Chocolate Protein Pancake

Chocolate Protein Pancake

What do you make on a morning when you have a little time to cook yourself breakfast, but not too much time, want something chocolate, but not too sweet, and high in protein?  This pancake! I had heard that you could make a pancake out of nothing but banana and eggs, but honestly that sounded not only boring to me, but a little suspect.  I couldn't really imagine what it would taste like (banana quiche?) and unless I drowned it in syrup I imagine it would be hard to swallow.  So I added in a few of my favorite ingredients to make it chocolate (cocoa powder), heart healthy (nut butter & raw walnuts), and flavorful (cinnamon). I honestly wasn't sure how the end result would be, and if it would taste good enough to eat without butter and syrup on top (which of course makes everything taste better).  I suggest you let it cool for a couple of minutes before eating, to let the chocolate and peanut butter flavors settle, and the addition of the walnuts was a spectacular choice. I didn't have much time to eat it once I was done, but that was no problem since I devoured it in less than five minutes because it was so good.  And extremely filling. It would be a perfect breakfast to serve your kids before a busy morning of school or sports, or for anyone heading to the gym or planning to be active. And it's the type of fullness that feels like you did your body a favor and you're stronger for it.  Definitely going to be on my short list for a go to perfect first meal of the day.  You can use whatever nut butter you prefer, and even add a little honey if you want the pancake sweeter. Or be like my kids, who would inevitably cover it with butter and syrup before gobbling it up.

Peanut Butter and Nutella Bites

Peanut Butter and Nutella Bites

These delicious little bites of heaven were a creation of mine last Spring in anticipation of a bunch of outdoor parties to which I had been invited.  Basically a layered version of my Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups, these tasty treats were a huge success and my poor friends who were lucky enough to try these have been waiting for 4 months for the recipe. Sorry for the delay, but it's been a crazy summer.  And now that Fall is here, I have actually been in my kitchen baking again, and too busy to sit and write a whole lot.  Hopefully I can get my act together soon, and once all the weekend events fade into snow days, I will have time to post all the delicious recipes I have been saving up.  I know I need to make these again soon, since I enjoy packing my kids' lunch boxes with homemade goodies and these definitely fit the bill.  As I mention in my ingredient list below, you can sub out the Nutella with a healthier chocolate alternative as there are numerous ones to chose from.  I actually bought an organic soynut butter at the store yesterday and used it to make an organic chocolate crisped rice treat.  But if you love peanut butter and chocolate as much as I do, and like simple recipes with a limited amount of ingredients, this dessert is a no brainer. And so so good.

Thai Sweet Potato Stew

Thai Sweet Potato Stew

It is definitely early Spring here in Pennsylvania, in the sense that it is pouring rain and cold outside. So although the birds are chirping and the sun (when it's showing) is higher in the sky, there is still snow on the ground and a chill in the air.  So why not warm up the house, and your soul, with this incredible sweet potato stew.  I saw a recipe like this in a magazine at my mom's house a few months ago, so I cut it out, rewrote it, changed a few things, and came up with this amazing masterpiece.  I honestly think it is one of my favorite dinners ever and I am so glad that I still have a large container of it waiting in the freezer for me to heat up later today. The ingredient list literally reads like a "top ten best foods" compilation and although the stew is relatively high in fat with both the coconut milk and peanut butter, it is the type that your body and your brain crave, so it leaves you satisfied, fulfilled and content with the knowledge that you just refueled your most precious resource with something delicious.

Super Soy Smoothie

Super Soy Smoothie

As someone who works out frequently, I know how important it is to get adequate protein into my diet.  But since I don't like to consume a lot of animal products, finding enough good quality sources can sometimes be tricky. This super simple smoothie recipe is an answer to that problem.  I know that when people hear the word "tofu" they get all scared thinking of the tasteless blobs of white gunk that are a very poor substitute for meat in most dishes.  But in this recipe, the tofu serves as the creamy base for a sweet, chocolaty after workout drink and if you didn't know that there was tofu in it I guarantee you would not figure it out.  Depending on how thick you want your shake, you can use different textures of organic tofu, ranging from silken (thin) to firm (makes more of a pudding like consistency).  The firmer the tofu, the more protein, but I have tried it with all different types and would recommend them all.  I have also blended it with frozen berries, homemade Chocolate Walnut Butter, homemade Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter and Homemade Nutella, but regular peanut butter or almond butter work well also.  If the nut butter is not sweetened, you may want to add in a spoonful of maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like your smoothies to be.  Honestly, the combinations are endless.  And using raw organic whole tofu is undeniably a lot better for you than any protein powder you can find in a store, and it tastes a whole lot better as well.  (Even my meat loving husband and son like these!)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Brownies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Brownies

I saw a version of this recipe the other day on a Dr. Oz post and the healthful simplicity of it caught my eye.  It is very similar to both my Chocolate Almond Fudge Drop and Peanut Butter Fudge Drop cookie recipes I developed a few months back that were a huge hit with my friends and family so I had a suspicion these brownies would be just as great. Actually, I think they are better... and they are definitely quicker and simpler to make since the preparation process just involves pouring the easy to mix together batter into a pan and letting the oven do the magic. Dr. Oz's recipe called for a few different ingredients that I do not normally have on hand and that I think are even more expensive than the ones I included here, so although I would be interested in someday trying yacon syrup and organic raw cacao powder, I used maple syrup and dark cocoa powder instead.  I know that according to some research, my ingredients are not quite as healthful and full of antioxidants, but at least you can buy them in a regular store and they are still better than a lot of not so natural alternatives.  I used organic all natural peanut butter instead of almond butter, but any nut butter would work and I plan to try making them again in a few days with my homemade Nutella and see how that turns out. I have attempted to make chewy, fudgy, flavorful brownies using small amounts of whole wheat flour for years and it has never quite worked out, but these are perfect, and honestly some of the best I have ever eaten.  My kids and I ate a quarter of the pan within hours of it coming out of the oven in an attempt to "test" them, because they were way too good to not keep cutting small squares.  And they are so high in protein due to the peanut butter and eggs that I wrapped up a bunch to bring with us to our track meet last night to enjoy afterwards.  Both of the kids and I competed in a total of 11 events so if you happened to be there and were wondering why I was trying to run so fast, it was because I knew that one of these delicious and fairly nutritious treats was waiting for me at the finish line!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Drops

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Drops

This is a variation on my original Chocolate Almond Fudge Drops, but using my favorite peanut butter instead.  My son's teacher requested a "healthy treat" for his class' Valentine's Day party and since I know there are no kids with peanut allergies in his class and that usually kids are more familiar with and willing to eat peanut versus almond butter, I thought I would give these cookies a try.  I do think the consistency of the all natural organic peanut butter make these a little less fudgy and a bit more grainy, but the flavor is perfect. You could easily experiment with the ratio of ingredients and increase the cocoa and sugar (like I did once with the almond variety) to intensify that aspect of the flavor.  The possibilities really are endless.  But one thing is for sure- they are quick, simple, and delicious.  Hopefully his classmates all agree!

High Protein Peanut Butter Brownies

High Protein Peanut Butter Brownies

I have to assume that if you are reading this health food blog then you probably have already heard of Black Bean Brownies.  I made them for the first time a couple of weeks ago and since I am never satisfied and always thinking ahead to new ideas, I immediately thought of a way to make other versions.  I love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate but I figured the color of black beans might look a little unappetizing if the brownie is supposed to be peanut butter.  So why not use white beans?  They are mild in flavor, have the same texture as black beans and more importantly, they are just as nutritious. I figured that if I used enough peanut butter and a few chocolate chips, even my kids shouldn't know the difference.

I was right.  After "fighting" with my daughter to try a red kidney bean at dinner (little success), I offered her one of these brownies after she did try a few new items.  She loved it.  My son and I knew what the "secret" ingredient was, but we did not dare to tell her.  Maybe the next time.  Either way, I know if she liked them, and the rest of my family loved them, then they must be good.

Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups

Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups

My favorite candy, besides creamy extra dark chocolate, is definitely a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Although I do not often let myself indulge in the original version, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter will always be a go to dessert flavor of mine. I recently came across a super simplified peanut butter cookie recipe that called for one cup each of peanut butter and sugar, mixed with one egg... which became my inspiration for the Chocolate Almond Fudge Drops I recently posted. I wanted to try the original version as well, but I can never keep anything simple, so of course I put my own spin on them and turned them into these marvelous delights.  While a peanut butter cup is mostly chocolate and processed peanut butter, these treats are mostly all natural organic peanut butter (and of course sugar) with just a touch of dark chocolate inside.  So while still being a dessert, they have some healthy protein, some nutritious flax seed and therefore, in my opinion, make an excellent after dinner indulgence.

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding

This recipe is yet another twist on my family's favorite Dark Chocolate Protein Pudding. The inspiration for this version came from a large block of 70% dark chocolate that I received in a gift basket at Christmas.  Normally I would not have any trouble just eating a large amount of chocolate all on it's own, but this block was really big and every time I tried to cut a chunk off, it crumbled into tiny pieces.  I suppose I could have just gnawed on it, but unless the chocolate is in bunny form, I find that method a little gross.  So I figured I would melt it down and use it in a recipe.  And since I had recently bought some silken tofu and some organic coconut milk to try, I thought maybe I would combine the three and see what happened.  The result is a tasty pudding that is a bit smoother than my previous versions.  However, the chocolate flavor was a bit overpowered by the tofu and milk, so I decided to add the almond extract which was definitely an improvement.  I thought it was fine as is, but my chocolate loving daughter wasn't so sure, so I mixed her serving with some peanut butter.  I am so glad I did.  It was amazing. The pudding became rich and decadent, and since all I added was healthy all natural peanut butter, it was still fairly nutritious, and higher in protein and healthy fats.  Because this recipe makes a lot and I am obsessed with not letting things go bad in my fridge, I have been eating it for breakfast the last few mornings and it has been so much fun.  I guess I really do love chocolate more than most!

Quick Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Quick Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are ridiculously simple and super quick to throw together, and offer the health of a bowl of oatmeal in cookie form.  I have been really busy this week preparing for a party I am hosting this weekend, so once again when my son came home from school and asked what was for dinner, I replied with "I don't know."  "Seriously Mom?" He asked.  "Again?"... I had to laugh.  And then I offered him some choices.  He could share the left over beans and rice I had taken out of the freezer for my husband and I, or I could give him a burrito wrap out of the freezer, or how about a bowl of oatmeal?  He thought for a second and said, "How about an egg sandwich and a bowl of oatmeal?"  I agreed and then went about working in the kitchen on some things I had been preparing. Then I got to thinking.... what will I feed my daughter?

My daughter is super picky and there are many nights where I give in and let her have whole grain crackers, cheese and some small amount of produce that she always fights me about eating. But I had about a cup of oatmeal left in a big container in my fridge that I wanted to use up and knowing it would be way too much for my son, and that as oatmeal alone in a bowl, my daughter would not even attempt to eat it, I had to think of some other way to get it into her tummy.  How about in cookie form?

This recipe is basically just a very simplified version of my Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie from the second post on this blog.  I literally just mixed five ingredients in a bowl, popped a small tray with 8 cookies on it into my toaster oven for 15 minutes, and presto, dinner and dessert all wrapped into one.  Of course I would normally use dark chocolate chips for their health benefits and the superior taste, or if it were just me, some walnuts instead, but I had a bag of white chocolate chips already opened and knew my kids would approve.  Otherwise this "cookie" is extremely nutritious, really moist and flavorful and super easy to throw together.  So the next time you are thinking about making oatmeal and have 20 minutes of time, why not make something a little different, and a little more fun!!!  The mix in possibilities are endless!!

* at the bottom are some additional photos from the following morning when I made them again, in a larger form, with walnuts and dark chocolate- amazing!!  :)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

These muffins are my daughter's new favorite.  They almost taste like a cookie and with the chocolate chips in them, they taste like more of a treat than they really are.  I came up with the idea simply because I wanted to use up two eggs and some mini chocolate chips before heading out on vacation, and I thought what better combination with chocolate than peanut butter?  I have made many peanut butter cookie recipes and one muffin recipe using bananas:(http://www.poconopabulum.com/2013/10/peanut-butter-and-banana-sandwich.html), but never a simple peanut butter muffin.  The ingredients in this recipe are just as healthy as most of my baking, full of whole grains, healthy fats and protein, and fairly low in sugar.  But the result is amazing.  Best when fresh out of the oven, these muffins get almost crunchy on top, while being moist on the inside and half of them were gobbled up right away by my very appreciative family.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

What is there not to love about a good old fashioned peanut butter cookie, except for the fact that it usually isn't very healthy?  This recipe changes all that without sacrificing any of the flavor, sweetness or peanut buttery goodness. By using all whole grains, chia seeds, coconut oil instead of butter, and pure maple syrup instead of sugar, this cookie is high in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, while also being vegan and insanely yummy.  For fun and because I still have a lot of Halloween candy left over, I topped a dozen of the cookies with small pieces of Snicker's candy bars: a sure way to make my kids think they are getting a special treat.  And although these cookies taste like dessert, they are more than healthy enough to serve for breakfast, as I did for my kids today.  If only they knew how lucky they are!

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich Muffins

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich Muffins

On days like today, I know I struggle to find easy and healthy foods for my kids to eat while on the run from one activity to another.  It would be very easy to drive through a pick up window at the local fast food place and grab something quick to go, but even if I could bring myself to do that more than once every couple of months, my kids actually don't even like that type of food anymore.  So what to do?  I could make yet another turkey sandwich, or peanut butter and jelly, or as I often do, give them a kids' protein bar and a bag of fruit and nuts to hold them over... but how about a healthy sandwich disguised in a muffin?  You could even spread a thin layer of chocolate peanut butter or Nutella on top and call it a cupcake like I do with my daughter and it works even better.  Obviously a muffin is not a perfect dinner replacement but if your kids are active like mine, it is a great before activity meal that will fill them up without weighing them down.  And because it is sweetened with bananas and honey, it tastes like dessert and will be sure to please even the pickiest eaters.  Trust me, because I have one of those kids!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Muffin Cookies

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Muffin Cookies

My 9 year old son has a 3 v 3 soccer tournament tomorrow and I wanted to bring something for him and his teammates to eat while running around all morning that would be quick, kid friendly, filling but not heavy and of course nutritious.  I figured the easiest thing for a kid to grab on the run would be in cookie form, but most cookies are high in sugar and not high in nutrients. These cookies are different.  Peanut butter (could substitute any other nut butter of course) is high in protein and healthy fats, oatmeal has fiber to keep you full, and bananas are a perfect nutrient dense sweetener when baking, so I combined all three and came up with these.  They are definitely not very sweet, and have the consistency of a muffin or cake more than a chewy cookie, but they are satisfying, flavorful and great for taking along on a busy day.  Think of them as a peanut butter and banana sandwich in cookie form... two kid favorites blended into one treat!  Hopefully my son's team will enjoy them as much as my family does and I look forward to hearing how your family likes them as well. 

* this recipe has been amended since it's first posting. 

Chocolate Pre-workout Breakfast Pudding

Chocolate Breakfast Pudding

Ok, this one might seem weird to some people (like my mom) and totally delicious to others (makes me think of my father in law's breakfast yogurt creations) but I swear it is a tasty, super effective way to gain energy and stamina for the long morning ahead, which for me will hopefully include an hour long work out. I have found in the past that regardless of how much I ate for breakfast by the time I was halfway through a workout an hour or two later I would be starving and unable to perform at my best.  So I have been trying out a few new combinations to see what will give me the most long lasting satiety while still being super nutritious.  The combination of high protein Greek yogurt, stomach filling chia seeds, healthy fats in peanut butter and walnuts combined with the satisfying flavor of chocolate and cherries makes this my new go to breakfast. Enjoy it with a side of sliced bananas and kiwis (two vitamin packed fruits that are inexpensive, available all year round and safe to buy non organic).  I had this every day last week and I thought it was time I share it with you as well!