The Apple Pie Smoothie

                                                                         

Apple Pie... It's crisp, flaky crust paired with delicious warm apples and cinnamon.... :)

This smoothie mocks that delicious flavor.  However, you skip all the bad calories.  This is a healthy smoothie recipe for those who are watching their waistlines...  Of course, it doesn't lack in flavor.  

I made this yesterday for breakfast, but my kids finished it off!  They loved it as much as I did.  :)

It's perfect for breakfast, mid-day snack, or a healthy alternative to a sweet craving! 

It tasted as good as it looked.

In a blender combine:

2/3 C Vanilla Almond Milk

5.3 oz Container Yoplait Greek-Apple Pie Flavored Greek Yogurt

1/2 Apple Sliced and Peeled

1/2 Banana

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

6 Ice Cubes 

Blend well.  Add more ice if needed.  Drizzle with sugar free Carmel syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

ENJOY!

This was one of my favorites so far!  

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  

What are your favorite smoothie recipes?

Sweet Potato Enchiladas

I LOVE enchiladas.  Homemade are best.  I have had several of my own enchilada recipes over the years, but this new one was the most unique and I could not believe how much flavor they had!  Have you heard of substituting sweet potatoes for meat in enchiladas?  The concept was new to me, but I decided to give it a try.  

You may think replacing your chicken or beef with sweet potato is insane, but trust me, you will not miss the meat.  I used one of my other recipes and modified it with sweet potatoes.

I used canned enchilada sauce.  I'm sure these would top the cake if you made homemade sauce for them, but I have 5 kids... I don't feel the need for further explanation on my canned choices. :P

Best of all, these are pretty good for you!  And good for the Kids!!!!

Here's the cinch:

Sweet Potato Enchiladas

INGREDIENTS:

 16 oz Corn Tortillas

(2 ) 12-14oz  Cans Medium Red Enchilada Sauce

(or homemade sauce)

15 oz Can Black Beans

1 Small Onion - Chopped

1 Jalapeno - Seeded & Diced 

or 2oz Canned Jalapenos

20z Can Diced Green Chilies

2 Large Sweet Potatoes 

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Ground Red Pepper

8 0z Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Vegan Cheese
1 clove garlic - Minced

Cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

Puncture your potatoes several times with a fork, and microwave on high for 9-11 minutes, or until tender.  (You can also steam them or bake in oven.)  I chose the easy way out.  

Meanwhile, chop onion and Jalapeno.  Add chopped  onions, garlic, jalapeno, green chilies, and 1 can enchilada sauce to a medium sized bowl.  Add spices.

Add RINSED black beans, and one cup of cheese.  Mix well. 

Remove sweet potatoes from microwave.  Cut ends off & remove skin. Dice potatoes and add them to mixture.

Using a small amount of enchilada sauce from your second can, pour a small amount on the bottom  of  a 13x9 pan.  This will keep your enchiladas from sticking. You can also line your pan with foil like I did to help with easy clean up.  You will still need to spread the sauce on the bottom of your foil.

 Fill each corn tortilla evenly.  Roll them up and place them seam side down in your pan.  (The tortillas can be set together tightly.  I fit my whole package of corn tortillas in one pan.)

If a second layer is required, spread some more enchilada sauce in between the layers.  Cover prepared enchiladas with the rest of your sauce, and cheese.

Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  

Sprinkle with cilantro.  Eat & Enjoy!

These were way better than I expected and my husband loved them.  If you do not like things with a little heat or you would like to spare your children, omit the jalapeno and Cayenne.  You can also make half the pan and then add the good stuff and finish the pan like I do. 

These did not make it to leftovers.  They were so good!  I hope you guys try them and love them as much as we did!

Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Lately I have been loving the fruit and maple oatmeal from Mcd's.  I basically re-created it at home, but I made it healthier and of course it is delich.  :)

 Here's what you'll need:

1/2 C Quick Oats (Cooked to directions on box)

1/8- 1/4 C Almond Milk

1/2 C Chopped Apples

2 Tbs Rasins or Nuts

1 Tbls Brown Sugar

1 Tsp Maple Syrup or Honey

2 Tbs Flax Seed (Optional)

1 Tbs Peanut Butter (optional) 

2 Tsp Cinnamon (optional)

After cooking your oatmeal, add the other ingredients into your oatmeal and stir to perfection.  I love this oatmeal and it only takes about 5 minutes to make.   With the optional ingredients it is super good & good for you. And, it only has 1 tbs of Brown Sugar!  I'm a lover of sweets, and this did not leave me thinking I need to add sugar.  It is Delicious.

Avocado Pesto Sauce

Here's what I made the hubby and I had for dinner:

It was yummy! :)  The spicy kick in this pesto sauce is awesome!  If you like extra spicy, I recommend adding some cayenne pepper to the mix. 

Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS:
1 ripe avocado

1/2 small yellow onion

2 cloves garlic

1 lemon- juiced

2-3 tbs olive or coconut oil

1 fresh jalapeno - seeded

2 tbs basil

Pinch of Sea-Salt

1/8 cup nuts (pine-nuts, pistachios, pecans, or walnuts)

1 small can white beans

Sun-dried tomatoes

Mix all ingredients except nuts, beans, and tomatoes in food processor or salsa maker.  Add beans, nuts, and tomatoes and mix by hand.  Serve cold over pasta or zucchini.  ENJOY!

I made my "Pasta" out of zucchini, but this would be amazing over any type of pasta. 

 I hope you enjoy it!