Devil's Surprise

OMG you've got to try this! I picked this recipe off the Hungry Girl Show... Brownie Muffins. They are somewhat goey yet kind of cakey. Very Very moist and rich. 

Healthy & Chocolatey goodness that is soooooooo easy. Really it doesn't get any easier than this esp. when its guilt free!  2 ingredients is all it takes to whip these babies up! 

Seriously, you would never know when you take a bite that this is what is in here.  I never knew how good pumpkin could be. It taste great & at the same time cuts the fat & sodium.

Preheat Oven  to 400 degrees.

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix

15oz 100% Pure Pumpkin

Mix, & Mix & Mix some more until all the cake mix is whipped into the pumpkin.  Do NOT add any other liquid.  You will think its never gonna mix all together, but trust me just keep mixing and eventually it will all mix together.  Next time I will use my Kitchen Aid Mixer. 

Once its all mixed together, spray muffin tin with Pam.  It will fill 3 mini trays or 1 reg. size tray.

Bake at 400 for 20min.

That's it! Next time I think I will add banana pieces in just for an added something something. 
1 Muffin or 3 minis = 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g protein

CHOCOLATE TIP

Did you know that 48 Chocolate Chips is 1oz of Chocolate?

When eating healthier, but craving a little sweetness of Chocolate - 

experts say 1oz of chocolate is ok, and typically helps you not feel deprived.

One week out of the month 

or 

7 individual days per month 

is a great way to get a little fix & keep in mind the darker the chocolate the better!

ENJOY!!

Beer Grilled Cheese Sammies

This screams superbowl comfort food with a grown up twist!

I love homemade bread! Beer bread is easy & really takes this family favorite to a new level.  Cut into squares for a finger food for your next tailgating party.  Trust me its a total crowd pleaser! Serve it with the BLT salad. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! :)

 Makes 2 (extra bread leftover)


INGREDIENTS:

Beer Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/3 cup sugar

One 12-ounce can or bottle of beer (I use whatever I have on hand – so use your fav)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Caramelized Onions

1 tbsp evoo

1 white onion, thinly sliced

1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt & pepper to taste

Dress your Sammy

2-3 teaspoons Dijon mustard* (optional) I Sometimes use my *Lemon Basil Aioli for variation

4 ounces Colby cheese

1 tbsp salted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

Make the beer bread:

Preheat oven to 350°F & Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Pour in beer, stir until a stiff batter is formed. Best to just mix dough with your hands. Scrape dough into prepared loaf pan. Melt butter & spread evenly across top of dough. (Makes it golden and crusty!)

Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.

NOTE : You can also find Beer Bread in a box mix (Tastefully Simple) makes this even easier.

Caramelize the onions:

Heat evoo in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions to pan. Sauté onions until they begin to wilt, then add a pinch of salt and pepper, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook covered until onions become soft and caramelized (about 40 minutes). Add more Worcestershire sauce to taste if you like.

Sear your Sammy

Preheat the flat griddle or skillet to medium-high heat.

For each sandwich: Spread a little Dijon mustard (or variation) inside one slice of beer bread. Layer on half of the cheese and onions and close the sandwich with a second slice of beer bread. Brush a little melted butter on top.

Sear for on each side till golden brown & until the cheese is melted. Carefully cut the sandwich in half, serve immediately & enjoy!

TIP - If serving for a crowd.

Cut these into quarter & stick with a fancy toothpick (Sammy Sliders) 

Serve with BLT Salad in the middle or

Put a big bowl of love on the table AKA Jamie's Loaded Potato soup.

Perfect anytime including Superbowl Sunday!

Creamy Comfort Chowder without the guilt

1 tbsp EVOO


1 scallion, white & green parts separated, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

healthy shake red pepper flakes

Salt & ground pepper to taste

1 baking potato, peeled & cut into small cubes (or a pkg of cubed hasbrowns -quicker/easier)

1 pkg (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels

1 can (15 ounces) chicken broth

1/2 cup soy milk or Fat Free Milk
 
1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt (FAGE) - more if needed (adds creamy no guilt texture)
 
Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes


In a medium pan, heat evoo over medium heat. Add white part of scallion, carrots, chili powder, red pepper flakes & oregano. Cook scallions, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add potato cubes, corn, broth, milk & yogurt. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until potato is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green part of scallion.