company has given me before I write up a review. But this CANNOT WAIT! I have got to tell you guys about this company-it is quickly become one of my favs and for GOOD reason!

We know that I have a little problem with granola, love-hate relationship really. I love how it tastes, but sometimes hate its nutrition. More like a candy bar in the sugar and fat realms if you're smelling what I'm steppin' in! Which irks me to say the least.

I also hate how much I love some of the 'big name' companies granola... like Special K, or Quaker - I just feel like they are so disconnected with the consumer, and I don't like that!

So what is all this ranting for? Well... I've found a granola company that cares. Cares about you, about me, about nutrition, about taste, about using whole foods, but most importantly - about hungry children around the world.

Enter: Impact Foods

Yes, these are the founders - and they created this amazing company that not only feeds hungry-granola-loving gals like me, but also helps fight the war against hunger worldwide, especially for children.

They're promis is simple. Buy one bag of granola-feed one child. 

Amazing, no? I can see how God is working through them, their creativity, talent and drive to make a difference in this world! I am so impressed!

I got my box of samples and literally screamed with joy!

They have 3 flavors:

Maple Oat, Vanilla Almond and Blueberry Honey

AHHHH!

Dug right on in!

This isn't the type of granola that is full of chunks, it has a smooth, even consistency but with add-ins like seeds and nuts, coconut and freeze dried berries! 

I first tried the Maple Oat and immediately fell in love!

So delicious in a big bowl with milk... I may or may not have had more than one serving...

:/

Oops! :)

But, then again, I'm not sorry At. All. It was delicious! 

And the nutritional facts are pretty good overall. 

1/3 cup has between 130 - 150 calories, 2g fiber and about 3g protein. 

It was sweet, hearty, and had a texture that I don't even know how to describe! It was crunchy but literally fell apart in my mouth, so good. 

Impact Foods - thank you for being such good people. Honestly, it is great to find a company that I can feel good about supporting, both in my heart and my mouth! 

Luke 3:11, And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

I pray God continues to work through you and through all of us, to fulfill His plans. 

Now go get some Impact Granola people!!!

Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

Would you just look at that peanut butter ooey-gooey frosting dripping off that chewy snack bar?

Now think about how healthy it is! I'm not joking... healthy peanut butter frosting. Yes, I did it! *bow*

Ingredients: 

1 egg

1/2 cup applesauce

1 small banana (mashed)

1/3 cup honey

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup flour (any kind-I used coconut and it worked!)

1 cup puffed wheat cereal

1 cup oats

1 cup rice crispies

1/2 cup bran flakes (or any other cereal)

1/2 cup fiber one (or any other cereal)

yum yum with bananas!

All you do is blend the egg, banana, applesauce, honey until nice and smooth

Then mix in baking powder, salt, flour

Finally add in all the cereals

Bake on 350* for 10-12 minutes - not long, just enough to make it set

Now for the frosting!

Just mix equal parts peanut butter and milk and warm in microwave. (start with 1 tbsp.)

Add a splash of vanilla

Then mix in powdered sugar (you can do it sugar free!)*

And mix until it is smooth

Spread over warm, but not straight out of oven bars

*Blend sugar substitute in a high powered blender until it becomes sugar-free powdered 'sugar'

Awesome. 

Have a happy day! :)

Banana Pudding

Have you ever heard the song "Banana Pudding" by the SCOTS?
Well if you have, you know how easy it is to get stuck in your head (sorry 'bout it!), and now you probably have it stuck in your head and the ONLY way to get it out is to eat banana pudding!

Wait, you haven't heard the song? And it isn't stuck in your head? And you don't want banana pudding?

Go watch this

....I'll wait...

Ok! Now is it stuck in your head? Yes? Good.

This is seriously one of the recipes, I almost feel bad calling a recipe... more like a few instructions and you are well on your way to a happy belly!

Step 1.
Gather supplies:
Vanilla wafers
banana
Cool Whip
milk
pudding mix (can use vanilla, but best to use banana of course!)
Wine glass (if you wanna get really fancy!)

Step 2.
Mix pudding according to directions on package. If your package doesn't have directions, you are getting some sketch pudding my friend!

Step 3.
Layer!

First bananas

Then pudding

Dollop of cool whip

Bananas again

Pudding again

Then top with cool whip

And stick a 'Nilla wafer on top!

Yummy huh? 

...that would be a yes!

Lemon Poppyseed Bread

Want some amazingly delicious lemon-poppyseed bread?

Ok!

Take lemons...

Cut in half...

Throw in some other random stuff...

Eat bread!

Ok, ok, so maybe it isn't that easy-but it is pretty darn simple and quick (it is quick bread afterall :D hehe)

So now for the real recipe!

Ingredients: 

-1 cup yogurt (just regular, not Greek this time*) 

~could be any flavor you're feeling, I recommend vanilla, plain or lemon though

-3 eggs

-juice of 1 lemon (reserve 1 tsp. if making glaze)

-1/2 cup applesauce (can be sugar free)

-1/3 cup sugar (or any sugar substitute)

-1 pinch salt

-1 tsp. baking powder

-1/2 tsp. baking soda

-1 TBSP. poppy seeds

-1 1/2 cups flour (I like to use white whole wheat, but 1/2 white & 1/2 whole wheat works well too!)

1. Preheat oven to 350* Cream all up to salt

2. Add salt through flour

3. Pour into a small loaf pan that has been greased and floured

4. Bake until golden (about 45 minutes)

5. Remove from oven and let cool in pan at least ten minutes

6. While cooling-you can make the glaze!

Glaze:

-powdered sugar (or powdered sugar substitute)

-splash of milk

-1 tsp. lemon juice reserved from earlier

-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

-lemon zest grated from lemons used earlier

~Mix all liquids together and slowly whisk in powdered sugar until a glaze consistency you're happy with forms!

~Pour glaze over semi-cooled bread (if you want the glaze to really seep into the bread and infuse it with flavor-poke the bread with a toothpick before pouring glaze over bread)

Yummy-yummy-yummy! Enjoy my friends :)

Cinnamon Rolls

Is there anything more comforting in this world than a warm carb-product. No. No there is not and if anyone would like to argue with me, well then... ok-I'd probably just ignore it because I am very un-confrontational 

But nonetheless! Just look at this....

Mmmmm, right? 

These amazing, soft, gooey and oh-so delicious cinnamon rolls are the absolute BEST cinnamon rolls I have ever had in my life. But, unfortunately I cannot claim them- my sister made these creations. 

The best part? (ok, aside from the taste) is the fact that they are ubber easy to make- she makes them in a bread machine! Sweet huh?!

To get this recipe (and a bunch of other great recipes) go to her website here. She's awesome. And I know-she is my sister after all! :)

Ice Cream and Cake switch identities...

What's better: A) Cake or B) Ice Cream
Hmmm... that's a toughie isn't it?! (Ok- for me, definitely ice cream!) But, I do loooove a good white cake. Just plain white. cake. Hence a problem...
Bum-de-de-dum-bum-bum-BUM!

So what's a girl to do? Make a cake that looks like ice cream- and homemade ice cream that tastes like cake batter! DUH :)

I used some half-eaten cake to make the cake balls with.... economical!

The batter was pretty good... not gonna lie!

mix up some homemade cake batter...

pour into two cake pans and viola!

I had never done a 4 layer cake before... excitement!

And yes... in case you were wondering- it tasted just as yummy as it looked!