Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes with Blackberry Sauce

Since blueberries are not quite in season, I decided to put a twist on my Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and make Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes.  I thought they deserved a suitable accompaniment.  As luck would have it, Trader Joe's had in stock their mega containers of blackberries.  Score!

Since I was planning to top the pancakes with lightly-sweetened berries, I decided to reduce the sugar.   Otherwise I stayed pretty true to the recipe. The sauce is very simple and can be made ahead, which is very nice. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes are a nice burst of lemony goodness.  They are higher in protein, made with whole wheat flour, and delicious on their own.  When topped with a lightly-sweetened blackberry sauce, they are extraordinary.

Time for Change!

Over the next few days, you will see some changes happening at Alida's Kitchen.    We are undergoing a site redesign, and I am very excited to share with you a sneak preview of my new logo.

I have been working with Sugar Studio Designs to create this new look for Alida's Kitchen.  A big thank you to Casey, who is super creative, talented, and so fun to work with!      

During this transition, the site will perform as usual, other than you may see some periodic updates throughout the design update process.  I appreciate your patience during this exciting transition and look forward to launching the new site!

Raisin Bran Muffins

These Raisin Bran Muffins come from a cookbook called Kids Cooking: A Very Slightly Messy Manual, by Klutz Press.  I received this book as a gift when I was about 10 years old.  The book is obviously geared toward kids with recipes using basic ingredients ~ some with silly names or  interesting concepts (for example Tuna Cones, i.e. tuna in an ice cream cone.  Hmm...) 

Anyway, these Raisin Bran Muffins were always a favorite and probably the most made recipe from that book.  They taste just like you would expect - raisin bran in muffin form.  I thought they would be a fun treat to make for Adam, only this time I decided to enhance the recipe with some vanilla, cinnamon and extra raisins.  I had no idea how much he would love them!  Adam is lukewarm about raisins alone, but the raisins in these muffins he loves.  Go figure.   

Lighter Sesame Chicken

This Lighter Sesame Chicken dish has been a staple around our house for years and is truly one of our favorite chicken dishes.  It is easy to make, using ingredients you most likely already have at home.  The recipe also halves easily, making a nice dinner for 2.

The chicken is tossed in an egg white/cornstarch mixture before sauteeing, yielding moist and tender meat.  The recipe makes enough sauce to coat the chicken, so you get the benefit of all the flavor without any excess.   This naturally makes it "lighter."  The scallions are a delicious addition, rounding out the flavors beautifully.   Served over steamed broccoli and brown rice, you have a complete dinner that is healthy and delicious!

Whole Wheat Chocolate Pancakes

Happy Valentine's Day!  I could not think of a better way to honor this day with you than dishing up a plate of these Whole Wheat Chocolate Pancakes.  Along with a cup of joe and a dish of fresh berries, these pancakes make a wonderful breakfast treat and are not as bad for you as you might think.  A healthy stack comes in around 200 calories, is low in fat, made with 100% whole wheat flour and high in fiber.  I'd say that's not bad!

These pancakes are nice and light, making them perfect for breakfast, though they can certainly be dressed up for dessert as well. They are not overly sweet, which I like because you can easily adjust the sweetness to your preference with your choice of toppings. We actually enjoyed them plain, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh berries is also delicious. Chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chocolate chips would definitely takes these over the top (making them more dessert-like and less healthy, of course).  The options are endless, which is always part of the fun.  Enjoy!

Marshmallow-Topped Chocolate Pudding Cakes

Now I always strive to share healthier recipes with you, but when I saw Marshmallow-Topped Chocolate Pudding Cakes in the latest issue of All You, I could not resist. Chocolate pudding cake is enough to make me swoon, but add a melty toasted marshmallow on top...are you kidding me?  Must make pronto!    

Fortunately I had everything on hand, and it all seemed easy enough.  I have 7-ounce ramekins instead of 6-ounce per the original recipe, but figured that wouldn't be a big deal.   Then I decided it was necessary to test the make-ahead capability of this recipe.  Let's just say when I told Mike that we would be having pudding cakes with a marshmallow on top two days in a row, there was very little arm-twisting involved.

To be honest, I cannot remember what we had for dinner that night, what I did the next day or anything in between, but I do remember every single little bite of these pudding cakes.  The chocolate is perfectly dark and decadant.  The marshmallow oozes and provides a nice sweetness to complement the chocolate. Plus, they're cute.  For a special occasion, such as Valentine's Day, or any celebratory occasion, Marshmallow-Topped Chocolate Pudding Cakes will rock your world.  Perfect to make-ahead for guests, for yourselves, for whatever reason suits you. 

Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles

I have never been one to do much for Valentine's Day, but I am happy to have any reason to cook or bake something special.  Or in the case of these truffles, to mix, roll, and chill something special.  These tasty truffles are not only easy and a healthier option, but are made using a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.   

We all know that chocolate and peanut butter are wonderful together.  Add pretzels, and you have the ultimate salty-sweet combination.  Toss in a little flaxseed for good measure, and voila!   Delicious little Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles.  These are the perfect little treat for your sweetie this Valentine's Day, or for yourself any day simply because you are worth it! 

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I will be featuring a few chocolate recipes this week.   Of course a little breakfast chocolate is the perfect way to start off any week.  These muffins are more than just a little breakfast chocolate though.  They are chocolate on chocolate.  A chocolate muffin studded with chocolate chips topped with chocolate chips.  What could be better?  Well, they come in under 200 calories and are low fat - a true breakfast treat! 

Grandma's Peanut Butter Bars

In several posts I have talked about my grandma.  I have shared about her love of baking (and her grandchildrens' love of her baking!)  I have shared one of her recipes.  I have also shared that these Peanut Butter Bars are my favorite of her recipes, which is a bold statement considering all of her 'Grandma Goodies' were superb!

Many years before she died, my grandma wrote out several of her recipes and gifted recipe boxes to my brother and to me.  I am so grateful she included the recipe for these bars.  As a child, little did I realize how quick and easy these are to make.   These delicious bars have a simple ingredient list and require no baking.  A reason to love them even more!

If you're looking for a last minute treat to whip together for the Super Bowl, these couldn't be any easier.  And your friends will love you!