Cookie Butter Popcorn

Yes you read that right, cookie butter popcorn. If you don't know what cookie butter is you live under a rock. Sorry if that was offensive...if you don't know what it is, it's basically Trader Joe's mascot. 

I have a weakness for white chocolate covered things. Pretzels, raisins, chex mix, strawberries, popcorn. You know that amazing white chocolaty mix people make at Christmas that has chex, m&ms, pretzels, etc? That stuff is my ish. Even though white chocolate isn't really chocolate, it still reigns supreme. Throw a little cookie butter in with white chocolate and it's basically game over. 

Cookie Butter Popcorn

Ingredients:
6-8 cups air popped popcorn (I used 1/2 cup kernels and 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil)
8 oz. vanilla almond bark
2 Tbsp. cookie butter or biscoff spread
sprinkles for decorating

Directions:
Pop your popcorn in a large pot over medium high heat, or in a popper. Melt the almond bark in the microwave in 30 second intervals, until fully melted. Stir in the cookie butter. In a large bowl mix the melted mixture and the popcorn together. Spread out on foil, decorate with sprinkles and let harden for at least hour. 

This popcorn would be perfect to take to your Super Bowl party. The Super Bowl is basically just an excuse to have a party, eat a ton of food, and drink on a Sunday. We all only watch it for the halftime show anyway #yonce. But still, bring the popcorn and people will love you. 

For more cookie butter deliciousness try these rice krispies.

Annie

Barre3 Complete

Last Sunday marked the last day of the Barre3 January challenge. I completed 21 in class studios, several 10-minute workouts and tried a handful of new recipes. Looking back on the past few weeks, I definitely gained a lot. I gained more strength (whats up 3 pounders, this is heavy in barre3 world) and gained a better mindset. A mindset that when you work toward a goal, it actually can happen.

There were also some weak times. The last week was probably the worst. I didn't feel as vibrant and inspired as I did the first few weeks. My body was hurting and tired, and even after taking a class my body still felt heavy and not "fresh" like I usually feel after a Barre3 class.

This week, now that the challenge is over, I feel great. I think stepping back and realizing what I did for myself, on the inside and outside, has made me really proud. Committing to the workout, the lifestyle, and the community really worked. I've always been a Barre3 cheerleader and I still am now. 

I loved the chance to take Barre3 while I was in Tulsa. Connecting with people you've never met over something you mutually love is so inspiring. 

I also loved getting to take classes with so many of my good friends, sister, mother, and fellow challengers.

I can't deny the recipes were the best part of the challenge. I loved the challenge to try the amazing recipes Barre3 has created. Not necessarily a hard challenge for me, but more so a good excuse to take time and cook amazing dishes instead of throwing all the random things from the fridge on a plate.  

Recipes included Chicken Tikka Masala, Pistachio Crusted Tilapia, Zesty Chicken Salad, Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry and Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon. My go-to green smoothie got thrown in here-and-there for an additional nourishing meal. 

A month of great exercise and great food. I plan to continue the pattern moving forward. In saying that I can't send you off without another great recipe, so so keep scrolling for Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon. It has this amazing peppery yet sweet crunchy topping. Also to note, Kathleen is not a salmon eater so I made hers with chicken and it was equally as delicious. I served it with tossed mixed greens, red onion, roasted sweet potatoes and diced green apples.

Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon
serves 3-4

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb. salmon (about 5-6 oz filet per person)
olive oil, for brushing
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup pecan halves
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, pulse the last four ingredients (maple syrup, pecans, pepper and salt) until it combines to a smooth texture.

Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Press the pecan topping evenly over the top of each filet.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with a salad or roasted vegetable and enjoy!

Thanks b3, it was a great month!

Annie

Chocolate Chunk Cookies Round 3

So pretty right? Pretty and they taste good! Let's just sit and look at them for a second.....

Okay moment's over. With lots of new things happening in 2016, some things stay the same. Such as the fact that I am still recipe testing to find my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe. I've tackled four recipes (only two were worth posting) so far, and today includes another great contender. 

A delicious recipe this is, they are adapted from an excellent cookbook I trust. I loved using chocolate chunks to give big bites of chocolate, and I think the sugar, butter, and vanilla ratios are pretty spot on. I will endorse this recipe, but I have to be honest and say these still aren't "the one." More testing to come, for your and my enjoyment. Linked here and here are my other two attempts.

Chocolate Chunk Cookies
yields 30 cookies

Ingredients: 
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
12 oz. chocolate chunks*

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. (I'm partial to whisking instead of sifting, much easier). In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on low. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until everything is combines. Mix in the chocolate chunks. 

Using a cookie scoop, scoop generous size balls of dough onto prepared sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies, 1 sheet at a time for 9-12 minutes or until lightly brown. 

*I'm usually a mini chip person, but I love using chunks in this recipe! They give the cookies fun height and shape from the big chunks.

Annie

Bites of My Life

Bye January!!!!! Blah blah month is officially over! February, I am welcoming you with open arms. I can already tell you are going to kick January's tush. February holds the first sights of spring, fresh blooms, valentine's day, chocolate, red and pink, kings cake, mardi gras, and a leap year. I feel like since it only comes around every four years, a leap year has to hold some kind of good luck!

Last week was a little bit of yay and a little bit of nay. Some delicious bites per usual, lots of baking, weather over 60 degrees, new recipes, new restaurants, and the end of the Barre3 challenge. Farewell Jan, bonjour Feb! 

-My sister is a granola making machine, and I'll be honest it kind of bugs me how much better she is at it than me. Yes I admitted it. I have repeatedly failed at homemade granola, BUT, I did it, I finally made the most perfect batch of granola and I haven't been this proud in a while. Follow this recipe and you can too!
-Getting my greens in to help finish the #barre3challenge strong.
-The most satisfying non-guilty sweet treat -- caramel rice cake with almond butter and coconut chips.
-Loving everything in Giada's new cookbook, especially these black bean brownies. 
-An egg baked in a sweet potato, there is nothing wrong with this. 
-No concert like a country concert. Thanks Randy Rogers.
-It was gorgeous outside on Saturday, but I couldn't help but stay in and bake up a kitchen of sweets. Lots of recipes shared with friends and family and soon to y'all!
-Thankful for a family that tags along while I drag them to places outside of their comfort zone. Even better when they love it. OKC's new modern korean, Chae, is a win!
-Ended the last day of the #barre3challenge with one last Barre3 meal of their Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.

Annie