Hello, hello! I hope your Tuesday is off to a fabulous start!
I have an especially delicious, only 3-ingredient recipe for you guys, but, first, let’s do breakfast!
Breakfast
Breakfast was something a little different this morning, but it was really tasty. I had two toasted Vans waffles with Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread and banana slices on top. I loved the creamy cinnamon flavor mixed with banana. Mmm! I will definitely be a good alternative to nut butter every once in awhile!
[I am an official brand advocate for Bel Brands in 2013. While I receive compensation for participation as a brand advocate, opinions are my own.]
Snack
A few hours after breakfast, I started to get hungry, but lunch wasn’t for a few hours. I was also planning to take a noon CrossFit class and needed a little something in my stomach, so I whipped up a batch of Vanilla Cake Batter Balls, which turned out so well. I’d even go as far as describing them as “incredible”! And, of course, I love any recipe that is easy to make and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole pitted dates (about 8-9)
- 1/2 cup whole walnuts (or other favorite nut)
- 1/2 cup vanilla cake batter coconut butter* (dry)
Directions:
Add coconut butter to a microwave-safe bowl and nuke it until melted (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
Meanwhile, combine dates and walnuts in a food processor.
Process until coarsely chopped.
Remove coconut butter from the microwave and mix in dates and walnuts until fully combined.
Roll batter with hands into 1-inch balls and place on wax paper.
Refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. (The coconut butter will harden up.)
*If you don’t have vanilla cake batter coconut butter, regular coconut butter with a little bit of vanilla extract, honey, and sea salt would probably work to get the right flavor.
Health News & Views
If you’re trying to avoid gluten, you might miss the occasional piece of pizza in your diet. Who can resist the cheese, sauce, toppings, and, of course, crispy crust? Instead of missing out on a delicious slice of pie, here’s an easy recipe for gluten-free pizza crust. It combines the flavors of garlic, oregano, and cheese in a thin, crispy crust.
An Easy, Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Recipe
FitnessGlo Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a 90-day membership to FitnessGlo! Here’s your winner:
Stephanie
I would love to try it. Its so nice to be able to workout at home and I would love to have more choices. I was also going to suspend my gym membership for the summer, and it would be nice to be able to try some strength classes to compliment outdoor workouts.
Congrats, Stephanie! Please email me at tina@carrotsncake.com to claim your prize.
Question of the Day
What flavors do you think are “incredible”? What foods do you love, but hate the flavored versions?
Vanilla cake flavors are definitely up there for me. (Vanilla Frosting Lip Smackers anyone? I used to love that stuff.) Basically, if it’s vanilla cake-flavored, I will probably love it. I also love anything truffle-flavored. Truffle French fries, truffle mac & cheese? HELLO!
As for foods that I love, but hate the flavored versions: bananas. Banana-flavored things are the worst! I avoid them at all costs.