Stuffed Jalapenos - Two Ways

I had some ingredients left over from my last recipe, so I threw together these jalapeño poppers!

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 2 Fresh Jalapenos

          Calories: 8, Fat: 0.2g, Carbs: 1.8g, Sugars: 1.2g, Protein, 0.4g

• 2 Slices of Turkey Bacon

          Calories: 70, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 0g, Sugars: 0g, Protein, 4g

• 1 Laughing Cow Wedge

          Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein, 2g

• 1 TBS of Scallions, chopped

          Calories: 2, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 0.4g, Sugars: 0.1g, Protein, 0.1g

• 2 TBS of Reduced Fat Feta Cheese

          Calories: 30, Fat: 1.8g, Carbs: 0.4g, Sugars: 0g, Protein, 3g

Entire Recipe (4 Poppers): Calories: 145, Fat: 8.5g, Carbs: 3.6g, Sugars: 2.3g, Protein: 9.5g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Ham & Bleu Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 2 Fresh Jalapenos

          Calories: 8, Fat: 0.2g, Carbs: 1.8g, Sugars: 1.2g, Protein: 0.4g

• 2 Slices of Ham (Natural Choice Smoked Deli Ham)

          Calories: 30, Fat: 0.8g, Carbs: 0.4g, Sugars: 0.4g, Protein: 5g

• 1 Laughing Cow Wedge

          Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 2g

• 1 TBS of Scallions, chopped

          Calories: 2, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 0.4g, Sugars: 0.1g, Protein: 0.1g

• 2 TBS of Reduced Fat Bleu Cheese

          Calories: 40, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 0g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 4.4g

Entire Recipe (4 Poppers): Calories: 115, Fat: 5.5g, Carbs: 3.6g, Sugars: 2.7g, Protein: 11.9g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice jalapenos in half.  Remove seeds and membrane.
3. Mix scallion, cheese, and Laughing Cow wedge.
4. Spoon mixture into the peppers.
5. Slice bacon and/or ham in half.  Wrap each pepper in half of the slice and secure with a toothpick.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.

The winner? Bacon :)

Cheesy Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken Breast

This is my favorite recipe yet.  Jalapenos, chicken, cheese... oh yeah and it's pretzel encrusted. Sign me up!  This dish is not as spicy as it may seem - the cheese balances the jalapeno well.

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (8 oz)

          Calories: 220, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 0g, Sugars: 0g, Protein, 48g

• 20 Small Pretzel Sticks

          Calories: 55, Fat: 0.2g, Carbs: 12g, Sugars: 0.5g, Protein, 1.5g

• 1 Lime, juice of

          Calories: 7, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 2.3g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein, 0.2g

• 2 TBS Scallions, chopped

          Calories: 4, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 0.3g, Protein, 0.2g

• 1 TBS Reduced Fat Feta Cheese

          Calories: 15, Fat: 1g, Carbs: 0.2g, Sugars: 0g, Protein, 1.5g

• 1 Laughing Cow Wedge (Light Creamy Swiss)

          Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein, 2g

• 1 Fresh Jalapeno

          Calories: 4, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein, 0g

• Cooking Spray
• Black Pepper

Entire Recipe: Calories: 340, Fat: 5.7g, Carbs: 17.5g, Sugars: 3g, Protein: 53.4g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Slice the chicken breast through the middle almost cutting it in half.
3. Remove the seeds and membrane from your pepper, and finely chop it (I used a food processor).  Set aside in a separate dish.
4. Put the pretzel sticks in a food processor and chop until they're crumbs.
5. In a small dish, mix scallions, jalapeno, Laughing Cow, and feta.
6. Season the chicken breast with black pepper & lighting spray with cooking spray.
7. Spray a lined baking sheet.
8. Spread the cheese mixture in the middle of the sliced chicken breast, and secure with a toothpick.
9. Cover the chicken in lime juice and then pretzel crumbs.
10. Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet and light spray with cooking spray again.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Twice-Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes

Twice-Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes. Now that's a mouth full...
These were so easy to make, and turned out even better than I expected. I served mine with veggies and fat free ranch for dipping.  Enjoy!

 

 

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1 Medium Sweet Potato

          Calories: 103, Fat: 0.1g, Carbs: 24g, Sugars: 9.6g, Protein: 2.3g

• 4 oz of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Cooked & Shredded

          Calories: 110, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 0g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 24g

• 2 TBS of Buffalo Sauce (Frank's Redhot)

          Calories: 10, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 0g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0g

• 2 TBS of Reduced Fat Cream Cheese, Softened

          Calories: 70, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 2g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 2g

• 2 TBS Reduced Fat Feta Cheese (Substitute: Reduced Fat Bleu Cheese)

          Calories: 30, Fat:1.8g, Carbs: 0.5g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 3g

• Cooking Spray

Entire Recipe: Calories: 323, Fat: 9.4g, Carbs: 26.5g, Sugars: 11.6g, Protein: 31.3g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray the potato with cooking spray, and then bake for approximately 45 minutes.
2. While potato is baking, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce.
3. Once potato is tender, remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
4. Cut the potato in half, and spoon out the flesh leaving a thin layer to keep the potato intact.
5. Combine the potato and buffalo chicken mixture.
6. Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, and top with cheese.
7. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese melts.
8. Top with sea salt & pepper.

Granny Smith, Ham & Swiss Sandwich

Lately this has been my go-to sandwich combination.  It's easy to make, healthy, and above all - delicious.  I typically opt for a Flatbread or English Muffin, but feel free to substitute your favorite type of bread.

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1 Flatbread (Joseph's Multigrain Flatbread)

          Calories: 90, Fat: 2.4g, Carbs: 13g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 7g

• 2 slices of Ham (Hormel's Smoked Deli Ham)

          Calories: 30, Fat: 0.8g, Carbs: 0.5g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein: 5g

• 1 Laughing Cow Wedge (Creamy Swiss, Light)

          Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 2g

• 1/2 of a Medium Granny Smith Apple

          Calories: 48, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 15.5g, Sugars: 3g, Protein: 0.5g

Entire Recipe: Calories: 203, Fat: 4.7g, Carbs: 30g, Sugars: 5.6g, Protein: 14.5g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Toast your bread & then spread the Laughing Cow wedge.
2. Top with ham and thin slices of the apple.

Foodie Survey

Oh Monday, you sneaky little devil...  After a non-stop but awesome weekend, I am too tired to cook, so here's a fun foodie survey instead.

 

A is for apple, what is your favorite kind? Granny Smith

 

B is for bread, regardless of the nutrition, what is your favorite type to have a nice big slice of? Cinnamon Raisin

 

C is for cereal, what kind do you currently have in your pantry? Special K Red Berry (ok, it's the knockoff Publix brand)

 

D is for doughnuts, what is your favorite kind? Those little powdered sugar ones

 

E is for eggs, how do you like your prepared? This question reminds me of Runaway Bride. Over Easy

 

F is for fat free, what is your favorite fat free product? SRIRACHA

 

G is for groceries, where do you purchase yours? Publix

 

H is for hot beverages, what is yours of choice? Vanilla Chai Tea

 

I is for ice cream, pick your favorite flavor & topping. Cake Batter Fro Yo & Rainbow Sprinkles

 

J is for jams or jellies, if you eat them what is your favorite flavor? Do Jelly Beans Count? Peach Flavor

 

K is for kebab, build your own with 5 ingredients. Buffalo Mozzarella, Shrimp, Pineapple, Peppers, & Onion

 

L is for lunch, what did you have today? Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken, Beets, Yellow Pepper, Red Onion, & Cucumber

 

M is for milk, what variety do you prefer? Almond Breeze, Unsweetened Vanilla

 

N is for nuts, what type is your favorite? Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds

 

O is for onions, do you eat them? Yes, all of them

 

P is for protein, what is your favorite source? Cookies & Cream Quest Nutrition Bar

 

Q is for quiche, what 4 ingredients would you put in yours? Spinach, Feta, Ham & Mushroom

 

R is for restaurant, what is your favorite local spot? Mustard Seed - James Island

 

S is for spices, name 4 that you have used most recently. Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, & Rosemary

 

T is for trick or treating - what 5 candies do you want in your bag? Peanut M&Ms, Green Apple Gummi Bears, Butterfingers, White Chocolate Reese's Cups, & Strawberry Laffy Taffy

 

U is for universal, what is your favorite type of foreign cuisine? Asian

 

V is for vitamins, what kinds do you take? B12 & Biotin

 

W is for water, how do you drink yours? Ideally? With Tequila :)

 

X is for xtra special dinner, what is on the menu? Ahi Tuna, Asparagus, & Risotto.  & Maybe some Rosemary Bread & Balsamic Vinegar.  Oh & Pumpkin Cheesecake for Dessert. Ok, I'm done.

 

Y is for yogurt, what your favorite brand & flavor? Banana Cream Pie - Dannon Lite & Fit Greek

 

Z is for zero guilt, what food would you enjoy over & over if there would be no guilt? Jalapeno Poppers

Review: "Healthy" Grocery Store Desserts

Sometimes you just need something sweet after dinner.

Arctic Zero Chocolate Peanut Butter Frozen Dessert
Calories: 144, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 28g, Sugar 20g, Protein: 14g
First off, those nutrition facts are for the entire pint.  Sound too good to be true?  It is.  This "ice cream" taste like a protein powder slushy, ew.  Part of me is curious about the other flavors, but the other part of me is scared they could be even worse.

Weight Watchers Black Cherry Swirl Frozen Greek Yogurt
Calories: 100, Fat: 1g, Carbs: 20g, Sugars: 17g, Protein: 5g
I like that these are packaged in individual servings.  This brand has a bit more sugar than I would have liked, and the texture was almost frothy.  It was decent, but I probably wouldn't buy it again.

Healthy Choice Blueberry Greek Frozen Yogurt
Calories: 100, Fat: 2g, Carbs: 19g, Sugars: 13g, Protein: 4g
I really enjoyed this frozen yogurt, which is also packaged in individual servings.  I preferred its consistency and flavor to the other brands.  Healthy Choice has other great flavors: Dark Fudge Swirl, Raspberry, Strawberry, & Vanilla Bean.

Dole Strawberry Dippers

Calories: 60, Fat: 4g, Carbs: 6g, Sugars: 4g, Protein: 0g

It's hard to go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries.  Each pouch contains 4 strawberry halves.  The serving size is small, but this is a great post-dinner treat that doesn't pack lot of sugar or calories.  Dole also makes frozen Banana Dippers.

Yasso Blueberry Greek Yogurt Bar

Calories: 80, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 15g, Sugars: 12g, Protein: 6g

Yum! These were better than expected.  The flavor was really good & I thought the serving size was perfect.  Yasso has a ton of other flavors - from Peanut Butter Cup and Sea Salt Caramel to Mint Chocolate Chip & Strawberry. 

  

What's your go-to grocery store dessert?

Huevos Rancheros & Skinny Tequila Cocktail

Happy Hump Day! I need tequila...

 

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1/2 a cup of Corn

       Calories: 60, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 9g, Sugars: 7g, Protein: 2g

• 1/4 a cup of Onion

       Calories: 16, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 3.2g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0.5g

• 1 serving of Jalapenos

       Calories: 5, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 1, Sugars: 0g, Protein, 0g

• 2 Mini Sweet Peppers, Sliced

       Calories: 17, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 3.3g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 0.7

• 1/4 a cup of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies

       Calories: 10, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 2g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 0.5g 

• 1/4 a cup of Enchilada Sauce (Casa Fiesta)

       Calories: 20, Fat: 0.5g, Carbs: 3g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0g

• 1 Egg

       Calories: 78, Fat: 5g, Carbs:0.6g, Sugar: 0.6g, Protein: 6g

• 1 TBS Mashed Avocado

       Calories: 22, Fat: 2g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0.5g

• 1/2 of a Flatbread (Joseph's Multigrain Flatbread)

       Calories: 45, Fat: 1.2g, Carbs: 6.5g, Sugars: 0.5g, Protein: 3.5g

• Cooking Spray

Entire Recipe: Calories: 273, Fat: 10.2g, Carbs: 29.6g, Sugars: 11.1g, Protein: 13.7g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

For the Cocktail:

• 1.5 oz of Tequila (Camarena Silver)

       Calories: 96

• Sparkling Water, Pink Grapefruit
• Salted Rim & Garnish with a Lime

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Lightly spray both sides of the flatbread.  Bake for 10 minutes, flipping over after 5.
3. Spray pan with cooking spray.  Sauté corn, onions, jalapenos, peppers, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce until well combined and fragrant.
4. Prepare an over easy egg.
5. Spread the mashed avocado on one side of the flatbread.
6. Top flatbread with the egg and then vegetable mixture.
7. Mix your cocktail & enjoy!

Guilt-Free Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is hands down one of my favorite meals.  Between the butter, egg yolks, and pork, a traditional Benedict typically contains around 700 calories, 35g of fat, 55g of carbs, and 434mg of cholesterol.  I wanted to create a healthier guilt free version, and this is the product.  I prefer an over easy egg, but you can absolutely poach it instead.  If you're not a fan of Greek yogurt, sub in your favorite Buffalo sauce.  I actually prefer the spicier version!

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1 English Muffin (Thomas' Light Multigrain)

          Calories: 100, Fat: 1g, Carbs: 26g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 5g

• 2 slices of Ham (Hormel's Smoked Deli Ham)

          Calories: 30, Fat: 0.8g, Carbs: 0.5g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein: 5g

• 1 Egg

          Calories: 78, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 0.6g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein: 6g

• 1 Laughing Cow Wedge (Light Creamy Swiss)

          Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 2g

For the sauce (optional):

• 3 TBS of Nonfat Greek Yogurt, Plain

          Calories: 24, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 0.6g, Sugars: 1.8g, Protein: 4.2g

• 2 TSP of Fresh Lemon Juice

          Calories: 6, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 2g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein: 0.1g

• 1 TBS of Spicy Brown Mustard
• Cayenne Pepper & Sea Salt to Taste

Entire Recipe: Calories: 273, Fat: 8.3g, Carbs: 30.7g, Sugars: 5.6g, Protein: 22.3g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Whisk together the spicy brown mustard & Greek yogurt.  Once combined, add the lemon juice, cayenne pepper & sea salt.  Set aside.
2. Toast the English muffin.
3. While toasting, prepare an over easy egg.
4. Top the English muffin with Laughing Cow, ham, egg, and toast for another couple minutes.
5. Microwave the sauce for 30 seconds, stirring after 15.
6. Top the Benedict with sauce & season to taste.

Balsamic Strawberry & Chicken Pizza

Lately I've been seeing a lot of this pairing - balsamic vinegar & strawberries.  I love both of these ingredients but had never eaten them together.  I decided to give it a try and developed this flatbread pizza recipe.  I was really thrilled with the outcome - presentation & taste.  In my opinion, it is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy!

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1 Flatbread (Joseph's Multigrain Flatbread)

          Calories: 90, Fat: 2.5g, Carbs: 13g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 7g

• 4 oz of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Cooked

          Calories: 110, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 0g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 24g

• 1/2 a cup of Sliced Strawberries

          Calories: 25, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 5.5g, Sugars: 4g, Protein: 0.5g

• 1 slice of Ham (Hormel's Natural Choice, Smoked)

          Calories: 15, Fat: 0.4g, Carbs: 0.2g, Sugars: 0.2g, Protein: 2.5g

• 1/4 a cup of Baby Spinach

          Calories: 2, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 0.4g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0.2g

• 10 Jalapeño Slices

          Calories: 2, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 0.5g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0g

• 1/4 a cup of Diced Red Onion

          Calories: 17, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 4g, Sugars: 1.7g, Protein: 0.4g

• 1/4 a cup of Reduced Fat Feta 

          Calories: 60, Fat: 3.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 6g

• 1/4 a cup of Balsamic Vinegar (Pompeiian)

          Calories: 20, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 8g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 0g

• 1 TSP of Sriracha (Huy Fong)

          Calories: 5, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 1, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 0g

• Cooking Spray
• Desired Seasonings (Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Sea Salt etc)

Entire Recipe: Calories: 346, Fat: 7.9g, Carbs: 33.6g, Sugars: 15.9g, Protein: 40.6g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a sauce pan, reduce the balsamic vinegar by half on low-medium heat for about 20 minutes.  Stir constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add Sriracha to the pan, continue to stir for another minute or two until combined.
4. Remove reduction from the heat and put into a dish.  Store in the refrigerator.
5. Slice the ham, chicken, red onion, & strawberries.
6. Spray frying pan with cooking spray, and sauté the onions until fragrant.
7. Line a baking sheet, and lightly spray both sides of the flatbread with cooking spray.
8. Spread reduction over the flatbread leaving a little extra for after the pizza has baked.
9. Top with spinach, chicken, strawberries, ham, jalapeños, onions & feta.
10. Bake 6-8 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Sprinkle with desired seasonings & leftover reduction.

Strawberry "French Toast"

Charleston + Sunday = Brunch

Brunch is probably my favorite meal.  Sweet or savory - I don't discriminate.  Most brunch recipes are far from healthy, which is why I created this play on a classic - Strawberry French Toast.

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 1 Flatbread (Joseph's Multigrain Flatbread)

          Calories: 90, Fat: 2.5g, Carbs: 13g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 7g

• 1 cup of Sliced Strawberries

          Calories: 50, Fat: 0.5g, Carbs: 13g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 1g

• 1 Egg White

          Calories: 17, Fat: 0.1g, Carbs: 0.2g, Sugars: 0.2g, Protein: 3.6g

• 1/4 a cup of Sugar Free Maple Syrup (Vermont's)

          Calories: 15, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 5g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0g

• 1 TBS Unsweetened Almond Milk (Almond Breeze, Original)

          Calories: 2, Fat: 0.2g, Carbs: 0.1g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0.1g

• 1 TSP Cinnamon

          Calories: 6, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 2g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0g

• Cooking Spray

Entire Recipe: Calories: 180, Fat: 3.3g, Carbs: 33.3g, Sugars: 9.2g, Protein: 11.7g

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Heat frying pan to medium.
2. Beat egg white, almond milk, and half the cinnamon until well combined.
3. Cut flatbread into four squares.
4. Pour egg mixture on to a plate.
5. Spray pan with cooking spray.
6. Generously dip the pieces of flatbread into the egg mixture to coat both sides.
7. Place the pieces in the sauce pan two at a time.  Flipping until lightly brown on each side.
8. Top flat bread pieces with syrup, strawberries, and the remaining cinnamon.

Review: Quest Nutrition Bars

A couple week's ago I was looking at the nutrition information on my morning protein bar and was shocked by the amount of sugar it had in it.  I was on a mission to find a new go-to breakfast bar.  I did some research, read a lot of reviews, and decided to give Quest Nutrition a try.  Naturally, I bought one of just about every flavor GNC had in stock, and here are my thoughts...

12. Coconut Cashew

Calories: 170, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 20g

Mehhh. I am not a fan.

12. Chocolate Brownie

Calories: 170, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 24g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 20g

I probably would have been completely satisfied with this bar if I would not have had the others. It wasn't bad, but very one-note.

11. Strawberry Cheesecake

Calories: 160, Fat: 4.5, Carbs: 26g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 20g

This is the flavor I was most excited to try.  Maybe my expectations were too high, but I didn't really get any cheesecake flavor.  It was all strawberry.

10. Chocolate Peanut Butter

Calories: 160, Fat: 5g,  Carbs: 25g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 20g

This was the first bar I tried.  It was good, but I wasn't wowed.

9. White Chocolate Raspberry

Calories: 190, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 23g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 20g

White chocolate is my weakness, so I was ready to be blown away.  This bar is good, but it  just couldn't compete with some of the other flavors.

8. Lemon Cream Pie

Calories: 160, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 26g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 20g

This is where ranking got a little tricky.  This bar was very good.  Light and citrusy!

7. Banana Nut Muffin

Calories: 170, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 25g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 20g

The name says it all.  Banana. Nut. Muffin.  It is delicious!

6. Cinnamon Roll

Calories: 170, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 20g

I am a sucker for anything cinnamon, and this bar did not disappoint.

5. Apple Pie

Calories: 180, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 25g, Sugars: 4g, Protein 20g

This bar and Cinnamon Roll are very similar.  The chunks of apple in this bar give it the edge.

4. Vanilla Almond Crunch

Calories: 190, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 21g, Sugars: 1g, Protein 20g

I really liked this bar.  It reminded me of a white chocolate macadamia cookie!

3. Double Chocolate Chunk

Calories: 160, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Sugars 1g, Protein: 20g

To be honest, I didn't even want to buy this one, but I got one free so I gave it a shot.  Boy am I glad I did.  It definitely fulfills the chocolate cravings!

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Calories: 190, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 21g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 21g

It's like eating raw cookie dough.  I don't know how they do it...

AND THE WINNER IS...

1. Cookies & Cream

Calories: 180, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 22g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 21g

HOLY COOKIES & CREAM.  This bar is sinfully good. Go get one. Now.

Overall, I was so impressed with this brand.  They have so many flavors that I can't see myself getting bored.  I have heard that you can even use them to bake cookies and other desserts.  I'll definitely be trying that out soon, so stay tuned!

Does anyone else eat Quest Bars?  What's your favorite flavor?

Balsamic Green Beans & Over Easy Egg Penne

I had some green beans in the refrigerator that I needed to use so I came up with this recipe.  The whole thing took less than 20 minutes from start to finish.  Looking for a super easy yet satisfying lunch or dinner for one?  Well, here you go!

Ingredients & Nutritional Information:

• 3/4 cup of Penne (Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Penne)

          Calories: 180, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 39g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 9g

• 1 1/2 cups of Fresh Green Beans 

          Calorie: 50, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 12g, Sugars: 6g, Protein: 4g

• 1 Egg

          Calories: 78, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 0.6g, Sugars: 0.6g, Protein: 6g

• 2 TBS of Reduced Fat Feta

          Calories: 30, Fat: 1.8g, Carbs: 0.5g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 3g

• 1 TBS Balsamic Vinegar (Pompeiian)

          Calories: 5, Fat: 0g, Carbs: 2g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 0g

• 1 Laughing Cow Wedge (Mozzarella, Sun-dried Tomato & Basil )

          Calories: 35, Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 2g

• 1 TBS Unsweetened Almond Milk (Almond Breeze, Original)

          Calories: 2, Fat: 0.2g, Carbs: 0.1g, Sugars: 0g, Protein: 0.1g

• Desired Seasoning (Oregano, Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb, etc.)
• Cooking Spray

Entire Recipe: Calories: 380, Fat: 10g, Carbs: 55.2, Sugars: 11.6, Protein: 24.1

*The ingredients can easily be multiplied for more servings.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Wash green beans, and put them in a plastic bag.  Add balsamic vinegar, a couple sprays of cooking spray, and desired seasonings to the bag and toss gently to coat the beans.
3. Line a baking sheet with tin foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.  Spread green beans out so that they are not touching.  Place in the oven for 10 minutes -- tossing after 5.
4. While the beans are baking, cook the penne to desired texture.  Strain the pasta and place it in a sauce pan with the Laughing Cow wedge and almond milk.
5. Sautee on medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, stirring constantly to keep the cheese from burning.  Remove from the pan once the wedge has completely melted and coated the pasta.  Set aside.
6. Prepare one over easy egg.
7. Place the egg on top of the bowl of pasta, add green beans, feta, and top with salt & pepper.