Blueberry Cream Cheese Wafflewich

Who loves waffles?! 

ME! ME! ME!

oh and you too? Good deal!

Glad we can all be waffle loving friends here. 

Now as much as I love waffles (and believe you and me-I do!) Today I decided I wanted to try using my waffle maker for something else... something different, but still delicious... hmmm...

A WAFFLEWICH! 

*Waffle maker + sandwich = the best sandwich = the best sandwich ever!

Yessiree-I put two pieces of bread, with delicious ingredients stuffed inside, into a hot waffle iron and let the magic begin! 

I was a little nervous that this would end one of three ways:

1. The waffle machine wouldn't be able to handle it and not close and therefore not waffle-ize my sammie

2. The waffle machine would be overwhelmed and lash out at me for working it too hard by starting my house on fire

3. Become one of the most amazing, decadent (yet surprisingly healthy) breakfast/dessert sandwiches to ever enter my palate

...my oh my was I thankful it ended in #3!

To bump up the nutrition factor in this wafflewich-I used 2 slices whole wheat bread, and neufchâtel cheese-which is a lowfat cream cheese

patience really is a virtue... and if you practice it here you will be rewarded with this ~

worth it huh?

~Warm, gooey, creamy cream cheese with bursts of juicy blueberries throughout! I had my plain with just a dollap of whipped topping-but it would be sooooo delicious in a variety of ways: 

Such as...

-smoothered in maple syrup

-cut into 'wafflewich sticks' and dipped in a peanut butter sauce, honey, or fruit preserves sauce

-topped with a little ice cream or froyo as a dessert

-the list really could go on-but I'm sure you are chomping at the bit waiting to go make this... so off you go! 

Chip Comparison Review

Chips.... oh chips... They could very well be blamed for a good deal of this countries obesity epidemic... (I know the chips really aren't at fault and we need to exercise will power and all that... but still!)

Anyways... Did you know that every year Americans consume about 140 lb. of potatoes per person! Most of those pounds come in the form of the potato chip (well, not mine-mine come directly from mashed potatoes!)

There are so many varieties of chips though! Tortilla, corn, multi-grain, bean (yes-crazy I know!). The chip world has expanded into a chip galaxy! There are so many flavors and textures and colors! Thankfully, many chip companies are switching out cooking methods and ingredients to create a healthier snacking option

Like the two I recently was able to sample. And today we're going to do a little side-by-side comparison review on these two very different, but very yummy chip companies!

~Beanfields - Bean & Rice tortilla chips
~Boulder Canyon Natural Foods - Potato Chips

My brother and I thoroughly enjoyed the unique texture that accompanied these chips!

My friends having a late night sampling party of the Boulder Canyon chips while watching some F.R.I.E.N.D.S.!

Yes... this would be my humble 8 foot x 5 foot home for the next few months!

You're jealous aren't you?

The verdict? Both chips were amazing! Different-yes... but both were very tasty. 

So let's go over the 'Big Three' for each, shall we? (I think we shall!)

Taste:

Beanfields: Great! I loved how many different flavors there were! Such as, Nacho (my bro's fav!), Pico de Gallo, Sea Salt (my favorite!), Sea Salt & Pepper (my mom's favorite), and all-natural

As you can see there is something for everyone! 

5/5

Boulder Canyon: The two kinds my friends and I sampled were the Canyon Cut- Sour Cream & Chives and Canyon Cut-All-Natural. Don't be fooled by the name though-these did have salt-a lot in our opinions! But we loved it.... we are all self-proclaimed salt-addicts! The Sour Cream & Chive had a good, deep flavor that we all loved as well!

4/5 - only because they were a little greasy from all the salt/flavor topping...

Texture: 

Beanfields: A little different they weren't as crispy as I would have expected from a chip-but they were stiff, if that makes any sense? It's not as if they were soggy-I just think they are thicker than most chips and therefore more on the hard than crispy side.

4/5 - may come off slightly too un-crispy for some? 

Boulder Canyon: Great! I loved the wavy cut of their signature "Canyon Cut" chips. There are other texture variety though if you don't like wavy chips-like Kettle Cooked for instance

5/5  

Nutrition:

Beanfields: 

Just take a look for yourself...

	Complete Protein: 4 grams in every serving, as much as a 4 oz. glass of milk.
	Fiber: 4 grams in every serving, the same as a ½ cup serving of raisin bran. And you get both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion. The fiber also helps you feel fuller longer.
	Allergen Specific: Beanfields is free of every one of the FDA's eight most common ingredients that trigger food allergies.
	Gluten Free
	Minerals our bodies need, including potassium and magnesium.
	Half the saturated fat and one third less sodium than most corn tortilla chips.

Not too shabby eh??

5/5!

Boulder Canyon:

Boulder did a pretty good job themselves...

• All Natural Ingredients
• Zero Trans Fat
• Zero Cholesterol
• Low Saturated Fats*
• Consistent Quality
• Great Taste
• Gluten Free (where indicated)

 5/5 as well!

Overall: 

Beanfields: 4/5

Boulder Canyon: 4/5

Both these chips were a great substitute from many other varieties that have high levels of saturated fat, un-natural ingredients and trans fat!

For more info on both of these snacks check out:

Beanfields Website

and

Boulder Canyon Foods Website

Birthday Cake Bread

What do you get when you combine the best two tokens of joy on the face of this Earth? (no.... not myself and Taylor Swift silly! The next two tokens of joy!) 

~ Sprinkles and Birthdays! 

In case you were unaware of the new formula for happiness is: 

Sprinkles + Birthdays = :D

...it's true, it's proven!

So what do you get when you combine sprinkles and birthdays, with a side swipe of bread (another joy-bringer in my life!)

You get.... (drum roll please....)

BIRTHDAY CAKE BREAD! 

Yes... you heard me right- Birthday. Cake. Bread. 

It's sweet, it's moist, it's delicious! And best of all - IT HAS SPRINKLES!

This bread will satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth-with no guilt! It's a healthy bread! ... are you guys really surprised? The Blissful Baker never tempts you with delicious looking treats that are bad for you! 

>I've got your back!<

You could even serve these up with whipped cream or ice cream and have them instead of cake at your next birthday party! I almost definitely like this bread more than cake anyways! It tastes just like Funfetti cake! 

So why not just make Funfetti cake? Because of a few reasons.. 

1. It's healthier

2. I like to switch things up!

3. You can toast it! Or make it into sandwiches! I mean really... what could be better than a cake-like bread, toasted and made into a sandwich!? 

Nothing! That's what!

Ingredients: 

-2/3 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)

-1 egg

-1/2 cup sugar (or any sweetener)

-1/4 cup applesauce

-1 small pkg. instant sugar-free vanilla pudding

-1/2 tsp. salt

-2 tsp. baking powder

-1 1/3 cup flour (whole wheat works fine)

-1 tsp. butter flavor extract (or vanilla if you don't have butter flavor)

-Sprinkles!

Directions:

1. Cream yogurt, egg, sugar, applesauce and pudding

3. Add salt and baking powder

4. Slowly add flour

5. Fold in sprinkles

6. Dump batter into a greased and floured loaf pan and sprinkle top with more sprinkles!

7. Bake in a 350* oven for about 1 hour, use the toothpick test!

8. Remove and let cool in pan for 15-20 minutes

9. Enjoy like a little kid on their birthday! 

Mmmm... sprinkles :)

Grilled Pizza

Even though summer is almost over... (tear) we still have a few more days to fire up our grill and head outside to make a delicious dinner! 

So what should we do to celebrate our last few days of summer? Grill pizza! 

It's very simple! 

1. Just make your pizza dough-or buy from store... then prepare your veggies by adding a little bit of oil or salad dressing to the pre-choped veggies and throw in a grill basket. 

2. Season the veggies with some salt, pepper, and whatever spices you like!

3. Grill veggies for about 10 minutes before throwing your rolled out pizza dough on the grill.

4. Let the pizza dough grill for a few minutes on each side

5. Remove dough and veggies and take back inside to prepare pizzas!

6. Fill pizzas as you like... sauce, veggies, meat, cheese, etc.

7. Throw back on the grill for 3-5 minutes-or until cheese is melty!

Homemade Pizza-many ways!

Americans LOVE pizza... actually-that may be an understatement! American's are obsessed with pizza? No, still not strong enough... Americans would give their firstborn for a slice of pizza! Yes-that is closer to reality. And what I find crazy is that we didn't even create it! We stole it from the Italians, but have overtime adopted it, and loved transformed it as our own. 

In its most unadulterated state, pizza is the perfect meal! It is full of healthy carbs in the crust, a ton of veggies (both in the toppings and sauce), protein from meats and cheese-and it's handheld! What could be better?! Well nothing... until that perfect, innocent piece of pizza becomes.... A MONSTER! :O

Just look at that! AHHHHH! Like something from a horror movie!

-this is an average nutritional info for 2 slices of pizza-close to 1/4 your daily caloric intake, 40% saturated fats, 34% sodium! But pizza doesn't have to be unhealthy-making your own at home gives you the perfect opportunity to create a healthy and delicious meal!

And there are so many variations you can do! Like what? ...well I'm glad you asked! :)

You could do BBQ chicken pizza (above) or veggie pizza (below) that has your basic marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grilled veggies (I suggest grilled summer squash, tomatoes, peppers and onions)

Add you sauce and toppings and place in a 400* oven

No matter what way you choose to dress your pizza the basic recipe is the same:

Ingredients: 

~For wheat pizza dough:

-2 TBSP. oil

-1/2 TBSP. sugar

-1 cup warm water

-1 pkg. yeast

-1 tsp. garlic (minced)

-1 tsp. basil 

-1 cup white flour

-2 cups wheat flour

~For Pizza:

-Pizza sauce (or BBQ, Ranch dressing, anything your heart desires!)

-Protein (hamburger, chicken, ham, Canadian Bacon (oh wait-that's ham!), mushrooms, etc.)

-Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, blue, parmesan, cream (ok...maybe not cream cheese :P)

-Crazy add-in's (as in-you're crazy if you don't add some of these!) Such as: spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, peppers, pineapple, the list goes on and on!

Directions:

1. Proof yeast in warm water

2. Add sugar and stir 

3. Add oil, garlic and basil

4. Slowly add in flour

5. Continue kneading for 5-8 minutes (can use a bread machine set on dough, or a stand mixer and knead for 3-5 minutes)

6. Allow to rest until doubled, about 1 hour

7. Shape into desired shapes/sizes 

~Can make mini pizzas, full sizes, rectangular, thick crust, thin crust-really guys-the possibilities are ENDLESS!

8. Add your toppings

9. Bake at 450* until cheese melts and crust is crispy to your likings!

a simple side of fruit rounds out this easy & quick meal!

Lucky Spoon Bakery

Chances are either: 

a) you 

b) someone you know and love

or

c) someone you know and hate

has a gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity, celiac disease or chooses to eat a gluten free diet for other reasons. Before a few months ago, I had no idea that gluten-free food even existed, let alone was so popular. Many people (who are not gluten intolerant) have decided to go gluten free for weight loss as well (though I have a feeling many of the people that go gluten-free see a weight loss because they are no longer eating all those 'bad carbs' - i.e. white sugar and flour, just a hunch...)

Anyways-back to the story at hand... Many people are eating gluten-free these days, so there is now quite a market for gluten-free foods. This is where I come in! I was lucky enough to do a product review for Lucky Spoon Bakery - which is a gluten-free bakery that sells delicious cookies and muffins.

Let's look into their story - Everyone, these are the founders: Jim and Pam (Hi Jim! Hi Pam!) - Pam and Jim, this is everyone! They decided to challenge the mindset that gluten-free meant taste-free. Pam has always been an amazing baker, and when her husband was diagnosed gluten-intolerant, Pam decided to re-invent gluten-free. She serves up gluten-free food every bit as tasty as their fully gluten counterpart (in my humble opinion-her gluten-free products are BETTER than the same type of product with gluten! Crazy, I know!) Pam has some amazing ski-zills when it comes to creative reinvention of classic favorites! According to their website, in a little blurb written by Jim (the husband), he said: "In hindsight, maybe we should have named the company Lucky Husband Bakery" ...Awww! I agree with him though! These products are amazing-Pam aced it!

Let's get into a little bit more detail on these goodies, shall we?!

Cookies

-Chocolaty Chip Cookies

-Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

-Peanut Butter Chocolaty Chip Cookies

-Simply Sugar Cookies

...Now I'm no gluten-free food connoisseur but these little guys ROCKED! I couldn't tell that they were a 'gluten-free' food-nothing about them tasted off or different in the slightest... well actually-scratch that-they did taste different than other boughten cookies I have had before-they were AMAZING! They were soft, moist and full of flavor! They had a fresh, homemade taste to them. Pretty sure I could take them somewhere, say I just took them out of my oven and everyone would believe me! Yes-that is how good these cookies are! ...can anyone guess which were my favorite? Anyone? *hint-starts with pea-ends in nut! The Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies? How'd you guess?! The Peanut Butter cookies were the bomb-a-long-a-ding-dong! Soooo good! 

Sad I only have a few left :(

Really sad! ...my brother found them and finished them off! :O I 'spose I shouldn't be greedy-but really!? Did he have to eat the Perfectly Peanut Butter ones? 

DELICIOUS crumbled on top of ice cream! :D #happytummy

They also sell muffins!

Muffins

-Lemonlicious Muffins

-Utterly Almond Muffins

-Cinnamony Streusel Muffins

-Totally Maple Pecan Muffins

Can we say delicious? Yes! I can-and did! When I had these... the Cinnamony Streusel Muffins had a topping made of crunchy cinnamon and pecan pieces - if that doesn't say taste-bud enjoyment I don't know what does! And the fresh, bright flavors of Lemonlicious-makes me smile just thinking about it :) I can assure you-nomatter what flavor you try, you will be going back for more, and more, and more! 

~ BIG 3 - BIG 3 - BIG 3 ~

 Taste: Obviously 5/5! So delicious! I loved all the flavors I was given to sample!

Texture: I feel odd typing this, but: 5/5. Yes-5/5! For products that had been made in a bakery in Utah, then packaged and drug through more post offices than I care to count, tossed around in many postal vehicles, and finally thrown (yes, thrown-I saw you Mr. Post Man!) on my front step-they were soft! Very soft-not just, "Oh these are soft for store bought cookies" No! Like-soft soft! SOFT! (Does anyone else think the word 'soft' is starting to sound funny?) Anyways-you get the drift-their texture was amazing! I wish my 'straight-from-the-oven' homemade cookies could have that great of a texture!

Nutrition: Now I know, I know-these cookies and/or are not meant to be health foods! They are cookies and muffins after all-a treat. But-since I also do this in my reviews I don't plan on changing now! 

Here is the nutritional label for muffins (all flavors are very similar)

And here is the nutrition for the cookies:

As you can see-each treat has around 130 calories, while that is a little high in my opinion - let's just keep in mind they are treats! And look a little closer-they do have 1g of fiber and 1g of protein! The only thing that I'm not exactly happy with is the fact that both the cookies and muffins have around 15% of your daily allowance of saturated fat...but again-these are desserts and should be treated as such. Don't treat these as a healthy everyday food just because they are gluten-free. They are just like every other cookies (and most muffins) in the fact that they are fine in moderation-but *warning-it is HARD to have these in moderation, just too delicious! So overall nutrition: 4/5 (But don't get me wrong-their nutrition isn't bad, it is just the fact that they are treats and judged as such)

Overall: 4/5~Delicious flavor, soft & moist texture.

If you or someone you know follows a gluten-free diet-these are a perfect alternative! Heck-forget that-if you or someone you know has tastebuds and a working stomach-these are the perfect treat!

What are you still doing on the computer? Go find some of these for a gluten-free friend yourself! -you can find a retailer nearest you here

Redmond Trading Co., L.C.

I don't even know where to begin with this review! There is so much to say about the Redmond Co. So where to begin, where to begin... They Eat Clay! (yes...I think that was a good place to start)

Well now that I have your attention with my newest review of a company that ... eats clay??, let me explain..

Redmond Trading Company, L.C. is located in the mountains of Utah-there are four different Redmond brands (in essence, four different branches of this company) They are:

-Real Salt
Redmond sells completely natural, unrefined, and full of natural minerals and flavor salts. And let me be the first to say-it is full of flavor! I like a little saltiness in my life... and this salt does the trick! I love that it has nothing added and is completely natural! The taste definitely reflects that.

The picture above is their "Nature's First Sea Salt" in fine and kosher. I love love love LOVED using the kosher sea salt crystals on my Pretzel Bites! You really need to check out the recipe and try it for yourself! They are amazing and addictive-especially if you are using Redmond "Real Salt"

They also sell different salt blends. Here is (from left to right) Seasoning Blend, Onion Salt, Garlic Salt, and Fine Sea Salt. The Seasoning Blend is delicious on some grilled chicken! I also recommend sprinkling it on hearty summer veggies-i.e. zucchini, summer squash, etc. and grilling them up! YUM!

-Redmond Clay

This clay can be used both internally and externally. Did you know that clay was the natural remedy used by the natives for fighting many stomach ailments, dysentery, and food infections? Me neither-until now!

While I am a little ashamed to admit I haven't gotten brave enough to try drinking it yet-I love it as a face mask! All you do is mix a little with water until it becomes a thick paste and rub it into your face-they say it helps with rashes, acne, and dry skin! I loved the way it made my skin feel :) 

Look at all those vitamins and minerals it is full of! ...I really just need to try drinking it-they say you just mix it with a little water or juice-I bet I wouldn't even know it was there... 

-Redmond Re-Lyte

Many athletes use these Re-Lyte products because it helps keep you hydrated and fights cramping. They sell Sport Caps that contain electrolytes and natural trace minerals that support optimum performance. 

While I don't have many problems with stomach health (thank goodness!), I will definitely be keeping these around just in case something comes along! These supplements are all natural and contain the important vitamins and minerals that support digestive health and fight acid indigestion, acid reflux, stomaches, diarrhea, constipation (am I making anyone uncomfortable with all this information? :P )

(last but not least)
-Redmond Bath Salt
These bath salts contain more than 50 natural trace minerals which provide healing properties for the skin and body! They say toxins are released from the body into the bath water through osmosis (Hey! I learned about that in science class! :D ), and trace minerals from the sea salt are absorbed through the skin. I can say first hand-these salts are relaxing and soothing-doesn't everyone need a good soak in the tub sometimes!? Well if you do-I recommend these bath salts!

Overall: Redmond Trading Co., L.C. is a great company with a wide variety of natural supplements, salts, seasonings, beauty products and more! (btw-LOVE their toothpaste...yes-they make toothpaste too! It's all natural and safe if ingested)

Redmond believes that 'profit is the means, but that the end goal is human development and life enhancement.' They are committed to bringing only the healthiest and highest quality products to market (and it shows!)

They are passionate about what they do and say "good enough never is" <-I love that saying!

As taken from their flier, "A strong devotion to these values allows us to fulfill our desire and obligation to serve, to create an enduring legacy, and to be a powerful influence for good in the world around us."

A company that makes stand up products in a stand up way!

For more information about all their products and their company check out their website here!