Healthier Easter Treats

Spring has sprung, Easter bells are ringing, and the urge to indulge in treats is undeniably strong! But this year, ditch the sugar crash and say hello to healthy Easter delights that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.

Forget the guilt of hollow bunnies and pastel-colored overload. This collection of healthy Easter treats is all about celebrating with vibrant flavors, guilt-free indulgence, and a touch of creativity.

Whether you're hosting a festive brunch, crafting adorable snacks for the little ones, or simply craving a nibble with your morning coffee, we've got you covered. Dive into our collection of recipes and discover a whole new world of Easter treats that are kind to your body and soul. Let's hop on the path to healthier (and infinitely tastier) Easter celebrations!

So grab your apron, gather your fresh ingredients, and get ready to whip up some treats that are as good for you as they are for your taste buds. Happy and healthy Easter baking! 

Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipe, and while you are there, pin the post for future holidays.

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Sugar Cookies by Strength and Sunshine

This sugar cookie recipe is allergy friendly and made with healthier ingredients to make a perfect Easter snack to share.

Prosciutto Wrapped Dates by Jam Jar Kitchen

Give your guests a well rounded easter snack that has the perfect ratio of meat to stuffed dates. These are elegant but so easy.

Gluten Free Cheese Straws by Kit’s Kitchen

This gluten free cheese straw recipe makes for the ultimate spring snack. These are so good that you might want to double the batch so everyone can grab another!

Banana Carrot Muffins by Garlic Salt and Lime

This muffin recipe is perfect for a healthy Easter snack. Not even the infamous bunny will be able to resist grabbing one of these!

Funfetti Protein Bites by Best Served Vegan

This recipe is sweet, tasty and packed with protein! If you love funfetti cake, then this recipe is going to be a favorite easy snack idea.

Bunny Rolls by Amanda’s Cookin’

Skip the sweet candies and cakes and opt for a simple yet so cute bread with these bunny style rolls. I imagine you aren’t going to be able to resist these!

Eggless Carrot Cake by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

This carrot cake has no eggs in it, and is so tasty. You can consider this cake to be health food considering it has carrots, nuts and applesauce in it.

Grapefruit Bars by A Paige of Positivity

These bars are bright, fruity and so tasty. Adding grapefruit to baked goods is such a tasty idea for an Easter snack to share.

Easter Fruit Tray by Recipes from a Pantry

Offer fresh fruits on Easter Sunday for a healthier spread that doesn’t lack sweetness! This fruit tray will appeal to everyone!

Easter Snack Mix by Cincyshopper

This snack mix has candy in it sure, but the cereal has so many vitamins and minerals, and fiber, that this makes for a healthier offering!

Carrot Cake Bunny Tails by xoxo Bella

These bunny tails are perfectly portioned for a light snack. With nuts, carrots and coconut to help fill you up, you can enjoy this easter snack without the guilt.

Homemade Banana Pudding by Maplewood Road

This simple snack is perfect for after Easter dinner. It is fruity, creamy and the entire family will love digging into this goodie!

Hummingbird Muffins by A Grateful Meal

These hummingbird muffins make for such a tasty snack option. Pop these in a lunchbox, or grab one after work for a sweet pick me up that tastes like a spring dream.

Cottage Cheese Cheesecake by Hurry the Food Up

This cheesecake is unique and so much healthier! I know you are going to love the way this turns out for a spring snack.

 

While you are here check out some of my favorite recipes:

Chocolate covered cherry cookies

No bake cheesecake recipes

Homemade play dough recipes

15 Fun and Festive St. Patrick's Day Treats

St. Patrick's Day is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious treats? This collection of St. Patrick's Day treat recipes is sure to please everyone at your party. Whether you're looking for something sweet, savory, or no bake, we have something for everyone. So gather your ingredients, put on your green, and get ready to bake, cook, and enjoy!

 

Lucky Charms Cereal Bars by Three Olives Branch

These cereal bars pack all of the flavor of Lucky Charms into one portable and shareable package. No milk needed to enjoy!

Sour Cream St. Patrick’s Day Cookies by Savings Talents

Sour cream cookies are just so good! Anyone who tries one will agree, it is a lucky day!

Green Velvet Cupcakes by The Housewives of Frederick County

We have all had red velvet cake, but green velvet is just what you need for St. Patrick’s Day.

Irish Green Cocoa Bombs by Thrive at Home

This cocoa bomb packs an appropriate amount of green for warm drink on a special St. Patrick’s Day!

Vegan Shamrock Shakes by Zardy Plants 

These shamrock shakes are so much better than McDonald’s and they are completely vegan to be inclusive for all!

Irish Cream Dream Bars by 365 Days of Baking

These bars are aptly named. They taste just like an Irish cream dream come true!

Mini Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse Pies by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Mini pies filled with Irish cream and chocolate mousse are reason enough to celebrate!

Bailey’s Poke Cake by Mamas on a Budget

Poke cakes are so flavorful, but this one takes taste over the top with the addition of Bailey’s!

Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies by Live to Sweet

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic, but adding Bailey’s to the mix makes them next level Luck of the Irish!

Chocolate Stout Pudding Cakes by What a Girl Eats

Chocolate stout pudding cakes have such a deep, rich flavor that you will be dreaming of these long after St. Patrick’s Day has passed!

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops by Made in a Pinch

Skip the drive thru and curb your cravings for a seasonal flavor at home with this easy recipe!

Rainbow Hot Cocoa Bombs by Easy Budget Recipes

These cocoa bombs are so cute that I am certain that this is what you find at the end of a rainbow! 

Lucky Charms Treats by Food Folks and Fun

Lucky charm treats are perfect to make and share with all of your little leprechaun friends this year!

Lucky Charms Pancakes by Fantabulosity

Start the day off with a serving of fantastic flavor. Lucky charms and pancakes collide for a lucky start to the day!

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies by Marathons and Motivations

Sugar cookies are always in style, but when you jazz them up for St. Patty’s day, they feel like the luckiest treat of them all!

Here are some tips for celebrating St. Patrick's Day with kids:

• Get creative with your decorations. Green is the traditional color for St. Patrick's Day, but you can get creative with your decorations. Use shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, and other Irish symbols to decorate your home or classroom.
• Make some festive food. There are many delicious and easy recipes for St. Patrick's Day treats. You can make green pancakes, shamrock cookies, or even Irish soda bread.
• Read some Irish stories. There are many great Irish stories for kids of all ages. You can read about leprechauns, rainbows, and other Irish legends.
• Go on a scavenger hunt. Hide some gold coins around your home or classroom and let the kids go on a scavenger hunt to find them.
• Have a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Fill a pot with gold coins, candy, or other treats and hide it at the end of a rainbow. Let the kids search for it and enjoy the treasure at the end.
• Wear green. Green is the traditional color for St. Patrick's Day, so let the kids wear green clothes, hats, or accessories.
• Have fun! St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate, so relax and have fun with your kids.

We hope you enjoyed these St. Patrick's Day treat recipes! Be sure to share them with your friends and family, and have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day!

6 Delicious and Easy Bean Recipes

 

Source

Beans, a staple in diets across the globe, are celebrated for their vast nutritional benefits. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and low in fat, beans are a powerhouse of nutrition that can play a significant role in a healthy diet. Despite their benefits, many find incorporating beans into their daily meals a challenge. This may be due to misconceptions about preparation time or simply a lack of inspiring recipes.

Below, we’ll dismantle these barriers and introduce you to six delightful and straightforward recipes to make beans a regular part of your meals. Whether you're a seasoned cook or looking to broaden your dietary horizons, these recipes will not only enhance your meals with minimal effort but also ensure you're reaping the nutritional rewards beans have to offer.

1. Hearty Soups and Stews

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl of soup or stew, and beans are the perfect ingredient to elevate these dishes. With their ability to absorb flavors and add heartiness, beans can transform a simple broth into a filling meal. They are ideal for a variety of soups and stews, from classic chili to rich minestrone, providing both texture and nutrition.

For a quick and nutritious meal, try an instant pot 15 bean soup recipe. This dish is a celebration of beans, combining various types with spices and vegetables for a richly flavored soup that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. The instant pot does most of the work, cooking the beans to perfection with minimal oversight. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a wholesome dish that's perfect for any day of the week.

2. Bean-Based Salads

Beans can turn a simple salad into a robust main dish, adding not just texture and flavor but also significant nutritional value. They work wonderfully with a variety of greens, vegetables, and dressings, making it easy to put together a meal that's both satisfying and healthy. From a vibrant black bean and corn salad to a Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad, the possibilities are endless.

Using canned beans is a convenient shortcut that can make assembling a nutritious salad a breeze. Just rinse and drain your choice of beans and mix them with your favorite salad ingredients for an instant meal packed with protein and fiber. It’s a great way to create a quick lunch or dinner that's both filling and refreshing.

3. Creative Bean Dips and Spreads

Bean dips and spreads are a delightful way to snack on beans or add an extra layer of flavor to your meals. They're not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, serving as a dip for vegetables and crackers or a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Making bean dips is surprisingly simple, with hummus being a popular and easy option.

Start with a base of beans like chickpeas for hummus or black beans for a Mexican-inspired dip. Then, add in flavors like garlic, lemon juice, and herbs to taste. The result is a creamy, flavorful spread that's perfect for snacking or adding a protein boost to your meals. Encouraging experimentation with different beans and flavorings can lead to discovering new favorite recipes that are both nutritious and enjoyable.

4. Beans as a Meat Substitute

Beans are an excellent meat substitute, offering a high protein content that can satisfy even the most dedicated carnivores. They're particularly useful in creating vegetarian or vegan versions of classic dishes, providing a similar texture and heartiness to meat. For example, black beans can be used to make delicious veggie burgers, lentils are perfect for a meat-free shepherd's pie, and chickpeas can transform tacos into a vegetarian feast.

This substitution not only introduces a variety of new flavors and textures to your meals but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly diet. By choosing beans as a meat alternative, you're reducing your carbon footprint and embracing a more sustainable way of eating. Plus, beans are a budget-friendly option, making it easier to eat well without breaking the bank.

5. Beans in Baking

Incorporating beans into your baking is a creative way to enhance the nutritional value of sweet treats. Beans can add moisture and fiber to baked goods, resulting in deliciously soft and satisfying desserts. For instance, black beans can be the secret ingredient in rich, fudgy brownies, while white beans blend seamlessly into cakes and cookies, adding a protein boost without altering the flavor.

Pureeing beans before adding them to your batter is the key to integrating them smoothly. This method ensures that the beans enhance the texture of your baked goods without leaving any noticeable chunks. It's a fantastic way to make your favorite desserts a bit healthier, proving that indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand.

6. International Bean Dishes

Exploring international bean dishes can open up a world of culinary possibilities, introducing you to new flavors and cooking techniques. Beans are a staple ingredient in many cultures, each offering its unique take on how to prepare and enjoy them. For example, Indian cuisine features rajma, a kidney bean curry rich in spices and flavor. Middle Eastern cuisine offers falafel, deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, known for their crispy exterior and soft interior. Meanwhile, Brazilian feijoada, a hearty stew of black beans with pork or beef, showcases the versatility of beans in more robust dishes.

Diving into these international recipes not only broadens your culinary skills but also brings a taste of different cultures into your kitchen. It's an invitation to experiment with new ingredients and discover how diverse the world of beans truly is. Whether you're looking for a comforting bowl of soup or an exotic stew, beans can provide the foundation for an endless array of delicious meals.

Conclusion

Embracing beans in your diet offers nutritious, versatile, and delicious meal options. From the simplicity of an instant pot soup to the creativity of bean-based baking, these six recipes offer just a glimpse into the potential beans have to transform your meals. Whether you're substituting meat in your favorite recipes, exploring new salads, or trying international cuisines, beans provide a healthy, affordable, and eco-friendly way to enjoy your food. By incorporating more beans into your diet, you're not only benefiting your health but also contributing to a more sustainable world.

5 Unexpected Activities for a Young Mom’s Birthday Celebration

 A new mom has a lot more to think about than her upcoming birthday. This is where supportive partners, friends, and family can step in by throwing a new mom-friendly celebration. But what type of birthday celebration is suitable for a new mother? Well, a lot of that depends on the birthday girl and her level of energy. You need to assess the situation and plan accordingly. However, there are a few can’t-miss options that are worthy of consideration. Let’s look at five ways to celebrate a young mother’s birthday.

Photo credit: Pixaby

Photo Shoot

If you want to create some great memories, then a mother-baby photo shoot is an ideal theme for a new mom’s birthday celebration. You can have the photographer come to her, or you can take her to a local studio. Those photos will always remind her of the joys of early motherhood. On top of that, she will appreciate not having to over-exert herself which will come in handy should you decide to make a dinner reservation at her favourite restaurant.

A Trip to The Spa

If there’s one thing every new mom can use, it’s a spa day. This will give her a chance to feel and look rejuvenated. Make sure she gets the works. That includes a thorough massage, manicure, pedicure, and a facial. You can add on a round of aromatherapy too. This is guaranteed to relieve her stress and leave her feeling more relaxed than she has been in a long time.

It’s a good idea to keep the after-party on the tame side. You neither want to reverse the effects of spa treatment nor be loud enough to disturb a sleeping infant. A bit of cake and some relaxing tea accompanied by a trivia game or charades should be the right speed.

Casino Party

This is definitely an unusual way of celebration by throwing a casino-themed birthday party for the new mom. This may involve hiring dealers and renting gaming tables, but it sets the stage for a most memorable birthday celebration. It can be a casual event, or you can go all out by bringing cocktail servers and having everyone dress up in their favourite casino attire. Heck, you could even hire an entertainer like a magician or comedian.

Of course, the blackjack, roulette, and other casino games would be the star attraction. If the party winds down and the guests have left, but you still want to keep the gifts coming, you can easily continue the celebration with online casinos. Platforms, like those at https://bstcasinos.com/birthday-casino-bonuses/, often roll out special bonuses for birthdays.

The top tip from us here: do everything for fun and don’t commit funds you’re not prepared to lose, otherwise, the celebration could turn into something rather unpleasant.

Cooking Class

A proper diet is particularly essential for mothers and babies alike. So, why not blend some nutritional guidance with learning a few new healthy and tasty recipes? You could hire a pro to come over to show everyone how to whip up some fast, nutritious, and delicious dishes. Not only is this entertaining and educational at the same time, but you shouldn’t have to worry about anyone leaving hungry. Just make sure that you don’t leave the birthday girl with a sink full of pots and pans.

Go for a Picnic    

What could be better than enjoying an afternoon in the fresh air and surrounded by family and friends? If you throw in a few baskets of food, some outdoor party games, and favourable weather, then you have the perfect scenario for a new mother’s birthday celebration. Like a few other activities mentioned here, a birthday picnic doesn’t require vast amounts of energy. It’s quite relaxing. 

In fact, this activity is good not just for celebrating birthdays. As an example, it is often enjoyed by Jack Hamilton, a professional casino analyst with his own website here: https://bstcasinos.com/author/jack-hamilton/. He frequently organises picnics for his family and loves to take a break from work in this way.

Conclusion

Everyone appreciates it when someone puts in the time and effort to plan a birthday party for them. This is especially true for young moms with newborns. The thing is, you need to plan it wisely. If the activity is too intense and the atmosphere is loud, then it might be too much for both the mother and the baby. Conversely, you don’t want the party to be boring. The key is finding the right balance and adapting the festivities to the new mother’s needs. After all, it’s her special day.

Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken and Noodles

 

Craving Creamy, Crunchy, Quick? Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken & Noodles to the Rescue!

Hey there, peanut butter and noodle lovers! Do you dream of that irresistible combo of sweet, salty, and nutty bliss on your plate, but lack the time (or patience) for lengthy kitchen stints? Introducing your new best friend: Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken & Noodles! ⚡️

This one-pot wonder delivers all the mouthwatering flavors you crave in under 30 minutes, without sacrificing an ounce of taste. We're talking tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that clings to every perfectly cooked noodle. And the crunch of chopped peanuts on top? Chef's kiss!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Fast & Furious Flavor: Forget slaving over the stove! This recipe puts dinner on the table in lightning speed, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
• Flavor Explosion: Creamy peanut butter marries with savory soy sauce, tangy lime, and warm ginger to create a sauce that's irresistibly addictive.
• Customizable Cravings: Feel free to adjust the spice level with sriracha or chili flakes, or add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition. ️
• Clean Up Breeze: One pot means minimal mess! Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier.

Ready to whip up this peanut butter paradise? Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

1 ½ pound of chicken breast tenders

1 tablespoon of butter

1 ½ c of chicken broth

1 teaspoon of minced garlic flakes

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

2 teaspoons of soy sauce

1 cup of frozen mixed veggies

½ c of crunchy peanut butter

½ c of crunchy peanut butter

8 ozs of spaghetti noodles

Directions:

Turn the instant pot to saute function.

When it is hot, add butter and chicken breast tenders. 

Saute for 3 minutes on each side, or until the tenders start to brown.

Turn off the instant pot.

Add chicken broth and stir to deglaze.

Add sesame oil and soy sauce.

Add minced garlic and onion powder. 

Add peanut butter and stir.

Break spaghetti noodles in half, or thirds if desired and add them to the instant pot.

Use a spoon to push the noodles down, but don’t stir. You want the noodle submerged in the broth.

Add the mixed frozen veggies.

Place the lid on the instant pot and seal.

Use the manual setting and cook for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure.

When the timer dings, use the quick release valve to release pressure.

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge after they have cooled.

Pro Tip: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Play with different types of noodles, add a dollop of coconut milk for richness, or swap protein with tofu for a vegan twist. The possibilities are endless!

So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe even your date!) with this quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious Instant Pot Peanut Butter Chicken & Noodles. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

Happy Instant Potting!

P.S. Feeling inspired? Leave a comment below with your favorite Instant Pot hacks or peanut butter recipe variations!

P.P.S. Be sure to follow me for more quick and easy Instant Pot recipes that will rock your world!

Find more instant pot recipes here:

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Shrimp Pasta

Banana Rice Pudding