taste of tuesday: powerballs

Aaron has been logging a lot of miles on his bike in prep for the big race in September. The other day he returned depleted after a 100 miler. As an alternative to his nasty Tiger's Milk/Powerbars that usually melt I tried this recipe in hope they would give him a little boost on his long rides. I loved these for many reasons:

• they are a healthy alternative to cookies and store bought granola bars
• a tasty treat that is packed with power and small enough to pack for a long ride
• NO cooking required. a definite plus when it is 110*
• no eggs. no flour.
• perfect for little fingers. my kids loved them
• I used my grain mill for the first time since I received it 2 years ago--and is was so easy to use.

Next time I'll make half without chocolate chips for Aaron so they don't melt on his rides. Powerball Cookies
(Wondertime)

Ingredients:

• 1 c peanut butter
• 1 c honey
• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 c ground flax seed (used my grain mill to grind. found flax seed in the wholesale bins-much cheaper.)
• 1 c chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 c of dried fruit and nuts (I used a mixture or raisins and dried cranberries. I didn't have any nuts so I used some crunchy peanut butter. sunflower seeds would be tasty)

Directions:

Mix together peanut butter and honey until smooth. Gradually add in old fashioned oats and ground flax seed. Add chocolate chips, nuts and dried fruit and mix gently in your stand mixer. Scoop out with mini ice cream scoop and roll into balls. Place on cookie sheet lined with wax paper. You can eat them right away, but they are best after a night in the fridge. They freeze well.

taste of tuesday: chewy caramel popcorn

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we love popcorn in this house. we make it at least 3 times a week. for snacking, movies or sometimes a meal. I like to make mine in a brown lunch sack in the microwave and eat it plain or with a little spray butter and ranch seasoning. Aaron likes the butter soaked microwavable packets or movie theatre popcorn (yuk!). and Jack will eat any type of popcorn by the handful (think Cookie Monster). popcorn brings back childhood memories of my dad shaking a pan over the stove and watching the lid rise at each kernel popped. I have a weakness for caramel popcorn. My friend gave us some caramel popcorn at Christmas that was amazing. chewy, soft and oh so perfect. get out your air popper 'cause your gonna want some of this.

Chewy Caramel Popcorn

(Rachelle Hulet)

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. light corn syrup
• 1 c. butter
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 c. popcorn (kernels)

Directions:

1. Pop popcorn and put in large bowl. set aside

2. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. cook on low-med heat until soft ball (234*-240*).

be patient. worth the wait.

3. Remove from heat and stir in sweetened condensed milk. Pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. place on cookie sheets to cool.

this is addicting and it makes A LOT of popcorn. store in air tight container. I separated into individual ziploc bags so Aaron could take them to the hospital for his co-workers.

taste of tuesday: jalapeno popper dip

I first had this recipe a few months ago at game night and failed to get the recipe. so I was excited when I saw it here. it was the perfect appetizer for the Super bowl and a nice substitute to chips and dip. In addition to serving it with melba toast, I toasted up some bread and spread some dip over the top and broiled it.Jalapeno Popper Dip
(Our Best Bites)

Ingredients:

• 2 8-oz. packages cream cheese (light works great)
• 1 c. mayonnaise (light also works here, but DON'T use Miracle Whip!)
• 1 c. Parmesan cheese
• 1 4-oz. can fire roasted green chilies
• 1 4-oz. can diced jalapeno peppers,drained
• 1-2 sourdough baguettes, sliced, and/or crackers

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients and spread into a 9" pie plate or a small baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until dip is bubbly and golden brown.

taste of tuesday: cinnamon roasted almonds

tomorrow is April 1st. I don't mention this b/c I am excited it is April Fool's day b/c I have never been a big prankster, or b/c it was the day Aaron and I were engaged (although, that was really a great day), but b/c it is officially spring and baseball season is upon us. marrying into the P* family means you are to automatically love America's game. It runs deep in their veins. Aaron's grandpa P* played against the likes of Babe Ruth. And his dad, his brothers, and his cousins all played from pee-wee through high school. Aaron also went on to play a few years in college. And every P* family reunion is not complete without a game. I've always liked baseball-not watching it on TV-but going to the games. I love the sounds of the crowd cheering and singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". I love the aromas: fresh cut grass, grilled hot dogs, beer, and cinnamon roasted almonds. I've found a recipe for cinnamon roasted almonds that is pretty close to that of the vendors. this makes a large batch and is great for road trips.

image courtesy google images

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon (add more if desired)
• 3 cups nuts

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except nuts in a saucepan. Over medium heat, dissolve sugar. Add nuts. Cook, stirring frequently, until nuts are completely sugared and no syrup is left in pan. Spread on wax paper and let cool. Bet you can't eat just one. Enjoy!