Recipe | Cake Batter Protein Bites

Love is in the air…

Valentine’s Day might have been conceived as a marketing ploy by the holiday card companies but it is one of my favorite days of the year. And while my motto is to Love Someone all year long, it is nice that there’s a whole 24 hours dedicated to spending quality time with your sweetheart (or whomever it is you love & adore).

Baking an entire cake from scratch on a weekday is a find aspiration, but sometimes just isn’t in the cards (heart-shaped ones or not!) because of our busy lives. So often, we’re then tempted to grab something from the nearest grocery or convenience mart that comes in a box and is guaranteed to be full of processed coloring and added sugars.

So, if you are anything like me and are trying to stay healthy-ish as we embark upon a new decade, but still want to enjoy a sweet TREAT this Valentine’s Day…do I have a sweetheart of a deal for you with these delicious little protein bites!

CAKE BATTER PROTEIN BITES

NO BAKING REQUIRED!
Serving Size: 18-20

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Coconut Flakes

• 3 cups Organic Coconut Oil, melted

• 3/4 cup Almond Flour

• 6 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

• 3/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder

• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt

• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

2. Mix with hand mixer or by using your hands until all ingredients are well-combined.

3. Scoop out heaping spoonfulls of mixture and roll between hands to form small balls.

4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

5. Refrigerate until firm - at least 30 minutes - transfer to bowl or sealed Tupperware and store in refrigerator until ready to eat - up to one week.

*For a softer “bite” remove portions from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before eating.

Bon Appetit!

Overnight Oats - Just In Time For The New School Year

The seasons are changing and that means a new school year is on the horizon.

During the school year, my sweet kiddos will be out of bed before the sun comes up and their bellies need to be nice and full when they head out the door. Rolled oats soak up milk overnight in your refrigerator, giving them a plump, tender texture much like their boiled counterparts, without all the cooking!

It’s been my saving grace on busy mornings and I want to share it with all of you! The best part about it? Well, there are several, but my favorite is that it’s fun, tasty, and full of healthy nutrients to keep kids fueled until lunch time!

This recipe makes 4 - 1/2 cup servings. Increase or decrease as you like, just remember it’s equal parts oatmeal to liquid and 1/4 part Chia seed.



Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Fashioned Oats

• 2 cups Milk (Cows, Almond, Coconut, Cashew, etc.)

• 1/2 cups Chia seeds for a puddling like texture! - Optional

• Your favorite oatmeal toppings
  This recipe is very basic, but the topping combos are limitless; use the ones you and your family LOVE. Some of our favorites are:

• Bananas

• Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)

• Nuts (walnuts, pecans, sliced or chopped almonds, etc.)

• Peanut Butter (or Almond butter, etc.)

• Raisins, craisins or currents

• Chocolate Chips (carob, vanilla, etc.)

• Honey

Directions:

1. In a medium sized bowl, add 2 cups oats to 2 cups milk or milk substitute and 1/2 cup Chia seeds (if desired). Combine well. (Chia seeds can also be added to the mix for their nutritional benefit and to create a more “pudding like” consistency.}

2. Transfer mixture into 4 individual serving-sized glasses or jars. Leave plenty of room at the top for the toppings!

3. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.

The Next Morning… You can be as creative as your cravings! Fruit, nuts, chocolate, you name it! Put out the toppings, hand each child their oats, and let the delicious, creative process take place! In Casa Delilah, we love these combos:

Strawberries, Bananas, & Honey
Mixed Berry
Peanut Butter, Banana & Chocolate Chips
S’mores!: Peanut Butter, Mini-Marshmallows (just a few!) & Chocolate Chips!

My kids love helping me to make this in the evening and are excited to see the transformation from dry boring oats the night before to delicious and creamy oatmeal the next morning. By giving them topping options, everyone gets exactly what they want! It’s fun, nutritious, and a great alternative to sugary cereals, with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and just a touch of yum to satisfy that sweet tooth!

I hope you and your family enjoy this easy and healthful breakfast treat as much as we do!