Category Archives: Breakfast

Hearty Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins

Hearty Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins

This month Stonyfield asked their Clean Plate Club to get creative with yogurt and some unconventional ingredients. We got some Barlean‘s items included coconut oil and ground flaxseeds. As a gluten-free baker, I like incorporating nut flour in place of regular flour when possible because it’s not just adding structure, it’s adding nutrients. 

I decided to make these healthy muffins as a grab-and-go breakfast for the week. They didn’t rise very much while in the oven which worried me a little. Still, they had the best texture of a gluten-free muffin I’ve ever had–moist and dense but not too thick or chewy.

While they were undoubtedly best straight from the oven, the flax and coconut oil kept the muffins from drying out even days later. And since it’s full of nuts and seeds instead of grains, it felt like a better breakfast, too. 

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In order to make these muffins a little healthier, try swapping out the chocolate chips for chopped walnuts or pecans. You could switch out the french vanilla yogurt for plain yogurt to cut out some of the sugar, but be sure to add a little vanilla extract if you do. 

Hearty Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 12 muffins):

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the Forti-Flax and water and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon and mix until even.
  4. Add in the yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, and flax mixture and stir until it forms a thick batter.
  5. Lastly, add in the culinary coconut oil and mix until it’s fully emulsified in the batter.
  6. Evenly pour out the batter between 12 lined muffin wells.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top of the muffins are firm.

Oh My Yog!

Oh My Yog

This month Stonyfield offered everyone in their Clean Plate Club the opportunity to try their new line of yogurts. Since I really loved their last new product, Petite Cremes, I was eager to try this one, too. Being so new, these yogurts were tough to find but after some searching I brought home the Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Gingered Pear, and Wild Quebec Blueberry.

Unlike most yogurts that come pre-blended, the Oh My Yog! line is like fruit on the bottom with an extra kick. The pureed fruits and flavors are covered by whole milk yogurt and a noticeably thick cream top. In a world where Greek yogurt is the new norm, these are definitely lower on protein and higher in sugar, added and natural.

The first thing I noticed when I started trying them was that these didn’t feel like yogurts you’d have alongside breakfast or added to a lunchbox. The cream top and bottom layer of fruit had so many combined flavors and textures going on that it felt like a full-bodied meal compared to other varieties. Add some granola and fruit and you’re good to go.

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My favorite of the ones I tried was the Madagascar Vanilla Bean. While it looks syrupy-sweet at first with the vanilla bean-speckled layer at the bottom, the yogurt was more rich than sugary and brought out the better flavors vanilla has to offer. It felt more like a creamy dessert like panna cotta than it did a yogurt.

The one flavor I wished was sweeter was the Wild Quebec Blueberry Oh My Yog!. It fell a little flat as is even with whole blueberries swimming around. Like the cinnamon-y Gingered Pear I had hoped for more sugar or spice.

Lastly, if you’re worried about your daily commute or trip to the store ruining the layers, don’t be. I was really surprised after all the tossing and turning in bags these had how well the yogurt held its shape. Getting a taste of Oh My Yog! definitely made me want to try the rest of their flavors and keep some of these around the house for a healthy cool and creamy fix.

Cumin-Spiced Red Beans

Taco Flavored Beans

Homemade breakfast on the weekend is a usually my reward for 5 days of quick, processed breakfasts eaten at a desk or sometimes standing up. Melted cheese, runny yolks, and lots of flavor are a must.

One of my favorite things to make is lightly-fried corn tortillas filled with this spicy bean mixture. It’s just the right balance of salt, spice, and richness to start off the day topped with some pepper jack or parmesan cheese. You can serve it next to rice or scrambled eggs for a more protein-filled plate. Use either mild, medium, or hot salsa to adjust the heat.

Cumin-Spiced Red Beans

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 2 servings):

  • 1 cup black beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup salsa 
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin

Method:

  1. Heat up the beans and salsa in a pan over a burner set to medium.
  2. Stir the beans and salsa along with the cumin as it comes to a boil. Keep stirring until most of the liquid boils off and the mixture is thick.
  3. Add in the butter and continue stirring until it melts. Once the butter’s melted completely, turn off the heat and mix for a minute over the stove as it cools.
  4. Serve hot with shredded or shaved cheese on top.

Maple Vanilla Oatmeal

Maple Vanilla Oatmeal

Some meals are too simple to ever justify paying for them; oats should be at the top of that category. In the corner restaurant near my apartment, cinnamon is considered a premium topping right next to blueberries and strawberries. Would you really pay extra for a finger-tip worth of cinnamon? Put that wallet away.

If you don’t have a go-to oatmeal recipe, Winter’s a good time to pick one up. It’s warm, hearty, and filling but quick and easy to put together for 1 or a crowd. You can dress this recipe up with walnuts, raisins, sliced apples, or any number of different mix-ins, but on its own it’s good, too. 

The vanilla in this recipe adds a slightly savory and complex flavor to cut the sweetness of the maple, but if you’re making this for a picky palate you might want to leave it out.

Maple Vanilla Oatmeal

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 2 Servings):

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method:

  1. Combine the oats, salt, and 2 3/4 cup water in a medium pot on the stove.
  2. Bring the pot up to a boil over medium-high heat stirring occasionally. Leave uncovered.
  3. As the water boils stir more constantly with a wooden spoon.
  4. When the oats have cooked and stick together, turn off the heat. Add in the vanilla, syrup, salt, and cinnamon and continue stirring for 20 seconds.
  5. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before scooping into 2 bowls.
  6. Serve warm with brown sugar and cinnamon on top. 

My First Life By Dailyburn Recipe

Low Sugar Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

The internet is a crazy awesome place because it’s full of resources for any life you want to live, whether it’s gluten-free recipes, vegetarian restaurant hot spots, of just a chocolate-filled life.

I’m excited that Dailyburn‘s blog Life By Dailyburn asked me to be a recipe contributor for their site. They’re an amazing resource for anyone looking to be healthier and get whipped into shape.

The first recipe I made for them will hopefully pique your interest. If you want to cut out sugar in the morning but still eat flavorful food making your own is a must. This cocoa hazelnut granola recipe only uses maple syrup for sweetness to keep the flavor but ditch the processed sugars. It also tastes great and can save you money–what’s not to love?

And if you’re also looking for a healthier life and haven’t yet, follow them on Facebook and Pinterest for some daily inspirations to eat great and workout.

Gluten-Free White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf

Gluten-Free White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf

I like to think I know everything but I don’t (of course). For instance, I don’t know if this is “bread” or a “cake”; I don’t even know if it’s a breakfast or dessert. But maybe not knowing is best because it means you can have it for both. 

As much as I love fresh berries for their sweetness, raspberries are by far my favorite for their sour punch. Fresh raspberries are an excuse for something special, like a hot sweet loaf straight out of the oven. 

This is right on par with Starbuck’s banana bread and pumpkin bread (or my very own). The addition of white rice flour gives it a light, airy texture. It’s sweet and moist and falls apart in your mouth. It’s as good in the morning heated up with some peanut butter as it is at night with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Gluten-Free White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf

3/4 cup milk is more of a guestimate than an exact number. Go for a soft, semi-fluid bater that you can pour into a loaf pan but that fights to leave the bowl a little. Depending on what kind of flour you’re using, you might need an extra 1/4 or 1/2 cup. 

Gluten-Free White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Ingredients(Makes one loaf):

  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 1 cup white rice flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 5oz vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl mix together the flours, sugar, and baking powder.
  3. Add in the oil, yogurt, eggs, and milk and beat well.
  4. Add in the rest of the ingredients and continue mixing until it forms a batter.
  5. Lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan with oil.
  6. Pour the batter into the pan.
  7. Bake for 50 minutes or until the bread rises and sets.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing. Store in a cool place when not enjoying.

Vegan PB & J Smoothie

Vegan PB & J Smoothie

I somehow have become a morning exerciser. The first day of waking up, rolling out of bed, and putting on gym shorts instead of a pot of coffee was rough. The second was just as rough. But every day since it’s gotten a little easier.

After working out I’ve been more inclined to make a smoothie than bowl of oatmeal or anything else. It’s quick and easy to drink when getting ready for work. I’ve been trying different mixes to keep things interesting every time and this one is a winner.

It has the classic flavor of the inside of a PB & J, just in liquid form. It’s perfectly sweet and even packs some greens in it, too, if you opt in for the spinach(which you won’t be able to see or taste fully blended–I promise). 

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If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or just don’t have any lying around try making this with almond butter or even coconut butter.      

Vegan PB & J Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 1 meal serving or 2 snack servings):

  • 1 medium banana

  • 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

  • 1/3 cup frozen spinach

  • 2 Tablespoons peanut butter

  • 1/2 cup water

Method:

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a high-power blender. 

  2. Pulse briefly and then blend until the ingredients make a creamy smoothie. Add water if necessary to make smooth and creamy.

  3. Pour into a tall glass and drink cold. 

Breakfast Paleo Mug Cake

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake

I’m a boring breakfast person. I like to eat the same thing every day until I get tired of it and find something new. For the past couple of months these have been my breakfasts. It’s fast, easy, and chocolate-flavored so it’s easy to love.

This has been one of my most popular recipes. I still have people commenting on the original post who’ve made it and loved it, and that’s a good feeling. The ingredients are fairly common and cheap, so even if you’re skeptical I’d say give it a try. It always tastes better with peanut butter or Nutella slathered on top so if you’re still not convinced I’d say try that.  

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake

I’ve never tried any variations but I’ve had readers mention this recipe works just as well with sweet potato puree, butternut squash, and applesauce. You can also mix in other ingredients like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or raisins(well, maybe not raisins).

Paleo Mug Cake

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 3 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 1 cake):

  • 1 small ripe banana
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons almond butter(or any nut butter)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 heaping Tablespoons cocoa powder

Method:

  1. With a fork, mash the banana into a smooth puree.
  2. Mix the almond butter, egg, cocoa powder into the banana puree until it forms an even batter.
  3. Fold in any mix-ins into the batter that you’d like. Otherwise, pour the batter into a mug or other microwave safe container. Be sure to only fill the container up to 2/3rds the way because it will expand in the microwave.
  4. Microwave on high for 2 and 1/2 minutes until the center is set. Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and enjoy hot, cold, or at room temperature.

Peanut Butter Banana Refuel Smoothie

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Marathon Monday is just a week away. Growing up in Massachusetts, it was always a big deal. I was shocked to find out it wasn’t actually a national holiday and most people work on Marathon Monday.

This year Stonyfield Greek is the official yogurt of the 2014 Boston Marathon. They asked their Clean Plate Club members to write how Stonyfield Greek helps us through the marathon of life.

When I was marathon training, there were 4 foods I constantly ate: Peanut butter, bananas, oatmeal, and greek yogurt. After so many weeks you learn the little ways to not make every snack or meal taste like the last.

Even though I haven’t registered for a marathon since 2011, I still make working out and running a routine. Making a smoothie instead of a meal is an easy, tasty way to refuel and move on to the next part of my day.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

I never get tired of this recipe. It’s not too sweet or overly peanuty; it’s just the right balance of ingredients to be healthy and perfectly flavorful.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 1 big or 2 small servings):

  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1 5.oz Stonyfield vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 6-8 ice cubes

Method:

  1. Combine the banana, peanut butter, yogurt, and milk in a blender and mix until smooth.
  2. Add in the ice cubes and continue blending until they’re completely crushed and mixed in.
  3. Pour and serve cold.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

If you read this blog often, you might not think I eat anything other than dessert. Hopefully this shows otherwise.

Of course I eat savory food every day, several meals a day. But I hardly ever blog about it because I’m someone who’s content with having the same meal for lunch every day of the week, every week of the month. The same with dinner, too. It’s an anomaly when I make something new.

I don’t always make frittatas but I enjoy them every time I do. How can you go wrong with eggs, cheese, and vegetables? It’s good for a group or to have and heat up the leftovers the next day and an easy way to switch up the meal rut.

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 4 servings):

  • 12 eggs
  • 1 cup mushrooms, washed
  • 2 Tablespoons oil
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 2/3 cup shredded cheese(I recommend gouda if you can find it)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Spinach Mushroom Frittata

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Crack all of the eggs into a large bowl and make sure there’s no shells in it.
  3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the mushrooms until they’re golden.
  4. Beat the milk, salt, and onion powder into the eggs.
  5. Grease a 9-inch baking pan well on the bottom and sides.
  6. Pour the egg batter into the pan.
  7. Dump the mushrooms into the egg and spread evenly. Add half of the cheese on top.
  8. Add the spinach on top of the batter and press down with a fork or utensil. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  9. Bake for 50 minutes or until the center has set.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool before cutting.