Homemade Protein Bars

photo courtesy Google

So the other day leaving the gym I spent $4 on a Muscle Milk Light protein shake.  I had a pretty hard workout and was already so hungry afterwards - so after the initial price shock, (seriously, $4 24-Hour Fitness? ...robbery!) I checked th calories, checked the fat, checked the protein, fiber and sugars...and they were all "acceptable".  I wanted the extra protein, but you know it really bugged me all that other stuff in the ingredients that one, I just didn't understand, and two, probably didn't really need.

So I remembered my friend Kaci wrote about a homemade protein bar recipe on her blog.  You can find her original recipe post here.  I had been thinking about making them and finally did after realizing having the extra protein without the high price or excess ingredients was pretty cool.

So I generally followed her guidelines, but here are some changes/choices I made:

*I did not use flavored protein powder.  I used plain soy protein powder that I already had on hand for my green monsters (Bob's Red Mill - love their products).  Since it was unflavored, I added...
*Mexican Vanilla - I just poured it in, but I estimate I used about 2 tsp
* I chose to use dried cranberries, ground pecans, and slivered almonds
* I sprinkled in cinnamon (again, didn't really measure, just until it tasted right) and a dash of nutmeg for spices
* I omitted the salt since I used...
* All natural, fresh ground peanut butter (I thought it was plenty salty on it's own)
* Although I am not a huge fan of artificial sweeteners, I do use Splenda Brown Sugar here and there in certain recipes.  I used it here and thought it was good choice to cut down on the sugars and calories.
* I had never used the silken tofu before, and if you are in that same boat, don't be afraid.  It was easy to mix and I think helped keep the bars nice and chewy/soft.
* I didn't use the parchment paper because I didn't have any on hand, but turns out mine came out just fine by...
* Spraying a non-stick metal baking pan (yes the one with barely and edges) with EVOO cooking spray (I then used a paper towel to evenly coat the pan and soak up the extra oil)
* I spread the batter evenly across the whole pan - it was maybe 1/4" thick.  It didn't rise much while baking so do not worry about overflow.
* Then I added a little extra goodness with a quick drizzle of honey and cinnamon on the top before placing it in the oven.

Pre-bake photo:

Then after baking per Kaci's instructions I removed the pan, cut it into 4ths (for easy transfer) then transferred it to the cooling rack.  I let it cool completely then cut into bite size rectangles.  So easy!  Like she said to, I refrigerated them and we've ate them as needed all week!  The flavors I chose I think turned out yummy and were a safe choice since we know we like those things - they do taste like protein bars, not too sweet and with the overall soy protein taste.  I do plan on trying to change it up and try new flavors next time.

So I hope that some of you guys are able to make your own as well!  I don't know how to measure the nutrition values in this recipe, but if I could I think that would make it perfect so then I'd know not only the homemade ingredients, but also the nutritional value side.  Anyone know how to calculate that all out?

Happy Baking! :)

San Tan-tonio!

Just a follow-up on my OPI Nail Polish Swap post...

Here is a pic of the awesome San Tan-tonio polish on.  I think it'll look a little better once I have a nice tan, but I do love the dark camel color! :)

All this talk about Texas and today is a special day here in the lonestar state and Houston...

Happy Go Texan Day y'all!  Yee haw ;)

(this day signify's the start of the Houston Rodeo, cook-off and trail riders!  You can read more about it here. It's a big deal 'round these parts (said in my best Texan accent). ;)

the BEST Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Original recipe courtesy of Mel's Kitchen (love this blog!)

So if you know me, you know I am the queen of substitutions and making baked treats "heathy".  Well this, my friends, is NOT one of those recipes ...unless you count the whole wheat flour which I guess is still a health "upgrade" :).  This cookie (according to Jeff) was the best I have ever made.  Now, that is coming from the guy who enjoys and prefers my healthier treats, so he may be a bit out of touch with how normal cookies taste, haha.  But regardless, he seriously loved them and friends at the office also concurred they are super yummy, so I thought they were worth sharing. :)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla (I used Mexican vanilla)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
2 cups whole wheat flour (or your preferred baking flour)
2 3/4 cups oatmeal
2 cups milk chocolate chips (I used these this time and loved 'em!)

Directions:

Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy (at least one minute). Add baking soda (I always use fresh baking soda to ensure the best baking results), baking powder, and salt (if using unsalted butter) and mix. Add flour, oatmeal and chocolate chips. Mix with wooden spoon until combined (nice little arm workout). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Tips:

• The batter is very thick.  I washed my hands extra well and "molded" each cookie into the shape I wanted it to come out as (so if you roll it into a ball and bake it, it'll come out as a ball - so I balled them up then flattened them a bit into the size I preferred).
• I use the air cookie sheets and after removing from the oven, let the cookies sit for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.  Because I like the inside of my cookies soft, I bake mine only until slightly golden on the outside - but that means the inside sometimes is a bit soft.  So letting it sit lets it harden up on the outside.  You may get a gooey, falling apart cookie if you transfer too soon.

Now get a a cold glass of your favorite milk and enjoy...yum! :)

Favorite Things Right Now

I don't know about you, but I just LOVE getting tips and recommendations on things that other people love.  It is such a great way to share awesome finds, advice, and really anything you love that you think others might love!

So here is my current list of favorite things I am loving right now:

1.  My Nike Lunarfly cross-training gym shoes.  

Story behind this is that I wanted a shoe for the gym when I wasn't running - so for anything else I might be doing at the gym: elliptical, stairs, spin, weights, classes, etc.  I wear the heck out of my running shoes and want to use them for just that...running only (plus they are pretty dirty and ugly after so many miles on the trail).  Nothing a like a cute pair of gym shoes to get you motivated!

2.  Maybelline's new FIT me foundations (my shade right now is 220)

I seem to buy my make-up in cycles...where I go from purchasing high end make-up then reverting back to buying the oh-so-convenient and sometimes surprisingly great drug store make up brands.  This, on my skin at least, is a jewel!  I love the color, it lasts most of the day with no reapplication, not too thick (no cakeiness here) but provides good, even coverage, and looks great in photos!  Cheap as can be and so many shades to pick from!

3.  Paul Mitchell's Extra-Body Sculpting Foam

  

Okay, so I know this isn't a new product or anything, but for me it is.  I am a shampoo and conditioner only type of gal and that is literally all I use in my hair on a regular basis.  I have never been great with styling products, but picked up a little sample bottle of this the other day to attempt for more volume on some of my curling iron styles...and my verdict is A+!  I got the extra body and my hair held the curl for two days (to clarify that statement, I styled my hair on a Sunday evening and it held through Tuesday evening until I went running)!  I also liked it because my hair was still so soft and brushable which is very important to me.

4. Benefit's One Hot Minute "sexy in seconds" face powder

I wouldn't describe this as a bronzer, but more of a finishing powder.  Once I've finished my make-up, I sweep this awesome little number all over my face lightly and focus on the cheeks, nose and forehead.  Basically it gives you that "glow" and I just love it.

5. Eucerin's Calming Body Wash

 Great for that dry, winter weather skin, without an oily residue and without clogging pores (at least in my case).  I have pretty sensitive skin when it comes to lotions and soaps and I love this one (and all their lotions are just as great)!  It actually lathers up as well which is nice. 

6. Twitter!

 Yes, I am loving me some twitter right now!  I love being connected to people of my choosing and being able to post my random thoughts, ideas, and day to day randomness in short little blurbs; additionally I can reply to specific people (almost like tagging them in my blurb) or respond to a group blurb - I think it is pretty cool!  Previously I had been a pretty active user of facebook, but at this point feel like it's a little too much now and have been slowly not using it quite as much.  Twitter really is only fun if you have other friends on it to communicate with - that is what makes it interesting and worth tweeting for! ;)

And those are my favorite things right now!  I'd love to hear yours!

Happy Valentine's Day

"A hundred hearts would be too few
to carry all my love for you."

~Author Unknown

I love you Jeff May with my whole heart and more.

Jeff and I celebrated Valentine's Day a day early on Sunday this year.  I had thought about doing a dinner at home (since this was my year to plan the date for us), but couldn't bear not doing something a bit special for our first Valentine's as husband and wife.  We had dinner at Stella Sola in our neighborhood, the Heights, and it was awesome.  Loved the atmosphere and loved the unique dishes.  I highly recommend it!  We had a lovely evening and I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful husband and best friend.

We celebrated a day early because it is "busy season" in Jeff's auditor world, so we assumed he would be working late on the actual day itself.  Well lucky for us most everyone left early, so we were able to have an at home Vday dinner too!  

Some may deem this a "hallmark holiday", but to me I think it is the perfect time to focus even more on your love for your significant others and family; make those that you love feel even more special and loved.

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. 

-David Viscott