These are just some of Casey's favorite things :)

How does one survive studying for an AP Biology test? You have come to the right place. A successful hard-core study sesh results from not only exercise, specifically running/lifting/aqua jogging, but most importantly from a nutrtious, wholesome meal.

                                                                      Like, WOW.

One of my best friends asked me a couple weeks ago, and I quote, "Can you make a healthy grilled cheese sandwich, I can't get enough of that stuff."

She clearly has an obession with these cholesterol clogging sandwiches, and as loyal friend I felt it was neccessary to satisfy her cravings, the healthy way.
                                                                                       

Like always, I searched on Pinterest.com for a spark of inspiration, and I came across a link for Parmesan Crusted Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. You would not BELIEVE how fast I hit the print button. I absolutely love Pesto and I thought it would add a nice touch to the simple Grilled Cheese Sandwich. So, I ran the proposal by Casey, she approved, and we got cooking! 

The original recipe came from a couple whose blog's name is, Two Peas & Their Pod- Check it out!

 

The only ingredients Casey and I manipulated was the bread (replaced french bread for whole wheat)and the seasonings added to the coating of the bread. And we also added a side of Edaname because, well, we love it!:D

 

Ingredients: 

-4 slices of Whole Wheat Bread

-1 tablespoon of melted butter

-Splash of Curry, Dill, Rosemary, Minced Onion, and Powedered Garlic

-4 teaspoons of basil pesto (2 teaspoons for each sandwich)

-4 oz. of mozarella cheese (2 oz for each sandwich)

 

There you have it folks, a simple easy dish that can be made either on a skillet or in a panini maker- just remember to coat the pan with a vegetable spray to avoid sticky messes!:)

These are just some of Casey's favorite things :) Hope you enjoy!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be or not To be. Healthy Reeses Cups!!

Ah how I love snow days :) It was almost a blessing from the skies that we got the day off, because it gave me the wonderful opportunity to cram in a little extra study time for my AP Biology test this  Friday! Perfect right?? Yes. But, that is not what ended up happening. Fail. Also, it is my soon-to-be roommate's birthday this Friday and with this test on the same day, I will have no time to make her something special the night prior to her celebratory day! WHAT SHOULD A FRIEND DO IN A TIME LIKE THIS?!?! Bake.....like DUH! My inner-chef was calling me, so I hopped on Pinterest and found this awesome recipe. Despite the early hour, I could not resist from driving up to Kroger (okay well, my dad drove- the roads were not quite clear at 9:00am) to get the one ingredient that I lacked for this, again, I repeat, awesome recipe.

                                  BEHOLD, THE ALMIGHTY (healthy) REESES CUP!!!!

Yes, you read correctly ladies and gentlemen, HEALTHY Reeses Cups!

How could you make such a delectable treat healthy?!?! The answer is quite simple. SUBSTITUTE THE INGREDIENTS!

Ingredients:

-Organic Dark Chocolate Chips
-Pumpkin Puree (Canned)
-Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
-Cinnamon


The Result:

Ultra-Yumminess :)





The inspiration for this dish came from a brilliant blogger named Katie, who is known for her nutritious healthy desserts! Check out her blog, ChocolateCoveredKatie.com !:)

These treats are SO easy to make too! First, melt 1/2 cup of choco chips in microwave (45 seconds should be sufficient). Next distribute this chocolate evenly throughout ten cupcake liners (thin layer) and pop in the freezer for 8-10 minutes. While they are in the freezer, mix 4 tablespoons of pumpkin with 3-4 tablespoons of almond butter, or any nut butter of your choice, and add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon! Take your little choco cups out of the freezer and pour in your pumpkin/nut butter mix (about 1 tablespoon for each cup). Next melt another 1/2 cup of choco chips in microwave and pour a thin coating on top of each cup. Once the pumpkin is no longer visible, pop them back into the freezer for 20 minutes.

Ta-Da!!!!

Next, just pop 'em out and place them on a plate...or directly into your mouth :) They are irresistible.

For my friend Savannah, I added a bit of decoration:

Okay so I am not exactly what you call an artist, but hey the taste is all that truly matters with these bad boys.

Try them out for yourself....you do not know what you are missing. Seriously!!

Enjoy!