Dark Chocolate Fall Bark

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This may be the easiest recipe I’ve ever posted on here and really doesn’t even need a recipe to follow, but I still wanted to share it because of how great of a treat it is! This fall bark uses dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to create a healthier treat that is easy to store and grab a bite of when you’re in the mood for a little something sweet. For this recipe, you can easily get creative and make a bark that fits with your preferences and what you might already have in your pantry. The possibilities are endless, but I’m sharing what I used to make mine below.

Health Benefits:

  • Dark chocolate is the healthiest option when it comes to choosing your chocolate, as it is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that have benefits. I started using Enjoy Life chocolate chips because they are made from sustainably harvested cocoa beans, are free from 14 allergens, including dairy, and are certified vegan and FODMAP friendly.
  • Nuts like pecans and walnuts are healthy fats that support hormone balance and regulation, while also offering nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.
  • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a great source of protein, phosphorous, monounsaturated fats, omega-6 fats, vitamin E and more.
  • Cranberries are high in antioxidants and also provide fiber. Raisins are similarly packed with energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Dark Chocolate Fall Bark

  • Servings: 2 cups bark, broken
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This fall bark uses dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to create a healthier treat that is easy to store and grab a bite of when you're in the mood for a little something sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/8 cup cranberries
  • 1/8 cup golden raisins
  • 1/8 cup pecans
  • 1/8 cup walnuts
  • 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/8 cup sunflower seeds

Directions

  1. Melt chocolate with coconut oil in 30 second intervals, stirring together each time. I only had to heat it for 1 minute total, then stirred until all melted together.
  2. Pour onto a greased pan or piece of parchment paper and tilt pan to let spread out evenly.
  3. Sprinkle topping of your choice on top of chocolate. I only estimated the amounts of these toppings to give you an idea, so do what you think fits and looks good!
  4. Refrigerate or freeze until solid, then break into pieces. Enjoy at room temperature, or store in the refrigerator or freezer and eat pieces whenever you want. I like to keep them in the freezer, but that’s just me!

This is such a simple idea for a tasty treat that is on the healthier side and I’d love to hear what you think of the idea, especially if you give it a try! A final tip, mix together the toppings to make your own trail mix for an easy snack!!

–Brit

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

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Another fall recipe with pumpkin and I’m not even sorry or waiting to post this because these are THAT good! I used my Triple Berry Overnight Oats recipe as a base and added in pumpkin and lots of spices. These are super easy to make, taste soo good and makes for the quickest and most convenient breakfast ever! Like I said with my first overnight oats recipe, I was a little skeptical of overnight oats at first because I was worried I wouldn’t like the texture, but these are perfect for me and I think it tastes great whether it’s straight out of the fridge or heated in the microwave.

Health Benefits:

  • Oats and flax seed are a good source of fiber, which is important for our digestive health.
  • Yogurt and milk both provide calcium and protein, essential for our skeletal and muscular systems. You can use whatever types work best for you, whether that’s dairy-free, lactose-free or regular!
  • Pumpkin puree is very high in vitamin A and is a good source of other antioxidants and minerals, as well.
  • Protein powder is an extra boost of protein, but a lot depends on the brand and type you use, so do your research.

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

  • Servings: 1 1/2 cups
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The perfect recipe for a healthy, easy and delicious breakfast or snack that can be prepped in advance and tastes like pumpkin pie!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/4 cup walnuts and/or pecans
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

  1. In a mason jar or tupperware with a sealable lid, combine all ingredients. I like to add dry ingredients first, shake well, then add wet ingredients and shake or mix together.
  2. Seal lid and place in refrigerator for 4 or more hours (I recommend overnight).
  3. Enjoy cold or warm. Heat by simply microwaving in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals until heated through.

Whatever the season may be, I hope you find these oats to be a convenient and delicious breakfast or snack, whether you are pressed for time or not. Thanks for checking this post out, and if you try them, let me know what you thought in the comments!

–Brit

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

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Have you ever found yourself with an opened can of pumpkin puree sitting in your fridge after making pumpkin bread, but you don’t want to repeat that recipe already? Enter, these pumpkin protein pancakes, which are both easy and delicious. They make for a great breakfast whether it’s fall or not and are also healthy and filling!

I based these off of the pancake recipe that my mom has been making my whole life, but then tweaked it to make it a little more healthy and a lot more pumpkin. I also topped it with a scoop of almond butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, which was the perfect combo!

Health Benefits

  • Pumpkin puree is extremely high in vitamin A content and is a good source of other antioxidants and minerals, as well.
  • Oat flour is packed with fiber, minerals and even protein, making it a healthier and more beneficial option than refined AP flours.
  • Protein powder or collagen peptides are optional in these pancakes, but if you are using these to refuel or are looking for an easy way to increase your protein, this is a great addition.
  • Almond butter is an optional topping, but is a great source of healthy fat and protein. I recommend using an almond butter without sugar or palm oil, only almonds.

Tips & Substitutions

  • If you don’t have oat flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour in order to still get the nutrients or you can make your own. This can be accomplished by blending dry oats in a food processor or blender until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency.
  • Pumpkin can be replaced by cooked and mashed sweet potato. This will change the taste of the pancakes, but it is a nutritious alternative and would be a good way to mix things up.
  • You can use any milk of your choice, whether that is a regular dairy option, lactose free or plant-based. Use what you have and what works with your dietary needs.
  • Almond butter is a delicious topping, but any nut butter of choice works great, or you could choose to top your pancakes with chopped nuts and even some greek yogurt!

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

  • Servings: 6 pancakes using 1/4 cup batter each
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A healthier and nutrient packed seasonal pancake that will warm you right up!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 scoop protein powder

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients together. Grease a pan or griddle and heat on medium.
  2. Using 1/4 cup, pour batter onto hot surface. Flip once bubbles appear all over the surface.
  3. Check to make sure reverse side of pancakes are cooked through, then plate and serve! I like to eat these with almond butter and maple syrup, but choose what toppings sound best to you!

I hope you all enjoy this recipe and found it to be as easy and yummy as I did! Thanks for being here and following along!!

-Brit

Healthier Apple Berry Crisp

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I have always loved this dessert and think that it is great during any season and is super easy to make and full lots of healthy fruit, however when I made it last time I realized that it has a lot more added sugar than it really needs. So, I challenged myself to make a healthier version of this recipe by limiting the added sugar, making some easy substitutes and adding in some healthy nuts for flavor, texture and nutrients!

Health Benefits:

  • Apples are a healthy source of carbohydrates, providing you with energy. They also provide fiber, vitamin C, potassium, polyphenols and more.
  • Mixed berries are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells, and also contain fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K and are anti-inflammatory in nature.
  • Whole wheat flour contains the bran (providing fiber, minerals and antioxidants), endosperm (mostly carbohydrates) and the germ (containing vitamins, minerals, protein and more). Refined grains like white flour only has the endosperm, so does not provide near as many health benefits as whole wheat flour does.
  • Nuts are a great source of a variety of nutrients and are considered a healthy fat. Healthy fats are important in maintaining a proper hormone balance and they also help to absorb nutrients and are a source of energy.

Remember that not all desserts that you make or eat have to be “healthier” versions. It’s ok to eat normal cookies, brownies, cakes, etc and trust me, I eat them too without guilt. However, when you have a sweet tooth and love baking (like me) it is nice to be able to create desserts that taste delicious, give you some added nutrients and don’t make you feel sick from too much sugar.

Healthier Apple Berry Crisp

  • Servings: 6-8 pieces (may vary on dishes used and serving size)
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This recipe is full of delicious fruit and topped with crispy, crumbly topping that is made healthier by using less sugar, swapping a few simple ingredients and adding nuts for healthy fats and nutrients!

Ingredients

  • 3 apples, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups frozen berries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
  • 1/8 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cups oats
  • 1/2 cup, walnuts and/or pecans
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup butter, cold and diced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Lightly toss apples and berries with lemon juice and maple syrup. Add in flour and cinnamon and toss together again. Pour into an 8 x 8 or similar sized pan or dish.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to a medium bowl and cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture is crumbly. Pour topping onto fruit mixture and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes at 350° F. Let cool slightly, as fruit will be very hot, then serve warm and enjoy!

This is a recipe I’ve been wanting to make and post for a while now, so I hope that you enjoy it if you choose to make it or it inspires you to get creative in the kitchen as well! Thanks for checking this out!!

-Brit

Veggie Packed Chili

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This chili recipe is perfect for fall and packed with tons of vegetables that taste and smell amazing. Plus it’s a crock pot/ slow cooker recipe so all you really need to do it dump the ingredients in, give it a stir and walk away! There’s nothing better than coming back into the kitchen and being welcomed by the warm aromas of a delicious meal that is waiting for you.

I topped my veggie chili with some plain greek yogurt, diced avocado and some more cilantro. You can also add cheese, tortilla chips or any other of your favorite chili toppings to make it complete. I also paired it with some of my favorite beer bread and the combo was perfect! I’m planning on sharing a recipe for that soon too, so be on the lookout!

Health Benefits:

  • Carrots are good source of beta-carotene, fiber, potassium, vitamin K1 and antioxidants.
  • Red bell peppers contain lots of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate and antioxidants.
  • Tomatoes are a source of lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.
  • Black beans and kidney beans both provide plant-based protein, as well as fiber, minerals and more. Choosing plant-based proteins when you can also helps to keep the earth healthier by reducing your carbon footprint.
  • Corn provides B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
  • More fiber can be found in sweet potatoes, along with vitamins A and C, manganese, vitamin B6 and more.

Veggie Chili

A delicious, easy and comforting fall chili recipe that packed full of nutrients and sure to please a crowd!

Ingredients

  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz can black beans
  • 15 oz can kidney beans
  • 15 oz can corn
  • 1.5 – 2 cups sweet potato, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup broth of choice (or water)
  • 1/2 cup green onions, diced
  • 4 oz can green chiles
  • 2 teaspoons garlic
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cut sweet potatoes, carrots, bell pepper and green onions.
  2. Add all ingredients to a crock pot/ slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 7 hours.
  3. Serve with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!!

Thanks for checking out this recipe and let me know what you think when you give it a try!!

–Brit