Category Archives: Recipes

Homemade {Healthy} Hot Chocolate

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After trying many, many times to make my own hot chocolate and utterly failing (unsweetened cocoa is bitter) I have finally found the perfect blend. Not to mention it consists of only two ingredients and no added sugar.

I really encourage you to try this recipe as store bought hot chocolate “powders” are loaded with sugars, chemicals, and ingredients that no one can pronounce and have no business putting in their body.

Please just take a look at the ingredients in Swiss Miss hot chocolate:

Ingredients: CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, NONFAT MILK, SALT, LESS THAN 2% OF: DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DEXTROSE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, ACESULFAME POTATSSIUM, CARRAGEENAN, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SUCRALOSE. 

The first two ingredients are corn syrup and sugar. Then comes the cocoa but it is processed with alkali which strips the chocolate of most of its antioxidants, anyways. Followed by  hydrogenated (saturated fat) coconut oil and then a bunch of ingredients that I don’t have the first clue of what they are.

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Hot Chocolate

1/2 teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa

1 teaspoon Pure Maple Syrup

Stir ingredients in a hot cup of milk (steamed milk will help add some sweetness, but microwaved milk still tastes excellent).

Enjoy putting wholesome ingredients in your body. :)

I don’t know how, but the maple syrup perfectly sweetens the cocoa for a dark, rich flavor.

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Happy Hot Cocoa Drinking. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

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I am here to tell you the tale of a pumpkin latte that tasted so good but I sadly cannot recreate.

Yesterday I told you I would share a recipe with you that I tried and it did not turn out.

However, when my friend made the lattes, they were amazing. Just let the picture do the talking…

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 cups milk

2 tbsps canned pumpkin

1 to 2 tbsps sugar

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tbsp vanilla

1/2 cup hot brewed coffee

{Garnish with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice}

Directions:

1) In a 2-quart saucepan, heat milk, pumpkin, and sugar over medium heat until hot (do not boil). Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, the vanilla, and coffee.

2) Pour into 2 large mugs. Garnish.

I taste tested the milk, pumpkin and sugar as it was heating up so my guess is something went wrong with the vanilla, coffee, and pumpkin pie spice. What do you think? My sister had the same problem when she attempted the recipe.

Let me know if you try the recipe! I am curious to see what went wrong.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pumpkin Party

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I am home for the first time in three months for Thanksgiving break! I am very thankful my school gave us the whole week off and today I celebrated by using a whole can of pumpkin to make three pumpkin recipes. Gosh, I miss having a kitchen.

{The good news is, two out of the three recipes turned out.}

After eating our families traditional Sunday brunch of eggs, bacon, and toast; I rolled up my sleeves, cracked open the pumpkin puree, and got to work.

To start off the party, I whipped up a pumpkin spice latte from a recipe I got from a friend. Sadly, the recipe did not turn out like Tish made them. I will share the recipe with you tomorrow and maybe you will have some advice because I would love for it to taste as good as before.

Next up was a loaf of Gina’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip bread which is my absolute favorite. Pumpkin and dark chocolate is a genius invention.

While the pumpkin bread was cooking I decided to use of the last of the pumpkin puree and make Pumpkin Butter.

And when the hot pumpkin bread came out of the oven, I couldn’t resist a hefty slice with some fresh pumpkin butter on top.

Clearly I am making up for the fact that as a child I was determined to detest pumpkin. Thank goodness for food bloggers who made it look so appealing.

Tomorrow I am spending the day with my mom and am super excited to spend time together and catch up with my best friend. :)

But for now, I’m off to watch White Christmas and eat some more pumpkin.

Happy Fall Y’all.

Dorm Room Fudge

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I had my first baking experience in college this past Friday and it was hilarious. Obviously, my first thought was to document it for my blog.

It all started Monday when my friend was constantly reminding us that her birthday was Friday. Since it was fall break this weekend, most of our friends were gone so Katrina and I had planned to spend the day with the birthday girl and take her to lunch and help spend her birthday money. We still felt like we should get her something (but not very expensive!) and somehow we decided on microwavable fudge.

And instead of using the kitchen in the dorm, we decided to turn up the Christmas music, open up the window to the rainy outdoors, and make fudge in my room.

We did not have a sifter for the sugar, (which is very important or else you end up with chunks of powdered sugar in the fudge…not that we would know) so we stirred it with a fork for about 15 minutes.

We also did not have a large microwavable bowl (or any large bowl for that matter) so we mixed the ingredients in a pan (hence, the mess) and then transferred it into two small bowls to microwave and then back in the pan to stir.

Did I mention we accidentally made in on my roommates desk? I was cleaning our refrigerator while Katrina was going to start sifting sugar and before I realized what desk she used, it was too late. But don’t worry, we cleaned everything up and left it neater than it was before. :)

We also thought this would only take about 30 minutes but two hours later, we were still at it. (We did make two trays of it, though.)

And by the time we finished, the cafeteria was closed so we had to go to Mcalister’s Deli for dinner. I think they try to starve us on fall break…hence they close dinner at 6:00 and there is only one line open the whole weekend with the same food. Yum. :)

Much to our my surprise, the fudge actually turned out really good! We both pretty much ate a whole tray by ourselves.

And the best part? It really is easy to make. As long as you have a sifter. And a large bowl. And a kitchen.

Easiest-Ever Cocoa Fudge

Ingredients:

3 and 2/3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

1/2 cup Hershey’s Cocoa

1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/4 cup 2% milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

(Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans)

Method:

Combine confectioners sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk in medium microwave proof bowl.

Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until butter is melted

Stir until mixture is smooth

Stir in nuts and vanilla and blend well

Spread evenly on a lightly buttered 8 inch square pan and let sit out till firm (or refrigerate for faster results)

Cut into 1 inch squares

Last Supper

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For my last supper (dramatic much?) before college, I requested Cesar Salad and Eggplant Lasagna. We made it last night (so that I could eat it two days in a row!) and it was the best lasagna I have ever had.

{I didn’t even think to take a picture of the salad because I was so focused on lasagna.}

{And that my friends, is why I never could or never would go vegan…cheese.}

{I lit candles in attempt to recreate the relaxation room and because I’m cheesy like that.}

If you are looking for a great recipe for lasagna, this is most definitely it.

I had two huge slices and would have had more if I hadn’t known what we were having for dessert…

A half off yogurt coupon means we must go. I am sure going to miss being five minutes from eight frozen yogurt shops!

Well, tomorrow is the day so can’t promise that posting will be very consistent at first, so please have patience. Can’t wait to share my college experiences with you!

What would you request as your last supper if you were going to get the freshmen fifteen spend the next four years eating cafeteria food?

Blogging Bloopers + A Healthy Swap

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As I was chowing down on my “yay its friday” nine cups of puppy chow* last week, I was thinking how important it is to incorporate “healthier” desserts in with the indulgent ones.

So, when I was looking in the pantry for what I was going to eat for dessert tonight, I made it a goal to make something healthier. (Ok, and I ate about a billion handfuls of animal cookies at work today while the kiddos were napping, so I really needed something other than more cookies.)

Enter the lone avocado left in the fridge.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

It is delicious! I ate the whole serving and couldn’t taste the avocado one bit, although it sure helped make it creamy. So even if you don’t like avocados, you can still enjoy this pudding. (I recommend chilling it in the fridge ten minutes before eating.)

And then I was going to explain how easy this is for parents to make and give to their kids instead of high fructose, sugary Jell-O pudding….

But while I was pouring it into the bowl, I dropped the spatula and added 5+ minutes to clean up time. I blame it on rushing because I wanted to eat it right away.

However, I will say it anyway. This is super easier to make, eat, enjoy and add some extra nutrients to your dessert!

Delicioso.

 *no I did not eat all nine cups. For some reason though, whenever I have a long day at work, puppy chow is the first thing that pops in my mind when I get home and I have to make it.

Crafts and Cooking

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How was your Father’s Day Sunday? Ours was nice, relaxing, and yummy!

Remember how my friend is home from Germany? Well we spent Saturday together and one thing we did was make homemade cards for our dads. (Yes, we are eighteen going on eight.)

You see, I saw this card at Target I really wanted to get my dad but it was $3.00. So I decided to make it. And while I’m not the most artsy-crafty person and probably should color with markers instead of sharpers, it was fun to make and give.

Get it? It’s a picture of the world on the outside and on the inside is says, “It’s better cause you’re in it.” I thought it was quite original. (Okay, and I gave him a gift card to make up for the slightly sloppy looking card.)

I have hands down the best dad ever and I could never give him a gift to match the love and admiration I have for him. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

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I also made some amazing cookies and cream oreo fudge brownies this weekend to give to my friend cause they just got back. (Don’t worry, I taste tasted one two three.)

Grab the recipe right here. It’s super easy to make.

I also tried Which Wich Sandwiches for the first time and I loved it. Like, more than Subway. *gasp*

I got the vegetarian Tomato and Avocado and it was superb.

What is your favorite restaurant to grab a sandwich at? 

Baked Oatmeal

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I made baked oatmeal muffins today. A lot of them. The recipe called for and outcome of eighteen muffins and I ended up with 30. Oh darn. :)

I topped them with chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, raisins, and chocolate. Naturally, I had two chocolate muffins after dinner.

They aren’t very sweet but they will be great for a snack on the go, an addition to breakfast, covered in yogurt and syrup, or crumbled over a parfait!

A Must Read:
I was catching up on one of my favorite healthy living blogs yesterday and found this post that is a must read. It’s about finding your strong and the small culture shift of Strong being the new Skinny. While our culture still tries to promote being skinny, many people have begun exercising to strengthen their body and find their strong, not to be skinny. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes that I have in my room that says, “exercise should make you strong, not thin.” Check out the article here.

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Blogiversary + Giveaway Winner!

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New Balance Nicole turns one year old today!

I never thought I would like blogging as much as I do, but now I realize it’s a blast. :)

Here is a quick look at my favorite posts of the year:

A recreation of my favorite Starbucks drink.

My decision to reduce my exercise activity.

I showed you what I typically fuel my body with each day.

I shared my plan to getting a sweet tooth under control.

I made the most delicious single serving, sugar-free chocolate cake that keeps you full for hours.

I spent a gluten-free weekend with my sister where we had some of the most sumptuous gluten-free goodies ever.

I learned to like oatmeal and fix it multiple ways.

I found a recipe that I currently make almost every week. Best recipe ever.

I finally tried chia seeds and currently put them on anything I can.

And best of all, I FINALLY graduated! Aren’t you happy you don’t have to hear the countdown anymore?

Anyways, graduation deserves its own post so more on that later. :)

And finally, the winner of the Larabar Giveaway is:

Jasper (comment #12)

Congrats, Jasper! Email me asap at newbalancenicole@gmail.com with your mailing address and phone number so Larabar can ship the bars straight to your house!

Here’s to another year of NBN adventure! Now, go eat some cake to celebrate. :)

Larabar Love

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Ever since I became interested in eating healthy and learning about nutrition, I’m always on the look out for healthy snacks on the go.

And ever since the beginning, Larabar has been with me. They were one of the first healthy/all natural products I tried and have bought ever since. All Larabars are gluten-free also which is a major plus.

Recently I was sent some Larabars to try and review.

I was so excited to try the Cappuccino and taste its amazing-ness!

As usual, Larabar did not disappoint.

Want to win 16 Larabars? Enter the giveaway right here!