Saturday, September 14, 2013

Pumkpin Cheesecake Muffins


I LOVE all things pumpkin; fall is by far my favorite time of year. Leaves, scarves, oversized sweaters, hoodies, boots, I could go on. The recent drop in temperature made me want to bake…

Well folks, I got a little crafty on my day off. I can’t take all the credit, Mama gave me some inspiration from one of her favorite cupcake recipes, which instead of a pumpkin base has a chocolate base but is equally as delicious.

Behold the easiest, yet very impressive recipe for a yummy pumpkin treat! People will never know that start to finish they take 20 minutes and nothing is from scratch.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

 
1 box spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin
1 8oz block of cream cheese
½ cup sugar
1 egg
 
 
 
 
Combine cake mix and pumpkin until well blended.
 
 
 
In a separate bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and egg with a whisk until smooth.
 
 
 
Portion pumpkin mix out equally in lined muffin tins (makes 24).
 
Top with cream cheese mixture.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
I have also made this recipe using yellow cake mix, adding pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pinch.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Broccoli Slaw "Pasta"


I’m currently on day 5 of the 17 day diet (p.s. I’m down 5.2 pounds already; I’ll review the diet when I’m done!)  Check out the diet plan here.

Today, I wanted pasta, unfortunately carbs are not allowed on the first cycle, so I improvised.

I did a little research and grocery shopping and actually used broccoli slaw as “noodles” By no means did this taste like something you would get at an Italian restaurant, but in a craving pinch, it’ll do, and boy was it easy.
 

 
Here’s the recipe:

Broccoli Slaw “Pasta”



-I bag broccoli slaw (I used Wal-Mart brand)

-Your favorite marina sauce

-Fat free parmesan cheese

-Olive oil

-Onion (optional)

-Green pepper (optional)

Bring water to a boil, add bag of broccoli slaw, and boil about 10 minutes or until tender.

Drain broccoli slaw.

In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil, sauté chopped onion and green pepper until soft.

Combine broccoli slaw, optional veggies, and marinara sauce, top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and enjoy!