Chocolate Chip Waffle Cake

Since I finally shared the details of Levi's 3rd birthday party in my last post, I figured the perfect follow up was his completely delicious cake I made for his family celebration at home...
Birthdays are all about the food around here. **Who am I kidding? Most of our days revolve around food**  But, birthdays are extra special! Choice of birthday breakfast, birthday lunch, birthday dinner (out or in), birthday cake...you get the idea!
When Levi turned 3, he was very clear with his choices. He wanted donuts for breakfast, so we headed out to Krispy Kreme bright and early that Sunday morning. Unfortunately, he threw up as we were waiting in line for our treats (Josh waited in line while I rushed him to the nearest bathroom), so we had to abort mission and cancel our planned trip to the Children's Museum. After a few hours at home, it appeared Levi's issue was a fluke, so we decided to save the special day and head to hell Chuck E. Cheese per his request.

  
                            

For dinner, V had requested pork chops and green beans (his very random favorite at the time), so we had invited all of our family members over for the special meal and cake. Unfortunately, it was around that time that we noticed Levi's stomach bug from the morning was still lingering. Luckily, he didn't get sick anymore but he kept sneaking off to the bathroom thinking he was going to get sick. I just felt so bad for my boy that he wasn't able to fully enjoy his special day, especially this star of the show...

As random as pork chops and green beans were, Levi's request for a chocolate chip waffle cake was probably even more bizarre. I pride myself on being a master googler (yes, that's a thing) and being able to search for just about anything, but "chocolate chip waffle cake" just wasn't out there. So I had to get creative, and I'm a little embarrassed to reveal just how easy this thing was. A box of yellow cake mix prepared per directions + a handful of chocolate chips per waffle scoop...prepared in a waffle iron just as you would regular waffles and voila...I had some pretty yummy chocolate chip waffles. But what's a cake without frosting, right?!? Again, just a can of premade chocolate frosting spread between each waffle, plus a few sprinkles for a good, festive measure and we had a big hit of a birthday cake! Seriously, everyone raved about how great it was! 

Tasty Tuesday: Garlic Feta Dip

I told you yesterday that we had my good friend, Claire, and her husband over for dinner the other night.  What I didn't tell you is that I kind of wussed out and just ordered pizza for all of us (sometimes easier is better, no?!?).  As we waited for our faithful delivery driver, though, I knew we would need something to snack on.  I had never made this dip before, but figured it fit the theme and would give it a go.  Um, total success!  This stuff was so good, and may just be my new go-to dip, especially because it took me all of 10 minutes to put together!

Garlic Feta Dip

• 8 oz. crumbled Feta
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme

1. Mix all and and chill in refrigerator.  Mine chilled for about 2 hours, so I would probably recommend about that!

Serve with pretzel chips or pita chips, and enjoy!

Tasty Tuesday: Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

If you know me at all, or have been a regular around here, you probably already know that I have a bit of a chocolate-peanut butter obsession!  While I was on my no-bake hiatus, I tried hard to not pin recipes either, but there were a couple (chocolate-peanut butter of course) that I just couldn't resist.  So I pinned them, and eagerly awaited the day I could try them out.
I tried out some Peanut Butter Oreo Mud Bars a couple weeks ago, but was shockingly a bit disappointed with them (although not in the peanut butter Oreos, which I never knew existed!). So then I was even more anxious to try out recipe #2, and luckily, they didn't disappoint.  They're super easy to make, but I will warn you that they're really sweet, so cut your bars small!  If you're a chocolate-peanut butter lover like me, though, I'm sure you'll be a fan!

image via The Girl Who Ate Everything

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

• box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla

1.  Preheat oven to 325. 

2. In mixer, combine cake mix, peanut butter, melted butter, and eggs.  Press into 9x13 pan, reserving about 1 1/2 cups of mixture for the top.

3. In saucepan over medium low heat, melt chocolate chips, butter, and milk.  Remove from heat once all is melted and stir in vanilla.  Pour over the peanut butter cake mix in 9x13.

4. Crumble the remaining cake mix over the chocolate.

5. Bake 20-25 minutes.  Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars (or tasting...these definitely grew on me after they had sit for awhile!).

Tasty Tuesday: Diet Coke Brownies

I've given up baking for the last couple of months.  Baking is one of the hobbies, though, that I really do enjoy.  I've missed it, but in an attempt to keep my diet on track, I've fought temptations and found other ways to fill my time.
But last week, I discovered a box of Ghiradelli brownie mix just hanging out in my pantry.  My diet was winding down anyways.  Plus, it was a cold, miserable day and we were just hanging out at home for a few hours.But I still didn't want to go completely crazy! And then I had an epiphany.  I honestly don't know if I had seen it somewhere before (likely Pinterest if I had!) or if I just had a hunch because I had done diet soda cupcakes before, but either way, I figured I could just combine a can of Diet Coke with a box of brownie mix and have a healthier (-er being the key part of that considering the "double chocolate" of the brownie mix wiped out any chance of healthy in these) version of brownies.

Well, I did, and after baking them for 50 minutes, they were completely amazing and delicious! Really, I liked them as much as real brownies.  Well, maybe that's not entirely true.  I liked the bottom 2/3 as much as real brownies. They were a bit undercooked and fudgy, and oh so yummy.  The top 1/3 was good too, but definitely more cake-like and not as decadent.  

Considering I proceeded to eat about half the pan (but only the bottoms of each!), it's a good thing these were the healthier version! Oh, and if you want to go even "healthier," you could always use the low-fat brownie mix...I just didn't have that in my pantry!

Tasty Tuesday: Skinny Cincinnati Chili

I mean, seriously, is this the winter that will never end or what?!? We were stuck inside yesterday for what feels like the umpteenth day this winter due to bitter cold, ice, and even snow!  WTF?!?
I'm always one to look for a silver lining, and yesterday's came in the form of this skinny chili recipe.  I found it on Pinterest (of course!).  Truthfully, I had never had Cincinnati chili...and didn't even know what it was. So I googled it...turns out Cincinnati chili is characterized by using spices such as cinnamon or chocolate (this one does both) and is typically served over spaghetti (as this one is!).
We all really loved this hearty, filling, yet skinny meal.  It was the perfect compliment to the snow falling outside.

Skinny Cincinnati Chili

from Skinnymom.com

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tsp. EVOO
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 14.5 oz. kidney beans, drained
• 14. 5 oz. diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 4 cups whole wheat spaghetti (I used Plus because that's what we had)
• 6 tbsp. 2% Cheddar
• onions (optional)

1.  In large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium high heat.  Add ground beef, and cook until brown (about 5-7 minutes), being sure to break up into crumbles.

2.  Add the onion and garlic and cook until onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.

3.  Add in beans, tomatoes, vinegar, Worcestershire, chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and peppers.  Bring to a boil.

4.  Reduce heat to low and let simmer, partially covered, for an hour.  Be sure to stir occasionally.

5.  Serve over cooked spaghetti and serve with cheese, onions, or both. 

According to the Skinnymom website, one serving of 3/4 cup spaghetti and 2/3 cup chili is just 342 calories! Pretty good for a complete meal, huh?!?  

Tasty Tuesday: Skinny(er) Muddy Buddies

It's been awhile since I shared a recipe with you all.  Between dieting and some Pinterest strike outs, it's been awhile since I've found a good one!  But alas, the day has come.
I don't know about you all, but I have a major sweet tooth that just can't be denied. It usually crops up while the kids are napping.  If I attempt to ignore it, it just grows and grows to the point where I am devouring a bowl of ice cream after dinner (low fat, but still). So instead of ignoring it, my new approach is to quiet it with some small, sweet treat right when it first starts. So I made this skinny version of Muddy Buddies to serve that purpose.
According to the original recipe, this comes in at about 100 calories per 1/2 cup.  I used less cocoa in mine, but didn't bother to run it through a calorie counter because honestly, I'm hoping to not even eat 1/2 cup at a time...just a few pieces here and there (we'll see how long that lasts!).  Either way, this version has to be better for you than the original which usually calls for at least 1/2 cup of butter and a whole lot of powdered sugar!

Skinny(er) Muddy Buddies

• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal (or corn chex)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1. Put peanut butter and light corn syrup in microwave-safe bowl and zap for 30 seconds  or until peanut butter is melted.  Stir them together.

2. Stir vanilla extract into peanut butter/corn syrup mixture.

3. Put Chex into large bowl. Pour peanut butter mixture over them and mix until Chex are well covered.

4. Sprinkle cocoa powder over the Chex mix and stir again to well coat.

I wanted mine to have a stronger peanut butter flavor than chocolate, but if you want it to be  more chocolatey, just add more cocoa powder. Either way, it is the perfect, guilt-free fix for a mid-day (or anytime) sweet craving!

Tasty Tuesday: Protein Packed

I am on a mission to start this year.  After a few failed attempts, I am bound and determined to lose the final 10ish pounds I put on during my Levi pregnancy.  To defend myself, most of my failures weren't from lack of effort.  I have dieted, worked out, and done everything else I could think of, but my body just hasn't been responding and I was stuck at a major, irritating plateau.  Whenever I mentioned my dilemma to an expert (my doctor, my dietitian friend), the first piece of advice was to up my protein.
 So I have!  And thus far it (combined with a few other changes) seems to be working!  Hallelujah!!!  Since January 6th, I have lost about 5 pounds...slow and steady wins the race, right?!?
But incorporating more protein into my diet has been a major lesson for me.  Before this quest, I was most definitely a heavy carb eater and really didn't have any good ideas as to what might make for protein meals or snacks!  When I researched, I was even more frustrated because most suggestions involved things that I don't like (it usually doesn't bode well for dieting of any kind when you don't like vegetables...).  So I've had to pave my own path...and thought I'd share the results with you.
Just for a little background info, I pretty much aim to eat 200 calories each at breakfast (divided into half before my workout and half after), lunch, and a snack because I generally eat a large dinner.  While some of these may have an obvious meal category, I pretty much interchange them for whatever sounds good whenever!
So with that introduction out of the way, here's my rundown of my new favorite, go-to, protein packed meals:
1.  Bacon Egg Cups: Really handy because I can make them in advance, freeze them, and throw two in the microwave when we are in a rush in the mornings (read: every day!). Honestly, though, I'm not a huge egg fan, though, so after 4 weeks of eating these regularly, I'm already ready for a break from them, but the bacon does add a nice treat!
                                                 
2.  Greek Yogurt:  Have I mentioned I'm not a fan of fruit?  Which also means I'm not usually a fan of fruit-flavored Greek yogurts that dominate the offerings, especially the ones with fruit chunks.  Ick!  But Dannon Oikos happens to make an awesome Cafe Latte and Caramel Macchiato flavor Greek yogurt that I absolutely love!  On a side note, when googling for an image, I saw that Dannon makes a frozen yogurt in the Cafe Latte...anyone had it?  I must find it!!!
                                                        
3.  Apple slices with peanut butter and granola: This is probably my absolute favorite on the whole list!  I generally do 3 slices of apple with about 1 tbsp. of Jif Whipped (spread out on all three slices) and topped with a couple tablespoons of low-fat granola (again divvied up among the three slices).  Delish!!!!
                                     
4.  Rice cake with peanut butter.  Right from the start of this thing, I knew if there was one protein food I could eat...and eat in abundance...it's peanut butter!!! So I've tried to find as many ways to eat it as I can (including straight off the spoon!).  A plain rice cake with 1 tbsp. Jif Whipped does the trick too!
5.  Eggo protein waffle with...peanut butter (you guessed it, huh?) and jelly!
                                               
6.  Spinach, grilled chicken, and vinaigrette.  Amazingly, despite my intolerance of vegetables, I actually do like spinach!  So I just make a pretty basic salad with it.  Obviously, you could snaz that up a lot more!
7.  Egg salad and water crackers.  I've written about this find before!  With just a couple tablespoons of mayo in the whole thing, this egg salad is light and delicious!
8. Emerald chocolate almonds.  I love the convenience of the 100 calorie packs!  And at just 100 calories, you may as well go for the splurge and get the chocolate ones!
                                              
9.  Cottage cheese cups.  Again, I'm all about convenience!  Oh, and personally, I've tried the non-fat and the low-fat...definitely worth the little bit of fat!!!
                                                   
10  Special K protein shakes.  These are really good when you're craving something sweet.  They feel like a treat, but really they're pretty good for you! For the record, I've only tried the chocolate and vanilla cappuccino...and was a much bigger fan of the vanilla cappuccino!
                                                 
11.  Skinnypop.  Ok technically this isn't high in protein, but this stuff is just too darn good!  And at only 39 calories a cup, it's certainly a good, healthy snack!
                                                  
So there we have it!  The 11 foods I'm pretty much living off of these days (+ dinner!).  Anyone else have some good high-protein suggestions?