Cafe Latte Protein Shake

Daily healthy breakfast is important in our lives.  And sometimes I just need to make up a change in shakes.  I will post several different shake ideas throughout our time together.  Just blend it up and enjoy!

Ingredients...love my Herbalife!  I also use decaf instant because I really don't do much coffee at all, but this is awesome!

·         2 scoops café latte

·         2 scoops vanilla PPP

·         1-2 tsp cinnamon

·         1 tsp instant coffee (I use decaf)

·         12-16 oz Water

·         5 ice cubes

Blend away and drink!

Tripp Dipp

Who all likes ranch dip?  I know that I'm happy with it sitting around a pool with some veggies and chips!  However, those calories start to add up fairly quickly and it's not very substantial.  An old friend of mine, who absolutley LOVES ranch, introduced me to this recipe years ago.  She and her dad would make it for all sorts of gatherings.

Over the years, I have tweaked it here and there to make it a bit healthier and with much more protein.  No matter what...the flavor is there and so is the satiation of my hunger!  Here's to Dr. Tripp, always thinking of you while you look down on us!

Ranch Mix, Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Cayenne Pepper, Celery & Green Onions

Finished product

Honestly, I need to get a picture of it all plated or a better picture in general.  It can be a bit difficult sometimes when Little Penner is constantly needing my attention...and I gladly will give it to him.  These days are flying by!  I will also blame my beautiful mother for the lack of photos, she had hand surgery over the weekend and I was helping her out by prepping food for her household as well as mine this week.  That's rather difficult with a 14 week old too!  No matter, it got me in a serious mood to cook and bake as you can see with all of these posts, LOL.

Print Recipe:

1 cup of Cottage Cheese
1 cup of Greek Yogurt
3 Green Onions (green and white bulb included)
2 Celery Sticks (sliced/diced and optional...I like the crunch)
Fiesta Ranch Mix (Click HERE for my personal recipe, or use store bought if you prefer)

Mix everything in a bowl.  Cover and chill.  Enjoy with a veggie platter and/or chips.

Golden Milk

Fall is upon us and that brings out all flavors and spices of warmth.  Oddly, I can smell warmth through specific foods and drinks.  I have heard of "golden milk" for some time and have wanted to try it for the Ayurvedic benefits.  Turmeric, ginger & cinnamon all have excellent health benefits and the fact that this is a dairy-free soothing beverage tops the list for me!

After finally getting to sit down and enjoy my tea, which was a whole journey in itself, I will say that I could drink this daily!  I think I'll try to do so in the evening twice a week after putting Little Penner to bed.  So calming and perfect as the cool nights begin to show themselves here in Austin.  Here are the photos and such a simple recipe.

Spice "Paste"

Such a cool swirl while on the stove.

Add in some local honey to sweeten...I use local to help with allergies.

Final product.  The golden yellow and smell of spice is perfect for the Fall season!

Print Recipe:

1.5 tsp Turmeric

.5 tsp Ginger

1/8 tsp Black Pepper (for full effects of turmeric)

Pinch of cinnamon, saffron & nutmeg (optional)

2 tsp Coconut Oil (or Ghee)

1 cup Coconut Milk (or other full fat milk)

1 cup Coconut Water (or water)

1 Tbsp Honey (optional...and to taste)

Make a paste with spices and coconut oil in a small pot on the stovetop.  Add in Coconut milk & Coconut water, then turn heat on to medium-high.  Let the tea boil until it starts to curl away from edges of pot, then turn off and steep for 3-5 minutes.  Add honey to tea and let melt.  

Curl up with your favorite book & blanket with the cool air blowing on you.  Then settle in to a calming evening with a fantastic beverage.