Puppy Chow

Waaaaay back in October or November I asked some coworkers for suggestions for snacks they would like me to make. Someone asked for puppy chow and finally, 6 months later I'm getting around to making it for her.

I know the recipe is pretty standard but I'm crediting myself with it because I didn't research one to go off. Besides, I doubt many recipes call for refrigerating the mix overnight and adding extra powdered sugar in the morning. Not to mention I put this recipe in the "healthy" category because I made it without butter or oil. Winner.

My "taster" bowl

Regardless, this stuff is dangerously addicting. You've been warned.

Chocolate - Peanut Butter Oatmeal (Stovetop Version)

Want a breakfast that tastes a whole lot like a no-bake cookie? I'm talking the ones that pop up around Christmas time and consist of oats, cocoa powder, butter, peanut butter, and sugar. Those have always been one of my favorites. So imagine my delight when I unexpectedly bit into its breakfast-y doppelgänger after making up measurements of ingredients in my head hoping for something edible. 

I like to think this version is a bit healthier, as it contains just a smidgen of oil (its optional at that) and not too much sugar. I was in a hurry, so I used pb2 (powdered peanut butter) instead of regular peanut butter. You can certainly use regular peanut butter, it will probably just be a little harder to incorporate. Dollops of peanut butter floating around a bowl of hot oats? Nothin' wrong with that!

Just as a side note: the longer you let it sit, the thicker it gets but its delicious either way.

Chocolate - Peanut Butter Oatmeal (Stovetop Version)

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 cup milk of choice (I used Almond Breeze: Almond Coconut. Has anyone else tried it? Addicted, I am!)

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup oats

2 tablespoons pb2*

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 teaspoon coconut oil, optional

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions:

Combine milk and salt in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Once it starts boiling add oats, pb2, cocoa powder, and coconut oil; stir to combine.

Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup.

Pour into a bowl and serve.

Enjoy :)

If you want a more peanut butter-y oat breakfast, check this recipe out!

Celery Haters Ants On A Log

Ants on a log is a quick and healthy snack that has a little bit of everything: fruit, veggies, and protein. However for some (Mark), celery isn't an appealing vegetable. So I took out the celery leaving Mark satisfied because it still involves raisins (one of his favorite snacks) and also continues to provide him with a serving of vegetables.

So if you have someone close who doesn't like celery, deeming ants on a log a non-option, try replacing it with carrots for an easy afternoon snack.

Celery Haters Ants On A Log

Ingredients:

1-2 carrots

1-2 tablespoons peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)

raisins

Directions:

Slice carrot(s) into mini sticks.

Spread peanut butter onto carrot sticks.

Top with raisins.

Enjoy :)

Double Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

Peanut butter-chocolate gooeyness

Raise your hand if all of the following apply to you:

1. You like chocolate
2. You like peanut butter
3. You like oatmeal
4. You are a fan of healthy, filling breakfast recipes that have no added sugar

If, like me, you are raising your hand and guilty as charged this recipe is for you! It's so rich and chocolately you will feel almost like you are eating dessert instead of breakfast. Almost.

Dig in!

I baked mine, but I am sure it would work just fine on the stove top, or even as overnight oats.

Double Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

Inspired by these

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2-1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder

pinch of salt

1/2 mashed banana (or 1/4 cup applesauce)

1/4 cup milk (I used almond)

1 tablespoon peanut butter, divided

1-2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a small bowl combine oatmeal, cocoa powder, and salt. Then add mashed banana, milk, chocolate chips and 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter* stirring until well incorporated.

Pour mixture into 1 cup ramekin and place in the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Top with other 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter and enjoy :).

Notes:

*You might want to warm peanut butter for 10 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to incorporate.