Vanilla Cupcakes

I made these delicious vanilla cupcakes awhile back. We were having a party that needed lots of lots of treats so we decided to throw in something basic. These ended up being one of the favorites. 

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup buttermilk (I always use milk and white vinager its usually 1 cup milk:1 Tbls vinegar)

DIRECTIONS

Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately  Slowly add dry mix to wet mix. Bake at 350º for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.

We topped these off with home maid whip cream and a strawberry to keep them light and fresh tasting!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I got this recipe from an old roommate of mine, Anna, this was her family's recipe. It is still one of my favorite cookie recipe's. The cookies are the perfect fluffiness, and aren't overly buttery. They so good! I have a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipe's that are all pretty similar. This is my go to recipe now, and the ingredients I almost always have on hand. 

INGREDIENTS

2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup butter

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

Cook at 375º for 8 minutes or until golden brown. 

Nut Balls

My old roommate Alaina used to make these for me and she got me addicted. They are one of my favorite treats to have on hand and they are relatively healthy. You can usually find a batch of these in my freezer at anytime. They are so much better for you than the usual treats I have sitting around my house like cupcakes and cookies.

INGREDIENTS

Almonds

Olive Oil

Honey

Cocoa

Unsweetened Coconut

tsp Vanilla

Pinch of Salt

I honestly have no idea the amounts you are supposed to use. I always make them to taste and they turn out a little different every time. 

I usually start with about 2 cups finely ground almonds. I poor the almonds into my Blend-tech and put it on level 3 for about 5 seconds and it's already done the job. Stop it before it's complete powder, you want some chunks in it.

I add even amounts of olive oil and honey and about 1/2 cup coconut to the almonds in a large bowl. Your goal is to use enough olive oil and honey that the balls can stick together with out over powering the nut balls  You still want to taste the nut but making them a little sweeter. Also add about 2 TBL of cocoa depending on how chocolaty you want it, and your pinch of salt and vanilla. 

I usually stir with a fork. I try to add as few ingredients as I can so that they stay healthier. Add enough honey and olive oil that they stick together. Keep adding until you can role a ball, and your happy with the taste.

Once they are rolled I put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once fully frozen I transfer to tupperware and leave in freezer to enjoy whenever I need a little treat. I also eat them for breakfast when I'm running late in the morning!

Enjoy!

Black Bean Burger

This isn't the best photo. All I had was my iPhone and it was dark. But know that it tasted really good! Black bean burgers are so tasty! You can eat the patty by itself and its still delicious. I made them for my husband and I and his old roommate one night with the bun and veggies, and then ate just a leftover patty the next day for lunch.

INGREDIENTS

2 slices high-quality which sandwich bread, torn into pieces 
2 cans black beans, rinsed
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 shallot, minced 

DIRECTIONS

I'm going to give more detailed directions than I usually do because this recipe was easier to mess up than most recipes. I tend to always try to make things healthier and I added extra veggies and less bread crumbs. Don't. It makes the patties fall apart really easily. This recipe is best to follow exact the first time and then make adjustments accordingly the next time you make it.

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Pulse bread crumbs in food processor to coarse crumbs. Spread crumbs on rimmed baking sheet and bake till golden brown. About 10 min. Let cool to room temperature.

2.Place 2 1/2 cups of the beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth. In separate bowl whisk eggs, 1 TBL oil, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.

3.Stir egg mixture, toasted breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup beans, bell pepper, cilantro, and shallot into mashed beans. Divide into 6 patties about 1-inch-thick.

4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay patties on skillet and cook until well browned on both sides. 8-10 min.

Serve

These really are delicious and I would recommend trying them. Pair them with sweet potato fries and you won't regret it.

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Kathryn and its in American Test Kitchen's Healthy Family cookbook.

Sweet Potato Fries

I was really craving a burger and fries one night and didn't want all the fat. I decided to make black bean burgers with sweet potato fries, and it turned out delicious! It's the perfect healthier version to a good old burger and Fries.

INGREDIENTS

2 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons hot sauce
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cut into wedges about 3/4 inch wide. Combine olive oil, hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add in sweet potatoes and toss until entirely covered.

Set the potato wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer so they don't touch. Bake for 20-30 until they are brown, flipping them once. 

Serves 4. Calories Per Serving 90. Fiber 2g. Fat 3.5g. Protein 1g.

Cook at 500ºF

Make with Blackbean Burgers.

Multigrain Waffles

I am a salty breakfast food person. I pretty much stick to healthy cereals, and if I am eating a big breakfast I eat eggs and toast. Waffles, Pancakes, and French Toast are too sugary in the morning and I like them more as a dessert. If I do make waffles, this is my go too recipe. It's a healthier waffle recipe, and one of the lighter feeling multigrain waffle recipes I've found. I feel much better about eating it than regular waffle recipes, and it's still really delicious.

INGREDIENTS

(Healthier Option)

2 eggs, beaten

1 3/4 cups skim milk

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup canola oil (applesauce)

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup flaxseed meal

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup oats

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat)

4 tsp baking powder

1 TBL sugar (splenda+1 tsp brown sugar)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Calories: 238 (193 w/substitutes)

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, applesauce, oil, vanilla. Beat in whole wheat pastry flour, flaxseed meal, wheat germ, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.

Cook in waffle iron, eat and enjoy!

Add Strawberry's and Banana's to the top to make extra delicious!