May
29
2015

Chocolatey Zucchini Brownies

Delicious and Moist Brownies with Hidden Zucchini

by: Lara Katz

Chocolatey Zucchini Brownies

chocolate_brownies_recipe

I love the deep chocolate taste of these brownies. Even more so, I love that they have zucchini in them, are made with whole wheat flour, are low in fat and are relatively "good for you!" The cocoa and chocolate chips make them so chocolately you can't even see the shredded zucchini. 

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups grated zucchini (1 medium zucchini)
1 cup chocolate chips

 

Directions

  Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a 9" square pan with nonstick baking spray.

  In a large bowl gently whisk eggs. Add in vanilla and sugar and yogurt and mix until combined.

  In a separate medium size bowl mix together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Gently stir in zucchini and then chocolate chips.

  Pour batter into sprayed pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Makes 16 brownies

Adapted from texanerin.com

Looking for more healthy snacks? Try Carrot and Zucchini Mini Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Secret Healthy Ingredient, and Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Corn Cakes

 

May
27
2015

Delicious Banana Date Smoothie Recipe

A Healthy and Filling Smoothie You Can Make At Home

by: Lara Katz

Delicious Banana Date Smoothie Recipe

banana_smoothie_recipe

I had the most delicious smoothie the other day at a juice bar- but it cost $11! Chances of me returning back to the same place for the same smoothie are slim to none. I've recreated the same smoothie, and saved myself $11 without leaving my house to get it! This recipe makes two smoothies, so if you only want one, simply cut the ingredients in half. Because you are blending a frozen banana and ice I recommend a high quality blender such as a Vitamix where possible - try in steps on pulse if not.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups ice
1 1/2 cups skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 of 1 frozen banana
3 dried dates, chopped

  Place all ingredients in blender and mix well until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses and drink right away.

Makes 2 smoothies

Adapted from Giada's Feel Good Food

Looking for more breakfast recipes?  Try Perfect Freezer Friendly Bran Muffins or  Delicious High Fibre Homemade Granola

May
15
2015

Whole BBQ'd Cauliflower

Move over, meat.

by: Lara Katz

Whole BBQ'd Cauliflower

Whole_BBQ_cauliflower_recipe

I love cauliflower! It's so versatile and nutritious, and serving a whole cauliflower seems to be very popular right now. When serving it all you need to do is slice each person a piece. Grilling the entire cauliflower is easy and delicious, and it takes about an hour so make sure you leave enough time to cook it. The cauliflower can sit on the BBQ while you BBQ your other things but try to keep the lid closed as much as possible so the heat inside the BBQ can cook the cauliflower.

Ingredients

1 whole cauliflower
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp turmeric
 
Directions
 

  Preheat BBQ to medium high heat.

  In a small bowl, mix together the salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and turmeric.

  Trim stems from cauliflower base so it can stand on its own.

  Place a long piece of tinfoil on the counter and place cauliflower on top.

  Drizzle oil on top and on sides of cauliflower.

 Sprinkle spice mixture on top and on sides of cauliflower, you may not need all of it depending on how big the cauliflower is.

  Fold tinfoil together at the top and up the sides, and make sure the cauliflower is completely covered. 

  Lower BBQ heat to medium. Place tinfoil wrapped cauliflower directly on BBQ grills. Cook for 1 hour for a softer cauliflower, 30-45 minutes for one that is more crunchy. Watch to make sure there is no smoke coming out of BBQ. Also watch the temperature of the BBQ, I found it got very hot and I had to keep lowering it to keep it at a medium heat.

  After an hour remove cauliflower from grill. Carefully unwrap cauliflower, steam from inside the tinfoil will be extremely hot, be careful!

Serves 4-6 people.

Get your grill on! Try these great BBQ Tips.