Raw Chocolate Crunch Energy Bites

Binge season is upon us; there is no reason to try to deny it. But you can fight it, deliciously.

These little raw chocolate balls are not new, but my version adds in crunch to help satisfy that crunchy, cookie need with popped millet. It takes a few extra minutes to pop the millet, but it's so worth it for the addition of gluten free crunch.

The bonus with these balls is that they don't just satisfy your sweet craving but they do it with natural sugar and energy from the dates, good fat from the coconut oil and antioxidants from the cacao and they help to regulate blood sugar with the cinnamon. Set these out but don't tell anyone what they are until after they try them and comment on how good these are.

Indulge if you must right now, but keep these babies in the fridge or freezer year round as your go to healthy, sweet, energy option.

Mashed Guac-mmus Lettuce Wrap

Looking for a simple, fresh lunch or snack that is healthy, tasty and fresh? This little number is yummy and crunchy and filled with healthy fats and protein.  I created these guacamole and chickpea wraps for one of my detoxes and I've been making them ever since.

Chick peas are only 23 percent protein; combine with other beans, rice or sunflower seeds to make a complete protein. In this recipe we use seeds, but add rice or beans as you see fit.

Make each wrap your own by adding in additional nuts or seeds or whatever veggies are in your fridge; chop up or grate zucchini, beets, onions or fennel.. Try serving atop a bed of brown rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your happy healthy meal and then go do something with all your new found energy!

Lemony Red Lentil Hummus Spread

Having an array of sauces and spreads in your kitchen repertoire is key to elevating flavor in your dishes. Equally as important is creating those items in a healthy manner.

Sure, you could just purchase a pre-mixed, pre-packaged spread from the grocery store, but what you get with that is a whole bunch of sugar and chemicals that are going to wreak havoc on your body. Plus it's really easy to make your own, especially of you happen to have some pre-cooked lentils around.

This isn't a true hummus, which calls for chickpeas and tahini, it's a lentil spread or dip or salad topper - perfect for sandwiches and snacking. The lemon adds a brightness which is perfect on grilled chicken and veggies (I used it on a lettuce wrap filled with just such items.)

Light, super healthy and super delicious- this lemon and red lentil dip spread is a perfect addition to any meal.

Spinach Fig Hummus

Ever get bored of hummus? It's everywhere; probably because it's a basic go-to when you need a quick appetizer option. Don't get me wrong, I do like hummus, but I also like flavor.

I found myself with a lot of spinach the other day, even after making a spinach salad, sauteed spinach-stuffed potatoes and this super yummy spinach and  mushroom dahl, I was beginning to wonder if I could eat any more spinach. But then I found myself in need of a quick dip to go with veggies and I just happened to have some dried chick peas soaking, it seemed like a blender marriage.

The result is a beautiful green hummus with hints of sweet from the fig jam. A wonderful break from typical hummus and perfect as a dip or a sandwich spread. This makes an enormous amount of dip, great for a large party; cut the recipe in half if you are making this for yourself or a small party.
No matter how much you make, it's a Fat and Happy and Healthy delicious!

Chive and Goat Cheese filled Raspberries

The concept of Farm to Table has been taken a step further with cutting-edge, hard working entrepreneurs like the folks at Outstanding In The Field by taking the table out of the restaurant and placing at a local farm. Regular people get a chance to explore growing first hand and then enjoy the the farm goods as cooked by a local chef. It's fresh, upscale, informative and super delicious.

We attended one of these dinners last year in South Haven, Michigan where we first encountered these delightful raspberry nibbles. Creamy goat cheese and sharp chives cradled in a bright berry, nestled on top of a finishing crunch. A perfect bite.

Mine are slightly different from what I remember. They used a puffed rice for the crunch while I used a popped quinoa. They may have used different herbs in the filling, I happened to have fresh chives and love the little onion hit with the berries. All in all, it's a gorgeous little presentation and is fairly simple to put together.

Try these super tantalizing appetizers for your next outdoor party, then I highly recommend visiting your local farm to see what inspires you. I'm personally psyched for our farm dinner this year in Door County; good food and good friends abound.

Pine Nut Romesco Sauce

This recipe is now at Happy Eats Healthy

Pine Nut and Sherry Romesco Sauce

Arugula and Prosciutto Appetizers

Quick and easy appetizers that are both gluten and dairy free don't have to be lame on taste. How many times do you stand at a snack table and see the same boring offerings of crackers and cheese? Or fattening dairy dips?

Next time bring your own noshes to table and say goodbye to the cracker box. These tasty Arugula and Prosciutto morsels offer a little spicy crunch from the arugula, a touch of salty from the prosciutto and a hint of sweet from the jam. The last time I set these out among a plethora of other goodies, they were the first to go.

Keep yourself fat and happy with these simple nibbles.

Nutty Snack Bar

Recently I led nearly 20 people through a detox resulting in healthy glowing skin, weight loss, reduction of inflammation, improved digestion and happier attitudes among a plethora of additional benefits. During this detox we gave up all processed foods; it was important to cook most, if not all, of our own food.

Healthy, homemade snacks became important as we noshed on clean foods like carrots, hummus and avocado. Towards the end of the detox I yearned for something that is a little bit like a treat and I wanted a snack I could take with me on the go. That's when I tossed this recipe together and it really hit the spot.

These bars come together in a snap. Use whatever ingredients are in your pantry and cut them to whatever size works best for you. I like to make little bite-sized pieces for when I'm at home, but I cut some into a bar size to take on the go with me. Always remember moderation is key with all foods, these tasty little snacks can become addictive so it's best to portion them out

Great for a work or school snack, perfect for a plane trip or during a long sports day, these Fat and Happy Snack Bars will keep you going without gluten, dairy or refined white sugar.

Zucchini & White Bean Guacamole

Another healthy catering gig gave me the opportunity to create a new recipe.

I'm going to climb onto my soapbox for just a moment a remind you all that fats do not make you fat, not when they are healthy fats like avocado. Consumption of fat is needed for the body to work properly (they  raise good HDL cholesterol, lower bad LDL cholesterol, and protect against the buildup of plaque in your arteries and help combat dry skin) so even if you are looking to loose a few pounds, fats should NOT be skipped. That doesn't mean you should go crazy and eat as much (healthy) fat as you want, everything in moderation.

This recipe takes advantage of a classic, guacamole, but it takes it to the next level by stuffing even more nutrients in it using beans and zucchini. Beans area great source of protein and fiber and while zucchini is a mostly water it does offer vitamin A and potassium. Protein, potassium and healthy fats all in one dip with flavor to boot. That is what it's all about, clean eating without giving anything up the flavor.

Whip up a batch and serve as a dip, use a spread on sandwiches or top your salad or taco with this delicious Fat and Happy creation.  You might find eating it with a spoon works too.

Olive Oil Poached Orange Tomatoes with Honey Goat Cheese

This recipe is now at Happy Eats Healthy

Olive Oil Poached Orange Tomatoes with Honey Goat Cheese

Easy Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate Bites

Eating healthy deserves a treat beyond an organic carrot. And it doesn't mean creamy, yummy desserts and snacks have to go by the way side.

This isn't necessarily new, but still worth a second look. A simple banana slice topped with nut butter and a little dollop of chocolate. If you are feeling really sassy, try topping with a little salt or cocoa nibs.

Eating these right away offers a decadent, creamy and satisfying bite. Store in the freezer if you enjoy frozen bananas.

Treat yourself to something healthy with these Fat and Happy Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Banana Bites.

Simple Holiday Appetizers: Walnut Stuffed Endive and Herbed Cheese, Apple and Meat Skewers

Like it or not, the Holidays are upon us. My guess is that most of us enjoy this time of year but feel so much pressure for a myriad of reasons.

My gift to you is these simple Holiday appetizers. Rather than slave in the kitchen when you have shopping, wrapping and decorating to do, these little hors d'oeuvers shine by elevating basic ingredients

The Walnut and Goat Cheese Stuffed Endive get an unexpected flavor boost from honey and jelly while the Cheese, Apple and Meat Skewers boast an unexpected herb treat.

Reduce your stress (if even just a little) while enjoying tasty snacks at the same with these Fat and Happy appetizers.

Super Simple 4 Ingredient Flourless Cookies

Did you ever make bread cookies when you were younger, where you took a piece of Wonder bread, removed the crust, smooshed the dough into a shape and then baked it?

These cookies are a little like that; a real lowbrow kind of cookie. But one that will you get you through a midnight craving painlessly. Or one that can sub in for a cheap dessert when your assigned dessert guest didn't bring the dessert.

Did I mention these are gluten free too? A hell of a lot easier then working with xantham gum and potato flour. The chocolate cookie is slightly more work than the peanut butter cookie, but worth it.

Too me, the topping and optional ingredient is key. I've tried everything from basic chocolate chips and jelly to rice krispies and smashed potato chips. If you are making cookies at midnight, bold toppings are a must.

These kinds of cookies are a dime a dozen all over the internet. But now you have them at your fingertips.The base of each cookie is four ingredients, that number will increase if you add the options.

Take these cookies for what they are worth - the simplest form of cookie for emergency fat and happy moments.

Flavored Popcorn

A close friend is marking half a century. Friends and family from all parts of her life are coming together to celebrate with an evening of elegant picnicking and lighthearted roastings.

I struggled with what dish to bring that was carefree, simple to pack and move around and that stands up to the weather. To add to that, I was given her AARP card that showed up in the mail to do something creative with. Let me deviate from the recipe for a moment to say we are talking about a women who has a better body than any one half her age, stunning looks and has the fun attitude to go with it it all. Simply Fabulous!

Somehow I landed on the idea of making serving bowls out of copies of her AARP card. From there, it was easy to come up with a snack to fill those paper bowls - flavored popcorn.

Two easy recipes but wildy different in taste. The Parmesan and Oregano Popcorn is rich and buttery while the Indian Spice Popcorn is exotic and finger licking good.

Everyone loves popcorn and these are fun, simple favors for all fat and happy ages.

Flavored Butter: Sun-dried Tomato and Herb Butter

 One of my favorite late night bar snacks is a trio of butter and salt with a side of bacon at 694 Wine Bar in Chicago. Three amazing butters from three different regions sprinkled with three equally stunning salts. Oddly enough, three of us meet there late at night about every three months to indulge in this cholesterol-raising treat.

My second favorite butter appetizer is at Cyranos Bistro. This flavored herb butter is delivered along with a basket of warm bread and it is finger licking delicious. Give me an order of the herb butter along with a house made pate and I'm completely fat and happy.

With a party approaching, I wanted to create a touch of restaurant essence at home. With only one butter choice on hand it was an easy decision to make a flavored butter. The plan was to create a  butter spread for my homemade buns with the option to add thin slices of ham for a full sandwich. It needed to enhance the meat and also stand on its own melted into a warm slice of bread without overwhelming either.

This is when random condiments in the fridge come in handy. A few sundried tomatoes for depth, a little parsley and lemon to lighten it up and a touch of honey to add sweetness - this butter is fantastic!

Homemade Wheat Crackers

These are not a light, super crispy saltine-like cracker. That's important only after you understand that I set out to make a saltine cracker for my sick beau.

The crackers are still good, they just turned out more like a wheat thin. A tasty, tasty wheat thin. Using white wheat lour instead of all purpose white flour deepened these crackers in appearance, depth and flavor.

This really couldn't be a simpler dough and process. The most difficult part is rolling out the dough as it tends to be on the crumbly side, unless you added a pinch too much water, then the dough might be on the soft side. Just have patience. And remember that little cracks in the final product makes it look more rustic.

Pear and Blue Cheese Quesadilla

 An old friend sent a message on the Fat and Happy Facebook Page recently asking for more recipes involving tortillas. With the fall produce making their first appearance, sandwiching a little pear and blue cheese into a crunchy and healthy snack was irresistible

If you need the extra protein, thinly sliced turkey meat from the deli would pair quite well with all the flavors and offer a slightly heartier option.

Elevate your tortillas with cool-weather fruit, then pair this gooey, cheesy, messy quesadilla with a spinach and walnut salad for a tasty Fat and Happy meal.

Basil, Parmesan Cheese and Tomato Appetizer

Summer brings the best flavors. Flavors that don't need to be sauteed, simmered or deep fried, just served fresh.

A stunning, farm-grown tomato stuffed with fresh basil and touch of Parmesan cheese topped off with a high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It looks stunning and it satisfies the taste buds like nothing else.

It's the Fat and Happy version of a Caprese Salad - perfect for appetizers, side dishes or a snack with a glass of wine.


Fat and Happy Food Blog Tips and Techniques:  You must use the best tomatoes and high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the greatest result!

Basil, Parmesan Cheese and Tomato Appetizer with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Ripe, tasty tomatoes

Fresh basil

Parmesan cheese

Olive oil

Balsamic

For the smaller, cherry-size tomatoes- cut a little small slit in the shape of an 'X' in the top of the tomato, place a small basil leaf and a small hunk of Parmesan cheese in the slits. Add a few drop of olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top.

For a slightly larger tomato, add two angled slices on the top of the tomato. Stuff each slice with a basil leaf and a little hunk or slice of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Bacon Jam, Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta

Hello, my name is Monique. It's been one week since I first made Bacon Jam and I'm addicted. I've eaten it every day for seven days straight in some way, shape or form.

And now I'm going to be an amazing blog friend and share this recipe with you. Actually, the recipe is already on the blog from last weeks Homemade Bacon Roll post, but you'll find it below as well. This Bacon Jam / Jelly / Marmalade is deep, rich and dark with a hint of sweet and spice. It's divine and will change the way you think about about jam!

One of my initial thoughts was how great this would taste with fresh garden tomato. That thought led me to a BLT which ultimately brought me to this Bacon Jam, Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta. I was testing these out as an appetizer and ate so many I couldn't eat dinner!

The uses for this delectable preserve are endless - spread it on a sandwich or burger, top a fresh tomato or smear it on toast and top with a sunny side up egg. Or enjoy it the Fat and Happy way - with a spoon!

Lemon Feta Scones

How many things can be sweet or savory, soft or crunchy and enjoyed at breakfast, dinner or afternoon tea without seeming out of place? Not too many edible items have the liberty of crossing the ethical eating boundaries.

Scones are a liberal bunch. They are easy, playful and so damn yummy. 

The feta in these give the savory scones a saltiness that plays with the bright lemon zest. They come out of the oven tall and fluffy with a slightly crunchy bottom. It's the Fat and Happy scone that has no limits.