Category: Holiday Recipes

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Granola

skinny-pumpkin-spice-granola-title

This skinny pumpkin spice granola tastes like fall and is a perfect addition to any dish! I promise this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to “pumpkin spice” favorites. I love adding this to greek yogurt, ice cream, cereal, or eating it alone as a snack. The options are endless! 

I prefer making homemade granola as opposed to buying the store bought stuff. Not only do you get alot more bang for your buck but you can also control the ingredients (especially the sugars) you’re putting into it.

skinny pumpkin spice granola

If you’ve ever read the ingredients list on the package of your favorite store bought granola you’ll likely see a list of various items such as cane syrup, brown rice syrup, corn syrup, cane sugar, canola oil, vegetable oil, fructose, natural and articfical flavoring, and soy lecithin to name a few. To translate… sugar, sugar, and more sugar! Ingredients on food labels are listed by quantity from highest to lowest. Anytime you see sugary ingredients like the ones listed above ahead of “real” ingredients you should think twice before buying!  Store bought granola may taste delicious but you are much better off making your own. 

Don’t believe me? I bet you’ll have a different opinion after making this Skinny Pumpkin Spice Granola. 

skinny pumpkin spice granola

I love this recipe because its packed full of healthy grains, heart healthy fats, and natural sugars. Not to mention its delicious and super easy to make! You’ll be out of the kitchen, start to finish, in about 35 minutes with only a few dishes to wash! 

skinny pumpkin spice granola ingredientsYou’ll start by toasting your old fashioned rolled oats and uncooked quinoa. To do this simply spread the oats and quinoa across a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the oven at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes. Note: There is no need to spray the baking sheet or parchment paper with cooking spray.  

Skinny pumpkin spice granola ingredients

After 10 minutes remove toasted quinoa and old fashioned rolled oats from oven and pour into a large bowl along with the rest of your dry ingredients which include flaxseed meal, chia seeds, slivered almonds, walnut pieces, and pumpkin seeds. If you’re not a fan of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds you can swap them out for a nut or seed that better suits your preferance. I’ve personally made this recipe using various combinations of sunflower seeds, pecans, cashews, and whole almonds and the result is delicious every time! Just make sure you stay true to the measurements in the recipe.

skinny pumpkin spice granolaStir all of your dry ingredients together and reduce the oven to 300 degrees F. 

In a microwave safe bowl combine your wet ingredients: maple syrup, honey, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, a dash of salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well and microwave for one minute. Your wet ingredient mixture should be thick and gooey. Warning- it will smell delicious! Since there are no raw eggs its okay to sneak a taste or two! 

Give your wet ingredients one more stir and pour over dry ingredients. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the wet ingredients bowl to make sure you’re able to transfer as much as possible to your dry ingredients.

skinny pumpkin spice granola ingredients

Now its time to combine your wet and dry ingredients. Its important to make sure that all dry ingredients are evenly coated. I find best results come from applying a folding technique using a spatula to combine. 

Next, use your spatula to transfer all ingredients to a parchment lined baking sheet. Again, do not spray parchment paper or baking sheet with cooking spray. 

pumpkin-spice-granola-9-of-25

Make sure ingredients are tighly packed and evenly spread across the baking sheet. Place the goods in a 300 degree F oven for 20 – 22 minutes. Toss ingredients about 10 minutes in and sprinkle dried cranberries over the top. Bake for 10 – 12 more minutes until granola is golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle dark chocolate chips (optional) across cooked granola. Its important to do this as soon as you remove the granola from the oven to enable the dark choclate chips to melt and spread across granola before it cools. 

skinny pumpkin spice granola

I know this will take alot of willpower, but let granola cool completely before digging in. Once granola has competely cooled you’re free to break granola into smaller chunks as desired and remove from the parchment paper lined baking sheet. 

skinny pumpkin spice granolaThere are a couple of options for how to store your granola. You can store this yummy treat in an airtight container (mason jar, tupperware, etc.) on your countertop or pantry or in the freezer. Granola will keep for at least one month if stored on your countertop and at least three months in your freezer. I’ve stored ganola for up to six months in the freezer. If storing granola in the freezer make sure you’re using a sturdy, well sealed container to avoid freezer burn. 

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Skinny Pumpkin Spice Granola
Yields 4
This recipe will become one of your go-to "pumpkin spice" favorites. This skinny pumpkin spice granola tastes like fall and is a perfect addition to any dish!
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Ingredients
  1. • 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
  2. • 1.5 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
  3. • 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
  4. • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  5. • 1/4 cup raw, unsalted slivered almonds
  6. • 1/2 cup raw, unsalted walnuts halves & pieces
  7. • 1/4 cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds
  8. • 1/4 cup + 1 tsp real maple syrup
  9. • 2 tsp honey
  10. • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
  11. • 2 tsp coconut oil
  12. • 1 TBS pumpkin pie spice
  13. • 1 TBS nutmeg
  14. • 1 TBS cinnamon
  15. • Dash of salt
  16. • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  17. • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  18. • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
  1. • Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F
  2. • Spread uncooked quinoa and old fashioned rolled oats on a baking sheet with parchment paper & place in the oven to toast for 10 minutes (do NOT spray any cooking spray on the parchment paper)
  3. • Remove quinoa and old fashioned rolled oats from oven and pour into a large bowl along with flaxseed meal, chia seeds, slivered almonds, walnut pieces, and pumpkin seeds. Stir to combine. These are your dry ingredients.
  4. • Reduce oven heat to 300 degrees F
  5. • In a microwave safe bowl combine maple syrup, honey, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. These are your wet ingredients.
  6. • Mix wet ingredients well and heat in microwave for 1 minute.
  7. • Stir wet ingredients one more time and pour over dry ingredients using a spatula to combine until dry ingredients are completely coated.
  8. • Spread combined ingredients on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (again, do NOT spray any cooking spray on parchment paper). Pack ingredients tightly by pressing down on them with a spatula to form a thin, evenly dispersed layer.
  9. • Place baking sheet in 300 degree F oven for 20 - 22 minutes. Toss ingredients with a spatula about halfway through and sprinkle dried cranberries on top.
  10. When golden, remove from oven and sprinkle dark chocolate chips (optional) on top. Let ingredients cool completely and break larger chunks into smaller pieces as desired and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Store in an air-tight container on counter-top or freezer. Granola will keep for at least one month when stored on counter and at least three months when stored in freezer.
  2. Use any combination of nuts and seeds (cashews, sunflower seeds, whole almonds, pecans, etc.) as preferred. For best results keep measurements listed above true.
God Save the Quinoa https://www.godsavethequinoa.com/
Let me know what you think! 

Fabulous recipes by Mandi at godsavethequinoa.com

Valentine’s Day Smores Cookies

Smores Cookie Recipe

Only 4 more days until Valentine’s Day! Tell someone “I love you (s)more” with the world’s easiest, and arguably tastiest cookie recipe. This is the EASIEST cookie you’ll make. EVER. (So get excited!)  

Yes, the last Valentine’s Cookie Recipe I posted (Valentine’s Day Cool Whip Cookies) is also very easy to make. But, believe it or not, this one is easier! As long as you’re able to stack your ingredients and turn on an oven (and have enough will power to not eat all of the ingredients while you’re preparing to cook) you should be fine! 

You only need 3 ingredients: marshmallow’s, graham crackers, and chocolate.

Smores Valentine Cookie recipe

If you’re wondering how I made the marshmallow’s heart shaped, I’ll let you in on a little secret- I bought them them this way! It’s true! Jet-Puffed makes the cutest baby pink heart shaped Marshmallow’s, which I found at Target

Smores Cookies recipe

I used Honey Maid Fresh Stacks graham crackers. These are AWESOME! They’re packaged as individual squares… you don’t even have to break the graham cracker in half! I told you this recipe was easy!!! 

Smores Cookie recipe

I’m an old fashioned gal, so I couldn’t resist using Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Buy a King Size chocolate bar (or two or three) depending on how many Smore’s you’re planning on making. I broke the chocolate bar into squares made of two “pieces” each. I used one square per Smore. (If you really wanted to, I’m sure you could find a pre-packaged Hershey’s bar portioned out correctly for you). Anyways, one King Size Hershey’s Bar will make 8 Smores Cookies, so plan accordingly. 

To cook this masterpiece, all you have to do is assemble your Smore in this order: (from bottom to top) graham cracker, chocolate, marshmallow. 

Smores Cookie recipe

Arrange cookies on a cookie sheet or wire cooling rack.  

Smores Cookie Recipe

Turn the oven on broil. When warm, place cookies in oven for 2.5 – 3 minutes. This is just enough time to get them nice and brown without burning them or catching them on fire.

When finished, remove and enjoy! You can eat these cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container to enjoy for a few days. The magic of this recipe is that they’re still just as delicious a few days later compared to when they’re fresh out of the oven!  

Smores Cookie RecipeSmores Cookie RecipeSmores Cookies RecipeYUM! I’m pretty sure it takes the oven longer to heat up than it does to make this Smore’s cookie recipe! How often does that happen?! 

Valentine's Day Smores Cookies
Serves 16
Tell someone "I love you (s)more" with the world's easiest, and arguably tastiest, 3 minute Smores cookie recipe EVER!
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Prep Time
1 min
Cook Time
3 min
Total Time
4 min
Prep Time
1 min
Cook Time
3 min
Total Time
4 min
Ingredients
  1. • One package of Jet-puffed heart shaped marshmallows
  2. • One (12.2 oz) package of Honey Maid Fresh Stacks graham crackers
  3. • 2 King Size Hershey's chocolate candy bars
Instructions
  1. • Place oven on broil
  2. • Break Hershey's chocolate bar into eighths (you should have eight 2-piece squares)
  3. • Set one chocolate square on top of one graham cracker square
  4. • Place one marshmallow on top and arrange on a cookie sheet or wire cooling rack
  5. • Repeat until all smores are assembled
  6. • Place tray of uncooked smores in oven for 2.5 - 3 minutes or until marshmallow reaches desired shade of golden brown
  7. • Remove and serve immediately or store in airtight container to enjoy over next couple of days
God Save the Quinoa https://www.godsavethequinoa.com/
Fabulous recipes by Mandi at godsavethequinoa.com

Valentine’s Day Cool Whip Cookies

Cool Whip Valentines Cookies

Hello, everyone! Its that time of the year again…Valentine’s Day! What holiday gives you a better excuse to make the most deliciously sappy girly recipe possible? I would hate for you NOT to take advantage of this holiday because you’re worried you’ll ruin your New Year’s diet and spoil all of your healthy resolutions, so I’m excited to share this 4 ingredient, 60 calorie cookie recipe with you! That’s right! All 4 ingredients (EASY) and 60 calories (YES PLEASE!) in these light and fluffy cookies will have you thinking you’re on cloud 9! 

Cool Whip Valentines Cookies (18 of 27)

These cookies are so light and fluffy. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you pick one up and bite into it! Wanna know why? Well, these cookies are made with Cool Whip, strawberry cake mix, 2 eggs, and some festive holiday sprinkles. You don’t believe me? See ingredients pictured below: 

Cool Whip Valentines Cookies (1 of 27)

It’s true! All you have to do is combine the cool whip and the eggs. Once they’re completely combined add in one box of strawberry cake mix and as many sprinkles as your heart desires. 

The cookie batter should be thick and sticky once everything is mixed. Place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes before continuing on. This is a necessary step, so don’t skip it! 

Cool Whip Valentines Cookies (19 of 27)

After your batter is chilled pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F, wrap a cookie sheet in foil, and and pour some powdered sugar in a small bowl. You will dip each cookie in the powdered sugar before placing it on the cookie sheet to bake. This is my favorite part of the recipe and gives each cookie just the right amount of sweetness it needs! 

Cool Whip Valentines Cookies (20 of 27)

Scoop the dough out with a spoon or scoop. As you can tell from the pictures below, I used an ice cream scoop. Roll the dough into balls and roll around in powdered sugar, completely covering the entire ball of dough. When covered, place on to your cookie sheet and repeat until the cookie sheet is full. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie, these sweets grow in the oven.

 Let the cookies bake for about 10 – 12 minutes. Obviously, larger cookies will take longer to make, so scoop accordingly! When finished, set aside to cook an dig in!

Cool Whip Valentines Cookies (24 of 27)

Valentine's Day Cool Whip Cookies
Serves 24
A healthy Valentine's Day treat, sweet enough to melt your heart, and fluffy enough to make you think you're on cloud nine!
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Prep Time
35 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
47 min
Prep Time
35 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
47 min
Ingredients
  1. • 1 (8 oz.) container of lite Cool Whip
  2. • 2 eggs
  3. • 1 box of strawberry cake mix
  4. • Rainbow or Valentines day sprinkles
  5. • Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
  1. • Mix cool whip and 2 eggs together. Add strawberry cake mix and sprinkles and mix until well combined. (Mixture will be thick and sticky)
  2. • Place mixture in fridge for at least 30 minutes
  3. • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  4. • Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray some non-stick spray
  5. • Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl and set aside
  6. • Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to spoon large tablespoon size balls of dough out of bowl. Roll dough in powdered sugar until all sides are completely covered then arrange on foil lined cookie sheet.
  7. • Continue until cookie sheet is full and bake in oven for 10 - 12 minutes on middle rack
  8. • When done, remove from oven, let cool and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Space cookies out evenly so they do not stick together. They will spread in the oven!
God Save the Quinoa https://www.godsavethequinoa.com/
Fabulous recipes by Mandi at godsavethequinoa.com

 

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope everyone had a very happy holiday season! Mine was fabulous and I enjoyed celebrating the holidays and the New Year with the best of friends and family! 2014 will be hard to top but I have high expectations that 2015 will be even better! 

In the South, we believe that eating black-eyes peas on New Years day will bring you luck and prosperity throughout the year. This Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup recipe is healthy, full of hearty vegetables, and is the PERFECT good luck dish to enjoy on this chilly New Year’s Day! 

I wanted to create something tasty and filling that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, alone or with a group of friends or family members. This is a pretty simple recipe and involves minimal cooking, so its a great dish to make while entertaining company! 

Before cooking, drizzle 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil over 2 cups of whole cherry tomatoes and 6 baby red potatoes (cut into eighths) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried rosemary. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. 

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup- tomatoes and potatoes

 While tomatoes and potatoes are roasting chop 1 sweet onion, 1 and half cups of baby carrots, 2 leeks, 4 celery sticks, and 5 cups of fresh kale. Set aside. Prepare 24 oz. of black-eyed peas. You can cook bulk black-eyed peas or use canned black-eyed peas. If using canned black-eyed peas, be sure to drain them. 

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup: fresh veggies

Once everything is chopped, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot and add minced garlic, onions, and leeks. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until leeks and onions are translucent. Once your tomatoes and potatoes are done roasting add them to the pot along with a 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of veggie broth, black-eyed peas, chopped celery, baby carrots, and one 4 oz. can of diced green chilies. Bring burner to high heat and stir 1 teaspoon of cayenne, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper into contents of pot. Mix well so all ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and let sit for about 20 – 25 minutes. Contents in pot should come to a steady boil. Let ingredients boil for about 5 – 10 minutes, then reduce to medium heat for remainder of time.  

After 20 – 25 minutes, ingredients should look soupy and translucent. (Your house should be smelling pretty delicious at this point too!) Add your chopped kale to the pot, quickly stir, and cover for about 5 more minutes on medium-low heat. The steam in the pot will cause your kale to wilt to the perfect consistency. 

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup (8 of 8)

After about 5 minutes, give your soup a quick stir, reduce heat to low, and spoon into bowls, top with freshly shaved parmesan and serve! Leave soup coverd on low heat. This will keep it warm incase anyone wants seconds… or thirds! 

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup (5 of 8)

You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Re-heat in the microwave to enjoy again and again! 

MEAT OPTION: If you want to add meat or make a meat-frendly version, I suggest adding 3 cups of chopped sausage and 1 cup of chopped bacon. Stir your cooked meat in when adding the veggie broth and chopped veggies. Again, be sure to cook the sausage and bacon before adding! 

Black-Eyed Pea Tomato and Vegetable Soup
Serves 6
Ring in the New Year with this colorful tomato soup, full of hearty vegetables and good luck black-eyed peas.
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Ingredients
  1. • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (whole)
  2. • 6 baby red potatoes, cut into eighths
  3. • 4 Tablespoons EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), divided
  4. • 2 Tablespoons dried rosemary, divided
  5. • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  6. • 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper, divided
  7. • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  8. • 2 leeks, sliced
  9. • 1 sweet yellow onion, sliced
  10. • 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
  11. • 4 cups low sodium veggie broth
  12. • 4 celery sticks, chopped
  13. • 1.5 cups baby carrots, chopped
  14. • 24 oz. (2 cans) black-eyed peas, drained
  15. • 4 oz. can diced green chilies
  16. • 1 Tbs cumin
  17. • 4 cups chopped kale
  18. • Fresh parmesan for garnish
Instructions
  1. • Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
  2. • Toss 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and baby red potatoes (cut into eighths) in 2 TBS EVOO, 1 TBS rosemary, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Place on foil lined cookie sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
  3. • While tomatoes and potatoes are roasting, chop onion, carrots, leeks, celery, kale, and set aside.
  4. • Heat 2 Tbs EVOO in a large pot, add minced garlic, leeks, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until leeks and onion are translucent.
  5. • Remove roasted tomatoes and potatoes from oven and add to pot.
  6. • Stir in can of diced tomatoes, veggie broth, chopped celery, baby carrots, black-eyed peas, and diced green chilies.
  7. • Bring to high heat and stir ingredients together along with 1 Tbs dried rosemary, 1 Tbs cumin, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper.
  8. • Cover with lid and let sit for 20 - 25 minutes. Contents in pot should come to a steady boil. Let ingredients boil for about 5 - 10 minutes, then reduce to medium heat for remainder of time.
  9. • After 20 - 25 minutes, ingredients should look soupy and translucent. Add chopped kale to the pot, quickly stir, and cover. Let sit for about 5 more minutes on medium-low heat.
  10. • When finished, stir ingredients, spoon into a bowl, top with freshly shaved parmesan and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Recipe serves 6 - 8 people. Place leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Re-heat in microwave to enjoy again and again!
  2. MEAT OPTION: Add 3 cups of chopped sausage and 1 cup of chopped bacon when adding vegetables. Cook sausage and bacon before adding.
God Save the Quinoa https://www.godsavethequinoa.com/
Fabulous recipes by Mandi at godsavethequinoa.com 

Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin Hummus  (9 of 12)

Happy Fall yall! I don’t know about you, but Fall is most certainly my FAVORITE time of year! The weather is finally starting to cool off and its seasonally appropriate to cook and eat pumpkin inspired goodies! (Hence the pumpkin hummus recipe you’re looking at now). 

Pumpkin Hummus  Recipe

This recipe is probably one of the easiest things I’ve ever made. All it takes is 9 simple ingredients: raw cashews, pumpkin puree, minced garlic, salt, white cannellini beans, cumin, paprika, fresh lemon juice, and EVOO. 

Pumpkin Hummus  (4 of 12)

Simply place ingredients into a food processor.

Pumpkin Hummus  (6 of 12)

(Use a blender if you don’t have a food processor.) 

Pumpkin Hummus  (7 of 12)

Combine until ingredients reach desired consistency. 

Pumpkin Hummus  (8 of 12)

Pair with chips, bread, or veggies, serve, and enjoy! 

Pumpkin Hummus  (10 of 12) Pumpkin Hummus  (11 of 12) Pumpkin Hummus  (12 of 12)

Did I mention there’s only 82 calories per serving? That’s right! (PS- one serving is 4 Tablespoons!) So, if you eat too much your waistline will forgive you. If you want more, you can make some more in a matter of seconds. You can thank me later! 

Pumpkin Hummus
Serves 12
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Prep Time
3 min
Cook Time
2 min
Total Time
5 min
Prep Time
3 min
Cook Time
2 min
Total Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  2. • 2 TBS raw, unsalted cashews
  3. • 1 tsp cumin
  4. • 1/2 tsp paprika
  5. • 1/8 tsp salt
  6. • 2 1/2 TBS fresh lemon juice
  7. • 1 (15 oz.) can of white cannellini beans
  8. • 1 TBS Extra virgin olive oil
  9. • 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds until well combined and thick. Serve with warm pita chips, whole grain wheat thins, or veggies and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for 7 - 10 days.
  2. 82 calories per serving (1 serving = 4 TBS)
Adapted from Cooking Light
Adapted from Cooking Light
God Save the Quinoa https://www.godsavethequinoa.com/
Fabulous recipes by Mandi at godsavethequinoa.com

Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad

Tuna salad stuffed tomato cups (6 of 9)

 Happy Memorial Day weekend! I don’t know about you, but I sure am looking forward to a much needed three day weekend!

As you know, this time of year its popular to have cookouts or BBQ’s in the backyard or out by the pool with friends and family. I’m personally a huge fan of potlucks- where each person brings a different dish to share with the group. Its such a fun way to taste new things and discover new recipes. Not to mention, it makes the hostess’s life much easier! 

If you’re looking for a fun summer dish to bring along to a Memorial Day potluck, or serve at your own outing, my honey grilled watermelon caprese salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  

Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad

I know honey grilled watermelon and mozzarella sounds like a funny combination, but trust me, once you taste it you won’t be able to get enough! The creamy mozzarella pairs perfectly with the sweetness in the watermelon, creating a perfect and refreshing party food!

Watermelon, olive oil, honey, fresh mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. Thats all you need. So. Simple. 

Simply cut the watermelon into triangular slices, mix the olive oil and honey together in a bowl until well combined- adding some salt and pepper as desired. Brush each side of the watermelon slices with the olive oil honey mix and grill each side of the watermelon on medium heat for 2 minutes. 

Arrange grilled watermelon slices on a plate and place fresh mozzarella slices, chopped cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil shreds on top. Drizzle plate with balsamic vinegar and serve! 

Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad

 See, I told you it was simple! Be prepared to make seconds and thirds. 

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Remember to thank our troops! 

Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad
Serves 4
A refreshing summer dish filled with the fresh flavors of watermelon, basil, honey, and mozzarella.
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Ingredients
  1. • 6 large triangular watermelon slices
  2. • 2 Tbs EVOO
  3. • 1/2 tsp salt
  4. • 1/2 tsp pepper
  5. • 2 Tbs honey
  6. • 2 cups of chopped cherry tomatoes
  7. • 4 oz. sliced mozzarella
  8. • 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
  9. • Balsamic vinegar for drizzle
Instructions
  1. • Pre-heat grill to medium heat
  2. • Slice watermelon
  3. • In a small bowl, combine EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), honey, and slat & pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. • Using a large spoon, generously brush each side of watermelon with honey olive oil mix. Make sure entire watermelon is covered.
  5. • Grill each side of watermelon over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  6. • Arrange watermelon slices on plate and top with sliced mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Drizzle Balsamic vinegar over plate. (I used about 2 lid-fulls) Serve and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Double or triple recipe to make more servings in one sitting.
  2. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
God Save the Quinoa https://www.godsavethequinoa.com/
Fabulous recipes by Mandi at godsavethequinoa.com

 

Easter Bunny Blondie Bars

These delicious and light blonde bars are guaranteed to make your Easter a "hoppy" one!

Happy {almost} Easter! I hope yall are having an eggs-ellent weekend. I’m spending the weekend in Galveston with Greg and his family. The weather is absolutely perfect. I hope this is a sign that spring is FINALLY here… I’m so over the cold! I went for a run this morning along the beach, which was so refreshing, then made a Lemon Strawberry French Toast Casserole for the group. I won’t tell you too much about it right now because I’ll be posting the recipe soon, but it was delicious and the perfect size for our large group. Later this afternoon we’re having a crawfish boil, so needless to say its going to be a fabulous weekend!

If you haven’t made an Easter treat for the family yet, you’re in luck! These Easter Bunny Blondie Bars are on the lighter side , super easy to make , and are perfect for serving to a large group. Looking for an opportunity to let the kids help out in the kitchen? They will have a blast shaking the bag of coconut flakes to dye them green and placing their favorite color Easter eggs on top of the finished product! Of course, these bars are healthier if you don’t include the frosting, but after giving up sweets for the 40 days and 40 nights of lent, I think its perfectly acceptable to dig right in!

 

Easter Bunny Blondie Bars
Serves 20
Light and delicious blondie bars guaranteed to make your Easter a "hoppy" one!
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Blondie Bars
  1. • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. • 1/2 cup truvia
  3. • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  4. • 1/4 tsp. salt
  5. • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
  6. • 1/4 cup light butter, melted and slightly cooled
  7. • 1/4 cup plain non-fat greek yogurt
  8. • 2 Tbsp skim milk
  9. • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting
  1. • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  2. • 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
  3. • 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. • 2 Tbs skim milk
  5. • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  6. • Green food coloring
Toppings
  1. • 2 cups shredded coconut
  2. • Green food coloring
  3. • Chocolate candy eggs
Instructions
  1. • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and set aside.
  3. • In a separate bowl, lightly beat egg whites and add melted butter, greek yogurt, milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. • Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until well combined.
  5. • Grease 9 x 13 inch baking dish with pam. Pour batter into greased pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  6. • To make frosting, beat together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and mix until smooth. Add green food coloring to icing a few drops at a time and mix until reaching desired color.
  7. • Place shredded coconut flakes in zip lock bag and add green food coloring. Shake until coconut flakes turn green.
  8. • Smooth icing over bars once bars have cooled completely and sprinkle coconut flakes on top of icing. Cut bars into squares and place candy eggs on top and enjoy!
Notes
  1. Calories: 220 per bar
  2. For best results, use weight watchers cream cheese.
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