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.

Wordless Wednesday

Alright, so this post won't be completely wordless since that would essentially mean I'm not talking, and if you know me at all-you would know I need to talk!

So here goes more of a 'extreme-picture-laden' Wednesday :)

The day started off AMAZINGLY! ...probably since the very last thing I did the night before was watch this:

For anyone who wants to know-I cried when they finished their 5k. Sap-I know, but I just can't help it! I can't wait to help people overcome their fears and do more than they ever dreamed possible!

So I got up-and in celebration of my personal training aspirations did a Jillian Micheals workout! Ain't no betta way to start the day!

Oh wait, there is - I remembered to grab my Bible before heading off to breakfast in the dining hall. This always makes my day get off to a great start! I love beginning the day in The Word. If you're looking for a way to start your day off right, do it with Jesus! You won't be sorry :)

And to make my day even better, I got to try my sample of this:

Chike Nutrition Ice Coffee Mix

AHHHH! You guys- seriously, I don't even know how to explain how freakin' amazing this stuff is! I'm not sure if it has like a-kajillion more times the caffeine as coffee (ok-actually I do know, it says on the package that it has about the same amount as one cup regular caffeinated coffee). But it seriously got me so 'jived' (<- word of the day!)

It was delicious tasting and is sooo good for you! Seriously-it was like a party in a coffee-shop in my mouth! 

 

And I can have a good excuse for drinking it, because it has so many vitamins and minerals and PROTEIN! 20 g worth! Ya... pretty much like 3 eggs! :O 

It comes in a nice little single serve package like so...

And you put it in 10ish ounces of water (or milk) like so....

And mix (with a fork, blender ball, just shaking, anything!)

*Chike also sells a bunch of other flavors of single mix-in protein drinks, if you aren't a coffee-Fein like myself!

It is soooo smooth! Honestly, I can NOT take just mixing any kind of protein powder with just a liquid, I think it taste chalky and gritty and have to just use it in a smoothie to be able to bear it. But this-this was something special! It mixed in so easily and quickly and tasted like a creamy, decadent latte! I gave it a splash of milk, just because I wanted it to go farther, added so coffee ice cubes and away I went! Happily slurping my way through the day....

Slurpin' through some Chemistry homework... believe you and me-ice coffee Chike Nutrition style really makes Chemistry easier to bear! Fun almost! ...almost...

I also snacked on some hummus dip in a cute little single serve squeezable package-cute no?

And got to try yet ANOTHER one of my product review samplings - Crunchies.

It's freeze dried pineapple!

Look at those stats! :O The whole package had 150 calories. Wowza! Not to mention 180% of your vitamin C need, 6g fiber and 12% iron. And the only ingredients: pineapple!

Crunchies has a bunch of different freeze dried snacks, both fruits and vegetables; mixed blends, seasoned goodies as well as organic options.

They are so good for you, fun to chop on, delicious and an easy to grab snack!

So after Chem lecture, Physiology lecture, Chem recitation, Physiology lab (where I go to be the volunteer to have my urine analyzed! Woo-hoo! ..too much sharing? :/ Sorry!), working on a group project for over 2 hours, and homework, homework, and more homework - how do I reward myself?

With a HUGE bowl of granola of course!

Yum x 3!

But now I feel like this....

So I'm off to bed! Goodnight and God Bless!

*If you actually made it to this point in the post-I am honored, amazed and wish I had your attention span!

~Chike Nutrition and Crunchies only sent me samples to review. I was not given any other compensation. All opinions are my own.~

Barlean's Organic Oils

Organic oils huh? Interesting I know... but who knew that 'organic oils' could make amazing smoothies, fruit parfaits, ice cream toppings and granola?!
Not me - until now!

I recently was given the opportunity to sample and review a few of Barlean's products - the omega swirl, coconut oil and chia seed.

WOW! This company really does make stand-up products. But their most interesting, and (in my humble opinion) delicious product is their Omega Swirl.
What is Omega Swirl? Well I'm glad you asked! Because, well, if you didn't my blog post would have ended there, and that wouldn't have been very interesting now would it?

Omega Swirl (according to my experience and the Barlean website) is:
-an omega-3 nutrient supplement that has the taste and texture of a smoothie - Ohhhhh yes it does! It is so smooth, creamy and flavorful! I had the lemon version and it was THE BOMB. Seriously, I added it to my smoothies, fruit parfaits, even on top of ice cream! It gave it an amazingly refreshing lemon-y flavor, and of course-loads of omega-3 goodness!
-Omega-3 fatty acids have oh so many health benefits, such as:
~joint mobility and bone density
~heart health
~skin, hair and nail health
~mental health
...just to name a few!

Here is the nutritional info:

There are so many great flavors available, and now they sell Omega Swirl To-Go! (we all know Kristen LOVES single serve to-go packets!)

So if you're looking for a fun, not to mention DELISH way to bump up your healthy fats - you've got to try some Omega Swirl! It is so easy to incorporate into your life, and heck-if you're feeling lazy, just slurp it right off a spoon! (yes-it is that good)

this would be a smoothie I made (in the dead of winter, obviously) that tasted like HAWAII!!!

It consisted of: vanilla yogurt, milk, barleans omega swirl and frozen pineapple. 

YUM!

*Barlean's only sent me samples to review. All opinions and statements are my own, I received no compensation. 

Jamba At Home Greek Yogurt Smoothies

I love smoothies! I mean.... that came with saying, errr typing, but it is a good leeway into this product review :P

I have the opportunity to sample and review the new 'Jamba' at home Greek Smoothie. They are a "ready to blend" mix of superfruit and Greek yogurt. I had the Acai Super-Antioxidant and Pomegranate Pick-Me-Up. Both were DELISH!

Now, I'm not a huge one for 'ready to make' smoothie mixes. I like to have the ability to add exactly how much of what fruit and yogurt I like. But daaaaang these were good! The Greek yogurt didn't add as much tang as it usually does for me, which in my opinion is a good thing!

All you have to do add 8 ounces of the liquid of your choice - I used milk (but you can also add juice, soy/almond/rice milk, etc.), and mix in a blender.

The only issue I had with these smoothie mixes, was that they were a little off the mark in terms of serving size for me...
The picture above is a full drinking glass full, and that was 2 servings of the smoothie mix-with only one 8 ounce serving of the additional liquid. This was mainly because I like a thicker smoothie... Not that the nutritional value is horrible if you have both servings - it ended up being about 230 calories, but had a 15 grams of protein, 7ish grams of fiber and lots of vitamins!

Overall - these were delicious and made for a quick and easy nutritional smoothie. I will probably still stick to making my own smoothies, but that is purely a personal choice-along with a consideration placed on price and availability of these smoothie kits - each one is around $3.29-$3.89. However, if you enjoy smoothies and want an easier way to make them in no time at all - pick some of these bad boys up!

*Thank you, Jamba Juice, for allowing me to sample and review these products - all opinions were purely my own and the only thing I received was the sample smoothie kits.

BZZZZ!!! Bee Pollen Buzz

Mmmmm Honey! 

I love its sweet and comforting taste, delightful aroma and encompassing texture. It truly is an amazing food God has given to us. But did you know how beneficial it can be to our health? Me neither... until now! Even the Bible tells us that honey is good for us: Proverbs 16:24 says, "Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Bee Pollen Buzz's raw honey (they provided me with a sample, but the thoughts and opinions are completely my own, I was compensated in no other way.)

I had never had raw honey before and was a little curious as well as nervous - I had NO idea what to expect... raw honey? I went along with it though - would I ever turn down a review opportunity?! Of course not! 

Well, I was not let down. Not in the slightest! After a little research, I discovered that I knew absolutely NOTHING about honey! If you're like me, you're probably thinking.. well honey is honey, what more is there to know? A lot! 

Most honey is highly processed, meaning it has been heated to temperatures that kill off all the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. In fact, honey should be a solid at room temperature?! Crazy baking girl say WHAT?! I know... I was shocked too! 

Raw honey hasn't been treated with the high heat or excess filtration that strips it of its amazing health properties. Just look at all the benefits raw honey has:

• Balance blood sugar

• Harmonize the liver

• Loaded with 'good' bacteria including Acidophilus 

• Neutralize toxins

• Blood pressure 

• Relieve pain

• Anti-Cancer properties 

• Wipe out toxins that cause diarrhea

• Digestion 

• Anti-Bacterial 

• Anti-Allergenic 

• Anti-Inflammatory

• Expectorant

• Laxative

• Sedative

• Anti-Toxic

• Anti-Anemic

• Fever-Reducing

If that isn't enough to get you incorporating raw honey into your life, the taste sure will! One little lick of the raw honey was enough to get me hooked! It is so sweet (obviously...) but since it is a solid at room temperature it can be spread directly on toast! (talk about convenience!) or any other way you'd like to enjoy this sweet treat! 

I am truly truly truly in love with this raw honey and will soon be out! I have used it in sooo many ways, but my two favorite are:

~1 tsp. raw honey mixed into 1 cup of hot water a squirt of lemon juice for an amazing drink when you have a sore throat or any cold-like symptoms!

~A Peanut Butter & Honey Smoothie!

-1 TBSP raw honey

-1 TBSP peanut butter

-1/2 cup yogurt (frozen in ice cube trays)

-1/2 cup milk

-Blend all together and ENJOY nearly pass out from its amazingness! 

Keep one thing in mind though, honey, as with absolutely anything should be consumed in moderation, after all - it is a saccaride and while it is completely natural and a much better alternative to white sugar, it should still be treated as a sweet.

I hope you all give raw honey a try! Both your health and your tastebuds will thank you! Bee Pollen Buzz also makes some other interesting, and crazy healthy bee products! Check them all out here

Have a sweet day!

Jay Robb - my new boyfriend!

Guys... I have a confession to make.. 

I'm in love.

He is a wonderful wonderful man -
He's creative, wants the best for me and makes me very very happy!
His name is Jay Robb

...ok ok ya-it's a company (the guy is real of course) but no-I've never really met him or anything...

But I have tried his products, and I'm in love with all of them! Does that count? :)

I was given the amazing opportunity to sample so of Jay Robb's products and am soooo impressed!

The first products I tested were the protein bars -

one bite...

two bites...

three bites...

GONE!

I have NEVER - EVER in my entire life had a protein bar that tasted soooo good! The cashew coconut tasted like a Girl Scout Somoas cookie (without the chocolate). I inhaled it-YUM!

Their protein powder is also delicious! (recipes using the powder coming shortly!) But I just can't get over how amazing the protein bars are-so let's focus on those right now k? 

Taste:

Alright, I think we allll know where I'm going here-DELISH! They didn't taste like a protein bar at all - they tasted like a candy bar! A delicious candy bar! My favorite was definitely the cashew coconut - but each flavor I tried were amazing as well. I also had the fudge brownie (I thought it was great, and I'm not a huge chocolate fan!) and the peanut butter bar as well (obviously I liked this one!)

5/5

Texture: They were nice and thick and left me feeling satisfied, not hungry! They had a nice crunch from the nuts scattered throughout the bar.

5/5

Nutrition: ...just take a gander at what Jay Robb has to say: "I've raised the bar on bars and created the JayBar—a great tasting protein bar without sugar, corn syrup, casein, artificial sweeteners, maltitol, acesulfame-K, evaporated cane juice, aspartame, or sucralose!"  —Jay Robb

I think that says it all! Each bar has about 230 calories, 5g fiber, and 14 grams protein! They have no cholesterol to boot! 

4/5 <- only because they had a little more saturated fat than I would like to see...but that's the only thing I could really find wrong with them!

Overall: 4.75/5 

I LOVED these and will definitely be looking to get myself some more! So delicious!

You can tell Jay Robb is concerned about the health and wellness of all his customers and really has a place in his heart for nutrition. I am excited to see people so happy with their lives - and so focus on their faith as well. On the 'About Jay Robb' page he states:

"As for my success, I give all the glory to God. "

 How amazing and respectable!
Thank you Jay Robb for creating stand up products from a stand up company!

....The Jay Robb Co. did not pay me in any way to write this review. I was given the products free of charge to write a review free of charge. 

Peanut Buster Shake

So you're probably thinking... "ok-this girl has serious issues! I mean she is OBSESSED with peanut butter to the point of needing help... and she already has posted a recipe for a Peanut Butter Smoothie. She NEEDS to get a new love!" 

And yes-you would be completely right-I do have a recipe for a Peanut Butter Smoothie, and yes-I am utterly fascinated with all things peanut butter-just check out how many recipes contain peanut butter! But please don't leave this post just yet! This isn't the same ole' same ole' peanut butter smoothie-in fact there isn't ANY peanut butter in the drink at all! I promise! So you'll stay? 

Good :) Cause you you're tastebuds won't want to miss this!

Maybe you've already seen my review for Peanut Flour, or my newest review for PB2-either way, you know I am a huge fan of peanut flour! It's so versatile and with a little work can taste very similar to peanut butter, but with a better protein bang for your buck! 

*Sidenote: Since I have slightly more love for PB2 than regular peanut flour, that is what I am using in this recipe-however, if you want to use peanut flour just add a little (about 1/2 tsp. each) of salt and sugar-alright, back to me rambling the recipe!

This shake is taking full advantage of PB2's nutritional stats and lip smacking taste!

This recipe tastes very very very very similar to a Butterfinger in my humble (but always correct :P ) opinion! 

Ingredients: 

-1 cup of frozen substances*

-2 TBSP PB2 mixed with 1/4 cup water (yes, this will be very runny but that is what you want to get a good consistency without having to water (or milk) down your shake!)

-possibly: another 2-3 TBSP milk? <-This will all depend on your personal preferences, blender power and the weather (ok-maybe not the weather-I just think things need to come in odd numbers to sound good! But then again-if you're making this outside in 100+ heat your shake will be melting so fast you won't need as much extra liquid!)

Directions: 

1. Mix up PB2 with water

2. Add your frozen substances to blender and pulse a few times to get things started

3. Add PB2 and mix again

4. If necessary, add that milk

*Frozen substances: There are many different options. My favorite way is to freeze yogurt in ice cubes and use those for this drink. You can also use ice cream, frozen Greek yogurt, or frozen milk cubes.

Don't you just wanna jump through your computer screen and eat this thing up!? ...I wouldn't recommend it though.... it'd be worth it!

Delicious topped with whipped cream and another sprinkling of PB2!

Pina Colada Smoothie

I know, I know, it's only February but I am still dreaming of summer! I love the bright skies, warm weather and delicious treats that are customary to that time of year! Like fruit! Even though we can get fruit year round due to the nifty little invention of airplanes and trucks, there is still a much more plentiful and cheaper assortment of fruit during the summer!

So what is a girl to do when she wants a summery treat in the dead of winter? Did you guess travel to Hawaii?! That was my first option, but unfortunately I don't quite have enough money...or time off from school for that matter! So I am going to go with my plan B-create an amazing healthy smoothie that reminds us all of Hawaii on a warm July night (not that I've ever actually experienced that, but pretty sure if I had-it'd taste remarkably close to this smoothie! :P

I've combined the sweet flavors of banana and pineapple with the creamy goodness of yogurt and milk, and threw in some protein powder (which mostly goes unnoticed) but, it is this secret ingredient that will assist us in our quest to having that 'Hawaii beach body' as well! :)

Ingredients: 

-1 container (6 ounces) Dannon Light n' Fit yogurt-FROZEN (best flavors to use: vanilla, plain or pineapple)

-1/2 cup skim milk or Coconut Water

-1 scoop protein powder (vanilla works best)

-1/2 frozen banana

-1/4 cup pineapple chunks (frozen works best but fresh is thawed)

-Ice if necessary 

Directions:
1. Pretty straight forward...add everything to a blender and blend until smooth

     ~Add ice cubes or more frozen pineapple chunks to create a thicker smoothie

     ~Add more milk if you want a thinner smoothie

Nutritional Info:

CheeseShake

If you can't tell, I've been in the mood for all things cheesecake these past few days! I decided to take my obsessive love to the next level and make a drinkable cheesecake or sorts...yes you read correctly! I'm going to give you my recipe for a CheeseShake! Excuse me while I drool.....

Alright, I'm back! Here we go...

Ingredients:

-6 ounces light yogurt (I like to use Dannon Light n' Fit's vanilla in this recipe but any should work!)

     ~Be sure to freeze this a few hours before making this CheeseShake

-1/2 cup milk

-2 TBSP. sugar free cheesecake pudding mix

-4-6 Strawberries (frozen)

-Fat free whipped topping (not necessary per se, but oh so fun!)

Directions:

1. Throw everything in the blender (except whipped topping!) and blend

2. Add additional frozen strawberries if needed to reach desired thickness

3. Top with whipped topping!

Nutritional Info:

Peanut Butter Smoothie

It has recently been brought to my attention, (by a close friend and fellow peanut butter addict!) that today is the best day in the whole year! What I mean by this is that it of course it National Peanut Butter Day!

So in celebration I am going to post my recipe for the perfect Peanut Butter Smoothie :)

ENJOY!

Did I mention it is really fun to eat out of an empty (but not completely cleaned out) peanut butter jar?! Mmmmm!

This makes 1 serving:

Ingredients:
-Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt (6 oz.) -frozen!
     ~This can either be vanilla, plain, or pina colada (sounds weird, but amazingly delicious!)
-2/3 Cup Milk
-2 TBSP. Peanut Butter
     ~Any kind will work but when you have the choice always go with natural!

Directions:
1. Add all to a blender, mix and enjoy!
2. Optional: Top with whipped cream and chopped peanuts! :)

Variations:
-Add a frozen (or thawed) banana
-Add a handful of chocolate chips
-Add a few Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
-For extra protein: add 2 TBSP vanilla or chocolate protein powder
-Swirl in 1 TBSP of jam after mixing the smoothie for a PB&J smoothie!
-Crunch an Oreo on top
-For a heartier smoothie: add 1/4 cup oatmeal to blender before mixing

Nutritional Info (of regular smoothie-no additions)