WIAW #1

So... I've never done one of these before but I'm all for jumping on the bandwagon - well unless its illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

But this is none of those - so I'm ALL in*

(*hopefully I do this right... is there a wrong way to tell the world what you put into your belly? I guess I'll find out...)

Alright - here we go! 

So breakfast...

Some egg whites, toast with honey drizzle, and a huge bowl of fruit (blueberries, grapes and pineapple) with a little yogurt and granola with pecans

My university has this great thing that lets you sign up for a sack lunch on days you have classes over the noon hour (so handy!)

And on Wednesdays, it is always a banana and peanut butter sandwich - but today I had some dark chocolate chips (that I got from the trail mix below) and threw them in... WOAH! Totally made my day.

And then some yummy grahams between classes...

Supper = giant bowl of pasta with chicken and veggies and mixed berries

Can't forget the 'snackage'

Who else is enjoying obsessed with Naked juice?

I know I am! And those cute little packages of peanut butter? Such a great idea. Genius. 

...I may or may not have 'obtained' the peanut butter and crackers from my college cafeteria... 

So this may look like a big bowl of crazy... and it it. Delicious crazy that is.

It's pistachio pudding with bananas!

So easy to make in a dorm room for any fellow college students out there!

I just mix up two TBSP of dry pudding mix with 1 cup of milk in a protein shake blender thing and shake, refrigerate and enjoy!

So that's it! I'd love some feedback from my first go at this from all you pro's out there! :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

Thanks http://www.peasandcrayons.com/ for hosting this great party idea! 

= Equal Exchange =

Let's talk about Equal Exchange ok? Ok!

I was grateful to work with Equal Exchange and sample a couple of their products and let you lovely people know my thoughts.

I was sent Equal Exchange unsweetened cocoa as well as a Panama Dark Chocolate Bar

Since I am by no means a chocolate connoisseur, my wonderful grandmother helped me review the chocolate bar!

2 thumbs up!

But the cocoa... now that I can work with! I used it in this recipe for healthy "Reese's Muffins"

And boy oh boy were they good! Tasted much closer to cake than a muffin... but it was stil healthy - so I'm not complaining!

So what is the Equal Exchange?

Let me educate you!

Equal Exchange is a fair trade retailer. Their mission is to build "Long-term trade partnerships taht are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world." 

I know, I know.. that's a lot of stuff! But to break it down- they sell great products that benefit the consumer, producer and seller! 

It all started with the question "What if food could be traded in a way that is honest and far, a way that empowers both farmers and consumers?" 

Well I'm a farm girl - I like that! Even if you aren't connected to the producer... everyone can agree that a company that benefits each part of the 'trade' process associated with food is a good thing!

To sum up, let's look at a few of their most popular products to give you a feel for what they sell -

They have coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, snack bars, nuts, oils, syrups and LOADS of coffee equipment! 

Go check it all out yourself here

*Thank you Equal Exchange for the great products and business model! All opinions were solely my own, Equal Exchange only provided me with the samples-no compensation. 

Reese's Muffins (healthy!)

We all know I'm a sucker for breakfast...

anytime of the day.

And I'm a sucker for peanut butter...

So in the celebration of Easter (reminds me of Reese's Eggs-YUM!)

My friend and I decided to storm the kitchen and make an explosion of breakfast deliciousness containing peanut butter and chocolate, but in a healthy way! 

(*drum roll*)

REESE'S MUFFINS!

This recipe was inspired by Equal Exchange Cocoa

What is this Equal Exchange company you ask?

Check out my review here-

So back to the recipe!

The wet stuff (cream it all up!) ~

-2 ripe bananas (about a cup)

-1/2 cup sugar (or substitute, or 1/4 cup honey)

-2 egg whites (or one whole egg)

-3/4 cup Greek yogurt

-1 tsp. vanilla extract

-1 tsp. butter extract (optional)

The dry stuff (sift it baby!) ~

-1 cup whole wheat flour

-1/2 cup Equal Exchange Cocoa (or your favorite brand of unsweetened cocoa powder)

-1 tsp. salt

-1 tsp. baking powder

-1 tsp. baking soda

When you're done sifting...

Melt up 1/4 (heaping if you're like me!) cup of peanut butter

Mmmm... 

Use all your self control to not stick your head into the measuring cup and drink that amazing melty peanut butter!

Alright.

Now- add the wet to the dry and fold in 1/4 cup peanut butter chips and 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Then fill your muffin tins (will make about 15ish) 3/4 full with batter

Then add a heaping spoonful of peanut butter to each muffin tin and swirl, swirl, swirl!

Ahhh Yeahhh.... 

Bake at 350* for about 15 minutes

Remove

and 

DEVOUR!

Let me hear ya- what's your favorite muffin?

Hit me up with some new recipes friends!

adapted from: Sally's Baking Addiction

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!

Two Moms in the Raw

I love my mom, my friends' moms, my mom and dad's mom (aka grandma!), moms just ROCK!
I honestly don't know how moms do all they do (and dads too!), they have so many job titles... cook, psychiatrist, maid, chauffeur, you get the point!
So what do they do in their free time?
Oh just make amazing raw food.

Yeah, that's right - another product review (two in one week, how lucky am I!?)

Two Moms in the Raw is a company that all started with Shari (the founder).
She started making raw food to help her MS, and her yummy treats became a quick favorite among family and friends. So Shari (being the giving person she obviously is) decided to start selling her delectables and it took of like a rolling stone!

They make products with simple and organic ingredients - no gluten, no preservatives, non-GMO - truly good inside and out. All her products are Kosher and Vegan as well as being free of wheat, refined sugars, soy and dairy. They handmake all their products which include:
Granola Bars
Nut Bars
Sea Crackers
Truffles
Cereals

I'll fill you in on my personal experience with these products.
I had the opportunity to sample...

The almond butter and cocao truffles

These little bite-size beauties are made of almond butter, cacao, salt and agave.... that's it! They are sweet, crunchy (the half-chopped nuts in the center) and chewy! Definitely satisfy any sweet tooth - but with the added bonus of some protein (4g), fiber (2g), calcium and iron, along with healthy omega 6 fats, antioxidants, vitamin C and iron. All for 140 calories for one truffle.

The tomato basil sea crackers - the savory crackers are a perfect match with a sweet Honeycrisp apple (which, btw-if anyone is wondering, is in my opinion the best apple variety-just a side note :)

Out of this world flavor! The texture was a little odd to me at first, but not in a bad way! Just different from your traditional cracker... full of flax seeds, garlic and kombu - you know they're oh-so good for your body! Two Moms in the Raw recommend crumbling them on salad which I think is an AMAZING idea! And the ingredient list: flaxseeds, sundried tomatos, kombu and herbs. awesome.

I also received their blueberry granola bars - which I haven't tried just yet... (I was too consumed with the sweet truffles and savory crackers!) 

But... if I can assume (which I can, because - well... this is my blog :P ) I know they will be just as amazing (both taste wise and nutritionally as the previous snacks have been!

Their granola is full of antioxidants and vitamins, but then again-when you make all your products out of good, whole foods-how could the end result not be chalk-full of nutrition?!

Oh, and each bar also has 4g of fiber, 6g of protein, 4% calcium and 10% iron... awesome-opossum if I say so myself!

"Good for you, Good for the planet, and kids (AND KRISTEN!) love it"

That's Two Moms in the Raw's motto and I couldn't agree more! I definitely will have to try the rest of the flavors of everything! Especially the nut bars and cereal - thanks for allowing me to review your products Two Moms!

*All opinions were my own, Two Moms in the Raw gave me only the samples and no other compensation.

Double Mug Recipes

Who loves COFFEE???? ME! That's who! In celebration of how much I love all things coffee - today I had coffee to the second degree. 

See those two? Beautiful. 

The left is healthy banana bread in a mug and the right is a Iced Mocha! AHHH! YUM!

This recipe is pretty easy...

In a bowl combine: 

3 TBSP. flour (I used Grandpa's gluten free flour blend and it worked perfectly!)

3 TBSP. sugar (or stevia, or 1 1/2 tbsp. honey/agave/maple syrup)

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Then add: 

1 mashed banana

1 egg (or 3 egg whites, or 1/4 cup egg beaters)

1 TBSP. Greek yogurt

1 TBSP. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract 

mix thoroughly and pour into a coffee mug that has been sprayed with cooking spray

~Microwave 2-3 minutes, it will puff up and possibly run over :S But ya know-it's worth it! :)

Then let it sit a minute or so before digging in! 

Want to put it just over the top? I thought so.... To really hit a home run with this yummy treat do as Kristen does and top it off with 1 TBSP. peanut butter and a small handful of granola. 

You will NOT be sorry! 

So now for coffee recipe numero dos - Ice Mocha!

Pretty simple as well - 

-1 cup coffee chilled

-1 TBSP. cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup if you'd rather)

-1 tsp. stevia (or sugar, honey, agave, etc. - just something sweet... no you may NOT throw me into your cup :D

-pinch of salt

-1/4 cup milk

-frozen coffee ice cubes

~Mix up coffee, cocoa, sugar, salt and milk & our over frozen coffee cubes. If you'd like-top it off with some whipped topping

Who's having an over the top super-deeeee-duper day now? Hopefully all of you! 

Coffee Coffee Coffee!

I LOVE COFFEE! 

(warning-this isn't a regular recipe or review post... completely random, completely me!)

As you can probably guess, coffee is just one of those things that makes me oh so very happy! I love how it tastes, smells, everything! (well-not really how much it costs :S ) 

Licking the CoolWhip off the top is a hobby of mine... 

No.. that isn't a real McDonald's frappe-it's homemade-of course!

Coffee and sunshine!? Yes, please!

Coffee just helps me get stuff done-don't you agree?

Actually though, coffee (in moderation) can be beneficial to one's health. How so you ask?

Well... according to Webmd.com (pretty legit source I'd say!) coffee has been show to aid in memory, reduce risk of certain cancer and depression, reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes, the list goes on and on! 

However, with anything-moderation is key! 

And, no matter how healthy something is-when you drowned it with unhealthy additions (i.e. that sugar and full-fat cream), it becomes more of a vice than a virtue.

Here are a few ideas to help you have your coffee and drink it to! 

For blended coffee drinks:

Blend about 1/2 cup strong coffee and 1/2 cup milk in a blender with coffee ice cubes*

Add flavor enhancers such as: 

-sugar free syrup

-1 TBSP peanut butter (YUM!)

-low sugar ice cream/frozen yogurt

-cinnamon/nutmeg

-1 TBSP. unsweetened cocoa

-1/4 cup shredded coconut

*Coffee ice cubes: (noun) a delicious addition to homemade blended coffees that won't dilute your drink. Made by freezing cooled coffee in ice cub trays. A brilliant idea that deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. 

For warm coffee drinks: 

Steam 1/2 cup milk in microwave and add hot coffee

Add the same flavor enhancer's as above and enjoy! 

Tropical Chocolate Chip Cookies

As I was saying in my Tropical Traditions Product Review post that can be seen here... Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies-but sometimes they can get a little boring! (shh... don't tell my mother - aka the queen of chocolate chip cookies that I said that!) I decided to jazz up my mother's famous chocolate chip cookie recipe but giving it a little hint of the islands :) 

I don't know about you but I love summer-and everything that goes along with it! Sun, sand, surf (ok...I live in the Midwest and don't see much sand or surf-but it's still fun to dream!) I especially love summery foods... grilling, cold drinks, and sweet treats! This cookie recipe is what happens when Mr. Chocolate Chip Cookie decides to take a vacation to Honolulu!

Ingredients (Makes over 7 dozen cookies) :

-2 cups coconut oil

-1 cup white sugar

-2 cups brown sugar

-4 eggs

-2 tsp. baking soda

-1 1/2 tsp. salt

-2 tsp. vanilla

-1 cup chocolate chips

-1 cup coconut flakes (optional-but very delicious!)

-6 cups flour (can use whole wheat pastry flour)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350* 

2. Mix all ingredients (except flour and chocolate chips) in a large mixer

3. Slowly add flour and chips

4. Place teaspoon size dough balls onto a greased cookie sheet

5. Bake around 10 minutes (cookies should not be browned at all!)

Soft, chewy, moist, sun-kissed goodness!

Mmm! Just when I thought nothing could beat a chocolate chip cookie this little tropical treat comes along!

Be sure to sign up for my contest to win some Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil here!

S'Mores Bars

Alright, I know what you're thinking...this is suppose to be a healthy food blog right? Well yes, but I had to get your attention somehow! :P While this first recipe post isn't the healthiest food in the world, it sure is delicious! And-everything is good in moderation... So here goes:

S'Mores Bars:

These really will taste like a big bite of a S'More that has cooked perfectly on your campfire!

Ingredients:

1 softened stick of butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 cup cinnamon sugar graham cracker crumbs (the regular will work as well-but I like the addition of the cinnamon!)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1 3/4 cups marshmallow fluff

Step One:
-Preheat oven to 350*
-Beat the softened butter, and both sugars until fluffy
-Add the egg and vanilla
...It will look something like this...

Step Two:

-Slowly add flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt

Step Three:

-Press 1/2 of dough into bottom of greased baking dish (I like to use a 8x8 inch or 6x10 inch)

Step Four:

-Sprinkle chocolate chips

Step Five:

-Spread marshmallow fluff on top

 (This may get a little messy, but it is oh so worth it!)

Step Six:

-Top with remaining dough and press the layers gently together

-Let bake 30 minutes (or until marshmallow fluff starts oozing out and browning)

~They may not look the neatest, but they sure are delicious!

*Sidenote: Do not fall into the temptation of cutting these as soon as they are removed from the oven! They will be very gooey and fall apart! But, I guess if you'd like to eat it with a spoon a bowl more power to you! If you do wait to actually cut these, they will make 16 bars

Nutritional Information (1 bar):