Raspberry Breakfast Muffins

I've been testing out recipes for an upcoming baby shower for my friend. Breakfast muffins are always appropriate for such an occasion.

Dan has been my happy taste tester - with a full mouth, he approves!

In this recipe, I swapped half the flour with whole-wheat flour for a healthier muffin. I also toasted them lightly to get a crunchy top. This toasted muffin top pairs nicely with the soft raspberry center.

Shamrock Smoothie

With an anticipatory festive spirit and inspirations from St. Patrick's Day signature color, a GREEN smoothie is born!

It's loaded with vitamin C, potassium and heart healthy mono-unsaturated fat.

On the road again...

I travel a bit with my job. Have I ever shared that with you? I suppose not.

I work for a wellness company. Yes, I get to live and breathe wellness in my work-life and I LOVE it! It is such an exciting and fulfilling field to be in. And naturally, this fits with my own chosen healthy lifestyle.

But, in instances when I am on the road - perhaps, several back to back trips - I have to find ways to maintain my health despite traveling.

I consider work travel different that vacation travel. In that, when vacationing, I give myself the allowance to indulge a bit more than I normally would. Have to take advantage of the opportunity to experience a new city and culture through their food, right? It's my favorite part of vacation travel!

But, when traveling for work, I approach these days no different than being at home. Meaning, I seek out healthy food options. So, what does a gal do when traveling and hungry?

Starbucks. For breakfast anyway. Even though it's a chain (and I typically prefer small businesses), they have oatmeal on the menu. And I can add in nuts for extra protein. A good start to a full work day.

Here's to making healthy choices - on the road or otherwise!

When Kelly is away, what do I eat?!?!

Allow myself to introduce ... myself. I'm Dan. Kelly's husband. Also known as hubby, babe, that guy with the crazy sweet tooth, and the CTO of The Salted Spoon.

Being married to a foodie, I've become used to a certain level of cuisine, both out and at home. So, when Kelly is out of town, it puts me into a little bit of a predicament.

Whole Wheat Banana Pom Muffins

A quiet Saturday morning at home is perfect for breakfast baking. These muffins are made healthy with whole-wheat, banana and pomegranate seeds. I hope you'll enjoy!

Granola Encrusted French Toast with apple-berry dipping sauce

Adapted from Rachael Ray

Sundays are my favorite days of the week. Following busy schedules with work and places to be, Sunday is the day when we slow down and enjoy a more relaxed pace. It's a perfect day for home cooking.

Toast Ingredients: *Serves 4

8 slices whole wheat bread
2 c. granola
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
1 c. non-fat milk
1 c. blackberries

Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 c. maple syrup
3/4 c. apple juice
juice from 1 medium orange
1/4 c. blackberry preserves

Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine ingredients for dipping sauce. Simmer on medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Crumb granola using food processor. Tip: Homemade or store bought granola can be used. Spread granola crumbs evenly onto baking pan. In medium bowl, whisk together milk and eggs.

Heat large skillet on medium heat. Make French toast in two batches by soaking four bread slices in egg mixture. Then coat each side of bread with granola. Spray skillet with cooking spray. Transfer encrusted toast to skillet and cook on each side for 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and make second batch.

Pour dipping sauce into four small sauce bowls. Plate by stacking two slices of toast alongside dipping sauce. Garnish with blackberries. Serve hot and enjoy!

Crunchy granola

For those who like to rise and dine – I’ve never been one to skip breakfast – this crunchy, cinnamony granola has made my summer mornings a treat.

9 cups rolled oats
2 cups sliced almonds
2 ½ cups rice cereal
3 tbs. flax seed
4 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp maple flavoring
1 cup honey

Mix thoroughly and bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once. Makes 25, ½ cup servings.

I’ve been mixing my granola with non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt and fresh berries. It’s the perfect healthy breakfast to keep me full all morning. Yum!

Dine & Dish: Waffle Brothers

With the tag line of “Serving one warm waffle at a time,” this little waffle shop is growing a big reputation for serving up fresh, flavorful, and inventive waffles.

This morning we sampled The Huffman and 4 Corners - Both in the All Natural Whole Wheat waffle version. The Huffman was served simply with butter and syrup and offered a true tasting of the waffle itself. The whole wheat waffle batter is sweetened with honey and banana and is hearty enough to stand up to many toppings. Speaking of many toppings, the 4 Corners waffle offers just that – four toppings, one in each corner. My toppings included fresh strawberries and bananas, blueberry compote and Nutella. It was finished off with a sprinkling of cinnamon and as you can see, it was thoroughly enjoyed.

Final word on Waffle Brothers: Awesome, affordable waffles.

Need a bigger helping?:
Waffle Brothers

Dine and Dish: Watercourse Foods

Tofu much? I feel confident to proclaim that whether you like Tofu or not, you’d enjoy feasting from this vegetarian menu. In fact, I venture to guess that a first timer would be challenged to narrow it down to one menu selection. Who’s not intrigued by a vegetarian restaurant offering Buffalo Wings, a Ruben sandwich, and a “Grinder” who’s description is reminiscent of a Philly Cheese Steak? For our meal, we settled upon the Portobello Po Boy with Onion Rings, and Thai Peanut Stir Fry with Crispy Tofu.

Need a bigger helping?:
WaterCourse Foods