My Favorite Things!

Channeling Mary Poppins....I think.

 

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I do feel sad. I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so baaaaaaaaaaaaaad!

So true! So for you…here are a list of my favorite things (mostly foodwise). Turn that frown upside down. Okay, enough clichés, and on to the list.

1. Favorite protein shake: EAS Advantage! This premixed protein shake is amazing and comes in four delish flavors.

http://eas.com/product/advantedge-carb-control-ready-to-drink

Strawberry-Tastes like strawberry milk. Stick it in the freezer for a couple of minutes (even though they say not to!), and it tastes a tiny bit icy. Deliciousness.

Chocolate fudge-Chocolate milk with more than 4x the protein! Who can beat that?

Dark chocolate-Even better, darker chocolate. I have used this to make really thick protein hot chocolate in the cold weather. Fab!

Vanilla-This tastes like super duper sweet milk!

Café Caramel-The best flavor!!! It is like an absolutely delicious iced latte.

Sometimes I even add these instead of milk to certain recipes for an extra protein blast! I always feel hydrated and refreshed after drinking this. It quenches my sweet and thirst cravings all in one.

2. New snack obsession! Sensible Foods Roasted Edamame Crunch Dried Snacks. This reminds me so much of those snap pea crisps, but much crunchier! It also has a nice salty flavor and is great for that afternoon salt craving with nine grams of protein. Count it…nine! Obsession.

http://sensiblefoods.com/our-products

3. Soup: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup. So it is the pumpkin time of year, and I am stocking up on this creamy, hearty soup. This soup has two servings, and it was so delicious I ate both in one night!

 

http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=764

4. Sauce: Soyaki! They have a delicious one at Trader Joe’s and also a very similar one at Whole Foods that are both great. I love to use this sauce on veggie stir fry or even as salad dressing. It is a hint of soy, a hint of pineapple, a hint of ginger, and a bunch of yummy in my tummyness.

5. Favorite ice cream: So this is an interesting one. I am not a big ice cream fan, but I really like the mix ins in the ice cream. So you know how you can never get that delicious cookie taste from an oreo as is in cookies and cream ice cream? Well, the same is true with the chocolate and fudge bits in Sunnyside Farms Bear Foot Brownie ice cream. The ice cream, honestly, is tasteless. But, it has the HUGEST ribbons of chocolate and these delicious fudge brownie bits. It is literally like a treasure hunt digging through the tasteless ice cream to find the creamy chocolate and fudgy bits.

          (couldn't find a picture of my fave flavor, but this is what the carton looks like!)

6. Favorite yogurt: Fage. Nothing else is the real Greek yogurt. I will not stand for debate on this. This is the absolutely thickest and most tasty Greek yogurt of the bunch. I will not buy the big tubs of anything else. Even the 0% is thick enough to satisfy my yogurt craving. And, there is so much you can do with it from pancakes, to breakfast, and even putting it in dinner foods. I also love making dips for it. I add my delicious dip mix, give it a stir, and grab my carrots.

http://www.fageusa.com/

7. The Bulk Bins: I am obsessed with the bulk bins. Anywhere I go, I can’t stay away. Whether it is candy, granola, jelly bellies, or chocolates, the bulk bins always catch me hook, line, and sinker. Whether it is the Sweet Factory or the premium bins at Whole Foods or Sprouts, I can never refuse the bulk bins!

8. Pasta Sauce: No, all pasta sauces are not the same. And this is the reason I am willing to shell out $7 for the good stuff! I am a HUGE squash fan. Actually just for lunch today I had a mix of spaghetti and butternut squash so I am addicted to Dave’s Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. This sauce is so thick and creamy you can eat it on it’s own. Yes—I have tried. It could almost be a squash soup on its own. When heat it, you can taste the creamy squash with a hint of sweet and a tad of savory. But, it has a slightly varied taste when eating it cold! How interesting! Dave’s also makes other flavors, and I am dying to try their mushroom pasta sauce. This ain’t a regular tomato sauce with mushrooms! This high quality brand makes the actual brunt of the sauce from mushrooms. I have started to also see Dave’s at a wider variety of stores like Costco and Nob Hill—even on sale! But, that mushroom sauce has yet to be found. Surprisingly, I also really like the Clasico Pasta Sauce. It is cheap with a variety of flavors. Their Florentine Spinach and Cheese is excellent with numerous pieces of actual spinach scattered throughout the sauce. The Mushroom and Ripe Olives is also a yummy choice. I like that Clasico adds actual pieces of whatever they claim is in the sauce. Trader Joe’s also has a very creamy three cheese sauce that is delish. The variety of cheeses infuses it with taste, and it is a bit thicker than the regular sauce. With all the choices on the shelf, it can be difficult to know what is mediocre and the sauces that add that little extra touch to take your meal from good to de-freakin-lish!

9. Sugar Cookies Tea—Special editioooon for the holidays. Must stock up. Alas, this tea does not really taste like a sugar cookie. It seems to have a coconutty macaroon-like flavor, but with a bit of sugar it is delish.

 

10. Protein bar: Obsessed with Quest! They have the best flavors and when you microwave them...oh heavenly goodness! And 20 grams of protein...WOWZA. The pb and j is EVEN BETTER than a pb and j sandwich! You can taste the rich pb and sweet jelly melting in your mouth. The PB Supreme. PB pie status! The apple pie has little pieces of dried apple. But, nothing can beat the sweet cinnamon roll!

http://questproteinbar.com/

 Zone Perfect's Cookie Dough is a close second! There is never a moment when I can pass up cookie dough, but with 10 grams of protein, there is no reason to pass it up! I have only been able to find the chocolate chip which has that very sweet taste and even a similar texture as cookie dough. But, if I could find the PB, I may be the happiest person in the world. Why, oh why, don't they sell it anywhere?!!!!

http://zoneperfect.com/products/cookie-dough-landing.aspx

Have a lovely day! It is very chilly here, but I warmed up with some Arctic Zero + EAS hot chocolate! Tehehehhe.

 

Who Needs Starbucks? Peppermint Mocha...Arctic Zero Style!

There is nothing better on a chilly day than a cozy warm Starbucks drink in your tummy! But, I found a way to, not only, replicate this, but make it 1000X more heavenly! This recipe is, oh so, simple and absolutely delish!

Recipe

¼ cup coffee

¼ cup unsweetened almond milk

¼ cup Mint Chocolate Arctic Zero

1. Put the three ingredients in a cup. (Do not mix yet)

2. Microwave until the Arctic Zero bubbles to the top of the cup (Watch out because it will explode if it is in there for too long!)

3. Mix together and enjoy!

Oh my goodness. The bubbly Arctic Zero is like the thickest peppermint whipped cream. This drink is so devilishly delightful, but it is actually really healthy! This is the absolute best holiday drink!

Roasted Pumpkin in My Tum

So on my shopping trip to Trader Joe’s, I decided I really wanted to roast a pumpkin. Yah—I know odd realization. But, I did it. I bought a cute little pumpkin and roasted that baby up! I used a bit of olive oil and a lot of cinnamon! I also de-seeded the pumpkin and roasted the seeds. They actually came out amazingly crunchy and tasty simply with a sprinkle of salt. They were far superior to store bought.

Recipe

1 pumpkin

Cinnamon

Tiny drizzle of olive oil

1. De-seed and stick the pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet with a sprinkle of salt

2. Cut the pumpkin into smaller chunks, and drizzle with olive oil and cinnamon.

3. Bake at 350 until soft.

But, wait, we’re not done yet! So for a tiny pumpkin, it was still too large for one or even two dinners! So, it was time to get creative. Store bought pumpkin puree…pshtt…I’ll just make my own! Simply take your blender and your pumpkin. You’ll be ready to go. I went ahead and blended the outside of the pumpkin which gave the puree a nice nutty flavor. I also added some maple syrup and an extra bit of sugar. Then I stuck it in the pan to warm and cream up a bit! It turned out fabulously! I just ate this plain. It was delish!!!!!

Recipe

After you’ve completed the first recipe, blend that baby with some maple syrup and sugar. Cook in pan. Easy peasy delicious. 

The Most Satisfying Breakfast in the World (hint: It involves pumpkin!)

OH MY BREKKIE GOODNESS!

                                       The delish yogurt with a swirl of whip in the middle!

 

Trader Joe’s does it again! So for some reason I seem to have a sweet tooth in the morning. Yes, I do crave ice cream at like 6:30 AM when I wake up. This means that it is time to concoct. I had some leftover Trader Joe’s pumpkin yogurt sitting in my fridge this morning. It’s a pretty big carton at a good 8 oz. I am always in the mood for some sweet pumpkin. And then I saw it sitting on the top shelf of the fridge—my fave Fat Free Reddi Whip! I am obsessed with this stuff. I literally spray its pillowy, sweet goodness directly into my mouth. So my mind starting working Greek pumpkin froyo + Reddi whip=pumpkin pie. Oh and my geezers it basically was! This is legitimately the closest tasting thing to pumpkin pie I have had in my life. It reminds me more of pumpkin pie than actual pumpkin puree alone! The Greek yogurt is nice and thick simulating a very creamy, hearty pie inside and the whip adds a touch of sweetness almost simulating a taste of a buttery crust (as odd as that sounds). You could also add granola or cereal, and I am certain that would be an even closer approximation. Maybe something like gold grahams would simulate a crust? Actually…pumpkin pie in a graham cracker crust isn’t typical, but should be noted for a future baking project because it would certainly be good!

Recipe

1 carton TJ’s Pumpkin Greek Yogurt

1 bottle Fat Free Reddi Whip

1 handful granola or cereal (if desired)

Pictures of this crazy deliciousness below.

 

 

I actually feel like I had dessert for breakfast…crazy upside down days! I was tempted to stick some maple syrup in it, but my bottle was empty to the last drop.

What Is a Concoction?

Well, it’s basically combining a bunch of random stuff that tastes good together to make something that tastes unhumanly sinful. I would refer to myself as a concoction artist. While I do like finding recipes online, it is very frequently that I actually end up following these recipes either because I don’t have all the ingredients in my kitchen or because I just don’t feel like it. Concocting is much more evil fun! Mwahahha. Not really evil.

Concoction #1

 Rasberry goop. This was my first attempt at a protein omelet, but I made this deliciousness instead. I ended up using about a fourth cup of egg whites, some crushed up fresh rasberries,  a teensy tiny bit of protein powder, and the a large tablespoon of greek yogurt. “Oh..I’m sure this will turn out as a protein pancake” I thought. Thus, it didn’t. It turned into something so much better! This actually did not taste like am omelet. The rasberries and greek yogurt sweetened it so much that is became very dessert-like! When I first started cooking it in the pan and I thought it was omelet flipping time, the darn thing would not stay together. So, I gave in and just started scrambling. I ended up with this thick raspberry dessert concoction. It was probably the greek yogurt? It actually does not taste eggy at all, but rather somewhat of a rich and filling taste. I give this concoction an A+. I also decided to enjoy it with some more greek yogurt on top! Heavenly. (Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of this baby because I was just so excited to eat, but next time I make it, I will surely update with pictures.)

Concoction #2

                                                              Concoction Ingredients!

Sometimes, concoctions just involve mixing some good stuff together and hoping it tastes even better. This was my attempt when I decided to mix nuked chocolate peanut Arctic Zero, Reese’s puffs cereal, and PB2. If you have never tried Reese’s Puffs cereal, you are missing out. These little peanut buttery balls of goodness are coated in this heavenly, thin layer of pb. Yum. This recipe was a success. By itself, nuked Arctic Zero tastes like the thickest hot chocolate in the world. But, add a little PB2 and you’re getting to dreamland level. Add my favorite cereal, Reese’s Puffs, and you’ve got yourself a winner! Just a warning, if you leave the Reese’s in the concoction too long, they start to get a little soggy L. So, eat it quick!

More concoction, and I promise pictures, to come! 

SUPER Protein Pancake--40+ grams!

Shouts of glee! I finally succeeded in making my first protein pancake. But, when I commit, I go overboard. So not only did I make a regular protein pancake, I made a SUPER protein pancake.

                    Look at this beauty in the pan! So nice and thick--almost perfectly browned.

I decided to add my RTD 51 chocolate peanut  butter protein shake, which failed in taste on its own due to the artificial flavor, to add some peanut buttery deliciousness to my pancake! And, it worked fabulously creating a thick and golden brown protein pancake. Not only did I add this extra, but I also created maple protein frosting! Here is how to make this super special protein pancake!

Recipe

Choc PB Protein Pancake

1 Scoop Protein Powder (I used a packet of Tara’s Whey)

Approx. ¼ cup egg whites

About ½ cup of choc peanut butter protein shake (or really any flavor). I used this instead of milk or flavoring. This is in liquid form.

A pinch of baking powder

Some cinnamon if desired

I whisk it all together and pop it in the pan on the stove. Then, when it starts to bubble and the other bottom side is brown, flip it. Cook through and then it’s time for your frosting

 

Maple Protein Frosting

½ cup maple syrup (or as much as desired)

½ packet protein powder

                                                              It was super duper sweet!

Mix these two really well. Pop the mixture in the microwave and let it go until it begins to bubble or is nice and hot. Pour it on your pancake.

This was absolutely delicious. These flavors created such a perfect compliment, and I was shocked at how hearty my pancake was. This meal has about a grand total of almost 40 grams of protein. WOWZA! It came out nice and crispy also. I will be having yet another for dinner tonight—perfect to satisfy the sweet tooth! Maybe I’ll add some strawberries next time and extra vanilla liquid protein shake. Hmmm…Or even thicken it with Greek Yogurt? Or....add the maple to the actual pancake. The possibilities are endless!

Nuts for nuts—well malt balls more specifically

 

So after seeing pumpkin spiced malt balls at my local Sprouts, I decided to do some other research to see what other flavors are available. As a bin addict, I always through in a couple of delicious malt balls for good measure. There is nothing like biting into one of these treats with its smooth, usually chocolately outside, and sweet crunchy malt inside.

                                              Can't forget the most well known brand!

Between my various supermarkets and candy stores, I have seen a pretty extensive malt ball flavor list.

1. Regular malt balls (chocolate outside and malty goodness inside)—These are the classic.

2. Peanut butter chocolate malt balls (chocolate outside with a layer of peanut butter and then malty inside)—These are usually ginormous due to the double layered goodness!

3. Peanut butter malt balls (pb outside and chocolate inside)—Just plain ahmmmazing.

4. Mint malt balls (these have a mint cookie like outside and malted inside…almost like mint chocolate chip ice cream)

5. Dark chocolate malt balls---Self explanatory.

6. White chocolate malt balls---Just sooooo good when you’re in white chocolate mood!

7. Ultimate malted milk balls—This is basically like a marbled one coated with white, dark, and milk chocolate. The grand supreme king of malt balls!

8. Cookies and cream malt balls-This reminds me so much of a cookie dough malt or cookie dough ice cream. You can distinctly taste the white chocolate and cookie like pieces in it. This may even beat out my love for pb malt balls!

9. Espresso malt balls-Coffee and malt, what can be better than that?

10. Blueberry malt balls-This taste like the outside layer on those colored chocolate covered blueberries, but, of course, with a malted inside. For when you’re feeling fruity! I said fruity, not necessarily healthy.

11. Speckled robin eggs-These are so good! The outside is almost crunchy instead of being a soft, creamy layer.

Now this is where my knowledge stops and research starts. I happened upon this great website with some of the best looking malt ball flavors. I typed in malt balls and was absolutely shocked at all the options: http://www.nuts.com/search?q=malt+ball AND http://wilburs.gourmetfoodmall.com/ProductDetail.php?product=23428

Peppermint—Not a big peppermint fan, but this is an interesting flavor.

ICE CREAM SUNDAE MALT BALLS-Must find, must find!

Yogurt malted milk balls-This sounds very delicious as well. I think the yogurt covering and malt would create a very melty, creamy, and complimentary flavor.

Maple malted milk balls-I love maple! This sounds heavenly. It looks like it still has a chocolate outside coating though so I’m not sure how the maple flavor plays in?

Cinnamon malt balls-Like peppermint, not a big cinnamon fan. Although the flavors could be interesting contrasts with the malt inside and spicier outside?

Coconut malt balls-I can’t even imagine.

Egg nog-Wow.

Key lime-Tangy and tart with the malted inside…interesting!

 

Hmmm. All this malt ballin got me thinking. If I bought the malted inside, could I really make my own by dipping them in anything? Butterscotch malt balls coming up?