110 Calorie Egg Breakfast Burrito

Good morning and happy Sunday! Enjoy this delicious 100 calorie breakfast burrito! So before you go buy donuts or grab a fast food egg burrito, think again! This breakfast is healthy, filling, and most importantly delicious!

Rise and shine!

Start your day off right!

Ingredients:

1/4 C Egg Beaters (I used the 99% Real, Egg Whites will work too)
1/4 C Chopped Onion
1/4 C Chopped Yellow Bell Pepper
2 TBS Water
1 TBS Medium Pace Salsa
1/2 of Flatout Flatbread Multigrain w/ Flax

To-do:

1) Place sprayed skillet on medium heat and add onions and peppers.
2) Let the onion and pepper cook for about 5 minutes.
3) Add egg beaters and water cook until eggs are scrambled and not watery.
4) Cut flatbread in half, add eggs, and salsa!

Enjoy!

Variations and healthy additions:

- Use 1/4 C egg whites instead of the 99% Real Egg Beaters
- Use any kind of bell pepper or omit if you do not like them
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Add spinach


Note: I am obsessed with this Flatbread! So yummy and last night I used it as pizza crust to my veggie pizza! I will post it later! I recommend this instead of bread or pizza crust an entire slice is only 100 calories!

Calorie breakdown:

Egg Beaters 30 cal.
Onion 10-20 Cal
Bell Pepper 10 Cal
1/2 Flatbread 50 Cal
Salsa 10 Cal

Skinny Girl Cinnamon Cookies

Enjoying my cookie on this Saturday night after a long day of writing a research paper and a long workout! The perfect end to this day. Cookies and finally watching The Help! The book was amazing! Remember people, "you is good, you is smart, you is important! Now eat a darn cookie and enjoy yourself!

Cinnamon oatmeal cookies? Oh my! These are the most delicious cookies I have ever had. I am not kidding. I have been craving cookies all day but I wanted to find a guilt free recipe. I knew Mrs. Bethenny Frankel, creator of the skinny girl margarita and various cookbooks, would not fail me. I found this recipe in her "Skinny Girl Dish" Cookbook. Might I add that I love the title. How appropriate for this blog! I made a few alterations and yet they are still skinny-fied and delicious. Go a head, eat a cookie... or two!

No eggs or butter about it baby! Hellooooo vegan deliciousness.

Half Regular Half Chocolate Chip

Yummm!

No eggs or butter about it baby!

Where is my boyfriend when I need him! These might disappear!

These are SO good! Best part about them is that you eliminate the eggs and the butter! Also flour such as whole wheat pastry, buckwheat, almond are so much better for you than all-purpose flour. These flours do not stick to your body like all purpose does. You will taste and feel the difference (a GOOD difference!) Enjoy these, I know I do!

Ingredients:

1 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1/2 C Almond Flour

1/2 C Raw Sugar

1/2 TSP Baking Soda

1/2 TSP Baking Powder

1/2 TSP Salt

1 TSP Ground Cinnamon

3/4 C Whole Grain Oats

1/2 C Unsweetened Apple Sauce

1/3 C Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 TSP Grape Seed Oil

1 TSP Vanilla

Optional Ingredients:

1/2 C Mini Dark Chocolate or Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 C Raisins

1/2 C Almonds or your choice of nuts

To-do

1) Preheat oven to 350.

2) In large mixing bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking sode, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3) Then mix in, Whole grain outs, unsweetened apple sauce, almond milk, oil and vanilla.

4) Add whatever additional ingredients you want. I made half without any additional ingredients and half with chocolate chips.

5) Place drops of dough on a parchment covered cookie sheet.

6) Cook for 8-10 minutes.

Enjoy! 

Variations:

• Use all whole wheat pastry flour if you do not have almond or any other kind. Just AVOID all purpose flour.
• Use soy milk instead of unsweetened almond milk-- unsweetened almond has less sugar.
• Instead of raw sugar use regular sugar.
• Use rolled oats instead of whole grain oats. 

Skinny Mexican Lasagna

Mmm muy delicioso!

Hola mis amigos! I have a Spanish final I am studying for I thought it would be nice to spice things up tonight with this Mexican Lasagna! This recipe is budget friendly, easy to make, and delish! So regardless if you are in Spanish, French, German or even graduated (lucky) this recipe is sure to please your stomach and your wallet!

Brown Turkey.

Slice Poblano Pepper.

Add peppers.

Penzey!

Layer.

Ingredients:

1lb Lean Ground Turkey (I used 93/7)

HEB Organic Extra Thin Tortilla Chips

2 C Frozen Corn

2 C Medium Pace Salsa

1 Chopped Poblano Pepper

1/4 C Jalapenos

2 TBS Penzey Taco Seasoning

2 C Pepper Jack Cheese**

To-do:

1) Preheat oven to 350.

2) Brown Turkey.

3) Add corn, salsa, and peppers.

4) Place tortillas at the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan, then place the meat mixture on top, then the cheese and repeat.

5) Place in the oven for 30 minutes and enjoy!

Variations:

• Instead of tortilla chips use whole wheat low fat tortillas or corn tortillas and still layer.
• Add a can of green chilies, chopped bell pepper, and/or onions.
• Cutting back on sodium? Omit the taco seasoning.
• Vegetarian? Use black beans instead of meat.
• Instead of lean ground turkey use beef or chicken. 

Yum.

He stole my blanket while I was cooking... Sneaky boy. Serves me right. I should be cooking instead of studying. Wait ;).

Skinny Girl Mango Lime Chicken

Delicious.

Hello Summer time, hello lime, hello mango! Some of my favorite things! This is such a simple dinner, healthy and delicious!

Ingredients:

2 Boneless Chicken Breast
1 Mango
1 Lime
1/2-1 Orange Bell Pepper
Penzey Paprika
Penzey Chipotle Ground Red


To-do:

1) Sprinkle Paprika and Chipotle Ground Red on boneless chicken breast.
2) Cut up Mango.
3) Cut up Bell Pepper.
4) Squeeze Lime over chicken, mango, and bell pepper.
5) Place all of the ingredients in a sprayed or nonstick pan on medium. Cook until there chicken is done!

Enjoy!

Variations:

- Use any Bell Pepper.

- Add onion.

- Use any type of spicy seasoning.

"Guacamole Sounds Good Right Now"

"Guacamole sounds really good right now" ;)

Haha if you are close to me, you will totally understand the title! This is the easiest guacamole. You only need three ingredients! And voila, bust out the tequila with the girls and have a margarita-guac night!

Love these organic extra thin tortilla chips! Yummm.

Ingredients:

2 Medium Avocados**
1 Small Lime
1/2-1 Medium Chopped Orange Bell Pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste

To-do:

1) Slice avocados (keep the seed).
2) Chop Bell Pepper
3) Place in medium bowl and mix.
4) Squeeze lime juice and add salt and pepper!

Variations:

- Use any kind of bell pepper.

- Instead of Bell Pepper use tomatoes.

Guac Tips:

- Place the seed inside the guacamole to keep it fresh.
- Push saran (plastic) wrap down into the guacamole to keep it from browning.

Vegan Gluten Free Protein Blueberry Almond Waffles

I am a huge breakfast person (if you haven't realized already). My mom and dad make waffles every weekend. And when I went off to college I wanted to continue the tradition. I hope to continue this tradition for the rest of my life! There is just something about Sunday mornings. Everyone slows their pace down. After my workout this morning, I went to HEB to buy some Almond Flour. I wanted to mix buckwheat flour with something, and after research almond flour seemed like the perfect fit.

I don't know about you, but every time I eat waffles or pancakes I am ALWAYS hungry again within the hour! So to prevent this, I added my GNC Vanilla Protein powder. 

This recipe is awesome. Sweet and protein packed, without the fatty oils, eggs, butter and sugar! So go ahead, put on a pot of coffee. And surprise your roommates, boyfriend, girlfriend, kiddos with this delicious Sunday morning breakfast.

Ingredients:

(Dry)

1 C Almond Flour

1/2 C Buckwheat Flour

1 C Vanilla Protein Powder (About two scoops)

4 TSP Baking Powder

1/4 TSP Salt

1/4 TSP Ground Cinnamon

(Wet)

1 Mashed Banana

1/2 C Unsweetened Apple Sauce

1 C Unsweetened Almond Milk 

Splash of Water (a little less then 1/3 C)

Fresh Blueberries 

To-do

1) Heat up waffle maker

2) Whisk dry ingredients together

3) Mix wet ingredients together

4) Combine wet and dry ingredients

5) Spray PAM on heated waffle maker, cook, enjoy!

Serving size: 8 waffles (mine was 1/4 C mixture per waffle).

I used sugar free maple syrup on top with a few extra blueberries!

Variations:

Instead of Vanilla protein powder-- add chocolate or blueberry protein powder.

** You can use wheat pastry flour.

Instead of blueberries add strawberries, raspberries or blackberries.

You can add a TBS of Unsweetened Chocolate Cocoa.

Skinny Chocolate Zucchini Bread

You'll Never Guess What Is Inside...

Hello Healthy

Green is GOOD!

I have a confession. I love Zucchini. So much that yes, I put it in bread. I am telling you this bread is delicious and better yet, healthy! I cut out the sugar, gluten, oil, and used only egg whites. "How," You ask? I'm just good like that! Check out this healthy chocolately treat (contradiction? ironic?-- NO!) So yummy, so chocolately, and yes, healthy.

Ingredients:

(Dry)
3/4 C Buckwheat
3/4 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1/4 C Brown Sugar
2 Packets Organic Stevia
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Tablespoon All Natural Cocoa Powder
11/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

(Wet)
2 C Grated Zucchini (About 2 Medium Zucchini)
1/4 C Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/2 C Egg Beaters
11/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

To-do:

1) Preheat oven 350.
2) Mix dry ingredients together.
3) Mix wet ingredients together.
4) Mix everything together.
5) Place dough in a nonstick pan/ sprayed pan.
6) Cook for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean!

Variations:

- If you do not have Buckwheat Flour use 11/2C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, wheat flour. I do NOT recommend all purpose flour.
- Use two eggs instead of 1/2 C Egg Beaters.
- Use 3/4 C Sugar instead of the brown sugar and stevia mixture.
- You can leave out the cocoa powder (only 20 extra calories for the chocolately taste though!)
- Use 1/4 C Canola Oil instead of Unsweetened Apple Sauce.
- Add mini chocolate chips (**more for less), dried fruit such as cranberries, add walnuts or almonds.

A note on my variations-- I vary my recipes to make them as healthy as possible. I do not recommend all purpose flour, oil, or whole eggs. Do your health and body a favor by choosing healthier variations. If these variations are not possible no problem use what you got! I just believe in giving you the healthiest alternatives possible. I owe that to my readers and it is important to bring my healthy versions to you.

Skinny Pasta

Delicious

Zucchini "Noodles"

I wish I could say I was Italian, or maybe I just want an excuse to drink wine. As if you really need one? Enjoy one of my favorite recipes!

Ingredients:

1 Zucchini
1 lb 99/1 Lean Ground Turkey (2 Cups-- I saved the rest)
1 TBS Minced Garlic
1/2 C Ragu Light No Sugar Added Light Spaghetti Sauce
Seasoning of choice (I like sodium free Penzey Spices)

To-do

1) Brown turkey on skillet.
2) Cut Zucchini into thin noodle like strips (the thinner the better).
3) Place Zucchini on a sprayed non-stick pan, low-medium heat. Cook until al dente.
4) Sprinkle Seasoning on extra lean turkey and add minced garlic.
5) Add Ragu Light Spaghetti Sauce to extra lean ground turkey.
6) Place Zucchini noodles on a plate and add turkey mixture on top.
7) Add Reduced Fat Feta or Parmesan.

Serving Size: 1 if you are really hungry, or 2.

Variations:

Instead of Extra Lean Ground Turkey use and variation of turkey or lean ground beef.
Instead of Penzey Spices use Mrs. Dash (all sodium free)

*** A great way to save money and time is to cook an entire pound of ground turkey, beef whatever and then store the leftovers for another meal. Fast, economical, and efficient.

Skinny Style Bruschetta

Have you picked out your wine?

Mmm bella.

Its Wine Wednesday! I love pairing bruschetta with wine. Mmm. This recipe took me less than 15 minutes to whip up! It is so refreshing, easy, healthy and did I mention a perfect pair with wine? Oh yeah... I did.

Ingredients:

1/2 C Chopped Tomato
1/4 C Chopped Onion
1TBS Balsamic Vinegar or Low-fat Italian Dressing
Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese
Reduced Fat Ritz Crackers or Whole Grain Bread (sliced into squares)
Salt & Pepper To Taste

To-do:

1) Preheat oven to 350.
2) Mix together tomato, onion, vinegar, salt and pepper.
3) Top each crackers or bread slices with mixture.
4) Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top
5) Place in the oven for 10 minutes.

Grab some wine and enjoy!

Variations:

- Instead of Ritz Crackers use Whole Grain Bread (sliced)

- Instead of Balsamic Vinegar use Italian Dressing


- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese use Reduced Fat Feta


- Add Garlic Salt or Minced Garlic.


- Add chopped Spinach.


Wine Choices: 


Ménage à Trois Red-- Delicious blend of Zinfandel, Carbernet Sauvignon, Merlot. My girlfriends and I love this wine!

Apothic Red is also really delicious! Shout out to my girls, Taylor and Megan. I love these girls more than anything, a big thank you for introducing me to this delicious red blend. Try pairing our favorites with this yummy recipe!


Not so into red wine? Thats okay! Try a Red Zinfandel.

Salsa Turkey Meatloaf: Skinny Girl Style

Mmmmmm.

I have always loved meatloaf. My grandma used to make it all the time! So I wanted to make my own little version by cutting out the ketchup and adding ground turkey instead of ground beef! The best thing about this recipe is, that it is healthy and it makes enough to feed all of your roommates, a hungry boyfriend and his buddies, growing kiddos, or heck-- leftovers for yourself.

I love recipes that make a lot so I can have food to bring to work throughout the week. It just makes my busy life so much easier. This recipe is simple in that all you have to do is place all of the ingredients in a bowl, mix up, place in a bread pan and voila dinner is served!

Ingredients:

1lb Lean Ground Turkey**

1C Chopped Onion

1C Frozen Spinach

3/4C Pace Salsa

1TSP Minced Garlic

1TSP Penzey Paprika

1TBS Worcestershire Sauce

1/3C Whole Wheat Oats

2 TBS Egg Beater or 2 Egg Whites**

To-do:

1) Preheat oven to 350.

2) Mix all of the ingredients together.

3) The icky part is having to touch the raw meat and place in either a non-stick or sprayed bread pan/ cooking sheet. If you use a cookie sheet shape the mixture into a bread-loaf-like shape.

4) Place in the oven for 60 minutes.

I added a side of asparagus! 

Enjoy!

** You can use Extra Lean Ground Turkey such as 99/1, I used 93/7.

** One Egg instead of egg whites

Skinny Girl Zero Carb, All Protein Blueberry Waffles

Hello Breakfast of Champions!

Keep in mind-- you can make these into Pancakes too!

Pure Healthy Deliciousness

I am a breakfast fanatic! Its true. Guilty. Most breakfast foods (muffins, scones, pancakes, even waffles) are packed with carbs and sugar but not today people, not today. I have to give a shout out to a very inspiring women, Dantiza Denn, who is a fitness guru and has achieved many awards as a NPC Figure & Bikini Competitor (YOU GO GIRL!) I developed this recipe from her website. As I have explained earlier I am trying to cut the carbs and fat out of my diet but why sacrifice the foods you like? When you can transform them into the foods you love!

These Blueberry Waffles are super delicious and better yet HEALTHY! I whipped them up in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for a Sunday morning breakfast of champions!

Ingredients:

1 Heaping Scoop of GNC Blueberry Protein Casein 

1/4C Egg Beater Egg Whites

2 1/2 TBS Water

1 TSP Baking Powder

1 Packet Organic Stevia

Ground Cinnamon (Optional)

To-do

1) Heat waffle maker/ begin to heat skillet (if you want pancakes). 

2) Mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.

3) Place in waffle maker, I added too much in mine and it began to overflow. **Be careful of this, the batter is not as thick as your typical waffle batter so you do not need to place as much in the waffle maker.

OR--

4) Place on a sprayed/ non stick skillet and cook until pancakes are done. 

Waffles: 1-2 Pancakes 2-3

Topping ideas:

Sugar free syrup

Fruit of your choice

Organic Honey

Variations:

- Instead of Blueberry Protein Powder use Vanilla or whatever kind you like!

- If you are not a fan of waffles, make pancakes. I just happen to always mess up my pancakes, because as the skillet heats up--- I burn them... I gotta get better at this!

- Add fresh blueberries in the mix

- Add almond extract or vanilla extract. Keep in mind that if you do this, place less water in the mixture so the batter does not become too runny.

- More protein-- mo' betta! Add almonds or your favorite type of nuts.

- Add dried fruit such as blueberries or cranberries.

- Add coconut flakes

Mint Chocolate Popcorn

"Ready for the Close Up"

Yummmm.

Many of you know that I am a HUGE mint lover. Anything mint I am alllll over. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Bluebell of course), mint peppermint patties... heck, I only go to Olive Garden for the Ande's Mints... (Cats out of the bag...) So this little mint mixture of pure deliciousness, I was able to whip up in about five minutes! Perfect for a movie night in with the boyfriend, girlfriend, family, or friends!

Ingredients:

8 Ande's Mints
1TBS Unsweetened Almond Milk
2-3 Cups of Organic Popcorn (or whatever you have)

To-do:

1) Pop your popcorn, this should take about 2 and a half minutes.
2) As your popcorn is popping unwrap your Ande's Mints and place in a microwaveable safe bowl.
3) Beep! Popcorn is done. Take it out. Place mints in the microwave for 20 second intervals. Stir in between. This should only take 2-3 intervals.
4) Add your unsweetened almond milk.
5) Mixxxxxx together.
6) Pour over your popcorn (make sure to take out any kernels-- save your teeth people.) And toss like you are tossing a salad.
7) Pop in a movie, snuggle up and enjoy this deliciousness!

Veggin' Out Skinny Girl Style

Before Veggies

After Veggies
Enjoy!

Have this as your main course or as a side dish! Super easy, super yummy, super healthy!

Ingredients:

1 Zucchini
Baby Carrots
2 Redskin Potatoes
1 Sweet Potato/ Yam
Asparagus
Penzey Fox Point Seasoning
Penzey Parisien Seasoning
Parmesan or asiago cheese


To-do:

1) Preheat oven to 350.
2) While the oven is preheating cut the Zucchini, potatoes (redskin & sweet) and asparagus into smaller pieces.
3) Place mixed veggies on nonstick cooking sheet, sprayed cooking sheet, or parchment paper (I like parchment paper easier to clean up).
4) Sprinkle on your Penzey spices and cook for 30 minutes.
5) Once the timer goes off, sprinkle on some parmesan or asiago cheese and cook for another 5 minutes.

Variations:

- Instead of zucchini use squash.
- You can eliminate the potatoes if you'd like, but the sweet potatoes give this a salty and SWEET taste.
- Add cauliflower, broccoli whatever veggies you like!
- Instead of using Penzey seasonings use Mrs. Dash (sodium free) or your favorite seasoning.
- You can eliminate the cheese.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the veggies for a burst of fresh flavor (perfect for summer grilling).
- Add onions and garlic

Skinny Girl Southwest Chicken Soup

I have been limiting the carbs in my diet, but I still want to be able to cook the things that I love. So today when I got home from school I decided I would do a simple chicken crock pot meal. Gosh I love my crock pot. BEST THING EVER. If you do not have one, stop reading and go and get one. Now.

This was extremely simple and can be enjoyed and varied multiple ways. I have made something similar before with a packet of Taco Seasoning but I am trying to cut back on the sodium too. So I just used five simple ingredients, for one healthy yet still delicious meal.

And when I got back from the gym my apartment smelled divine!

Ingredients:
4-5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Tenderloins)**
1C Medium Pace Salsa
1/4-1/2C Chopped Onions
1C Fat Free, Low Sodium Organic Black Beans**
1 - 1/2C Corn

1) Simply place all of the ingredients in your crock pot. Except the corn. Place on high for 5-6 hours. Add the corn the last 20 minutes. Done! Make sure there is not any pink when you cut into your chicken (always check to be safe). I am neurotic about checking. Shred the chicken and enjoy.

Serving Size: 4

Variations:

Add a packet of Taco Seasoning
Add sliced up jalapenos
Add zucchini or bell peppers any type of veggie you like
Shredded Cheese (Low fat-- no fat)
Tortilla Chips
Your Favorite Seasoning
Add pablano peppers

Vegan/ Vegetarian? Add more veggies and leave out the chicken! Black beans are a great source of protein!

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Are inexpensive when you buy them frozen and in bulk. For all of my avid college readers I suggest this than having to buy fresh meat every day or every other day.

Pace Salsa I swear by Pace, because it is Gluten Free. Also inexpensive. It comes in a variety of flavors. Medium is my favorite.

Fat Free Organic Black Beans: Extremely inexpensive, zero fat, and a GREAT source of fiber. So much better for you than refried beans. I totally vow by these, "magic little beans that"... KIDDING. Make you skinny!

Skinny Girl Tuna-mole

So I have been trying to cut the carbs out of my diet and come to find out that by doing so you actually save a lot of money! I saw this photo on Pinterest that said, "Your body is not a waste basket". So I got to thinking... How can I make the same food that I love, using less of the calorie packed processed food that my body hates? So I am on a mission, to eat clean, cut unnecessary carbs and get the stubborn six pack to come out from hiding.

I love tuna (especially my tuna cakes) but I do not want to use mayonnaise anymore so I started think what I could mix in to have a nice creamy texture but not the bad fats and processed oils from my mayo. And voila I thought of guacamole. I am telling you this is my new favorite tuna and it is easy to whip up and make for lunch, dinner, or even a snack!

This is hardly a recipe, its so easy and takes virtually nothing and no time to make!

Ingredients

1/4-1/2 Ripe Avocado*
1 Can Albacore Tuna in water
Seasoning of your choice (I used Penzey Sweet Curry Regular and Chipotle Ground Red) I like spicy!

1) Slice your avocado in half around the giant seed in the middle. While the avocado is still in the peel slice vertical and horizontal lines to make up little squares. They should start to just come out of the avocado peel and into your medium mixing bowl.
2) Drain your Albacore Tuna and place in the mixing bowl.
3) Add the seasoning of your choice.
4) Mix all together and enjoy!

Here are some variation ideas:

Add lime juice
Add some Pace salsa
Mix in cut up bell peppers
Use Penzey Mural Seasoning or Mrs. Dash if you are cutting back on your sodium intake
Add golden raisins or cranberries (sweet and spicy!)


*** Avocados are ripe when they are really squishy! You do not want to use a really hard avocado because it is hard to cut and mix!

Spicy Skinny Mango Snack

This is hardly a recipe but so delicious that I had to share. So simple, so delicious, and your body will love your for it. Put down the potato chips and make this instead.

Ingredients:

1 Ripe Mango*
Spicy Seasoning (I used Penzey's Chipotle Ground Red)

1) Simply cut your Mango's in small pieces.
2) Add a spicy seasoning of your choice. Penzey has great spices check out their website by clicking on Penzey's.

** A mango is ripe when it smells sweet, the outside is not a dark green, and is squishy. It will be difficult to cut if you are not using a ripe mango. I also do not think it tastes as good if the mango isn't ripe!

Other good spices include--

Penzey Sweet Curry Powder
Cholula Seasoning (My dad loves this seasoning. You can find it at your local grocery store!)
BBQ Seasoning- smokey sweet, delicious
Mrs. Dash Seasoning (Salt free-- good if you are cutting back on your sodium intake).

Dear Penzey,

How I love you! Your smells, the feeling I get when I know I am buying a great healthy product, and most importantly your outstanding prices for such quality!

Despite years of having Penzey products in our house, yesterday, was the first time I have ever been to Penzey's and I was instantly hooked! I bought over 20 different spices, and I cannot wait to cook with them. I am at my parents for the Easter holiday but as soon as I get back to school, I will be cooking like a mad women!

You are probably wondering if you do not already know, what is Penzey's?

Well Penzey's is a house literally filled with spices and herbs! The Penzey family started their spice business in 1957 and is still going and growing today. The first Penzey's opened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and today there are more than 60 stores and they are still growing! Surely there is one close to you, but if not you can go online and order anything you need!

Click here to find a store near you-- Penzey's Stores

My grandmother had a little nostalgia yesterday when she told me how she used to order her Penzey Spices when she lived in El Paso, Texas. She would order on newspaper like paper and mail it in. She talked about how simple yet fantastic their product is and I believe her. Penzey Spices have been placed on her kitchen table and sitting in her pantry for years. Penzey spices symbolize home, health, and happiness.

And that is exactly what I hope to bring to you-- a sense of home, health, and happiness.

Penzey products are made from spices found all around the world. In fact, the Penzey family traveled the world to see exactly where their spices were coming from. Knowing that they care enough about their product to meet with the people making it, is what makes Penzey so great and keeps Penzeys growing today.

So thank you Penzey's, and thank you to all of my avid readers. I appreciate your willingness to support me on this journey of learning to cook and bring healthy alternatives to your table. Remember, "Love people. Cook them tasty food."

Much love,

Evelyn Seamster  

Click here for more information on Penzey's according to Reference for Business Website 

Skinny Girl Lemon Bars

I love dessert (maybe too much). But I love dessert that is healthier for you even better! I was trying to think of a yummy healthy dessert to make for Easter and Lemon Bars seemed like the perfect fit! Lemon bars are light and refreshing, with just the right balance between sweet and tartness. It was ironic that today, after a yummy lunch filled with spinach salad and great conversations with my grandparents, my grandmother told me about this weight watchers "lemon bar" recipe! Perfect! I instantly knew the recipe I wanted to try. After a trip to my new favorite store the Penzey Spice House, and a quick trip to our local grocery store I had everything I needed to make some delicious skinny-fied Lemon Bars!

Ingredients:

1 1/3C All Purpose Flour (I recommend Whole Wheat Flour)
5 TBSP Light Brown Sugar
8 TBSP Cold Unsalted Butter (I recommend Fleischmann's)
4 Large Eggs (Next time I will try Egg Beaters-- let me know if you do!)
1/2 TSP Vanilla Extract
1 1/2C Powder Sugar (divided)
3/4C Lemon Juice (3 Large Lemons)
Some lemon zest

1) Preheat Oven to 350.
2) Crust: Sift together the flour and brown sugar. Add in the butter. The recipe calls for a food processor. I didn't use one. I simply sifted and cut the butter into pieces while sifting the crust mixture. Continue to do this until dough appears lumpy.
3) Place crust mixture into an ungreased 8x13 pan. Cook for 20 minutes or until the crust looks golden.
4) While your crust is cooking, beat eggs, add vanilla, 3/4 cup powder sugar and mix together to make lemon topping. Add in lemon, remaining powder sugar, and lemon zest.
5) Once your crust is done immediately take out of the oven and turn the oven temperature down to 300.
6)Pour the lemon topping over the hot crust. Place back in the oven for 30 minutes.
7) Cut into 24 bars and enjoy with your family and friends! Watch out... I bet you can't eat just one... I couldn't!

Check back soon for my new found love-- Penzey Spices!

Look Out Girl Scouts: Two Ingredient Thin Mints

Okay, okay so these may not be the healthiest thing on the block. But hey, everything in moderation right? Right! I don't know about you, but I LOVE girl scout Thin Mints! Ah so yummy. So when my mom told me about these I had to make them. Coincidently, I was leaving the  gym when she told me the news. Coincidence? Ha! Anyways, these cookies are so simple you can make a large batch for a group or a small batch just for yourself (go ahead... indulge!)

What you need: 

A boyfriend/ husband/ friends to eat these. (Optional!)

Andes Mints

Reduce Fat Ritz Crackers

Okay so I have made these twice now (don't judge me...) and the first time I placed about 20 Andes Mints into a small sauce pan. Then I placed a larger sauce pan with water on the stove top placed on medium. Then you take your smaller sauce pan with the andes mints and place on top/ inside the bigger sauce pan. I did this because I did not want to burn the chocolate. 

But...

The second time I simply placed a few andes mints in a small mixing bowl and microwaved it while stirring about every 30-45 seconds. Worked like a charm.

Once your chocolate has melted simply place a ritz cracker in the melted chocolate and flip so both sides are coved. Use a fork to pull chocolate cracker out and place on parchment paper! Boom! Done! Delicious! Addicting! Thanks girl scouts for creating the (not so thin) thin mint....! 

Serving size: 15-16

Variations:

A healthier variation would be to dip fruit such as frozen bananas or strawberries. I have tried both and I must say it is SO delicious!