Tag Archives: dessert

Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge

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Sponsored post: Check out the new Signature family of brands from Randalls and Albertsons, with more than 4,000 Signature products available and a 100% money-back guarantee.

Today I’m sharing my recipe for Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls, a healthier dessert option for those days when the sweet tooth is acting up (pretty much all the time with me). This no-cook protein-powder recipe is quick and easy and fits into my healthy, busy lifestyle so nicely – my family and I enjoy it as a more balanced option to candy – it has no added refined sugars, only honey. Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls make a healthier dessert option and are great for workout fuel and recovery.

With an approximate 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio, these energy protein balls also make a nice little workout recovery snack or race fuel to eat on the course.

Hazelnut Pecan Protein FudgeIt’s been my experience that the success of a no-bake recipe can only be as good as the quality of the ingredients that found within. I was a national name brand devotee in the past, but have found that many of the store-label products are just as good (if not better) than the items I grew up with. Randalls and Albertsons grocery stores are making it easy to tackle my shopping list and keep whipping up healthy recipes with their new, exclusive line of Signature products. From coffee to juice, soup to cereal, fresh fruits and veggies to fried chicken and other yummy pre-prepped foods, there are more than 4,000 different products available that help make my life tastier, easier and all-around neater (that’s because they also stock all my must-have home staples like paper towels and cleaning products)!   Oh, and I’m saving money, too! Whoohoo! Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls = with Randalls Signature Select

I used Signature Kitchens Chopped Pecans, Signature Kitchens Clover Honey and Signature Select Hazelnut Chocolate Spread from Randalls in this yummy, easy protein snack recipe.

Randall Signature Select CoffeeSeriously, I can’t express my love for Randalls enough, and not just for the Signature line. When they opened a location at the front of my neighborhood a few years ago, I literally cried from sheer joy– I’m not kidding! Prior to this, “a quick trip to the store to grab a few things” was a 1 to 2 hour time commitment depending on the time of day.  I would have to drive about 10 miles one-way to make an emergency coffee restock for the morning or to pick up ingredients that were left off my list. Because of this, we often did without! Imagine the horrors and distress this created for me, an unorganized food blogger!

Randalls supporting my neighborhood fun run!

Randalls supporting my neighborhood fun run!

The staff at my neighborhood Randalls rock! The cashiers and managers know me personally, always take the time to smile and say hi, and answer my questions if I can’t find a particular product I need for a recipe. If I ever have a problem with a purchase (a rarity), it’s always resolved immediately — Randalls stands behind their 100% money-back guarantee on the Signature line of products. Management at this nearby location supported my oldest son’s Eagle Scout Project with a huge donation of bottled water and bakery cookies and promote health, fitness and an active lifestyle as sponsors of an annual fun run in the neighborhood. I am always the first one over to their tent to pick up water and goodies!

randalls signature spaghette

Dinner super quick, easy and yummy with go-to pantry items in the Signature line!

Find out what I’m raving about yourself! I buy my Signature products here in Austin at my local Randalls and Albertsons stores, but they are also found in the whole family of Albertsons Companies grocery stores including ACEM, Jewell-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Shaw, Star Market, United Express, United and Carrs/Safeway.

YUM! Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge a yummy post-workout treat #recipe

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge
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Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
Course: Dessert, Worout
Servings: 18 balls
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (Signature Select)
  • 1/2 cup Clover Honey (Signature Kitchens)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans (Signature Kitchens)
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chocolate flavored protein powder of choice typically 3 scoops
Instructions
  1. In medium bowl, mix together hazelnut chocolate spread and honey.
  2. Stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
  3. Stir in protein powder until beginning to ball up. Use hands to knead mixture until smooth.
  4. Divide “dough” into 18 equal parts – about 1 tablespoon each. Roll between hands to form into ball.
  5. Eat! Store leftovers in refrigerator to maintain firmness.

Gluten-free and Gooey Butter(less) Cake for Spring Celebrations

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Gluten Free Gooey Butter(less) Cake is also low in sugar and makes a healthier dessert option for everyday and celebrations.
Today I’m sharing my healthier (but just as heavenly) version of a Gooey Butter Cake – I’m calling it Gluten-free & Gooey Butter(less) Cake. Before I dive into the recipe (uh . . . figuratively and literally), let me tell you how this sweet treat came to life . . . ‘cause I usually don’t make a lot of cakes.

banana foster butter cakeSo, last week I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with the super decadent Banana Foster Butter Cake at Eddie V’s Seafood Restaurant– it’s loaded with fat and sugar (as the name more than hints) and was topped with caramel, whipped cream and butter pecan ice cream. It didn’t take long to remember just how delicious this style of ooey, gooey, butter batter sticky cake actually is – in the past I had made Paula Deen’s version – she’s the Queen of Butter, y’all!Gluten Free Gooey Butter(less) Cake is also low in sugar and makes a healthier dessert option for everyday and celebrations.

Not that I have anything against butter or cream cheese or even a bit of actual sugar in moderation – but, there is absolutely no moderation in these traditional recipes — a modest sized piece with no toppings is pushing 600 calories!  That’s fine every 25 years (haha), but not every weekend. I surfed the internet looking for a healthier butter cake, a preferably one that was gluten-free and lower in sugar so all my family and friends could partake in the cake partaaaay!   I found a reasonably good-sounding Bobby Flay riff (however, not gluten-free) and a few other “meh” makeover recipes as well.  Naturally, in the end, I did my own thing based on the concepts and am more than pleased with the results.

Gluten Free Gooey Butter(less) Cake is also low in sugar and makes a healthier dessert option for everyday and celebrations.

butterless gooey cake nutritionApparently everyone else was pleased too, not a single slice from this Gluten-free & Gooey Butter(less) Cake I made over the weekend for my Mama’s birthday.

And, according to calculations, my version has 188 calories per serving and 8 grams of fat while the, ahem, Southern Lady version has 545 calories and 28 grams of fat for the same size serving! Both nutrition counts are calculated without toppings or a la mode!

Today my gluten-free cake is shown with strawberries to keep it lighter, but I’ve also done bananas and caramel sauce.

Gluten Free Banana Foster Upside Down CakeI’m also a big fan of this gluten-free Banana Foster Upside-Down Cake from Cooking Light! Check it out!

What would you put on top of your Gooey Butter Cake? What is your go-to dessert for celebrations? How many years have you been married, if you’d like to share! XOXO — Jennifer

 

 

Gluten Free & Gooey Butter(less) Cake #Recipe #Fitfluential #CLblogger

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Gluten Free Gooey Butter(less) Cake is also low in sugar and makes a healthier dessert option for everyday and celebrations.
Print
Gluten-free and Gooey Butter(less) Cake
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 
Gluten-free and gooey, this healthier take on the super rich and decadent Butter Cake is also lower sugar and fat. Perfect for spring celebrations!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
For crust:
  • 2 cups gluten-free flour blend*
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum *if not already an ingredient listed in the flour blend)
  • 1/4 cup ground golden flaxseed
  • 3/4 cup sugar substitute meant for baking with ½ cup = 1 cup sugar ratio (like Truvia)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablesppon gluten-free baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 large egg
For filling:
  • 8 ounces Neufchatel cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain no-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon coconute oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. For the “crust” mix together gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum (if needed), flaxseed, sugar substitute, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Add milk, oil and egg to dry ingredients and use a spatula to mix until smooth. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and spread around evenly.
  3. For “filling,” beat the Neufchatel cheese until smooth. Beat in the yogurt, butter, vanilla and sugar. Spread over the cake mixture. Place springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet (in case of leakage) and bake on center rack for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven with filing is mostly set, but center still looks a little gooey.
  4. To serve, remove side of springform pan and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with preferred toppings, recommendations include berries, candied nuts, caramel sauce or fruit preserves and syrups.

Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin – Single Serve

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A Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin is a quick and easy solution to breakfast in the morning - or as a healthy, single-serve dessert before bed!I know it’s not spring yet, but I’m getting the fever to make delicious yummy things that remind me of warm weather.  My recipe for Raspberry Lemon Protien Mug Muffins reminds me of the lemon pound cake that has always been a family favorite, but typically reserved for dessert on special occasions. Single serve, and super yummy, this easy-to-make mug muffin makes a delicious morning meal or satisfying swap when you need a sweet treat at night.

calcium). This could vary slightly on the protein powder you are using.

If you think you don’t have time to make a scratch breakfast in the morning, especially a “muffin,” think again! This muffin is mixed up right in the mug and “bakes” in the microwave in 2 minutes or less.  You’ll be digging into warm, moist, lemony goodness before the coffee is even done brewing – plus, the only dishes to wash are the mug and your spoon! Win-win!

When life hands you lemons, ask for something with more protein!

Another win is that you’re fueling yourself well for whatever the day holds. Between protein powder and an egg white, there is plenty of protein to keep you from getting hungry before lunch  — plus, it’s under 200 calories and gluten-free.  Here are the specifics:  182 calories, 17g protein, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugar), 4g dietary fiber, 3g fat and calcium). This could vary slightly on the protein powder you are using.Meyer Lemon Raspberry Protein Mug Muffin I used Meyer Lemons in my recipe which are less acidic and slightly more sweet than a traditional lemon (actually, they are a hybrid lemon-orange) and I love the blemish-free large ones from Frieda’s Produce! Look for these beauties packaged up in a cellophane bag in your produce department.

Easy and Amazing! Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin #inspiretastelove

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What’s your favorite quick-fix for breakfast? Have you ever had a Meyer Lemon? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

Meyer Lemon Raspberry Protein Mug Muffin
Print
Raspberry Lemon Protein Mug Muffin
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
4 mins
 
Enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast ready start to finish in 5 minutes! You'll be fueled with protein for your workout, run or busy morning. Gluten Free.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 large egg white or 3 tablespoons egg white from carton
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons gluten free oat flour
  • 1/4 cup raspberries, halved
  • optional 2 packets Stevia, if protein powder unflavored
Instructions
  1. In 12 ounce mug, add egg whites, egg white, lemon juice and lemon zest. Whisk together with fork until well combined.
  2. Add in protein powder, oat flour and stevia, if needed. Stir until combined.
  3. Add raspberries and gently fold in.
  4. Place mug in center of microwave and cook on high for 60 to 120 seconds, until batter no longer raw (but it will be very moist). Actual cooking time will depend on the strength of your microwave.
  5. Stand by and watch muffin cook so that it does not overflow -- if it starts to rise too much, simply stop microwave, let it settle, and then restart.

Run or Workout? Apples Core to Training Diet + Recipes

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Why Apples are Core to a Runner's Diet - find out the health benefits and how they can improve your training.There’s truth to the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  This popular fruit has a bushel of benefits to keep the general population and athletes healthy and well. For example, apples are low in calories yet high in fiber, certain vitamins (like C), antioxidants and phytonutrients, making them a filling and snack that helps maintain weight and optimize health.

Avoid Apple Overload -- so just what IS considered a healthy serving of apple?

But, like everything else, you can over indulge. The suggested serving for an apple is about 1/3 pound, about 3″ in diameter (think of a tennis ball). However, most apples you see today at the market are not just large, the are super JUMBO! So, whether you run, swim, CrossFit or play team sports like basketball or lacrosse, there are even more reasons to add a healthy serving of apples to your training diet. Here are a few:

Healthy Carbs: Apples contain fructose, a natural fruit sugar that buts gas in the tank for your workouts. A medium apple has about 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Recovery: The healthy carbs in apples are also important for post-workout recovery, namely to replenish glycogen and fluids stores and help synthesis protein so that the body can repair taxed muscles. That’s why I always pair my apple with a Core Power High Protein Shake!

Hydration: Apples are about 84 percent water and another way to replace potassium and other electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise.

Gut Health: Pectin is found in apples, a prebiotic that promotes friendly gut bacteria. A healthy gut helps to “move things along” so that you won’t feel bloated and weighted down for your workout.

Endurance Booster:  Some studies suggest that quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples (especially the peel), may improve athletic endurance by affecting the oxidation process to muscles and increasing V02 Max.

Perfectly Portable: An apple comes packaged in its own wrapping will stay fresh for days (if not weeks) without any special treatment, making one an ideal snack to keep stowed in your purse or gym bag.

Versatile:  In addition to crunching an apple out of hand, there are plenty of easy and healthy ways to incorporate more apples into your diet including Apple “Nachos,” applesauce and baked apples.  It’s also easy to chop up apples and add them to protein pancake batter, stir frys and salads.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE APPLE RECIPES:

Cinnamon Super Oatmeal Stuffed ApplesBaked Cinnamon “Super Oats” Apples my just be the most comforting, homey breakfast ever made with a big apple and whole grain oats “superfied” with additional seeds and nuts.

caramel granola apple dessertCaramel Crunch Apple Nachos are are unique and healthy treat for parties, celebrations, fiestas and just plain ole everyday healthy snacking!

Apple Ring Protein PancakesApple Ring Protein Pancakes are a muscle-making spin off on my Grandma’s famous fritter recipe. Healthy carbs from the apples paired with a bit of protein powder are ideal for refueling after a hard run or workout.

Healthy raspberry apple snackRaspberry Chocolate Apple Rings simply require spreading a chocolate nut-butter over sliced apple and topping with raspberries.

Apples Core To Run & Workout Diet + Handpicked Healthy Recipes #Fitfluential

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So, are YOU an apple fan? Do you eat an apple a day . . . or an apple a week? What is your favorite way to eat an apple? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate #BeeSweet + Giveaway

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Healthy Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate uses Honey Crystals, Fresh Strawberries, and Fat Free Milk that froths up!This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetie to my Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate – it’s a mug of hot, steamy love. There is no better way to warm up on February 14th, with the exception of a great big hug from your honey. Homemade from the heart, your favorite guy or girl will be tickled pink to sip away at this berry blissful beverage – and you’ll fall in love with how simple it is to make. Read to the bottom for giveaway.

Healthy Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate

Oh, and something else to adore – instead of fake flavorings, peculiar preservatives and corn syrup sweeteners found in many hot chocolate mixes, this made-from-scratch recipe uses fat-free milk (for the best frothing!), real strawberries and just a touch of added sweetness from Nektar Honey Crystals.

Healthy Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate

Can you believe this recipe makes it’s own whipped cream?! Well, not really cream, but the air that gets whipped up while blending makes a nice creamy top that is dense enough to hold sprinkles or colored sugar! I don’t really know the science behind it, but fat-free milk works the best for creating foam in the blender or with a frother. If you don’t do dairy, you can swap out for almond, coconut or cashew milk and still end up with a delicious drink.

Dark Chocolate Pretzels Covered with Nektar Honey CrystalsSince this recipe isn’t over-the-top sugary sweet, indulge your loved one with the perfect pairing – Dark Chocolate Covered & Nektar Honey-Crystal Dusted Pretzels. Ahh, strawberry hot chocolate and dark chocolate pretzels ARE a delicious duo, trust me!

And, it’s always tasteful to express your sentiments with food, words are also nice! Send a FREE “HoneyGram” to your sweetie – along with your personalized note comes with a complementary packet of Nektar Honey Crystals to melt your loved one’s heart. Go HERE to send a HoneyGram – hurry, ends 2/7!

Nektar Honey Crystals productsI first discovered Nektar Honey Crystals when looking for a way to pre-sweeten the homemade holiday tea bags I was gifting family and friends  – you must check out my DIY Tea Bag post, it’s genius. You also need to check out Nektar Honey Crystals, an equally clever and convenient idea Forget about the sticky mess usually associated with honey, these 100 percent natural crystals are super yummy sweet and deliver the familiar flavor of honey and the convenience of cane sugar anywhere — at home or on-the-go. They are non-GMO and naturally gluten free – pick up a bottle of spoonable crystals or a box of individual on-the-go packets at your local Walmart and also enter my giveaway at the end of this post!

Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate

Kiss of Honey Strawberry Hot Chocolate (serves 1)

  • 8 ounces fat-free (skim) milk
  • 2 to 3 large strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 ounce quality white chocolate, broken into bits
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon Nektar Honey Crystals (depending on sweetness preference)
  • Garnish: colored sugar or sprinkles, if desired

To make, place milk and strawberries in a blender.  Blend together for approximately 45 seconds until strawberries are incorporated and froth areating up on top (strangely enough, skim milk works much better than higher fat milks).

Place blended mixture into small saucepan along with honey crystals and white chocolate.  Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until white chocolate is melted and drink is heated through. Pour into 12-ounce mug, top with colored sugar or spinkles if desired.

Enter giveaway below to try a bottle of Nektar Honey Crystals!

This post and giveaway sponsored by Nektar Naturals, however the recipe, opinions and enthusiasm are all mine! 

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