Healthy Christmas Sugar Cookies

You know what is my favorite kind of cookie in the world?

SUGAR COOKIES!

You know what is my favorite Holiday in the world?

CHRISTMAS!

Combine those two things and you get...

CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES!

But it gets better....

Healthy Christmas Sugar Cookies

 

(Loosely adapted from this recipe)

 

3/4 cup loosely packed flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3 tsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

red and green sprinkles

additional sugar

 

Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately.  Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until a soft ball of dough is formed.  Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes.  Cover the bottom of a shallow ball with the sprinkles and additional sugar.  Remove the dough from the fridge and form into 12 balls.  Roll the balls of dough in the sprinkle-sugar mixture until well coated and place on a lined baking sheet.  Be sure to flatten out the dough balls a bit with your hand to make a traditional cookie shape.  Bake the cookies at 325 degress for 10-12 minutes.  Allow cookies 5 minutes to cool and then EAT ALL OF THE COOKIES!!!!!!!!

 

Ok, maybe you should share some...but you might not want to, especially since they are only about 60 calories per cookie!

 

Merry Christmas and May the Odds be Ever in you Flavor!  



Banana Split Oatmeal

I don't know about you, but the idea of having dessert for breakfast really lifts my spirits...especially when it is a guilt free dessert for breakfast!

Banana Split Oatmeal

 

 

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 cup water

1 small ripe banana

4 strawberries

1 packet Truvia (optional)

2 tsp mini chocolate chips

 

Cook the oatmeal according to directions.  Meanwhile, mash the banana and strawberries in a bowl and mix in the optional truvia sweetener.  Mix the banana mixture with the cooked oatmeal.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Enjoy the goodness!

 

A yummy desserty breakfast with only about 280 calories!  There are just no downsides.

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!

Fat Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

You know what's great about cookies?  They taste awesome!
You know what's not so great about cookies?  They are typically fattening-high-calorie-bad-for-you.
BUT
You know what's great about these cookies?

Fat Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

 

They are both not fattening-high-calorie-bad-for-you AND awesome tasting!

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup domino light sugar-stevia baking blend

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups oatmeal

1/4 cup raisins

 

Mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.  Spoon onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Wait for cookies to cool and then ENJOY THE DELICIOUSNESS!

Makes 36 cookies.

 

This recipe is adapted from the oatmeal cookie recipe that comes on the back of the oatmeal container from Kroger.

 

These cookies are exceptionally scrumptious...and at only 42 calories per cookie, you can afford to have a couple....dozen??? 

 

What time is it?  Oh, I am pretty sure it is baking time!  Get to it!

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!

 







Crispy Garlic Potato Bites

So, we all know that french fries are absolutely delicious.

We also know that hidden inside that crispy, mouthwatering, irresistible sliver of deep-fried goodness is a whole bunch of bad-for-you-calorie-filled-artery-clogging-fat!

WHY OH WHY MUST EVERYTHING DELICIOUS BE SO BAD FOR ME????

Don't worry...not everything delicious is bad for you...take this recipe for example...

Crispy Garlic Potato Bites

4 medium red potatoes (any potato would probably work)

1 1/2 tsp olive oil

2-3 garlic cloves

garlic powder

salt

pepper

Dice up the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cut the garlic into chunks. Place the potatoes and garlic in a medium pot filled with lightly salted water. Boil for about 7 minutes. Pour the contents of the pot into a strainer. Dump the potatoes and garlic onto a greased baking sheet and spread them apart evenly. Spread with olive oil and add spices to taste. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and flip over the potatoes, add additional spices if desired. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes (depending on how crispy you want them).

These babies are bursting with flavor and are a great alternative to the typical french fry.

Another cool thing about this recipe is that you can mix and match different spices to make different types of potatoes!

Examples:

1) garlic, lemon juice, oregano, Greek seasoning, salt, garlic powder = Greek Potatoes

2) season salt, pepper = Simple Potatoes

3) garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, olive oil, thyme, basil = Rosemary Potatoes!

I could go on, but I'm sure your cullinarily inclined minds get the picture.

Also, feel free to comment on any of my posts to let me know how your version turned out!

May the odds be ever in your flavor! 

 

Banana Cookies

Let's face it, we all have a dream...a dream to be able to eat an entire batch of cookies completely guilt free!  A dream to be able to eat an entire batch of delicious cookies completely guilt free. 

Well folks, I am here to announce that we are one giant step closer to that dream...

Banana Cookies

 

 

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 small ripe bananas (mashed)

1 egg white
2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

2 tbsp light brown sugar

1 tbsp domino light sugar stevia blend

*1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

*1 tsp cinnamon

 

Mix everything together in a large mixing bowl.  Drop cookies onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degress for 8 minutes. 

 

*You can pick either one to mix into the cookies...or even do both!  Just depends on your taste preference.  I did half a batch with chocolate chips and half with cinnamon and both turned out awesomely!

 

These cookie-licious wonders are only 30 calories per cookie (40 if you use the dark chocolate chips)! 

 

You're welcome in advanced!

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!

 







Almost Apple Pie

Sometimes I just really really want some apple pie...and there are only two things standing in my way

1) The amount of time and effort it takes to make a delicious apple pie

2) The amount of calories per piece of the delicious apple pie

So what's an apple-pie-lovin' girl to do?

Answer:

Almost Apple Pie

 

 

1 apple

ground cinnamon

 

Simply dice up an apple, place in a microwaveable bowl, sprinkle with cinnamon, and microwave for one minute!

 

Voilá!  An easy, healthy way to combat the apple pie craving!

 

The hardest part is waiting for the apples to cool off...I may or may not have burned my tongue a couple of times after making this...

 

This treat is good for breakfast, snacks, and, of course, dessert! 

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!



Low Fat Pumpkin Bars

♪ Yummy yummy yummy I've got pumpkin in my tummy and I feel like eating more! ♪

Seriously, that is what you will be singing once you eat some of these...

 

Low Fat Pumpkin Bars

 

Adapted from this recipe

 

6 tbsp liquid egg whites

A little under 1/2 cup stevia-sugar baking blend

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

7.5 ounces canned pumpkin

1 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

 

Mix all of the ingredients together.  Place in a greased 8x8 pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. 

 

These are crazy delicious...and addicting...good thing they are only 53 calories per square!

 

 

*NOTE:  My mother prefers to have hers with the icing...

4 ounces light cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

(Combine ingredients, chill in the fridge for 10 minutes, spread over cooled pumpkin bars)

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!





Spaghetti Meatballs

This post is about a splendid little meal called spaghetti meatballs.

Not spaghetti and meatballs mind you...

spaghetti meatballs

Spaghetti Meatballs

 

1 1/2 lbs ground chicken

3 slices whole wheat bread

1 egg

6 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)

1 jar red pasta sauce

italian seasoning

garlic powder

onion powder

adoboe

 

Put the bread slices in a food processor and pulse until they form crumbs.  Cook the pasta according to directions, breaking into small pieces.  Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl (only use 2 tbsp of the sauce and reserve the rest).  Roll the mixture into large balls (I ended up making 11...which drove me crazy since it wasn't even!)  Place in a heated skillet.  Add water as needed to prevent sticking.  Cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes or until the whole meatball is no longer pink.  Pour the rest of the sauce over the meatballs and simmer until heated through. 

 

It is the deliciousness of a classic Italian dish all packed into one ball of meat....and it is so easy to make!   

 

Go ahead, put this down on your dinner menu for the week.

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!





Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

You're welcome!

Oh wait...you didn't say thank you yet did you?

Well, you certainly will after reading this post!

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

 

 

 

2 small bananas mashed

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup oatmeal

1 egg white

 

Mix all of the ingredients together and spoon onto a greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

 

So simple...and yet so tasty!  And......wait for it......only 50 calories per cookie!

 

This recipe is brought to you by yours truly.  That's right!  I had a random brainstorm and it produced this wonderful concoction!

 

You're welcome :)

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!

Low Fat Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Once upon a time, a young girl began an intense love affair with banana bread.  She would eagerly anticipate the days when the bananas lingering in her kitchen would turn spotted and brown, knowing that her mother would soon bake them into the delicious treat.
Years later, that young girl has grown up and is able to make the sacred banana bread all on her own, with a few little twists....

Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins:  Low Fat!

  

4 tbsp butter or margerine

4 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup stevia-sugar baking blend

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)

2 eggs

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

 

 

The directions are simple...mix everything together and spoon into greased mini muffin tins!  Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. 

This recipe makes approximately 48-55 mini muffins with roughly 60 calories per muffin.

My mother claims that I make the best banana muffins every time and eats two everyday with her breakfast!  She isn't biased at all of course ;)

 

 

For a SUPER low fat banana muffin option, see recipe below...

 

2 tsbp margerine

6 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

3/4 cup stevia-sugar baking blend

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)

4 egg whites (or 6 tbsp liquid egg whites)

1 tsp cinnamon

 

Following this recipe will give you 40-45 calories per mini muffin. 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!



 





Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

I like food that is tasty.  I also like food that is healthy.  So when I find meals that are both tasty and healthy I eat them.  Here is a picture of tonight's dinner...

 

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

 

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 spaghetti squash

chicken meatballs

 

For the meatballs:

1 package of ground chicken

1 egg

two slices of whole wheat bread

italian seasoning

garlic powder

onion powder

adobo

 

Place the spaghetti squash on a pan and stick it into a 375 degree oven for 50 minutes.  Remove the squash and allow to cool for a few minutes.  Cut the squash in half longways with a serated knife and place flesh side down on the pan.  Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.  Take out the spaghetti squash and let it cool again.  Flip it over and remove the fleshy middle and seeds.  Run a fork along the inside of the squash to create the stringy spaghetti-like look.

NOTE!  Cooking times will vary according to squash size. 

Meanwhile.... 

Put the two slices of whole wheat bread in a food processor and pulse until they are all crumbs.  Mix the ground chicken, egg, bread, and spices in a medium bowl until well blended.  Using a small cookie dough scooper, scoop the meat into little balls and place in a pan.  Cook them over medium heat for about 20 minutes adding water as necessary to prevent burning and sticking.  Add the sauce and reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook on low for an additional 5-10 minutes. 

Put everything on a plate and eat it!

 

There are about 40 calories in one cup of cooked spaghetti squash....as opposed to the 220 found in regular cooked spaghetti!  

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!  



Banana Peanut Butter

What kind of crazy person wakes up at 6:30 on a Saturday to run a 5k????

Oh wait...that would be me....

On the bright side, I ate this for a pre-race breakfast

Whole Wheat Toast topped with 1 tbsp Banana Peanut Butter

 

That's right folks!  I said Banana Peanut Butter! 

 

Now, I know what you must be thinking...how can I make this delicious concoction of goodness?

 

Banana Peanut Butter

 

 

1 ripe banana cut into chunks

3-4 tbsp peanut butter 

(this time I used 3, but next time I think I'll try 4 for a stronger peanut butter flavor)

 

Just place the ingredients in a food processor and you're done!  Store extra in the fridge.

But here is my favorite part...only about 40 calories per tablespoon!  Now go make yourself a batch!

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor! 



Oven Fried Chicken

SO I made dinner tonight...and didn't realize until we had devoured everything that I should have taken pictures for this post.  I guess you guys will just have to use your imagination...

 

Oven Fried Chicken

 

 

2 split chicken breasts

whole wheat bread crumbs*

a couple squirts mustard

1 egg

dash paprika

dash salt

dash pepper

dash garlic powder

*I made my own bread crumbs by putting two slices of whole wheat bread in a mini food processor.  Then I put them on a lined baking sheet and baked them at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. 

 

So the recipe is simple...

1) Clean chicken breasts

2) Whisk together the mustard and egg

3) Dip the chicken into the mustard/egg mixture

4) Combine the breadcrumbs with papriks, salt, pepper, and garlic powder

5) Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture

6) Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to an hour at 400 degrees

7) EAT

 

I didn't really measure anything because that is just how I cook when I am winging a recipe (haha get it...winging...like chicken wing?  Go ahead, it's a knee slapper!)

 

Anyway, this is a tasty alternative to greasy, fatty, actual fried chicken.  I served it with garlic-cheddar mashed potatoes (if you want that recipe comment and I will post it another time) and lactose free macaroni and cheese (that was just for me...I guess I could post that too if anyone is interested).  For veggies we had broccoli and leftover brussell sprouts and corn! 

 

That was our family friday dinner! 

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!

Chocolate Oatmeal

Good morning!  Would you like some breakfast dessert? 

 

Chocolate Oatmeal

this sweet breakfast treat is brought to you by Chocolate Covered Katie

 

1/2 cup oatmeal

3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 super ripe banana cut into small chunks

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Domino Light Stevia Sugar Blend

 

Just throw all of the ingredients into a small pot and boil over medium heat for five minutes! 

 

(AND it's only 295 calories)

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor!



Healthy Lactose Free Ice Cream

A few months ago, I made a horrifying discovery...I am lactose intolerant.  This discovery was so horrifying because I very much enjoy cheesified dishes, but the true horror was in the fact that I could no longer eat ice cream.  Delicious, cold, sweet, smooth, melt in your mouth, heavenly, best dessert in the world ice cream. 

Fortunately I discovered "dairy digestive aid" pills which allow me the occassional lactose-full indulgense.  You can bet that anytime I have some delicious recipe posted that has a trace of dairy that I popped one of those little life saving pills in my mouth along with my first yummy bite. 

As wonderful as ice cream is, and it truly is, its one flaw (yes...even ice cream has a flaw) is its rather high fat and calorie count.  This flaw, before the realization of my lactose intolerance, was the only thing keeping me from eating ice cream by the gallon.
I suppose my affliction can be seen as a blessing in disguise as it led me to discover this amazingness...

Healthy Lactose Free Ice Cream

 

 

1 frozen banana (cut into chunks)

2 tsp cocoa powder

 

 

*Useful Tip:  I wait until my bananas are super duper ripe, then I tear them into chunks,  put them inside little snack sized plastic bags, and stick them in the freezer to await further use.  It is super convenient because I can just grab one of the bags out anytime I need banana for a recipe!  If the recipe I am making does not require a frozen banana, it does not take very long for them to thaw out.  

 

 

Yes, it is that easy and beyond scrumptious!  My tastebuds compare it to a dark chocolate frosty (with just the tiniest hint of banana).  And if THAT wasn't good enough all on it's own...it is exceptionally low in calories!  The entire recipe listed above only amounts to 110 calories!  Trust me...it does NOT taste like it only has 110 calories!!!  Maybe I can truly eat ice cream by the gallon...

 

May the odds be ever in your flavor! 



 

Lightsaber Pretzel Rods

I have a confession to make.  Not only am I a Hunger Games Nerd...but I am also a Star Wars nerd.  If you traveled back in time to visit elementary school me, I could rattle off any name of any character and tell you the planet they lived on.  No joke.  I had almost every possible Star Wars action figure, countless books and magazine, and naturally two of my very own lightsabers (if you call them lifesavers in front of me, you run a high risk of being punched in the face). 
SO...when my friends and I decided to watch Star Wars for our weekly movie night (for which I always provide the snacks) I began to scour the internet for Star Wars themed treats.  What I found were these. 
I didn't adjust the recipe, aside from using blue instead of green colored candy melts and then mixing the blue and red to make purple (go Mace Windu!)  Also I simply microwaved the candy. 
Here you go...

Lightsaber Pretzel Rods (aka Pretzelsabers)

Obviously I don't have to tell you that they were delicious

 

They were fairly easy to make and complete fun to eat!  I estimated about 120 calories per pretzelsaber.  Now I just need to find a way to use all of those extra colored candy melts...

May the Force be with you!

AND

May the odds be ever in your flavor!  

 

Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes

I am currently in a location known as tastebud heaven.  It is a place I travel to every time I eat my version of this recipe. 

Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes

(Single Serving)

 

 

Pancake

1/3 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1/2 ripe banana (mashed)

 

Topping

1tbsp Creamy Peanut Butter

1tbsp lite syrup

 

 

Obviously, I opted to make one big pancake instead of several smaller ones...I just think it is easier to spread the peanut butter that way. 

This has to be one of my favorite breakfasts ever!  It is surprisingly filling and it is only 340 calories of pure deliciousness!!    

Snickerdoodle Pancakes

I like cookies. I like pancakes. So when I saw this recipe for Snickerdoodle Pancakes I seized the opportunity for another kitchen adventure!  As usual, I didn't follow the original recipe exactly...

 

Snickerdoodle Pancakes

 

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp Domino Light Sugar Stevia Blend (I think it could have used another 1/2 tsp, unless you are planning to top with syrup)

1/2 cup Almond Milk (unsweetened vanilla)

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/16 tsp salt

 

 

 

As you can see, I chose to make one enormously think pancake instead of several small ones.  I also had a bowl of yummy strawberries on the side. 

 

While I did not feel like I was eating an actual snickerdoodle, I did feel like I was eating a tasty pancake!  Plus the entire pancake recipe is only 250 calories!   That leaves plenty of wiggle room for extra toppings (though I chose to eat mine plain). 

 

That was this morning's kitchen adventure.  May the odds be ever in your flavor!



Microwave Greek Omelet

Since breakfast is my absolute favorite meal of the day and since I happen to be half Greek, I thought it would be appropriate to kick of my food posts with this tasty meal...

 

Microwave Greek Omelet

  Based off of this Greek Omelet Recipe

 

This was super delicious and easy to make!

1/2 cup chopped spinach

1/2 cup egg whites

1 chopped basil leaf

2 tbs diced tomatoes

2 tbs reduced fat feta cheese

(If I had some fresh mushrooms I would have definitely chopped some up and put them in there!)

Spray your mug (or bowl) with cooking spray.  Add the egg whites and spinach and microwave for 1 minute.  Mix in the rest of the ingredients and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.  Let it cool and then EAT IT!  

Here is my breakfast plate all yummy and ready to eat!

 

This whole declicious breakfast I ate (including the two slices of whole wheat bread) was only about 225 calories!  Now that is how to start a morning off right!

May the odds be ever in your flavor!  :)















Happy Not So Hungry Games...

Allow me to introduce this blog...

The Not So Hungry Games: May the Odds be Ever in Your Flavor is intended to document my many interactions with different tasty recipes.

I don't know about you, but when make/eat something that is super delicious I want to tell the whole world! Since telling the whole world is pretty difficult though, I usually settle for telling at least one other person. Then, I had the idea to just make a blog about different things I cook/bake and eat! I mean, who doesn't want to hear about delicious food and get recipe ideas?

So that is how this blog was born. I chose the title to pay honor to my absolute favorite book series. My posts will consist of delicious recipes I cook/bake. Most will be recipes I have gotten from other websites or cookbooks with my own variations and perhaps, if I am feeling adventurous at some point, some will be original recipes! But only time will tell!

Stay tuned for my first food post (possibly tomorrow morning!)

May the Odds be Ever in Your Flavor!