FOOD+DRINK, APPS + SNACKS, HOLIDAY Olivia Joan FOOD+DRINK, APPS + SNACKS, HOLIDAY Olivia Joan

Thanksgiving Sides (Zesty Cranberry Sauce + Orange Basil Sweet Potatoes)

Its the beginning of the best time of year, holiday season!! Its Thanksgiving this week and I have been non-stop getting in the holiday spirit, baking, making recipes for Thanksgiving and spending time with friends and family. But, lets be real, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of year and who doesn't want an easy way out or a quick recipe to make! Thats why I am sharing with you these two amazing and incredible easy recipes that your friends and family will love. 
Push that can of already made cranberry sauce to the side and say hello to this fresh & zesty cranberry sauce that takes no longer than 10 minutes. Throw in some fresh cranberries, orange zest, some sweeteners and let boil, then you're ready to go! You can find the recipe and details, here

Moving on to my second favorite and technically more healthy item than your average mashed potato is this incredible orange, basil mashed sweet potatoes from Andie Mitchell's recipe book Eating in the Middle.  Throw a few whole sweet potatoes in the oven for an hour. When the sweet potatoes are soft in the middle scoop the insides out and transfer to a bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, nutmeg, salt & pepper and mash together well! Before serving add some chopped fresh basil and serve!! 

Duh, these are the two easiest side dishes you could make on this crazy day of cooking, prepping, traveling, or just relaxing. Make prepare these ahead of time and reheat as well to ease your stress away! 

Thanks again for following and have the best Thanksgiving day!  

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APPS + SNACKS, TREATS, VEGAN Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, TREATS, VEGAN Olivia Joan

Halloween Marshmallow Pops

Happy Halloween!! 

I just had the most wonderful weekend, spent in Chicago, celebrating Halloween with some awesome people & friends!

I am back in home & so excited, because I found the cutest recipe to continue celebrating Halloween. Today I am making Halloween Marshmallow Broomstick pops! The best part about these pops, is that they are easy, convenient and can be made any way you want, you just need to get creative! 

I love celebrating all holidays and getting into the spirit, and these marshmallow pops are such a great way to do just that. They are incredibly versatile, you can change up the decorations or colors of the sprinkles to suit the specific holiday you are celebrating. When I was young, I would always be in the kitchen baking cookies, frosting and decorating desserts and hanging up holiday decor to get my family and I into the spirit! 

For this recipe, I made the pops completely free of dairy, therefore they are vegan, so everyone can enjoy. The marshmallows I used are Dandies, all natural vanilla marshmallows and the chocolate is dairy free as well. I used two types of chocolate, the first was a gnash made of melted coconut oil, maple syrup and cocoa powder and the second was melted diary free chocolate chips. 

Once you have dipped the marshmallows into the chocolate mixtures, put the sprinkles on while it is still melted, so they stick and stay on. Then put the pops into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to harden. 

I can't wait to share these with you & am excited for you all to try for yourselves. Come say hi on Instagram and tag me @oliviasobjectsofobsession 

Ingredients: 

2 Tbsp of cocoa powder
1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
1/4 c of maple syrup
Sprinkles
1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 cup of diary free chocolate chips
1-2 bags of marshmallow (V)
cake pop sticks

Directions: 

1. Take 1-2 bags of marshmallows and insert the sticks into them
2.Melt the chocolate chips on 30 second intervals, until it is thoroughly melted and creamy. 
3. For the second chocolate mixture, melt the coconut oil, and add the cocoa powder and maple syrup to it and mix together thoroughly. 
4. Dip the marshmallow sticks into either chocolate mixture
5. Roll the wet chocolate into the sprinkles, pecans or any topping of your choice

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FOOD+DRINK, MAINS, APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan FOOD+DRINK, MAINS, APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan

Zucchini Bread

Today is going to be a good day, because I successfully made one of the best zucchini breads ever. Well, it was the only time I've made zucchini bread, but it turned out perfectly! I found the recipe from Domestically Blissful, and it couldn't be any easier to make. There's under 10 ingredients and most of those ingredients are all thrown together and combined into one bowl! Talk about an easy clean up!! 

First, the most time consuming thing you will have to do is grate the zucchinis. I only used two whole zucchini and that was more than enough for the required two cups for this recipe. Make sure that you are grating the zucchini and not spiraling or chopping it, because you want it to mix easily into the batter. 

Once you've finished grating the zucchini, mix the sour cream, sugar and three eggs in a bowl until creamy. You will slowly add in all of the remaining ingredients, starting with the zucchini first, then flour, etc. Make sure all of the ingredients are combined very well and then... you're done! What? That's it? Yes, like I said, this is one of the easiest recipes ever and incredible tasty too! 

Transfer your batter from your mixing bowl to a bread loaf pan, which has either been lined with parchment paper or well greased. Throw into the oven at 325 degree for an hour. I left my zucchini bread in the oven for slightly over an hour to make sure it was baked completely through. 

If you know me, I love trying new things and taking on new challenges, so I I couldn't believe how amazing this bread was after trying it, with all of that zucchini throughout it. This bread is chewy, moist, dense and incredibly flavorful. Oh and look and the beautiful toasted brown color to it! Its definitely a perfect item for Fall. 

Again, you know the drill, share some love on social media with me if you make it and don't forget to tag me @oliviasobjectsofobsession

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APPS + SNACKS, Breakfast, MAINS Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, Breakfast, MAINS Olivia Joan

Baked Sweet Potato + Almond Butter + Banana + Chia Seeds

I know what you're thinking, sweet potato with bananas and almond butter? Before you think any further, stop and give it a try!! I found this recipe from the amazing site Ambitious Kitchen and this recipe is seriously to die for. I would have never thought about combining these ingredients together, but the creaminess of the almond butter blends and melts perfectly into the hot sweet potato and the banana adds that perfect hint of sweetness while the chia seeds add the perfect crunch! 

I have had a crazy last couple of weeks and today was no exception, so I was looking for something incredible easy and healthy to eat and take on the go with me to school. This recipe was the perfect thing and is jam-packed with nutrients and with all its vitamins and fiber, the sweet potato keeps you feeling full for hours. To read more about the amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes read here

Side Note: sweet potatoes produce collagen which helps aid in maintaining the elasticity of the skin, giving you that youthful looking appearance. 

The best part about this recipe is that it is relatively inexpensive, quick and requires only four ingredients, which most likely are already within your pantry or kitchen! So don't waste anymore time, and give these baked sweet potatoes a try! 

Make sure to like us on Instagram @oliviasobjectsofobsession and Facebook, here. Also, share some love and tag myself and @ambitiouskitchen when posting a picture!! 

 

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Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad + Pumpkin Seeds

Theres no doubt that I've been on a pumpkin kick lately and this salad is just another item to add to the list. But, this salad gets even better as it is packed with incredible nutrients and super foods such as butternut squash, quinoa & pumpkin seeds, and it is gluten free & guilt free! Click to see the recipe details here or below

There are so many ways in which you can incorporate pumpkin seeds into dishes as well as butternut squash and quinoa. They are such versatile foods that can be used within a side dish or for this instance the main course. I have been eating this light and filling salad all week & its the perfect thing to tide over my hunger and keep me feeling full for hours. Lastly, since most of the items within this dish are savory, the hints of sweetness from the dried cranberries are the perfect thing to liven this salad up. 

I also am obsessed with how colorful this dish is and it will make the perfect item to bring to your upcoming Fall get togethers or a Thanksgiving side dish as well. This dish takes no longer than 30 minutes total and that is mainly due to the required time for the quinoa to cook. 

I can't wait for all of you to enjoy & when you do, because I know you won't be able to resist, share and spread some love with me on Instagram @oliviasobjectsofobsession or on my Facebook page, here

Ingredients: 

  1. 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
  2. 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  3. 2 cups water
  4. 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  5. 1 red onion (or whatever your preference) 
  6. 3 Tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
  7. Salt and pepper
    Vinegarette Dressing: 
  8. 1/2 cup olive oil 
  9. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 
  10. 1 tsp honey
  11. 1 tsp dijon mustard
  12. 1 tsp minced garlic 

Directions: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
  2. In a large bowl, place the cubed butternut squash. Season with olive oil and salt and pepper and place into the oven until soft. (20-25 minutes). 
  3. While squash is roasting, place the quinoa on the stovetop for 15 minutes to cook, until water has absorbed. Bring to a boil and then reduce down to a simmer. 
  4. Once squash and quinoa have finished cooking, let the quinoa and butternut squash cool completely and combine squash, quinoa, dried cranberries, red onion, pumpkin seeds and vinaigrette with salt and pepper. 
  5. Chill in fridge. 
  6. Enjoy! 
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FOOD+DRINK, Breakfast, TREATS, APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan FOOD+DRINK, Breakfast, TREATS, APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Granola (GF)

Since its officially Fall, I have seriously been craving anything to do with Pumpkin. Pumpkin spice, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, pumpkin patches...pretty much anything that involves pumpkins! Therefore, this week for our Motivation Monday recipe, I have decided to focus on an easy, homemade Pumpkin Maple Pecan granola. It not only has roasted pumpkin seeds, but also pumpkin puree in it. 

This recipe is so easy, it takes only about 30 minutes and 25 of those are in the oven! It also only uses a handful of ingredients and since its homemade it isn't overloaded with sweetness and extra sugary ingredients. It tastes like Fall on a spoon and a burst of flavors in your mouth. Its crunchy, not too sweet, light, pumpkin-ey, nutty and all around amazing! I found this incredible recipe here, so make sure to check it out, on how to make. 
 

Make sure to note, that even if you do not believe the granola is done in the oven, remember that it continues to crisp when it is cooling.  

This granola is the perfect thing to put on your yogurt or to bring to work with you as a snack and since it is filled with healthy fats, proteins and fiber, it will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. 

If you do end up making this amazing granola, and how could you not, make sure to tag me on Instagram @oliviasobjectsofobsession and @minimalistbaker where I found the recipe!! 

Happy Fall! 

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FOOD+DRINK, Breakfast, APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan FOOD+DRINK, Breakfast, APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan

Fruit & Granola Yogurt Parfait

Fruit, nuts, oats and greek yogurt, does anything get any better or healthier? These fruit & granola yogurt parfaits are really the only thing you'll ever want to eat in the morning after trying. They are not only the easiest option for a healthy breakfast but the perfect go to for a midday snack as well. 

I made these fruit and granola parfaits for another one of my Motivation Monday recipes, because recently I have been busier than usual. With my summer semester of school coming to an end, I need something that will be satisfying, easy to throw together and transportable. Also, yogurt parfaits are so versatile, you can pretty much use any fruit you prefer or whatever is laying around the house! 

Since summer is the perfect time for figs, I decided add them into my parfaits in addition to choosing a variety of berries and keeping with that theme, as I also used a blueberry preserve to provide a bit of sweetness. If anyone knows me, I have huge sweet tooth, so that was the perfect addition to the creamy and crunchy aspects of the parfaits! 

Now lets talk about these mason jars, aren't they the cutest? They are the perfect serving size and make this parfait incredibly easy to transport to wherever you are going, with a lid that clasps and seals tight! Of course, you can use any glass you have around the house, but I liked these so I could take them to school with me and not worrying about them spilling! 

Ingredients: 

Per Jar: 

1/2 jar of Bonne Maman Blueberry Preserves (jam optional) 
2 1/2 Tbsp of Granola
1/4 c. blueberries (fruit optional) 
1/2 c. plain greek yogurt
1/4 c. blackberries (fruit optional) 
 

Directions: 

1. Layer greek yogurt on bottom of the mason jar
2. Add 1 1/4 tbsp of granola on top
3. Add 1/8 c. of blueberries on top of the granola or enough to fill the surface area
4. Layer the blueberry preserves on top of the granola
5. Continue layering ingredients until the jar is filled
6. Top off with blackberries

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APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK, Breakfast Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK, Breakfast Olivia Joan

Scrambled Egg Avocado Toast + Mozzarella

Summer, please slow down!!! Can you believe it is already the first of August? I don't know whether I have been doing too much or if Summer is just flying by per usual! Due to the craziness of summer and everyone's jam packed schedules, this week of Motivation Monday recipes is totally geared towards being quick, easy and on-the-go! 

Because I have been incredibly busy these past few weeks and with the school semester ramping up and coming to a close, I need something that is nutritious and can be made in under 10 minutes! Thats why I chose to make the most incredible combination of everyone's favorite avocado toast and breakfast!  Who doesn't love scrambled eggs, avocado and toast? Put all of those ingredients together + a creamy mozzarella to top it off and you're in heaven! This will be the perfect thing for the morning before work when you're rushing out the door or for a mid day snack! 

This is one of my favorite snacks to eat and it has almost everything from each food group, and is packed with protein from the egg whites! I can't wait for you all to make this creation and don't forget to share with me! I love seeing all of your creations! Follow and tag me on Instagram and follow on Snapchat (OliviaJoan21) to watch my Motivation Mondays live! 

 

Ingredients: 

Whole wheat toast
2 egg whites
1 avocado
3 small tomatoes
Mozzarella
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. Toast the pieces of bread in the toaster
2. While the bread is being toasted, scramble the eggs whites in some EVOO and add some salt & pepper to season
3. Cut the avocado in half as well as cut the tomatoes into little pieces as well
4. Remove the avocado from its peel and add to the toast, press with the back of a spoon or knife to spread around
5. Add the egg whites on top of the avocado spread, along with the tomatoes
6. Pull apart the mozzarella with your fingers and place it on top of the eggs and tomatoes
7. Season again to your liking with salt & pepper
 

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APPS + SNACKS, MAINS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, MAINS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan

Rainbow Spring Rolls

Hello Monday! Today is going to be a great day, because we are making Rainbow Spring Rolls. These spring rolls are colorful, sweet, fresh and the perfect thing to snack on at work or for lunch! These are one of my favorite things to make, because they are so versatile. You really can add any ingredients you want to your liking, its kinda like an "everything but the kitchen sink" type of meal. Also, if you need a boost of energy and something to subside your sweet craving, these are loaded with fresh veggies and sweet fruits! I like to fill them with some fruit, such as mango, pineapple or pomegranate for that perfect crunch, avocado, cucumber and red onion!

Get ready for a burst of flavor and the taste of summer in your mouth! Lastly, you can use any dipping sauce with these as well, such as a peanut sauce or plum sauce. 

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Ingredients

Rice paper
cucumber
Red cabbage
Mango
Pomegranate seeds
Avocado
Cilantro
Red Onion
Romain lettuce
 

Directions

1. Cut all of the fruits and veggies into long thin strips about 5-6 cm long
2. Soak the rice paper in warm water until it becomes soft
3. Place rice paper on a cutting board or plate and layer the lettuce with the ingredients inside
4. Roll the rice paper within the ingredients inside like a burrito to ensure everything is tightly wrapped. 
5. Cut them in half and serve with dipping sauce

 

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APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan

Red, White & Blue Pretzel Rods

Happy Fourth of July weekend!!! 

I can't contain my excitement today, because not only are we celebrating this amazing holiday, but I am also making the cutest/most adorable red, white and blue pretzel rods that are going to be the show-stopper of the party!!! 

They are honestly the easiest thing to make and taste delicious. They combine the best of both worlds, salty & sweet!! This baking chocolate can be found in a few different places, such as Michaels or Walmart, but I actually picked them up at Party City. 

Heres what you need to do: melt the baking chocolate, white first and roll the pretzels in it. Place them on some parchment paper and let dry for about 5 minutes. Then melt the blue chocolate and layer this chocolate over the white. Finally, put some of the red chocolate into a plastic ziploc bag and cut the corner to lightly drizzle over the hardened white chocolate. And...thats it, you're done!! If you want to make these pretzels look extra cute, tie a white ribbon around a mason jar into a bow & stick the pretzels in! 

I can't wait for all of you guys to try these out!! Make sure to take a picture and tag me on Instagram. I know you all will make the cutest creations!! Make sure to follow me on snap to watch live as well (OliviaJoan21). 

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Healthy Potato & Dill Salad

Hey guys!! Happy Motivation Monday & first official day of Summer!! For this week's recipe, I decided to make the perfect dish for summer cookouts, holidays, and picnics outdoors...it is a healthy potato and dill salad that I found from the blog Table for Two

When you think of summer and getting together with your family, don't you think of all the many amazing dishes everyone brings, and of course, there is always potato salad!! That's why this potato salad I've made today will be the perfect healthy alternative for your summer get togethers and you won't need to worry about all of the extra calories...and with the Fourth of July right around the corner, this is one of the easiest things to whip up! 

So the major difference in this potato salad, is that I used non-fat greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It tastes pretty much exactly the same, plus I've added two different types of mustard to give it a bit more flavor! Its actually amazing and I am obsessed with it! 

Look at how incredible this potato salad looks and the bits of green onion and dill spread throughout the salad gives it that extra punch of flavor! After a long weekend, this is the perfect dish to make, set aside and eat throughout the week and it will last for a solid 4-5 days! So don't waste any time and get into the kitchen to make this...or bring it to your Fourth of July celebrations! I am sure everyone will love it! 

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MAINS, FOOD+DRINK, APPS + SNACKS, VEGAN Olivia Joan MAINS, FOOD+DRINK, APPS + SNACKS, VEGAN Olivia Joan

Vegetable Hummus Wrap

Hey guys! Happy Monday & week 6 of Motivation Monday recipes! For today's recipe I decided to make a light, healthy and easy Vegetable Hummus Wrap! This recipe is seriously the perfect thing for summer and for lunches throughout the week! You can prepare multiple wraps ahead of time and store them in your fridge to eat later in the week! Oh, and the best part, is that the options are endless! 

For this recipe, I kept it to only veggies, because I wanted something a little lighter and healthier and also left out putting on any cheese as well, so these wraps are vegan and dairy free! Also, for this recipe, you are definitely able to use store-bought hummus, but I wanted to make my own, so if you're feeling like making your own homemade hummus, here is what you'll need: chickpeas, lemon, garlic gloves, salt & pepper, olive oil and some paprika to taste. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until really creamy and smooth! 

Then its time to build your wrap! First spread your hummus onto the whole wheat tortilla and add whatever vegetables you like! I added, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, zucchini, alfalfa sprouts (optional) & arugula or spinach! 

After you've added everything, roll up your vegetable wrap and you're done & ready to eat! Its literally that simple! 

This is such a great summer recipe and I can't wait for you all to try it out! Follow me on Instagram to get more inspiration and ideas & don't forget to tag me if you post a picture of your masterpiece! 

Happy a fantastic Monday and rest of your week! 

Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1-2 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise
1 medium red bell pepper
3 persian cucumbers
1 medium tomato
4 whole wheat tortillas
2 oz of spinach or arugula
1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced (optional) 
 

Hummus
1 can of chickpeas
1 lemon - juice of the whole lemon
1/2 cup of EVOO
1 garlic clove
S&P
Paprika to taste

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APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan

Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers

Hi guys!! Happy Memorial Day & Motivation Monday week 5!! 

I am so excited for a day of sun and boating on the lake...oh and grilling and snacking! And to go along with this wonderful day of remembrance, I made a very fitting red, white and blue dish to serve at any Memorial Day get together!  

These red, white and blue fruit skewers are the perfect thing for a hot day and they literally take 10 minutes to make!! 

So for the ingredients, you will need some strawberries, blueberries, and angel food cake for your skewers! For the dip, you will need cream cheese, non-fat greek yogurt, vanilla and sugar. Put all of the ingredients for the dip in a bowl and mix until smooth and creamy! 

Then alternate between the strawberries & angel food cake when putting them on the skewers and add the blueberries at the very end, to make it appear like an American flag! 

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Look at how adorable this snack is after you're done skewering the ingredients!!! I can't wait until you try them out and serve them to all of your guests at your Memorial Day party!! I know this Motivation Monday post is short and sweet, but its just like the recipe, short and sweet and easy to make! 

Ingredients: 

1 package of strawberries
1/2 cup of blueberries
Angel food cake - cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 package of cream cheese
1/4 cup of sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of greek yogurt

 

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Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad

Happy Monday!! We are still going strong & are on our Motivation Monday Week 5 post & recipe!! I just returned home from New York and am definitely needing something light, healthy & filling to eat throughout the week! 

I'm pretty much obsessed with watermelon & usually eat is all summer long & this watermelon, feta & arugula salad is the most delicious thing you will ever make! I know the flavor combination may sound odd, but there is a perfect hint of sweet, and zesty and the feta goes perfectly with the arugula and watermelon. Oh and its extremely light and refreshing as well as low in calories...bonus!! 

So what you'll need is arugula, feta cheese, blueberries (optional), watermelon, honey, salt, an orange, a lime and fresh mint leaves. First whisk together the juice of the orange, lime, honey and salt. You can also add a little olive oil to the dressing if you want to tone down the sweetness and zest of the other ingredients. Then cut the watermelon into pieces and add to the arugula and blueberries. Finally, sprinkle the feta cheese all over the salad to your desired amount. 

After you have combined all of the dry ingredients, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly together. You will absolutely LOVE this salad. It is the perfect thing for a picnic, lunches or a BBQ. 

I can't wait for you to try it! Make sure to post a picture & tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below!  

 

Serves 2-3
 

Ingredients: 
1 orange
1 lime
2 Tbsp honey
1/4 cup feta
2 cups of watermelon
3 cups arugula
pinch of salt
1/4 cup of blueberries (optional) 
Handful of mint leaves

 

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APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS, FOOD+DRINK Olivia Joan

Peanut Butter Cup Energy Bites

Hey guys!! 

I am super incredibly excited, because toady I made the most delectable recipe that tastes JUST like a peanut butter cup...and its healthy!! These Peanut Butter Cup Energy Bites that I found on the Minimalist Baker's website are the perfect healthy snack to eat throughout your week and are packed with nutrients in a few small bites! 

Oh and you have no excuses to not be healthy & make these, because they only have 5 ingredients! You will need dried dates, or in my case I used dried figs, diary free chocolate chips, if you're paleo or have a diary allergy, whole rolled oats - gluten free, organic peanut butter, or any butter that you can find (almond butter, cashew butter, etc) and lastly chia seeds! 

Also, I am really into easy recipes lately as it is now summertime here in Minnesota and that means more time on-the-go doing activities and being outside and I love having healthy snacks on hand with me! 

So, what you'll need to do is, grab a cup full of dates/figs and add them to the food processor or blender. Blend until the fruit is chopped into pieces and start to stick together. Then add the rest of your ingredients of chocolate chips, peanut butter, oats and chia seeds to the food processor or blender and combine until all ingredients start to bind together. 

Then, reach down into the processor or blender, grab some batter and roll into portable little bites! You're going to love having these with you during the day...and so will your friends. They are the perfect thing to share! They are creamy, chewy, crunchy, wholesome and naturally sweetened! 

Recipe

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup dates - pitted or apricots
3 Tbsp all natural peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips
1 Tbsp chia seeds (sub flax seeds)
2/3 gluten free rolled oats

Instructions

1. Pulse dates or apricots in food processor or blender until they're in small pieces or form a ball
2. Add oats, chocolate, chia seeds and peanut butter and pulse or mix until combined. You want there to be small pieces but not overly processed. 
3. Roll into 1-2-inch balls (should yield 10 balls) 
4. To set, put into freezer for 15 minutes! Will keep good for a week, or keep in fridge to stay longer! 


 

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APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan APPS + SNACKS Olivia Joan

Homemade Dried Apricot + Raisin Granola Bars

So last weekend I went to Vegas for the FIRST TIME! I was heading there for one of my girlfriend’s bachelorette parties and I was SO excited to go. As I knew that the weekend would most likely be filled with delicious (unhealthy) food and some drinking….or should I say a little more than some, I wanted to start the trip off right by making something healthy to take with me!

 As we all know, airport food isn’t the healthiest, so I decided to make the most delicious and nutritionally loaded homemade granola bars!! These granola bars are the perfect thing to take with you while traveling, and are the perfect food to snack on. Also, lets not forget that they they are loaded with nutritional ingredients and are naturally sweetened with 100% maple syrup and dried fruits! Also, they keep well for an extended period of time, because there is no dairy and they don’t need refrigeration.

Oh and lastly, if you don’t know already, I mainly try to stay away from gluten and dairy, so these granola bars are extra amazing because the whole oats are gluten-free! Also, this recipe is so incredibly easy to make, because it uses less than 10 ingredients.

So first, you need to combine the whole rolled oats (gluten-free optional) with the dried apricots, raisins, sunflower seeds and flax seeds in a large bowl. After all of the dried ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl, mix in one mashed banana. Then after all of these ingredients are mixed together, add in the maple syrup, coconut flakes, almond butter and the dark chocolate chips. Also, I added in some tested orange to add that perfect hint of citrus and to give it a fresh, springy taste! 

After all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, transfer the mixture into an 8x8 inch pan, lined with parchment paper. Then press down the top of the mixture until firmly set. Place the dish into the freezer for an hour. Finally cut the bars into pieces and eat!!

 I know you guys will love these granola bars as much as I do & make sure to take them with you when you're on the go!

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Serves 16

Recipe: 

Whole Rolled Oats - Gluten-Free - 1 1/2 cups
1 mashed banana
Pumpkin Seeds - 1/3 cup
Dried Apricots - 1/2 cup
Raisins - 1/2 cup
Coconut Flakes - 1/3 cup
Honey - 1/3 cup
Almond Butter - 3/4 cup
Flax Seeds - 1/4 cup (optional)
Dark Chocolate Chips - 1/4 cup (optional)

If you make this recipe, make sure to let me know how you like them! Also, if you're on Instagram, make sure to take a picture and tag me @oliviasobjectsofobsession! 

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