Gluten Free Power Balls

Oh, I just can't wait for you to try these!  This has to be one of my favorites and I know I will be making these A LOT and here are a few reasons why...

1. They're delicious!
2. They're EASY (no baking!)
3. They're actually healthy (that doesn't mean you can eat all of them!) and packed with protein!
4. They're sweet and satisfy my strong sweet-tooth!
5. They're delicious!

I made these today and not only did I think this recipe was a keeper but all 3 of my kids LOVED them!  ENJOY!!

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops protein powder (I use Shakeology)
• 1 cup gluten free quick oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed (if you only have whole seeds then just grind some up in a food processor!)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

• Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl.  Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Once chilled, roll into balls and serve or store in an air tight container and keep refrigerated.  

They taste much better than they look (these weren't fully chilled!) so don't be scared!  =)

Mo's Fruit Salad

My Mom has made this fruit salad for as long as I can remember. It's delicious, it's easy, and it's always a hit....when she remembers to take it out of the fridge!  Haha!  It's kind of a family inside joke because every event she makes it (Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) she forgets to bring it out and once we're all done eating she proclaims, "Oops, I forgot to take out my fruit salad!"  =)  That's fine with me because I like it as a dessert anyway!  My kids LOVE it and it makes a perfect snack for them and I would much rather them snack on this than cookies all the time!

Today is my little boys first day of school and his request for his after school snack was none
other than Mo's Fruit Salad so I happily obliged!  It was a big hit and his first day was a success!  

My happy little 2nd Grader!  =)

My little helper licking the bowl!

I hope you enjoy this as a healthy dessert for you and your kiddos too!  Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

1. Large Strawberry/Banana Jell-O package (Sugar Free, 8 1/2 cup serving)
2. Cool Whip (Lite) 8 oz.
3. Cottage Cheese (Fat Free) 16.oz
4. 1 can Lite sliced peaches (drained) 
5. 1 bag of frozen strawberries
6. 1 banana

Directions:

1. Put first 3 ingredients in a large bowl and mix it together so that the Jell-O dissolved into the mixture!
2. Add the remaining ingredients (you may want to cut the peach slices in 1/2) and place in refrigerator until ready to serve!  

Tips:

1. I would add the bananas at the very end and if you're going to be serving it the next day then I would wait until the day of to add them.  Otherwise, they get brown and make the salad watery!
2. You can choose to use fresh fruit if you'd like, I know that's what I have pictured, but I actually like it better with the frozen!  Whatever you prefer!  =)

Not Yo Mamma's Salad

This last weekend we went to my cousins house and had an amazing day swimming, eating, and visiting around the pool.  It was a wonderful day spent with family and the food was amazing!  

 On our way...aren't they supposed to look like this on the ride home instead!?  =)

 Our youngest was swimming her little heart out!

Fun time with family!  

When the day was done I took home 3 new recipes and these salads are to die for...I'm just saying!  If you don't try anything I've ever posted, you HAVE to try these!  Let me know what you think!  

I'll start with my favorite...

1. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Ingredients: 

2 cups quinoa 

1-2 cans rinsed black beans

1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

1-2 cans corn

1 can shoepeg corn

cherry tomatoes halved

3/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/2 purple onion

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh coriander

5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste

1/3 cup olive oil

Directions: 

(Now this is a pretty interesting way to cook it but it's supposed to make the quinoa fluffy and light, perfect for a salad but if you're lazy in the kitchen like I usually am then try making normal quinoa by the box directions and I bet it's just as good!?!)

In a bowl wash quinoa in at least 5 changes cold water, rubbing grains and letting them settle before pouring off most of water, until water runs clear and drain in a large fine sieve.

In a saucepan of salted boiling water cook quinoa 10 minutes. Drain quinoa in sieve and rinse under cold water. Set sieve over a saucepan of boiling water (quinoa should not touch water) and steam quinoa, covered with a kitchen towel and lid, until fluffy and dry, about 10 minutes (check water level in kettle occasionally, adding water if necessary).

While quinoa is cooking, in a small bowl toss beans with vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and cool. Add beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and coriander and toss well.

 In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, salt, and cumin and add oil in a stream, whisking.

Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well with salt and pepper to taste. Salad may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.

2.  Watermelon, Cucumber, and Jícama Salad

4 cups cubed (1/2 inch) seeded watermelon (from a 3-lb piece, rind discarded)

2 cups cubed (1/2 inch) peeled jicama (1 lb)

2 cups cubed (1/2 inch) peeled and seeded cucumber (1 1/2 lb)

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 teaspoon salt

Toss together all ingredients in a serving bowl. Serve immediately.

3.  Black Bean Salad

Ingredients: 

Black beans

Red/yellow/orange peppers

Green onion (green part only)

Red onion

Couple of pickled jalapeños

Cilantro

Garlic

Salt

Lime juice (depending how much you make...maybe 1/4 cup per can of black beans) Olive oil to taste (probably similar quantity to lime juice)

Mix it all together and enjoy! 

Original recipes found at www.epicurious.com