Pumpkin Pie Granola

Thanksgiving time is over and we are quickly moving into the winter holidays. Yay! I love this time of year! One thing I don't love? Food waste. Hate it. So after thanksgiving I had partial cans of pumpkin puree leftover and I know that they are not expensive, but its the principle... what to do with partial pumpkin? I made Against All Grain's pumpkin spice latte and then decided to make some granola with the remaining little bit... turns out it is so delicious and I couldn't stop snacking on it! I ate it plain, ate it with yogurt, milk... pretty much every time I walked into the kitchen. Bonus! It makes your house smell good :) 

Pumpkin Pie Granola

- 1/3 Cup Pumpkin Puree

- 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup

- 1 tsp Vanilla

- 3 Cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

- ¼ Cup Ground Flaxseed

- 2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

- ½ Cup Pecan Halves or Pieces

- ¼ Cup Mini Chocolate Chips

- Pinch of Salt

Preheat Oven to 300 Degrees

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, pie spice, syrup and vanilla. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until everything is coated.

2. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using another small piece of parchment, push down on the granola making a flat and even layer - the more together it is now the better the granola “chunks” will turn out.

3. Bake for 40 minutes. Do not stir or flip or do anything during this time aside from rotating the pan if necessary. Let the granola cool completely (about 30 min) before breaking it apart into large pieces, or whatever size you want. 

Homemade Holiday Coffee Creamers

It is common on social media to be inundated with people who post pictures of their children- like 5 pictures of them doing the same thing every day- and for others to unfollow said people. It's honestly too much. We get it, you love your child more than anything ever, going to work everyday is the worst thing ever, and your child is the first one ever to ever do anything and we need 1343432 pictures of it. (I'm being sarcastic and dramatic with that statement, kind of) Maybe it's just me, but it used to bother me that I didn't feel that way, almost a guilt that I didn't mind, and almost looked forward to, going back to work or needing time away from my children. Over time I have come to realize that a) social media provides a false sense of reality and b) motherhood looks different for different people. I have not shied away from the fact that being a mother does not complete or consume my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my children more than I can explain so it is complicated, but when they were born my world didn't stop with all-consuming love that made me change who I am. My friends, family, husband, job and working out are also part of my balance that completes me.

My entire pregnancy I was grateful she was doing well and healthy, but it is the beginning of becoming more selfless because your body is not yours- you can't do or eat or drink like you used to because there is another life to think about. Therefore by the end, I was looking forward to feeling like "me" again. When I had Mila I was excited to finally have my body back and enjoy a glass of wine and workout like I want. I was wrong in my thinking. Since I am nursing I can't be away from her for more than an hour because sometimes she eats that frequently- so she is always with me- no alone time. I am up all night, exhausted and limited on time when I workout, and have to be careful what I eat and drink still. That glass of wine I wanted so desperately when I was pregnant? Yes, I can have it now, but the cruel thing is that you're not supposed to have a lot and a glass, or two, of wine makes being up in the night more miserable. Well played life. Is formula an option? Absolutely. I think, despite the immense pressure on women to breastfeed, fed is best. But I told myself that if it went well this time I would stick with it. Nursing, the supposed most natural thing, is so not natural for me. It is going so much better this time versus Charlie, but I am not going to lie, I hate it. You will never see me post a picture of myself breastfeeding (which, by the way, will probably horrify said pictured children in the future) and those pictures almost made me not want to nurse- ask my sister, she feels the same. But I am going on week 8 and am currently pumping and nursing to build up a frozen supply when I go back to work- so exhausting! Not only am I hungry all the time, but I feel like it consumes my life.

Since I am sleep deprived and hungry, I am dying for two things- caffeine and sugar. I don't have a sweet tooth and I have no idea what is happening, but suddenly somebody who never used to eat a cookie, and drank her coffee black, is ordering the most sugary drink on the Starbucks menu daily and baking five dozen cookies a week. Not good. I figure the caffeine thing is not going to stop as long as I am not sleeping at night and the spending money at Starbucks can be alleviated slightly if I can make this fun drinks at home. So I give you some of the creamers I have made. Use as little or as much as you want! If you put them in the blender with coffee you get a lovely foam :) 

Mocha Mint Creamer

(makes about 2 Cups)

- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 tsp Mint Extract (or oil)
- 1 tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk (or half and half)

In a small sauce pan, or in the microwave, heat the sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cocoa powder and stir while it is still warm to avoid clumps. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Keep in a sealed container or, like me, in a small mason jar. Shake before using.

Salted Carmel Creamer

- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk (or half and half)

In a small sauce pan, or in the microwave, heat the sugar, salt and water until the sugar is dissolved. Add the vanilla and milk. Keep in a sealed container or, like me, in a small mason jar. Shake before using.

Wake-Me-Up! Protein Shake

Good Morning! 
It is crazy how much you forget about babies! I am still adjusting to getting up every 1-2 hours in the night to nurse, then I get up before 6am to drop off Charlie at school in the morning, pump so I have milk for when I stop nursing, and attempt to make it to the gym or workout at home, all while keeping a newborn happy. Phew! It has been discovered that my typical egg and potatoes will not be happening for me right now, therefore I am looking for alternative options that combine my coffee need with my need for food and my lack of time. So here it is! My "wake-me-up" protein shake combining protein, carbs, and coffee... perfect to make, store in the fridge, and drink on the go so I can do everything that needs to be done for my two girls and me in the gym all before 9am.  

It is made with a few ingredients to help my milk supply because I am nursing and pumping extra for later- brewer's yeast and ground flax seed- but neither will hurt if you aren't nursing, obviously :) and both are great for someone working out! I know there is a warning against drinking too much caffeine while nursing, but I also need to function so oh well. I have been making this as my afternoon "pick me up" but it is also great made the night before and is ready to grab in the morning. 

Wake-Me-Up Protein Shake 

- 3/4 Cup Room-temp or Cold Coffee (preferably strong)
- 1/4 Cup Milk 
- 1 Scoop Protein Powder (I use a Whey Chocolate)
- 1/2 Very Ripe Banana (frozen preferably)
- 1/4 Cup Rolled Oats
- 1 Tbsp Peanut or Nut Butter
- 1 tsp De-bittered Brewer's Yeast*
- 1 tsp Ground Flaxseed*
- 1 tsp Chia Seeds*

*Optional* but nutritious! 

Put everything in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy right away or keep in the fridge until morning! 

Nutrition Facts
Servings 1.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 449
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14 g	21 %
Saturated Fat 3 g	15 %
Monounsaturated Fat 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 5 mg	2 %
Sodium 308 mg	13 %
Potassium 461 mg	13 %
Total Carbohydrate 42 g	14 %
Dietary Fiber 8 g	32 %
Sugars 13 g
Protein 42 g	84 %
Vitamin A	3 %
Vitamin C	10 %
Calcium	22 %
Iron	14 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

Apple Recipes! Fall Skillet, Dutch Apple Pie, Amish Oatmeal

We went on our annual apple picking trip last week, Mila in tow in her carrier only 3.5 weeks old, and came back with a bushel of apples... that's $45 worth of apples...eek! So what does one do with over 100 apples?? 

I gave some to my mom, everyone in my family eats one every day, and I tried my hand at some savory and sweet recipes. All were hits with the family- yay!

Fall Skillet

This recipe smelled like Thanksgiving and looked like Fall... the ingredients are in season for the most part and it was heaven in a bowl on this perfect, sunny, 60 degree day. When you are prepping, try to cut everything the same size so it cooks evenly. 

- 3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Medium, Sweet Potatoes, Peeled and cut into 1/2"-3/4" pieces
- 3/4-1lb Brussel Sprouts, bottom cut off and quartered
- 3 Apples, Peeled and Diced (I used Honey Crisp)
- 1/2 lb Bacon (5-6 pieces)
- 2 tsp Fresh Thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 Cup Chicken Stock (divided)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Salt and Pepper
- Garlic Powder*
- Onion Powder*

*You could use a small sweet onion and 2-3 cloves of garlic instead. Since I am nursing I can't eat those, so I use powders- Mila says no*

1. In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and chop into 1/2" pieces. Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of grease.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until cooked through, stirring frequently. About 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet. 
3. Add the brussel sprouts and sweet potato. Cook, stirring constantly, from about 10 minutes until they are cooked through and have 'char marks.'
4. Add the thyme, cinnamon, apples, 1/2 cup chicken stock, a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder. Cook until the liquid is evaporated and the bits come off the bottom of the pan. About 2 minutes. 
5. Add the bacon and chicken back in along with the remaining 1/2 cup stock. Taste for seasoning. Enjoy! 

Dutch Apple Pie

- 4-5 Apples, Peeled and Thinly Sliced (about 5+ cups)
- 1 Pre-made Pie Crust
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/3 Cup Sugar
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Flour
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- Pinch of Salt

Topping:
- 3/4 Cup Flour
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Butter, room temperature

Preheat the oven to 375 Degrees

1. Mix the apples and pie ingredients together in a large bowl. Set Aside. Press the pie crust into an ungreased pie plate. Pour in the apples. 
2. In another bowl, mix the topping ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly onto the top of the pie.

Bake for 45-50 minutes. Until Bubbly.  

Amish Oatmeal

Unlike my other baked oatmeal recipe, this one includes eggs and chunkier pieces of apple. It still can be made ahead. I like it cold with milk, like cereal. 

- 1.5 Cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (not quick-cooking)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 1/4 Cup Milk
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 2 Tbsp Butter, melted
- 2 Apples, peeled, cored and diced into small pieces

Preheat Oven to 325 Degrees

1. Grease a 8x8 inch baking dish. Add the apples to the bottom.
2. In a bowl, mix the oatmeal, baking powder, spices and sugar. Whisk the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl (I use my measuring cup.) Stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour over the apples.

3. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and slightly giggly. 
*If you are making this ahead and baking it into the morning, store it in the fridge overnight and it will need to cook about 10 minutes longer.*

Frozen Meal Prep!

It has been a long time since I posted... going back to work and then having an infant will do that, right? But before I went back to work I took some time to get some meals ready for when this time came. It is not that I am opposed having people help, I just like to do things on my own, because I can and it's a challenge... ok, I can't lie, I am opposed to asking for help, I am my Mother's child. So I spent two hours and $200 on a Sunday, without children or husband, to prepare 13 meals that can be stored in the freezer until I am ready. It is actually a great idea to do whenever you are making a pasta dish, or crockpot meal... make two and freeze one! Crockpot meals are the best because you literally have to thaw the bag and dump it in. So easy to make two like that.

 In preparation I made a big list of what I needed and divided it into Costco and the regular store. Costco is so much cheaper for buying meat in bulk... and anything I didn't use can also be frozen until it's needed. 

Hints to Successful Frozen Prep

- Make a detailed grocery list and write out what you are making ahead of time
-  Double Bag Everything- Each recipe is double bagged in two freezer bags just in case of leaks
- Write the directions and what the bag contains or needs on the bag
- Thaw overnight
- Get as much air out of the bag as possible when prepping 

So here's what I made...

Spaghetti Sauce- 

This I freeze in mason jars that are easy to pull out when it's spaghetti night. I eye-ball the sauce recipe and taste as I go, sometimes using one 28 oz can of tomato and a 15 oz can, depending on the thickness of the sauce I want... but the basic recipe is:
- 1 lb Beef
- 1 lb Pork
- 1 Sweet Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 28-oz Cans Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Small Can tomato paste
- 2-3 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
- Sprinkle of Sugar

Lasagna x 2-

To make two of these you will need to double the recipe below.

Sauce, from above
No-boil Noodles 
- 12ish Oz Part Skim Ricotta
- 10-oz Frozen, Chopped Spinach, thawed and squeezed
- 1 Egg
- Parmesean Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese

Mix the ricotta, spinach, egg and a sprinkle of parm together. 

Start with a layer of sauce in a 13x9" dish (I use the disposable, aluminum kind for freezer prep) Add a layer of noodles, top with 1/2 the ricotta mixture, top with 1/3 sauce, more noodles, the rest of the ricotta, 1/3 sauce, more noodles, rest of the sauce, top with mozzarella. Cover with tin foil and freeze.

When you are ready to eat, defrost over night or during the day in the fridge. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly. 

Chicken Meatball Casserole x 2

Recipe is for two 13x9" pans. 15 Meatballs in each. 

- 2 24-oz Jars Marinara Sauce
- 2 lbs Dried Pasta, rotini, ziti, whatever you like
- 2 lbs Ground Chicken
- 2 Egg
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Cups Bread Crumbs
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 Cups Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. 

In a large bowl, combine the chicken through pepper. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, form the meatballs. About 1-1.5". Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. 

While the meatballs are cooking, cook the pasta according to the directions, cutting it short about 1 minute.

Combine the sauce, the noodles and 2 cups of cheese. Spray two 13x9" pans, add half the noodle mixture to each. Top of the rest of the cheese and nestle the meatballs (15 in each) on top. Cover with foil and freeze.

When you are ready to eat, thaw during the day or overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and it's heated through. 

Flank Steak x 2- 

it is in it's marinade minus the beer.... recipe HERE

Beef Stew x 2-  

I don't measure this... I just eyeball what looks about right... I try to get equal parts of carrot/beef/potato. I don't put any liquid in because there is enough liquid formed in the cooking process.  

2ish lbs Stew Beef

Flour, about 1/4 cup

Carrots, peeled and sliced in 1/2" pieces

Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut in quarters 

Garlic Salt, heavy sprinkle

Black Pepper, heavy sprinkle

Thyme or Rosemary (fresh if you have it!)

Chicken Pot Pie x 2

Double this if you want to make two...

- 1-2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded (about 1.5lbs)
- 2 Carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 Small Onion, chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/3 Cup Butter
- 1/3 Cup Flour
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme 
- 1 3/4 Chicken Stock
- 2/3 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- Salt to taste
- 1 -  9" Unbaked Pie Crusts (use two if you like a "top" and a "bottom" in our house we leave it top-less)

 1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion and garlic. Saute until tender (about 5 minutes.) Add the flour and whisk. 
2. Slowly add the stock while whisking to prevent clumps. Add the milk and whisk the same as before. Add the black pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil and whisk until it thickens, this should only be a matter of minutes. Taste for salt. Turn off the heat, stir in the chicken and peas. Set aside to cool. 
Preheat oven to 425 Degrees. 
3. Press one of the pie crusts into an ungreased pie pan. Pour in the filling. 
Bake 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. 
(if you want to freeze this and bake it later, just don't bake it, put it in the freezer as an unbaked "pie" )

Crockpot Verde Chicken Chili

Recipe HERE

Thai Pineapple Curry

Recipe HERE

Delicious Summer Marinades- Steak and Chicken

I just realized this morning that I haven't turned my oven on in a few weeks...that's an excellent feeling when I feel like I have that thing going constantly during meal prep time and the school year. We have always grilled a lot, even in winter, just because of the pure volume of meat you can cook at once, but in the summer it is nice to not heat up your house with the hot oven and be forced to stay inside while things are cooking. These three marinades are inspired by my garden and summer flavors...enjoy!

Quick and Delicious Steak Marinade

I have made this two weeks in a row...and I usually don't love steak... but something about this I love! I really recommend you let the steak marinate around a day... but 12+ hours would be your minimum goal. I bought my flank steak at Costco, they come in a 2-pack so I usually freeze one and save one, but if you are cooking for a bigger crowd than our three-person family I would do both. We have enough leftovers for 1-2 more meals when we cook one steak. I served mine with jalapenos I also grilled, rice, broccoli and soy sauce.

- 1.5lbs Flank Steak (or skirt)
- 1 Can Beer (cheap is fine!)
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Aminos (or soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- Drizzle of Olive Oil
- Sprinkle of Black Pepper
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, or a fresh jalapeno chopped if you have that on hand!

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, or zip-lock bag, and add the steak, flipping it to coat. Let it marinate close to 24 hours. Grill to your desired done-ness, flipping once. Discard the marinade.

Cilantro-Lime Chicken

I served this with a black bean, corn and avocado salad... so good! It was also a hit with Charlie who loves everything in that salad.

- 2-3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 2-3 lbs)
- Juice and Zest of 2-3 Limes
- 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- Handful of Fresh Cilantro leaves, chopped (about 1/4 Cup)
- 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil

Combine everything in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Marinate 3-4 hours+, discard marinade. Grill to perfection!

Black Bean, Corn and Avocado Salad

(inspired by Giada's... http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/corn-and-black-bean-salad-with-basil-lime-vinaigrette-recipe-1944044)

- 2 15-ounce Cans Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 Ears Fresh Corn (or 1ish Cup frozen sweet corn)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 Large Mango, chopped
- 1-2 Avocados, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 2 Limes, juiced and zested
- 2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/4-1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste

Combine everything and gently toss. Let it sit in the fridge at least 30 min before serving. This is so colorful and pretty and tastes better by the hour. If you are not serving it right away, do not add the avocado until the day you are going to eat it.

Lemon-Rosemary Marinated Chicken

One of my favorite marinades from last summer... I used Thyme instead of rosemary and omitted the grill seasoning because I didn't have any and it was delicious served with broccoli and rice for the family! 

- 1.5-2lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

- 2 Lemons, juiced, 1 Zested 

- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil (I eye-balled it)

- 1 Tbsp Grill Seasoning (I used Salt-Free Mural of Flavor from Penzey's Spices)

- 2 Large Sprigs Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped

- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced

- 1 Tbsp Mustard (I used Spicy Dijon)

- Salt and Pepper 

In a large bag or bowl combine all of the ingredients. Roll the chicken around in the marinade and let it sit 4+ hours. Remove from the marinate and grill or bake the chicken.