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Pesto Parmesan Green Eggs & Ham

June 24, 2015 · by Ari · 2 Comments

Parmesan Pesto Green Eggs & Ham: A healthy and flavorful breakfast, lunch or dinner

Hearty and full of flavor, pesto parmesan green eggs & ham are the perfect healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Parmesan Pesto Green Eggs & Ham: A healthy and flavorful breakfast, lunch or dinner

I went to college in a verrrry small town in Idaho with approximately 2 breakfast options: The Bagel Shop, which was awesome, but more for for those 2am after the bar kinda nights, and The Breakfast Club, which was packed every single weekend morning with all the college kids making their visiting parents take them out for breakfast. Myself included.

Parmesan Pesto Green Eggs & Ham: A healthy and flavorful breakfast, lunch or dinner

I would always either get pancakes (with bacon and eggs and maple syrup on top, of course) or their almost-famous green eggs and ham with pesto and parmesan cheese. It was the bomb. I know nobody says the bomb anymore, but I am stuck in 1997. Don’t judge me. Anyway, I’ve been meaning to recreate this dish for a good long time, and after 20 hours of travel and a crap ton of jet lag, this super easy dish was the absolute perfect dinner.

Parmesan Pesto Green Eggs & Ham: A healthy and flavorful breakfast, lunch or dinner

Lately I’ve been eating a lot of eggs and I’ve been using Eggland’s Best eggs. Compared to regular eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs have 25% less saturated fat, 1o x more vitamin E, 4 x more vitamin D and 3 x more vitamin B12. If you’d like more information on their nutrition benefits, you can check out their nutrition info. They worked out great in this dish with the creamy pesto, and simple balance of flavors.

Print
Pesto Parmesan Green Eggs & Ham
Author: Ari Ziskin
Recipe type: Breakfast
Prep time:  5 mins
Cook time:  10 mins
Total time:  15 mins
Serves: 2-4
 
Hearty and full of flavor, pesto parmesan green eggs & ham are the perfect healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
  • 4 eggs (I used Eggland's Best)
  • 4 egg whites
  • small pinch salt
  • generous pinch pepper
  • 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
  • large handful baby spinach
  • 3 ounces chopped Canadian bacon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ more for topping)
  • fresh basil for topping
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and egg whites until well combined. Heat a medium-low nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray with nonstick spray (or olive oil or butter). Add eggs and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook about ¾ of the way (about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pan), stirring often using a spatula or wooden spoon. Add pesto, spinach, Canadian bacon and parmesan cheese, and cook until eggs are fully cooked and spinach has wilted.
  3. Serve immediately topped with more parmesan cheese (if desired) and chopped fresh basil.
3.3.3070

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Eggland’s Best.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dinner, Eggs, Entree, Gluten-free, Lunch, savory · Tagged: breakfast, breakfast for dinner, eggs, gluten free, grain free, green eggs and ham, green eggs and ham recipe, parmesan, pesto

Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

March 16, 2015 · by Ari · 4 Comments

Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Healthy, delicious and naturally paleo

Whether it’s breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast, these perfectly roasted breakfast stuffed sweet potatoes filled with drippy eggs, crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup are sure to impress!

Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Healthy, delicious and naturally paleo

Sponsored Post

Okay so don’t think I’m weird because I love maple syrup on my bacon and eggs. My favorite thing is a stack of fluffy pancakes with drippy eggs, crispy bacon and real maple syrup. The sweet and salty together…sooo good.

Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Healthy, delicious and naturally paleo

My other favorite thing? Stuffed sweet potatoes. Obviously. And what better to stuff them with when ya want something a little different than some protein-packed eggs? I love eggs. They are pretty much the cheapest and easiest way to instantly bulk up the protein in any dish.

For this dish, I used more of my Eggland’s Best eggs. I’m super into them. Compared to regular eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs have 25% less saturated fat, 1o x more vitamin E, 4 x more vitamin D and 3 x more vitamin B12. Whoa! For more information on their nutrition, check out their nutrition info. I’m sold!

Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Healthy, delicious and naturally paleo

I usually eat this as breakfast for dinner, but it totally works as a super filling breakfast–especially  if you roast the sweet potatoes and cook your bacon ahead of time. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s naturally paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free. And the perfect bite of sweet and salty deliciousness.

Print
Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Author: Ari Ziskin
Recipe type: Entree
Prep time:  5 mins
Cook time:  1 hour
Total time:  1 hour 5 mins
Serves: 2
 
Whether it's breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast, these perfectly roasted breakfast stuffed sweet potatoes filled with drippy eggs, crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup are sure to impress!
Ingredients
  • 2 small sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • coarse sea salt
  • 3 slices center cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 eggs, cooked to your liking (I did over medium)
  • pure maple syrup for drizzling, optional
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400. Use a fork to poke several holes into sweet potatoes. Brush each sweet potato with approx ½ tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle to coat lightly with sea salt. Roast until fork tender (meaning a fork easily slides right into the sweet potato), about 45-60 minutes depending on size of your potatoes.
  2. Once your potatoes have cooked, cook up your eggs. Slice cooked sweet potatoes down the middle leaving about an inch uncut. Stuff each potato with 2 eggs and a generous pinch of crumbled bacon. Drizzle with maple syrup of desired (you only need a small amount) and serve immediately
3.2.2885

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Eggland’s Best.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dinner, Eggs, Entree, Gluten-free, Lunch, Paleo, savory · Tagged: breakfast, breakfast for dinner, center cut bacon, dairy free, easy dinner, eggs, gluten free, paleo, sweet potato, sweet potato breakfast

90+ Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

January 26, 2015 · by Ari · 7 Comments

90+ Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

90+ healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner & dessert will help you with healthy meal planning for the new year with plenty of options for every meal of the day! With plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo & low carb options.

90+ Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

It’s January, which is every healthy food blogger’s favorite time of year! To help keep you on the healthy eating bandwagon, I’ve put together 90+ healthy recipes to get you through your day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! This way you can have tons to choose from for each meal!

Breakfast

90+ Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

 

Above photos from Healthy Seasonal Recipes & Taste, Love & Nourish

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Cranberry Almond Granola

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Gingerbread Apple Pancakes from Healthy Seasonal Recipes <—OMG that shot. Gorgeous.

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Sweet Potato Waffles from The Lean Green Bean

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

Paleo Mexican Hot Chocolate Pancakes with Salted Dulce de Leche from The Healthy Maven

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Lemon Almond Meal Scones

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Coconut Vanilla & Almond Butter Smoothie from The Housewife Training Files

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Tropical Breakfast Quinoa from Savvy Eats

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Honey Sesame Granola

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Raisin Nut Granola from Savvy Eats

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones from Yummy Healthy Easy


Portobello Breakfast Cups

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Coconut Almond Quinoa Granola from Taste Love & Nourish

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Berry & Banana Oat Breakfast Smoothie from Eat. Drink. Love.

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Acorn Squash Egg in the Hole from The Roasted Root

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Tropical Mango Muffins from Snappy Gourmet

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Cranberry Orange Muffins from Texanerin Baking

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Chocolate Chip Banana Bran Muffins from Amy’s Healthy Baking

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Banana Maple Yogurt Parfait from Lemon Tree Dwelling

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie from The Nutritious Kitchen

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Red Potato, Bell Pepper & Spinach Breakfast Hash from Neighbor Food Blog

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Peanut Butter & Fig Granola from Keep it Sweet Desserts

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Protein Packed Pancakes from The Lemon Bowl

Lunch

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

 

Above photos from The Healthy Maven & Taste Love & Nourish

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert Avocado Tuna Salad from The Healthy Maven

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Chicken & Chickpea Green Goddess Power Salad from Healthy Seasonal Recipes

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Copycat Panera Hummus Chicken Power Salad from Food Faith Fitness

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Guacamole Chicken Salad

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwiches from Yummy Healthy Easy

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic from The Roasted Root

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Black Bean Burger Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Southwest Chopped Salad with Salsa Vinaigrette from Taste Love & Nourish

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Cilantro Avocado Cream

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Chicken Broccoli Slaw with Spicy Peanut Dressing from Eat. Drink. Love.

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Butternut Squash & Spelt Salad with Goat Cheese & Toasted Almonds from The Lemon Bowl

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Tex Mex Quinoa Salad with Lime Vinaigrette from Eat. Drink. Love.

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Portobello Tuna Melts from Home Cooking Memories

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Southwest Quinoa Bowls

Dinner

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

Above photos from The Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie & The Roasted Root

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Fajita Burgers from The Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Hot & Sweet Slaw with Jerk Spice Salmon from Healthy Seasonal Recipes

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
10 Minute Taco Salad

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Cider Chai Crockpot Pulled Pork from The Roasted Root <–Check out that perfect shot!

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos from The Nutritious Kitchen


BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Butter Chicken  Meatballs with Spicy Masala Sauce from The Healthy Maven

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Caprese Pasta

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Shrimp and Israeli Pepper Salad from Know Your Produce

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Honey Mustard Chicken Stir Fry from Food Faith Fitness

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
French Onion Meatloaf

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Easy Baked Chicken Cacciatore from The Kitchen is My Playground

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Crockpot Curry Soup with Sweet Potato, Chicken & Kale

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole from Yummy Healthy Easy

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Buffalo Turkey Burgers

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Loaded Mediterranean Sweet Potato Fries from Neighbor Food Blog <– OMG this is SO happening!

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Skinnified “Fettuccine” Alfredo

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Cauliflower from The Lemon Bowl

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie


Thai Coconut Cabbage Soup from Cotter Crunch

Dessert

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

Above photos from Cook the Story & The Nutritious Kitchen

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Toasted Marshmallow Sweet Potato Ice Cream

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

Soft Hazelnut Mocha Cookies from Healthy Sweet Eats

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Blueberry Almond Tart from Healthy Seasonal Recipes

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Tart Cherry Fro-yo {with White & Dark Chocolate Chips}

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate from The Nutritious Kitchen

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies


90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Maple Peanut Clusters from The Housewife Training Files

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Healthy Chocolate Mockshake from Snappy Gourmet

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Salted Caramel Mocha Cookies

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Easy Fruit Dip: Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt with Cinnamon & Spice from Cook the Story


Chai Spiced Coconut Cream Ice Cream
90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

Cannoli Cups from Home Cooking Memories

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Soft & Fluffy Sugar Cookies

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Pumpkin Bread from The Lean Green Bean

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Chocolate Frosted Orange Donuts

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Paleo Cocoa Hazelnut Bread with Molasses from Cotter Crunch

90 + Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Enjoy!! Happy meal planning!

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Lunch, Popular Posts, Roundup, savory · Tagged: breakfast, dessert, dinner, gluten free, healthy, healthy meal planning, healthy recipes, healthy roundup, low carb, lunch, meal planning, paleo, round up, roundup, vegan, vegetarian

Gingerbread Pecan Butter & Gingerbread Smoothie

November 24, 2014 · by Ari · 3 Comments

Gingerbread Pecan Butter & Gingerbread Smoothie

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Blendtec. All recipes and opinions are my own.

Get your gingerbread fix with this smooth, creamy gingerbread pecan butter, and a healthy, protein-packed gingerbread smoothie. Both are so easy to make, you’ll be eating them over and over again!

Stay tuned to the end of this post for an amazing BLENDTEC GIVEAWAY!!

Gingerbread Pecan Butter: Smooth, and creamy roasted pecan butter with all the flavor of a classic ginger molasses cookie
Gingerbread Smoothie: A healthy. protein-packed way to get your gingerbread fix!

So I get excited for pretty much every holiday flavor, but gingerbread is the one I always go crazy with. Ginger molasses cookies, ginger molasses cake, gingerbread ALL THE THINGS!

Gingerbread Pecan Butter & Gingerbread Smoothie

Okay so first let’s chat about this gingerbread pecan butter. It’s been a while since I shared a new nut butter. I usually just stick to my normal salted almond butter or honey roasted peanut butter, but I wanted to try something a little different. I’ve made pecan butter once before and it turned out so amazing, so I was super excited to use it again with some ginger and molasses.   Gingerbread Pecan Butter: Smooth, and creamy roasted pecan butter with all the flavor of a classic ginger molasses cookie The result is so smooth, creamy and gingerbread-y! I tried to keep the sugar level down, so if you want more of a dessert spread, I suggest adding a little more brown sugar. This is pecan butter with a gingerbread flavor, not like a cookie butter or nutella type spread. I’ve been spreading it on my waffles with pumpkin butter, and let me tell you, that combo is pretty fantastic.   Gingerbread Pecan Butter: Smooth, and creamy roasted pecan butter with all the flavor of a classic ginger molasses cookie I also used it to make this gingerbread smoothie! Blenders are most commonly used for smoothies, even though the good ones, like this Blendtec Designer 725, can do so much more! I also used the Blendtec Twister Jar to make this pecan butter, and then used the Blendtec WildSide Jar to make this smoothie, but you can make soups, blend ice cream bases, grind nuts to make things like almond meal, and so much more! These two recipes are just the tip of the iceberg!   Gingerbread Smoothie: A healthy. protein-packed way to get your gingerbread fix! Okay, back to the smoothie. It is protein-packed without protein powder. I have a confession that will probably get me booted from all of my fitness friend circles, but I’m just not into protein powder. There was a time (a long time) where I used it because I thought I was “supposed to”, ya know, to be “healthy”, but I honestly just prefer to get my protein naturally in my diet, and I never seem to have a problem getting enough. In fact, getting enough anything when it comes to food has never been my problem, if ya know what I mean. 😉 Gingerbread Smoothie: A healthy. protein-packed way to get your gingerbread fix! Anyway, the smoothie, again, is not a dessert smoothie. It has a natural tartness from the Greek yogurt, and I wanted to use the sweetness from the banana with just a hint of molasses. Trust me, a little molasses goes a long way, so if you want a sweet smoothie, I recommend adding a little brown sugar. Otherwise, like the pecan butter, it is a healthy smoothie with gingerbread flavors, not like a gingerbread milkshake (which now I also want to make in my Blendtec 😉 ).

Print
Gingerbread Pecan Butter & Gingerbread Smoothie

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2 cups pecan butter; 1 smoothie

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons pecan butter; 1 smoothie

Gingerbread Pecan Butter & Gingerbread Smoothie

Ingredients

    For the Gingerbread Pecan Butter:
  • 3 cups roasted pecans
  • 1 tablespoons molasses
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • For the Gingerbread Smoothie:
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • big handful ice cubes
  • 1 tablespoon gingerbread pecan butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon molasses
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/16 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

    To make the Gingerbread Pecan Butter:
  1. Place roasted pecans in a high quality blender or food processor (such as Blendtec) and blend/process until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Add molasses, brown sugar and spices and blend/process until smooth and combined. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks at room temperature.
  2. To make the Gingerbread Smoothie:
  3. Place all ingredients in a high quality blender (such as Blendtec) and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/gingerbread-pecan-butter-gingerbread-smoothie/
 Wait! There’s more! Blendtec has generously offered to give away an extra Designer 725 model with Wildisde+ Jar plus an additional Wildside+ Jar! That’s a $750 value! I know you guys will love it as much as I do. Good luck! Giveaway starts at 10:00pm MST November 24th 2014 and ends at 11:59 pm MST December 3rd 2014. Open to US residents age 18 and older.

For more from Blendtec, make sure to check them out on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube | Google+

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Blendtec.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Christmas, DIY/How To, Drinks, Fall, Gluten-free, Holiday & Seasonal, Sauces & Spreads, Smoothies & Shakes, Snacks, Vegan, Winter · Tagged: breakfast, ginger molasses, gingerbread, gingerbread smoothie, gluten free, healthy, molasses, pecan butter, pecans, smoothie, vegan

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze

December 21, 2013 · by Ari · 13 Comments

Rich, fluffy, chocolatey donuts topped with a smooth, bright, citrusy orange glaze. The perfect flavor combination. 

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze {gluten-free}

Have I ever told you about how my husband refuses to use the correct name for the cooling rack? He insists on calling it the “drying rack”, and whenever I ask him to get out the cooling rack, he corrects me. And every time I make sure I let him know that he’s wrong. The drying rack is for dirty dishes; the cooling rack is for delicious baked goods.

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze {gluten-free}

At this point he (obviously) knows the difference, but I’m pretty sure finding ways to annoy me is his favorite past time. In fact, I’m pretty sure everyone who knows me gets a deep sense of joy out of getting a rise out of me. Probably because I make it so easy. I am the first one to get all fired up about things that absolutely don’t matter. I think they call that “dramatic”.

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze {gluten-free}

So, this morning I made donuts. I never make things the day I post them, but this is what happens when I sign up for things. I forget all about them until, like, the day before, and then I’m like “Oh crap, I have to make donuts”. Anyway, I made donuts, argued my husband about the term for the rack where I placed the donuts, ate the donuts (totally the best part), and, well, here I am. Sharing donuts with you.

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze {gluten-free}

This month’s theme for The Recipe Redux is good luck foods for the new year. Apparently, I live under a rock because I didn’t even know that was a thing, but luckily Google told me that round foods symbolize good luck, and in my opinion chocolate always means good luck, so I made you round, chocolatey good luck charms, and they are unbelievably good. They are the softest, fluffiest donuts I have ever made, and they are 10 million times better than so many of the dry, deep-fried cake donuts I’ve tasted before. Seriously, I would choose these instead any day, and I am usually one that believes the deep fryer automatically makes everything taste better. 😉

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze {gluten-free}

The bright orange flavor of the glaze is the perfect contrast to the rich chocolate, and the recipe all comes together in about half an hour, so it’s easy to make at the last minute if you have guests, and want to give them a little treat. We had my family over for brunch this morning, and everyone was super impressed with these! My mom kept talking about how “professional” they were. Then my brother proceeded to eat 3. I don’t blame him.

Print
Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 2 dozen

Serving Size: 1 donut

Chocolate Donuts with Orange Glaze

Rich, fluffy, chocolatey donuts topped with a smooth, bright, citrusy orange glaze. The perfect flavor combination.

Ingredients

  • 4 oz dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 1/4 cup gluten-free baking blend (or white whole wheat flour)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • dash salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 heaping cup powdered sugar
  • 4-6 tbsp fresh orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325. Spray donut pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  2. Place dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on increments of 30 seconds stirring after each until melted. Let cool while preparing other ingredients.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine baking blend, baking soda, cornstarch and salt. In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, applesauce and vanilla. Slowly beat in melted chocolate, then beat in dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Fill donut molds about 3/4 and smooth out with a spoon. Bake for 11-13 minutes until set and donut springs back when gently pressed with your finger. Place donut pan on a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled, remove from pan.
  5. To make the glaze, place powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Slowly add orange juice 1 tbsp at a time stirring constantly until glaze reaches desired consistency. I went with a thinner glaze for this donut. Thickness will depend on liquid added. It is important to go slowly and mix thoroughly before adding more liquid. If you find you glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle glaze onto donuts and let set until dry, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Donuts will stay fresh best if you store them unglazed and glaze before serving.
3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/chocolate-donuts-orange-glaze/

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dessert, Donuts, Gluten-free · Tagged: breakfast, chocolate, dessert, donuts, gluten free, orange, recipe, recipe redux

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

October 21, 2013 · by Ari · 21 Comments

Vegan and gluten-free ultra soft pumpkin banana muffins overflowing with melty dark chocolate chips. The perfect treat for a crisp fall morning.

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins #glutenfree #vegan

Good morning! Is it morning where you are? It’s totally not here, but these muffins make me feel like morning. That probably sounds weird. Not just because they’re muffins. Muffins are more an afternoon snack than breakfast for me. They just make me feel like morning. Like cool, crisp autumn morning on the porch. I wish I had a table and chairs on my porch. A table and chairs just for muffins.

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins #glutenfree #vegan

Perfectly imperfect muffins. Not at all smooth like your normally think of, but with a little character and personality, and a whole lot of flavor. You see pumpkin and banana are known for making perfectly *gross word*, soft, and tender baked goods. Put them together, and it only gets better. Add some melty dark chocolate, and you’ve got the stuff dreams are made of.

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins #glutenfree #vegan

The muffins practically melt in your mouth. No dry, cakey-ness (Okay, serious how do you spell that word?? I get a red squiggly line every time with no suggestion. Rude.) that you would expect from a health(ier) muffin. Sometimes I don’t like pumpkin in cookies because it makes them taste like, well, muffins–which is why pumpkin muffins are just perfect!

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins #glutenfree #vegan

These are super simple and easy to make, and a perfect fall treat to have around on Thanksgiving or any get together. That is if you don’t eat them all before your family and friends arrive. 😉

Print
Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 1 dozen

Serving Size: 1 muffin

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Vegan and gluten-free ultra soft pumpkin banana muffins overflowing with melty dark chocolate chips. The perfect treat for a crisp fall morning.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups gluten free baking blend
  • 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • dash salt
  • 2 extra ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (I a combination of mini and full size)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425. Line muffin tins with paper liners and spray liners with nonstick spray. Do not skip this step--lower fat items will stick if you don't use spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together baking blend, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.
  3. In a large bowl mix together banana, pumpkin, brown sugar and vanilla until combined. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Evenly divide batter between prepared muffin tins. Bake for 5 minutes, then lower heat to 350. Continue baking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs, about 12-15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/pumpkin-banana-chocolate-chip-muffins/

 

Filed Under: Breads & Muffins, Breakfast, Dessert, Fall, Gluten-free, Holiday & Seasonal, Vegan · Tagged: banana, breakfast, dessert, fall, gluten free, muffin, pumpkin, recipe, vegan, whole grain

Drink & Dish: Pumpkin Waffle French Toast

October 16, 2013 · by Ari · 15 Comments

Light and fluffy gluten-free pumpkin waffles turned into sweet, pumpkin french toast for the best of all breakfast worlds. Do you love pumpkin as much as I do? Check out my other pumpkin recipes.

Pumpkin Waffle French Toast #glutenfree

You know what I don’t really understand? When people eat brunch at 2 pm. I mean isn’t the entire point that it’s supposed to be between breakfast and lunch? You know, because you sleep past breakfast. Well, I don’t. I have an internal clock and 6:30 is considered sleeping in for me. When I say brunch, I mean 10am and that’s like…we’re eating at 10am because I’ve been up for 4 hours and could have already eaten, and then been hungry again by now. I’ve always had a big appetite.

Pumpkin Waffle French Toast #glutenfree

And I’m not one of those easy going hungry people either. Nope. Cranky, irritable, and hangry (hungry/angry) is more my style. Not to mention dramatic. I can’t even tell you how many times I have told Steve that I was “literally starving to death” or that “I have never been so hungry!”

Pumpkin Waffle French Toast #glutenfree

10am really is the right time. Wake up, drink coffee, start cooking, and by the time you’ve become a fully developed human being (it takes me a workout, or at least an hour), people start arriving, and you’ve become at least mildly pleasant.

Pumpkin Waffle French Toast #glutenfree

So let me explain this french toast to you. It’s really pretty simple. You take a waffle–any waffle, but preferably this pumpkin one–and you soak it in some French toast batter (do you call it batter? it’s not really a batter? you get the point…) for an hour or so, then you just pan fry it up like regular french toast. It truly is the best of all breakfast worlds. A couple things to note: If you use homemade waffles, you want them to be cooked crispy, and 1-2 days old, otherwise they will get soggy. If you’re using a frozen waffle, toast it first.

Pumpkin Waffle French Toast #glutenfree

For our final fall episode of Drink & Dish, Nicole and I went with a harvest brunch (in case my entirely too long rant about brunch time wasn’t an indication…). Nicole makes a delicious pumpkin chai latte that is so warm and comforting, it will knock your socks off! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Drink & Dish on YouTube!

In addition, I have an important announcement! After hearing that many of you were worried about completing the Drink & Dish video challenge in the time allotted, we have decided to extend it all the way to New Years! We really want to see as many people as possible succeed with their videos, so you still have plenty of time to enter!

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Drink & Dish: Pumpkin Waffle French Toast

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Yield: 8-10 servings

Serving Size: 1 waffle

Drink & Dish: Pumpkin Waffle French Toast

Light and fluffy gluten-free pumpkin waffles turned into sweet, pumpkin french toast for the best of all breakfast worlds.

Ingredients

    For the pumpkin waffles:
  • 2 cups gluten-free baking blend
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • Dash salt
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 3/4 cup reduced fat buttermilk
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the french toast:
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs + 8 egg whites
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. To make the waffles, in a large bowl whisk together baking blend, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. A few small lumps are fine--you do not want to overmix. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat waffle heater. Spray with nonstick spray. Once batter has rested, cook until lightly browned and edges are crisp, about 10 minutes.
  4. To make the french toast, in a large bowl beat together pumpkin, eggs, almond milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Place waffles in a large shallow dish and cover with pumpkin/egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray. Cook each waffle until browned and edges crisp, about 5-7 minutes per side. Serve immediately with maple syrup and fresh berries if desired. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

Best with crisp-cooked day old waffles. You may use frozen waffles or any waffle you'd like. This is a huge recipe that can easily be halved or quartered.

3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/drink-dish-pumpkin-waffle-french-toast/

Filed Under: Breakfast, Drink & Dish, Fall, Gluten-free, Holiday & Seasonal · Tagged: breakfast, drink and dish, fall, french toast, gluten free, pumpkin, recipe, waffles

Pumpkin Pecan Granola

September 24, 2013 · by Ari · 13 Comments

Pumpkin Pecan Granola #vegan #glutenfree

This morning I went out for a run, and my first thought when I stepped outside was “It feels chilly out”!!!! I practically jumped for joy. There is a warmth in my heart that can only be described as fall, and I don’t intend to stop sharing my love about it any time soon. Forgive me?

Pumpkin Pecan Granola #vegan #glutenfree

Of course I needed a special fall granola. Okay, that’s a lie. I made this in, like, April and thought I should probably wait until fall to post it. I do promise not to post exclusively pumpkin recipes for the next 3 months, but I can’t promise that there won’t be a whole lot of ’em. 😉

Pumpkin Pecan Granola #vegan #glutenfree

This granola just has a *hint* of pumpkin, so if you’re not as obsessed with the flavor as I am (ummm, WHY NOT), I think there’s a good chance you’ll still enjoy it! Lots of crunchy pecans, a hint of spice, big granola clusters, and soft, sweet dried cranberries. This granola just screams fall, and the flavors complement each other perfectly.

Print
Pumpkin Pecan Granola

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: approx 12 cups

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Pumpkin Pecan Granola

Warm and cozy pumpkin spice granola with pecans and dried cranberries is the perfect way to add some fall flavor to your breakfast every morning!

Ingredients

  • 5 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if applicable)
  • 3 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 2/3 cups almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/3 cup milled flax seed
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • heavy pinch sea salt
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300. Line two large baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a very large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, flax seed, pumpkin pie spice and salt.
  3. In a small saucepan, warm the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined, whisking constantly.
  4. Add the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and toss to combine. Divide mixture evenly between your 2 prepared baking sheets.
  5. Bake until browned and crispy, about 1 hour. Lightly toss granola half way through.
  6. Cool completely. Add cranberries and gently toss to combine. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The granola will stay fresh for at least one month. I’ve never made a batch last any longer than that, but it’s still great a month in!
3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/pumpkin-pecan-granola/

Filed Under: Breakfast, Fall, Gluten-free, Granola, Holiday & Seasonal, Vegan · Tagged: breakfast, cranberries, fall, gluten free, granola, pecan, pumpkin, recipe, snack, vegan

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

August 28, 2013 · by Ari · 9 Comments

Big, tall, soft and fluffy blueberry buttermilk muffins topped with coarse sugar that will give those bakery muffins a run for their money!Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

I am out of just about every food imaginable at my house. Yesterday I had frozen enchiladas for breakfast, and today I started a fire in my microwave trying to spice up my oatmeal. Maybe I should explain. I really like drippy peanut butter (or almond, or whatev) on my oatmeal, and I’m completely out of all butters except for a 1 tablespoon packet of almond butter. You know? The kind you have to knead first and it never really gets drippy like the stuff from a jar? So I thought it would be brilliant to put it in the microwave for 10 seconds. It was not the first time I’ve ever made that type of mistake, but it was the first time anything has actually caught on fire.

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

I stared at in in disbelief for a moment, then I blew the fire out. It was mildly scary, and also a little funny. You know, one of those times where you’re really glad no one else is at home and has to see how dumb you are, but then you tell the entire internet, and the whole idea of any discrepancy is completely lost.

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

It’s funny. You go away for a weekend leaving the man in your house to his own devices, and you come home to find no new groceries, just lots of receipts from Chipotle. And somehow I can’t find the motivation to go grocery shop. Or make more muffins. Or get off the couch? Post adventure hangover is apparently still in play.

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Basically, I wish these muffins had lasted more than 48 hours and magically withstood the 3 months that have now passed since I made them. I would eat the crap out of them, and I wouldn’t even have to burn the house down to do it.

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

I’d been eyeing my girl Sally’s blueberry muffins for a good long time, and been dyyyying to try to make some muffins as tall and beautiful as her’s, so one day I had some leftover blueberries in my fridge, and just decided they needed to happen already.

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

The result was the tallest, most gorgeous muffins I have ever seen come out of my oven! Sally uses extra baking powder and starts with a high oven temp which is the secret to these perfect muffin tops. So much better than my usual muffin top (#whatisgoingonwithmymuffintop)<–Inside joke from Hood to Coast just for you, Laurel. 😉

Print
Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 12 muffins

Serving Size: 1 muffin

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Ingredients

  • 3 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup reduced fat buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/4 cup fresh blueberries (preferably organic)
  • coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425. Spray muffin tin with nonstick spray, or line with paper liners. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until combined. Mix in buttermilk, applesauce and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Gently, fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix. Gently fold in blueberries.
  5. Evenly divide batter between 12 standard muffin tins. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with a nice pinch of coarse sugar. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 and continue to bake for an other 17-20 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (with just a few crumbs).
  6. Let stand for 10 minutes, then serve or transfer to a wire rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction

3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/blueberry-buttermilk-muffins/

Filed Under: Breads & Muffins, Breakfast, Dessert · Tagged: baking, blueberries, blueberry muffins, breakfast, buttermilk, buttermilk blueberry muffins, dessert, muffins, recipe

Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola

August 11, 2013 · by Ari · 29 Comments

Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola #vegan #glutenfree

You know those people who rarely speak, and when they do everyone listens? Those quiet people who only speak out when they have something really important to say, and so you know you want to take note, soak it up, and really hear their words?

Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola #vegan #glutenfree

Yeah, that’s not me. I’m more on the end of talks-too-much-so-most-of-it-must-be-pretty-inconsequential. In fact, the other day, Stacey told me she knew a recipe was mine by the long, overly descriptive title. It’s the truth. And not just in recipe writing. I am a human with a lot to say, and no matter how hard I try to be one of those people that only speaks when I need to like a character on stage, I just keep talking until someone finally stops me and puts the rest of the room out of their misery. 😉

Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola #vegan #glutenfree

Here’s what you actually need to know about this granola:

  • Crunchy
  • Sweet
  • Vanilla bean flavor
  • Rich pistachios
  • Nutty coconut
  • Big snack-worthy clusters
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Ridiculously good

Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola #vegan #glutenfree

Got it?

Print
Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: approx 12 cups

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Vanilla Bean Coconut Pistachio Granola

Ingredients

  • 5 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if applicable)
  • 3 cups shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
  • 2/3 cups almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded unsweetened reduced fat coconut
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tsp cinnamon
  • heavy pinch sea salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup honey or agave
  • 2 tbsp coconut butter or coconut oil
  • Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 tsp coconut extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300. Line two large baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a very large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
  3. In a small saucepan, warm the applesauce, maple syrup, honey/agave, coconut butter, vanilla bean seeds, and coconut extract until well combined, whisking constantly.
  4. Add the applesauce mixture into the dry ingredients and toss to combine. Divide mixture evenly between your 2 prepared baking sheets.
  5. Bake until browned and crispy, about 1 hour. Lightly toss granola every 10-20 minutes while cooking. DO NOT skip the tossing--the pistachios can burn easily if you skip this step.
  6. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The granola will stay fresh for at least one month. I’ve never made a batch last any longer than that, but it’s still great a month in!
3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/vanilla-bean-coconut-pistachio-granola/

Filed Under: Breakfast, Gluten-free, Granola, Vegan · Tagged: breakfast, coconut, gluten free, granola, nuts, oats, pistachio, recipe, vanilla, vegan

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins

June 18, 2013 · by Ari · 40 Comments

Soft & fluffy zucchini muffins stuffed with dark chocolate chips. Grain-free, refined sugar-free, vegan & paleo!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins #vegan #glutenfree

Did I ever tell you about the time I ate 3 zucchinis in one sitting because I wanted a snack and was trying to be healthy? I called up one of my best friends and said “I think I just over ate zucchinis. Is that even a thing?” I love them. Sauteed, roasted, grilled, BAKED!

zucchinimuffins-19Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins #vegan #glutenfree

Okay, these muffins taste nothing like zucchinis. Just like carrot cake doesn’t actually taste like carrots. But the zucchinis add some extra veggie goodness, and also produce some of the softest, (insert gross word) and tender muffins I have ever tasted.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins #vegan #glutenfree

As soon as I decided I wanted to make zucchini almond meal muffins, I hit up my girl Gina’s blog for some inspiration. She has the best paleo recipes, and although I don’t eat paleo, I love baking with nut flours, and her blog is always a great place to start. She made some ridiculously good looking zucchini bread that I used as a guideline, but ended up with muffins with chocolate chips inside. Shocking, right?

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins #vegan #glutenfree

The muffins tasted EXACTLY like I wanted–lightly sweet, hearty and filling without being heavy. They didn’t last long, and whether you normally use grain-free flours or not, you will absolutely love them!

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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 1 dozen

Serving Size: 1 muffin

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Almond Meal Muffins

Soft & fluffy zucchini muffins stuffed with dark chocolate chips. Grain-free, refined sugar-free, vegan & paleo!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups almond meal
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • dash salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 3 tbsp natural liquid sweetener of choice (honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • heaping 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Set aside.
  2. Measure milk in your measuring cup. Add apple cider vinegar and whisk lightly. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together almond meal, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add almond milk mixture, banana, sweetener, coconut oil, and vanilla. Mix until just combined. Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips.
  4. Evenly divide batter between between 12 prepared muffin molds.
  5. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes.

Notes

Adapted from Running to the Kitchen

3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/chocolate-chip-zucchini-almond-meal-muffins/

Filed Under: Breads & Muffins, Breakfast, Dessert, Gluten-free, Holiday & Seasonal, Paleo, Summer, Vegan · Tagged: almond meal, breakfast, chocolate, dessert, gluten free, grain free, muffin, recipe, vegan, zucchini

“Nutella” Granola {vegan + gluten-free}

May 7, 2013 · by Ari · 21 Comments

"Nutella" Granola #vegan #glutenfree via arismenu.comOnce upon a time, I discovered the peanut butter & Nutella sandwich. Then, I discovered the Nutella + spoon combination. And sometimes the spoon never even came to join the party. Shameless.

"Nutella" Granola #vegan #glutenfree via arismenu.com

I can’t even have Nutella in the house these days. It’s just too tempting. Occasionally, I’ll buy it for a recipe (and then eat my oatmeal out of the empty jar and feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven), but I think it’s about time that I get to eat chocolate hazelnutty goodness for breakfast every single day. Does that not just sound like perfection?

"Nutella" Granola #vegan #glutenfree via arismenu.com

The best part? You don’t even have to buy Nutella for this recipe, but the taste is uncanny. I took one bite after it finished cooking and quickly exclaimed “It tastes like NUTELLA!!!” Just simple granola loaded with hazelnuts with some cocoa powder added to the mix. It is not overpoweringly sweet, and it doesn’t taste like dessert. I think the sweetness is perfect, but if you want a sweeter granola, you can absolutely add some extra brown sugar, or honey, or agave.

"Nutella" Granola #vegan #glutenfree via arismenu.com

I also discovered the secret to the biggest, fattest granola clusters–check those monsters out!! I’m always looking for the big, chunky clusters, and this time I got it right. I did not stir this granola once while it cooked. I just let it do it’s thing, flipped it around half way through, and ya know what? Everything cooked evenly, nothing burned, and I had granola clusters the size of my hand! What??? Now the problem is not eating those clusters every time I step into the pantry. It’s kind of a problem…

Print
“Nutella” Granola

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Yield: Approx 10 cups

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

“Nutella” Granola

Simple and easy chocolate hazelnut granola tastes remarkably like Nutella! The big clusters and bold flavors are totally addicting and will have you constantly reaching back for more.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if that’s important to you)
  • 2 cups hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • heavy pinch sea salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey or agave
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder (I used Hershey's special dark)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300. In a very large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts and salt.
  2. In a small saucepan, warm the applesauce, brown sugar, honey/agave, cocoa powder and coconut oil until well combined, whisking constantly. Add the applesauce mixture into the dry ingredients and toss to combine. Evenly divide granola in an even layer between two large baking sheets.
  3. Bake until browned and crispy, about 50 minutes-1 hour, turning half way through.
  4. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. The granola will stay fresh for at least one month. I've never made a batch last any longer than that, but it's still great a month in and probably for longer.

Notes

If you'd like, you may gently stir the granola every 20 minutes while cooking. This will lead to less clusters and a finer granola. I prefer to be able to break the clusters up myself afterwards, but if you like a finer granola, then stirring will help.

3.1
http://www.arismenu.com/nutella-granola-vegan-gluten-free/

 

Filed Under: Breakfast, Gluten-free, Granola, Special Diet, Vegan · Tagged: breakfast, brunch, chocolate, gluten free, granola, hazelnut, nutella, recipe, vegan

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