Tasty Tuesday: Oatmeal Raisin Bites

Tasty Tuesday is courtesy of Jen at THE HAUTE MOMMY HANDBOOK.  I LOVE oatmeal raisin cookies.  Maybe it is because I can trick myself into believing they are healthy.  I mean oatmeal is good for you, right?  The funny thing is I can remember NEVER wanting to eat oatmeal as a child.  In fact, I didn’t even put milk on my cereal.  Who wants to eat soggy Frosted Flakes?

When I joined Weight Watchers many years ago, oatmeal was a staple on my shelf.  I used to love to make Hungry Girl’s GIGANTIC Oatmeal Bowls for breakfast filled with any combination of apples, bananas, blueberries or cinnamon.  I have even changed them up since I am gluten free and dairy free………they are still YUMMY!

I am still working on making these bites gluten free.  Despite many attempts, I can’t seem to get the almond flour right.  I feel like I should be using less.  Who is a pro at “alternate” flours, I would love some input.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup + 6 Tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS

• Heat oven to 350° F.
• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.
• Beat eggs and vanilla in separate bowl, then add to large bowl. Beat all wet ingredients well.
• Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well with wet ingredients.
• Add oats and raisins. Mix well.
• Drop rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and fork inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets, then move to wire rack to cool completely. Makes 4 dozen of bite size cookies.  They don’t spread when baking.

If anyone makes a batch and needs a taste tester, I’m available!!!

Why not make a batch and “boo” someone?  Grab one of Thirty One’s Little Carry Alls, fill it with yummy treats and leave it for a friend as a surprise. These are  the perfect solution for organizing the little things in your life. From office supplies to eating utensils and cosmetics, this caddy helps keep your life in order by keeping everything right at your fingertips. Great for gifts, small toys, crafts, office desks, candy and seasonal home décor.

Have a blessed day!

How to Stay Hydrated

 Last weekend was a heat wave at the Jersey Shore.  Temps combined with humidity were over 100 degrees.  I actually drove with my windows open until hubby yelled at me…. It seems my MS makes it hard for me to distinguish between hot and cold.  So, as I’m driving around with my windows open feeling okay, I was opening myself up for some major problems.  You would think I had learned when I couldn’t feel the heat from the stove until I actually touched it and burnt my fingers.  Yes, I squirreled.  LOL.  So back to how to hydrate without JUST drinking water for all those who profess to NOT be water drinkers.

The basics are this: daily fluid intake is defined as the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages.  How much you need depends on age, gender, weight, climate you are in, activity levels, and overall health. In addition, your environment plays an important part in your hydration needs.  Basically, the goal should be: for men about 125 ounces of fluid per day and women should shoot for about 90 ounces. Don’t panic!!!!  I know it sounds like a lot.   Roughly 80% of our water intake comes from fluids, while the other 20 percent comes from the foods we eat.

Not a water drinker,,,, here are some ways you can stay hydrated:

1. Start your day with oatmeal. Not only is it hearty and filling, oatmeal is also very hydrating. When oats are cooking, they expand and absorb the water or milk they’re being paired with. I LOVE overnight oats. Served cold, overnight oats pack all the benefits of hot oatmeal with no heat. You can flavor them up and it will taste like you are having dessert for breakfast.  As an added boost, sprinkle chia seeds in your overnight oats when preparing, which soak up 10 times their weight in extra liquid and keep you full all morning.

2. Include more moo. According to a study by McMaster University, milk is more hydrating than water or sports drinks due to its source of protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and electrolytes. Bring it on! No a good solution for those who are dairy free.

3. Try carb alternatives. Ditch dry, carb heavy staples like pasta. Opt for zucchini noodles, or zoodles for short, which can contain about 95 percent water. When paired with a tomato sauce, which usually has about 90 percent water, this meal can pack a hydrating and healthy punch.  Family  not ready for a complete zoodles meal?  Mix it up with some pasta, this way they get their favorite and a healthy does of veggies.

4. Sip smoothies.  Being on the Wahl’s Diet, I start every morning with a smoothie.  I’m sure it is hard to believe for those who know me BUT they actually have been keeping me full for most of the morning.  I don’t use yogurt but all the fresh fruit, and veggies it is a tasty, way to stay hydrated. I mix and match LOTS – kale or spinach even carrots with almond milk and then lots of fruit.  I use a 1:1 ratio right now but I’m working towards having more veggies then fruit.  What is you favorite smoothie combo?

5. Pack your plate with vegetables.  Much like smoothies, salads are a great way to give you a hydrating boost. Most lettuce greens contain at least 94 percent water, and that’s before you add any other vegetables. Next time you whip up a salad, include celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots.  Hubby says with as much salad as I eat, my nose is going to start to twitch like a bunny.

6. Slurp soup. When the craving strikes for a filling and hydrating meal, look no further than broth-based soups or gazpacho. Served cold, gazpacho won’t make you break a sweat come summer. Blend cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves for this satisfying soup.

7. Freeze your fruit. Feeling nostalgic about the popsicles you used to enjoy as a child? Bring back this classic treat as a delicious way to rehydrate. Blend a hydrating ingredient like watermelon and fill Popsicle molds and freeze for 1 hour.

What’s your best tip for staying hydrated???

Have a blessed day!

 

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats

Thank you Hungry Girl for this yummy recipe…

Nutrition Info: 207 calories, 4g total fat (<0.5g sat fat), 247mg sodium, 35.5g carbs, 7g fiber, 3g sugars, 7g protein  Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 4*

 

Prep: 5 minutes     Chill: 6 hours   MAKES 1 SERVING

Ingredients:

1 tsp. instant coffee granules
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (I use gluten free)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
2 packets no-calorie sweetener (like Truvia), or more to taste
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, or more for topping
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Dash salt
Optional topping: fat-free plain Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. In a medium jar or bowl, combine coffee granules with 1/4 cup hot water. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, until oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.

Do you head out to work early?  Or maybe you can’t eat breakfast first thing in the morning.  That’s me!!!  When I am headed out for an event or to help out at my old JOB, I pack this yumminess for a mid day snack.  What better what to carry it then in a Thirty One thermal….

The Multi Bottle Thermal isn’t just a baby bottle cooler bag, it makes a great lunch tote or snack bag too. Two of them fit perfectly into our ZOUT creating an ideal daycare solution! Adjustable shoulder strap makes carrying easy.   I put my favorite Fall personalization on it too…Here are some of the awesome features:

• Two exterior zipper compartments
• Top non-thermal storage compartment
• Large thermal storage compartment
• Holds up to six standard-sized baby bottles
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• 10.75″H x 7″L, x 6” D

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bake

Thank you Hungry Girl for today’s recipe…

1/6th of pan: 241 calories, 6g total fat (0.5g sat fat), 336mg sodium, 37.5g carbs, 7g fiber, 6.5g sugars, 9.5g protein — SmartPoints® value 6*

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

3 cups old-fashioned oats (I use gluten free)
5 natural no-calorie sweetener packets (like Truvia)
1 1/2 tbsp. chia seeds
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 large eggs’ worth)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1 cup frozen unsweetened pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed, drained, chopped
3/4 oz. (about 3 tbsp.) sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8″ X 8″ baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, sweetener, chia seeds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a medium-large bowl, combine almond milk, applesauce, egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until uniform.
4. Add mixture in the medium-large bowl to the large bowl. Stir until uniform.
5. Gently fold in cherries. Transfer mixture to the baking pan, and smooth out the surface.
6. Top with almonds, and lightly press them into the mixture.
7. Bake until top is light golden brown and entire dish is cooked through, about 35 minutes.

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

Headed to a picnic?  Take this along in either one of these Thirty One thermals:

The Rolling Cooler keeps you cool wherever you go this season. This roomy cooler featuring wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transport was a Hostess Exclusive BUT it can be yours in the Christmas in July Outlet Sale (the sale ends on 7/11). Handles make it a breeze to carry, and the leak-lock lining keeps contents cold and helps prevent leaks. Dimensions: 14″H x 15.5″L x 11.5″D

 

Head to the beach, campground or family picnic with your favorite foods. The Picnic Thermal Tote has a Leak Lock Thermal Lining which can hold ice when you need to keep things cool for a longer time. A removable, adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry when you have your hands full, and the zip-around closure ensures everything stays put while you’re transporting it from the car. It has a removable, adjustable shoulder strap, an exterior front pocket and is approx. 13″H x 11″L x 6″D.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday – “No Bake” PB & Chocolate Chip Balls

Thank you Janelle from Comfy in the Kitchen for this wonderful, quick and easy “No Bake” cookie!  I LOVE the fact they are Naturally gluten-free.In a medium sized mixing bowl add your oats, 5 Tbsp of peanut butter {save 2 Tbsp}, vanilla and salt. Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan bring brown sugar, milk, and butter to a simmer for about 3-4 mins- whisking so it doesn’t burn.

Pour hot mixture over dry mixture and stir well. Then, add in the remaining 2 Tbsp of peanut butter. Stir well again.

Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour until cooled and firm.Add 1 cup of chocolate chips, mix with hands and shape into balls.

Serves:15-20
Prep time:10 mins      Cook time:4 mins        Total time:14 mins

Ingredients
4½ cups old fashioned oats (flute free)
7 Tbsp of Peanut butter {divided 5 and 2}
2 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
3 cups brown sugar
¾ cup milk
½ cup butter

Instructions
– In a medium sized bowl add oats, 5 Tbsp peanut butter, salt and vanilla. Set aside.
– In a medium sauce pan bring to a simmer your brown sugar, milk and butter. Let simmer for 3-4 mins-whisk every 30 seconds so the bottom doesn’t burn.
– Add hot mixture to your oat mixture. Stir well. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of peanut butter and stir well again.
– Place bowl in refrigerator for 1 hour to let cool and firm up.
– Add 1 cup of chocolate chips, mix with hands and roll into balls.

Janelle Nehrenz is a Christian, a Wife, a Stay at Home Mom of 3 young children and a proud- to- claim- it “Foodie”

Share your recipes with us, we love to try new things!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!