NEW Favorite Snacks

Those of you who know me well, know that I "RARELY" go into the kitchen and cook just for the sake of cooking.  With our busy schedule it is all about quick and easy meals, not much time for experiments.  Over the past couple of weekends, I have made the time to start trying new recipes, items that I can cook up ahead of time and eat throughout the week.  Of course, I make everyone in the family try at least one bite of what I make and honestly, some things they all like, some things they all dislike, but most of the time they are usually split down the middle.


Our "favs" from this week:


PUMPKIN PROTEIN BARS
courtesy of Jamie Eason

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition (without walnuts): 1 square = 47 calories, .7 g fat, 8 g carbs, 3.7 g protein

Nutrition (with walnuts): 1 square = 63 calories, 2.3 g fat, 8 g carbs, 4 g protein

Ingredients:

·         ½ C Xylitol Brown Sugar Blend (Ideal)
·         4 oz. jar baby food applesauce
·         2 tsp. ground cinnamon
·         1 ½ tsp. ground ginger
·         ½ tsp. ground clove
·         1 tsp. baking powder
·         1 tsp. baking soda
·         ½ tsp. salt
·         2 tsp. vanilla extract
·         4 large egg whites
·         15 oz. can of raw pumpkin
·         2 C oat flour
·         2 scoops vanilla whey protein
·         ½ cup almond milk
·         ½ C chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1.     Preheat the oven to 350.

2.     Spray a 9 X 13 Pyrex dish with non-stick spray.

3.     Combine first 11 ingredients and mix well.

4.     Add the final 3 ingredients (4, if adding walnuts), and mix until incorporated. Spread batter into the Pyrex dish and bake for 30 min.

5.     Makes 24 squares.

TURKEY MEATBALLS
courtesy of Jamie Eason
Note:  I changed the name a bit because "meatloaf" is a scary word from my childhood.  Mine turned out like meatballs and they are super yummy.  I have been eating thiem this week as my morning snack, however plan to make a big batch to have in the freezer for spaghetti and meatball sub nights too.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 80
Fats: 2 grams
Carbs: 4 grams
Protein: 11 grams

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground turkey (or chicken)
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dry yellow mustard
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp chipotle pepper spice - this makes them a little spicy so you might want to omit for the kiddos
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp garlic powder (2 cloves minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)

Directions:

1.     Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.     Spray muffin pan with canola or olive oil.

3.     Mix all your ingredients together in one large bowl.

4.     Roll the mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. Muffins should be about the size of a racquetball.

5.     Bake for 40 minutes.

Makes 12 muffins.

Serving Size:
Women: 2 muffins
Men: 4 muffins

NEXT WEEK:  Trying Cinnamon Swirl Protein Bread, Italian Turkey Burgers & Chocolate Protein Bars