Healthy One Bowl Banana Muffins

Healthy One Bowl Banana Muffins

 

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Sometimes I just feel like having a treat for breakfast, but I don’t want something too sweet that will leave me ravenous in two hours. These banana muffins seem to do the trick. They keep my growling stomach silenced while also being delicious and healthy. Plus, a recipe that requires minimal work and effort with full rewards is always a winner in my book.

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Look at that fluffy goodness!!

These muffins are better served fresh, but keep well in the freezer to have a comforting breakfast at hand for a later time.

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Comforting Potato Celery Soup

Comforting Potato Celery Soup

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A good soup can change my day. There’s something so comforting and soothing about a nice hot bowl of soup. And a homemade soup is really the way to go.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m a BIG fan of places like Panera and La Madeleine, but homemade soups just have that extra oomph that can’t be topped or recreated just right.

This potato celery soup can definitely change my day and it has (more than once) before! It’s creamy and hearty because of the potatoes, light because of the celery, and the almond milk helps it agree with my stomach a lot better than its “normal” dairy-full counterparts.

One of the easiest recipes that is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Other than a large pot, the only other kitchen tool needed is an immersion blender. Don’t have an immersion blender? Just use a regular blender always being careful not to burn yourself.

This recipe is a goodie and can last for up to two days in the fridge if you have any leftovers. Try it!

Comforting Potato Celery Soup

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients

– 4-5 potatoes

-3 celery stalks

-3 cloves of garlic

-1 large white onion

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-3 cups unsalted chicken stock

-1 1/3 cups almond milk

-1teaspoon salt

-1/3 teaspoon black pepper

-1/2 tablespoon dried parsley

-optional: bacon and fresh thyme for garnish

Directions

1. Chop onions, celery, potatoes and garlic.

2. Add the butter and olive oil to a large pot and melt over medium heat. After the butter has melted, add the chopped onions and celery and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic about 2 minutes after the onions and celery and let all three finish cooking together.

3. Add the potatoes (I like to cut mine in about 8 pieces), the chicken stock and salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Make sure the potatoes are cut through. If the potatoes are on the smaller size they should take no longer that 25 minutes to be fully cooked and soft.

5. Shut the heat off and blend everything together with your immersion blender. After everything is mixed and smooth, add the almond milk and parsley. Stir and taste to see if more salt and pepper are needed. At this point, I like to turn the heat back on just so that the soup can get back up to temperature, the salt can dissolve, and everything can incorporate better together.

6. After your soup is done and seasoned to your liking serve and top with your favorite toppings. My favorites for this recipe are really crispy bacon and fresh thyme!

 

 

 

Naturebox Review

Naturebox Review

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Have I mentioned that I like trying new products and items? ‘Cause I really, really do enjoy it. I mean, I won’t jump out of a plane or eat bugs or anything like that, but I will try a new face mask or crazy concoction if it promises health, well being and better skin. Also, if it promises to taste good, of course.

I have been enjoying Naturebox for about a year now after having moved over from Graze. I enjoyed Graze, with their snack sizes and their price range. And the seven-year-old in me LOVED the fact that the snacks were a surprise according to my likes and reviews à la iPSY. What I had issues with was their ingredients… In came Naturebox. Now, it’s not like the latter is a true health haven of snacks, but they do offer healthier choices and those choices are made with healthier ingredients.

Naturebox has truly been worth it for me. There are months when I’m truly proud and slightly shocked by my choices (they carry dried fruits like mangoes, pineapples and apples)! And there are months (like the shipment from the photo above!) when I just want all the yum and could care less about the “nature” part in the name. After all, they have cinnamon graham cookies dipped in yogurt that remind me too much of something from my childhood that I can’t quite pinpoint but it is good!

All in all, there have just a couple of snacks that were a miss for me. And the company does promise to send a new snack if they are made aware of you not enjoying what they sent (although I’ll admit I have never gone that extra step and have just given away anything that hasn’t been of my liking). So if you’re like me and like trying new stuff give Naturebox a try! I have yet to be disappointed.

-Rox

Easy & Delicious Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Easy & Delicious Carrot Cake Cupcakes

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I’m not the biggest fan of cakes in general. Carrot cake and spice cake however, I will NEVER say no to. When it comes to cupcakes, they’re usually a no-go for me. The overwhelming sweetness combo of icing and cake is too much for my taste.

Having said that, take it from me when I say these cupcakes, which are a perfect harmony of spice and light sweetness, are absolutely yummy. They are perfect as a breakfast, a dessert, or just as a healthier choice for a pick-me-up treat.

This recipe comes out flawless each time and, aside from having to shred the carrots, it’s as easy and fuss free as it gets. Plus, if you aren’t as impatient as I am, you will be able to wait the appropriate amount of time for the cupcakes to cool before you ice them so your icing doesn’t go everywhere like mine usually does. Oops! I don’t even mind, they’re that good!

-Rox

Healthier Carrot Cake Cupcakes

  • Servings: 10
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients

For Cupcakes:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup shredded carrot

– 1/2 tsp baking soda

– 3/4 tsp salt

– 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

– 1/2 tsp ginger

– 1/3 cup sugar

– 2 Tbsp light brown sugar

– 1/2 mashed banana

– 1/3 cup melted coconut oil

– 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Icing:

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 1/2 Tbsp honey

– 1/2 Tbsp greek yogurt

– 1/2 Tbsp water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place paper liners into muffin tin (about 10 depending on size of muffin tin).

2. In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl mash banana and add sugar, light brown sugar, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.

4. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

5. Fold in shredded carrot (I shred my carrots in a food processor).

6. Scoop mixture into muffin tin slots to fill about 3/4 of the way up (I get 10 cupcakes out of this recipe from the size of my muffin tin).

7. Bake for 12-15mins until golden.

For the Icing:

1. In a bowl mix powdered sugar and water.

2. Add honey and greek yogurt to powdered sugar paste and mix. If icing is too thick, add more water until desired consistency.

3. Pour icing into ziptop bag and set aside.

4. Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut tip off ziptop bag and drizzle icing over cupcakes.

5. Enjoy!

*These cupcakes should be kept in the fridge and they are good for 3-5 days. My favorite way to eat one is by taking it out the fridge about five minutes before I eat it so it is closer to room temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Die For Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan Optional)

To Die For Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan Optional)

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I don’t know about you, but I’m always wary of any new recipe or actual chocolate chip cookie that I come across. It’s just one of those things that can either be absolutely delicious or just meh…

These chocolate chip cookies however, are soo freaking good! They never fail to impress any and everyone that tries them.

I have made and ate more of these cookies that I would like to admit, but they are healthy-ish enough that I have zero regrets. None!

These pillows of yum are also easy enough to adjust to personal tastes or preferences. Don’t like coconut? Add more chocolate chips! Want to make it vegan? Use vegan chocolate chips!

Just go ahead and just give these a try and you can thank me later!

-Rox

 

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Servings: 16
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon regular salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (no need to melt)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 1/4 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
  • sea salt (optional for sprinkling on top)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder
  3. Beat or mix the light brown sugar with the coconut oil until fully combined and creamy.
  4. Add almond milk and vanilla extract
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
  6. Carefully add chocolate chips and shredded coconut
  7. Measure tablespoon amounts and place on baking sheet
  8. Flatten cookies slightly with hand
  9. OPTIONAL: Sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie before baking
  10. Bake between 8-10 mins
  11. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Best Homemade Guacamole (No Tomato)

Best Homemade Guacamole (No Tomato)

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Simple IS *sometimes* best.

Although I rarely feel as accomplished as I do after any success when it comes to complicated recipes, it’s those tried and true comfort foods that I just keep going back to.

There are few things as simple as guacamole. After all, there really is no right or wrong way to make it. Yeah, there are some things that might seem unconventional (I will never be a fan of cheese in any guacamole and I LOVE cheese), but at the end of the day guacamole really is one of those things where the possibilities are endless according to personal tastes.

Shh…. Don’t tell anyone but less than ten years ago, I absolutely despised avocados. Crazy, I know! However, guacamole is a totally different story.

So if you don’t want to spend an extra two dollars every time you want the cool and creamy goodness on your burrito or bowl, then give this recipe a try!

**This recipe is enough for 4-6 servings and can be kept in the fridge for up to a day.

-Rox

Best Homemade Guacamole (No Tomato)

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Cool and creamy goodness of mashed avocados, garlic, onion and lime juice.

 

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 2-3tablespoons fresh cilantro (according to taste)
  • juice of 1 1/2 limes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • preferred extra toppings like: peppers, jalapeños, tomato, etc.
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Directions

  1. Halve the avocados, remove the pits.
  2. Cut avocados in large chunks and scoop into a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Combine with garlic, onion, cilantro, and any other toppings you might like.
  4. Add in the lime juice, salt and pepper.
  5. Mash everything together with a fork until desired consistency is achieved.

ipsy February Review

ipsy February Review

Ipsy February

I really enjoy trying new items and products. Especially if they are chosen according to my likes. And even more so if they are a surprise! So all these new subscription services that will curate boxes and packages so you receive new things that are meant to go with your taste are right up my alley.

Around the holidays, my cousin turned me onto ipsy. Her excitement and love for the brand was palpable. I had heard of them before, but wasn’t really sure how it worked and whether or not it was worth the $10 monthly price. But, after finding out your first package is free when you are given a code by someone with someone with a subscription, I figured I had nothing to lose. Free trial? I’m there and not afraid to admit it!

My first ipsy package came in January and I loved it (I didn’t think to take pictures of that one). And knowing my reviews on the five items I received where going to make future shipments even more personalized made me excited to see what would be next.

My February shipment came just before Valentine’s Day. Each shipment comes with its own little bag and unlike the January bag’s designed, which I love, February’s design just isn’t my taste. However the samples found inside were!

The first thing that caught my eye was a pink and bronze makeup brush by the brand Luxie. I was in desperate need for a new brush so receiving this one was a great perk (I am more into skincare than into makeup so my makeup collection is barely a gathering). The brush is perfect! I absolutely love it and it works perfectly even for people like me who don’t necessarily know what they are doing when it comes to makeup.

After admiring the brush, my attention immediately went for the sheet masks. I love me some sheet masks. The two I received were from a brand named bioBELLE. The first one I tried was the #iwokeuplikethis masks which is meant to enhance a natural glow and it did just that leaving my skin extremely soft. And the second one was the #staygorgeous one, meant to nourish and hydrate, worked perfectly as well. If I had to choose one over the other, I would go for the #iwokeuplikethis one, but they are both worth the $4.99 price point that they have outside of ipsy.

The bag also came with a highlighter by the brand Luna by luna and a ‘under-eye illumination’ concealer by it cosmetics. I have yet to try the highlighter, but the color is magical and the concealer gives that “i just woke up from a great night’s rest and I’m drinking enough water” effect.

The only sample that I have disliked so far is the “Whatup Beaches” bronzer by the brand Elizabeth Mott. There’s nothing wrong with the shade or product, but the size of the sample makes it almost impossible to try it. The sample size is ridiculously small for someone like me (who’s by far not a makeup expert) to be able to manage and use.

Overall, I am enjoying ipsy and can’t wait to see what else I’ll get to try!

-Rox

A Bit About Me

A Bit About Me

Hi!
I’m a 20something girl with a passion for food, cooking and DIY’s. I also love films and television and hope to incorporate that love into what I create.

My background is Cuban and Puerto Rican so, although I enjoy all types of cuisines, and I am better versed in a more American style of cooking, those Caribbean flavors will be there for all to enjoy. Here’s to hoping I make my abuela proud.

Like I said before, I really love films and television and that is my career so a good part of this blog will relate to that.

Hopefully this space can become a community where ideas can be discussed and exchanged. Let me know if you agree or disagree with me in anything! I would love to hear you out and learn something new every day!
-Rox

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

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Trying to eat healthy is not always easy. Well, it’s struggle city for me at least!

I constantly struggle with knowing there is a yummier, naughtier version of whatever healthy thing I’m trying to trick myself into thinking is just as delicious as the “real” thing.

There is no need for tricks or mind games when it comes to these chicken tenders. The combination of the crispy coconut and the nutty almond meal not only make the chicken juicy, but they make this recipe one of my favorite ways to eat chicken. That includes the naughty and saint-like varieties.

This recipe came to be after I tried a similar dish at one of those theater/restaurant love-child chains. I immediately fell in love with the combination of flavors and the ability of the coconut to mimic that thick, crunchy breading we all love. But, healthy? They clearly weren’t.

Some recipe testing and tweaking later, these beauties emerged.

Give these bad boys a try. You won’t regret it!

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Perfectly crispy and juicy tenders that redefine healthy eating!

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup almond meal
  • 1 egg
  • enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a shallow pan (to brown chicken). Coconut oil should work too, but it could end up being too coconuty.
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2/3 tsp black pepper (I LOVE black pepper, add less if you don’t)
  • 1/3 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/3 tsp paprika
  • optional: basil or parsley

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Grease baking tray and set aside. (I used coconut oil spray.)
  3. Rinse chicken and pat dry.
  4. Slice chicken into tender sized pieces. About 8-10 pieces.
  5. Mix shredded coconut, almond meal, salt, and spices in a bowl or plate.
  6. Beat egg in a separate bowl.
  7. Dip tender in egg and allow excess to drip off. Dip tender in coconut mixture and use hands to “glue” the mixture to the chicken.
  8. Repeat with remaining pieces.
  9.  Once the oil is hot, brown the tenders about two to three minutes each side.
  10. Lay the chicken in a paper towel to drain excess oil.
  11. Arrange chicken in baking tray and bake 15-20mins. Mine were ready after 17mins.
  12. Enjoy!
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