Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip muffins! 

Baked Rice and Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• • Rice – 1 cup (about 200 g)

• • Salt – to taste
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Vegetable oil – for sautéing

• • Bell pepper – 1 medium, chopped
  • Carrot – 1 large, grated
  • Broccoli – 450 g (about 3 cups), cut into florets

• • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Paprika – to taste

• • Mozzarella cheese – 200 g (about 3.5 ounces), shredded
  • Eggs – 4 large
  • Vegetable oil – for greasing the baking dish

Directions:

1. 1. Cook the Rice:
      • Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
      • Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the rice and cook according to the package instructions, or until the rice is tender. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. Prepare the Vegetables:
      • • In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
        • Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
        • Add the chopped bell pepper and grated carrot, and continue to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

       

   2. Blanch the Broccoli:
      • Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 3 minutes, then drain and immediately place the broccoli in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

1. 1. Prepare the Seasonings:
      • Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
      • Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.

1. 1. Combine the Ingredients:
      • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and blanched broccoli.
      • Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well.

1. 1. Prepare the Eggs:
      • In a separate bowl, beat the 4 eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
      • Pour the eggs over the rice and vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

1. 1. Assemble the Casserole:
      • Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
      • Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and pour the rice and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

1. Bake the Casserole:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
   • • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the hearty flavors of rice, vegetables, and cheese!

    

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve this casserole as a main dish with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.
  • Pair with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• • Blanch the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps keep it tender while maintaining its vibrant color.
  • Customize the veggies: You can easily add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to suit your taste.
  • Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
  • Carrots provide beta-carotene and antioxidants.
  • Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy.

• Eggs add protein and help bind the casserole together.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting them)

• Contains dairy (from the cheese) and eggs

Baked Oatmeal with Nuts, Seeds, and Fruits

Ingredients:

• • Oats: 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
  • Banana: 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • Apple: 1 small apple, chopped

• • Nuts (your choice): 1/4 cup (30g), chopped
  • Seeds (your choice): 1/4 cup (30g)
  • Plant-based milk or water: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)

• • Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2g)
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (4g)

• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)

Directions:

• • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

• • In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, mashed banana, chopped apple, nuts, seeds, baking powder, and cinnamon.
  • Pour the plant-based milk (or water), maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Stir until well combined.
  • Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.

• Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing into squares or bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Enjoy with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

• Pair with fresh fruit or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.

Cooking Tips:

• • Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness.

• Customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
• Add chocolate chips for a sweeter version.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • High in Fiber: Oats, bananas, and apples contribute to healthy digestion.
  • Healthy Fats & Protein: Nuts and seeds provide essential nutrients.
  • Vitamins: Fruits offer vitamins A and C.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Vegan: Yes

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• • Calories: 250 kcal

• • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 15g

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• • Nutritious and Filling: A balanced meal packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein.
  • Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite ingredients.
  • Quick to Make: Ideal for busy mornings or meal prep.

• Tasty: Naturally sweet with a comforting, warm flavor.

Protein Bars: A Tastier and Healthier Snickers Alternative in Just 5 Minutes

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a nutritious yet delicious snack can be quite a challenge. Most of the readily available options are loaded with sugar and unhealthy additives. However, there’s a fantastic alternative that you can make at home in just five minutes – protein bars! These bars not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide a healthy dose of protein without the guilt. In this article, we’ll show you how to create your own protein bars that are not only tastier than Snickers but also free from sugar and baking. Let’s dive into the details.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Base:

• 8.8 ounces (250 grams) of peanut butter
• 3.5-5.3 ounces (100-150 grams) of coconut flour (depending on the desired consistency)
• 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of sweetener (choose from honey, maple syrup, or stevia)

For the Glazing:

• 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of cocoa powder
• Coconut milk and sweetener to taste

The Simple Preparation Process:

 Mixing the Dough

1. Start by taking a bowl and adding 250 grams of peanut paste (butter) into it. You can easily make peanut paste at home if you prefer the homemade touch.
2. Gradually add 100 grams of coconut flour into the bowl and mix it with the peanut paste. Depending on the desired consistency of your mixture, you can add the remaining 50 grams of coconut flour if necessary.
3. Now, it’s time to sweeten the mixture. You have options here – you can use honey, stevia, or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Add it to the bowl and mix everything thoroughly. The mixture should be thick but still easy to pour into a mold.

 Molding and Chilling

1. Take a mold with a flexible rim; it should be smaller in size since this recipe makes a smaller batch. If you desire more, simply double the ingredients.
2. Pour the prepared mixture into the mold and use a spatula to pat it down and level it nicely.
3. Cover the mold with cling film and place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to let it cool.

Preparing the Glaze

1. While your protein bar mixture is cooling in the fridge, you can prepare the glaze. Take 50 grams of cocoa and gradually add a little coconut milk until it forms a runny glaze.
2. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking by adding sweetener. Mix it well.

The Final Touch

1. Once the protein bar mixture has cooled, remove it from the refrigerator.
2. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the mixture.
3. Cut the bars into cubes, and they are ready to be served immediately.

These homemade protein bars not only taste amazing but also provide you with a nutritious snack option. Some even say they are tastier than Snickers! Plus, they are sugar-free and require no baking. What more could you ask for?

Conclusion

In a world filled with unhealthy snacking options, making your own protein bars is a game-changer. They are easy to prepare, healthier than traditional candy bars, and customizable to your taste preferences. Next time you’re craving a sweet treat, whip up a batch of these protein bars and enjoy guilt-free snacking.

Oatmeal Cookies with Carrots, Nuts, and Seeds

Ingredients:

• • 50g (1.7 oz) raisins
  • 150g (5.3 oz) oatmeal

• • 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Cinnamon (to taste)

• • Nutmeg (to taste)
  • 50g (1.7 oz) walnuts, chopped
  • 150g (5.3 oz) carrots, grated

• • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1-2 tbsp honey
  • 1 egg

• Pumpkin seeds (for decoration)

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven:
      • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

1. 1. Mix the dry ingredients:
      • In a large bowl, combine 150g oatmeal, 1 tbsp sunflower seeds, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 50g chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well mixed.
   2. Prepare the wet ingredients:
      • • In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg. Add 3 tbsp melted butter, 1-2 tbsp honey (depending on desired sweetness), and the 50g raisins. Stir well to combine.

       

   3. Add the carrots:
      • Fold in the 150g grated carrots into the wet mixture.

1. 1. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
      • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined and a dough forms.
   2. Shape the cookies:
      • • Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into cookies. Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each cookie. Press a few pumpkin seeds on top of each cookie for decoration.

       

   3. Bake:
      • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

1. Cool and serve:
   • Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or your favorite plant-based alternative.

• • Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
  • Serve with yogurt or cottage cheese for a healthy breakfast option.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes as a nutritious treat.

• Crumble over ice cream or Greek yogurt for added texture.

Cooking Tips:

• • If you prefer softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly. For crispier cookies, bake a little longer.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.

• • Use rolled oats for a chewier texture, or quick oats for a softer texture.
  • Add chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
  • Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough to make them plump and juicy.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Rich in fiber: Oats and carrots provide dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
  • Good source of vitamins: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and antioxidants.
  • Healthy fats: Sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds add healthy fats and essential nutrients.

• Natural sweetness: These cookies are naturally sweetened with honey and raisins, reducing the need for added sugar.
• Protein boost: The egg, nuts, and seeds provide a healthy dose of protein.

Unbelievably Easy Minute Tea Cookies Perfect for tea time

No one will guess how quick and delicious these are! Perfect for tea time! ☕

Ingredients (Approx. 23 Cookies – ~350g):

– 1 medium egg
– 50g sugar
– 50g butter
– 40g honey (1 tbsp)
– ~220g flour
– 3/4 tsp baking powder (4g)
– A pinch of salt
– Walnuts
– Optional fillings: dried apricots, prunes, raisins, or chocolate

Instructions:

1. Beat the egg and sugar together until creamy.
2. Melt the butter, add honey, and mix well.
3. Combine the egg-sugar mixture with the butter-honey mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and knead the dough.
6. Add walnuts (and optional fillings if desired) into the dough.
7. Form small cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes.

No-Bake Almond and Date Cookies with Dark Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups | 300g dates (preferably Medjool)
• 1¼ cups | 200g roasted almonds
• Approx. 3.5 oz | 100g dark chocolate (for coating)

Directions:

• Prepare Dates:
  • Wash and soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes.
• Grind Almonds:
  • Grind the roasted almonds in a food processor until fine.
• Form Dough:
  • Add the soaked dates to the ground almonds and blend until the mixture is sticky and forms a dough.
• Shape Cookies:
  • Roll the mixture into small balls. Use a citrus juicer (lined with plastic wrap) to press the balls into cookie shapes.
• Freeze:
  • Place cookies on a tray, make a small indentation in each with a wooden spoon handle, and freeze for 15 minutes.
• Coat with Chocolate:
  • Melt the dark chocolate and dip each cookie into it, allowing excess to drip off.
• Chill Again:
  • Place the cookies back in the freezer for 15 minutes to set the chocolate.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chilled with a cup of coffee or tea for a quick and healthy dessert.

Cooking Tips:

• If the mixture is too sticky, lightly oil your hands when shaping the cookies.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, decadent flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Dates: High in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars.
• Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
• Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants and may improve heart health.

Dietary Information:

• Vegan, Gluten-Free, and No Added Sugar.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 4g

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 1 month.

Protein Bars: A Tastier and Healthier Snickers Alternative in Just 5 Minutes

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a nutritious yet delicious snack can be quite a challenge. Most of the readily available options are loaded with sugar and unhealthy additives. However, there’s a fantastic alternative that you can make at home in just five minutes – protein bars! These bars not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide a healthy dose of protein without the guilt. In this article, we’ll show you how to create your own protein bars that are not only tastier than Snickers but also free from sugar and baking. Let’s dive into the details.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Base:

• 8.8 ounces (250 grams) of peanut butter
• 3.5-5.3 ounces (100-150 grams) of coconut flour (depending on the desired consistency)
• 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of sweetener (choose from honey, maple syrup, or stevia)

For the Glazing:

• 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of cocoa powder
• Coconut milk and sweetener to taste

The Simple Preparation Process:

 Mixing the Dough

1. Start by taking a bowl and adding 250 grams of peanut paste (butter) into it. You can easily make peanut paste at home if you prefer the homemade touch.
2. Gradually add 100 grams of coconut flour into the bowl and mix it with the peanut paste. Depending on the desired consistency of your mixture, you can add the remaining 50 grams of coconut flour if necessary.
3. Now, it’s time to sweeten the mixture. You have options here – you can use honey, stevia, or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Add it to the bowl and mix everything thoroughly. The mixture should be thick but still easy to pour into a mold.

 Molding and Chilling

1. Take a mold with a flexible rim; it should be smaller in size since this recipe makes a smaller batch. If you desire more, simply double the ingredients.
2. Pour the prepared mixture into the mold and use a spatula to pat it down and level it nicely.
3. Cover the mold with cling film and place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to let it cool.

Preparing the Glaze

1. While your protein bar mixture is cooling in the fridge, you can prepare the glaze. Take 50 grams of cocoa and gradually add a little coconut milk until it forms a runny glaze.
2. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking by adding sweetener. Mix it well.

The Final Touch

1. Once the protein bar mixture has cooled, remove it from the refrigerator.
2. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the mixture.
3. Cut the bars into cubes, and they are ready to be served immediately.

These homemade protein bars not only taste amazing but also provide you with a nutritious snack option. Some even say they are tastier than Snickers! Plus, they are sugar-free and require no baking. What more could you ask for?

Conclusion

In a world filled with unhealthy snacking options, making your own protein bars is a game-changer. They are easy to prepare, healthier than traditional candy bars, and customizable to your taste preferences. Next time you’re craving a sweet treat, whip up a batch of these protein bars and enjoy guilt-free snacking.

Traditional Holiday Fruit cake 

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup dried fruit mix (cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.)
1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans), chopped
1/4 cup candied cherries, halved
1/4 cup green candied cherries, halved
1/4 cup red candied cherries, halved

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the dried fruit mix and nuts until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Arrange the candied cherries on top for decoration.
Bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 80 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 10 servings