4 Minute Microwave Green Breakfast Muffin

July 8, 2011 Arielle

New!! If you notice, I have a new menu!! It's a Recipe Menu! I haven't got all of the recipes loaded up, but I figured you could check out what I have so far!

Also, there is a tutorials menu as well, for random tutorials! Check that out as well!!

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Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I think about is food.

Actually, I lied, first it's, "Baby Boo, why are we getting up SO flippin' early?!!"...

And THEN I think about food.

I open the fridge.

Then I open the cupboard.

And then I become overwhelmed. There are so many options, and I want to have a little of everything. A breakfast buffet if you will.

I want toast, and eggs, and pancakes, and fresh juice, and fruit, and green drinks, and muffins, and PB, and chocolate...

"Lay off me I'm starving!!"

But, I usually, almost always have a green smoothie.

I know it's boring, but as much as I would love to whip up my dream breakfast buffet, I have about a 5-10 minute window to make something and then be on Mommy duty. I have to save "special" breakfast for day's like Mother's Day and Birthdays.

I know. Lucky Right.

But sometimes there are more important things to do, like play with your daughters hair.

I know that little rat tail may mean nothing to you, but when your daughter has been bald for 11 months, this is a big deal.

I'm already thinking about curling irons, and braids, and pony's and buns, and bows and bobby pins..

Simple pleasures, you know?

Too bad I don't put that much effort into my hair.

Or my appearance for that matter.

See..no time for breakfast buffet!

So what's a Starvin' Marvin' supposed to do when a whippity quick Green drink ain't what you cravin'? (Where on earth did that slang come from?

5 Minute Green Muffin (Microwave)

Adapted from the ever so intelligent: Stuft Mama

Ingredients:

1 egg

2 TB Coconut Milk(or other)

1 TB. Vanilla

1 C. Spinach

1 Banana

1/3 C. Frozen Peaches

2 TB. Coconut Flour

2 TB. Coconut Finely Shredded

1 TB. Chia Seeds

2 TB. Oats

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

Directions:

1. Easy Peasy. Blend egg, milk, spinach, peaches, and vanilla in a blender.

Make sure it's nice and blended :)

2. Next mix your dry ingredients in a bowl, once combined add your wet ingredients.

3. Then, take a regular coffee/cocoa mug and spray with cooking spray. Pour your batter in the mug. Make sure it's a big enough mug.

Or, if your like me and drop it all over the floor, your mug can be teeny tiny since most of the batter is now trash :)

4. Next step/Favorite Step. Place mug in microwave. Turn on microwave for 4 MINUTES!

5. It's done. Plop on plate.

6. Dress it up and Make it Perty.

I topped mine with Sunflower Butter, Coconut, Raspberries, and Blueberries.

Oh..and if you have never had sunflower butter (ground sunflower seeds)..You MUST! I almost...love it..more than...Peanut Butter..

(These also make for GREAT kids breakfast/snacks as well!!)

Ok, so I may be one of the few who dreams of stuffing my face from the moment I open my eyes, but I promise you, I am doing my body a favor.

Did you know??

Eating a healthy and well balanced breakfast in the morning:

-Helps boost your metabolism, thus helping you loose your jiggly bum bum.

-Gives you the energy to start your day, avoiding fatigue-ness by lunch.

-Less likely to crave 'unnhealthy' foods to snack on to curb those hunger pains.

-Helps you think and focus better.

All pretty important I think.

Especially the part about fatigue-ness.

I MuSt have enough energy to keep up with this little one...

hmmm...

Is it morning yet?? I'm starving!!

Butternut Squash Pizza Crust-Healthy AND Gluten Free! :)

May 26, 2011 Arielle

Let's talk about Pizza.

I tried to make pizza one time when I was in middle school..

To this day my family hasn't let me down from the shame. Want a little cooking tip?

'When a recipe calls for a package of yeast, that means a little teeny tiny package...

NOT a costco size package.'

Ever since then, I just can't get pizza dough right. I let it rise, but it never does.

I use whole grain flour but it's too whole grainy.

And it's never flaky..it's more like a dense brick of carbs.

It really tickles me off, because I love pizza, but I most definitely don't want to resort to a $5-10 Hot N' Ready To Go To Your Thighs Pizza...

So what's a diva to do..(Diva/Drama Queen-Same Thing)

This question, along with my prayers, were answered when I was on Jess from Healthy Exposures blog (Beautiful Girl.Beautiful Pics.Yummy Food.Check her out!) She talked about this sweet potato pizza crust that she found on Rawxy (Foxy Raw to be exact! She is amazing! Delicious Recipes too! Check her out also!!)

I was in AWE...To say the least. I had to make it.

So I did! I didn't have sweet potato, but I had butternut squash, so I tweeked it just a tad...And You want to know the best parts!!

Completely Delicious!

SUPER easy!

Super Fast!

Delicious!!

Butternut Squash Pizza Crust with Veggie Toppings and Raw Parmesan Cheeze

Adapted from Rawxy

*Gluten Free, Vegan*

(For the crust:)

1 Cup Butternut Squash Puree

1/2 cup Coconut Flour (Can sub any other flour, but the amounts may be slightly different)

1 cup Brown Rice Flour

1 TB EVOO

1 TB Baking Powder

1 TB Dried Rosemary

Dash of salt

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into food processor with dough blade. Combine until a dough ball forms. Roll out dough on prepared baking sheet or pizza stone. You can use all the dough, or wrap half up and save it for later.

2. Then top with desired toppings. I started with a homemade cilantro avocado hummus.

Then an array of veggies, and of coarse olives. I also included shredded zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, and chickpeas.

Next, I added the most amazing and delicious Raw Parmesan Cheese, recipe also from the amazing Rawxy!

1/8 cup pumpkin seeds + 1/8 cup cashews + 1/4 cup nutritional yeast blended together into fine crumbs..A-maz-ing!

When ready, bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are brown/crispy.

Pretty much the only way I want to eat pizza from now on :)

Tonight was girls night since my Hubby is knee deep in studying, so I shared some with Baby Boo because the crust was perfect texture for her little gum-less mouth! She loved it!

Now we're off to do more girly things..

I don't care how little hair she has, I'm gonna find a way to curl it! :)

Phyllo Butternut Squash Pockets

April 25, 2011 Arielle

I wouldn't necessarily say I am thrifty.

In fact, I am the complete opposite...Unless of coarse Hubby is asking me, then I am very frugal, and always shop in the bargain/clearance section.

Ya right.

I wish I could say I could walk into a thrift store and find something worth buying, but..

I.Just.Can't.

And Probably the most thrify-ish shopping you will find me doing is at Ross or Marshalls.

But since I have been married, and Hubby has been in grad school, you can only imaging we are far from high-rollers. And even though Hubby would bet his life savings that I have it in my mind we are Bazillionaires, I am learning, key word, that I need to be better at how I spend my money.

Especially on groceries. Let's just say, if one looked at my grocery bill, then you could assume I was feeding a family of 5. yikes. AND, one might also assume, since I am really only feeding a family of 2 1/2, that by the cost of my purchases, we must be hefty eaters.

Not true. Well, hefty eaters, I dunno, I really...really..like food.

So where did it all go wrong? For some time now, I have really focused on my spending, and why I would end up spending so much on groceries. I thought, maybe I should share some tips on what not to do when buying groceries, because like I said, I am still learning on what to do.

The DEFINITELY DO NOTS of Grocery Shopping

1. Don't buy EVERYTHING organic.-I assumed that because it was organic, it was better for you. And although this is definitely the case in some regards, it is not the case in others. Here is how it goes: When buying organic fruits and veggies, follow the rules of the Dirty Dozen. ONLY the items on the dirty dozen list is best to be purchased organic. Items like pineapples and avocados don't. And trust me, the price of an organic avocado to a non organic one is a great difference. I also always buy dairy and meat for my Hubby organic. No questions asked. That will not change.

2. Don't buy everything you see.-I am like this in the grocery store: "I'll take that, and that, and that, and that. Oh wait, how much is it? OK here is my leg and my arm to cover the bill.."

I have learned that going with a list is crucial. At the beginning of the week I have written everything down that I want to make and want to have in the house. That way I go with a plan, instead of using my head/stomach to decide for me.

3. Don't get sucked into labels. -I will buy something if it says "Buy me, I am Delicious!", but for others, things like low fat, no sugar, healthy, brand new, yadda yadda can grab your attention. Research products out before spending a hefty penny on something they say is worth it.

4. Don't Covet-Being a blogger, I read tons of other blogs and get SUCKED into wanting to make what they posted RIGHT.THAT.VERY.SECOND. Alot of ingredients are unheard of, have to be ordered on line, and are pretty darn expensive. RESEARCH! I am not even going to mention some of the ingredients I have in my household that I purchased that I have NO idea what to do with them. Research recipes, research what the ingredients are for and their benefits.

5. Don't always shop at natural food stores. -There is this certain store by where I live that I call hell. If I walk in there, I am gonna get hell for it when I get home :) kidding, but I really have a hard time not spending Baby Boo's college fund in there. Certain things I agree are necessary, but not everything. AND a lot of times, the natural food grocers jack up their prices JUST because they can. Rude I know. Smart, but rude.

I hope some of these tips help you like they have been helping me...and my wallet.

And my relationship :)

But buying cheap only does so much for the Hubby. It's the delicious dinners that really win him over..

What a sucker..

Squash Pockets

Ingredients:

(filling)

1/4 large onion diced

1 TB EVOO

2 TB chopped garlic

1 cup spinach

1/2 cup chopped artichoke

2 cups diced butternut squash( i used precooked frozen butternut squash)-

1/4 cup diced walnuts

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

salt and pepper

Thawed Phyllo dough

Directions:

1. In a heated pan, add EVOO, onion, and garlic and cook 4-5 minutes on med-low heat until they begin to caramelize. Stir Frequently. Then add spinach and stir every so often until spinach begins to wilt, about 3 minutes. Then add artichokes & squash and stir until combined. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and let cook about 6-7 minutes med heat. Stir frequently. Then add in walnuts. Season with more S & P to taste.

2. Prepare phyllo dough according to packages. I cut mine in half.

3. Place a couple spoon fulls of filling at the top of one side of the phyllo dough and add a few crumbles of goat cheese.

4. Fold Phyllo dough all the way down. I folded mine like you were folding up a flag.

5. Repeat steps until all the filling is used. I stuffed my pockets pretty full, so I only got about 5 or 6 pockets, so it all depends on the size. You can fold your pockets any way your want. There isn't a right way. Maybe there is, I just don't know about it :)

6. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until phyllo becomes golden brown.

I had never worked with phyllo dough until this. I have NO idea why I waited so long!?

Every crispy bite made me want to run out an buy more phyllo dough and make more!! hha

See what I mean. Impulse buyer anyone??

I hope Baby Boo doesn't turn out like me with the whole spending regards thing,

Because I don't know how many more arms and legs I can sell before I run out...

Grilled Lemony Dill Veggie Sandwhich

April 14, 2011 Arielle

Dear Brain-

Where are you?

How come you always seem to disappear, especially when I need you the most?

How come you can't be there to remind me to turn off the hose on our sink...

Baby Boo's face is a perfect target..

Oh, and I'm really sick of the Wet T-Shirt games.

(You don't remind me about the hose, but you sure don't have a problem reminding me wet t-shirt contest are NOT for me)

Oh, and brain, while I have your attention, can you please remind me why I am so clumsy?

Because each time I spill formula, I am slowly saying goodbye to Baby Boo's college fund.

Bye Bye Harvard...

Hello Community College.

Oh, and one more question brain..

How come you never remind me to buy Dill?

Because Dill is delicious, and for some reason I always forget.

But not this time. I think I will clearly remember!

Grilled Lemony Dill Veggie Sandwhich

Ingredients:

1 cup of assorted veggies in slices (I used eggplant, zucchini and tomato)

1 TB chopped fresh dill

zest of half a lemon

juice of half a lemon

1 TB Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. Gather sliced veggies and put them in a medium bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss until everything is coated. Let marinade for 10 minutes.

Then grill veggies, 3-5 minutes on both sides.

2. Prepare sand which.

Add some Hummus and Goat Cheese:

And then some avocado and spinach:

Then assemble your veggies.

Pile those babies high!

And then if you want, sprinkle with some parsley.

Then smoosh the sand which together, like they smoosh in Jersey Shore..

And.fall.in.love.

If you want a light and refreshing lunch that feels like summer..

Then grab your Lawn Chair, Pina Colada, and this Sammy...

OH Wait!

Hey Brain?

Can you remember to bring the sunscreen?

K thanks, your a doll!

Hearty Whole Grain Basil Bread

March 24, 2011 Arielle

I have always had a slight obsession with bread.

I think it stemmed from my early years...We would go to my grandmas and she would always have a fresh sour dough, or french loaf sitting on her counter.

It made me salivate every time I saw it.

And then I ate it. Alot of it.

I could pack a whole "loaf" or, shall we say yard stick, of that french bread sitting on the counter. Nothing could stop me.

You want to know what's gross?

I would dip my bread in whole milk. White bread dipped in whole milk.

Doesn't that make you hungry? No? Well then maybe this will..

You see, for birthdays, we always got to go to our favorite restaurants. I, every year, chose olive garden, and you can bet it wasn't for the all you can eat salad..It was for the all you can eat breadsticks. And trust me, I ate all that I could eat.

Of coarse, NOW I have learned some self control, but I still drool when I walk past bakeries, and gaze at fresh baked breads through the window. Sure I could have a slice...But I want the whole loaf. Just me, my loaf, some Real Housewives of O.C., and a big glass of milk soy milk.

A girl can dream right.

But I can assure you that I definitely don't deprive. It may not be a loaf, but it isn't a slice fit for a Baby Boo either. And although sourdough bread will always have a special place in my heart, I have grown to love whole grains.

It makes me happy to know that I can enjoy one of my favorite foods while still getting a lot of nutrients for my body. Nothing over processed and nothing bleached, it's just pure and natural grains.

And sure I can buy any kind of loaf like that at the grocery store, but there is something much tastier about fresh bread coming straight out of your oven. Your in control of what goes into it, including the bread and your body. Also not to mention, hot & steamy out of the oven...

Oh, sorry wrong picture,

Hot and steamy out of the oven...

So.Much.Better.

Heart Whole Grain Basil Bread

adapted from MarthaStewart

Two 1/4 ounce envelopes active dry yeast

2 1/4 cups warm water (110 deg)

2 tsp. honey

3 TB. 100% pure maple syrup

4 TB unsalted butter (melted)

3 cups whole wheat pastry four

1 cup whole grain all purpose baking flour (or could sub more whole wheat pastry flour)

2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

4 tsp. coarse salt

1 cup fresh chopped basil (large chunks)

1/3 cup millit

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup flax seeds

1 TB chia seeds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 egg white

Directions:

1. Soak millet in 1/2 cup warm water for 20 minutes, set aside. In a separate bowl add 1/2 cup warm water and sprinkle yeast in. Add 2 tsp. of honey and whisk together until combined. Set aside for 10 minutes, or until foamy/frothy. Yeast should look like so:

2. In a separate bowl add flours and salt and whisk together. Once yeast is ready, pour yeast into a mixing bowl fitted with dough hook. Add melted butter, 1 1/2 cups warm water, and 3 TB maple syrup. Mix until combined. Then add 3 cups of flour mix. Mix on low speed until smooth. Then add in millet (plus water in bowl), and the rest of the seeds/oats, and basil.

Mix at low speed until combined. Then add remaining flour until dough is combined and somewhat smooth.

3. On a floured surface kneed dough for about 5 minutes until a smooth ball forms,like so:

Place dough in greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for an hour or so. (I did about 1 1/2 hours)

4. When dough has risen, punch it in the face,

Show it whose boss, and then divide dough into about 6 or 7 balls. Form balls and place on cookie sheet fitted with a cooking mat.

5. Take your egg white, and add a little water, and brush the tops of the dough balls. Then cover baking sheet with plastic and let dough sit for about another 1 1/2 hours.

Let those bad boys rise!

6. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees, and when the dough is ready, bake for about 22-25 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.

7. Try not to pass out of excitement due to the most amazing smell that will fill your house!

Pull out of the oven...and smile!

(Don't forget to brush with more butter straight out of the oven :})

I always get so nervous when it comes to baking bread. My first fear is that it wont rise, and my second is that it will be too hard...

Well my friends, it was perfect.

The first thing I did was cut it open. I didn't even wait for it to cool, hence the third degree burns on my finger...and tongue.

But so worth it. I love the grains and seeds that I get in each bite, with a hint of sweet basil. It's a beautiful combination.

But.

It didn't stop.

I wanted more, but I couldn't just grab the loaf and eat away like it was an apple.

I mean I could have...But I'm raising a daughter..And I think she is too young to learn her MaMa is crazy.

So I just had to make a "meal" out of it.

Goat cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, and Bitchin' Sauce...

Have you ever wanted to make out with your food?

Sweet Baby Bread Loaves!

Good thing I have learned some self control..

Because if not..

There was about to be an all you can eat bread loaves...

Pass the milk!

Double Chocolate Walnut Almond Butter

March 17, 2011 Arielle

3 years ago I would have never thought my life would consist of the "nutty-ness" that surrounds me.

It seems like every day is a whirl wind of trying to accomplish everything I need to do, while being the best wife and mamma there is. I try my best to remain calm, cool and perfect. Nicely made bed, laundry folded (neatly) and put away, Baby Boo's room clean and sparkly, and well, mamma showered and wearing makeup and actual clothes..not sweats.

How can I be perfect and accomplish everything?!?

I can't! Which is why I have learned to embrace the "nutty-ness."

In stead of dressing Baby Boo in the latest Baby gap fashion with the brightest pink flower head band...

We play dress up with Dada's hats.

What kind of hat is that Dada?

Instead of cleaning up toys off the floor, we grab those toys and throw them out side, embrace the sunshine, and tan our pearly white leggies!

Pass the baby oil Baby Boo!

And then we get crazy when it comes to lunch. No fresh pureed carrots and sweet potatoes Baby Boo, let's embrace this crazy and eat oranges!

Yes..Oranges.

Because eating oranges means we can make all the funny faces we want, especially when that sour taste reaches those newly sensitive taste buds of ours.

Keep up those faces Baby Boo! I'm not gonna tell you that your face is gonna freeze no matter how long you hold it. Just lies..Lies from people trying to be perfect.

And while you eat your sour oranges, Mama's going to embrace that "nutty-ness" even more! No I'm not going to make some boring soup, or a plain old salad.

I'm gonna eat Nut Butter..

Perfect for the occasion don't you think?

Double Chocolate Walnut Almond Butter

Although it taste sinful, this nut butter has extremely good for you ingredients. Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can have. Rich in omega 3's as well as perfect for lowing cholesterol. They also aid in reducing the risk of heart disease and inflammation. Almonds, also rich in omega 3's, have an abundance of vitamins, and are great for your heart. Dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, as well as an amazing source of antioxidants.

adapted from edibleperspective

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds

1 cup raw walnuts

2 tsp. organic pure cane sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

2 TB dark cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. almond extract

3 large TB dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325. Place almonds and walnuts on baking sheet and toast for about 10-15 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes. Careful not to burn!

2. Once nuts are done, let cool then throw into food processor. Process until creamy, like a nut butter. This takes a couple minutes, but be patient. Keep scraping sides during processing.

3. Then add in sugar, salt, vanilla, and almond extract. process until smooth.

4. Then add in cocoa powder. Process until smooth. Then add in chocolate chips and process until creamy. The heat from the processing will melt the chocolate! :)

5. Then take a large spoon and start eating! ;)

Seriously...prepare for a food-gasmic feeling!

Super creamy, super chocolatey! It felt like I was eating frosting!

I have thrown this on EvErYtHiNg!! Including my face. All over. It wasn't pretty.No Joke.

It is especially amazing in green drinks, especially THIS ONE...

I think I can come to terms with all this "nutty-ness" and accept that it is perfectly okay! If being "nutty" means we get to kick off our heals and crawl around in diapers, then I'm DOWN. And I'm talking Baby Boo wearing diapers...not me. If I get to that point please intervene.

Hopefully we won't get to that point, but if so, you must know that being a little "nutty" makes me extremely happy!

Because being perfect is just to dang hard.

Pass the frosting!!

Vegan Sugar Free Chocolate Banana Bread

February 5, 2011 Arielle

Coco-A-Nana Bread

Recipe from:Whole Foods

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 cup oat flour (just take oats and grind in processor or blender into flour)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (can use all pastry flour instead of oat flour)

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

4 very ripe bananas

8 large dates, pitted and chopped

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 TB water

2 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/4 cup finely shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Whisk together thoroughly dry ingredients into a bowl, and set aside.

2. In a blender, add bananas, dates, coconut milk, water, and vanilla. Blend until mixture is thick, and dates are chopped very small. About 1 minute or more.

3. Form a well in the middle of the dry mixture, and add wet ingredients. Fold ingredients together, but careful not to over mix. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan (greased or covered in parchment) and smooth out top. Sprinkle with coconut.

4. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, or until center comes out clean.

5. Enjoy!

This bread is amazing! It's a perfect breakfast/snack bread.

It is SOO moist, and that's what I LOVE MOST about banana bread!

It's actually not the sweetest bread since there isn't "sugar", BUT the sweetness it has comes from the bananas and dates. It's perfect for breakfast so you don't have to start the day with a sugar overload.

Of coarse, I can never eat bread alone...

I think I eat Peanut Butter every morning...

for Breakfast...

and maybe some at lunch...

I'll stop there.

You know too much.

It's probably best if I just end with that picture...

Peanut Butter Bars

January 11, 2011 Arielle

My husband goes through phases with food.

He will fall in love with a certain product, and for a couple weeks our house must always be stocked with his flavor of the month.

But a phase means that it doesn't last forever.

Which is pretty frustrating because I will usually run to Costco to stock up on whatever he's obsessing over, and when I come home he will say,

"I don't like those anymore."

Which means I, the lovely wife, am stuck eating 3 boxes of unwanted crap cereal.

Or cheese crackers.

Or a certain type of juice that taste like butt.

That! Is true love =]

Do you want to know what he's crushing over this month?

Fiber One Peanut Butter Bars.

I myself must admit that they are amazingly delicious, and when I was pregnant, I ate a lot of them.

But I wasn't about to run out and stock up our pantry full of fiber, because Hubby will probably be over them in a week, and then I am left eating Fiber bars for every meal...

And we all know that can cause more than one problem.. =]

So I decided to make some of my own, that way I didn't buy 457 of them...and instead end up with 8.

I wasn't really sure what was in Fiber One Bars so I looked up the ingredients to get some what of an idea.