Simple Yet Gourmet

I always buy bananas but can never seem to eat them before they get overly ripe.  Sometimes I peel and freeze them for smoothies, but sometimes I feel like baking with them instead.  I was in a healthy-ish mood when I came across these muffins and decided to give them a try.  They are made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and of course, bananas.  Granted the chocolate chips can't be counted as exactly healthy, but they only take up a tiny portion of the muffin.  Anyway, I was quite pleasantly surprised at how good these muffins were.  I offered them to Brynlee for an after school snack and she ate 9 of them in one sitting!  Yes, they were mini, but still.  She kept apologizing, saying, "Sorry, they're just SO delicious"!  So there you have it.  If a 6 year old thinks these are delicious, I bet you will too.

Are you guys sick of pumpkin recipes yet?  Me neither!  It seems there are a plethora of sweet recipes made from pumpkin around this time of year, which all look amazing, but sometimes I need something healthy and good for you too.  Know what I mean?  This was a great smoothie!  Lots of protein to keep you full and a delicious pumpkin flavor.  I wouldn't say it tastes exactly like pumpkin pie because lets be honest, it wouldn't be healthy if it did.  Still, it had the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon that I love at this time of year and it kept me full for hours!  We'll make this again for sure!

I love anything with apple and cinnamon in it so when I saw this smoothie I knew I had to try it.  It's like a healthy version of apple pie for breakfast (or lunch)!  I made a few small changes to the recipe such as adding chia seeds, but that is totally optional.  I just like the added nutrients and they really don't even taste.  Make it with or without them, but definitely make it.  Even without them the smoothie is nutritious, filling, and of course, tasty.

I've been meaning to post these for a while, but with the busy holiday season never got around to it.  I didn't forget about them though, in fact I made a batch today.  They are awesome protein and fiber packed treats! Er, snacks.  Brynlee refers to them as cookie bites and thinks I'm the greatest Mom ever when I offer her these for a snack.  I quite enjoy them too and on busy days might just grab a few of these and an apple for lunch.  They are so tasty yet healthy and filling.  If you're trying to eat healthier with the New Year you need to try these!