Strawberry Cheesecake or Pina Colada Muddy Buddies

My anniversary is coming up.   8 years of marriage...woohoo!  Annnnd we dated for 3 years preceding that so really to us it feels like an 11 year anniversary.

Even though Drew is training for a triathlon and probably doesn't actually have time to be indulging in a sweet tooth craving, I thought I'd be super considerate and make him something sweet anyway. ;)  He loves to munch (ask what he does after the kids go to bed almost every night to keep himself awake while he works late hours)  so I thought I'd help him switch it up a bit and add some zang to the late night hours.

This post can really be blamed on Dessert Now, Dinner Later who introduced the idea of Cherry Cheesecake Muddy Buddies.  Then, I was talking to Meilea about the Muddy Buddy recipes she's tried and she said her favorite is Strawberry Cheesecake.  I told her, I was thinking the same thing... man, these would taste so much better with Freeze Dried Strawberries added in for REAL Strawberry flavor.  And then my mind started wandering and I thought, self, Freeze Dried Pineapple is ALWAYS a hit... you must do the Muddy Buddies some justice and use REAL Pineapples in at least one recipe.  So I kindly listened to both trains of thought and created 2 recipes that I am SURE you are going to enjoy, like TODAY.

In fact, I'm so sure you'll enjoy them because my sister took a bag of these to her work to enjoy, and brought a baggie for her carpooling friend.  She came home with multiple requests for the recipes and $16 (and more money to come) to pay for baggies to be distributed at work.  Yes, they're awesome!

First up:
Strawberry Cheesecake Muddy Buddies

Ingredients:
10 c Chex cereal of choice
1 (12 oz) bag White Chocolate Chips
1 (10 oz) bag of Cherry Chips (or 2 white)
2 T Coconut Oil (you can use shortening)
3/4 c FD Strawberries, ground into powder
2 (4 oz) boxes Jello Brand Cheesecake Pudding Mix
1 c Powdered Sugar

Directions:
1. Grind Strawberries in your food processor or blender.
2. Get a ziplock bag and combine Strawberry Powder, Powdered Sugar and Cheesecake Pudding Mix.
3. Measure out your cereal into a large bowl.
4. Empty your White Chocolate Chips, Cherry Chips and Coconut Oil into a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave them for 30 seconds at a time stirring well in between each time increment.
5. Pour steadily over bowl of Chex mix and use a soft spatula to mix the melted chocolate around and completely cover the mix.  You will want to make sure there aren't huge chunks that need to be broken up before adding to the Powder Mixture.
6. Dump chocolate covered cereal into the Powder Mixture and shake until it is evenly coated.
7. Put into a serving container and ENJOY!

I like to premeasure everything so once the chips are melted,
we're ready to roll through all of the remainding steps.

Kid tested, Mother approved :)

Yes, even bloggers making a professional post find ways to make incredible messes.
I love how my nephew seizes the moment and thinks, sweet, I'm going to grab some while they're all over.

Second recipe for the day:

Pina Colada Muddy Buddies

Ingredients:

10 c Chex Cereal of your choice

1 (12 oz) bag of White Chocolate Chips

2 T Coconut Oil (or you can use shortening)

3/4 c FD Pineapple

1/2 c FD Vanilla Yogurt Bites (can replace with 1/4 c powdered sugar)

3/4 c Powdered Sugar

1/4 c Coconut Flakes, ground up slightly

1 (4 oz) box Jello Brand Coconut Creme Pudding Mix

Directions:

1. Grind Pineapple, Vanilla Yogurt and Coconut Flakes in your food processor or blender.
2. Get a ziplock bag and combine Pineapple, Coconut, and Yogurt Powder, Powdered Sugar and Coconut Creme Pudding Mix.
3. Measure out your cereal into a large bowl.
4. Combine White Chocolate Chips and Coconut Oil into a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave them for 30 seconds at a time stirring well in between each time increment.
5. Pour steadily over bowl of Chex mix and use a soft spatula to mix the melted chocolate around and completely cover the mix.  You will want to make sure there aren't huge chunks that need to be broken up before adding to the Powder Mixture.
6. Dump chocolate covered cereal into the Powder Mixture and shake until it is evenly coated.
7. Put into a serving container and ENJOY!

I'm a chocolate kinda girl, so of course I had to make a Reese's and Andes (different from this recipe) version.  I also found these Milky Way, and Cookies n' Cream versions to get started on.  YUM!

Thanks for stopping by!


Question of the Day:
  What is your favorite Muddy Buddy Recipe?

MM - Baby Days! Snackage.....

Happy Monday everyone!!!

I don't know about all of you, but snacks make the world go 'round in our household. Once Noah could eat solids, snacks were gold, in fact, this is still the case! My little guy is a super eater and loves meal time. Most of the time we are super busy and snacks fill the gaps for us. So today I thought that I would give you some "food for thought"!

Has anyone tried those yogurt bites that they have in the baby isle? Either the gerber brand or the store brand, to me they taste so weird. Now, have you tried the THRIVE yogurt bites? AMAZING!!!! In my humble opinion, the THRIVE yogurt bites melt easier in the little ones mouth, taste WAY better, and kiddos love them!! Not to mention that they are a ton cheaper! Noah's fav is Strawberry!

The thing I love most about THRIVE foods is that they make the perfect snack right out of the can! The fruits and veggies are awesome for when your little one starts to feed themselves! Try the peas, corn, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mangos, and pears! They are great starter foods and they love the crunch! Noah absolutlely loves the fruits and veggies especially while he is teethin!! The applesauce is also amazing!



What about when they get a little older and goldfish are the bomb.com? Well, I was perusing the THRIVE cookbook the other day and I found this little gem! AMAZING!!! We made a batch this weekend and they were devoured!!!

***I have to add a disclaimer. I don't have an actual picture of the ones that we made this weekend. They were gobbled up rather quickly and I forgot to take a picture in the craziness that happened this weekend. Me and Noah got some burns on saturday as i was cooking. Some hot oil splashed on the both of us. Things have been just a little out of whack ever since then. ***


Photo courtesy of THRIVE Cookbook

Here is what you will need:
1 1/4 Cups TRIVE Flour (Whole wheat or white)
1/2 Cup THRIVE Cheese Blend
1/8 teaspoon THRIVE Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon THRIVE Salt
3 Tablespoons Oil (I use coconut oil)
1/2 Cup Water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all your dry ingredients. Slowly add oil until the mixture is crumbly. SLOWLY add water until you form a tight dough.
Roll out you dough very thin (they will puff up when they bake) about 1/8 of an inch. Cut into squares or your favorite shape. Poke a hole in the top of them and transfer onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Cool completely before removing them from the pan.
Happy Snackin!

Blueberry Strawberry Pancakes

If you asked me what my favorite food was you might see a puzzled look cross my face. I can never answer that question. How do you pick just one?! Pancakes, however, would be at the very top of the list.

There is just something about a pancake that makes everything in the world right. Eating a good pancake is like coming home after a long trip. When I was younger and lived with my childhood friend we would have "midnight pancakes". Every once in a while we would bust out the skillet and bisquick and gorge ourselves on pancakes oozing with syrup in the middle of the night.

Now that I am older and have my own kitchen I love trying new pancake recipes, with new ingredients.

So this month because I'm pregnant and because I love pancakes, every Friday I will be sharing a new pancake recipe with you.

I made these for breakfast this morning and they were so good I ate them before I remembered to take a picture. So just use your imagination ;)

You Will Need:
1 cup flour (white, wheat, or whole wheat pastry flour all work)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup plain greek yogurt
2 eggs
2 Tbs honey
1 tsp vanilla
3 Tbs milk (almond, soy, whole, skim, whatever)
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries

Directions:
First put 1 cup THRIVE blueberries in a bowl with 1 cup water. In a 2nd bowl put 1 cup strawberries and 3/4 cup water.
In a large bowl mix together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl mix yogurt, eggs, honey, vanilla, and milk.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients together in the large bowl. The batter will be pretty thick, you can add another tablespoon or 2 of milk if you'd like.
Drain blueberries and strawberries and fold into batter.
Pour into a heated skillet and cook until golden. Since these pancakes are thick make sure the inside is cooked through (while somehow managing to not burn the outside)
Serve with maple syrup, agave, or even peanut butter. Yum!

Mama Mondays - Prosperous Pregnancy

Happy Mondays Mamas!!!

I am hoping that we will all love the 4th Monday of the month as much as the others! Why you ask? Because every 4th Monday will be prosperous pregnancy Monday! YAY!!!

Ok so I realize that you may not be jumping for joy right now (especially if your baby belly is gettin bigger ;) these days!), but this is something that is very near and dear to my heart....so get excited!!!

While I was pregnant with my little one, I was also highly stressed and overworked, a plight not unlike most of you! What did I do to combat this? Well, I have already mentioned my top 5 tips, and those helped alot!!! I quickly learned that the way that I ate really affected my day. The days that I tried really hard to follow my eating plan, I felt so much better and had much more energy. The days when I "cheated" and ate differently, I felt crummy. So I decided to get some awesome go-to meals that packed a big punch! I usually make them in big batches and stick some in the freezer, that way I could just pop em in the toaster oven as I rushed out the door to work! 

Something that is important to remember while you are pregnant is that huge shifts in sugar affect your growing baby. You want to try and eat consistently and make sure that you have a great protein source when you eat.

My all time favorite breakfast is Ricotta Pancakes with fruit. (I love them with blueberries, but you can add anything to them!!) These are like a super food!! They pack in only 17 carbs per serving with a huge 12 g of protein!! YES!!! I KNOW!!! And they are so yummy!! Here is what you need:

Makes 2 Servings
3 Tablespoons THRIVE Flour
2 teaspoons THRIVE Sugar (or Stevia)
1 teaspoon THRIVE Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon THRIVE Whole Egg Powder (or 1 egg)
2 Tablespoons Water
1/2 Cup Ricotta Cheese
Blueberries, Strawberries, Bananas, Raspberries, Blackberries, or whatever else you like! (You can rehydrate these or leave them freeze dried)

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in egg powder, water and ricotta cheese until well blended. Gently fold in blueberries or other fruit.
Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then turn to brown other side.

If you want to do a big batch to have some on hand, you will need:
Makes 14 servings
1 and 1/4 Cups THRIVE Flour
1/4 Cup THRIVE Sugar (or Stevia)
2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon THRIVE Baking Powder
7 Tablespoons THRIVE Whole Egg Powder 14 Tablespoons Water
3 and 1/2 Cup Ricotta Cheese
Blueberries, Strawberries, Bananas, Raspberries, Blackberries, or whatever else you like!

I hope you love them!

Strawberry Banana Bread

I was looking for low sugar recipes and I came across this bread recipe. I have made it several times and it is delicious! I went to make it once and I was so bummed to discover that the strawberries I had just purchased from my local grocery store were not very "fresh" looking. Then I remembered my THRIVE strawberries! I was able to make a beloved recipe with the addition of one or two food storage items and it still tasted delicious.

It's really easy to make and literally takes 10 minutes to throw together, and an hour to bake.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups plus 3 Tbs whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 brown sugar or 1/4 agave nectar (what I usually use)
3 ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 6 oz Strawberry Banana Chobani (my grocery store only had strawberry this time and it worked just fine)
1 cup rehydrated strawberries

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 and grease a loaf pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl mash the bananas really well.
Add the sugar and eggs to banana and mix well.
Whisk in the yogurt, and try to get out as many lumps as you can.
Add your wet ingredients to your dry and mix until just combined.
Fold in your strawberries.
Distribute batter evenly into loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes.

I love this recipe and I hope you do too! I usually spread peanut butter on it...mmm yummy!

Healthy Mama Top Tips

Happy Monday Everyone!!! We are on a mission to make Monday somethin that you look forward to instead of dread!!! Hopefully this post is a good start!!!

I have been working on a list of the best tips and advice that I have received or things that have helped me on my journey as a mama. Here goes:



Handy Dandy Water Glass!!

1.   Good ol' H2O!!!

Water is so important!!! Not only is water important to a healthy pregnancy, but also to a breastfeeding mama! You need so much water in order to make milk or keep your amniotic fluid goin strong, but also to keep your own body hydrated. I find that the best way to make sure that you are getting enough water during the day is to make yourself accountable! You will need 2 Liters everyday while pregnant or nursing (4 oz. extra for every 20lbs. overweight) What works best for me is to get a water bottle or cup that is around 1 liter. Then I divide up my day in 2 (I go from 6am-12noon and 12noon-6pm). that way you curb your intake before bed so you are not up all night! Then I just make sure that I drink the entire glass or bottle before that time! Also, I drink so much better if it is from a straw, so if that helps you, make sure to get a cup or bottle that has a straw. The idea here is to make it effortless!!!

2. Be prepared!

The easiest way to eat healthy foods is to have them ready and at your disposal. The reason that most of us eat junk food is because we have it lying around and it is usually in a nice little package that is easy and convenient. If you plan ahead a little bit and make sure that the healthy snacks are easy and convenient, you are much more likely to choose those. This is also why I make my Breastmilk Boosting Breakfast cookies! What I did was picked 1 day a week, usually Sunday because the hubby is home and can help, to pack snacks and plan meals. Make the snacks something you already like! My favorites are the THRIVE fruit line. Strawberries, Pineapple, Raspberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries are my favorites!! I usually make a "trail mix" type of snack bag by throwing in some of my favorite freeze dried fruits, nuts, and granola or yogurt chips. This way when I am out and about, I can just grab my snack bag and enjoy instead of being tempted by my other choices! :) These yummy granola bars are also an awesome option! Be creative and add what you like!

These are so yummy!!! We eat them right out of the can!

3. Indulge!

I cannot stress enough how important it is to treat yourself to something nice! It does not have to be food (although it certainly can be)! Get a pedicure, take a bath, rent a movie! It doesn't matter what you do, just do something! I have a sweet tooth the size of Texas, so for me, sweets are my indulgences! I love the THRIVE macaroons! Dipped in a little chocolate and I am in heaven! That is all it takes to make it easy for me to eat well the rest of the time...1 little macaroon...or maybe 2!

4. Find yourself in Awe...

Take a little but of time to think about just what we are doing here. If you are pregnant, just take a little time to think about what a miracle it is to be helping your little one grow! It takes a LOT of hard work to make a tiny person, and it truly is amazing! If you are a nursing mama, just think about all the steps your body goes through in order to make milk for your little one. I am still dumbfounded that it even works in the first place! Once you think about how amazing all of this is, eating healthy and taking care of yourself really doesn't seem so hard anymore!

And Last but certainly not least...

5. Catch some ZZZ's

I know that as a pregnant or new mama, sleep is something of a precious thing! However, it is one of the most important things that you can do for a healthy body. Do whatever you need to do to relax yourself and get some rest. If that means napping while your little one naps, then do it! Do not let anyone make you feel like a slacker for taking care of your body. After all, it is the only one you get!

Don't forget to check us out tomorrow for info on our big giveaway!! Happy Monday!

 

 





Fruit- My favorite line in the Shelf Reliance Spectrum

Currently Out of Stock Ultimate Fruit Package

473.29 plus shipping and tax

(This is not the picture of the package because I do not yet have a picture of this package.  The actual package has 30 #10 cans).   This makes the cans only $15.78 a piece!

Package Contents:

3 Strawberries (FD)

3 Raspberries (FD)

2 Blueberries (FD)

2 Blackberries (FD)

2 Peach Slices (FD)

3 Mangoes (FD)

2 Sliced Bananas (FD)

1 Pineapple Chunks (FD)

3 Pineapple

3 Apple Chips

3 Apple Slices

3 Banana Chips

This is a SMOKING DEAL so if you are ready to stock up for an incredible price, email me at ShelfRelianceMom@gmail.com.

Instant Pancakes in a Platter

Pancakes in a Platter Full Page
Pancakes in a Platter 3x5 or 4x6

 

Instant Pancakes are a quick variation of doing breakfast for a family on the go. Each bowl is an individual person’s portion similar to if you had made instant oatmeal.  These are a quick replacer for a long prep time if you’d like something besides cold cereal and are in a hurry.  They have become my family’s new favorite.

Original Instant Pancakes
10 T THRIVE Instant Pancake Mix (1/2 c plus 2T)
5 T Water

Measure ingredients into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 70-95 seconds, depending on microwave wattage. It should be spongey but not sticky to the touch.

Fruit Pancakes
2-3 T FD THRIVE fruit (Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries, Crushed Bananas)
3 T Water
10 T THRIVE Instant Pancake Mix (This is the same as ½ c plus 2T of mix)
3 ½ T Water

Measure FD fruit and 3 T water into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 20 seconds.  Add 10 T of pancake mix and remaining water and mix thoroughly with a fork.  Microwave on high for 70-95 seconds.  (Some fruits are a little more moist when the water is mixed and need a little more time to cook) Also, Microwave wattage may vary.

Optional: Sprinkle some additional dried fruit or nuts for more flavor and texture. Yum!

I am still experimenting with more combinations so if you have some you've tried, I'd love for you to comment and I'll add them on for other readers. Some yummy combo yet to come...peaches 'n cream, apples and cinnamon, blackberry...the possibilities are endless.

Tiffany Daumueller
Director at Shelf Reliance
ShelfRelianceMom@gmail.com
575-621-0274



I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance and as such I am able to sell products to you at Factory Direct pricing, no coupons needed! To get these discounts, simply go to www.shelfreliancemom.shelfreliance.com. Discounts will show up once your items are in the cart. To view the items that are currently on sale, please go to Current Discounts and Promos Page. To ensure you are getting the consultant discount it must say Shelf Reliance Mom-Tiffany Daumueller Discount Store at the top of the page.


Thanks for stopping by!

Shelf Reliance Coupon Code - Package 36% off the party price!!!

****This sale is over now, but if you'd like to learn about the current UNADVERTISED specials running right now that are only available through a consultant email me at TiffsTreasures@gmail.com and I will email you a flier with the current sales details. To take a sneak peek at the products that will be coming out in just a couple of days (insert applause here...) click here.  

Food and Water Package

Retail $1399.99

Consultant Price $973

Q Club Coupon for April- 25% off of#10 can of Strawberries or more than 30% off of a case of 6 cans.

Retail $26.69

Party $24.09

#10 Q-pon $20.02 

Case Q-pon $102.98 = $17.16 per can

Shelf Reliance just announced today that due to customer demand ... the Food and Water Package Sale got extended to April 30th so if you have a tax return coming in the mail that you just can't wait to put to good use, you can now apply it towards getting some peace of mind for your family!  So if you are wondering how to get the coupon code for this awesome deal, guess what?  I'm your coupon!  This sale is only offered through consultants so you have to call or email me to get this fantastic price.  My email is TiffsTreasures@gmail.com or call (575)621-0274 to cash in on this sale today.  Wondering what all is in the package? I have it all laid out for you at the end of the page!  Plus, if you sign up to host  an event in your home you will automatically earn that amount double dipped to your event.  That's $97 in free food and $150 in half off product before anyone has even walked into your home!


Is there something else you've been eyeing?  Shelf Reliance doesn't tend to do actual coupon codes because if you buy the food through a consultant you save anywhere from 5-50% off of the retail price.  If you just shop at www.shelfreliancemom.shelfreliance.com instead of the regular website, you won't even need a coupon because it will give you these discounts automatically.  The only other way to get a better price is to sign up as a Q customer through me. Q customers save an additional few percentages off of the consultant discount price.  Plus, if you REALLY like coupons, sign up with a Q through me and you will receive one on the 1st of each month that is exclusive to Q customers.  For example, the one for this month is on Strawberries.  It allows Q customers to get the can at a 25% additional discount or a case at over 30% off. For example retail price is 26.69 for one but with the Q Club Coupon its $20.02!!!  If you think that's great a case of them retails for $140.16 but th Q-pon for this month makes them $102.98!!!  That, my friends, is only about $17 per can which is a much better deal than paying 26.69 for one can.  That is the same as getting about 2 of the 6 cans absolutely free.


To find out more about becoming a Q member for free go to www.shelfreliancemom.shelfreliance.com and click on the tab that says The Q.  You might also want to view Thrive Q Videos and Host Benefits on my blog to learn more.


Now, for the contents of that awesome package:


Grains

• 6 Hard White Winter Wheat
• 4 Potato Chunks
• 6 Elbow Macaroni
• 6 Six Grain Pancake Mix
• 3 Cornmeal
• 3 Quick Oats
• 6 Instant White Rice

Veggies

• 6 Sweet Corn – Freeze Dried 
• 6 Green Peas – Freeze Dried 
• 3 Broccoli – Freeze Dried
• 3 Carrot Dices
• 3 Mixed Bell Pepper
• 3 Potato Beads

Fruits

• 3 Raspberries – Freeze Dried
• 2 Strawberries – Freeze Dried
• 6 Apple Chips

Dairy

• 6 Non-Fat Powdered Milk 
• 4 Chocolate Drink Mix
• 2 Cheddar Blend

Meats & Beans

• 2 Bacon TVP
• 2 Beef TVP 
• 2 Chicken TVP
• 2 Taco TVP 
• 2 Pinto Beans
• 2 Black Beans
• Kidney Beans
• Whole Eggs

Basics

• THRIVE Orange Drink

Other Tools Included:

• Deluxe Wheat Grinder
  • Sturdy and compact
  • Cone shaped burrs are self-aligning
  • Smooth, even milling
  • Creates 1/2 cup of fine flour per minute
  • Create grains at a fraction of the cost of store-bought
  • Stores easily in drawers, cupboards, and other small spaces
  • Adjustable texture settings
  • Stainless steel construction

Water Storage System:

• 55 Gallon Water Container
  • Barrel is made from high-density polyethylene (food grade/ BPA Free).
  • Barrel comes in blue color to restrict light, which helps to control the growth of bacteria and algae.
  • Barrel weight when full is approximately 480 lbs.
• Water Pump 
• Sturdy Bung Wrench - doubles as a gas shutoff tool and provides access to storage barrels of all sizes.
• Water Treatment Solution 
• Instructions