Tropical Green Smoothie

It may be after Labor Day, but summer is not over.

I know Labor Day is considered the unofficial ending of summer, but can we just forget about that?  'Cause summer is very much still here and that's why you should make a cool, refreshing Tropical Green Smoothie and then sip it while out in the sunshine.

Don't try to tell me that it's out of season and that what I should be posting is some pumpkin thing because pumpkin is for fall and it's summer right now.  Smoothies are for summer, not pumpkin.

As you can, summer is very much still here in my mind.  I'm not accepting that it's fall until it's actually fall, and that will be on the 22nd of September.  Until then, I'm going to be throwing plenty of summer recipes at you, and they're awesome recipes so you're gonna be plenty happy.

Just forget about that pumpkin for a couple days, k?  I love pumpkin too, god knows I do, but I'm doing my best to keep it to a minimum until the actual season begins.  Buuuut maybe I'll throw in some pumpkin earlier too.  We'll see.

Back to the smoothie.  I've had a love-hate thing going on with green smoothies for a while now, I've had some really bad ones, and I've had some really great ones.  So, ya know, I was on the fence.  But that I just had to make one for myself and it was so pretty and delicious that I've decided green smoothie are my new best friend.  Plus, I just got a vitamix (!!!!!) so there's gonna be some intense smoothie making going on now.

As for this recipe, it's sweet and just slightly sour from the lemon juice.  It's got a gorgeous green color and it's super easy to make.  Here's a tip:  If you don't have a high power blender, blend the water and spinach first and then add everythign else.

Get blending!

Tropical Green Smoothie

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup frozen pinapple
• 1/4 cup frozen mango
• handful of fresh baby spinach
• juice of up to 1/2 lemon (use more or less based on how sour you want it)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  If you don't have a super powerful blender, add just the water and spinach first.  Blend until the spinach is completely broken down and then add remaining ingredients.  Pour into a glass and serve right away.  Makes one serving, or two smoothie "shots".

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

Strawberry Blueberry Protein Smoothie

Mini Chocolate Cakes (For Two)

Frosted with my Chocolate Avocado Frosting

Imagine you're faced with a problem:

You want cake.  As in you really want it.  You're trying to be healthy, though, and you've been doing a really good job.  You're proud of yourself and you're determined not to ruin all your hard work with some stupid craving.

Yet, that craving won't go away.  You think about making a whole cake, maybe a healthier recipe.  That sounds good, but you don't trust yourself with the leftovers.  What's going to stop you from eating three pieces all by yourself?  Now you're getting worried because you don't know what do.  All you want is some cake!

Here is the solution to your imaginary problem (which may not be so imaginary):

Mini Chocolate Cakes that serve only two.  They're super easy, super healthy, and they leave you with absolutely no tempting leftovers.  Perfect!

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

These cute little cakes are completely fat free, but don't have that gummy texture.  They're as light as a cloud thanks to the added cornstarch and buttermilk.  Also, you can easily make to the recipe gluten free by using gluten-free oats to make your oat flour.

Last but not least, the whole entire recipe is only 150 calories (and 5 grams protein).  That means that you totally don't have to share (I didn't).

Next time that cake craving hits, you are so going to be prepared.

Mini Chocolate Cakes for Two

• 3 tbsp oat flour (make your own by grinding oats in a coffe grinder or blender until they're a flour)
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot
• pinch salt
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp applesauce
• 3 tbsp buttermilk (to make vegan, use soymilk to make homemade buttermilk)
• 2 tsp honey or agave
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350F.  Mix together dry ingredients in a small bowl.  Add remaining ingredients and mix until a batter forms.  Pour batter into 2 greased muffin tin cups.  Bake for 7-9 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.  Serves 1-2.

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

Chocolate Beet Layer Cake - for when you want a whole cake

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes for Two

Happy Valentines Day!

This is a scheduled post, so right now I'm probably shoving chocolate into my face somewhere.  Have I mentioned how much I love Valentines Day... and chocolate?  Yes?  Oops.

Well, I also love single serving recipes.  They're so easy and yummy and don't require cleaning a lot of stuff after you make them.  I definitely don't love cleaning.

This recipe that I'm sharing today isn't a single serving one, but instead something even better for Valentines Day.  A chocolate cupcake recipe that serves two.  One for you, and one for your special someone.  By the way, the "special someone" can be you also.  That's totally fine.  There's nothing wrong with a double dose of chocolate.

Look how gooey!

You know something else? These cupcakes are filled with strawberries.  So romantic, right?  Chocolate and strawberries are like the most romantic combination.

And I'm also pretty proud of the frosting on these babies, 'cause it's made with the middle of the cupcake. Isn't that so awesome?  Absolutely no wasting chocolate here!  That would be a crime.

So, yeah, make these cupcakes.  They take 5 minutes and they're really yummy and you can share them with your valentine or eat both by yourself and there aren't many dirty dishes to clean.  Ummm...  yes please?

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes for Two
Cake:

• 1/4 cup spelt flour
• 2 tbsp +1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp applesauce or yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla 
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp chocolate chips

Frosting:

• center of both baked cupcakes from above (details below)
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp milk
• 1 tbsp mashed banana

Filling:

• 2-3 strawberries (fresh or frozen), chopped

Preheat oven to 350F.  In a small bowl, mix together first 3 cake ingredients.  Add in applesauce/yogurt, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup, and mix until a smooth batter forms.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Pour batter into two cupcake liners and bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.  Remove from oven and let cool completely.  Once completely cooled, cut out the center of the cupcakes, but do not eat or throw them out.

In another small bowl, combine the centers of the cupcakes, along with the remaining ingredients for frosting. Set aside.

Fill the cupcakes with the chopped strawberries, and cover with the frosting you just made.  

Enjoy!

Have a chocolate covered day everyone!

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

Mini Carrot Cake (for One)

Peach Cobbler Baked Oatmeal (My 100th post!)

You are now reading Mix it Up's 100th post!

Even now, as I write this, I'm having a hard time believing it.  To be honest, in my mind, this still seems like a baby blog that's slowly working it's way up to the "big guys", even though I know I've made some huge progress from the start of Mix it Up to now.

For example, now I've started to create some of my very own recipes, instead of just slightly tweaking others.  I'm glad I have, too, as it's definitely a great feeling when you think up something, try it out, and then get to devour it later on.

In fact, today's recipe is actually one that I though up all by myself.  I wanted it, I tried it out, and I absolutely loved it.

What was it, you ask?  Peach Cobbler... breakfast style.

I took a classic Peach Cobbler... and then made it healthy, easy, delicious enough for breakfast.

Surprisingly, it wasn't all that hard.

All you've got to do is think a little bit outside of the box.  Sub oatmeal for the buttery topping, throw in some extra spices, and, then, after much thought, omit the sugar (don't worry, you can't notice).  Now that I think about it, you could even add some greek yogurt (or frozen greek yogurt) on top, to complete the dessert-for-breakfast theme.

So, you see, this breakfast dish really isn't all that different from it's dessert twin.  You just have to go in with an open mind, and then prepare for it to be blown by the amazing-ness of the following recipe.

Peach Cobbler Baked Oatmeal
(serves 1)

• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• pinch cloves
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp applesauce
• 2 tbsp water, milk, or other liquid
• pinch salt
• 1/3 cup chopped peach

Combine all ingredients, but peaches, into a small bowl, and mix well to combine.  Gently stir in peaches.  Pour mixture into a greased microwave safe dish (a ramekin, for example).  Microwave for around 3 minutes, or until it is firm and no longer watery.  Let cool a bit before either eating strait from the dish, or breaking into smaller pieces and serving in another plate/bowl.  (You could try to keep it whole, like a cake, but when I attempted this it just fell apart, so do it at your own risk)

Can you believe that only that short list of ingredients and, at the most, 5 minutes of your time, can lead to such a heavenly breakfast.  I'll admit, I was a bit doubtful at first.  That is, until a took a bite.  Major yummy-ness I tell you.  Just give it a go and you'll see.

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

Healthy Pumpkin Squares

(the first recipe I ever posted!  These are the start of everything you see on the blog today)

Mini Vanilla Cupcakes for Two

This is one of those recipe that tastes really really good but isn't exactly healthy... at all.

Don't you close the page yet though, all you health contious readers. There is one good-for-you thing about this recipe: portion control.

If you follow all the measurements listed below, you'll end up with only 2 servings. That means that, even if you gobble up everything this recipe yields, you won't have to feel too guilty about it.

Which is good, because everyone have those times when they truly need something unhealthy tasting.  Those days when some good ol' comfort food is the only thing that will cheer you up.

Cravings like that are nothing to be ashamed of.  We all have them at some point.  As a matter of fact, I had one the day I whipped up these cupcakes.

Lucky for me, they were just what I needed to end it.

Mini Vanilla Cupcakes for Two - originial recipe can be found here

• 1 egg white
• 2 tbsp sugar (you can probably get away with less, but I haven't tried)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• rounded 1/4 tsp baking powder
• pinch salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp milk of choice

Preheat oven to 350F.  In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and sugar until combined.  Add in vanilla extract and butter, and sir to mix in.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt.  Stir again until smooth.  Slowly pour in milk and stir to incorporate.  Divide batter between 7 or 8 mini cupcake liners (normal size cupcake liners will also work) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has set completely. If frosting, let cool completely before doing so.

So there you have it, the perfect treat to turn a bad day into a good day.  Or a good one even better! 

These fluffy and buttery cupcakes are deliciously sinful and prevent you from over-eating.  A good deal?  I'd definitely say so.

(picture)

Enjoy them!

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

Strawberry Cake

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffin + giveaway

Free stuff is good, right?

And yummy breakfast muffins?

Hopefully, you answered yes and yes to the two questions above, because that means that this post is totally perfect for you.

A Single Serving Muffin recipe and a chance to win some tea!

Awesome.

You know the other great thing about today's post?

It could result in the ultimate healthy and delicious breakfast. Tea, which contains antioxidants, and an oatmeal muffin, which contains, well, oats, my favorite breakfast food ever.

So, you see, hidden in this post could very well be the recipe for the perfect morning.  And that is a very valuable recipe, my friends.  I suggest you read on.

Let's get into the details, shall we?

First, the giveaway.

The people from Celestial Seasonings (remember, they're awesome) have kindly supplied 3 boxes of tea and a cute little teapot.  Those gifts will go out to one lucky person.

(oh, look, peach blossom is a flavor. I wonder what you could do with that... )

The giveaway is now closed.

Congratulations to Gena, our winner!

Gena, please contact me at beautiful.food.lover(at)gmail(dot)com within a week with your shipping information.  If you do not do so, a new winner will be selected.  Thanks!

Now, onto the yummy stuff.

You don't have to wait 2 weeks for this delcious breakfast (thank god), you can whip it up in just 2 minutes!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffin

(makes 1 serving)

• 3 tbsp old-fashioned oats
• 1 tbsp flaxmeal
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour (or protein powder)
• 1 or 2 tsp sugar (When I made this for breakfast, I left out the sugar all together)
• pinch baking powder
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 bag Celestial Seasonings Apple Cinnamon Tea (any type of tea should work.  I made a cherry flavored muffin too, and it was delicious)
• 4-5 tbsp water

Mix together oats, flaxmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder in a small bowl.  Add in half the contents of the tea bag (actually open it up and pour in the leaves, as this adds tons of flavor) and mix again.  Pour in vanilla extract and water and stir well.  Spray a small microwave safe dish or ramekin and pour batter in.  Microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until muffin is firm to the touch.  Let cool before trying to remove from dish.  Top with whipped cream or fruit and enjoy!

Alright guys, that's it for today.

Enter the giveaway, make a muffin, and have a wonderful day :)

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Single Serving Mocha Fudge Cake

Which do you prefer:  Chocolate or Coffee?

Personally, I'm a chocolate girl who hates everything coffee.

That is, everything coffee, except this cake.

This was one of those recipes that I was sorta "ehhhh" about making.

I've never enjoyed the taste of coffee, and mocha has never been a favorite either, but I was really craving a photo shoot, and this was a super fast recipe.  Also, the rest of my family loves coffee, so at least the cake wouldn't go to waste if I didn't want it.

Normally, I would say that making a recipe you're not sure you'll enjoy is a bad idea.  However, this cake completely surprised me.

It tasted amazing!

With just a hint of coffee flavor, and tons of rich chocolate taste, it was perfect.  To me, it tasted almost like mocha fudge.

And fudge is never a bad thing.

To make this cake for yourself go to this link.  It's super fast and super easy!

All I changed was using only about 3 tsp sugar (and no stevia), and applesauce instead of oil.

If you're looking for a quick dessert, this is the recipe for you.

It yields just one fudgy little cake, in a matter of minutes, so you're craving for something sweet can be satisfied fast.

This mocha cake would also be good for anyone who only wants a light treat, instead of something super heavy, as it's quite healthy for a chocolate dessert.

When I made it, I was planning to save it for my family to try (because of their love for coffee and all), but it sort of "disappeared" right after the photo shoot.

Strange.

Don't blame me if the same thing happens to you!

Revisited Recipe of the Day:

2 Brownie Recipe

Fun Sized Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are very special.

Why, you ask?

Reason 1: They. Are. Adorable. I mean, don't you just want to shovel them into your mouth? When cookies are this tiny, you can't help but want to pinch their little cheeks... with your teeth.

Reason 2: Believe it or not, these babies are actually healthy. You could even eat the whole batch with no guilt. Now, that's not something you can say about any dessert!

Reason 3: I'd say this is the perfect recipe for your gluten free friends to enjoy. Because, you guessed it, these cookies are completely gluten and grain free. It's all thanks to my newly purchased friend, coconut flour.

Reason 4: I don't know about you, but where I live, it's hot. And that means I don't even want to go near my oven. Luckily, to make these cookies, I don't have to! They only require about 3 minutes in the microwave.

Man, it looks like you'd be pretty stupid not to at least give these a try, now.

Fun Sized Chocolate Chip Cookies - recipe inspired by this one

• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 2 tbsp mashed banana (you could try applesauce or baby food too)
• pinch salt
• 1/8 tsp molasses
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
• 1/2 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Mix together coconut flour, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.  Add in mashed banana, molasses, and vanilla extract.  Then, add milk in small amounts until fully incorporated.  Mix in chocolate chips.  Drop dough, by the teaspoon, onto a sprayed microwave safe dish and press into cookie shape.  Microwave for 1 minute, and then in 30 second rounds until cookies smell and look done (because of the coconut flour, they may still seem a but crumbly).  Let cool before eating.

So, what do you think?

Will you be making your very own fun sized cookies?

Side Note:  The giveaway winner has been announced!  Visit this page to find out who won!