Favorites of 2012

I am such a follower.

Most of the blogs I read have put up "Best of 2012" posts. Which, of course, means I have to do one too. Except I don't really have enough readers to be able to gauge which recipes have been my most popular ones. In addition to being a follower, I am also self-absorbed. Which means that my "Best of 2012" posts are of the recipes that I liked best each month. It was tough to decide some months while others it was clear.

Here is the yearly roundup.

1. Curried Ketchup - Proclaimed as the "best thing I have ever made!" Seriously. It's delicious and the simplest thing I have ever made.

2. Crustless Apple Pie - I make this over and over again, especially since it is something I can put into the slow cooker.

3. Sweet Potato, Apple, and Celery Salad - One of the many positive things to come out of last year's many detoxes is this awesome salad.

4. Buttermilk Quick Bread with 10 Variations - This recipe made it on the list simply because of its many variations. It is one of those great recipes that you can adapt to any flavor, whip up quickly, and bring to a potluck.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip - This dip is seriously awesome. Despite its bean-i-ness, I have yet to serve this dip to someone and them not love it.

6. Chicken Meatball Soup - It is not often I eat, make, or post a recipe containing meat, but this turned out to be a pretty good soup recipe.

7. Zucchini Pancakes with Sauteed Corn - How could this one not make it to the list given my affinity for farmer's markets? This is the quintessential summer time recipe.

8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal - Chocolate and peanut butter for breakfast? Yes, please. 

9. Warm Summer Vegetable Slaw - Another great farmer's market recipe!

10. Moroccan-Inspired Butternut Squash Quinoa - This is one recipe that I swore would go on repeat. I have yet to make it again, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. It was delicious!

11. Peppermint Patty Bars - This recipe uses this year's most favorite new ingredient, dates! It tastes indulgent, but is quite healthy. 

12. Tofu Nuggets - Nuggets dipped in BBQ sauce. Need I say more?

Shout Outs to:
Black Bean Brownies
Slow Cooker Bread
Galettes Two Ways

Snacky Snack

I have a goal to never puke on my yoga mat. I think it's a good goal. It's something that's generally frowned upon in the yoga community.

When my Yoga Teacher Training started two weekends ago, I knew I needed to come up with some light, healthy snacks that were portable, good on the blood sugar, and wouldn't make me want to hurl in the middle of my Downward Facing Dog.

What I came up with were this cookies, inspired by Dr. Oz. Dr. Oz has started to make a strange appearance in our household lately. Mostly because Jerry has decided he is a middle-aged housewife who just loves Dr. Oz.

I have to admit, his show can be pretty engaging. Especially since he often tauts a lifestyle we already live, which includes a non-processed, whole foods diet with plenty of physical activity. You can keep this recipe in line with that philosophy by using plant-based protein powder and unrefined sugar.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies

by Bonnie Graham

Cook Time: 10 - 12 minutes

Keywords: bake snack vegetarian oats peanut butter

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Ingredients (12 cookies)

• 1/3 c natural peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp sucanat (unrefined sugar)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 c oats
• 2/3 c ground flaxseed meal
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix together eggs, sucanat, applesauce, peanut butter and vanilla.

3. Add protein powder, oats, flax meal, salt, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice, if using.

4. Drop spoonfuls dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheet.

5. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden brown.

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Pity Party

I'm home from work today. And not for a good reason.

Sadly, I'm sick.

The problem with being sick, besides its obvious suckiness, is that it has a way of throwing your blood sugar through a loop. Illness can cause blood sugar to spike for no apparent reason other then your body just wanting to fuck with you. The problem with high blood sugar, besides its obvious suckiness, is that it can cause you to become dehydrated. Which is probably the worst thing to be when you're sick since it inhibits your immune system.

And when I say "your," I mean "my". The diabetic in this conversation.

What had started last week as a sore throat has now turned into a full body ache. It sucks. I'm not a happy camper, especially considering that I had this whole exercise/diet plan for this week in preparation for Spain. So far, that's in the crapper since I have little desire to get out of bed right now, but do seem to have an all-consuming desire to eat everything chocolate!

What's the old adage say....starve a fever, feed a cold chocolate-peanut baked oatmeal for breakfast?

Well...it does now.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

by Bonnie Graham

Cook Time: 18 - 20 minutes

Keywords: bake breakfast snack vegetarian oats peanut butter

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Ingredients (1 large serving)

• 1/2 c rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 c apple sauce
• 1/4 c milk
• 1 - 2 packets Truvia or 4 tsp sugar of choice
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1-2 tbsp peanut butter
• Optional: chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Melt peanut butter in microwave for easier mixing.

3. Pour into a greased ramekin or a mini-loaf pan. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until it gets firm.

4. Optional - Set your oven to broil for 2 more minutes, or until it reaches desired crispness (broiling gives it a nice crust).

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