Popcorn and other snacks

I love popcorn.  Especially buttered popcorn. Movie theater buttered.  And since that's only just a few teeny tiny calories, I can eat all the time.  Right.  I wish!  Luckily, last year I was introduced to nutritional yeast flakes. What the?  No, it's not the yeast you use to make in breads.  It's actually a yeast some vegetarians use as a butter/cheese substitute.  You can buy at Winco, and I've heard you can get it at Sunflower Market as well.  Here's a simple recipe for you:

Oil popcorn popper (like the stove top kind or there are electric ones)
large bowl

3/4 c. popcorn
1/4 c. canola (or EVOO) oil
1 tsp sea salt
1 TBSP nutritional yeast flakes (remember NOT baking yeast)

Pop your corn. Dump into bowl.  Sprinkle with sea salt and nutr. yeast flakes.  Gently toss. Eat. 

I know. Simple.  Delicious.

Other healthy snacks I'm enjoying:



Ann's House Soy Energy Blend

 Jeff and I found this 2 lb baby at Costco last night for $7.99.  Soy nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.  We opened it before we left the parking lot and munched it the entire way home.  Yum!

And lastly, the ever popular kindergarten snack: Ants on a log.  Celery, peanut butter, and raisins.  It's a staple snack 'round these parts.

What are you snacking on?

Smoothies

My cousin has started her own cooking blog and shared these favorite smoothie recipes. Trust me. Try these once and you'll never need to pay $5 for a smoothie again! For me, I'm on a constant search for something that sounds appealing for breakfast and these hit the spot. The only thing I do differently is toss in a handful of spinach for some extra vitamins. Sound gross?? It's not. I can't tell it's there and even better when I use mixed berries my kids have no clue they're getting their leafy greens! Gotta love hidden veggies. The basic recipe goes as follows:

2 c. ice
1 1/4 c. guava nectar (available at walmart for about $1.50 and lasts a while)
1/2 c. vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 packet vanilla flavored carnation instant breakfast
1 banana
1 c. frozen fruit
*1 big handful of spinach

Blend 1st 4 ingredients till smooth. Add banana and spinach and blend. Finally toss in your yummy fruit and blend till smooth once more. (Are my instructions feeling a bit repetitive?) Serves 4.

*If using fruit other than dark berries, be sure to inform your kids that it is "Shrek's Swamp Sludge" or other gross concoction to ensure they drink it. ;)

I've also used Popsicle molds to freeze smoothies for a fast, easy on-the-go breakfast/snack.

For some great combinations visit Kinikini Kuisine.