I came across this article a while back & just love the idea! No more poaching & toasting! I haven’t tried this recipe myself yet, but can’t wait to!!

Images: Domino Magazine

These carrot muffins were *delish* not too sweet, a nice crispy crust on the outside with a soft tender inside. Give them a try…

Carrot Muffins

• 1 1/2 cup unbleached flour
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/4 t baking powder
• 1/4 t nutmeg (use fresh, the flavor is *so* much better)

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Sift together the first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, stir together next 5 ingredients. Mix flour mixture into carrot mixture. Add nuts and raisins. Spoon into greased muffin pan. Bake 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Enjoy!

Images: sammyw

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s super quick, light & full of flavor. Take a gander this way…

Chicken with black bean tomato salsa

• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in cubes
• 1 can no salt added black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 can no salt added diced tomatoes, slightly drained
• brown rice
• shredded colby jack cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 T dried oregano
• salt & pepper to taste

First begin cooking the brown rice according to the instructions on the package. (this usually takes around 35-40 minutes)

Start off by heating a pan with a little oil. Once heated add the chicken & cook until no longer pink. Add the oregano & salt & pepper to taste. Next add the black beans on top of the chicken, then the tomatoes. Next add the cheese and finally the fresh cilantro. Turn heat down to low & cook until heated through & cheese begins to melt.

*I always try to buy canned goods with ‘no salt added’. I like to be in control of the salt & all spices for that matter in my food. This way you can add the salt gradually to your taste instead of relying of the factory people for your flavor* Just a thought…

It’s so pretty, don’t cha think?

Images: sammyw

I never thought the words healthy & chocolate could be in the same recipe, but this one makes it all work! These are super moist, very flavorful & perfect for a chocolate fix. Here’s how it’s done…

Healthy chocolate muffins

• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 t canola oil
• 1/2 cup tubinado sugar (raw sugar)
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1/4 t almond extract

• 3/4 cup unbleached flour (or oat flour, if you wanna be extra healthy)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 2 t baking powder
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 1/2 t kosher salt
• 1/8 t ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine applesauce and next four ingredients. In separate bowl, whisk together the next six ingredients. Add dry mixture to applesauce mixture, stir until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into 12 greased muffin tins. Bake for 20-22 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes. Muffins are done when tops of muffins are firm to the touch. Cool slightly & top with powdered sugar. So so good…

Images: sammyw

Vanana yogurt + homemade granola = perfect breakfast

Image: sammyw