'Fall' In Love With Pumpkin Pie Granola

Ahhh tis' the season of comfort food upon us. Cooler days and chilly, darker nights somehow make us fill our brim with food that makes you feel all cozy and warm inside. I adore this time of year for so many reasons, but one is without a doubt all about the food. Sweet spice inspirations and autumn produce- I wait all year for it. Comfort food gets a bad rep as being on the not so figure friendly side. Who said it had to be that way though.....I disagree. Hold onto those appetites, I have a whirlwind of blissful fall comfort food coming up!

Pumpkin- hands down one of my favorite foods. And can I just tell you how incredibly good for you it is? Low calorie, full of fiber, healthy carbs, beta-carotene, anti-oxidants and did I mention just how super filling it can be!

One of my friends was crying about missing granola earlier this week. Sure thing, store-bought varieties are full of sugar and excess not-so-healthy fats. But it can be good for you!!!! Make it at home, lighten it up and lay on the sweet spices in a hefty way that will have you falling back in love with FALL PUMPKIN GRANOLA. oh yes!

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup golden flaxseeds
• 1 to 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (I like lots, but use less if you want)
• 4 packs stevia
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (grade b ideally)
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Preheat over to 275 degrees F. Spray a non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.

 

Mix the pumpkin, maple syrup and egg white together. Toss together the dry ingredients and add to the pumpkin mixture, tossing until evenly coated.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack until totally cooled. Store in an air tight container.

This is so yummy sprinkled on thick greek yogurt with roasted apples or sliced figs.

Makes 8 servings (approx. 1/3 cup)
Per Serving: 135 calories, 5g fat, 20g carbs, 4g fiber, 5g protein

Rockin' Ricotta Raspberry Pancakes

It's offically time to say au revoir to summer here. Fall is making it's way in casually as the weather changes. Fresh local berries are coming to a sweet end and I'm stocking up on as many as I can. Don't let the seasons control how much slenderizing, nourishing produce get in your diet. Freeze them, in ample amounts while the going is still great! Berries freeze so well and keep all winter provided you seal them tight. Throw them in smoothies, or my favorite tradition........weekend pancakes.

These weekend worthy, lean but feels naughty pancakes are great year round but if you have a chance right now to make with fresh berries, please do so. The raspberries almost melt into a fluffy cloud of a pancake......and don't fear the ricotta ladies! Please, no subbing cottage cheese or yogurt in this recipe. Just trust me, the ricotta is so worth it.....

• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 large happy organic egg
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp quality vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/3-1/2 cup milk of choice (unsweet almond, cows, etc)
• 2 packs stevia or 4 drops liquid stevia
• 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen

In a bowl sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a large clean bowl beat the egg whites on high until soft peaks form.

Mix together the whole egg, ricotta, milk, stevia and vanilla. Add the floru mixture just until moistened.

Fold the egg whites gently into the ricotta mixture. Do NOT overmix.

Heat griddle or skillet to medium-high, spray with non-stick cooking oil. Drop by 1/4 cup measures, cooking each side until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

Serves 2 (about 3 pancakes each)
Per Serving: 255 calories, 9g fat, 25g carbs, 6.5g fiber, 17.5g protein

Peanut Butter Pizza....Why Not?!

I can honestly say I don't know anyone who doesn't like pizza in some form. I consider myself a pizza snob- I hate fast food chain restaurant style pizza like Pizza Hut, Greco, Papa Johns, etc etc. I can totally do without any day! But if it's gourmet style pizza's, the old fashioned brick oven kind with toppings like pesto, chicken, artisinal cheeses, and any unique combination of veggies and other sauces then bring it on. And it doesn't have to be a rare occasion treat if you make it right at home.

Two of my loves- peanut butter and gourmet pizza. Combining the two might sound a little crazy to you (I won't deny that it does.....) but trust me on this one....any girl I know will love this. As for the fellas, maybe not but the best part is that a single serve-fit-gal-pizza isn't for sharing. You can devour the entire thing and feel good about it! Super fast, super yummy, super fit....bring on the skinny girl pizza!

• 1 large whole grain tortilla (or use gluten free)
• 2 tsp natural creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp light BBQ sauce
• 2 oz cooked chicken breast, chopped
• 1 cup veggies of choice eg: shredded carrots, mushrooms, peppers, onion, etc
• 1 oz (1/4 cup) 2% shredded pizza blend cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Place the tortilla on the baking sheet. Mix the peanut butter and BBQ sauce until smooth. Spread over the tortilla.

Top with veggies, chicken and then the cheese. Garnish with parsley and spices.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tortilla is crispy golden and the cheese is melted.

Remove from oven. Cut and eat (permission to eat the entire pizza).

Serves 1

Per Serving: 375 calories, 16g fat (healthy fats!!!), 32g carbs, 5g fiber, 27g protein

Not So "Chunky" Monkey Ice Cream

Certain people are just meant for one another- like some couples and best friends. You know, that 'click' sort of feeling. I feel the same way about food. While I have some pretty wild food combo creations (I think everyone does, some are just closet creators...) there are oldie nibbles I grew up eating that I will take to my grave. Peanut butter and banana- match in heaven! Add chocolate and it's a killer of a trio.

I'm not sure where chunky monkey term came from (banana + peanut butter + chocolate combo). I suppose I could google it. Go ahead if you're interested. All that concerns me is how blissful this treat is! I suppose if you eat too much, then you most likely are destined for chunkyness......especially in icecream form. Well I don't monkey around. A recipe redux was a must! My version serves one fit n fabulous monkey!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Yogurt

• 3/4 c. (175g) plain greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 tbsp special dark cocoa powder (eg:Hersheys)
• 2 packs stevia
• 1/2 medium ripe banana

Throw all of the ingredients in the blender, mixing until smooth.

Pour into a metal bowl and freeze until solid, about 2 to 3 hours depending if you prefer 'soft serve' or old fashioned style ice cream.

Serve with more sliced banana if you wish.
Serves 1. No sharing required. :)

Per Serving: 240 calories, 9g fat, 26g carbs, 4g fiber, 20g protein

Pump It Up Pumpkin Cake

I think it's fair to say it's rather stereotypical to assume that lean, tight bikini gals don't work out hard. If I had dollar for the number of times people told me that a girl shouldn't lift weights I'd be rich! No joke. It's a sad, uneducated assumption. Sure a girl can be skinny....no exercise and just dieting will indeed work....if your goal is to be skinny fat. You know what I mean- those gals that look great in clothes and then when you see them poolside or on the beach it's another story.......... Ladies, hear me out. If you want a lean, tight, toned body (yes, still skinny but without all the jiggle) then you've got to WORK it out!

Cardio and weights. Hear me? Yes, and weights! You will not get huge bulky muscles that will make your guy friends want to have arm wrestles with you. You also have to EAT! The right kinds of healthy food to fuel that beautiful body and the right amounts. The best way to get the most from your workout is to actually chow down beforehand! Waiting hours upon hours isn't going to give you enough energy to ROCK that workout, sweat it out and leave feeling like you actually put some effort into your sexy n fit body. One of my favorite snacks an hour or two before are these yummy pumpkin cake squares. Healthy carbs and a little dose of protein to sustain you. That's how you do it! (and eat....)

• 2 whole eggs
• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp quality vanilla extract
• 1- 15oz can pure pumpkin puree (2 cups)
• 3/4 cup stevia in the raw
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (ground oats)
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9X9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking oil.

Using electric beaters, beat the eggs until fluffy. Add the pumpkin, yogurt and vanilla. Continue to beat until smooth.

Sift together the dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin mixture. Do not overmix!

Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until spring to touch and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack fully before cutting.

Makes 9 squares

Per square: 117 calories, 3g fat, 15.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 8g protein