Recipes

5 Easy Christmas Snacks That Anyone Can Make 0

When it comes to hosting a Christmas party, nothing can wow your guests more than an elaborate main dish, a sophisticated salad, and a too-good-to-eat side dish. After all, winter is blessed with so many delicious (and disease-preventing) produce that it’s hard to mess up. But, what happens when you're home alone, and you're feeling your tummy rumble? Yup, at that moment, it’s snacks that do the trick.

But, putting on your apron for something that will be devoured in mere seconds just isn't worth it. So, if you're looking for something tasty and festive to tame your hunger this holiday season, these 5 easy Christmas snacks will fill you (and your taste buds) with glee.

1. Chocolate Pretzel Snowman

At just 5 ingredients, this Christmas snack is the easiest way to sneak some cheer into your life without spending hours upon hours in the kitchen. And judging from the way they taste, you may need to whip up a second batch sooner than you thought.

Ingredients:

• One bag of pretzel sticks
• 2 cups white chocolate, melted
• 1 cup dark or milk chocolate, melted
• 3 tbsp orange candy melts, melted
• 1 tsp freeze dried raspberries, crushed into a fine powder

Directions:

1. Dip the pretzels into the white chocolate in batches of 6, leaving the top end uncoated. Set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 5 minutes.
2. Once the white chocolate is hardened, dip the top (uncoated) end in the dark chocolate. Dip one extra pretzel stick for each "snowman" to create the hat's brim and set it across the point where the two types of chocolate separate. Freeze for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Then, pipe small triangles onto the sheet to create the "carrot" noses and freeze them as well.
4. Assemble the face by placing the nose in the middle of the white chocolate part and using a toothpick, draw the snowmen's eyes and mouth.
5. Dust the raspberry powder on both sides of the nose to give your snowmen some rosy cheeks.

2. Peppermint Reindeer Bark

Peppermint bark screams Christmas. But, if you don't want to opt for the store bought stuff, this easy recipe tastes just as good as the real deal, and (bonus!) it's healthier since it doesn't contain any preservatives.

Ingredients:

• One bag of milk chocolate chips, melted
• 1 candy cane, crushed
• 14 mini pretzel twists, cut in half
• 14 freeze dried cherries
• 28 candy eyes

Directions:

1. Add the chocolate chips to a heat-proof bowl and place it in the microwave. Melt them in the microwave, stopping every 30 seconds to stir them and prevent the chocolate from burning.
2. Pour the chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it from side to side.
3. Place the candy eyes and the cherries ( as a nose) all over the chocolate layer. Then, decorate with the pretzel twists, which serve as antlers.
4. Sprinkle the crushed candy cane on top and freeze until firm for about 2-3 hours. Break up into pieces and enjoy.

3. Holiday Popcorn

Perfect for a night in (or a holiday movie marathon), this easy Christmas snack is a feast for both the eyes and palate. Despite its indulgent looks, the recipe is a tad healthier than most as it calls for freeze dried fruit instead of candy. After all, it wouldn't hurt to give your body a break from all the sugar.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of unsalted popcorn
• 1 cup white chocolate, melted
• ½ cup mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup freeze dried raspberries
• 1 candy cane, crushed

Directions:

1. Place the popcorn in a bowl and drizzle generously with the white chocolate.
2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and enjoy!

4. Maple Rosemary Roasted Walnuts

Maple and rosemary are two classic holiday flavors, which work wonders on their own. But, put them together along with some nuts, and you have a next-level treat on your hands that'll please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, since it takes about 20 minutes to prep, this easy Christmas treat can be ready in virtually no time.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups raw walnuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 tsp dried rosemary
• 2/3 tsp salt
• ¾ cup freeze dried bananas

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350^oF.
2. Add all the ingredients (except for the bananas) to a bowl.
3. Mix well until the walnuts are evenly coated with the maple syrup.
4. Transfer the nuts onto a baking sheet and roast them for about 7-8 minutes.
5. Then, stir them well, and bake them for another 7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
6. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
7. Stir in the bananas and serve.

5. Marinated Olives & Feta with Crackers

If you are craving something savory, these marinated olives are an absolute must-try. The snack is made with a bunch of healthy ingredients. So, you won't feel guilty if you get an extra scoop. It also takes almost zero time to prep (you just have to wait for the flavors to soak in). Serve with crackers or toasted bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• 1 ¼ cup Pimento-stuffed olives
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 ¼ cup Feta cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp freeze dried red bell peppers
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• ¼ tsp dehydrated tomato powder (optional)
• Crackers, for serving

Directions:

1. (Optional Step) At this point, you have two options: You can either hydrate the bell peppers or use them as-is for an extra crunch. If you decide to hydrate them, though, toss them in a bowl with 2-3 tbsp lukewarm water and let them soak for 15 minutes. Then, remove them from the pot and using your hands, squeeze away any excess liquid.
2. Now, add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
3. Cover with tinfoil and refrigerate the mixture for a couple of hours. Bon Appetit!

Do you have any other easy Christmas snacks that you'd like to share with us? We'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

References:

1. https://hungryhappenings.com/chocolate-pretzel-snowman-craft/
2. https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/peppermint-reindeer-bark-super-easy-recipe.html
3. https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/santa-crunch-popcorn/
4. https://www.theroastedroot.net/maple-rosemary-roasted-nuts/
5. https://www.greensnchocolate.com/citrus-marinated-olives-and-feta/

10 Fun Indoor Winter Activities to Beat Boredom 0

Some winter days just aren't made for the great outdoors. That's simply because the temperatures may drop so low that the sniffles and fever are two very real possibilities. Of course, that doesn't mean you (or your kiddos) should spend those days hunched in front of a screen. Instead, get your creativity on with these 10 fun indoor winter activities that'll keep both you and your mini-me engaged for hours.

1. Make Marshmallow Slime

We know we're not supposed to play with our food. But, if there's one treat that begs to be squished, stretched, molded, and juggled, that's the oh-so-sweet marshmallow. Thanks to its pasty nature, the candy doubles as glue and serves as an excellent base for your very own DIY slime. And since this mixture contains perfectly safe ingredients, both of you can take a bite of the thing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups marshmallows
• 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tbsp freeze dried strawberries (or any other fruit you like)

Directions:

• Crush the strawberries until they turn into a fine powder.
• Place the marshmallows into a heat-proof bowl and place it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until they melt completely.
• Remove carefully because the bowl may be too hot.
• Add the powdered sugar slowly while stirring to make sure it's distributed evenly.
• Then, stir in the powdered strawberries.
• Once it's cool enough, dig your hands into the bowl and knead the mixture. Add more powdered sugar if you feel the slime is still sticky.

2. Draw Holiday Greeting Cards

If you and your little one are good at art and love to work on small projects now and then, you can bring all your creativity to life by drawing your own holiday greeting cards. You don't need to use fancy materials to get the job done - just some craft paper and coloring pens. To nail the Christmas theme, make sure you use enough red and green for trees and gifts and switch to black, orange, or red if you feel like drawing a snowman. The best thing about this indoor winter activity is that you get to create something unique that comes from the heart, and that's what the holidays are all about!

3. Have an Indoor Picnic

Picnic and the great... indoors aren't exactly a match made in heaven. But, that shouldn't stop you from changing the rules and setting up the best picnic your family has even been on. So, to make it work:

• prep a few easy snacks or mini dishes in your kitchen (freeze dried fruits and veggies are a must if you don't want to spend hours on cooking)
• clear some space in the attic, living room, or dining room,
• spread a picnic blanket
• put the food in a basket

You know the rest. Oh, and if you want to ditch the packaged stuff, these healthier picnic swaps will definitely do the trick.

4. Decorate the House

If you haven't started decorating your house yet, this is the time to do so. But, since we love thinking outside the box, we'd advise you to stray off the norm (in a good way) and create your own ornaments before dangling them from your tree, stairs, or fireplace. Items like cotton or ping-pong balls, glitter, color pens, and beads are fair game. From then on, it's all up to your imagination (and perhaps some Pinterest inspiration).

5. Make an Indoor Snowman

Just because you decided to spend the day inside, it doesn't mean you can't play with snow. So, take a bucket, head outside, and fill it with the freshest, whitest snow you can find. Then, go to the bathroom and toss it all inside the bathtub. Put on your gloves and start working on your snowman. Needless to say, your creation will melt by the end of the day (if not within 3-4 hours), but this activity is an excellent alternative if your kid is still too young to play outside.

6. Watch a Holiday Movie

Let's be honest: there's nothing cozier than curling up to a good holiday movie when it's snowing outside. So, as your porch turns white, tell everyone to wear their favorite pajamas, and organize a pseudo-slumber party. You can even build a blanket fort for the little ones and stock it up with their favorite Christmas snacks. And if you don't know where to start, these movie suggestions will bring a smile to everyone's face:

• Home Alone
• How The Grinch Stole Christmas
• Jack Frost
• The Polar Express
• It's A Wonderful Life

7. Make a Batch of Snow Paint

Even though snow painting is usually reserved for the backyard, this version of the activity is perfect for those who want to spend time inside the house. All you have to do is mix white tempera with opal glitter and let your kid (or yourself) go crazy. You can use the sparkly paint to glitz-ify anything from construction paper to fabric. If you feel daring, you can even cover the ground with a sheet, place a piece of paper on top of it, and splatter the paint on the paper Pollock-style.

8. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Sure, keeping your little ones (or yourself) busy sounds great. But, sometimes, we all need to calm down. On those days, pick up your favorite blanket and a good book and snuggle up on a comfy chair with lots of pillows. If you have your kid along, this activity may also put them to sleep, so that's a bonus.

9. Set Up an Indoor Scavenger Hunt

For this indoor winter activity, you should hide a bunch of clues all over the house and help your little ones solve the riddles on their way to the "treasure chest," which could be filled with candies, art tools, or whatever your little one enjoys the most. You can even pick a theme for each "race," based on your kid's hobbies such as space, amusement park, or winter wonderland.

10. Get Your Dance On

What better time to dance than the holidays? Blast the Christmas tunes off and start moving to the beat. If there are kids around, let loose and dance toddler-style. If they are older, you can even have a dance-off or play shadow dancer (you know, when one has to follow their partner's moves). Stomp your feet, twirl around, and clap your hands – the options are limitless.

What are your go-to indoor winter activities? Let us know in the comments below!

References:

1. https://www.momjunction.com/articles/fun-winter-activities-for-kids_00118588/#gref
2. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2015/01/08/10-indoor-activities-to-get-you-through-winter/

7 Creative Thanksgiving Recipes You Should Try Out 0

It’s Thanksgiving yet again, and there are famous Thanksgiving staples that must make an appearance on Thanksgiving dinner, like turkey stuffing and sweet potato casserole.

This year, you can try to switch things up by choosing recipes that will leave your guests happy and satisfied. Don't forget to pair with cocktails! The last thing you want to get into is picking any random recipe that will take too much of your time. Try out these 7 creative Thanksgiving recipes ranging from the main course to dessert.

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots

Tip: Mash the potatoes by pressing them through a ricer or a food mill or a fine sieve or mash them by hand.

Ingredients

• 6 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into quarters
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups of canola oil
• 6 large thinly sliced shallots
• 1 cup half and half
• 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Kosher salt

Method

1. Cover the sliced potatoes and garlic in cold water. Boil them in moderate heat and simmer them until they become tender.
2. Using a small skillet, heat the canola oil, and add the shallots in a single layer. Stir frequently until golden. Transfer them to a paper towel.
3. Drain excess water from the potatoes, then add butter, and half and half. Press them through a ricer before seasoning. Transfer the mashed potatoes inside a bowl.

Serving

Sprinkle the shallots with salt and use them to garnish the mashed potatoes.

2. Sautéed Kale with Lemon, Currants, and Olive

Tip: Remove the stems and the veins of the kale if they are tough. Boil the kale first before sautéing.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of dried currants
• 4 pounds of kale
• 3 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
• 1 medium-size onion
• ½ a cup chicken broth
• ½ cup pitted olives
• 1 grated lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Cover the dried currants in hot water for five minutes to soften. Then drain.
2. Blanche the kale for 5 minutes in boiling water till tender, then drain, and chop them in big chunks.
3. Melt the butter in olive oil in a large skillet. Add the broth, kale, and toss. Cook in moderate heat, add in the remaining ingredients, and stir — season with salt and pepper.

3. Spinach Dip Muffin 

The combination of spinach dip and corn muffins is delicious. You can’t have enough of it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 1-½ cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1-cup white cheddar cheese
• 1 can of artichoke hearts
• 2-3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter
• ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 1-cup spinach

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Mix the wet ingredients in a different bowl, then add to the dry mix.
4. Chop the spinach and artichokes, or use a food processor.
5. Add vegetables to the wet-dry mixture and stir.
6. Grease a muffin pan and fill with batter. Bake for 15 minutes

4. Kale Puffs and Sweet Potato

This is a creative Thanksgiving recipe that also favors beginner cooks. It is simply mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed kale leaves.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets thawed puff pastry
• 1-teaspoon olive oil
• 3 cups of shredded kale
• 2 large peeled and boiled sweet potatoes
• 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• Pinch of pepper and salt
• 3 cloves of garlic

Method

1. Boil the sweet potatoes then mash in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper.
2. In a pan with olive oil, saute the kale and garlic for about five minutes. Remove the garlic.
3. Cut the pastry sheets into three rows, and cut each row into squares. Bake the pastry for 10 minutes in a muffin tin after molding them into little pastry cups.
4. Spoon the mashed potato and kale mixture and put it in each pastry cup.
5. Sprinkle cheese over each cup then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

5. The Classic Pie

This is one of the creative Thanksgiving recipes that your family will enjoy. To have a crispy crust, bake the pie shell before adding the filling.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• Butter pie dough
• ¾-cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1-tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon of cloves
• ½-cup cream
• 15-ounce pumpkin puree

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Roll the dough and make a round shape. Fit the dough on a 9-inch pie plate and trim the outer dough. Fold the dough under itself  and refrigerate the shell for 10 minutes.
3. Fill the pie shell. Bake until nearly set for about 25 minutes.
4. Whisk the eggs as you add sugar, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crust.
5. Bake for 45 minutes.

6. Broccoli Soup

We all need starters for a proper Thanksgiving dinner. Broccoli soup can be made in advance and reheated when needed.

Ingredients

• 2 large broccoli heads with no stems
• 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 large chopped onion
• ½ a cup of milk
• Salt and pepper
• ½-cup cream
• 4 cups of water
• 1-quart vegetable broth

Method

1. Separate the broccoli heads from stems. Reserve 3 cups of florets and chop the rest.
2. Melt the butter in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry the onions. Add the chopped broccoli alongside the broth and water, let the mixture boil for 20 minutes. Add 2 cups of florets then simmer for five more minutes.
3. Heat the other two tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper and the remaining cup of florets. Cover and cook on moderate heat for 6 minutes.
4. Pour the soup in a blender to make it smooth and pour it to a saucepan. Add cream and milk and simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Then serve the broccoli soup and garnish with the sauteed florets.

7. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic cauliflower is a vegan, low-carb, keto, and a paleo dish. The creative Thanksgiving recipe will get you into the Thanksgiving mood. The taste is almost similar to mashed potatoes but is healthier and low in carbs and calories.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• ¼ cup milk, almond or cashew milk
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp. rosemary
• 1 ½ tsp. thyme
• 3-4 cloves roasted garlic
• ¾ - 1 tsp. salt, to taste
• 1 pinch black pepper

Method

1. Roast a head of garlic in the oven. You can do this up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil cauliflower for 10-12 minutes.
3. Drain water and place cauliflower on a towel and dry cauliflower completely before proceeding.
4. In the bowl of a food processor combine cauliflower, milk, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, roasted garlic cloves, salt, to taste, and a pinch of black pepper.
5. Puree for 1-2 minutes or until mashed cauliflower is completely smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl every 20-30 seconds to ensure even pureeing.
6. If mashed cauliflower has cooled too much, return it to the pot and heat it to your desired temperature.
7. Serve mashed cauliflower with a drizzle of olive oil and a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme and enjoy!

 Try these 7 creative thanksgiving recipes with your family this Thanksgiving day and let us know which ones made it to the Thanksgiving table. Head over to Mother Earth Products for your cauliflower, broccoli, apples and sweet potatoes now.

7 Halloween Treat Ideas That Are Spookingly Healthy 0

Even though September sets us up for nutritional success with all the autumn produce hitting the farmer's market scene, October is all about the treats. And yes, we're talking about Halloween treats; the ones that you can't get your paws off of from the moment you leave the supermarket to the second you're down to the last one.

Since this year we're all about clean eating, we've found a bunch of ways to satisfy our sweet tooth without giving up on flavor. So, if you also want to enjoy the spookiest of seasons the way you're supposed to, these 7 healthier Halloween treat ideas will have you and your guests shaking in your boots.

 1. Boo-nana Pops

Since fall weather is notoriously unpredictable, you could keep these frozen banana pops in your freezer just in case. After all, you don't want your trick-or-treaters (or perhaps guests) to sweat through their masks, right?

Ingredients:

3 large bananas

2 cups of plain yogurt

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

6 chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Peel the bananas, cut them in half, and pierce a popsicle stick through each piece
2. Add the yogurt to a bowl and mix with the coconut oil.
3. Now, dip the banana pops into the bowl and coat each piece from top to bottom.
4. Use the chocolate chips as eyes and quickly place them to the freezer.

2. Spider-Infested No-Bake Cookies

These spider-infested cookies may look gory, but trust us, they are 110% safe to eat. Heck, they're even packed with fiber and good-for-you fats! So, don't let their looks fool you. Friendly tip: If possible, serve them with a glass of milk, because... why not?

Ingredients:

3 cups oats

1/3 cup almond butter

1 ¼ cups almond milk

1 ¾ cups sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup chocolate chip

2 ounces dark chocolate

Directions:

1. Add the butter, sugar, and milk to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients (except for the dark chocolate). Keep mixing until everything is combined.
3. Using a spoon, scoop the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and let them cool,
4. Once they're completely cool, melt the dark chocolate and pour it in a pastry bag.
5. Pipe the spider heads and their legs onto the cookies and allow them to dry.

3. Banana Mummies

Who said Halloween treats are all about chocolate? If you want to squeeze a few vitamins to the mix, these banana "mummies" are a no-brainer. Not to mention, they take less than 10 minutes to make, so you'll have more time for munching.

Ingredients:

3 large bananas

4 tbsp nut or seed butter, of your preference

1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

1. Peel the bananas and cut them in half. Set them aside.
2. In a small saucepan, add your favorite nut or seed butter and the coconut oil and melt over low heat. Keep stirring until the oil melts and have a thick "sauce."
3. Now, pierce a popsicle stick through each banana piece.
4. Drizzle the bananas with the "sauce" horizontally and decorate with edible googly eyes.

4. Almond Butter Jack-o-Lanterns

Nothing says it's Halloween quite like a Jack-o-Lantern. But, since gutting, carving, and decorating a pumpkin can be a time consuming task, we have an easier way for you to get all the feels. So, cue these almond butter Jack-o-Lanterns. Made with 5 wholesome ingredients, they're the healthiest thing to hit your kid's trick-or-treat bag.

Ingredients:

½ cup almond butter

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/3 cup rolled oats

2 tbsp ground flax seeds

1 ounce of dark chocolate

Directions:

1. Add the almond butter and maple syrup to a heatproof bowl and microwave for one minute until the mixture is runny.
2. Then, add the oats and the flaxseed and combine well.
3. Using your hands, form small, bite-sized balls, place them on a tray and freeze them overnight.
4. The next day, cut the chocolate into small, rectangular pieces to decorate the balls (soon-to-be pumpkins). These will be used as stems.
5. Melt one piece of the chocolate and using a toothpick, draw the eyes and mouth on each ball. Make sure they look as gory as possible.

5. Spook-tacular Butter Cups

Correct us if we're wrong, but we believe the sight of "blood" dripping out of a snack is eerie enough to put anyone in a ghostly mood. So, if the goal is to spook out everyone who knocks on your door, these "bloody" butter cups will do the trick (literally).

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups dark chocolate

2 tbsp coconut oil

½ cup freeze dried blackberries

3 tbsp water

1 tbsp maple syrup

Directions:

1. Add the chocolate and coconut oil to a heatproof bowl and melt over a double boiler.
2. Place 12 cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
3. Pour two teaspoons of chocolate into each liner and refrigerate.
4. Now, add the blackberries, water and maple syrup to a bowl, and let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
5. Using a spoon, crush them blackberries to create a thick, blood-like jam.
6. Remove the muffin tin from the freezer, ladle 1 tablespoon of the jam into each liner and coat with the remaining chocolate.
7. Freeze for an additional hour and serve.

6. Boo Bark

Whoever said chocolate bark should be reserved just for Christmas never tried this Halloween version. Made with dark and white chocolate and freeze dried bananas, this boo bark is just as tasty as its peppermint cousin, and fun fact: it's pretty easy to make. So, no need to pull out your pots and pans.

Ingredients:

12 ounces dark chocolate

4 ounces white chocolate

2 tbsp freeze dried bananas, chopped into small pieces

Directions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler and spread it over a lined baking pan. Make sure to set aside a small amount of it, perhaps ½ a tablespoon.
2. Then, melt the white chocolate in the same way and let it cool for a while.
3. Pour it into a pastry bag and spread it over the hardened chocolate in the form of circles.
4. Using a toothpick, draw an end on each circle to create the ghost's "tail."
5. Now, using the dark chocolate you set aside, draw a mouth and eyes on each ghost.
6. Lastly, sprinkle the banana pieces all over to create an out-worldly vibe.
7. Refrigerate for a couple of hours.

7. Chocolate Covered Freeze Dried Fruit

This treat doesn't exactly scream Halloween (after all, it's not shaped like the usual ghoulish culprits), but it tastes so good that we couldn't leave it off the list. Plus, it's way healthier than all those teeth-rotting snacks you'd find in a typical trick-or-treat bag and takes next-to-zero time to prep. So, it's a win-win.

Ingredients:

10 ounces dark chocolate

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 ½ cup freeze dried fruit

Directions:

1. Add the chocolate and coconut oil to a bowl and melt it over a double-boiler.
2. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool for a couple of minutes and stir in the freeze dried fruit of your choice.
4. Transfer the chocolate-coated fruit onto the sheet and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

So, which of these ghastly Halloween treat ideas will you serve to your guests? Let us known in the comments below!

References:

1. https://www.brit.co/simple-no-bake-halloween-treats/

2. https://greatist.com/health/best-halloween-recipes-102813/amp

5 Easy Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Insanely Simple 0

It's easy to be enticed by fancy, eye-catching recipes when dinnertime rolls around. After all, your work lunches are all about sad salads and soggy sandwiches. But, here's the thing: real beauty lies in simplicity. If you're looking for the simplest (yet most delicious) ingredient available this time of year, sweet potatoes ⁽¹⁾ are where it's at.

These bright orange dicots taste amazing, no matter how you cook them. Roast 'em, grill 'em, bake 'em - they'll still do the trick. Plus, they're jam-packed with nutrients, such as fiber, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, meaning they can ward off those sneaky winter bugs. So, if you prefer spending time savoring your dinner than prepping it, these 5 easy sweet potato recipes are just the thing to hit the spot on a busy weekday.

1. Spicy Sweet Potato Soup

Whether you're looking for a light meal or something quick to tame your #hunger, winter soups are the way to go. This piquant version, however, goes the extra mile by combining two entirely different ingredients. Needless to say, the pairing is beyond scrumptious as the chipotle's spicy zest balances out the dicot's natural sweetness, creating a delicious combo in the process. Take that, chicken soup!

Ingredients:

1 cup dehydrated sweet potato

1 chipotle pepper

1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups of water

1 tsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)

½ tbsp tomato paste or passata

3 cups vegetable broth

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the sweet potato pieces and one cup of water. Let them sit for 15 minutes until they hydrate. Then, remove them from the water and squeeze away any excess liquid.
2. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes.
3. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and let the soup simmer until the sweet potato is fork-tender. This should take anywhere from 25-30 minutes.

2. Mediterranean-Inspired Sweet Potato Salad

Who said salads should only be served as a side dish? This twist on the classic Greek salad proves that the entree is more than just a way to supplement your meal, and could readily turn your dinners into the highlight of the day. Plus, with all the Mediterranean flair going around, you'll feel as if you're dining at a restaurant in Crete.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups dehydrated sweet potato

½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup green or black olives, pitted

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 tomato, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Sesame seeds, to serve

Directions:

1. Add the sweet potatoes and one cup of lukewarm water to a bowl and let it hydrate from 15 minutes.
2. Once it's tender enough, remove from the bowl and get rid of the excess water.
3. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl along with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Mix well so that everything is coated with the balsamic vinegar.

3. Sweet Potato Rosemary Crackers

Perfect for those days when you can't even with a full meal, these Goldfish look-alike crackers are the coolest way to sneak some nutrients into your body. Just add all the ingredients to a bowl, mix them well, and let your oven take it from there. Don't let the multiple steps fool you! This recipe doesn't take more than 10 minutes to prep.

Ingredients:

½ cup dehydrated sweet potato

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cups all-purpose flour

1½ tbsp baking soda

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp sugar

Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Pour one cup of lukewarm water to a bowl and add the sweet potato pieces. Let them sit until they hydrate, for about 15 minutes.
2. Remove them from the water, squeeze away all the excess liquid and transfer to a food processor. Blend until the potato turns into a smooth puree.
3. Now, add all the ingredients to a mixer and let it stir until they turn into one big lump.
4. Using your hands, knead the dough a bit and form a ball.
5. Divide it into four pieces, wrap each piece with wax paper, and let them cool in the fridge for half an hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350^oF.
7. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball on a floured surface until it's very thin.
8. Cut the dough into pieces with a cookie cutter and transfer them onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake them for 10 minutes or until they turn crispy.

4. Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash

When you think of a hash, chances are you think of breakfast. But, the truth is the dish is a solid option for any time of the day, even dinner. So, if you're ready to give this whole hash-as-an-evening-meal thing a shot, you definitely need to start with this Southwestern version.

Ingredients:

¾ cup dehydrated sweet potato

½ pound turkey or chicken sausage, sliced

1 small onion, diced

1/3 cup dehydrated red bell pepper

3 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp dehydrated garlic

1 avocado, diced

½ tsp cumin

½ can black beans

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Add two cups of water to a bowl along with the sweet potato and the bell pepper. Let them hydrate for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for a couple of minutes, and then add the bell peppers and the sweet potato. Cook for another 3 minutes.
3. Now, add the rest of the ingredients, except for the beans and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the beans and let the hash simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. No-Bake Sweet Potato Brownies (also Paleo)

By now, we all know that sweet potatoes are a league of their own. After all, they're one of the few veggies that blend perfectly in both desserts and salty dishes. So, if you're ready to get a taste of the its sweet side, this recipe is hands-down the easiest way to get started.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup dehydrated sweet potato

¾ cup almond butter

1/3 maple syrup

½ cup of coconut sugar

1/3 cup almond flour

3 tbsp cocoa powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add 1 cup of water and the sweet potato and let it hydrate.
2. Meanwhile, line a baking pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350^oF.
3. Then, add the sweet potato, almond butter, and maple syrup to a bowl and mix using your hands.
4. Then, add the rest of the ingredients one at a time and mix well.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and using a spatula or a ladle, spread it into an even layer.
6. Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes or until the batter is no longer sticky.
7. Serve with whipped cream, chopped nuts or dried fruits.

Now, we want to hear from you! What are your go-to easy sweet potato recipes? Any unique combos you'd like to share? We can't wait to hear your thoughts in the comments down below!

References:

1.  https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/sweet-potatoes/

5 Best Carrot Recipes to Root For 0

If you're anything like most people out there, you probably eat carrots in the raw. You may occasionally plunge them into a bowlful of tzatziki or ranch dip, but more often than not, you munch on them as is, no? Well, if you do, we've got some news for you: Cooked carrots are where the money's at. From crisping up your stir-fries to sweetening just about any soup or stew, the bright orange root can be any cook's secret weapon. Plus, research⁽¹⁾ shows that the veggie retains its nutrients more in cooked form. So, if you want to reap all the health benefits without having to resort to those bland, tasteless sticks, these 5 best carrot recipes will put the root front and center.

1. Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Between the warm spices, the rich-flavored nuts, and the oh-so-yummy carrots, we're all familiar with the culinary masterpiece that is the carrot cake. However, if you don't have the time to bake the thing (who does, actually?), you can still get all the feels by whipping up this version instead. The best part? This twist of a dish is actually healthier than the real deal, because it skips the butter and sugar and sneaks in lots of fiber - thanks to the oats. 

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup dehydrated carrots

2 1/2 cups almond milk (or any nut milk of your choice)

1/3 cup walnuts, crushed

2 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tbsp flaxseed

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tbsp almond butter

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the carrots along with one cup of lukewarm water. Let them sit until they hydrate for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Then, remove the carrots from the bowl and get rid of all excess water by squeezing them as hard as you can.
3. Add all the ingredients (except for the walnuts) to a saucepan over low to medium heat and stir well.
4. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer to a bowl and top with the walnuts. Enjoy!

2. Spicy Carrot Frittata

If you thought frittatas are all about eggs, think again. This take on the breakfast staple puts more emphasis on the veggies than the eggs. So, now you can start your day on an uber-nutritious note. And since carrot and harissa go hand in hand, you can always add a tablespoon of the thing to spice up the dish (if your stomach is up for it, of course!).

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups dehydrated carrots

1 dry onion, peeled and diced

2 eggs

3 tbsp almond milk

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp harissa sauce (optional)

1/4 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Add the carrots to a bowl along with 3 cups of warm water. Let them sit for 15 minutes or until they hydrate.
2. Once they are ready, remove them from the water and squeeze away any excess liquid.
3. Place them into a bowl along with the milk, eggs, harissa, salt, and spices. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour the olive oil in a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
5. Then, add the onion and sauté until it's translucent.
6. Pour the carrot mixture in the pan and stir until all ingredients are coated.
7. Cover with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent the frittata from burning and sticking.
8. Once done, remove from and serve with the fresh chopped parsley.

3. Carrot Mango Smoothie

From pancakes and ice cream to salsa and jam, mango is one of those fruits that tastes great, no matter how you eat it. However, this colorful smoothie goes above and beyond in the flavor department as it combines the fruit's natural sweetness with carrot's earthy zing. Plus, the hint of orange in this bad boy turns it in an antioxidant powerhouse, so what's not to like?

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dehydrated carrots

1/2 cup freeze dried mangos

2 tbsp orange juice

1/2 tsp coconut sugar (optional)

2 cups cold water

A handful of ice

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients (except for the ice) to a food processor and blend until they're all juiced up.
2. Then, add the ice and continue to pulse until the cubes are crushed.
3. Serve and enjoy!

4. Carrot Gnocchi

When you hear the words "carrot gnocchi," chances are your mind roams to some fancy Italian restaurant that serves only the finest of dishes. But, what if we told you that making carrot gnocchi at home is as easy as ABC? The secret? You need to add a few potatoes to the mix to make the dough more flavorful and less sticky. Fun fact: They pair great with pretty much anything, from pesto to red pasta sauce.

Ingredients:

2 large potatoes

1 cup dehydrated carrots

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp nutritional yeast

3/4 cup water

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add two cups of lukewarm water and the carrots, and let them sit there for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove from the bowl, squeeze away any excess fluid, and set them aside.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 400^oF.
3. Rinse the potatoes, and bake them until fork-tender (that's about 1 hour).
4. Once they're cooked through, cut them in half and rice the flesh.
5. Then, put the carrots, riced potatoes and 1/4 of water in a food processor and puree.
6. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients until you form a semi-sticky dough.
7. Now, flour a surface, shape the dough into a disc and slice it into four pieces.
8. Knead each one, forming a rope and using a knife, slice it into small 1-inch pieces.
9. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water and once they're cooked, top them with your favorite pasta sauce.

5. Cheesy Carrot Bites

Even though cheese and carrots aren't the most common of food pairings, these delicious balls prove that it's high time we gave this combo a shot. In fact, between Feta's tangy flavor and carrot's earthiness, these bites are going to be a hit, no matter when or to whom you serve them. The best part? They're oven-baked, so you can easily avoid all that frying grease.

Ingredients:

1 cup dehydrated carrots

3/4 cup oats

1/3 cup Feta cheese, crumbled

2-3 tbsp breadcrumbs

1 small egg

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tbsp BBQ sauce

1/2 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, pour 2 cups of water.
2. Then, toss the carrots and let them hydrate for about 15 minutes.
3. Now, preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Once they do, take them out of the water and remove all excess liquid.
5. Then, add them to the food processor along with the rest of the ingredients.
6. Pulse for a couple of minutes or until all of them are combined.
7. Adjust the seasoning, if needed.
8. Now, using your hands, form small balls of the "dough" and place them onto the baking sheet.
9. Bake for about 20 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
10. Serve with your favorite sauce or condiment. Enjoy!

Do you often cook with carrots? We' love to hear your answers in the comments down below!

References:

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01091.x