Joy of Cooking + Cadbury Chocolate = LOVE

Does this make you want to lick the beater? Yeah, I did me too and I didn’t regret it. 2B Mindset - “Enjoy the treat, and move on.”

I couldn’t decide between milk and dark chocolate so I added both! No one will complain, I’m sure of it :)

Dear Illiana, 
Normally I’d feel like a fraud today 🤦🏼‍♀️. I know you’ve been working on my mindset for 2 months now, and I thank you 😍. 

I know I have chocolate addictions 🍫, stress eat, emotional eat 😷 and am a rockstar at my diet, and then —> all about the cookie 🍪 dough and brownie batter. After rocking it during LIIFT4, today, my MOM WOULDN’T ANSWER HER PHONE 📱and a tropical storm is headed for my hometown in N.C. So, I’m letting you know, cookie dough 1, Stephanie 0!!! 

But here’s the gain!!! I would have normally considered this a CHEAT, thrown in the towel for the rest of the day, and it would be a downward spiral of nothing good. But you’ve given me the tools in 2B Mindset to 1) enjoy the treat, and 2) move on with my water first, veggies most, “plate it” plan and 3) let the rest of the day be just that, my regular day and still pull off some victories. Every day does not have to be a weight loss day and I get to chose that and am in teh driver’s seat.  

I love the guilt free, easy, smart methodology you teach. I can totally overlook that you’re a Dietician for UCLA and this Trojan fan still loves 😘😘 you. 

Game on tomorrow 🤗, but today IS NOT DONE💁🏼‍♀️!!! Where my challengers at?!! You guys are proof this is FOR LIFE!!!

PS - can you smell the cookies? Joy of Cooking cookies, with Cadbury Milk Chocolate hidden inside so you can’t see = yummy surprise and delicious smells!

if you want the recipe, it’s here ——>

Preheat the oven to 375. Grease or line 2 cookie sheets.

Whisk together:
1 cup plus 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda

Beat in a large bowl until well-blended:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

Add and beat until well combined:
1 large egg
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Stir in the flour mixture until well-blended and smooth. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips (I usually add an extra 1/2 cup because LIFE IS SHORT).

Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until the cookies are just slightly colored on top and the edges are brown, about 8 - 10 minutes. Let stand briefly, then remove to a rack to cool.

Makes about 36 cookies it says, but I call BS on that unless I really eat THAT MUCH DOUGH. I’m going to pretend it’s an exaggeration because this recipe has never yielded that???

The easiest way to make an ice cream cake!

I've never made an ice cake before, but my son really really wanted a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream cake and I didn't feel like paying $69.95 for it, so I decided to make it.  All in, the ice cream cost me $16 and the cake mix $4, candles $3, and icing ingredients (because my hubby CANNOT buy store bought ice cream - whatevs) $5.  So $28, vs $70 and my son was so proud because we "made it".  We will take that win to the bank any day :)  

For the record, I believe some things are better from a box.  This isn't clean eating so buying a cake mix causes me no guilt or uncomfortable feelings, I secretly do a jump in the grocery aisle thinking (1) it will turn out and (2) I'm glad I'm not THAT MOM that has to make homemade cakes from scratch because see #1 above.  It won't turn out, I. Just. Know. It.  I digress.  

Here's what I did and the beauty of this is you can do it days ahead, it actually turns out better so no stressing the day of the party (as long as you have a freezer handy. if not, stress away and think of Plan B). 

Step 1: Chose your favorite ice cream and partially defrost it.  Line the pan you chose to use (I'd stick with brownie plan 8x8 or 9x9, or a round pan like this, similar size).  Line with parchment paper or seran wrap so you can easily pull it out without cracking or breaking the layer.  I had 2 pans so I made both ice cream layers at the same time.  As you're spooning the ice cream into the pan and pressing it down, it will smooth out and fill in all the holes. If it still seems lumpy, maybe you have too much and need to eat some.  I kid.  Not.  When finished, put in the freezer and let re-freeze for a day

Step 2: Make your cake.  I wanted to do 2 layers ice cream and 2 layers cake, but that would have just been too much cake and we'd have it leftover for months, so I stuck with 3 layers total.  the top looks thicker because of the vanilla frosting.  Once you make your cake as instructed, let it cool completely and put it in the freezer.  I lined the pan with aluminum foil so I could take it out easily and it could go in the oven.  Parchment paper would work too, but I find it crinkles in the oven sometimes and I wanted my cake smooth. Once completely cook, put in freezer for a few hours, or up to one day.

Step 3: Remove all layers from their respective pans and stack together.  You need to use freezer-friendly icing which is really hard to find in here, so we made whipped cream frosting and it was perfect!  Ice it VERY QUICKLY, remember you're dealing with ice cream here and it's no longer in the mold and will lose shape and form fast!!  Put in freezer once you're done and let it all come together.  The icing can fill in any defects so no pressure to have each layer perfect. You could ice between the layers, but for my first cake, I didn't want to risk timing and the ice cream melt on me.  That experiment is for cake #2 :) 

Step 4: Add any toppings and store in freezer till ready to serve.  At this point, I'd put it on your fancy cake platter and be ready to serve it.  We have 3 of these and have moved them from CA, to TX, to Australia and used them NEVER!  NOT ONE SINGLE TIME. We forget and this happens and we are screwed!  Thus, remember to transfer before the party starts. You're welcome :) 

This served 8 boys and we 12 pieces still leftover!  It makes a lot!!! To store leftovers, slice it completely and put in freezer-safe tupperware and you could enjoy for weeks to come. My family will eat this in 4 nights (3 people * 4 nts = 12 pcs) GONE!  

2 Ingredient Ice Cream

Ice cream can be a treat, and be delicious and be on the plan.  It is possible and add to that list, it can trick your kids.  By that I mean...this ice cream which is bananas and peanut butter is a favorite in my household.  And my household consists of two boys that HATE bananas, but they will eat this in 30 seconds flat and take down a Shakeology with banana blended in it like NOBODY'S BUSINESS.  Try it.  And feel free to laugh at overheating my blender.  Since I made this video, I slice my bananas up before freezing them so this hasn't happened again. But, my Au Pair and I got a great laugh from the video :) 

Dirt & Worm Bars

View fullsize

View fullsize

You guys...MAKE THESE!!!  This is all the things we don't encourage on 21 Day Fix, but they are all the things kids want...oreos and marshmellows and gummy worms.  What's not to love?!?!  And the best part is that these ingredients don't tempt me AT ALL so I can make these and own that I have no willpower and still not get derailed!  YES!!!  

The ingredients are in the picture below.  These literally take 5 minutes to make, from start to finish.  Dump all your Oreos in a gallon ziplock bag and SEAL!  Do not forget this step or you will hate me when you have Oreos all over your kitchen!  Hand the bag off to your kids and put them to work ;)  We use a meat pounder and play hot potato, but you can do whatever.  Then melt the butter and marshmellows in the microwave for 30 second intervals so they don't burn over blow up.  Another direction to follow because believe me, that is messy as heck to clean up! 

Combine your melted butter, marshmellows and Oreos together and pour into a greased 8x8 pan and put in the fridge.  Once they're cooled and you can easily cut, slice into 16-24 depending on portion sizes you want and put a gummy worm on top!  ENJOY!!!  

PS - these are not just for kids.  Grown ups love them and I've found dad's devour them!

FREE CONE DAY!!! April 10th!

You are welcome for saving you $5.75 a cone!  Isn't that crazy?  While you're paying for it, YES, but while you're eating it, you're like...oh sweet friend, you are so worth it all!  Ok, maybe that's just me.  Sorry not sorry.  My favorites...A Cookie Affair, Brownie Batter, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie (I've eaten an entire pint by myself WHILE DOING TAXES before.  Don't eat ice cream and do taxes, JUST. DON'T), The Tonight Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake (and I don't like fruity ice cream - this is the ONLY strawberry cheesecake ice cream  I will eat).  Who ever hear of a picky ice cream eater?  ME!!! RIGHT HERE! If I'm going to eat the calories, I want them to be yummy and worth it.  Like VG's, Leucadia or Krispy Kreme donuts.  I WILL NOT eat any others.  You won't even tempt me, but those...I might eat till I'm sick. True story. #notproud

But, heres the kicker with all of those scrumptious flavors...they have dairy!!!  I know you're thinking...DUH!  Well, I know these things and when I have no willpower, I eat them anyways and then I, and those around me (who are usually the ones I love most) pay the price.  

But guess what this wonderful company did...the designed 4 flavors that are made with Almond Milk.  YESSSSSS!  And I tasted one yesterday, the Peanut Butter & Cookies and it's legit good y'all.  You wouldn't even know except that after I eat it, everyone is happy and stays happy.  No tummy ache at all and no bloat so right back to the beach in my bikini and didn't miss a beat.  

You need to try these on April 10th!  Yes, I teach clean eating, yes I believe it's important, yes I also believe that you can't deprive yourself of things or then you binge. I'm not saying go all week.  Go on the 10th, save some money, treat yourself and on the 11th resume daily self control.  We can't have it all the time ;) 

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

View fullsize

I'm not trying to be a debbie downer, but at Easter, I feel like sugar becomes the focus very easily!  There are mollies, chocolate and Peeps everywhere.  How gross are those marshmallow things?!?! I try to limit their sugar and focus on the reason for the season.  Yes, we do egg hunts, and sometimes 3-4 in a weekend, but I fill them with tattoos, erasers, and various non-sugary items that make the kids equally happy!  I promise! My kids are not deprived and there's no mis-behaving or sugar crashes an hour later so we all win!  These are a fun way to indulge a little without eating a sugar stick and festive too.  I switched some of the ingredients to keep it clean. 

Ingredients:
2 ½ C quick oats
3 TBSP peanut butter (keep it clean, should be just nuts and maybe salt)
¼ C maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
5 TBSP unsweetened almond milk
¼ C mini chocolate chips, opt (I prefer Dark Chocolate)
Sprinkles for decoration
Plastic eggs, wash first

Directions: 
In a medium bowl mix dry ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl add maple syrup, vanilla, milk and peanut butter. Stir until mixture has been combined, add the dry ingredient to the large bowl and mix with hands.  Once combined, add chocolate chips. Place in plastic eggs and let set in the fridge for 1 hour. Once done, gently open them from the plastic eggs and decorate with sprinkles.

Happy Easter!! The Lord has Risen Indeed!

Paleo Creme Eggs

View fullsize

OH MY WORD, AMIRIGHT???? I have got to have these…

Ingredients:
For the chocolate shells:
150g cacao solids (a.k.a. cacao liquor/paste)
150g cacao butter
4.5 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
¼ tsp vanilla powder (optional)

For the white creme filling:
25g cacao butter
80ml coconut cream
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp cashew butter (or coconut manna/oil)
1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the yolk creme filling:
4 tbsp of the white creme filling
½ tsp maca powder
½ tsp ground turmeric

Directions can be found HERE.

Gelato and wine

Barramundi with pumpkin purée, fennel, lemon, sprouts

miso glazed salmon, radish, mushroom, tofu salad over rice noodles

I'd like to say that the gelato my splurge for the day, but I think dinner and wine were too!! So de-lici-ous!!!

Count them - 3 dessert stops 😵🍦🍨🍮☕️ Gelato, Ben & Jerry's (because we couldn't all agree) and then a coffee shop.  Thank goodness Shaun T has my number tomorrow. 🤗 Insanity Max 30, here I come. Then another pool & beach day because it's too gorgeous to go home!

21-Day Fix starting JUNE 26!!!

View fullsize

Did you know the recommended daily intake for women is only 24 g and for men it's 36 g. YIKES?!?! You'd be amazed how quickly you can reach these levels without even picking up a dessert, candy, or soda! Yogurt, granola and celeral is the biggest culprit in our house. 

Check this out, but here are a few key things I'd like to point out:
👎 Sugar may to blame for your lack of energy and headaches
👎 If you have 2 sodas/day, you are pretty much done with your sugar intake for the day! 
👎 Most people consume their daily sugar intake during breakfast!
👎 Low fat and low calorie often means, more sugar and processed!
👎 It's everywhere! Check labels on pasta sauce, breads, drinks, yogurts, etc.

My next 21-Day Fix group starts on Monday and we are doing a speed round for quick results....21 days and then we will launch SHIFT SHOP!!! Who is ready to get their fitness up and weight down and burn this sugar off?!??! I know I need to after this vacation and I still have 3 more weeks!  

Chose reasons bigger than bikinis. What about your health, your energy for your kids / grandkids, feeling more confident and having your clothes fit again. Seriously when I started this, it was either buy new clothes or spend money on this...i chose FIT over FAT. the only difference is "I".

Join me today! we will start tomorrow with a week of tips and then start on Monday!

Cadbury Chocolate factory

Ok. This post is NOT. ABOUT. CLEAN. EATING. It's all about CHOCOLATE!! Such a fun experience touring the Cadbury chocolate factory in NZ (which is closing in Jan 2018 - so go while you can). 

1) Cadbury has 8 factories in the world and they all use local milk so no chocolate bars will taste the same. New Zealand & Australia don't export their chocolates. 
2) you can smell amazing chocolate for a full hour. I wonder if Heaven will be like that?? I bet 🙌🏻
3) no pictures or holding your child during the tour because an American dropped their child into the factory and ruined it for everyone.
4) you each got a shot glass to fill up with chocolate from a spout. White, milk, dark. Might have been the most amazing dangerous thing ever. Then, they had a topping bar. I grabbed bananas for mine to, you know, be healthy. LOL. No pics to prove it since no cameras allowed. 🙋🏼🤗

This was the bag of chocolates they passed our AFTER we all had sampled about 8 bars and gave away 5 bars to friends.  It is crazy!  The rest of these will be given away or all my money will go to the dentist for fillings!  

End of summer party treats!

True story (why do I always feel the need to say that?? it's so annoying, but for some reason I think no one believes me, that KIDS DIG SHAKEOLOGY!!!) For regular meals I enforce the motto, "eat it or starve" but not with shakeology because I am not in the business of giving it away. If they fight or tattle (insert loud sigh and eye roll) NO ONE gets Shakeology...but ME :) 

Anyhow, back to this post...If you've been following me on Facebook, you know I throw a bus stop party the last weekday before any holiday, and on any kids birthday on our street. That's how we build community with our Grace Table from the church. I made this Shakeology Brownie Batter snack the other day and Tyler asked if I could serve this at the bus stop for our going away party (yes, we are throwing ourselves an "end of 2nd grade and Vinings leaving for the summer" party :) ) I had to die laughing. I don't think I'm cheap, but I'm not serving this to 10-12 kids :( I know "sharing is caring" and stuff, but this is ALL MINE :) 

Instead, I'll serve my 21-day fix pumpkin muffins which I've seen challengers serve as birthday cupcakes for their kids parties, Mom's Nights Out and holiday celebrations. How awesome that it's one of our breakfast staples that fills so many different needs. I can't wait, and I'd be lying if I didn't wish it was tomorrow, just so I can have one now. here’s the recipe!