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Chocolate Zucchini Bread | alidaskitchen.com

Chocolate Zucchini Bread | Bundt Cake

Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a moist, chocolaty bread made with zucchini and a delicious way to use up all of that zucchini taking over your garden! 

Chocolate Zucchini Bread | alidaskitchen.com

I love the entire season of summer produce, from the abundance of berries and herbs, to everything in between. However what I really look forward to is the end of summer produce.  Mainly…zucchini!   All summer long I compile zucchini recipes in anticipation of the great bounty of summer squash….

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Healthy Banana Mango Smoothie | alidaskitchen.com

Healthy Banana Mango Smoothie

 

Healthy Banana Mango Smoothie

This Healthy Banana Mango Smoothie is a thick, frosty, fruity smoothie with a protein boost from Greek yogurt.  I often add ground flaxseed for additional health benefits.   

Ever since I made my Diet Mixed Berry Smoothie recipe, I have been on a real smoothie kick.  While I have enjoyed coming up with several different recipes, I think this Healthy Banana Mango Smoothie recipe is my favorite.  When made with a perfectly frozen banana and chilled mango, this smoothie whips up to the consistency of soft serve ice cream….

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Biscoff Buttermilk Pancakes {Alida's Kitchen}

Biscoff Buttermilk Pancakes #BiscoffSpreadsLove

biscoff-buttermilk-pancakes-sqpm

Biscoff Buttermilk Pancakes are light and fluffy, whole wheat, buttermilk pancakes made using Biscoff Spread.  

I am excited to tell you about something that I recently discovered.  It’s made with all natural ingredients, is preservative-free, vegan, and nut free.  It’s Biscoff Spread, and it’s fabulous!  This sweet, creamy, decadent spread is perfect over toast, with apples slices, or simply grab a spoon and dig in!…

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healthy whole wheat banana buttermilk muffins

Banana Buttermilk Muffins

Banana Buttermilk Muffins are healthy muffin recipe that is not only delicious, but takes 10 minutes to prepare. These are sure to become a household favorite!

a healthy banana buttermilk muffin recipe

While I thought it was safe to assume that Pumpkin Banana Muffins are Adam’s favorite muffin, these Banana Buttermilk Muffins  may quickly take the top spot, if they haven’t already.  Within the first week of making the first batch, I had to make another…and another!  It seemed that Adam and Mike (and I too!) were devouring these faster than I could make them.  Fortunately, they are super quick and easy to make!  The hands on time takes about 10 minutes, and for some reason, these just seem easier to make than other muffins….

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sunflower seed butter buttermilk waffles

Sunbutter Waffles

Sunbutter Waffles - whole wheat, buttermilk waffles made nut-free with sunflower seed butter.  Kids LOVE these!

Sunbutter Waffles are whole wheat, buttermilk waffles made with sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter (or other nut butter), making them a nut-free alternative.  While perfect just as-is, we also enjoy them topped with additional sunbutter, berries or maple syrup.

We have had a waffles iron for years, but for whatever reason it hasn’t been used much…well, until recently.  If you’re a regular reader, you know how much my Adam loves pancakes.  At least once per week, I make his favorite kind(s) of pancakes to load up the freezer and/or just to have on hand.  Sometimes I would end up making a double (or triple!) batch.  On my small little griddle, this exercise could take hours.  A labor of love I guess.  These days, with a newborn in the house, it’s a bit tricky to devote that much time to cooking or baking anything.  On a whim, I decided to try my hand at waffles.  Due to Adam’s peanut allergy, I opted to transform my beloved peanut butter waffles into sunbutter waffles.  I was pleased to discover cooking waffles is much quicker than flipping pancakes.  And Adam had 5 waffles for breakfast that day.   Operation waffle was a success!

Sunbutter Waffles - healthy whole wheat, buttermilk waffles made nut-free with sunflower seed butter.  Kids LOVE these!

 

For another recipe using sunbutter, try these Cocoa Crispy Sunbutter Bars.  They make a great snack!

Sunbutter Waffles
 
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1¾ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch salt
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 6 tablespoons sunflower seed butter
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  2. In a medium bowl, with a hand mixer, beat oil and sunflower seed butter until smooth. Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla and stir until incorporated.
  3. Add buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until combined. Let mixture sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat waffle iron. Cook waffles according to the manufacturer directions for your waffle iron.
Notes
Note: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and toast to reheat. These also freeze well.

Adapted from Everyday Food

 

Oreo Cookies and Cream Muffins

oreo cookies and cream muffins

Oreo Cookies and Cream Muffins are a tasty vanilla muffin studded with large chunks of chocolate sandwich cookies throughout.  If you like Oreos (or Joe Joe’s!) and are looking for a fun recipe to try with them, these muffins are for you.    While Oreo muffins are not something that I would make every day, after making the crust for my Lighter Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, I found myself with leftover Oreos (if there is such a thing).  Why not try something new for a change!  Oreo Cookies and Cream Muffins are glorious and definitely something worth trying if you’re a cookies and cream lover, like myself!

Oreo Cookies and Cream Muffins
 
Yields: 12 muffins
Ingredients
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ⅓ cup cold butter, cut into 12 pieces
  • 1 cup milk (I used skim)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 16 Oreo cookies, chopped
  • Topping:
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 5 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a standard muffin tin, line 12 muffin cups (or spray with cooking spray) and set aside.
  2. Make topping: In food processor, combine flour, sugar and crushed cookies until combined. Add cold butter, pulsing until crumbly. Put in a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Make muffin: In a food processor, put flour, sugar and baking powder and process until combined. Add cold butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour into large bowl.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk milk, egg and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in chopped cookies.
  5. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with topping. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes and then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Source: Taste of Home

 

Baked Cinnamon French Toast | alidaskitchen.com

Baked Cinnamon French Toast

baked cinnamon french toast from Alida's Kitchen

Baked Cinnamon French Toast is a decadent yet simple breakfast (or breakfast for dinner, as we talked about yesterday).  Made with cinnamon swirl bread that is drenched and baked into a rich custard, Baked Cinnamon French Toast toast is beyond delicious.  It takes 10 minutes to prepare and then you can bake it right away since this is not an overnight French toast.  While it’s not an overnight variety, you certainly can make it ahead and store covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake

baked cinnamon french toast casserole | alidaskitchen.com


This Baked Cinnamon French Toast is not something that I would have every day, simply because I like to have my boring old breakfast of old fashioned oats with a banana every day.  But this French toast is definitely a wonderful treat worth enjoying for a special occasion…like perhaps for Mother’s Day this Sunday (hint hint Mike!)

Baked Cinnamon French Toast
 
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • Cooking spray
  • 12 slices cinnamon bread or cinnamon raisin bread
  • 2 cups half and half (fat free works fine)
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (light better works fine)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13"x9" pan with cooking spray.
  2. In prepared pan, place six slices of bread and top with remaining 6 slices of bread.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together half and half, eggs, butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over bread, pressing bread down so some liquid is absorbed.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes until bread is golden brown. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Source: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter

easy vegetable frittata

Easy Vegetable Frittata

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Breakfast After Dark

 

 

Thank you I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! for sponsoring this post. Visit www.icantbelieveitsnotbutter.com for more information about Breakfast After Dark.

easy vegetable frittata

We love breakfast for dinner (or “brinner” as it’s often called), whether it’s waffles, pancakes, egg scrambles or frittatas.  This Easy Vegetable Frittata is a frequent “go-to” dinner because it’s quick, easy, and we can easily use up whatever vegetables or cheeses we have on hand.  Mike can make it too, which is another plus!

easy vegetable frittata

 In this frittata, for the veggies, I used sliced red pepper, chopped broccoli florets, chopped red onion, and some garlic, and I used cheddar for the cheese.  It was such a delicious combination and so colorful!  I paired my frittata with a mixed green side salad, because that’s generally what I have with any dinner.  Mike skipped the salad and enjoyed his with a beer ~ it is dinner after all!

With Mother’s Day just a few days away, this frittata would be an excellent dish to enjoy at your celebratory breakfast/brunch or for a breakfast for dinner.  Tomorrow I will be sharing another great brunch recipe…and it’s even easier to make!

easy vegetable frittata

 

Easy Vegetable Frittata
 
Yields: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! spread, divided
  • 4½ cups sliced/chopped vegetables (I used red pepper, broccoli, onions)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 eggs (or 4 eggs and 8 egg whites)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese, divided (I used cheddar)
Instructions
  1. In a large oven-proof nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! over medium heat. Add your vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes). During the last minute, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, melted I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! and 3 tablespoons water for about 1 minute, or until frothy. Stir in ½ cup cheese.
  4. Pour egg mixture over vegetables, stirring gently, and cook over medium heat until eggs begin to set. (Occasionally lift the edges of frittata to allow uncooked mixture to go to the bottom)
  5. Top with remaining cheese and broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown and eggs are set. Cut into wedges and serve.

Source: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!

 

For  more tips about making this delicious frittata, check out the Breakfast After Dark Episode “Fabulous Frittata with Lisa Vanderpump

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

healthy blueberry strawberry blackberry yogurt smoothie

Diet Mixed Berry Smoothie

healthy diet mixed blueberry strawberry blackberry yogurt smoothie

This Diet Mixed Berry Smoothie is quick and easy to make and perfect for breakfast on a busy morning, a post-workout recovery drink, or an afternoon pick me up.  Made with just a few healthy ingredients, it’s a vitamin-packed smoothie that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime (and portable too for when you’re on-the-go!).

 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try Ocean Spray’s Diet Juice Drinks and thought it would a tasty addition to this smoothie recipe.  At only 5 calories per serving, swapping out full-calorie juices in favor of Ocean’ Spray’s Diet Juice Drinks can help save calories (and carbs, if that’s a concern), while still tasting delicious.   For this recipe, I used Ocean Spray’s Diet Cranberry juice and it went nicely with the berries used in the rest of this smoothie.  For next time, I have my eyes on the Diet Blueberry Pomegranate!

To learn more about Ocean Spray’s Diet Juice Drinks, visit http://www.oceanspray.com/Products/Juices/Diet-Light/Diet-Cranberry-Juice-Drink.aspx.

 

 

Diet Mixed Berry Smoothie
 
Yields: 1 servings
Ingredients
  • ½ cup Diet Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Drink, any flavor
  • ½ cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries)
  • 1 ripe banana, frozen and cut into slices
  • 3 ounces fat free plain or berry-flavored Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender (or Magic Bullet). Blend on high speed until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour into a chilled glass. Enjoy!
Notes
Tip: slice banana before freezing...it's much easier!

 Adapted from Ocean Spray

 

I have partnered with Ocean Spray through DailyBuzz to help promote their new Ocean Spray Diet product. I have been compensated for my time commitment to work with this product, however my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Healthy Banana Cookies - vegan, no added sugar and nut free | alidaskitchen.com

Healthy Banana Cookies

Healthy Banana Cookies - vegan, no added sugar and nut free | alidaskitchen.com
 Healthy Banana Cookies are a chewy, fruit-filled cookie made using some of my favorite foods – oats, dates and bananas.  They are made from simple, wholesome ingredients, have no butter and added sugar, thus making them a healthier choice.  I love the simplicity of these cookies and have to admit these cookies made a delightful breakfast!  These Healthy Banana Cookies also happen to be dairy free and can be gluten free.
Healthy Banana Cookies from Alida's Kitchen

I have had this at the top of my ‘to make’ pile for months just waiting for some super ripe bananas.   While we always have plenty of super ripe bananas in the house, they’re typically reserved for Pumpkin Banana Muffins or Pumpkin Banana Pancakes (or Strawberry Banana Pancakes once strawberry season hits).  Fortunately, I was a muffin and pancake making machine in advance of our new baby’s arrival, stocking the freezer full of Adam’s favorite banana goodies.  With a stocked freezer and 3 very ripe bananas, it was finally my opportunity to try these Healthy Banana Cookies!

Healthy Banana Cookies | alidaskitchen.com
Healthy Banana Cookies
 
Yields: approx. 24 cookies
Ingredients
  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick cooking work fine)
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) pitted dates, chopped
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add oats, dates, oil, vanilla and cinnamon, and mix well. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful onto prepared cookie sheets. [Note: the cookies don't spread so you may want to shape them a bit]
  4. Bake cookies for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes and then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These are best enjoyed the day after baking.
healthy banana cookies vegan dates oats

Coincidentally, this is also the first month of the Eating the Alphabet Healthy Recipe Challenge for 2013, hosted by Brenda of Meal Planning Magic.  Each month, several bloggers will focus on healthy recipes featuring fruits, vegetables grains or legumes, from a couple different letters (this month it is A or B).  I thought Healthy Banana Cookies would be the perfect healthy recipe to start off this fun series.