3 - Ingredient Mini Pumpkin Muffins

Ok, these little morsels are to die for. I seriously could eat 10 in one setting. My beautiful Sister Jessica passed along this recipe to me and I've bought the ingredients I see fit. And the best part? Only 3 ingredients! All this recipe calls for is:

1 box of cake mix

1 can of Pumpkin

1/2 bag of cinnamon chips (Hershey's) 

Now, I like to buy the organic/all natural ingredients.

I do have to order the cinnamon chips online but the Hersey's brand is absolutely delicious! 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Will look dry at first but just keep mixing until incorporated. Divide evenly among muffin pan. Make approx. 36 mini muffins.

Bake at 325 degrees.

Mini muffin pan - 15 mins

Regular size muffins pan - 30 mins

Store an an airtight container for about a week. I like to freeze mine right away and reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds. My 4yr old loves these for a snack! 

Seriously, try to not eat 10 in one sitting! Cheers! 

Mock Sangria

I'm entering my 26 week of pregnancy and with these hot summer days I sure am craving a good refreshing drink! Minus all the sugar, alcohol of course and unnecessary preservatives. 

Tonight I made a Sangria Mocktail! Crisp, refreshing, and healthy I might add! Enjoy and happy hot summer days! 

Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Equal parts Unsweetened Cranberry Juice and Sparkling Water. (Can make a pitcher or just a glass)

Add slices of fruit: sliced oranges, lemons, and limes are my favorite. Can add berries too as those are in season now.

If you would like it sweeter you can use sweetened cranberry juice and/or Sierra Mist. Equally as delicious with a sweeter twist! 

Serve very cold.

Cheers! 

Banana Ice Cream

Tonight my 2.5 year old got out of the bath and asked me for a banana for snack. Well, our bananas just came in our bi-weekly farmbox yesterday and, they are still a bit green... 

Hungry toddler, no ripe banana = meltdown! 

Well, luckily, I keep some peeled bananas in the freezer for my green smoothies and I just so happen to have one and a half  left! Thank goodness my heart is screaming! I asked my son if he wanted banana ice cream instead? Much to my relief he nodded in absolute approval! Whew! Dodged another bullet today!  So, here is the recipe for a healthy, delicious, quick, mommy and child approved ice cream!

1.5 frozen bananas

3* tablespoons of milk

Blend in a good processor or blender until it resembles creamy ice cream. Add more milk if the consistency is crumbly. Top with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, sprinkles, etc! 

Serve immediately. Serving size 3. :-)

Here's to dodging bullets today, ice cream makes everything better! Xx 

Harvest Flatbread

My family and I make flatbread for sure once a week. It's simple, easy, and delicious. I always make the crust from scratch but with this easy fail proof recipe, it's a go to favorite.

Crust: http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/205113/master-pizza-dough

Note: I don't use corn meal but use Coconut Oil Pam Spray on the pan instead.

Next, top uncooked crust with a drizzle of olive oil, and any toppings you would like! This is a great meal to add any left overs you have lingering, veggies, apples, potatoes, greens, squashes, that have started to wilt or are ripe and ready!

Tonight's Harvest Flatbread was inspired by, hello Fall! Yippe! My family and I did our annual apple picking this weekend at the orchard so I HAD to add some apple to the mix! Mmmmm!

Harvest Flatbread:

-Add 1/2 a ranch seasoning packet to the crust dough when mixing.

-top flattened dough with olive oil.

-top with chopped Kale, pre-cooked sweet potato cubes, cubed apple pieces,  and grated mozzarella cheese.

Bake 400 degrees for approx. 20 mins.

We always like to dip our flatbreads in sauces. Ranch, bbq, marinara, Italian dressing, etc! Enjoy!

Summer Pops

In search of a yummy Popsicle without any disgusting artificial ingredients, chemicals, and unnecessary preservatives for my 2 year old to eat this summer, I found nothing... So, what to do? Make my own of course!

We are past the 4th of July but here are my delicious, healthy, red, white, and blue Popsicles! We can continue the patriotism right?! Plus it's strawberry season here in Michigan so let's eat them while we can! 

Containers: Target

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Fresh strawberries

1/2 cup Fresh Blueberries 

6oz container Greek Yogurt 

1-2 tps. Agave/honey/maple syrup

Blend each fruit separate from one another in a blender or food processor with 1-2 teaspoons of a sweetner of your choice until a smooth consistency. Either agave, honey, OR maple syrup. Sweeten to your liking. 

Next mix in a bowl the yogurt and sweetner.

Start to layer your smoothly blended ingredients into your Popsicle holder.

I started with red. Pour red into the tip of each container about a 3rd full. Next layer the yogurt, lastly layer the blended blueberries. Make sure there are no air pockets between layers so the pop can set up.

Place in the freezer for several hours until set.

When ready, take one 1 pop, one by one, run a little warm water over the outside of the container and wiggle the pop out. Enjoy!! Healthy, delicious, and toddler approved! :-) 

A Favorite Salad

I am a big fan of salads. That being said, they cannot be boring! I love the simplicity of throwing a delicious salad together, getting lots of vitamins and minerals, and taking bites while chasing a toddler around! 

My simple summery salad recipe:

Leafy greens. I prefer Kale or a firmer lettuce. (As much as you like)

Chopped avocado (about 1/4 avocado)

Sliced strawberries (about 3)

Seeds ( I like sunflower seeds and prefer Nature Box!) - today I used Honeycomb. I like several tablespoons.

2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut.

Drizzle of olive oil

Drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Today I used Fustini's Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar.  

Don't be afarid to experiment with other fruits! Melon, grapes, blueberries! I use what I have on hand. ;-) 

Enjoy! 

Spring Essentials

Spring has finally sprung here in Michigan so I finally got to take a trip to two of my favorite stores in Holland.

I felt it was time to add some new jewelry to my wardrobe and no better place than Spring Sweet.

My choices for this season and into summer are:

Golds! I feel like gold just shimmers well against brights and floral prints!

 1.) A long gold geometric necklace. Perfect for tanks and dresses.

2.) Gold half cuff bracelet for special occasions and date nights.

3.) Gold Triangle ring. An everyday statement piece.

4.) A peachy bib necklace for peasant tops, sleeveless blouses, and pretty dresses.

Next I popped over to Frances Jaye. Despite my urge to buy everything in the store for me, I picked up some super fun brightly colored socks for the Hubby! These will be super cute with loafers and a cuffed jean on him. Love some sunny yellow! 

Happy Spring!

Www.francesjaye.com

Www.springsweet.com