What I'm Eating: January 2013

In honor of the New Year, I've decided to start a new sort of post on Mix It Up.  As you may have seen above, it's called What I'm Eating.  It's basically just what it sounds like.

Each month, I'll take the time to share 5-10 of my favorite foods/recipes/food products that I've been eating lately.  Normally it will be things that I've discovered after the previous post of What I'm Eating, but because this is the very first one, it will feature things that are from as long ago as I feel like.

So, without further ado, let's begin.  Below is What I'm Eating...

A brussels sprouts dish inspired by this recipe.  Sorry for the bad picture.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts - I never ever thought these little guys would become one of my favorite veggies, but, what do you know, they did.  I absolutely adore brussels sprouts, as long as they're roasted until tender and slightly browned.  God, it's so good.  And you can pair a whole bunch of flavors with them as well.  I've found that dried cranberries, maple syrup, and/or  balsamic vinegar are especially good.  Here are some recipe that I've tried, or would love to try, to help you get over your brussels sprout fear:

• Cider Glazed Brussel Sprouts with Delicata Squash and Breadcrumbs  - I've tried this one, minus the breadcrumbs, and it was delicious.  The squash adds something special, and I'm sure that the breadcrumbs would just make the whole dish nearly perfect.

• Roasted Grapes with Brussel Sprouts - I like this recipe because it's different.  Grapes and brussel sprouts aren't something I stumble upon often in one dish, and I had never had grapes roasted prior to trying this.  Well, yum.  The sweet grapes pair quite well with the brussels, and your taste buds are sure in for a surprise when you dig in.  I may or may not have eaten it with my fingers while standing over the stove.

• Israeli Couscous with Brussel Sprouts and Cranberries - my very own recipe, and another tried and true favorite.  It's a bit more substantial than the other recipes, thanks to the couscous, so if you're looking for more of a light meal than a side dish, this may be the better choice.  And if you want to go totally crazy, add bacon.  Bacon makes everything better.

(source)

Trader Joes Cranberry Cranberry Chèvre Log - first of all, Trader Joes is like the best store ever.  I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot from there.  They also happen to have pretty yummy samples... or they did the day they were offering this cheese at least.  I tried some, liked it, and bought it.  Just like that.  It's not something I would have been likely to buy otherwise, as I'm not such of a cheese fan (I know, I know, it's weird), but thanks to that sample table, I'm now a goat cheese lover.  Just a warning to anyone wanting to try it, the appearance is a bit funny.  Don't let it scare you away though, this cheese is GOOD.  Spread it on crackers (a seedy type is best), toast, or the bread of your sandwich, and you're in for a tasty treat.  Just a note: I bought this around Thanksgiving, and I'm not positive, but I think it may be a seasonal product.  Sorry about that!  Just keep an eye out for it next year.  There are also similar products at other stores, if you want it sooner (I don't blame you).

Sweet Potato Desserts - no, I'm not talking about the butter, brown sugar, and marshmallow type.  The thought of those almost makes me want to barf.  When I say Sweet Potato Desserts, what I really mean are yummy desserts that take advantage of the awesome taste, texture, and color of sweet potato.  You've already seen one of my creations (link to it), but judging bu all the recipe ideas running through my head, there will be many more.  In the meantime, here are some recipes to help you jump on board the healthy sweet potato dessert bandwagon.

• Sweet Potato Beet Cake - I've already mentioned this one, but it's too good not share again.  A fudgy cake, with an even fudgier frosting, this totally unique chocolate dessert takes advantage of the sweet potatoes creamy texture as well as the earthiness of beets.  It like nothing you've ever tasted before, in the best if ways.  You don't want to miss out on this dessert!

• Sweet Potato Avocado Brownies - I haven't tried the exact recipe for these, but I have  modified it to be a bit less decadent (and nut-free).  That version turned out rather nicely, so I highly recommend checking out the original.  It's got a chocolate hazelnut frosting that looks and sounds simply incredible, so I have no doubt the brownies will be a decadent and delicious dessert.  And even If you don't plan on making them, I'd click the link just so you can drool over the pictures.  The one with the dirty spoon is my favorite.

• Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Jar Cakes - You better bet I want to try these.  A sweet potato cake is something I can't say I've ever had, but based on the pictures from this post, it's definitely something I'd like to try.  And so so so cute when baked into the little jars.  Oh yeah, and there's chocolate involved.  I'm thinking this recipe is definitely a winner.

Whole Foods 365 Bite Size Stoneground Crackers - These are currently my favorite crackers.  They're salty, crunchy, and have the perfect size.  I've tried other stoneground crackers in hopes of finding another favorite, but they just don't do it for me.  It's gotta be the bite size stoneground crackers that you buy from whole foods for a higher price than you should.  Call me crazy, but it's true.  I love them some much that I've even speculated about how I could make them myself (anyone know how to make crunchy crackers?).  Some of my favorite ways to enjoy the crackers are with goat cheese (of the cranberry variety perhaps), a thick slather of jam, or straight from the bag by the handful.  Yeah, I like that last one a lot.

Glazed Salmon - I eat salmon once a week, and almost every time it's with some sort of glaze on it.  One time I ate it with a spice rub instead and it just plain wasn't as good.  Now, I pretty much only make salmon with some sort of marinade or glaze.  The sticky, slurpy, texture it adds to a salmon dish is the best thing ever, especially when you scoop up all the extra glaze after the fish is done baking and slurp it off a spoon.  It sounds bad... But it's so good.  Here are some of my favorite recipes so that you can taste this awesomeness too.

• Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon - I use this recipe to make salmon the most often.  I love it because its easy, tasty, and pretty fast too.  I use the sweet chili glaze from Trader Joes , but feel free to use your favorite brand. It all depends on what you like best.  You can also switch out the veggies in the recipe for some of your favorites.  I'm a fan of asparagus or green beans.

• Honey Thyme Glazed Trout or Salmon - I've tried this recipe several times as well (sometimes with salmon, sometimes with trout).  It's pretty different from the first one, but still just as yummy.  I never follow the exact recipe, however, so I'm not sure what would happen if you did.  The changes I typically make are adding soy sauce, some olive oil, and baking instead if broiling until done.  With those changes, the result is pretty darn delicious, and a great meal too.

Peanut Butter & Co Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Peanut Butter - I had heard good things about this before trying it, and was pretty sure it would be something I'd love.  The only problem was that it was so darn expensive.  It seemed crazy to spend the going price for a little jar.  Then one day I found it on sale... And I pounced.  You guys, it's so yummy.  The peanut butter spread has a lot if cinnamon flavor, a couple raisins scattered about, and a really unique texture.  The texture was what surprised me the most.  It's a bit granule, like little sugar crystals are scattered through it.  Maybe that doesn't sound super appealing, but it really adds a uniqueness to the spread.  Almost like you're eating what would still be on the knife after spreading peanut butter on a slice of cinnamon raisin bread.  My ultimate favorite way to eat this awesome butter is by the spoonful (as with many nut butters), but if you prefer to be more proper, its also great on apple slices or just plain old toast.  I imagine it would be a pretty good oatmeal topper too.  Now that I've tried it, I'm working on creating my own version... I'll keep you posted on that.

Yogurt and Cereal Parfait - I found a way to make cereal filling!  One of my most common breakfasts these days consists of some sort of cereal, Greek yogurt, and whatever fruit I happen to have on hand.  I layer it all into a pretty little parfait and it makes for a fast and satisfying breakfast.  I've even started to scour the grocery store for new cereals to try in my creations.  I try to stick to low sugar brands, that will go well with lots if flavors.  Some types that I've tried and liked are Corn Chex, Cinnamon Puffins, and Kashi Crunch.  The fruits I use in the parfaits are usually frozen, or pretty easy to come by.  Apples coated in cinnamon, frozen mixed berries, and frozen mango are some common ones.  As for the yogurt, mostly its just plain 0%, but sometimes I mix it up with some fruit flavors or vanilla.  Here are some fun flavor combinations in case you want to make your own parfait:

• Apple Pie -0% vanilla Greek yogurt layered with your favorite cereal, and  some warmed and cinnamon coated apples.  To make the apples, just microwave the pieces, after sprinkling with cinnamon, for a minute or so.

• Blueberry Overload - 1 individual container of fruit at the bottom blueberry chobani, a cereal of choice (if its berry flavored, even better) and plenty of frozen blueberries.  This one may stain your lips purple, but it's worth it!

10 Healthy Desserts to Inspire a Healthy and Happy 2013

Who doesn't like dessert?

I imagine a rather small amount of people would answer yes to that question.  But, tell me, what about this one:

Who doesn't eat dessert often?

I'm willing to bet that the number of people answering yes has gone way up.  

Many people rarely indulge in dessert because they fear it will ruin their diet, make them feel guily, and/or cause them to overeat and get a stomachache.  But that's not always the case.  Sure, a bakery dessert can make those things happen, but there are also much healthier options that don't sacrifice taste in the slightest, and won't ruin your healthy eating goals.

Today, in honor of the upcoming new year, and any healthy eating resolutions you may have set for yourself, I'll be sharing 10 healthy dessert recipes.  These desserts are good for you and good tasting.  It's my hope that they will help lead you to the happiest and healthiest 2013 possible.  Because no one should ever miss out on dessert.

Double Decker Chocolate Cake - This is the ultimate doesn't seem healthy dessert.  It looks, tastes, and feels incredibly indulgent, and yet it's just the opposite.  The full nutrition facts are listed on the post, but for now I'll telll you that per slice there are under 200 calories and 8 grams protein.

Gingerbread Cake - perhaps the season for gingerbread has passed, but it's never too late for healthy desserts... especially when they contain a secret ingredient.  Don't worry, you can't taste it at all!

Cookie Butter Cups - Unlike Reese's, these Chocolate Cookie Butter Cups are made entirely from ingredients you can pronounce.  Plus, the filling is simply to die for.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Yogurt Filling - Pumpkin's great any time of the year, and it's even better when formed into a cute little whoopie pie.  Pair it with some creamy high protein filling and you've got yourself a fat-free winner!

Crazy Ingredient Brownies - Oh look, more secret ingredients!  These little guys have 2 strange foods hidden inside.  Despite that though, everything comes together to form a deliciously fudgy brownie that would be perfect to serve to anyone, healthy eaters and junk food addicts alike.

Peach Blueberry Crumble - This is meant to be breakfast, but it's so darn tasty it could easily pass for dessert.  The sweetness of the peaches matches beautifully with slight tartness of the berries and the crunch of the oatmeal topping.  I bet it could be made with frozen fruit too, for a delicious treat any time of the year.

Apple Greek Yogurt Cheesecake - Cheesecake fans you're in luck!  This healthier take on cheesecake is made with greek yogurt and apples for a high protein substitute for the classic dessert.  It won't leave you with a tummyache either.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins - These muffins taste like cinnamon rolls!  They're much healthier, however, with no added fat and only 1/2 cup sugar in the whole recipe.  They're also vegan, so you can share them with anyone, despite their food preferences.

Protein Vanilla Milkshake - Why yes, a milkshake can be healthy.  This one's made from cottage cheese, almond milk, and banana, and frozen overnight for the perfect creamy texture.  Oh, and it's under 200 calories for the whole thing!

Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats - This recipe switches out the butter in a classic rice crispy recipe for, in my opinion, something even better.  Peanut butter!  It also skips the marshmallow so it's a vegan treat.

That's all for now.

Please give at least one of these recipes a try.  They're all amazing and will jumpstart the new year in the best way possible.  Remember, a you eating one of the above desserts is a happy and healthy you.

Happy New Year everyone!

P28 Bread Review

It's time to Mix it Up.

(see what I did there?)

Classic french toast made with P28 bread and topped with maple syrup

Today, instead of my usual recipe, I'm going to be reviewing some products that was very kindly sent to me so I could try them out.  Those products are P28 Bread and Bagels.  You can read more about the products by clicking on the link, but for now I'll just tell you that they're very high protein breads to help you reach all your fitness goals in a tasty way.

To review them, I've decided to split up this post into 3 parts.  The good, the bad, and the other things worth mentioning.  There will also be random pictures all the over the place with captions that will (hopefully) help you figure out what the heck is pictured.

A protein pizza.  Half a P28 bagel toasted and topped with cottage cheese and salsa, with a side of lettuce.

Alright, let's get started.  First...

The Good:

• The Protein Content - This may seem obvious, but it's totally a plus.  I often struggle with getting enough protein into my diet and these bread/bagels have been really helpful.  Two pieces of bread or one bagel contains 28 grams protein (hence the name, P28).  You can just grab one slice of bread, spread it will cottage cheese, and BAM 20 grams protein.  It's pretty cool.
• The Taste - I didn't mind the taste at all, and If you like whole wheat bread I don't think you will either.  Sure, it's not the best bread or bagel I've even tasted in my whole entire life but when you consider the nutrition you're getting, I think it tastes pretty darn amazing.
• The Texture - I've never had any other brands of high protein baked goods, but for some reason I have this feeling that texture could be an issue.  It's not with P28.  The texture of both the bread and bagel is very nice and spongy, much like the "normal" product.  One thing that may be worth mentioning is that it you freeze the bread (which I did) and then reheat it in the microwave it get's really spongy, and sort of floppy.  If you lightly toast it, it firms up fine though.
• The Versitility - Much like regular bread, P28 can be used for a variety of things, not just sandwiches.  It doesn't taste funny or anything if you have it with eggs, as french toast, or as a mini pizza with cottage cheese and salsa (my favorite).

I made the Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Pudding recipe on this blog with P28 bread.  It worked great! 

And now...

The Bad:

• The Size -  Each slice of bread is big (the bagels are just normal so this isn't a problem with them).  I guess this could be considered a good thing, but when trying the bread I ran into a couple problems because of the size.  When I eat sandwiches, I prefer to have them with very thin bread, unless they're really substancial.  When you make a sandwich with P28  bread slices, there'a a lot of bread.  Some people don't mind this, but personally, I do.
• The Taste -  Yes, taste is also in the "good" catagory.  This is because I liked the taste, but some others didn't.  If your not used to healthy foods, you may be one of the people who does not.  It does have a bit of that "healthy" taste that can be undesirable for some.  Another possible problem is that the bread has a bit of a fermented taste.  My guess is this comes from the protein source in it, but I'm not sure.  Again, though, I didn't find this as a problem and am only quoting another taste tester.

One slice of bread.  Half eaten plain, and the other half toasted (see how black it is?) and topped with applesauce. Celery stalk on the side (sorry for bad picture).

The Other Things Worth Mentioning:

• Freezing - As mentioned earlier, these products freeze very well.  Which is good because the folks at P28 were really generous and sent me way more bread than I could ever finish before it went stale or got moldy.  To reheat a frozen slice of bread or bagel, just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds - 1 minute.  After that, it's as good as fresh, and very fluffy.  Perfect to dip into soup!
• Toasting - It may just be my toaster acting up, but for some reason whenever I put a slice of bread or half bagel in my toaster it seems to brown really fast.  As in, I set it for level 2 of heat and it came out completely black (you can see this in some of the pictures).  I'm not sure why this happened, but it didn't make the bread taste burnt so it's not much of a problem for me.  If you want your toast to look pretty, though, you should be aware.
• Usage - Because I didn't like to use the products I revieved to make sandwiches, I found a whole bunch of other ways to use them.  Most of these are featured in pictures throughout this whole post, but I though I'd list a couple here too.  First, my favorite way to have P28, a mini pizza.  Spread half a bagel, or one slice of bread with cottage cheese (or another type), and salsa.  Greens on top are optional.  You can also make french toast with the bread, dip some of the just reheated (and therefore super spongy) bread/bagel into a bowl of soup, or spread peanut butter on top.  Another idea is simply throwing a bagel with cream cheese into a plasic bag and turning it into a super easy lunch on the go.  I did this when I went apple picking and it made a great meal along with a juicy apple!

Another protein pizza.  This one is made with a bread slice and also topped with cottage cheese and salsa.

Overall, I think all the P28 products are really great.  At least, for my lifestyle.  If you're someone who eats healthy and mostly vegetarian, and wants to add some protein to your everday diet, then I definitely reccommend P28.  However, if you're someone who's just getting started eating healthy, or maybe someone who doesn't need to worry about their protein intake, than maybe P28 isn't the right match for you.  It's a bit different than the usual, and some people don't like that.

But... you never know.  I could be wrong!  Go by your instinct and the facts/opinions I've given you in this post, and YOU decided whether or not it's a product you'd like to try.

Oh, and one more thing.  I hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful Christmas!

*I was sent bread and bagels to review by the P28 company, but all opinions are not affected and are entirely my own.

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

 5 Minute Bread Pudding (could probably be made with P28)

Fall Recipe Round-up

Today marks the official first day of fall.

Even though I feel as if fall started weeks ago, knowing that it's actually begun makes me realize how fast summer flew by.  And I have to admit, I'm going to miss the sunny days and gorgeous weather.  However, I'm still super excited for fall.  After all, there are so many great things about the season, one of the main ones being the food.

Oh, how I love fall foods.  Pumpkin and soup and everything that makes you feel all warm and cuddly inside.  Yum!

To make sure you guys don't miss out on any of the delicious meals you could be having this fall season, I've put together a list of awesome recipes that are perfect for the crisp weather of autumn.

Enjoy!

1. Healthy Pumpkin Squares

When I first came up with the idea to do a fall themed post, these squares instantly came to mind.  They're one of the most viewed recipes on the whole blog, and with good reason too.  The great pumpkin flavor and  lovely texture certainly shine throw, showing that simplicity can very well be a good thing.

2. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffin

It's hard to imagine fall without apples.  They're everywhere you look, it seems.  This muffin pairs the great taste of apples, with that of comforting cinnamon to make one muffin you have to try.  Plus, the single portion and microwave baking, make this treat something you can achieve in minutes.

3. Chickpea "Meatballs"

There's no doubt that meatballs are great at any time of the year, but they seem all the more comforting as the weather begins to cool down.  These Chickpea "Meatballs" are no exception.  Though they're completely vegan, I'm sure they're do the trick of warming you up on a cool day.  Try them with rice for a unique spin on spaghetti and meatballs.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

Cinnamon Rolls = great fall breakfast.  The only problem?  They're not so healthy.  If you're craving all that cinnamon sugar delicious-ness (which is not unusual for me at all), but don't want the extra guilt, these muffins are absolutely perfect for you.  And paired with a steaming cup of coffee?  Mmmmm...

5.  Roasted Chickpeas

These guys will become your new go-to snack.  I swear.  They're one of those things that's impossible to stop shoving into your mouth... and that's coming from someone who doesn't even like chickpeas.  If that doesn't show you something about how great this recipe is, I don't know what will.  Don't forget to use fall spices to season for a delicious autumn twist!

6.  Fudgy Pumpkin Crownies

First off, if the picture above isn't enough to already make you click want the recipe, then there's definitely something wrong with you.  These "crownies" are part cake, part brownie, and all delicious.  There's also pumpkin in them, which makes them totally fall-worthy.  If you make these (which you must), try not to eat the whole pan, even though the tummy-ache you would get afterwards would probably be worth it.

7.  Apple Snack Crisps

I'm sure all of you go apple picking around this time of year.  Assuming you do, you're gonna have a lot of apples to deal with some time or another.  Why not put some of those apples to use by making Apple Snack Crisps.  They're a great snack, and couldn't be easier because basically all you do is slice, coat, and microwave.

8. Multi-Grain Waffles

Waffles on a chilly Sunday morning are like the definition of heaven in breakfast world.  If possible, these waffles elevate that feeling even more.  With a unique nutty flavor, they're unlike any waffle I had even tried before... and I love them.  Next time you wake up and feel the slight bite in the air, make sure to give these a try.

9.  Eggplant, Chickpea, and Tomato Casserole

This thing is just plain good.  It's warm, hearty, and, though surprising, really healthy.  I loved it when I had it during summer, and I plan to have it again sometime in the upcoming couple weeks.  When eggplant, tomatoes, and chickpea combine, some kind of comfort food magic happens.  You won't believe your taste buds.

10. Oatmeal Dried Fruit Cookies

Last, but not least, a cookie recipe.  One studded with dried fruit and filled with oats to be exact.  Oatmeal cookies are perfect for fall, in case you didn't know.  Sweet and chewy and hearty and absolutely amazing while snuggling under a blanket with a good book.  It's so so good.

That's all for this post, but definitely not all of the fall recipes I have to offer.  I plan to completely bombard you with fall recipes in the upcoming months.  I've already used up at least 3 cans of pumpkin.  The only problem now, is deciding what to post first.  Do you guys want apples or pumpkin or gingerbread first?  It's so hard to choose!

Carob Chia Cookies

This isn't just a chocolate cookie.

It's more unique than that.

There are tons of chocolate cookie recipes floating around the web.  Some have even been shared on this blog already (my Chocolate Cake Cookies for example).

What there aren't tons of, however, are Carob and Chia Seed Cookie recipes.  I'd bet most of you have never even seem one before.

So, you see, these are most definitely not just chocolate cookies.  These are so much more special than that.

You know what else these cookies are?  Extremely delicious and healthy!

The total best of both worlds.

Except, maybe, there's a bit more of the delicious world, because you cannot tell that these are healthy.

Carob Chia Cookies - original recipe can be found here

• 1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp applesauce
• 3 tbsp chia seeds, whole
• 3 tbsp carob powder
• 3/4 cup flour of choice
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well, until everything is combined.  Scoop onto a sprayed cookie sheet and place in freezer for around 15 minutes.  Put cookies straight from freezer to oven, and bake for roughly 15 minutes.

If you've never had carob before, these cookies are a great way to give it a try.  They've got a sweet and almost fruity taste that really does make them one of a kind.

Although, if you don't have carob powder, or don't like the taste if it, cocoa would be a fine substitute and would still (most likely) yield some very yummy cookies.

Side Note: Check out won one the giveaway here.

Revisited Recipe of the Day

Spiced Oatmeal Cookies