Chick Pea Blondies

Once upon a time I was sitting standing in my kitchen when my ravenous sweet craving came rearing it's ugly head. I walked to the pantry and eyed the peanut butter. Just last week I had an inappropriate relationship with said peanut butter jar (who shall remain nameless for now), so I knew that taking even a "tablespoon" of this magical mixture would become problematic for a girl who has been diligent about counting her macros, so, I started dreaming of healthy brownies instead. I have made my black bean brownies in the past, and that sounded great, but I didn't have the same chocolate fudge protein powder I had previously used and didn't want to be disappointed by the taste. What could I make? Chick peas! Maybe healthy cookie dough? No, still tempted to eat the entire bowl. Hmmmm, how about a healthy blondie? Would my kids try it? Sprinkles. Yes, everyone loves sprinkles! 

So, the healthy, protein, chick pea, birthday blondie was born. So good. So yummy, and I could portion them. So smart! 

I used ingredients I had in the cabinet, but believe me, you can you a huge variety of items you already have to make these. Don't be stumped by the items I've used! ...and please, share your own recipes if you have good ones!!!

Here's mine. 

🔸1 can Chick Peas, drained and rinsed. 

🍁1/2c Walden Farms Pancake Syrup (can use honey, agave, or another sweetener of choice)

🍶1/4 tsp butter extract

🍨2tbsp vanilla protein powder 

🎉3tsp Sprinkles, plus additional 1tsp for topping. 

(Optional 🍁1/4tsp maple extract)

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper or butter sides and bottom. 

Purée chickpeas until smooth texture. Mix in all ingredients. Pour in to pan and sprinkle remaining 🎉1tsp sprinkles on top. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes depending on the gooeyness of your choice! 

Let cool for about 30 minutes. Cut in to portions, 8 or 16. I did 16 but still ate two right away!!!! Hope you enjoy! 

Visit my InstaGram @LivingSemiCrunchy

Healthy Cookie Dough

I took another stab at this healthy version of my favorite sweet treat! I love cookie dough, and can't seem to keep my fingers out of the batter while mixing, so it's such a treat to be able to devour this GUILT FREE! 

This recipe can easily be adjusted with ingredients you currently have at home. 

Ingredients:

🍚1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

🍨1 scoop vanilla protein powder

🍯8 tbsp nut butter of your choice (I used Maranatha Maple Almond Butter)

🍁1/4 cup Walden Farms Pancake Syrup

(Can use honey, agave, or even maple extract)

🍞1/4 tsp butter extract (optional)

🍫14g Dark Chocolate Chips (I used Lily's sweetened with stevia)

Mix all ingredients (sans chips) together and add water if you desire a runnier texture. Fold in chocolate chips and enjoy. 

Xo Shan

Sweet Eggs first thing in the morning

I have the worst habits around the holidays. It all starts with Halloween and the buckets of candy my children bring home. I try to remove as much as possible, but there is still too much and I can't pretend like it doesn't exist. I sneak one or two pieces from time to time. The sugar just sends me in to a tailspin causing cravings and withdrawals, making me want more and MORE! Last night was no exception as I made my nightly cup of tea. I just love a piece of chocolate with hot tea! Since I fell asleep shortly after having my little treat, I woke with raging cravings for sugar! I immediately wanted to walk to the cabinet where the Halloween cabinet is hidden, but I had to stop the madness. It was one of those mornings when you tell yourself it's "You vs. You" and that is what I did. While the kids were asking for their over easy eggs, I decided the best thing to do was make some delicious sweet eggs and today's creation was awesome! 

Here is the recipe;

1c egg whites (I was hungry!)

1/4tsp butter extract

1/2tsp vanilla extract

1/2tsp cinnamon

2-4 packets stevia

1/4c fat free ricotta cheese

1/4c oat bran

I scrambled all the ingredients together until well cooked and drizzled Walden Farms Pancake Syrup on the top. My kids said it smelled like french toast and loved it too! 

Mint Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

I have been craving something mint chocolate, so I decided to take a stab at black bean brownies. This recipe is easy, and I had all these ingredients on hand and figured it was worth a try. I am not much of a baker and was pleasantly surprised at how great they turned out! 

Ingredients:

1 can black beans. Drained and rinsed well

1 Hersheys chocolate bar

3 eggs

4tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4tsp mint extract

1/4tsp vanilla extract

2 stevia packets 

1/2tsp baking powder

1/4tsp salt

1tbsp coconut oil

2tbsp chocolate coconut butter

6 dates

 

Blend all ingredients except chocolate bar, in a food processor until smooth. Break apart chocolate bar and blend for just a couple seconds, leaving some chunks in the batter. Flour the bottom of a 9x9 pan. Cook on 350 for 18-22 minutes checking every couple minutes to make sure they have finished cooking. I cooked my brownies for 20 minutes and they were completely cooked yet a little gooey. 

You can sprinkle another packet of stevia on top for preparation. 

I ended up cutting these brownies into 16 small bite size brownies. 

Macros: 

65 calories, 3.9f/6.4c/2.3p 1.8g fiber