Banana Muffins We Bake Again and Again

 

I can't tell you how many bananas I've rescued from becoming compost simply by turning them into muffins. At this point, my kids know exactly what happens when the bananas start getting brown.

"Are we making banana muffins?" 

 The answer is almost always yes.

Making muffins with the kids is always about more than just using up our ingredients that are going bad, though.

It's a learning opportunity. One is practicing fractions while measuring out the chocolate chips, the other kiddo is practicing number recognition as we set the temperature on the oven.

We take turns, we stir things up, we dance to music, and we enjoy our time together and muffins afterwards!

Are you looking for a great treat, that's super easy to eat and a staple in our house?

Here's my gluten-free banana muffin recipe, be sure to pin this so you can come back and make it again!

Banana Muffin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan or grease each cup.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until combined.
5. Stir in the baking soda, flour, and salt.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips. I said 1/2 a cup but we always just pour until the kids are smiling.
7. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool slightly...if your family can wait that long.

A Little Encouragement, Mama

Some of the sweetest family memories aren't made during big vacations or elaborate activities.

Sometimes they're made while mashing bananas at the kitchen counter, laughing over spilled flour, and waiting for the timer to ding.

25 Easy 4th of July Snacks for Kids They'll Love

 

We all know that no 4th of July celebration is complete without festive snacks! Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a neighborhood picnic, or enjoying fireworks with family, these easy 4th of July snacks for kids are colorful, delicious, and simple to make.

From healthy fruit treats to fun desserts, these patriotic snack ideas are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Kabobs

Thread strawberries, blueberries, and mini marshmallows onto skewers for a healthy snack that looks as festive as it tastes.

2. Patriotic Popcorn

Toss freshly popped popcorn with red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates or festive sprinkles for a sweet-and-salty treat.

3. Firecracker Pretzel Rods

Dip pretzel rods in white chocolate, then decorate with red and blue sprinkles before they harden.

4. Watermelon Stars

Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to turn watermelon slices into patriotic stars.

5. Berry Yogurt Parfaits

Layer vanilla yogurt with fresh strawberries and blueberries in clear cups for an easy no-bake dessert.

6. Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats

Cut Rice Krispie treats into stars and drizzle with red, white, and blue icing.

7. Red, White & Blue Popsicles

Freeze layers of strawberry puree, vanilla yogurt, and blueberry puree for homemade popsicles.

8. Mini Flag Fruit Tray

Arrange strawberries, bananas, and blueberries into an American flag design.

9. Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Bake cupcakes directly in flat-bottomed ice cream cones and decorate with patriotic frosting.

10. Star-Shaped Cheese and Crackers

Cut cheese slices into stars and serve with crackers for an easy savory snack.

11. Patriotic Trail Mix

Mix pretzels, popcorn, dried cranberries, yogurt-covered raisins, and blueberries for a grab-and-go snack.

12. Red, White & Blue Jello Cups

Layer red and blue gelatin with whipped topping for a colorful dessert.

13. Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Layer pound cake, whipped cream, and strawberries in small cups.

14. Firework Cupcakes

Top cupcakes with swirls of red, white, and blue frosting and festive sprinkles.

15. Frozen Banana Pops

Dip bananas in white chocolate and decorate with patriotic sprinkles before freezing.

16. Patriotic Puppy Chow

Coat cereal with white chocolate and powdered sugar, then mix with red and blue candies.

17. Mini Sandwich Skewers

Alternate cubes of turkey, cheese, and cherry tomatoes on skewers for a kid-friendly lunch.

18. Fruit Pizza

Spread sweetened cream cheese over a sugar cookie crust and decorate with berries.

19. Star Sugar Cookies

Bake classic sugar cookies using a star cookie cutter and decorate with red, white, and blue icing.

20. Frozen Yogurt Bark

Top vanilla yogurt with berries and freeze until firm before breaking into pieces.

21. Berry Smoothies

Blend strawberries, blueberries, yogurt, and milk into a refreshing summer drink.

22. Patriotic Snack Mix

Combine popcorn, pretzels, cereal squares, and festive candies in a large bowl.

23. Red, White & Blue Donuts

Decorate store-bought glazed donuts with colored icing and sprinkles for an easy shortcut.

24. Apple "Fireworks"

Slice apples and arrange them in a burst pattern with grapes and blueberries for a playful fruit display.

25. DIY Snack Board

Create a patriotic snack board filled with fruit, crackers, cheese, popcorn, cookies, and colorful treats so kids can build their own plates.

Final Thoughts

These easy 4th of July snacks for kids are perfect for backyard parties, picnics, classroom celebrations, and family gatherings. Whether you're looking for healthy options, sweet treats, or quick appetizers, there's something here for every celebration.

Which snack will your family be making this year? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to check out our other 4th of July ideas and free bingo printables for even more holiday fun!

You Have to Try These Fancy Dates: Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Dates Drizzled with Delicious Maple Balsamic Reduction

We've been getting creative in the kitchen lately and this delicious dish is an even-better-than-the-original recreation of one of our favorite appetizers at a local cafe. If you love flavorful and delicious foods, this goat cheese stuffed date recipe is gonna knock your socks off... top it off by wrapping each stuffed date with bacon and add a drizzle of a homemade balsamic reduction for the most perfect flavor combination you've ever experienced. They may not look fancy, but I promise you they'll soon become a new favorite snack or side dish!

Now that we've established you NEED to try this dish, here's how it's made:

- Ingredients -
8 oz of goat cheese (log works nicely)

5 slices of applewood smoked bacon

1 package of dried pitted dates

3 tbs balsamic vinegar

2 tbs maple syrup

1/2 tbs cane sugar

1-2 tsp corn starch (Mix with a splash of cold water prior to using, making a thin paste)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Do your best to stuff dates with goat cheese. I used a chop stick to get in as much cheese as I could.

Then lay out bacon slices on a plate and roll a date in a slice until it is wrapped completely. Slice the bacon and repeat until all of the dates are wrapped.

Put on parchment paper covered sheet pan in oven for approximately 12 minutes or until bacon looks done to your preference.

While these are baking, add the balsamic, maple, and sugar into a sauce pan and turn burner to medium high. Let the mixture boil for a couple of minutes, then add in the corn starch paste and stir thoroughly. Turn heat down to simmer. Continue to stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Drizzle on top of dates.

ENJOY!

My Year to Be Here Now & a Greek Gods Yogurt, Fruit, & Granola Power Breakfast

This Post is sponsored by Greek Gods Yogurt, regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.
It's that time of year...

In years past, I've made New Years resolutions. I've wished for things, I set goals, and I've worked hard to achieve them. When I reach those goals or turn my wishing into success, I've been proud, but I'm not necessarily any happier than I was before.

So this year, instead of setting goals, I'm striving to just live in the moment and enjoy it all. We all know every moment that passes is a moment we won't get back. My idea or phrase for the year is "Be here now" and I look forward to meditating on it and enjoying life as it comes instead of stressing about goals or wishing for more.

I think we all can agree, starting out the new year on a good note is something all of us strive to do.

Whether you're the type that makes resolutions and sticks to them or you're more of the "go with the flow" type like I'm aiming to be this year. We all want to celebrate starting anew, it's like the new year brings a refreshing wave of consciousness to all and it's so nice to relish in it all.

While I'm still contemplating how I'll overcome my constant need to meet goals or achieve, I feel almost a bit of zen about how this year is starting.

Maybe it's because breakfast this morning was so delicious...? I truly enjoyed every last bite. If the rest of my day, week, year... could be that effortlessly enjoyable, maybe this year will really be MY YEAR.

Are you looking for a breakfast that brings happiness into your day? Maybe something better for you than the average breakfast dishes?

I'm super excited to share this delicious easy recipe using Greek Gods Yogurt with you today, it''s one I think you'll love through out 2020 and beyond.

Greek Gods Yogurt, Fruit, & Granola Power Breakfast

To make this amazing yogurt recipe you will need

1/4 cup blueberries
1 tsp agave
3/4 cup Greek Gods Honey Vanilla Yogurt
1/2 banana (sliced)
2 strawberries (sliced)
1/2 cup granola

You'll also need a saucepan.

To start this recipe, heat the blueberries in a saucepan at low heat for about 4 minutes, bursting them open while heating. Add in the agave and stir together. Remove from heat.

Next, you'll need to mix in about 1/4 cup of the Greek Gods Honey Vanilla Yogurt. Making a purple-y colored yogurt mixture. Place in bowl on a thin layer of granola(or in my case, mason jar).

Top with another small layer of granola. Then add a scoop or two more Greek Gods Yogurt.

Now add in sliced banana and again, add another scoop of Greek Gods Yogurt in Honey Vanilla.

Next add the sliced strawberries and the final bit of yogurt you have remaining, now top with granola to your preference.

That's it... it's THAT easy!

Wondering where you can find Greek Gods Yogurt? Greek Gods can be found in the dairy aisle, in the yogurt section, on the lower shelf.

I promise this is a recipe you're going to want to eat over and over so go ahead and pin this for later:

While this fruit and granola recipe is delicious, I added some MaraNatha Almond Butter and bananas to my Greek Gods Yogurt this morning and had to let you know this combination is also AMAZING!

Be sure to grab some when you're at the store for your yogurt so you can try this wonderful concoction for yourself!

So tell me, what would be your ideal ingredient to mix with your Greek Gods yogurt?

Lime Piña Coladas - The Best Frozen Cocktail - Simple & Delicious!

Do you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain?

OK. Then we can totally be friends. LOL.

This lime piña colada is legitimately one of my favorite adult beverages and the perfect mixture of sweet and sour, I promise you'll be craving these all year long.

So let's get to the point and start serving up some beverages - it is almost 2020, after all!

Lime Coladas

3 oz white rum
2 cups of ice
1 1/2 oz creme de coco
1 lime juiced

Mix all ingredients together in blender until smooth and serve in a tall glass, garnish with lime if you'd like!

Enjoy!

Low Carb, Gluten Free Cauliflower Alfredo & Chicken Bowls

After switching up my lifestyle and losing 30lbs, I've been trying to find delicious ways to still eat healthy. I try to limit carbs when possible, eat plenty of protein, and I never limit myself on veggies. While I love indulging on occasion, I really try and keep things healthy as often as possible. This creamy alfredo bowl is what my healthy lifestyle was longing for, the perfect mixture of deliciousness and healthiness.

You can probably tell by the photos, it's just the right amount of creamy, what you can't tell is it also has so many healthy ingredients packed into it. I'm not even exaggerating when I tell you, this recipe is THE BOMB and totally worth the prep time.

If you're looking to feed your picky family something so incredibly delicious, be sure to pin this - I guarantee they'll want seconds!

Lower Carb Gluten Free Alfredo Cauliflower & Chicken Bowls

4 servings


For the chicken:

1lb chicken
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
1/3 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 egg
2 tbs milk
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder

Heat the air fryer to 360 degrees.

Slice chicken into 1 inch strips. Put the coconut flour in one bowl, egg and milk whisked in another bowl and the almond flour, breadcrumbs and parmesan into a third bowl. Dip the chicken into each bowl in the order then place on parchment paper until ready to be cooked.

Spray the bottom of the air fryer with canola oil, then place the strips in. Spray the top of the chicken strips lightly with canola oil (any oil will be fine). Cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes or until a golden brown. While they are cooking start the bowl preperations.

When chicken is finished, cut the strips into pieces.

For the bowl base:

2 cups riced cauliflower
1 cup chopped asparagus
1/2 chopped red onion
1 cup chopped spinach
2 slices of bacon cut into bits
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tbs Italian seasoning
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
Red pepper flakes to taste
1 tbs avocado oil
1 tbs olive oil
 1/8 cup shredded mozzarella


For the white sauce:

1/4 cup whole milk
3 oz cream cheese
3 tbs butter
1/4 cup mozzarella
1/4 cup Parmesan
1 tbs Italian seasoning
2 tsp garlic powder

To prepare the bowl base:

Add oils to a large pan and heat on medium heat.

Add the chopped red onion to the an and saute until more translucent.

Now add in the asparagus, garlic gloves and seasonings.

Cook together apx 5 minutes.

Now add the cauliflower, spinach and bacon.

Cook for another 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low, add the chicken and cheese and stir all together .

To prepare the white sauce:

Add everything but the Parmesan into a pan over medium heat. Whisk until melted and well blended then stir in the Parmesan.

After the sauce is finished, dish out servings into each bowl the pour the sauce on top.

ENJOY!

Pin this for later:

 

Skinny Spicy Blue Jalapeno Margarita

Sometimes a girl just needs something spicy... with tequila. I'm that girl, nearly 100% of the time so mastering a spicy blue marg was a must!

If you're also a girl that needs something tasty and delicious with the tang of blue curacao, then step right up. I'm slinging some goodness today and you're going to want to try this recipe, I have no doubt about it.

Warning: Things get a little spicy if you don't de-seed the jalapeno... and sometimes they are still pretty HOT even without the seeds! It's never unpleasant, but you must like spiciness to fully enjoy the flavors of this margarita!

Spicy Blue Margaritas

1 and 1/2 limes juiced
1 slice of lemon squeezed
1 jalapeno de-seeded and sliced into rings
1 tbs agave
2 cups of ice
3 oz tequila
1 oz blue curacao

Pour all ingredients into shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds then pour into margarita glasses. Leave the jalapenos in for an extra little kick.  


Serve & enjoy responsibly!

Delicious and surprising, this blue jalapeño margarita will be your new favorite! Be sure to share this recipe with your favorite mixologist today!

Some of My Favorite Feel Good Foods

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Conagra Brands.

As you may or may not have noticed, I've lost about 35lbs recently and I'm doing everything I can to keep that weight off... while still trying to enjoy myself and the foods I eat. It's been a task learning what triggers my weight gain and finding things that actually taste delicious, but luckily Babbleboxx had my back this month and they introduced me to 4 new items I'll be regularly adding to our grocery list! Want to know my new favorite foods that help keep me on track with my goals?

Well, I've got excellent news - that is what's happening right now! We will start with something that I legit adore - the Evol Fire Grilled Steak Bowl. It's the perfect mixture of deliciously tender steak (raised without antibiotics) with black beans, white rice, red and green bell peppers, roasted corn, and cheddar cheese, all mixed with an INSANELY tasty cilantro lime pesto sauce... and the best part? I can quickly heat these up for both hubs and I because it's GLUTEN FREE too!

Evol's commitment to quality is so obvious in every single bite and luckily they minimally use sugar so I never worry about munching down on all the delicious bowl options they offer... and did I mention they also have some amazing vegetarian options too?

Speaking of no worries, I love the Gardein Nashville Hot Chik'n Tenders I received so much for several reasons - I mean not only are they insanely delicious, they are certified vegan - something I absolutely love! Whether I'm looking for a delicious choice for meatless Monday's or a snack any day, these are definitely always going to be on my grocery list and stocked in my fridge!

The tenders are the perfect non-GMO verified snack, especially paired with ranch, and since they are powered by plant protein I never feel any guilt eating them! Plus they are absolutely spicy enough to knock your socks off - something I can totally get on board with!

Next on my list of new favorites, the Healthy Choice Grain Free Power Bowls with Spicy Beef Teriyaki. Braised all-natural beef with tons of veggies, served on even more veggies (delicious riced cauliflower), all in a sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce - what's not to love?

All the Healthy Choice Grain Free Power Bowls are actually favs now, with 18-20 grams of protein and 5-7 grams of fiber per bowl - they have just what I need to power through my day and feel no guilt about what I chose to fuel my body!

Another no-guilt addition to our food routines may just be the best on the list, the Udi's Sweet Potato Crust Chicken BBQ Pizza is seriously the bomb dot com. The Sweet potato crust is unexpectedly crispy in just the right way, topped with the most amazing mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese, sweet BBQ sauce, and white meat chicken - it's seriously gourmet quality!

The thing is, I can quickly pop in it in the oven and not even stress, plus since it's certified gluten free so I can feed it to my family without worrying about allergies. That's a win in my book.

So tell me, how do you keep your eating habits in check? Leave me a comment and let me know!