Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s the calm before the storm, time spent with family, and best of all the food. Turkey is ok in my book, I am more of a sides kinda girl. Stuffing, potatoes, veggies… Yum!
Tag Archives: snack
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
I think I may have just found my new favorite muffin. I am absolutely in loooove with these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins! They make a great breakfast with some fresh fruit or a perfect snack.
Zucchini Fries with Sriracha Dipping Sauce
Got zucchini? Holy smokes we have lots and lots of zucchini growing in our garden right now! So I am trying to get creative with recipe ideas.
I just love zucchini and I love fries…Zucchini fries=Yummy!
Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
Looking for an appetizer to make for a Memorial Day picnic? Then look no further!
With tomato season right around the corner these tomato mozzarella skewers make a perfect summer appetizer. They are super easy to prepare and one of my favorite appetizers to make for a party.
Carrot Fries
French fries are my guilty pleasure. While I do indulge once in a while, these tasty little treats are so much healthier and completely guilt free. Serve them up with a dip or alone. I promise they are awesome!
Mexican Egg and Quinoa Muffins
Keeping with the Cinco de Mayo theme… I give you Mexican Egg and Quinoa Muffins!
I just love to make all kinds of things in my muffin pan. These muffins are so darn good I just had to share. Not only are they super easy to make, they’re good for you too.
Guacamole
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or your next fiesta with guacamole. Guacamole is a staple in any Mexican dish I prepare, but it is also an awesome, easy dip. I whipped this up in about 10 minutes and we had it as a Sunday afternoon snack.
Quinoa Pizza Bites
Did I ever mention that I’m a snacker? Alright, a huge snacker! I like to think it’s because I exercise a lot and work up an appetite, but no, I really just love to eat. Since I am constantly snacking on something I need to make sure it is healthy, and these quinoa pizza bites do the trick. You can add any of your favorite pizza toppings, which makes these a great appetizer for parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, save extra for topping handful fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Cook quinoa according to package directions, let cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Scoop into muffin pan and press until flat on top.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until nice and brown. Take out of oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the muffin pan, otherwise they will fall apart.
- Top with fresh grated parmesan cheese and serve with side of warm marinara sauce.
Enjoy!
Sesame Kale Chips
Ahhh! The first day of Spring, although it does not feel like it Pennsylvania today, but at least the sun is shining. Which has me thinking swim suit season is right around the corner. Time to step up my fitness and be mindful of what I am eating.
First step, healthy snacks, especially since I am a big snacker during the day. Well these kale chips are delish and have you going back for more. Good thing they are a good for you and a guilt free snack!
Did you know that Kale’s considered a superfood? According to a May 2010 article published in “Diabetes Forecast,” it provides high levels of a number of essential nutrients and may help to lower your blood pressure. Click here to find out more about why this vegetable is considered a super food.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh kale, thick stems removed and chopped into bite size pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Couple of dashes of soy sauce, or tamari for gluten free
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl to coat kale.
- Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven. I noticed the chips closer to the edge of the pan crisped first, so I removed those and cooked the rest a few minutes longer.
Stove Top Popcorn
For me, Sunday night is tv night. And who doesn’t love eating popcorn when you’re watching your favorite show. Growing up my mom always made popcorn on the stove top. Now most make popcorn in the microwave. These microwave bags of popcorn are loaded with harmful chemicals. Making popcorn on the stove is easy, inexpensive, and much better for you since you control the ingredients.
Microwave popcorn contains a chemical called diacetyl. This chemical is added to give the popcorn it’s golden color and distinctive microwave popcorn smell. Microwave popcorn also contains a coating, which breaks down when heated called perfluorooctanoic (PFOA). It has been identified as a “likely carcinogen” by the Environmental Protection Agency. I don’t know what this stuff is, but I definitely know I don’t want to eat it!
Directions
- Heat a large pot with 3 tablespoons of oil (olive oil, coconut, grape seed, your choice) over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and cover with lid. Popcorn will begin to pop in a few minutes.
- Cook until kernels slowly stop popping. About 4-6 minutes.
- Top with your favorite ingredients. I like parmesan cheese and sea salt.