Category: Food

Veggie Cracker Bites

Veggie Cracker Bites

No matter where you are on your health journey, there is always room to grow and make tiny tweaks here and there. One area I’ve been placing more attention to is my vegetable consumption. I love to pair my dinner entree with a large salad, but I noticed I could incorporate more veggies as snack options throughout the day.

Veggie Cracker Bites

For instance, I found myself gravitating towards a handful of nuts or cheese and crackers as an afternoon snack. While these are satisfying options, I thought I could make a delicious snack that would sneak a few more veggies into my day. After testing a few flavor combinations, I arrived at these veggie cracker bites. They offer everything you want in an afternoon snack. They are salty, packed with flavor and have a bit of crunch. Yum!

Veggie Cracker Bites

Veggie Cracker Bites

Ingredients:

  • Rice Crackers
  • Cucumber
  • Scallion cream cheese
  • Shredded carrots

Directions:

  • Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the rice cracker
  • Top with a slice of cucumber, a dollop of cream cheese and a sprinkle of shredded carrot
  • Plate and serve!

 

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

If there is a way to sneak chocolate into breakfast, I’m on board! I’ve spoken about my love of the chocolate and orange flavor pairing, therefore, I’m shocked it took me so long to come up with this muffin recipe. Even with the few dark chocolate chips thrown into the batter, these muffins lean on the healthier side so you don’t need to feel guilty treating yourself to something sweet.

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you want to enjoy the “right out of the oven” pleasure each time you tuck into one of the muffins, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. When they come out they will be nice and warm with slightly melted chips. Perfection – am I right?!

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you have never indulged in a Jaffa cake or a Terry’s chocolate orange, let these muffins be your first step on your orange chocolate journey. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Follow the simple recipe below to enjoy these at home!

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 2 C flour
  • 1/3  C honey
  • 1 C dark chocolate chips
  • 3.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 eggs
  • 1/2 C milk
  • 1/2 C orange juice
  • 1/4 C coconut oil, melted
  • 1 Tbs orange zest

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 F. Line muffin tin with liners.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients together.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together.
  • Slowly add in the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until well combined
  • Spoon the muffin mixture into the tins until they are 2/3 full
  • Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
  • Remove from the oven and let cool before serving

Meringue Tree Cupcakes

Meringue Christmas Tree Cupcakes

And just like that, Christmas has come and gone! I’m always saddened when the Christmas lights come down and the remaining winter months are left to be survived rather than savored. This year, I’ve decided to carry on the wonder and joy of the holiday season throughout the winter months by continuing a few traditions – one of which is baking.

Meringue Christmas Tree Cupcakes

In an attempt to keep the holiday spirit alive after returning to work, I whipped up a batch of these Meringe Tree Cupcakes. Dusted with powdered sugar, they resemble a winter wonderland and will bring a smile to anyone who may be mourning the end of Christmas carols on the radio. While meringues may seem daunting, they are simple to make as long as you have a bit of patience. If you decided to make these on your own, please tag your photos with #beautyandblooms so I can see your creations!   

Meringue Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Meringue Tree Cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • Vanilla Boxed Cake Mix
  • Vanilla Frosting
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/2 C. sugar
  • 1 tsp. Creme de Menthe
  • 1/2 tsp. distilled white vinegar
  • 1 drop green food coloring

Directions:

For the cupcakes:

  • Follow baking instructions for cupcakes. Once baked, set aside to cool before frosting.

For the meringues:

  • Heat oven to 200 degrees
  • Beat egg whites in a stand mixer until hard peaks form
  • Slowly add in the sugar, creme de menthe, and vinegar
  • Increase speed and mix until sugar is well incorporated and glossy peaks form
  • Transfer mixture into a pastry bag with a star tip and pipe out trees on a parchment lined baking sheet
  • Place in the oven for 90 minutes, then shut off oven and let the meringues sit for 30 minutes
  • Remove meringues from oven and place on top of frosted cupcakes
  • Store in the fridge until ready to eat