Spicy Apples

So I am starting off our recipes with something so incredibly simple that it hardly deserves a full post, but I had never thought to try it before (I'm a granny smith apple lover and this called for a red apple so I wasn't sure if I would like it). But, as I stated earlier, it was too easy not to give it a shot. I found this recipe in Women's Health Magazine a few months back and quickly tossed it together. Needless to say, I was/am a huge fan. The combination of spices with the subtle sweetness of the apple made it so amazing. And besides that, we all know the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," plus chili powder is supposed to boost your metabolism. That's a win-win in my book. It's great for a quick snack, a side to your upcoming picnics, or even a not too sweet dessert. Feel free to add as much, or as little of the spices as you want! Enjoy!




Spicy Apples

1 Apple, sliced (I prefer a red variety for this)
Fresh Lemon Juice
Chili Powder
Paprika
Pinch of Salt

Toss together you apple slices with the spices and lemon juice in a bowl, or sprinkle it on, whatever works for you and gets your apples slices coated.

Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel

Since this is a new year, I decided to change things up ever so slightly on my blog. Not a big change or anything, but I like my dedicated days to certain material that way if you aren't a fan of one thing, maybe there is something else you prefer and know what day to look for it. Like I said, it's not a huge change and you probably wouldn't notice if I didn't bring it up :). On Thursdays, instead of just doing a regular (mostly dinner) recipe, I am going to do quick and easy recipes. They will be simple breakfast, lunch, or even dinner items such as the one I'm starting with today or, things such as smoothies and juices. It will also be super helpful for those with the New Years resolution to lose weight, get healthy, etc. because I these are things I generally eat and calculate the calories for so I'm sharing the information. I can't stick to a certain diet type because I love food too much, but I can count calories, super easy thank to my Fitbit. So without further delay, I bring you the first of my quick and easy recipes. 

This jalapeño cheddar bagel has been one of my favorite things to eat lately. It is great because you can really eat it any time of the day. It's a perfect savory breakfast, a great quick lunch, a hearty snack, or I have even served it (half to each of us) with tomato soup in lieu of grilled cheese. You can obviously add more of any of the ingredients listed, but the way I make it come to between 205-210 calories (the jalapeños are the variance in the number). In under 10 minutes you can have a flavorful meal that won't hurt your waistline! I am addicted to these and you will be too once you try them! Enjoy!  

Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel

Ingredients

Bagel slim (I use Thomas brand Everything bagels)

1 Tablespoon cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat Philadelphia, split between the two halves)

Jalapeño slices

1/8 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 

Preheat your broiler. Spread the cream cheese on the two bagel halves. Top with as many jalapeño slices as desired. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Broil about 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Pumpkin Mini Muffins

I know what you're thinking.......you've had your fill of pumpkin this year already, but I had to try to get this one in before you have moved on entirely. Do you remember when I made that Pumpkin Spice Crunch Cake? Well if you recall, or just cheat and go to the link :), I only used half of a box of spice cake mix because I only made one cake. I had been searching and searching for another recipe that would help me use up the other half when I stumbled across this recipe. The original does call for a whole box of spice cake mix and a 15 ounce can of pumpkin, but I found a 7 3/4 ounce can pumpkin and used the half of the mix I had left and made these little wonders! They stayed nice and moist until I ate the last one (about a week?) and had so much flavor! Another bonus, the website said it was 5 calories per muffin (I didn't do the calculations to see if it was correct)! That's right you read that correctly.......5 CALORIES!! Perfect for this time of year when we are all eating a ton of calories we shouldn't! If you need a fast treat or have leftover ingredients to use up, try these! You won't believe how good they taste!

Pumpkin Mini Muffins

Ingredients

Half a box of spice cake mix (you can do 1 whole box)

7 3/4 ounce can of pumpkin (15 ounce if using full box)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with a Silpat or aluminum foil.

Mix ingredients together. Using a cookie scoop, place on sheet an inch a part. Bake for 15 minutes.