Runs for Cookies Recipes: snack

Showing posts with label snack. Show all posts

April 5, 2016

Banana Oat Bran Muffins

I was craving a bran muffin something crazy yesterday, and I didn't have any bran cereal (which is called for in a lot of recipes I looked up). I looked at the Oat Bran box, and found a recipe there. I happened to have all the ingredients, so I made these (with a couple of modifications). They turned out amazing! They taste like banana bread, but with a really nice bran muffin texture. And the coconut oil gives them a subtly unique flavor. They didn't even need a spread! At only 135 calories each, you could certainly spread them with peanut butter, coconut oil, or even eat two of them.

Banana Oat Bran Muffins

2 cups Quaker Oat Bran, uncooked (found by the hot cereals in the grocery store)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup whole milk (you could use low fat milk, but I prefer whole)

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 cup honey

2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted (you could use other oils, but the coconut oil makes these muffins even better!)

1 medium banana, mashed

Preheat oven to 425. Line 12 baking cups with paper liners. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and then add the wet ingredients. Stir to combine well. Divide the batter among the 12 baking cups (about 3/4 full) and bake for 15-17 minutes.

November 23, 2012

Pumpkin Fluff

I got this recipe from my Weight Watchers leader on the day before Thanksgiving. I'd made something very similar before, and really liked it, so I tried this "light" version for dessert on Thanksgiving. It was a great replacement for pumpkin pie!

I'm sorry, but this recipe has been migrated over to my everyday blog, Runs for Cookies. This is a direct link to the recipe. Enjoy! --Katie

September 9, 2012

Vanilla Pumpkin Protein Shake

This recipe has since been migrated to my everyday blog, Runs for Cookies. Click Here to be taken directly to the recipe!

This shake turned out so yummy it actually deserves its own post ;) One of my readers requested that I create a pumpkin protein shake. I've tried a few recipes that I found online, but wasn't crazy about any of them. A lot of the shake recipes use bananas to sweeten, and I just wasn't crazy about the combo of pumpkin and banana. I used Torani Pumpkin Pie flavored syrup in this--if you really can't find it and/or don't want to buy it online, you could probably just use some sort of sweetener (1 Tbsp. of maple syrup would probably be good!) and extra pumpkin pie spice.

Anyway, this shake makes me super excited for my favorite time of year--fall!

July 25, 2012

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

I used to make muffins with these two ingredients, but I was really in the mood for cookies a few nights ago, so I decided to turn them into cookies instead. They are SO good, and SO simple--and only 64 calories each!

I'm sorry, but this recipe has been migrated over to my everyday blog, Runs for Cookies. This is a direct link to the recipe. Thanks for stopping by! --Katie

June 8, 2012

Protein Shakes/Smoothies Part 3

Just some more protein shake recipes :) These are my favorites as of lately. During the summer, I will even have these for lunch when I want something quick and cold.

I'm sorry, but the protein shakes recipe posts have been migrated to my everyday blog. Here are links to all three posts that have recipes for some fun tasting protein shakes:

See Part 1 here.
See Part 2 here.

See Part 3 here.

November 7, 2011

Snickers Protein Shake

Since I'm getting surgery next week, my doctor wants me to get a LOT of protein. This protein shake tastes JUST like a Snickers bar. It's a yummy treat!

I'm sorry, but this recipe has been migrated over to my everyday blog, Runs for Cookies. This link is a direct link to that recipe. Enjoy! --Katie

September 13, 2011

Homemade Chocolate Vitatops

One of my favorite snacks is a chocolate Vitatop with fat free Cool Whip. The Vitatops are so good, but SO expensive. So after buying a muffin top baking sheet at a garage sale, I decided to create my own Vitatops. You can find the original recipe here. I altered it to my liking.

This recipe has migrated over to my everyday blog, Runs for Cookies. This link will take you directly to the recipe.

August 18, 2011

Green Monster (original)

I got this recipe from Angela at Green Monster Movement. There are many, many variations, but my heart lies with the original. Sometimes I add blueberries, too. Trust me when I say that this tastes NOTHING like the way it looks! I was completely skeptical, but pleasantly surprised when I first tried it.

Green Monster

1 Tbsp. flax seed meal
1 cup (packed) spinach
1 cup almond milk
1 banana, peeled (duh)
6 ice cubes

Put the ingredients (except for the ice) into a blender in the following order: flax seed, spinach, banana, almond milk. Let it rip on high until it's blended well, then add the ice and blend until smooth. I promise you that this tastes just like a banana shake, without a trace of spinach! Serves 1.

2-Ingredient Guacamole

This is SO simple and SO easy--and it tastes SO good! Serve with tortilla chips.

Guacamole

1 ripe avocado
1 cup Garden Fresh salsa (found in refrigerator section)

Mash the avocado until smooth, and stir in the salsa. It doesn't look very pretty, but it tastes fantastic. Serve right away, because the avocado will start to brown.

Coconut Butter (a pictorial)

I adore coconut butter! I've never seen it in the store before, so I've always just made my own. It's very simple to make. All you need is a food processor.

2 bags of UNSWEETENED coconut (to fill a 12-oz jar of coconut butter)

Put it into the food processor

Let it rip on high for a few minutes, then scrape down the sides

This is after about 10 minutes

15-20 minutes and it's done!

At this point, I jarred some as-is, and then added cocoa powder to the rest

Ta-da! Coconut butter and chocolate coconut butter!

The nutritional info on this is the same as the package of coconut you use. Since there are no added ingredients, just use the info from the package. Keep in mind that the measurement may change (one tablespoon of shredded coconut does not equal one tablespoon of coconut butter); but the GRAMS will stay the same (15 grams of shredded coconut=15 grams of coconut butter).

August 17, 2011

PB2 Recipes and Ideas

Sorry! This recipe has been migrated over to my regular Runs for Cookies blog. You can find the post here. Thanks for stopping by! :) --Katie

Cookie Dough Hummus

I made this awesome recipe on Sunday, and again today. I'm SHOCKED at how good it is!! It's hummus that really does taste (and look) like cookie dough. I ate it with pretzels, which was awesome, and then for dessert today I had it with a chocolate Vitatop. Heavenly!

I made it as follows:
1 can of chick peas, drained AND peeled (takes a little time, but worth it!)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
6 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Blend all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor until very smooth. Then fold in the chocolate chips. (Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 139 calories, 5 grams fat, 3 grams fiber, 20 grams carbs, 4 grams protein)

Katie's Hummus

Everybody seems to have their own hummus recipe. This is MY version. I *LOVE* garlic--so this is very garlicky. If you're not a huge fan of the garlic, just use 1 small clove. I like to use 3-4 big cloves.

Katie's Hummus

1-3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained
2 Tbsp. water
1 lemon (juice and zest)
2 Tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 Tbsp. olive oil (seems like a lot, but it makes the hummus REALLY smooth and rich)
salt to taste

In a food processor, put in the cloves of garlic and process until they are finely chopped. Add the drained chick peas, water, lemon juice and zest, and tahini. Process on high until smooth, stopping to scrape the sides of the processor once or twice. While the processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil. Run the processor for another minute or two, until everything is combined and smooth.

Makes 8 (1/4 cup) servings. Per serving: 110 calories, 8 grams fat, 3 grams fiber, 8 grams carbs, 3 grams protein.

Homemade Granola

This makes a HUGE batch, so don't be scared by the amount of sugar in it. My favorite way to eat it is to core an apple and cut into quarters, then spread with peanut butter, and then press the peanut butter side into the granola (see picture). It's an awesome breakfast or snack, and very healthy :) You could also put it in yogurt, or cereal, etc.

Homemade Granola

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 275. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine sugar and water. Microwave on high for a couple of minutes to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Add the oats and almonds and stir until they are coated with the sugar mixture. Spread thinly onto the baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes. It'll feel pliable when you take it out of the oven, but it'll be crunchy when it cools. Each serving is 1/4 cup.

Hot Cinnamon Apples

These are SUPER EASY to make and they taste delicious! They really good by themselves, but you can also spoon them over ice cream or top pancakes or waffles with them... plenty of ways to eat them!

3 lbs. apples, peeled and sliced (about 8 cups)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Minute Tapioca (make sure you get the Minute tapioca)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Combine all in a slow cooker, and toss to combine. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, depending on how soft you like the apples.

Makes 8 servings, a little over 1/2 cup each

Monster Cookies

My friend Renee gave me the recipe for these--they're SUPER delish and pretty healthy for a cookie!

Monster Cookies

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (I used natural creamy pb)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (make sure you use the mini ones, so you get a little chocolate with each bite!)
1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter and peanut butter in a mixer. Beat until smooth. Add brown sugar, egg, egg white, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

Add oats, flax, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, and raisins. Mix well.

Drop spoonfuls of dough (I used 1.5 Tbsp each) 2" apart on cookie sheet. Bake 11 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden (I did 10 minutes). Let cool a few minutes on a baking sheet before removing to rack.

Makes 30 cookies.

Renee's Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

These are SOOOO good--and beware if you're a binge eater, it's very hard to eat just one! I modified this a bit the last time I made them to reduce the calorie count, and they turned out wonderfully. So I'll type up the modified recipe.

Note: The bar above is 1/12 of the pan, not 1/24 ;)

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

1/4 cup plain, fat free yogurt
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Egg Beaters
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, not included in nutrition info)

Preheat oven to 325. In a large mixing bowl, beat yogurt, honey, and sugar until creamy. Add applesauce, eggs, and vanilla and beat well. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, flax, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to creamed mixture. Stir in walnuts (if using), raisins, and chocolate chips. Prepare a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Spread batter in pan and bake 20-25 minutes until lightly browned (I like to underbake them just a touch, so they stay a little gooey). Let cool, and cut into bars. Makes 24 bars.

Oat Frittata (Oat Patties)

This post has been moved to my regular blog, Runs for Cookies. You can find the recipe here.

Oat Frittata with honey and sliced banana

Maybe frittata is the wrong word for this, because there is so little egg in it... but it's a super fast, easy breakfast that is very healthy and tastes VERY good! I'm totally addicted to oats--I could seriously eat oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I like to get creative with how I prepare it and what I mix in. But this "recipe" (I put recipe in quotes because of how simple it is!) is unlike any other oat creation I've tried... and it's a favorite of mine now.

Single Serve No-Bake Cookie

You all know about my love affair with oats... and PB2... and chocolate. So why not combine them into a no-bake cookie?! My dad used to make big batches of the no-bake cowpie cookies (fudgy cookies made with chocolate, peanut butter, butter, oats...) There is NO WAY I would be able to make a big batch and eat just one! So I created this single-serve version, and it's sooo delicious!

1 Tbsp. PB2 (don't reconstitute it!)
1 Tbsp. No Pudge! Brownie mix (I think other brownie mixes would work, but I love the No Pudge! ones)
scant 1 Tbsp. skim milk
2 Tbsp. quick cooking oats

Combine the PB2, brownie mix, and skim milk and stir until smooth. Add the oats and stir to coat well. Drop the whole thing onto a small piece of wax paper and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Makes 1 serving, 2 WW points. (120 calories, 1 gram of fat, 3 grams of fiber, 24 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein)

And before anyone asks....

You can buy PB2 (and find all the info about it) here... www.bellplantation.com

Protein Shakes/Smoothie Recipes

I NEVER would have thought that I would have jumped on the protein shake bandwagon, but breaking my jaw opened a huge new world of breakfast and even lunch possibilities. I've come to love these shakes so much that I just don't want to give them up! I buy the EAS 100% whey protein powder from Sam's Club (It's $27 for 76 servings). They have chocolate and vanilla, and I bought both. I also use almond milk in my recipes--it's only 40 calories per cup, and it makes the shake taste so much better than with just water. I buy the Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk. And tons of frozen fruit (unsweetened)--cherries, blueberries, mixed fruit. I also freeze my bananas when they are ripe. I peel them, cut them into four chunks each and put them in a ziploc bag in the freezer.

If you really don't want to buy protein powder, you could probably substitute with Carnation Instant Breakfast.

Also, if you find yourself liking these as much as I do, you may want to invest in a good blender. I just spent $80 on a good blender that was WELL WORTH IT.

I'm sorry, but the protein shakes recipes have been moved to my everyday blog, Runs for Cookies. Here is a direct link to the protein shakes recipes.

Some of these recipes are my own creation, a few are from cookbooks or other sources (which I will cite), but MOST of them are recipes that I've tried and modified into a healthier version.

I've included the nutrition info on most of the recipes (which I calculate using Sparkpeople.com's Recipe Calculator). However, calculating the nutrition info takes a LOT of time that I'd rather spend doing something more interesting, so some of the recipes don't have the facts. You can always go to Sparkpeople and figure it out yourself, however :)