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chocolate chips

Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfait: Whip Your Way into Dessert Delight

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Since party planning for our St. Patrick’s Day party, I have been staring at one drool-worthy photo on my Pinterest dessert board. If I had know how delicious Homemade Hooplah’s Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfait was, I would have made it sooner. This dessert is absolutely delightful!

The recipe includes pillowy layers of homemade Baileys whipped cream nestled between Oreo cookie crumbs and the light chocolate layers of…wait for it…even more whipped cream. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself digging the spoon deeper into the glass to drag a bit of each layer up with each serving.

Having never made homemade whipped cream, I was frustrated when my bowl of Baileys, heavy cream, and powder sugar didn’t form “stiff peaks” after using a hand mixer for a few minutes. That’s because delicious whipped cream takes time! After seven minutes, I finally had real whipped cream. After 10 minutes I had eaten nearly all of it. Don’t judge me.

Tip: Over mixing your cream can turn your mixture into butter. Set a timer before you begin the process of mixing.

Homemade Hooplah’s recipe creator Chrisy recommends using a piping bag to add each layer to the glass to build your parfait. I also recommend doing so if you want to avoid messy layers. If you’re going for that Pinterest perfect photo, add your whipped cream to a corner-snipped Ziplock bag or buy a piping bag before preparing this recipe. While she give the option of crushing Oreo cookies inside a Ziplock bag, I crumbled the chocolate cookies in my Cuisinart. I love to watch theose blades whirl.

All the credit for this dessert goes to Homemade Hooplah, a Pinterest recipe success! What recipe is waiting for you to make it? Check out my Pinterest recipe boards to get some inspiration here.

Enjoy!

No Bake Energy Bites: A Mid-Day Snack to Keep You From Feeling Hangry

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Hangry – The word ‘hangry’ is a concise way to describe a common feeling. Hangry is a clever word combination of hungry and angry, and an adjective that describes being irritable due to hunger, according to Webster’s Dictionary.

Anyone who works with me knows that I keep snacks in my drawer (fruit roll-ups, whole fruit, or granola bars) so that in the event I begin to feel hangry, I’ve got relief nearby. Sometimes I can feel myself getting hangry mid-morning and nobody wants me to get hangry. Nobody. So, I grab a healthy snack.

Inspired by our healthier “lifestyle” (we’re not calling it a diet), I was inspired to make No Bake Energy Bites: A Mid-Day Snack to Keep You From Feeling Hangry. They taste like no bake cookies and curb your hunger thanks to the addition of oatmeal and chia seeds, a popular ingredient in smoothies and granola bowls. Chia seeds are a trending super food high in nutrients that provides boost of energy. You can purchase them in bulk at any health food store. Because they expand a bit when wet, they make you feel full! Oh, and total bonus…chia seeds are suppose to promote healthy skin and reduce the signs of aging. Well, duh! I think I’ll add them to every early morning breakfast.

These No Bake Energy Bites taste like a cookie but they’re healthy for you. This recipe included cocoa, chocolate chips, peanut butter, almonds, vanilla and honey add-ins. See the recipe card below.

Using quick oats as the base, the mix-in ingredient options are about as endless as your imagination. For example, you can make ingredient substitutions or try these flavor combinations:

  • butterscotch chips for chocolate chips
  • chopped dried bananas, bacon bits, and peanut butter
  • dried apple chips with raisins and cinnamon
  • sunflower seeds instead of peanuts or almonds
  • Nutella and dried berries like cherries or blueberries
  • crushed honey oat cereal and peanut butter
  • cranberries, raisins, and toasted coconut with Nutella (see photos below)

Making No Bake Energy Bites is as easy as combining all of the recipe ingredients in a bowl, mixing them (your hands are a great kitchen tool but beware – the added honey will leave your hands sticky), and rolling them into one inch balls after the mixture refrigerates for 30 minutes. It’s a cinch!

This recipe version of No Bake Energy Bites includes cranberries, chopped peanuts, chia seeds, toasted coconut, raisins, Nutella, honey, vanilla, and oatmeal.
Work together all of the ingredients by pressing your spoon into the walls of the bowl and then finish mixing.

If you initially have a hard time rolling the mixture into balls, squeeze it in your hand until the mixture is tight and then use both hands to form a one-inch ball. Tip: Layer parchment paper (or wax paper) between the layers of energy balls in an airtight container before you store them in the refrigerator for at least two hours. I’m impatient and put my Tupperware container of energy bites in the freezer for one hour. A-c-t-u-a-l-l-y, I must admit that I ate one before the rest even made it into the refrigerator. They’re simply delicious!

Cranberry Raisin with Nutella No Bake Energy Bites

There you have it! No Bake Energy Bites are healthy for you and will save you from hunger pains at work so you don’t “bite” your co-worker’s head off. Yes, I went there (insert eye roll). Grab some oatmeal and your favorite mix-in ingredients and get started making tomorrow’s mid-day snack (or breakfast)!

9 energy bites

No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites

Fight mid-day hunger with this healthy grab-and-go snack that tastes like an oatmeal cookie.

40 minPrep Time

1 hrCook Time

1 hr, 40 Total Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. quick oats
  • 1/2 c. natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 c. honey
  • 1/4 c. cocoa
  • 2 T. chopped almonds
  • 2 T. milk chocolate chips
  • 1 T. chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients with a spoon.
  2. Refrigerate mixture in the bowl for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove bowl from the refrigerator and shape it into one-inch balls.
  4. Place energy bites into a airtight container. Separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper.
  5. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.
7.8.1.2
72
https://onedelightfullife.com/no-bake-energy-bites-a-mid-day-snack-to-keep-you-from-feeling-hangry/

Nutrition

Calories

98 cal

Fat

3 g

Carbs

16 g

Protein

3 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Enjoy friends.

Peanut-Butterscotch Apple Nachos

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My three favorite meals (today) are a perfectly cooked ribeye, Red Rock Canyon Grill’s signature house salad, and dare I say it…nachos.

Serious nacho eaters know that there is craft to creating the perfect mound of delightful tailgate goodness. You must layer chips and cheese (and toppings of your choice) in multiple even layers. You can’t allow too much sprinkle cheese to hit only one area of the chips. Every chip must have an equal amount of cheese on top. And your nachos are not complete until you add free sour cream, sliced avocado, and homemade salsa.

Since it’s late October, I decided to create a recipe that combines my love of nachos and ooey-gooey fall flavors: Peanut-Butterscotch Apple Nachos. I used Rachel Ray’s recipe for her dessert fondue and simply added the warm drizzle over a bed of sliced Gala apples. Later, I also topped the apples with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts. You could also use the fondue to dip pretzel sticks or candied bacon, a super suggestion for the next time I create this beautiful little plate.

What is your favorite meal of all time?

Whatever you do, no matter how tempted, don't dip your finger in the warm peanut-butterscotch fondue. It's hot! Drizzle it over a bed of sliced apples and enjoy!
Whatever you do, no matter how tempted, don’t dip your finger in the warm peanut-butterscotch fondue. It’s hot! Drizzle it over a bed of sliced apples and enjoy!

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Serves 6

Peanut-Butterscotch Fondue

This Rachel Ray magazine recipe is awesome for fall! You can also dip pretzels or candied bacon in it.

15 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

25 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 3/8 c. milk (half of 3/4 cup)
  • 11oz. bag butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 c. smooth peanut butter
  • 1 T. boiling water

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over medium.
  2. Ad the butterscotch morsels and cook, stirring, until smooth, about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth.
  5. Stir in the boiling water.
  6. Serve over a plate of sliced apples.
  7. Top with chocolate ships, walnuts, and mini marshmallows.

Notes

I halved her original recipe since I didn't want to yield as much fondue.

7.8.1.2
58
https://onedelightfullife.com/peanut-butterscotch-apple-nachos/

Nutrition

Calories

481 cal

Fat

33 g

Carbs

41 g

Protein

7 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

Peanut Butter Banana Honey Overnight Oats

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Sometimes I wish I could come up with a genius invention to cash in on. For example, the person who invented the Post-It note is a total genius. I use those every day!  While I do get creative in the kitchen when it comes to recipes, I can’t claim the overnight oats idea. It’s a brilliant recipe that is incredibly simple to make and you can flavor it up any way you like with mix-ins. If you’ve got a mason jar and oatmeal, then you’re halfway there.

Peanut Butter Banana Honey Overnight Oats combines many of my favorite flavor combinations and includes heart-healthy ingredients. Many recipes for overnight oats call for chia seeds. I wasn’t going to drive all the way to the store just for fancy seeds and I think my recipe came out just as great or even better.

While I made a large batch of overnight oats, which I’ve eaten on for two mornings, you could make a half size mason jar for one serving. Simply layer the ingredients (see recipe card below), shake, and refrigerate overnight. Don’t be put off by the look of the mixture when you spy it in the refrigerator the next morning. It will taste delicious!

Open the jar and top it with your favorite flavors. You can use everything from dark chocolate to fruit. Let your imagination go wild as you enjoy a guilt-free, healthy breakfast.

Overnight oats are all about the layers and mix-ins and like a surprise in your refrigerator in the morning.
Overnight oats are all about the layers and mix-ins. Think of it like a lil’ breakfast surprise waiting in your refrigerator for you to enjoy.

The first time I read about “healthy fats” I thought it was an oxymoron. It turns out that healthy fats are r-e-a-l! Monounsaturated fats are actually good for your body and they have positive effects on your health. The nuts in this recipe contain protein, vitamins, and fiber.

Walnuts contain fatty acids which are good for heart health and peanuts have compounds that keep your cholesterol on the level. You can feel good about eating dark chocolate chips in your breakfast. A study noted in a 2014 article “Why is Dark Chocolate Good for You? Thank your Microbes” in Scientific American by Katherin Harmon, found that dark chocolate “improves vascular function and cardiovascular health in general.”

And what’s all the buzz about using honey in recipes? Honey is high in antibacterial properties and published studies confirm that a daily consumption of the liquid gold helps boost the memory of women experiencing menopause.

1 large jar

Peanut Butter Banana Honey Overnight Oats

Overnight oats sound labor intensive but they're incredibly simple to make and delicious. The mix-in combinations are limitless!

10 minPrep Time

8 hrCook Time

8 hr, 10 Total Time

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Ingredients

  • Overnight Oats Mixture:
  • 1/2 c. quick oats
  • 1/2 c. plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1/4 c. soy milk (vanilla flavor optional)
  • 1 T cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Mix-In Toppings:
  • 1 T. whole walnuts
  • 1 T. peanut butter
  • 1 T. dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 sliced banana
  • 1 tsp honey

Instructions

  1. Layer all ingredients in a mason or Bell jar starting with the oats.
  2. Secure the lid.
  3. Shake for 5 seconds.
  4. Refrigerate overnight.
  5. After the oats have refrigerated overnight, open the jar and top with sliced banana, walnuts, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, and a honey drizzle.

Notes

Use the One Delightful Life graphic to try other mix-in combinations.

7.8.1.2
40
https://onedelightfullife.com/peanut-butter-banana-honey-overnight-oats/

Nutrition

Calories

1051 cal

Fat

80 g

Carbs

66 g

Protein

31 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

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Break out these sweet treats at the pool for your kiddos and watch them do the happy dance. Grown men are also known to act giddy when handed these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches. This dessert is so good you may not make it to the pool to deliver these sweet treats because you’ll eat them all first. Take it from me, the food blogger who ate three warm cookies before even pulling the ice cream from the freezer, you’ll thank me for this recipe later.

Admittedly the cookie recipe isn’t my own. I couldn’t resist smashing scrumptious ice cream in between two warm cookies and rolling them in candied sprinkles on a hot summer day.  The combinations of flavors is endless. Today, I’m sandwiching cookies around Private Selection’s Carmel Hazelnut Fudge Truffle with chocolate sprinkles and another one with Double Vanilla.

Until next time ice cream truck man. I’m happy with this homemade sweet treat and you will be too! These sandwiches are served best after they sit in the freezer for at least a couple of hours to harden.

Ring! Ring! This is chewy chocolate chip ice cream sandwich is better than the ice cream truck approaching on a hot summer day. Customize your sweet sammie with colorful sprinkles and notice the kid in you begin to smile.
Ring! Ring! This is chewy chocolate chip ice cream sandwich is better than the ice cream truck approaching on a hot summer day. Customize your sweet sammie with colorful sprinkles and notice the kid in you begin to smile.

16 large cookies

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Sandwiches

I dare you to find a better soft, chewy chocolate chip recipe, which is why Martha gets the credit for this one. Perfect for ice cream sandwiches!

10 minPrep Time

12 minCook Time

17 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 1 c. packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, vanilla, salt, sugars, eggs and mix about one minute. Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Add chocolate chips and mix again.
  2. Heap large tablespoons of cookie dough on to lightly greased cookie sheets leaving at least an inch between cookies.
  3. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
7.8.1.2
13
https://onedelightfullife.com/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookie-ice-cream-sandwiches/

Nutrition

Calories

1071 cal

Fat

3 g

Carbs

222 g

Protein

29 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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