Healthy Recipes: No-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

It is far too hot outside to start the oven. Try these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies; they will melt in your mouth.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup Sugar

1/2 cup Peanut butter, creamy

1/4 cup Cocoa powder

1/4 cup Skim milk

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon, ground

1 tablespoon Instant espresso

3 cups Oats, quick cooking

1/4 cup Coconut, sweetened

PREPARATION:

• In medium saucepot, warm milk over medium heat. add instant espresso and allow the espresso to dissolve.  (This process can also be done in the microwave.)


• Once the espresso has dissolved add sugar, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.


• Continue to cook the chocolate mixture over medium heat. Warm until the sugar has dissolved or become less grainy. Continue to stir until done.


• Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepot from heat and add the oats and coconut.


• Stir the mixture.


• When the mixture is still hot, scoop 3/4 ounce of "dough" on parchment paper.


• Allow mixture to cool at room temperature.


• Once the "dough" has set, it will hold its shape.


• Enjoy!

Serves: 25 cookies

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Calories: 100

Carbohydrates: 15 grams

Sodium: 30 milligrams

Fiber: 3 grams

Protein: 2 grams

10 Foods to Cool You Down

This summer is sizzling hot! I love the toasty sunshine but a cool treat is always welcome. Here are my 10 favorite ways to cool down with food:

1. Watermelon is full of water and flavor. It is in season right now start taking advantage.


2. H3 Fruity Sangria is an awesome summer treat that quenches your thirst.


3. Fruit Salad will be a great addition to a simple lunch. Toss together your favorite fruits (blueberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and strawberries) and enjoy.


4. Broccoli with light hummus will satisfy you for your afternoon snack and cool you down. Raw broccoli and cold hummus, will keep your taste buds happy and your stomach full.


5. Fruit popsicles are simple to make, a crowd pleaser, and nutritious!


6. Smoothies are a great way to get fruits and vegetables into your day. Combine your favorite fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and ice, blend, and bask in your own success.


7. Greek Pita Pizza Salad, it is a salad AND a pizza! This recipe is fantastic it will satisfy the pizza lover in you but will also deliver a tasty amount of vegetables.


8. Mango Sorbet is a sweet, light, and satisfying delight to cool your body down. Mangos are at their peak right now, an ideal opportunity to try this recipe and see smiling faces amongst your family and friends.


9. Oranges are not just for orange juice. Plan ahead and peel your oranges once you buy them then store them in plastic baggies in your refrigerator. This way you can grab and go. Convenient and it will cool you down. 


10. Water does not have to be plain! Get creative and naturally flavor your water by adding a few pineapple chunks, cucumber slices, or lemon wedges to your bottle of water.  Maintaining hydration will assist keeping your body temperature in check.
    
    [caption id="attachment_8256" align="alignright" width="420" caption="Pictured: Mango Sorbet"][/caption]

 

Healthy Recipes: Green Pea and Lemon Risotto

Risotto is traditionally a comfort food to warm up your day. This recipe puts a light, summer twist on traditional risotto with the addition of lemon zest and makes a great addition to your summer rotation.

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon Olive oil

3/4 cups Aborio Rice, Barley, or Brown Sushi Rice

1 cup Onion, finely diced

1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced

4 cups Chicken Stock, warmed

1 cup White Wine, Chablis or Chardonnay

2 cups Green Peas

1 ½ Tablespoons Fresh Thyme, chopped

2 each Lemon, zest

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1/2 cup Half and Half

½ teaspoon Salt

To Taste Ground Black Pepper

 PREPARATION:

• Preheat medium size sauté pan to medium high heat. (preferably non-stick)


• Add olive oil- make sure to spread around pan


• Add diced onion and sauté until soft


• Then add Aborio rice or brown sushi rice to pan and sauté with onions


• Stir continuously.


• Add in ½ cup of the chicken stock.


• Once chicken stock is absorbed in the rice, add ½ cup of the white wine.


• Continue this same process until the last ½ cup of chicken stock is left.


• Add your green peas, lemon and thyme into the risotto.


• Once the vegetables soften, then add your last half cup of chicken stock.


• Once the chicken stock gets absorbed into the rice, add your parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Stir.


• Add half and half. *Can be optional, but it does give a little creamery texture and appeal.

 Serves: 8

Serving Size: ½ cup

Calories: 182

Fat: 5 grams