Chocolate Oatmeal

By: Pen-Pal Productions on 6:00 AM

Nommmmm.

I've been eating this for breakfast every single day and I can't get enough.  It's a bit like Kristin's Oatmeal Made Interesting recipe but instead uses banana and Almond extract.  The original recipe is from Chocolate-Covered Katie but I've adapted it a bit in that I don't use any additional sweetener and I've opted for Almond Extract instead of Vanilla (though it's delicious with both).

This recipe is easy-peasy.  It doesn't take any longer for me to whip it together and cook on the stove than it was when I was microwaving my oatmeal.  And it tastes like it should be the most horrible thing you could put into your body, but it's actually healthy!


Chocolate Oatmeal

1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Red Mill GF)
1- 1 1/2 cups milk* (I use Almond milk)
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp Almond Extract *swoon*
pinch of salt

*The original recipe says you can use water here too but I think it tastes significantly worse with water, not to mention the texture somehow becomes all wrong.  But, whatever floats your chocolate-covered boat :)  You can use as much or as little milk as you prefer to make it the right consistency for you.


Combine the oats and milk.  Add banana and mash together with oatmeal.  Add cocoa powder, almond extract, and salt.  Cook over medium-high until hot. Stir often.  Enjoy!

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Tasty Tuesday: Nutella Ice Cream

By: Pen-Pal Productions on 6:07 PM

Happy Tuesday!

I love me some Nutella!  Obviously it's fantastic straight out of the jar, but there are so many ways to make it extra fancy.  Nutella ice cream is the easiest recipe ever (yes, even easier than Toddler Cookies.)  All you need are 2-3 bananas and half of a jar of Nutella.  Blend together, and freeze.  Devour.  Your'e welcome. 

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Tasty Tuesday: Peach Spritzers

By: Pen-Pal Productions on 12:00 PM

Peach Spritzers

-an easy weeknight drink-

                                                                                   

Smirnoff or Malibu-
Which one is your favorite?

I know its only Tuesday but there's never a better time for a fun, easy and quick adult beverage than on the second day of the work week, amiright? Not in the mood tonight? Grab everything you need next time you're in Target, if you are anything like me you'll be there within a week.

I saw these sparkling sodas on my most recent trip to Target and knew that they would make a perfect fruity drink base. They're pretty sweet on their own so they make great mixers and they have 1/2 cup of fruit per serving as little added bonus. I'm not a fan of super fizzy soda and these have a champagne-like carbonation to them, which is delightful.

Okay so here is what you will need:

• Target brand Simply Balanced Sparkling Peach Mango
• Nips- I chose Malibu and Pineapple Smirnoff
• Frozen peaches 
• A splash of Strawberry Lemonade (optional in the Smirnoff drink)

Find some cute glasses, a wine glass worked really well for me. This is a great drink to make for yourself because all of the ingredients are either single serving or something you can use for another recipe. Mix one can of soda and one nip then add peaches, easy-peasy! Give them a little stir and enjoy. If you have some other frozen fruit in your freezer I think strawberries or raspberries would make a great addition. 

I was really hoping for some fresh peaches but didn't find any so frozen was the next best thing. I used them as ice cubes and as they melt the drink gets even tastier. AND when you are done with the drink you have a little dessert- best drink ever? Yeah, probably. 

The verdict?

The taste test included myself, Brendan, my brother, Carlos and his roommate. A 3-to-1 vote determined the drink with Malibu as the clear favorite. I'm not normally a Malibu fan and neither are the boys but this drink is so delicious that it has won me over. I see myself enjoying one of these at the beach this summer, if only the weather would cooperate.

Which one will you be making this weekend? Let us know if you try it! 

Cheers,

❤ Demi

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Mama Bear Monday: Toddler Cookies

By: Pen-Pal Productions on 10:00 AM

I am obsessed with these cookies.  Not only are they quick and ridiculously easy, they're tasty!  Cleanup is a breeze, and it's simple enough for a toddler to "help".  They make great snacks and are especially awesome on the go.  There are endless possibilities for add-ons (nuts, fruit, chocolate chips, etc.) and they're pretty allergy-friendly with their short list of ingredients.  Best of all, they're actually healthy.

Toddler Cookies
1 cup rolled oats (I use Red Mills Gluten Free)
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 ripe, mashed bananas*
1/4 cup walnuts, pecans, sliced almonds.. whatever!
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or dried fruit (I used cranberries)

Combine oats, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Drop heaping tablespoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Press down to flatten. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until done! 

*Bananas can be replaced with 1 cup no sugar added applesauce.  I've made both and while I prefer the taste of the banana version, both are worth trying.  It's also delicious to use 1 banana and 1/4 cup applesauce. Go ahead, pick and choose! You cannot mess this recipe up.



-Jenn 

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