Baked Cinnamon Apples

It’s apple picking season, and these classic baked apples are the perfect treat for this fall. Apples are known to promote healthy digestion, reduce cholesterol, and are great for blood sugar regulation. The addition of rolled oats adds both fiber and antioxidants to this dish that will be sure to fill you up! Dates are rich in protein, iron, and vitamins, while flax and pecans are high in omega-3 fats, protein, and dietary fiber. Incorporating cinnamon and maple syrup into this dish will add flavor as well as provide you with antioxidants, magnesium, and potassium. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Serves 2

• 2 medium apples, cored

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 2 dates, pitted and chopped

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

• ¼ cup pecans, chopped

• 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 F and cover small baking dish with parchment paper.

2) Wash and core apples and place on parchment paper.

3) In a separate bowl, mix rest of ingredients together.

4) Spoon oatmeal mixture into center of apples. If there is extra, you can spoon it onto the paper so it will crisp up like granola.

5) Bake, uncovered, for approximately 30 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing apple with a fork to test softness. If knife slides in easily, then it’s done, if not, check in another few minutes.

6) Remove from oven and serve hot. Enjoy!

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

These baked sweet potato chips are a delicious snack that can be enjoyed with or without your favorite toppings and dips! Making this recipe at home can save you time and money as well as prevent you from consuming preservatives and artificial flavorings that are oftentimes found in store-bought chips. Sweet potatoes are known to prevent Vitamin A deficiency, help aid in digestion, and help in regulating blood sugar levels. The addition of dried rosemary adds a touch of flavor and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds for easy digestion. Sprinkle on some salt, pepper, and any other spices you may think would work well with this recipe and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Serves 4

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1.5 pounds of sweet potatoes

• 1 tbsp dried rosemary

• 1 dash of sea salt & pepper

 Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 400F.

2) Slice all sweet potatoes with a knife or mandolin slicer into thin rounds.

3) In a mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, coconut oil, rosemary, sea salt and pepper.

4) Place mixed ingredients on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5) Place in oven and bake for around 10 minutes on each side until golden brown.

6) Remove from oven after 20 minutes and let sit until chips cool down. Once they crisp up, enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Bites

A dessert recipe that’s made with only three ingredients and takes minimal prep time? Now that is definitely Miss Alexa approved. This tasty treat is easy to make, made with wholesome ingredients, and most importantly, delicious! Making your own dessert is a great way to avoid refined sugars and processed ingredients, which are usually found in store-bought sweets. Each bite is packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fats from the bananas and peanut butter. Although chocolate is not required, the addition of semi-sweet or dark chocolate adds for a more decadent taste. Enjoy this quick and simple recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth! 

Ingredients:

Serves 1

• 1 banana, sliced into 8 pieces

• 1 tbsp peanut butter

• 1 tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions

1) Cover a plate with parchment paper and place 4 slices of banana on it.

2) Add ½ tbsp peanut butter on top of each of the four slices.

3) Cover with the other 4 slices, making mini “peanut butter” sandwiches with banana slices.

4) Gently melt chocolate chips over double-boiler.

5) Drizzle melted chocolate on top of mini-sandwiches.

6) Freeze and serve. Enjoy!

Creamy Berry Popsicles

Cool off with a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of berries and the creamy texture of coconut milk. With a refreshing taste and plenty of antioxidants, these frozen popsicles are the perfect snack for summer. You can add your favorite berries to mix it up depending on what you prefer, and even add some dark chocolate for a more decadent taste! The natural sweetness of the fruit takes the place of any added sugars and makes these popsicles extra delicious. Easy and quick to prepare, this is the perfect snack for the hot weather. Refresh and relax with my creamy berry popsicles!

 Ingredients:

Makes 6 Popsicles

• ½ cup of berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)

• 1 can unsweetened coconut milk (make sure to gut full fat coconut milk)

 Instructions

1) Blend ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor to a smooth consistency.

2) Pour mixture into popsicle molds.

3) Freeze until solid. Enjoy!