Snacks

An easy recipe for Lemon Blueberry Muffins

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With the perfect combination of tart and sweet, these Lemon Blueberry Muffins are the perfect thing to make when you’re craving something sweet but not too sweet. If you ask my kids what their favorite thing to make in the kitchen together, the answer would hands down be muffins. And if you asked them what … Read more

Look forward to snack time with these easy homemade protein bites

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These easy homemade protein bites are made with 5 simple ingredients like chocolate, peanut butter, maple syrup and salt, and taste absolutely decadent. // I’ve been on the hunt for easy (and somewhat healthy) snacks as of late, needing quick little pick-me-up’s to get me through the day. Most days, I’ll reach for cut veggies … Read more

Dairy free muffins made from dried mangos

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Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snacks, these small batch dairy free muffins made from dried mangos are packed with flavor. They are also the perfect way to use up that dried fruit that’s been sitting in your pantry for way too long.

A few months ago, I picked up a bag of dried mango from our local BJ’s because it’s seriously the best. Like, better than any other brand I’ve tried. The first time I had gotten a bag, it was gone in two days flat. I was telling The Little about how excited I was to have some again, and asked her if she would be interested in trying some, too.

Of course she said yes. Who can resist such a delicious treat?! So I ripped open the bag when we got home, handed The Little a piece for herself, and took a bite. It wasn’t as good as I remembered it, but maybe my tastebuds were a little off that day… The Little took a bite a few seconds later and instead of oohing and ahhhing about it, she made a funny face.

I picked up the bag to see if something had changed, but everything looked the same. And that’s when I noticed it. The small lettering on the top of the package that said unsweetened.

Face. Palm.

The unsweetened variety was most definitely not the same and most definitely not very good. It just wasn’t for me. (That’s a fancy way of saying it was effing disgusting and not at all what I had hoped it would be.)

So instead of throwing it directly in the trash and feeling cranky with myself for wasting $14 on a bag of dried mango, I tucked it into the back of our pantry and told myself that I’d find something to make with it. Eventually. I’m pretty sure I even went so far as to look up ideas on Pinterest to see if there was anything that was of interest. There wasn’t, so it sat. And sat and sat and sat in our pantry.

Until today.

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Making your own protein bars is super easy

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Do you know how easy it is to make homemade protein bars? With less than 5 minutes of effort, you can make (and customize) your very own high-protein treat.

I am always on the hunt for good protein bars when I need a quick something to eat while I am running the girls back and forth between literally everything. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding any I can enjoy because I am sensitive to dairy, coconut, AND stevia. I did manage to find a few brands that work, but can’t always find them in the store. WHOMP, WHOMP. So I figured it was time to try my hand at making them myself. I also happened to have a bunch of protein powder that was just sitting in the pantry and wanted to use it up.

I took inspiration from a few recipes to create one that worked for me. I have to say, I am really pleased with how they turned out and could even see myself making these into protein ball slash truffles for a small bite versus a bigger bar.

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Peanut butter chia pudding makes for an easy breakfast treat

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Satisfy those sweet cravings with this deliciously sweet peanut butter chia pudding. Eat it for breakfast, grab it and go for a healthy snack, or savor it for dessert. It’s sure to please whichever way you choose.

I’ve had a love hate relationship with chia pudding for years. I’ve wanted to love it but end up just hating it because of how runny and slimy it is. I would see recipes online for the thickest and most delicious looking chia pudding and wonder why mine never looked (or tasted) as good.

I went so far as to buy an electric grinder thinking it was a texture thing. When that didn’t work, I gave up and just added a tablespoon of chia seeds to smoothies or breads here and there.

That is, until a month ago when my husband came home and declared his love for chia pudding. He had been getting it at a local coffee shop and raved about how good it was. I kind of brushed it off and figured he would continue to just get it there and be content. Aaaand then he asked me how hard it was to make. Which, in theory, isn’t hard at all. It’s the turning out well part that I struggled with.

I obliged anyway and made a batch for him to try.

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Chocolate chip chickpea bites make for a great snack

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High in protein and high in flavor, these toddler and kid friendly chocolate chip chickpea bites make for a great snack the whole family will love.

With The Kid in camp this summer, I’ve been trying to find healthy snacks to pack for her each day. Last week, she chose blueberry mini muffins (which she continues to ask about) and finished the batch in 4 days. We moved onto blender muffins (I even made a double batch!) and everyone devoured them in 3 days flat, so they didn’t even make it to the week’s end.

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