Strawberry Almond Overnight Oats

We have been digging overnight oats at our house lately!  It's an easy way for me to make my hubby breakfast he can take to the office, because lets be honest...I'm ALWAYS asleep when he walks out the door.  We have made some we loved, others leave something to be desired.  So the good ones are the ones you will see here.  My other go-to one is the Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats.  In our trials of different oats, I have found I need texture.  I can't just have oats with mashed up bananas.  I need chunks of fruit, or nuts, or both.  Hence this one made the cut!  It was super yummy...in fact I got a text the morning after I made it from the mister saying "these oats are super good!"  So there you go...husband approved ;)  Enjoy!  


Strawberry Almond Overnight Oats


1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (sweetened or unsweetened)
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon strawberry jam (plus more, if desired)
2 teaspoons honey, or more to taste
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon sliced almonds
4 strawberries

In a jar or bowl, combine oats, almond milk, chia seeds, jam, and honey. Stir until well combined and all the oats are covered in liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

For serving: warm oats in the microwave, if desired. Add almond butter and little more jam and stir just slightly so that you can see the swirls. Top with sliced almonds and strawberries.

Recipe Source:  Julie's Eats and Treats

Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Hello there Christmas baking season!  It just makes my heart happy to make treats for the holidays :)  This month I decided to make treats for my husband's work every week for the month.  This way, I can get my baking fix in and yet not eat an obscene amount of goodies.  I can try one or two and then send the rest on their way.  Win-win.  

These little delicious morsels were perfect!  A little more time consuming than some other cookie varieties, but a little more time is worth. every. bite.  Enjoy! 

Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Yield: 20 small cookies

For the cookies:

1 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/4 tsp salt

½ cup (1 stick) butter

2/3 cup sugar

1 large egg, separated

2 Tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

For the Caramel:

2/3 cup Kraft caramel bits (or regular caramels, melted)

1/2 tsp water

Combine flour, cocoa and salt. In a separate bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, milk and vanilla.  Stir in flour mixture, just until combined. Chill dough in the refrigerator for one hour.

Whisk egg whites in a bowl until frothy.  Place chopped pecans in another shallow bowl. Remove dough from fridge and roll into small balls (however many cookies you want--I made 20 small ones).

Roll each dough ball in the frothy egg whites, and then roll and press in the chopped pecans. Place on a greased baking sheet.  

Use the back of a small measuring spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Bake at 350 Degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, or until set.

As the cookies come out of the oven, gently re-press the indentations with a small spoon.

 

In a microwavable bowl mix the caramel bits and water. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until caramel is melted (1-2 minutes). Pour small spoonfuls of caramel into the indented cookies.  *Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate (or sprinkle with sea salt)!

Recipe Source:  Tastes Better From Scratch

Ultimate Granola

I am always on the hunt for new healthy options for meals and snacks for the fam.  I was excited to see this recipe with healthy oil and honey as a sweetener.  It is delicious on it's own, over yogurt, and I am excited to try it over ice cream when I'm feeling indulgent :) It's super yummy and you won't feel guilty eating it. Win-win!

Ultimate Granola

6 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. wheat germ
2 c. coconut 
1 c. peanuts or cashews (I use roasted peanuts)
1 c. slivered or sliced almonds
1 c. pecan pieces
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 c. coconut oil
1-1/2 c. honey

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl.  Heat coconut oil and honey in microwave safe bowl until melted.  Pour over oat mixture.  Stir well. Divide mixture onto 2 cookie sheets and spread out into an even layer.  Place on separate shelves in oven and cook 6 minutes.  Swap the two pans places and cook 6 more minutes.  Stir well.  Put back in oven for 6 minutes, swap and cook 6 more minutes.  Stir well.  Turn oven off and place pans back in oven and let cool.  This may take overnight.  Enjoy!

Recipe Source:  Leah Young's Instagram :)

Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

I love finding me a good salad recipe!  Thought I'd throw this one in amidst my seriously indulgent December food posts :)  I would not recommend leaving any ingredients out.  They balance each other very well AND the dressing is seriously super yummy!  So if you need a new potluck dish or a side for a Christmas dinner, this one is easy to put together and is tasty.  Enjoy :)

Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

Yield: About 7 - 8 servings

10 oz baby spinach
3 small gala apples or 2 medium, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup pecans, toasted
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled 
1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1/2 small red onion, sliced into thin strips (optional)

Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

If using red onion, place slices in a colander and run under warm water for about 10 seconds, tossing once, to remove harsh bite. Drain well.
In a large salad bowl toss together spinach, apples, pecans, feta, cranberries and optional bacon and red onion. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad and toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately after adding dressing.

For the dressing:
Add all ingredients to a medium mason jar. Cover with lid and shake to blend well (or alternately just blend well in a bowl with a whisk).

Recipe Source:  Cooking Classy

Berry Mint Chocolate Bliss Smoothie

Well, after having my FANTASTIC Mint Juleps a few days ago for the Kentucky Derby, I had some mint left over.  And I just happened to see this recipe on my Ibotta App (do you Ibotta?  You should!  It is such an easy way to get cash back on groceries!).  Not to mention I am trying to clear out my freezer for fruit season coming up, so this was perfect :)  I love almond milk for smoothies, and it packs a whole lot less calories than milk.  So this is basically a win-win-win smoothie for me!!

Berry Mint Chocolate Bliss Smoothie

makes 1 serving

3/4 c. Almond Milk, any flavor

1 mint leaf

1 Tbsp maple syrup

1/2 c. frozen raspberries

1/2 Tbsp chocolate chips

1/2 Tbsp almonds

Mix all in blender and pour into glass. Garnish with mint leaf.

Recipe Source:  my Ibotta App

Coconut Almond Breakfast Quinoa

Here is another recipe that has been sitting on the back-burner for a while.  I came across it when I was in my quinoa-testing phase and it was one that just didn't get made for whatever reason.  Anyhow, glad it finally came out of the woodworks!  

I've been eating a lot of granola and oatmeal for breakfast, and this will be a good one to throw in the mix every now and again.  Yum!

Coconut Almond Breakfast Quinoa

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
1 cup light coconut milk (from a carton, such as Silk brand)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For serving:
fresh berries
toasted coconut

sliced almonds
additional coconut milk
honey or agave syrup
additional brown sugar if desired

Place rinsed and drained quinoa, coconut milk, brown sugar, and almond extract in a medium-sized pot. Stir ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover pot, preferably with a clear lid (so you can see through it and keep an eye on the quinoa). Stir a few times during cooking. If mixture seems to be boiling out, crack the lid to release steam, otherwise, keep covered. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. In the last few minutes of cooking, feel free to add a little more liquid (water is fine, or additional coconut milk) until desired consistency is reached. I prefer my breakfast quinoa on the soft side with enough liquid to make it more of a porridge.

Divide quinoa into bowls and top with fresh berries, toasted coconut, sliced almonds, and a splash of additional coconut milk. If desired, add a drizzle of honey or agave or a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness. Yields, about 4, 1/2 cup servings. 

Recipe Source:  Our Best Bites

Broccoli Apple Salad

I love me a good broccoli salad.  My FAVORITE one is listed below, and I was actually going to make  that one when I looked in my pantry and was horrified when I saw my sunflower seeds were gone.  So sad!  Luckily, I had this recipe pinned and had all the ingredients.  This was a yummy change from the regular salad (although the other one is still my fav).  The apples gave a yummy crunch, and you can never go wrong with pecans in a salad in my book!  Enjoy this alongside your first spring or summer grilling session!

Broccoli Apple Salad


4 cups fresh broccoli florets, (about 2 medium heads)
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup diced red onion
2 large apples, finely chopped (I used gala apples)
½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
½ cup dried cranberries

Creamy dressing ingredients:

½ cup lite mayonnaise
½ cup low fat greek yogurt
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper

In a large bowl combine broccoli, carrots, red onion, apples, pecans, and dried cranberries.

To make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.

Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

Recipe Source:  The Recipe Critic

Love broccoli salads like I do?!  Check some of these others out!

Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad


Broccoli Salad (MY FAV)

Broccoli, Ham, and Tortellini Ceasar Salad  (I always make this after having some leftover holiday ham)

German Chocolate Cake

The hubs birthday is today...and we celebrated last night because life is happening this evening (AKA baseball).  Seriously, is it normal to have 4 practices a week for a 6-year old?!  

Anyhow, for as long as the hubs remembers, his dad always made him German chocolate cake for his birthday.  I have not been great about keeping up that tradition....I think in 10 years I have made it one other time (BAD wife!).  This year I stepped up my game with good gifts, yummy dinner, movie date, friends to come celebrate with us, birthday lunch with the office, etc.  And then I made this cake.  It turned out so great!  I didn't realize how time intensive the frosting is to make compared to a good 'ole buttercream, but it turned out super yummy.  Definitely a keeper for the files to be made again next year ;)

German Chocolate Cake 

Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

¾ cup cocoa

2 teaspoons baking powder

1½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

German Chocolate Frosting:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup white granulated sugar

3 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup flaked coconut

1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Cake:

Pre-heat oven to 350º F. Grease three 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour. I like to do 3 8x8 pans, and just make a 2 layer, cake but set aside the 3rd cake for the kids that don’t like the German chocolate frosting or for my sisters who have nut allergies. This is also great in a 9x13.

In mixing bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid), add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low and add boiling water to the cake batter a little bit at a time. Once the water is all mixed in, beat on high for about 1 minute.

Evenly distribute cake batter between the three 8x8 pans (or two 9x9) prepared cake pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely.

Frost cake with frosting.

German Chocolate Frosting:

*Note if you are layering the cake, I always double the recipe above and have a little extra frosting for later. If you are doing a 9x13 a single recipe should be sufficient.

In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk and cornstarch and mix; add in sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low-medium heat until it reaches a slow boil. Stirring constantly until thick, about 12 minutes from when it starts to slowly boil. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut, this frosting will thicken up as it cools. Let cool 1 hour then spread on cooled cake. To make this cake easy to slice, layer cake with frosting, then set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more, then slice and serve.

Recipe Source:  A Dash of Sanity

Pear and Raspberry Salad

I went to a friend's house last week where we had some crepes.  She had bought the most beautiful raspberries to go on them, and they tasted so so good!  So when I got home, naturally I wanted to buy some myself...and I did.  I just happened across this recipe browsing Pinterest one morning and it sounded perfect!  It was a very light and refreshing lunch, perfect for any weekday or it would even impress dinner guests!  

Pear and Raspberry Salad
Servies 4-6


4 cups romaine, chopped
1 cup raspberries
2 pears, thinly sliced
½ cup shelled pistachios
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Creamy Poppyseed Dressing:
⅓ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seeds

To make the dressing: Whisk together in a small bowl mayonnaise, milk, sugar, cider vinegar, and poppyseeds. Set aside.

In a large bowl add tossed romaine, raspberries, pears, pistachios, and feta cheese. Toss the salad. Add the poppyseed dressing and carefully toss to coat all of the ingredients. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source:  The Recipe Critic

Peanut Noodles with Pork

I honestly have been receiving the Food Network Magazine for a couple years now, and love it!  My problem is I see these fabulous recipes, want to make many of the recipes, then forget about them and all my new recipes come from my Pinterest boards.  Times have changed!!  I have been going through and trying some new delicious recipes, and it's been a fun change cooking from them instead of the blog world for a minute ;)

These noodles turned out good, although I wish there was a bit more sauce, so I'll tweak that for next time!

Peanut Noodles with Pork

Kosher salt
12 ounces Chinese chow mein noodles or spaghetti
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 carrots, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
1 2 -inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces ground pork (or ground turkey)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
chopped dry roasted peanuts

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain. Whisk the peanut butter, vinegar, 2 tablespoons each water and soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, the carrots and half of the jalapeno in a large bowl. Add the noodles and toss to coat.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallion whites, ginger and garlic; cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the pork and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

Transfer the pork mixture to the bowl with the noodles. Add half of the scallion greens and cilantro and toss to coat, adding enough of the reserved pasta water to loosen. Serve topped with the remaining jalapeno, scallion greens and cilantro, and peanuts.

Recipe Source:  Food Network Magazine

Cherry Cannoli Pie

I miss living in Ohio.  We lived so close to so many cool "Big" cities to visit.  On one of our visits, we traveled to Pittsburgh to watch a Pirates game and explore the city.  In our exploration, we went to the little Italian District, where we ate our first Primanti Brothers sandwich, got ice cream, and got some delicious biscotti and cannolis.  This pie reminded me so much of that trip.

This recipe comes from the lovely Food Network Magazine, which I've had a subscription to for the last few years and just love it!  I saw this and with cherry season beginning, this went on my short list to make!!

It turned out fantastic, and with the chocolate layer between the crust and the cherries, there was no soggy pie a few days down the road!  The pistachios are a MUST in this recipe, gives the perfect little crunch this pie needs to make it perfect :) Not to mention, this pie is just pretty and represents all the colors of the Italian flag ;)

Cherry Cannoli Pie

Spread 3 ounces melted chocolate in a 9-inch graham cracker crust; chill until set. Cook 12 ounces pitted cherries with 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a skillet over medium heat until tender, 5 minutes. Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water; stir into the cherries and cook until thickened, 3 minutes. Let cool, then pour into the crust. Puree 1 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup each pistachios, cream cheese and confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; spread over the cherries. Top with chopped pistachios and candied orange peel. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

Recipe Source:  Food Network Magazine

Mormon Muffins

Once upon a time I lived in Ogden Utah (ok, it was almost the first 25 years of my life!).  In Ogden, there is a restaurant that is famous for their...get this...BRAN MUFFINS!!  They call them "Mormon Muffins," and I'm not sure why, nor have I done my research.  In any case, these bran muffins have always been my favorite!  Put a little dab of butter or a squirt of honey, or even some homemade honey butter, and you have a divine treat!  The restaurant is called the Greenery, and it is inside Rainbow Gardens.  So next time you visit O-town, pass by and give these a try!

I won't lie, I haven't had one of these in years, so I won't tell you they are a dead-on match, but they must be close since the recipe is on their website!!!

Mormon Muffins

2 5 1 2 4 1 5 1 4 2 1	cups tsp cup cups each quart cups tsp cups cups cup	boiling water baking soda shortening sugar eggs buttermilk flour salt All Bran Cereal 40% Bran Flakes walnuts (chopped)
Add soda to boiling water and set aside.  Whip shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs slowly.  Mix well.  Add the buttermilk, flour, salt and mix again.  Add the soda water very slowly.  Gently fold the cereals and the walnuts into the mix. Spoon 1/8 cup into greased muffin tins.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes. Muffin mix must sit in the refrigerator over night before baking.  Muffin mix will last one week, covered and refrigerated.  Yields 3 dozen muffins.

Recipe Source:  The Greenery Restaurant

Salted Graham Cracker Toffee

I love it when a recipe finds its way to me, instead of me having to search it out.  I like it even better when the recipe comes from someone that has very similar tastes to my own, so I know I'll love it!  My aunt texted me this recipe and said we needed to try it immediately, so I did...and it is awesome!  It is a little different from the saltine cracker version that I have seen plastered all over Pinterest, and in this case...different is AWESOME!

Be warned, though.  When you start consuming this stuff, you will not stop until the entire pan is gone!  So be prepared to give some of it away as soon as it is ready :)  Enjoy!

Salted Graham Cracker Toffee

14 whole graham crackers (I used the honey-flavored kind)
1 bag (8oz) toffee bits
1-1/2 c. coarsely chopped toasted natural almond (I had sliced ones...they work fine)
1/2 c. sugar 
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 c. (4oz.) bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
3/4 tsp. coarsely ground salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.  Lay graham crackers in a single layer across foil with their edges touching.  Sprinkle toffee bits and almonds over graham crackers.  In a saucepan, bring butter and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat and cook at a rapid boil, swirling pan occasionally, for 2 minutes or until mixture becomes syrupy.  Immediately pour over graham crackers.  

Bake until topping is bubbly, about 12 minutes.  Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate and salt over top.  With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares.  Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.  

Recipe Source:  aunt Trish

Pecan Pie Truffles

I'll admit it, I never really even tried a pecan pie up until I was in my early 20s.  I was stuck in my ways; I loved the chocolate, pumpkin, banana cream, etc. kind of pies.  I have since changed my tune.  Every year it is necessary to have pecan pie and derby pie (basically pecan pie with chocolate) at our dinner table.  

I loved the idea of these little bite-size treats that are yummy for Thanksgiving or any other holiday gathering.  Enjoy!

Love pecan pie like I do?  Try one of these...

Traditional Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie Bars
Derby Pie

Pecan Pie Truffles

2 & 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped, separated

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

3/8 cup corn syrup

1 & 1/2 tsp. vanilla

16 oz. dipping chocolate {I use Candiquik}

In a medium bowl, combine together 2 & 1/4 cup pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and salt.

Add maple syrup, corn syrup and vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Refrigerate mixture for 15 minutes.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Roll mixture into 1 inch balls and place on wax paper; let truffles refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Melt the dipping chocolate according to package directions.

Coat the truffles with chocolate and return back to wax paper.  Sprinkle some pecans on top of the truffles before the chocolate hardens.  Once chocolate hardens, serve and enjoy.

Recipe Source:  High Heels and Grills

Happy November!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Well, I have been looking ahead to Christmas a little bit...I can't help it!  With a new baby coming and anticipation of the holidays, I have been testing out all sorts of recipes a bit early this year.  We aren't going to be with our extended families on Christmas this year, so I want to make a yummy breakfast for our family since we will be missing out on some of the traditional stuff.  This recipe is definitely a contender!  

It is super simple to make, as it uses the store-bought cinnamon rolls and frosting.  It definitely would not take long to throw together Christmas morning.  I love the nuts on it, but feel free to leave them out if you so desire...I'm sure it would be equally as delicious :)  My 5 year old gave his approval and had 2 servings of this (something he NEVER does).  Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast


2 packages of cinnamon rolls
1/4 lb. butter
5 eggs
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans

Melt butter and spread in a 9 x 13 pan.

Separate the cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 8 pieces.  Spread in pan.  Save the icing to use later.

Beat eggs together completely in bowl.  Then add the cream, vanilla, and cinnamon to the eggs and mix thoroughly.  Pour over the cinnamon roll pieces.

Drizzle syrup all over and Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.  (I just put pecans on half of mine) 

Bake at 375 degrees for about 22-28 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool for about 15 minutes.

Take the metal cover off the icing and stick it in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until it is thin enough to drizzle.  Drizzle icing all over the top of the baked cinnamon rolls.

Serve with syrup if desired.

Recipe Source:  My Life According to Pinterest