Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Spring Break is approaching it’s final days, then it’s back to school for the last of the 2015-2016 school year. I will need something to get my motor running……… Cranberry Almond Energy Bites.

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

I am always running later than I want too! I start getting ready for school early enough, but somewhere between the shower and the door……..I think I enter a time warp, or fall into a black hole…….anyway, I am always running out the door.

But, I believe in the power of breakfast. After a good nights sleep you need to refuel your tank. But, for the running late me, it needs to be a grab and go, eat in the car kinda thing. Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are certainly that kind of breakfast.

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Loaded with oatmeal, almonds, and almond butter, you will have all the protein you need to start your day. Chia seeds and flax add an additional health boost and cranberries and coconut add a bit of sweetness.

Since I have been on Spring Break, and doing Spring Break things…..no alarm, a few extra hours of sleep…..it will be hard to get back into the groove.

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

I have a plan, or I should say I made a plan. I made the Cranberry Almond Energy Bites this week, and I am already for that first day back to school. I can grab a couple of the bites and a cup of joe and head on out the door! Hopefully on time……..but, lets not get hysterical!

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

If you need that make ahead grab and go breakfast, try these bites. A big shout out to The Creative Bite for the recipe I found on Pinterest.

For now, I plan on enjoying my last few days of Spring Break!!!

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites Collage

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Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 c. oatmeal
  • c. sliced almonds
  • c. sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
  • ½ c. almond butter
  • ¼ c. honey
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • c. dried cranberries, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Bake oatmeal, almonds and coconut for 8-10 minutes at 350°, stirring after 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool. (My coconut was already toasted so I did not add it to the oatmeal and almonds)
  2. In a medium bowl microwave the almond butter for 20-30 seconds until runny, add the baked mix along with flaxseed, honey, chia seeds and cranberries to the bowl.
  3. Form into 1.5″ balls and refrigerate. I used a small ice cream scoop to make sure they were uniform. Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week or freezer for 3 months.

Notes

To make shaping the balls easier I sprayed my hands with coconut spray.
I also rolled them in extra coconut and almonds for a pretty look!

 

 

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta 2

 That’s a spicy meatball…….Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta.
If you have been reading our blog you know this, Tim loves spicy food, and I love to use ground chicken….in any way possible. So, how could I go wrong with these spicy meatballs, well I really couldn’t, and on top of that they are healthy!

Now, healthy does not always mean low calorie, the ingredients in this dish are nutrient dense, so please do not freak out when you see the calories at the end.
In our last post, we talked about the benefits of chia seeds and how we used them in Raspberry Chia Smoothie. So, in this recipe the chia seeds, are mixed with water to make a binder for the meatballs……so no eggs needed. I will admit that the chia water mixture does not look appetizing but it worked great in the meatballs.
Adding rolled oats and coconut oil added to the nutritional value. We all know the benefits of rolled oats as a grain but, I am a huge fan of coconut oil…… Studies have shown that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus, and candida.

Coconut oil can also positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood-sugar control. People who take coconut oil also tend to have improvements in how they handle blood sugar, since coconut can help improve insulin use within the body. Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy, and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Use coconut oil in cooking, as it can stand heat making it a better option. I also use it to remove makeup and as a skin moisturizer. Before anyone curls their lip, thinking I double dip, I have two jars……one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom……….. That was a long lesson.

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta 1
The meatballs are baked and can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator or freezer until you make the pasta. Keep some in the freezer, so you can whip this up at a moment’s notice. Speaking of the pasta, how easy can boiling pasta, using some of the pasta water and just a small amount of half and half for the sauce be? Even the novice cook can do this to perfection. So, all of you who say “I can’t really cook”, give it a try, the result will amaze you!

A touch of lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and parsley to garnish and you have a beautiful healthy spicy delicious meal. Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta!

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta Collage

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Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta 1

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Pasta

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  • Author: Adapted from the Chia Cookbook by Janie Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 3/4 cup rolled (old-fashioned) oats
  • 1/3 cup green onions minced
  • 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 12 ounces whole grain linguine, spaghetti or angel hair pasta
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley chopped as garnish.

Instructions

  1. n a small bowl, whisk together the chia seeds and water and let stand for about 20 minutes. (Makes 3/4 cup extra-thick chia gel.)
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chia gel, ground chicken, oats, onion, 1/4 cup of the cheese, 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil, the parsley, oregano, garlic, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the red pepper flakes. When evenly combined, firmly form mixture into 20 meatballs (I use an ice cream scoop so they are all equal). Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake in 400* oven for 20-30 minutes until meatballs are totally cooked through. Keep warm in a 175* oven while making the pasta.
  4. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking water.
  5. Bring the half-and-half, the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and reserved pasta water to a boil over high heat in a large saucepan. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Add the lemon juice and toss to combine. Add the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and toss to combine.
  6. Transfer the linguine to four large pasta bowls. Top each five of chicken meatballs, sprinkle with basil/parsley and lemon zest, and serve.

Spicy Chia Chicken Meatball Past Lable

Raspberry Chia Smoothie

Raspberry Chia Smoothie

Raspberry Chia Smoothie 2

We all have those mornings when it is next to impossible to eat a good breakfast……..ah yeah ……like every morning. 

A grab and go breakfast is on just about everyones list. So, if you are gonna grab and go…….grab tasty and nutritious when you go……Raspberry Chia Smoothie!!!!

Tim and I have these almost every work day morning as we are running out the door. They are easy to prepare and extra healthy with the chia seeds.

So, you know whats next……a lesson……CHIA SEEDS……Chia is an edible seed that comes from a desert plant……..not a fuzzy hair growing Christmas gift that nobody wants………….Nutty-tasting whole-grain chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and they have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food….. even more than fresh blueberries. Another advantage of chia seeds being so rich in antioxidants is the seeds won’t deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.

The chia seeds you get in a Chia Pet have not been approved as food by the FDA, so get yours from a health food store, grocery store or order online. 

As always, if you have any health concerns or take medications it’s best to consult your Doctor before adding Chia Seeds to you daily regime. OK lesson over 🙂

Raspberry Chia Smoothie 1

Now, for the really good part…….the smoothie tastes like a raspberry shake…….no lie! They are cold and thick, with the sweet taste of raspberries and a hint of banana. 

Good part number two…….you can use any fruit you like. Raspberries not your thing, use strawberries,blueberries, mango, pineapple, blackberries………

I either buy frozen oragnic fruit or freeze my own. We have it down to an art….so I have yet to try this, but on Pinterest you can find out how to make smoothie packs so all you have to do is throw them in the blender with the almond milk……even easier. 

So, if you are looking for that healthy grab and go breakfast with the added nutritional value of the chia seed, make a Raspberry Chia Smoothie before you rush out the door!

Raspberry Chia Smoothie Collage

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Raspberry Chia Smoothie 1

Raspberry Chia Smoothie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Marty Boyd
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2cup frozen raspberries
  • 1/2cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions

  1. Place the raspberries, almond milk, yogurt, banana, and chia seeds, in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.

Notes

You can substitute any fruit you like for this recipe.

Raspberry Chia Smoothie Label