Friday, July 31, 2015

Monster Cookie Protein Balls & Weekend Potluck #181

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!
We're so happy you joined us today...


AND....


When I share something worth sharing...again...

With oats, flax seed, peanut butter and honey, these are sure to please
young and old alike.  And...they're good for you!!!! 



Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~


Crock Pot Chili Dog Sauce by Kelli’s Kitchen

Recipes that caught our attention ~


Biscuit & Gravy Casserole by Sunflower Supper Club


Cherry Limeade Angel Food Shortcake by A Sprinkle of This and That

And, a personal favorite ~

Overnight Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake.jpg

Your hostesses ~

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.
  1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
  2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. 
    When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!







Wednesday, July 29, 2015

New Recipe: Blueberry Lemonade Smoothie


I love making smoothies.  They can be made with healthy ingredients and it's a quick start to my mornings. 

I added Greek yogurt to bump up the protein in this delicious beverage.

Using fresh lemon juice always makes for the best results, but bottled lemon juice works great too. 

Refreshing and Good for you! 


BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SMOOTHIE 

1 c. blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 c. lemon juice, fresh or bottled
1/2 c. blueberry, lemon or vanilla Greek yogurt 
(plain works great too)
1/2 - 3/4 c. crushed ice 
1/4 c. water 
(or more for consistency desired)
1 pkt. Stevia or Truvia
Blend all ingredients in the food processor for at least 45 seconds and and enjoy....even on the run!
Yield: 1 serving


Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday






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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Peach Cobbler Smoothie (WW Pts)

This is creamy, refreshing and filling smoothie is very similar to something I make on my own...and enjoy often, so when I saw this recipe being posted at Hungry Girl..
I HAD TO SHARE! 

And Good Gravy!  Why I didn't think to name it this, I'll never know???

I often add oatmeal to smoothies for the fiber, so it helps keep you full too. 
Love the peachy flavor with all the spices...MMMMM!

I always use unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
It's only 30 calories per cup...can't beat that.  It's also low in the glycemic
index so it's great for folks having to watch sugar intake. 


PEACH COBBLER SMOOTHIE 

1 c. frozen peach slices (no sugar added), slightly thawed
(I used fewer - about half -  to make it a sippable smoothie)
1 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 c. fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
(I like using peach flavored)
2 Tb. old-fashioned oats
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 - 2 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Truvia)
1/2 cup crushed ice, optional
Garnish with more nutmeg if desired 

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until smooth, whirring for at least 45 seconds.  Stir if need be so peaches don't get stuck. Add more milk or yogurt according to desired thickness. 


Yield: 1 serving


From the Hungry Girl website: (without any adaptions)

Entire recipe (about 14 oz.): 190 calories, 3.5g fat, 199mg sodium, 32.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 17.5g sugars, 8.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5*



You might also enjoy these other smoothies...

Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (no sugar added)





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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Overnight Oats - PB Banana & Strawberry Nutella

Golly gee - it's been quite a while since I posted an oatmeal recipe. 

I've eaten plenty of it, I just haven't shared a new and creative way to enjoy them. But hold on!...this no cook recipe is a real winner! 

These oats are creamy and good-for-you!  Make ahead for a no-fuss breakfast!
I love putting them in jars for single servings.  You can make up several different flavors to satisfy everyone's tastes. 


I suggest using old fashioned or rolled oats for the best texture. If you are making in small jars, don't try to enlarge the recipe because the measurements below fill up a jar.  (I used half pints)

(I used some chocolate peanut butter that I found hiding in the fridge) 

I've also seen these 
called "Growing Oats"...the texture is much like that of pudding, but
you can also warm this if that's how you prefer. 

I'm always inspired by Sam's awesome recipes shared at 
Five Heart Home.  She also shares a "Coconut Almond" oatmeal
option at this post.  And she used raspberries instead of strawberries. Please stop by and tell her I said hello.
She has TO.DIE.FOR recipes & photos!! 


OVERNIGHT OATS 

Peanut Butter Banana:
1/3 c. rolled oats 
(not quick)
1/3 c. (almond) milk
1/3 c. plain (Greek) yogurt
1/2 c. mashed banana 
(about 1 medium)
2 -3 Tb. peanut butter
1 tsp. (or more) honey
a few shakes of ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
sliced bananas, chopped peanuts, peanut butter, chocolate chips for garnish,
optional

STRAWBERRY NUTELLA: 
1/3 c. rolled oats
1/3 c. (almond) milk
1/3 c. plain (Greek) yogurt
2 - 3 Tb. nutella
pinch of salt
1/2 c. sliced strawberries
More sliced strawberries, chopped nuts, nutella for garnish, optional

In a small bowl or jar, mix oats, milk and yogurt. Stir in add-ins. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When serving, top with garnishes.  Enjoy!
Great with some toast too. 

Linked to Meal Plan Monday



You might enjoy these other no-cook breakfasts with added protein...

Healthy Tropical Fruit Smoothies




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Friday, July 24, 2015

Banana Pudding Supreme & Weekend Potluck #180

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!
We're so happy you've stopped by today...


AND...


When I share something worth sharing...again...


This outrageously delicious no bake dessert can be made with 'reduced/very low sugar' options. There's also a link to make your own 
Sweetened Condensed Milk...
with very little sugar!  You'll want seconds...and thirds....MMM!!



Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Microwave Corn on the Cob by The Better Baker
(WOOOHOOO!Thanks y'all!=)

Recipes that caught our attention ~


3 Ingredient Butterfinger Bars by Table for Seven

Baked Bacon Egg And Cheese Bread Boat by Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen

And, a personal favorite ~

fresh raspberry dessert bars
Fresh Raspberry Dessert Bars by Queen of the Red Double Wide

Your hostesses ~

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.
  1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
  2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video. Please use a direct link within your post.
When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!





Wednesday, July 22, 2015

3 Ways to Enjoy Summertime Veggies {Blast from the Past}

Though I'm not crazy about cukes, I can't stop eating this
delicious spread...it's awesome with crackers! Or even 
on top of cuke slices!

 Cucumber Cracker & Bagel Spread




Easy & delicious way to enjoy this healthy green..




We enjoy this easy dish many times over the summer months...
love it served over sliced tomatoes too...






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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Cheesecake Dip (For Berries or Fruit)

This is a simple dip with cream cheese and sour cream as the base.
Dip berries in it, then roll them in crushed graham crackers for a
'cheesecake' resemblance...or just dip crackers or vanilla wafers in it.
You can substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract. 
A great way to enjoy berries before summer is over! 

Or grapes or pineapple or bananas.....


CHEESECAKE DIP

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2/3 c. sour cream

6 Tbsp powdered sugar

2 Tbsp. milk

1/2 tsp. almond (or vanilla) extract
1 qt fresh strawberries
1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs


In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add the sour cream, sugar, milk and extract; mix until smooth.  Transfer to a serving bowl.  Place the strawberries and crumbs in separate serving bowls.  Dip strawberries into cheesecake mixture, then into crumbs.  Makes about 2 cups.

Linked to Full Plate Thursday


You may also enjoy...



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Sunday, July 19, 2015

Creamy Taters, Green Beans & Caramelized Onions

OH-MY-LANTA!! 

This dish is soo creamy and rich...I could fill my plate and eat nothing else for a meal.  (Trust me when I say, I am NOT a big veggie eater!)  But this dish is simply irresistible. 

Perfect for enjoying those fresh (or frozen) green beans, red taters and onions you can find at farmer's markets this summer. 

I got the idea of adding the onions from my Caramelized Veggie Trio..it's mighty tasty too.  It has a balsamic glaze that's out of this world. 

The simple, smooth & velvet-y cream cheese sauce is perfect. I would not enjoy it nearly as much if the onions weren't caramelized.

Impressive!  Company-worthy dish! 

I love Cristy's recipes at Southern Plate..and make many of them.
I adapted this one by changing up the process and adding the onions, and making sure they were caramelized. 



1 lb. green beans (fresh or frozen)
6-8 small new potatoes or 3 or 4 large ones 
1 (vidalia) medium onion, sliced
1/4 c. butter (1/2 a stick), divided
4 ozs. cream cheese 
1/2 c. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Wash and chunk new potatoes into bite sized pieces. Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add green beans (I used frozen). Boil until fork tender, about 10-12 minutes. Place in colander to drain.

While veggies are cooking, melt 2 Tb. butter in large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion slices and cook, stirring often, until tender and are getting nice and brown, about 8 - 10 minutes. Remove from skillet, and place over veggies in colander while you make the sauce. 


In same skillet you used to brown the onions, add remaining 2 Tb. butter, cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Over low heat, stir constantly until cheese melts. Use a whisk to beat lightly until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if you want a thinner sauce (but I don't think you will...just sayin).  Remove from heat. Add veggies from colander; stir to coat with luscious sauce. 

Sprinkle with more pepper if desired. Serve warm. Enjoy!


Linked to Full Plate Thursday
            Weekend Potluck


You also might enjoy these other side dishes...

Broccoli/Corn Casserole





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Friday, July 17, 2015

Amazing Crockpot Caramel Sweet Rolls & Weekend Potluck #179


WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 
We are excited you stopped by today...pour some coffee and sit a spell...


AND....


When I share something worth sharing...again...

Using refrigerated rolls makes this one dish very simple to make...
let the crockpot do the cooking while you're busy doing other things.
MMMM! 





Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Chocolate-Chip-Cookie
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie by Sunflower Supper Club

Recipes that caught our attention ~


Summer Garden Pasta Spaghetti by Simply Suzanne’s at Home


Fully Loaded Hash Brown Casserole by Everyday Made Fresh

And, a personal favorite ~

Chocolate Crunch Raspberry Waffles | DizzyBusyandHungry.com - Kids love these fun and delicious waffles with crunchy chocolate crispies and real raspberries!

Chocolate Crunch Raspberry Waffles by Dizzy Busy and Hungry

Your hostesses ~

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.
  1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
  2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video Please use a direct link within your post.
When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!









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