Peanut Butter Dip

One morning I was slicing apples for my kids and they wanted a dip too. I usually just give them some peanut butter, but I was feeling creative. So I got out the old reliable peanut butter and added a few things. It turned out SOOOOOO good. I can't help but eat it with a spoon ... maybe I shouldn't admit that.

 Peanut Butter Dip
1 c. (heaping) plain greek yogurt
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. honey
1/4 t. cinnamon (or a little more if you like)

 

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

 Mix until it's thick and creamy and well blended.

 Serve it up with some apples, graham crackers, grapes, marshmallows, pretzels ... anything! (Or just grab a spoon like I do.)

I am loving this dip! It's so easy and everyone loves it. Enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bites

I discovered a version of these on Pinterest last week and they are delightful! It's like eating a nutritious little candy-granola-nugget...haha. I even had a few for breakfast the other day. Plus, my kids like them, too. Yay!

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bites
1 c. oats
1/2 c. flaxseed (whole or ground will work)
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. agave or honey (either one works great)
1 t. vanilla

 

In a blender, combine oats, flaxseed, and cocoa.

 Blend until combined. (It will look like a coarse flour.)

 In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, agave or honey, and vanilla.

 Microwave for about 30 seconds and stir until smooth. (If it's not quite melted, keep microwaving in 15 second intervals until melty.)

 Pour both mixtures onto a mixing bowl.

 Mix until it forms a stiff dough.

 Roll into balls and refrigerate until firm.

These are such an awesome snack. Enjoy!

Perfect Waffles

I've been looking for just a plain old, traditional waffle recipe for a long time. I ended up finding this recipe in a neighborhood cookbook. In my opinion, they're exactly what a waffle should be: crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. As Dora's backpack would say, "Yum yum yum yum. Delicioso!" Haha. (We watch way too much Dora around here!)

 Perfect Waffles
1 & 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2 T. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs
1 & 1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. oil

In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients then add wet ingredients. Mix and cook in a hot waffle iron.

 Enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

 

I love fall! Everyday I feel like making something that will make the house smell like cinnamon. This will definitely do the job! These little cupcakes are a perfect fall treat.

 Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes (from Taste of Home)
3/4 c. (1 & 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2 & 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 c, canned pumpkin
2 & 1/3 c. flour
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. ground ginger
1 c. buttermilk

Cinnamon Cream Frosting
1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
4 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon

 

For cupcakes, cream butter, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until fluffy.

Add pumpkin and mix well.

 Add all dry ingredients and begin to mix.

 When the batter begins to come together, add buttermilk.

 Continue mixing until you get a nice, smooth batter.

 Fill mini muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes. Remove from cupcake pan and let cool. (For full-size muffins, bake for about 20-25 minutes.)

 To make frosting, beat butter and cream cheese together. Add sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth.

 

 Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

 This recipe makes a TON of mini cupcakes! I like to place frosted cupcakes on a cookie sheet and freeze them. That way you can save them to give to friends, use them for a party, or just eat a few everyday for the whole month of October! Enjoy!