Peanut Butter Truffles

Hey Guys! 

I am so excited to share this amazing recipe with you.  I made these Peanut Butter Truffles as dessert for Mother’s Day and they were seriously to die for….I thought I was eating a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup but without the processed garbage.   While not low in calories or fat, they are seriously worth making for a special occasion or treat!  Just a warning - highly addictive! 

Peanut Butter Truffles  - Perfect little morsels of AWESOMENESS! 

Ingredients:

½ cup pitted dates (I buy a large bag at Costco – last forever and you can use for just about anything)

½ cup natural peanut butter – Salted

½ cup nuts – I used a mix of unsalted cashews and raw walnuts

Handful of Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels 

Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract 

3 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup

Pinch of Sea Salt 

Chocolate coating:

1 cup semi sweet dark chocolate chips 

1 tsp coconut oil 

Place dates, peanut butter, nuts, vanilla, maple syrup and sea salt in a food processor and blend until a dough forms.  Add pretzels and pulse until incorporated and mixed in but not pulverized. A little crunch is a good thing….Trust me! 

Form into bite size balls and set on parchment paper. 

In a small sauce pan, add chocolate chips and coconut oil, melt but don’t overcook where it becomes watery and loose.  Coat the PB balls one at a time and allow to dry on parchment paper. I sprinkled mine with a bit of sea salt.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge.  You can freeze them but I am sure they won’t last long enough to freeze - just saying! 

Get fancy and top with a variety of sprinkles….how fun would that be for a gift idea?  Red, green & white for Christmas….Pink or Blue for a baby shower or fun & colorful for a Birthday Party.   Let your creative side shine…the possibilities are endless.  

Enjoy! 

Life is all about balance...

You won’t be perfect no matter what you think and you will go overboard at times.  It’s the next move that matters most – if you over indulge or miss a workout – Don’t give up! Keep going! It’s all about balance and your next choice whether it be food or exercise is what really counts….Big picture thinking wins every time. 

The “prior” Bobbi used to have this all or none thinking…If I ate something unhealthy, that meal turned into a day or even a weekend of bad choices.  Today, it’s more about balancing the scales.  One bad food choice just means the next choice will be better.  If I hit the snooze button on the 4:20a alarm and choose to sleep vs. working out, guess what?  I owe this body a workout in the evening.  It all counts!  Today, I choose to celebrate small victories and not let old patterns keep me stuck.

Less talking....More Doing

Now for some Fun & Healthy Recipes: 

Growing up, my mom made “enchilada pie” which consisted of flour tortillas, a ton of cheese as well as canned creamed soup & beans.  While delicious and safe to say a “family favorite” it definitely was not hip and thigh friendly.  I think I may have found a close runner up while cutting out the processed carbohydrates, canned products and using less cheese. I also feel it is safe to say my dad would 100% disagree with me on this one!  Haha 

Tex Mex Shepards Pie: 

2 medium sweet potatoes – bakes until super soft and peeled

½ cup Fage Greek Yogurt – nonfat or low fat

1 tablespoon of coconut oil 

 2 lbs lean ground beef or lean ground turkey (I used beef)

½ of a finely chopped sweet onion 

2 ribs of finely chopped celery

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 

3 tablespoons Bella Wing Sauce – Available at Whole Foods or substitute you can use red enchilada sauce 

Packet of Taco Seasoning 

½ bag frozen veggies (corn, carrots and peas)

Green onions chopped used for topping

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese for topping 

In a large nonstick pan, brown the onion and celery using the coconut oil.  Add your meat and fully cook.  Next add your taco seasoning, mixed veggies, mustard and either Bella Wing Sauce or enchilada sauce (I used appx 3 tablespoons of Bella's Wing Sauce) however, you can add more if you prefer a saucy texture.  Salt and Pepper to taste.

Using a hand held or stand up mixer  – add your baked and peeled sweet potatoes with Greek yogurt and black pepper.  Mix together until smooth. 

In a Pam sprayed baking dish (I used a large loaf pan) – first add your meat mixture and top with sweet potatoes.  Final layer is shredded sharp cheddar cheese and green onions if using.  Bake at 350 until cheese is melted.  

Enjoy! 

Now go out and don't forget to be AWESOME! 

Favorite Beauty Products

Most great products are discovered by reviews, friends or trial and error.  Thought I would share a few of my all time favorites. 

I like to consider myself very efficient when it comes to getting ready in the morning.  After all, I do have to be out the door by 6:30a and some days 5:45a depending on my work schedule.  My day typically starts with a workout and then it's a mad rush to hit the shower and get on the road... just another added bonus of living in Southern California......a long commute for a short distance.  I complain about it but I wouldn't change it for the world.  

My favorite beauty products:

Dessert Essence Face Wash - I found this stuff years ago at Trader Joe's and I seriously can't live without it.  By far the best stuff I have found and not expensive.  Leaves my face feeling squeaky clean....
Just don't get it in your eyes, it contains tea tree oil. Ouch! 

Olay Body Wash- Love this stuff and best of all, I can get it in bulk from Costco!  Bonus! 

Dessert Essence Coconut Body Lotion - Amazing and it smells like I am headed to the beach! A girl can dream Monday through Friday right?  Super thick, rich and leaves my skin soft.  

Make Up - I am an Urban Decay fan...hands down!  I have tried them all and their eye makeup is down right amazing.....rich pigment, the eyeliner doesn't smudge and won't come off until you remove it. Not to mention they make every color under the sun.  In keeping my routine simple, I wear neutral colors.  A little unknown secret about me, I have a huge blush addiction....not sure what thats about however, I can't walk by a makeup counter without taking a quick look.  MAC wins on this one, my top pics....Melba and Blush all Day!  

St. Tropez Self Tanning - originally a midwestern girl from Kansas with an Irish/German descent, it's safe to say, I don't tan well naturally....but living in Southern California, I wanna look the part.  A healthy glow all year suits me.  It just feels better.... and looks better!  St. Tropez is by the far the best self tanner.  It does not leave me orange, goes on even and fades without notice.  I apply on Sunday and look sun kissed all week! 

Crest White Strips - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  
I use these once a month or as needed to keep the smile bright. 

"Beauty isn't about having just a pretty face, it's about having a pretty mind, pretty heart and most importantly, a beautiful soul"

Sweet Potato & Salmon Cakes

Good Morning,

This recipe is amazing and not to mention a total power house of nutrition plus completely satisfying.  

Ingredients:

1 can of Costco wild caught salmon 
3 green onions - finely chopped 
1 medium baked sweet potato - cook until soft and room temp 
1 egg
3 tablespoons almond flour
fresh parsley - finely chopped
3 tablespoons of reduced sugar bbq sauce or dijon mustard

spices:

garlic powder
salt and pepper
smoked paprika

Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well (using hands).  Form into patties and lightly brown using coconut oil or olive oil.  Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until firm and fully cooked through.  ***makes 6 patties***

I would imagine you could use tuna in place of salmon if you prefer.  I will try that combo next. 

Enjoy!  

Sweet Potato Protein Pancakes

Good Sunday Morning to Ya! 

Just finished my workout in the rain....now that is dedication, I know!  Now it's time to fuel those muscles and get the day started.  How about some protein pancakes?  Oh yes, these were amazing, healthy and gluten free.  Bonus all around! 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sweet potato puree - pumpkin would be work too
2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp honey
3 eggs
1 tbsp coconut oil - melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup coconut flour
1 tsp cinnamon 
pinch of salt 
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 scoop of protein powder 

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.  I used my kitchen Aid standing mixer...super easy and mixed like a pro. 

In a large non-stick pan, add a bit of coconut oil and start forming your pancakes.  Cook until you see bubbles and flip.  These are a bit darker due to the sweet potato used.  

Sweet enough alone or you can add your favorite sweetener/syrup.....I topped mine with fresh banana. 

Enjoy! 

Cellucor Cinnamon Swirl is the brand/flavor I used to make my pancakes 

Wishing you all a wonderful week...remember to make good choices, fuel your body & get out there and move....

Stay STRONG!

Nachos - well kinda sorta

ssshhh....don't tell my body I am really on a diet of clean eating.  

Trying to switch things up at the cafe, I discovered a little creativity can really go a long way....can I tell you how amazingly delish this was?  I could but I suggest you try it for yourself.  I promise it will be love at first bite! 

Nachos 

2 medium size peeled sweet potatoes and sliced thin ( I used a mandolin but next time I won't, they were almost too thin)
1 to 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted 
Smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder

• Toss sweet potatoes with oil and spices, arrange on a cookie sheet and bake until crisp.  I baked mine at 375 degrees but watch careful so they don't burn. 

Toppings:

Extra lean hamburger meat cooked with onion and taco seasoning.  When finished add finely chopped cilantro and mix together.

Arrange cooked potato "chips" on a plate.  Add a generous serving of meat.  I added a sprinkle of cheese, dollop of low fat greek yogurt, siracha hot sauce, more cilantro and chopped green onions. 

Fresh avocado would be a nice addition too. 

Grocery List:

Sweet Potatoes
Low Fat Greek Yogurt - Plain
Lean Hamburger - 1 pound
Cilantro 
Green Onions 
Cheese 
Avocado 
Siracha Hot Sauce - Trader Joe's brand is amazing :) 

Seasoning Used:

Taco Season 
Smoked Paprika
Garlic Powder 
Salt and Pepper 

Dig in!

Breakfast Scramble and Food Prepping at the Cafe!

Good Morning, 

It’s time to clean out the fridge at Cafe5400 which means food prep and a delicious breakfast scramble.  This recipe is super versatile and healthy…..I call that nothing short of awesome! 

1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil
1 red bell pepper - diced into small pieces
1 cup frozen spinach - drained 
1 half sweet onion - finely diced
1 frozen veggie burger - Dr. Prager brand is my favorite :) Sold at Trader Joe's
4 whole eggs and 4 egg whites 
5 slices of pepperoni (Left over from New Years Eve)
3 wedges of laughing cow cheese light (secret ingredient - creamy & delish)

Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper

In a large non-stick pan, melt the coconut oil & saute veggies until tender and a bit browned.  Add veggie burger and allow to get soft….once soft, smash up and incorporate together with veggies.  Add eggs & seasoning and start to scramble.  Just before the eggs  are finished, cut up laughing cow cheese and mix together.  I served mine with fresh avocado.  Enjoy! 

You can use whatever veggies you have on hand.  Get creative.  

Food prepping for a successful week :

Food prep is also happening today….this ensures a successful week full of healthy options.  My menu is as follows:

• Lean Ground Beef Meatloaf
• Baked Sweet Potatoes - cooked and stored in the fridge for the week.
• Roasted balsamic & olive oil brussel sprouts 
• Sauteed zucchini in olive oil 
• Smoked whole chicken 

Snacks: cut up carrots - fresh oranges & protein smoothies

Wishing you all a wonderful week full of excellent choices….remember you are in control and it’s truly about choices!  Make each one healthy and stay STRONG! That will keep you moving in the right direction.