What is FODMAP, and Is It the Cure for Bloating?

You may be hearing people talk about the FODMAP diet and wonder what in the world it is. FODMAP stands for  “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols,” which are all types of carbohydrates that could contribute to bloating and discomfort in people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues.

FODMAPs are found in foods that tend to ferment and draw water into the intestine, which could cause bloating and discomfort in those with IBS. Foods high in FODMAPs contain fructose, lactose, fructans (larger versions of fructose), galactans (large galactose molecules), and polyols (sugar alcohols). Studies have concluded that many people with IBS find relief when avoiding or reducing FODMAPs.

But FODMAPs should not be avoided by everyone; they actually often help with the good bacteria in our digestive system. This diet is meant to be a temporary lifestyle change as a test; it’s suggested that people who suffer from bloating and other IBS symptoms try it for several weeks and then slowly re-introduce some of the FODMAPs to see if they irritate the system.

How to Eat Low FODMAP

Here are abbreviated lists  of foods that are low and high in FODMAPs. A more extensive list can be found here.

Common Foods HIGH in FODMAPs (foods to eliminate): garlic, onions, legumes/beans, cauliflower, apples, avocado, cherries, peaches, pears, chorizo, processed meats, wheat, almond flour, cashews, pistachios, high fructose corn syrup, agave, honey, fruit juices, beer, wine, dairy products.

Common Foods LOW in FODMAP (foods to eat): broccoli, butternut squash, zucchini, spaghetti squash, cabbage, corn, kale, tomato, potato/sweet potato, bananas, grapes, rhubarb, honeydew, beef, chicken, pork, lamb, fish, gluten-free breads/grains: millet, quinoa, corn tortillas, rice, butter, eggs.

Sample Low FODMAP Menu

Here’s a sample full day of recipes that include foods that are low in FODMAP.

Breakfast: 2-Ingredient Wheat-Free Banana Pancakes

Top these with peanut butter for extra protein.

Photo by foodelicious

Lunch: Seattle’s Favorite Kale Salad

Photo by ScandoGirl

Egg in a Pepper

Photo by Aja

Dinner: Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

Photo by mommyluvs2cook

Spiralized Brown Butter Sage Sweet Potato

Photo by Arizona Desert Flower

Snack: Carrot Chips

Photo by lutzflcat

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Top Mall Food Copycat Recipes

Snacks make everything better — shopping included. From copycat mall pretzels to Orange Julius smoothies and Cinnabon remakes, you can now enjoy your favorite mall foods from the comfort of your couch. Hello, online shopping!

1) Mrs. Fields Cookie Recipe II

Who could resist an ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie? No one we know! Look to Sonnia for her special Mrs. Fields copycat recipe. Baked with brown sugar, walnuts, and freshly grated chocolate, it’s no wonder these copycats have so many five-stars reviews.

2) Daddio’s Hacked Orange Julius

Why splurge on a smoothie when you can make your own for less right at home? Bananas and cream make the sipper extra creamy, while an egg gives it that signature frothiness.

 

3) Clone of a Cinnabon

We like big buns and we cannot lie — especially when they’re from Cinnabon! Make your own version of the swirly treats with this wallet-friendly copycat recipe from Marsha Fernandez. P.S. We won’t judge if you start eating the creamy cheese frosting by the spoonful. So. Good.

Photo by Marsha Fernandez

 

4) Mall Pretzels

Big, warm, and just the right amount of chewy, these pretzels from Jeannie Yee are everything we look for in a mid-shopping snack. Play them up by swapping coarse salt for cinnamon or garlic salt. Delish!

Video (versus image): http://ift.tt/2bCNh3t

5) Starbucks Caramel Frappucino Copycat Recipe

Come on, you didn’t think we’d forget the Starbucks, did you? This recipe from Kiley Heidtbrink starts with strong coffee and milk, and finishes with caramel sauce and a few spoonfuls of sugar. Try it with this Copycat of Starbucks Lemon Bread.

Video (versus image): http://ift.tt/2bHixLO

Explore More:

– 4 Super Cute Copycat Snack Cakes for Back To School

– 180+ Copycat Recipes

– 40 Food On A Stick Recipes

– Throw It Back: 140+ Retro Recipes

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Double Decker Fudge

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Double Decker Fudge from Back for Seconds is an indulgence everyone will go crazy for! It is surprisingly easy to make and tastes out of this world delicious! It’s the perfect treat for holiday parties, or you can even make a batch and share it with neighbors.  On the other hand… it is...

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Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls

These Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls from Love Bake Good Cakes are going to be a HUGE hit with your friends and family! They are soooo easy to make and so incredibly delicious too. They have all of your favorite things — cheese, butter, ranch, and BACON! Seriously, you really have to make these.  This recipe...

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Pecan Pie Cookies

These Pecan Pie Cookies from Spend with Pennies are so yummy and make the perfect fall treat! They are quick and easy to make and come out of the oven smelling delicious! Make them in batches for your friends and family to enjoy at your fun holiday parties this year!  These cookies are so delicious,...

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German Chocolate Macaroons

These German Chocolate Macaroons from Chef in Training are one of our all time favorite treats! These sweet little treats have three of your favorite things — coconut, chocolate and pecans! They are easy to make and everyone always loves them!  If you’re looking for a holiday treat to make for your friends and family then this is...

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3 Reasons to Take Your Deep Fryer Outside (Especially When Cooking for Martha Stewart)

Martha Stewart recently stopped into Allrecipes HQ in Downtown Seattle, and, naturally, we threw her a party. Nothing too fancy, just a few appetizers, some Washington state wine, and luscious coconut pie bites, delivered personally by celebrity chef Tom Douglas. Martha was gracious, especially when heaping praise on the tempura-battered Hen in the Woods mushroom, incredibly flavorful fungi finished in a colorful shower of purple borage flowers.

But getting those mushrooms deep fried while keeping our test kitchen Martha-ready reminded me of a little-known fact of frying: It’s almost always a good plan to fry outside (and especially when you’re entertaining Martha Stewart!).

Here are three reasons why you should haul your deep fryer outdoors:

Martha tastes Chef Vance’s deep-fried (outside) mushrooms. | Photo by Leslie Kelly

1) It Keeps the Kitchen Cool

When chef Jeffrey Vance arrived the morning of the event to set up, his only request was a deep pot in which to fry the mushrooms. Hmmm, I thought; not a good idea: The fan in the kitchen isn’t as efficient as it should be. It also kicks into high gear and sounds a little like an airplane taking off. Because the happy hour was being held in the kitchen/cafe area, I asked chef Jeff if he minded frying out on the deck in order to the keep the kitchen cool.

Photo by Leslie Kelly

2) No Funky Fragrance

The last thing you want is for your kitchen to reek of food frying. No matter how much you love fried chicken, French fries, and other foods cooked in hot oil, there’s no getting around the strong odors created by this cooking method. Moving a portable fryer outdoors eliminates the issue.

Here’s a little great advice from Chef Jeff: Set up a wire rack nearby to drain the fried food, rather than placing them on paper towels — to keep the food crisp. Brilliant!

Photo by Leslie Kelly

3) The Fry is a Neat Party Trick

Because you’re going to fry just before — and maybe even during — the gathering, a cooking station set up outside can be a fun conversation starter. Guests wander out to see what’s cooking. Of course, while talking technique and sharing tips — don’t overcrowd the fryer or the temperature of the oil will drop — it’s essential to remind everyone to keep their distance when hot oil is involved. Oh, and let that oil cool thoroughly before straining and refrigerating for future use.

Check out this short video for more frying advice from chef Jeffrey Vance:

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3 Halloween Party Ideas for Grown-Ups

You’re way past trick or treating around the neighborhood, but you still want to celebrate the holiday that falls on October 31? Don’t let the kiddos have all the fun. Here are a few ideas for grown-up Halloween parties, complete with menus, activities, play lists, and decorating tips.

1) A Savory, Seasonal Dinner Party

No costumes necessary to enjoy this colorful autumn buffet. Mix a pitcher of Spicy Lime Rickey before inviting friends and family to help themselves at the beautifully decorated buffet table.

The Festive Menu

Those tart cocktails are a a perfect complement to warming Pumpkin Turkey Chili, a bowl of shredded Monterey Jack cheese nearby for topping.

Spiderize some snacks, and you might be surprised how many of your friends are still creeped out by those eight-legged creatures. Help them conquer that arachnophobia by inviting everyone to chomp on “spider” deviled eggs and a spider-shaped cheese ball. To make that adorable appetizer, start with your favorite cheese ball recipe, chilled thoroughly and divided into 1 large ball (about 2 cups) for the “body” and 1 small ball (about ½ cup) for the “head.” Roll each ball in chia (or black sesame) seeds, pressing to adhere and coat completely. Each “leg” consists of 2 plain pretzel sticks, 1 pointing up and 1 pointing down (add as many as you like). Connect pretzels with “knees”—small balls of chia-coated cream cheese. Wait until just before serving to insert pretzel legs, so they stay crunchy. Halved black olive “eyes” can also be attached with a dab of cream cheese. Serve with crackers, toasts, pita chips, or raw veggies.

Setting the Mood

Flowers in fall colors warm up the buffet table, along with the Dutch oven in which the chili’s served. That’s right, it’s rustic chic to bring a warm pot to the party. This is also a good time to dust off the cake stand to give that spider cheese ball a dramatic perch. Guests will be talking for weeks after munching candied apples served on sturdy twigs. Because wooden sticks are so 2015. Oh, and, check to make sure they’re from nontoxic plants!

Try Spinning this Play List

Who’s up for a little after-dinner dance party? Matt and Kasey Hickey from Turntable Kitchen put together this lineup of tunes that will inspire people to bust a move:

• Bahia  Prince Rama
• Time  Jungle
• Wolf Like Me  TV on the Radio
• Howlin’ for You  The Black Keys
• Shriek  Wye Oak
• Serpents  Sharon Van Etten
• Monster  Kanye West (featuring JAY Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver)
• Thriller  Michael Jackson
• Superstition  Stevie Wonder
• Kill V. Maim  Grimes
• Sunday Girl (French Version)  Blondie
• Wicked Game  Widowspeak
• Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No)  Otis Redding
• (Ghost) Riders in the Sky  Johnny Cash
• Full Moon  Woods
• Paper Trails  Darkside
• Taken by the Night  L’Orange & Jeremiah Jae
• They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have
  Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh!  Sufjan Stevens
• A Nightmare on My Street  DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
• Limit to Your Love  James Blake
• I Put a Spell on You  Nina Simone

Thanks to Allrecipes Magazine for coming up with this grown-up party planner!

2) A Zombie Feast

Walking Dead fans are going to love this tribute to flesh-eaters everywhere. Slap on some DIY zombie makeup and get set to party until dawn.

A Meaty Menu

• Let’s kick off the festivities by sipping on the spooky Black Halloween Punch, a booze-free recipe that can easily be spiked with vodka or rum. Make it extra cool by adding a piece of dry ice wrapped in cheesecloth. Instant atmosphere!
• No Zombie Bash would be complete without a Flayed Man Cheese Ball. Easier to make than you might imagine, and so delicious, this conversation-starting appetizer is a fitting opening act to the showstopping Zombie Meatloaf.
• Dessert is Spooky Witches’ Fingers Cookies and Pink Brain Shooters, of course. Just remember, zombies are insatiable, so, you might want to double the batch of cookies.

Photo by Vanessa Greaves

Staging Your Zombie Apocolypse

Dim the lights, because the undead do not like to party when it’s bright. Decorate the entry with gardening tools stained with “blood”, have the hit AMC show streaming in the background, sound turned down, and Walking Dead soundtrack cranked.

Have All the Fun

When the Zombie Nation gets tired of chasing the human beings who showed up out of costumes, try playing Walking Dead trivia. Print out memorable quotes from the show and have people guess who said what. Winner gets to gnaw on a Bloody Baked Rat!

3) The Everything Orange-and-Black Party

Halloween’s signature shades get the star treatment at this bash, where guests are encourage to dress up in those contrasting, seasonal colors.

Orange and Black are the New Black

Turn your party space into a study in those striking colors, which symbolize pumpkins and spooky black cats. Dim the lights and hang orange twinkle lights at the entry. Dress your table in an black tablecloth and set orange serving platters on top. Tuck branches with autumn leaves in a vase, and scatter Black Dot candies around it. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of orange and black Halloween party supplies available when autumn arrives.

Showcase Squash on the Menu

What do pumpkin, acorn and butternut squash have in common? (Besides being the essential food of fall?) They’re incredibly delicious in a wide variety of dishes. Picture an Instagram-worthy spread of some of the following:

• Pumpkin Soup is a warming way to kick off a fall meal, an easy-to-make preparation that features fresh herbs and a touch of cream.

Photo by Allrecipes Magazine

• Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash is a winner, either as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, the roasted pumpkin seeds adding a welcome crunch.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Orange Risotto gets a double shot of that brilliant hue with a splash of OJ in the cooking liquid.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake is a showstopper of a dessert, combining the velvety creamy quality you crave balanced by the warm spicy character of the omnipresent squash.

Pumpkin Cheesecake | Photo by Meredith Publishing

Just for Fun: Carving Contest

Invite guests to dive into a pumpkin carving project, providing them with the proper tools, some suggested templates, and votive candles as the essential finishing touch. Make it easier for everyone by scooping out the seeds in advance. Have everyone cast secret ballots, choosing their favorite Jack O’Lanterns. The winner gets seconds on dessert or a round of Candy Corn Jell-O shots!

Photo by Meredith Publishing

Explore More:

• Over 500 Halloween Recipes, including drinks and desserts.
• Our Guide to How to Carve a Pumpkin
• 5 Ideas for Using Leftover Candy Corn
• How to Make a Halloween Gingerbread House
• 5 Retro Treats for Your Halloween Party Really Needs

 

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You Don’t Need to Pay for Bottled Simple Syrup! Here’s How to DIY

Simple syrup, every bartender’s go-to ingredient, recently started showing up in pretty bottles on shelves at upscale supermarkets and specialty shops that cater to amateur mixologists. Unlike bitters and other fancy tinctures used to make cocktails, simple syrup is truly simple to DIY. And, big bonus points: it’s way cheaper to make it. When compared to the bottled syrups, some of which sell for around $8 for 12 ounces, homemade simple syrup is a fraction of the cost.

Pretty bottles, but $8! | Photo by Leslie Kelly

How to Make Simple Syrup

There are many variations, including herb-infused, but the basic simple syrup recipe involves heating equal parts granulated sugar and water. That’s it.

Check out our guide on how to make simple syrup, from basic to flavor-infused. Once you’ve mastered that neat trick, try using your homemade simple syrup in everything from margaritas to strawberry lemonade. With all the money you save, buy some cool, decorative bottles to stock the bar.

Photo by Leslie Kelly

Watch this short video showing step-by-step instructions for making simple syrup:

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What is the Difference Between Evaporated and Condensed Milk?

Imagine drinking a glass of milk poured from a can. Sounds yucky, right? But when evaporated milk was introduced back in the 1920s, it was a lifesaver for folks without refrigeration. That it and its sweet cousin, condensed milk, are still popular speaks to the products’ versatility. We’re going to break down the backstory and offer tips on how to use it in this canned milk primer.

Photo by Meredith

A Brief History of Evaporated Milk

Before refrigeration was widely available, fresh milk was delivered daily. The arrival of canned milk was a much-heralded convenience. Surprisingly, its invention has been connected to Prohibition — the dark era in our nation’s history when alcohol was illegal. A shuttered brewery was looking for another way to stay open, so it switched over from producing beer to making and canning evaporated milk.

What is Condensed Milk?

Years later, evaporated milk was followed up with a sugar-sweetened cousin known as condensed milk. It remains a staple for bakers around the globe.

How Canned Milk is Made

To make evaporated milk, fresh, homogenized milk is heated to a simmer until the liquid is reduced by 60 percent through evaporation, a common technique used by chefs when making sauces. The result is a milk that has a rich, creamy texture and a concentrated level of nutrients, especially calcium and Vitamin D. Cooking the milk breaks down the proteins known as casesin, which makes the evaporated product less likely to curdle when used in recipes.

Condensed milk follows the same slow-cook process, but there’s also sugar in the mix, so it becomes thick and caramelized.

Substitutions and DIY

If you don’t have evaporated milk available, it’s possible to substitute a cup of light cream. Or you can make your own: Evaporated milk, as the name suggests, simply involves simmering milk — whole or reduced fat — until the liquid has been reduced 60 percent. The homemade evaporated milk should be cooled in the fridge before use in most recipes. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute this mixture: bring 3/4 cup white sugar,  1/2 cup water, and 1- 1/8 cups dry powdered milk to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Photo by Leslie Kelly

How to Use Evaporated Milk

Its velvety quality makes evaporated milk the “secret” ingredient in many sauces. It makes the creamiest macaroni and cheese, fluffs up mashed potatoes and turns soup extra spoon-able without the heaviness of cream. It’s the cornerstone of many puddings, including flan, frosting and fudge. Pumpkin pie wouldn’t exist without it.

How to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a must for many crave-worthy Magic Cookie Bars, cakes — hello, Tres Leches! It’s what gives Thai Iced Tea its creamy sweetness, and forms the foundation for the decorative icing known as fondant. It likes to party in the winter, turning snow into Sweetened Condensed Milk Ice Cream.

Magic Cookie Bars | Photo by footballgrl16

Watch this quick video on the advantages to using evaporated milk in a wide range of recipes:

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9 Awesome Things to Make with Wonder Bread

Yes, we know about the virtues of whole grains. But frankly, there are certain recipes that require the soft sensation that is Wonder Bread.

So save the whole wheat for later. For now, these Wonder Bread Wonders demand the whitest white bread that ever was.

1) Shrimp Toast

“While virtually unknown compared to most other popular fried party snacks, these shrimp toasts are easy to make and every bit as delicious, and addictive, as Buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers.” — Chef John

Shrimp Toast | Photo by Chef John

2) Ice Cream

Yes – Wonder Bread in ice cream! “This is a simple but delicious recipe for Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream) that I got from my sister-in-law. I have made this several times, and it always gets rave reviews – even the kids love it! For extra flavor, you could add a few drops of rose water or ground pistachios.” — simmig

Kulfi Indian Ice Cream | Photo by Leisha

3) Eggs in a Boat

“Over-easy eggs, and toast all in one! I like to use the hole cut out of the center for dipping into the egg yolk!” — VICLOW

Egg in a Boat | Photo by sanzoe

4) Fried Pies

Say hello to the world’s easiest hand pies. Cut rounds out of slices of white bread, spread on a little PB and some J, and then pinch the edges together all the way around. Toss them into hot oil, and fry to crispy delicious. Dust your pies with powdered sugar. See also: Hobo Pie.

Fried Pinchy Pies | Photo by Baking Nana

5) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

“In my humble opinion, this crispy, crunchy, cheesy masterpiece is the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. Only use airy, nutritionally insignificant white bread. Use a nice sharp cheddar and be sure to use a quality non-stick pan over medium to medium-low heat.” — Chef John

6) Cheese Blintzes

A speedy take on the traditional. White bread forms the base of these no-fry blintzes, and sugar butter and cream cheese sweeten things up.

Cheese Blintzes | Photo by LatinaCook

7) Asparagus Roll Ups

You’re forgiven for not seeing this coming. It’s Wonder Bread slathered with a mixture of cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives, then wrapped around fresh asparagus. Top it all off with grated Parmesan cheese and bake!

Asparagus Roll Ups | Photo by lutzflcat

8) Peach Cobbler

“The bread tastes just like crust!! I had everyone fooled! And it tastes great!” — davidowski

Too Easy Peach Cobbler | Photo by lutzflcat

9) Monte Cristo Sandwich

“Excellent sandwich for students to make with extra stuff lying around the house. Subbed Cheddar for Swiss and fried it in a pan with just a little margarine, like french toast. Absolutely amazing.” — ftloon

Monte Cristo Sandwich | Photo by footballgrl16

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Smart Tips and Winning Recipes for Successful Bake Sales

Bake sales are tried-and-true fundraisers that rely on the irresistible appeal of home-baked treats to bring in the bucks for your group or cause. Of course, they also rely on good planning and organization. We have tips for pulling together a bake sale, and crowd-pleasing recipes to ensure your event is a sweet success.

Photo by Meredith

How to Plan a Bake Sale

Planning Committee

Every successful venture needs a group to head it up, make decisions, and delegate responsibilities. Get your group together, choose a chairperson, and divide up the work. The main areas to organize are volunteers, equipment, publicity, and the baked goods to be sold.

But hang on, there’s one thing you need to do before anything else:

Food Guidelines
Check into local health regulations or school rules around selling home-baked food.

• Some states require a special permit which is usually free of charge, but must be approved before the event takes place. Check the public health guidelines in your area ahead of time so you can complete forms and meet food safety requirements.
• Some schools have adopted eating policies that could limit the types of food you sell or the time of day it is sold.

Volunteers

Many hands make light work. You’ll need bakers, sign-makers, donation-wranglers, folks who can set up and tear down, and people to sell the goods. Break down the day into shifts so volunteers don’t get burned out, and post the volunteer schedule so everybody knows where they’re supposed to be and when.

• Keep a contact list of everyone who has volunteered and how they plan to contribute.
• Go for a variety of baked good to avoid too much duplication.
• Provide guidelines for packaging (check local public health guidelines for bake sales), and ask each baker to provide a card with the name of the recipe and whether or not it contains nuts.
• Set a time and location for baked goods to be dropped off.
• Some health departments require you to keep a list of each person who is baking and what they brought.
• You’ll need a volunteer to check each item off the list as it arrives.

Essential Bake Sale Gear

• Box of disposable food-handling gloves
• Folding table(s)
• Tablecloth(s)
• Cash box with at least $25 in small bills and coins for making change
• Trash bins with liners: 1 for garbage and 1 for recyclables
• Big signs or banners so people can find you
• Paper goods: plates and napkins
• Plastic wrap or bags if buyers want to package the goods to take away
• Prices printed on stickers, cards, or small flags

Location, Location, Location

Be where the action is. For school sports events, set up outside of the gym before and after games, or near the bleachers at the sports field. Or find out if your school has a designated area for fundraising activities. Really, any place that is easy to find and has a good amount of foot traffic will work.

Cause a Commotion with Promotion

Advertise your bake sale. Sign up a couple of volunteers to work on promotion; this can include getting a mention in the school’s morning announcements, newsletters, or local newspapers, and creating fliers and banners. Your success depends on your potential customers, so make sure they know exactly when, where, and why the sale is happening.

What to Sell

Cupcakes, brownies, and cookies are always winners, but any small, portable baked items are good bake sale candidates. Note that cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and muffins are easier to package and sell by the piece than are cakes and pies. You could even sell attractive jars of granola, bags of caramel popcorn, and homemade candy brittle. Scroll down for bake sale recipes.

Packaging

• For school fundraisers, decorate treats in school colors.
• During the holidays, sell baked treats and cookie mixes packaged as gifts.
• Sell whole cakes and pies for a higher price, or auction them off.

Pricing

Check prices at your local bakeries to see how much comparable items cost.

• Keep things affordable, and try to have a range of prices so anyone can purchase a cookie or a muffin.
• Sell more items by pricing things in groups: “3 chocolate chip cookies for $2” or “Cupcakes $2 each or 3 for $5.” This will entice people to spend more money.

Labeling

• Place pretty name cards next to desserts along with the prices so people will know what the product is.
• Make sure you clearly label items that contain nuts—a common food allergy concern.

After the Bake Sale

• Send notes to volunteers and sponsors thanking them for their time and generosity.
• Post a notice in the school paper with the results of the sale, and reiterate how the funds will be spent.
• Ask for feedback on the event: what worked, what didn’t, what could be done differently or better next time.

Bake Sale Recipes for Success

Photo by Meredith

Sweet Treats

Photo by Dianne

• Carrot Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing (shown above)
• Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes
• Whoopie Pies
• Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies
• Deep Dish Brownies
• Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Breakfast Bake Sale

If your school has rules about serving only healthy foods, skip the cupcakes and brownies and have a breakfast bake sale with muffins, scones, and quick breads.

Photo by ReneePaj

• Apple Pie Muffins (shown above)
• Easy Banana Bread
• Easy Granola Bars
• English Royalty Chocolate Chip Scones
• Best of the Best Blueberry Muffins

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Find more 5-star recipes in our collection of Bake Sale Recipes.

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Other Fundraising Foods

Photo by Kim’s Cookin’ Now

• My Amish Friend’s Caramel Corn (shown above)
• More Bake Sale Recipes
• Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar
• Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
• Kettle Corn

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3 Acai Bowls That Will Power Up Your Morning

Get a jump start on the day by diving into these amazing breakfast bowls, featuring the super food powers of the acai berry. The teeny berry harvested from palm trees is a good source of anti-oxidants, iron, calcium, fiber, and vitamin A and fiber. While there are claims that acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) will cause you to shed pounds and treat everything from arthritis to high cholesterol, formal studies of the health benefits are still in short supply. That doesn’t mean, however, that acai berries aren’t a healthy way to kick start your day. Try these 3 incredible combos, and get set for a super productive day.

1) Hawaiian Acai Bowl

Sorbet for breakfast? Sure, we’ll bite. Add strawberries, coconut flakes and granola, and, after a bowl, you might be tempted to shout: Surf’s up!

Photo by Esmee Williams

2) Berry Smoothie Bowl

Frozen acai berry pulp is a handy ingredient to add a nutritional boost, turning plain yogurt into a bright-tasting platform for fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola. Feel free to get creative with the fruit toppings, depending on what’s in season.

Photo by Lindsey Otta

3) Acai Papaya Bowl

There’s something extra cool about an edible “bowl” and that’s what this yumtastic version features. Load up that tropical fruit with the thick, acai berry powered smoothie. So satisfying. Pro tip: Ripen papaya at room temperature, turning the fruit over until it turns from green to a pale gold, and feels slightly soft when gently pushed.

Photo by Mackenzie Schieck

Explore More:

5 Healthy Breakfasts to Make Other Commuters Jealous
4 Reasons You Should Eat Salad For Breakfast
Paleo Breakfasts Just Got More Interesting

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Cheesy Chicken Chili

This Cheesy Chicken Chili from Back for Seconds is a fast, super easy, inexpensive, and totally kid friendly dinner! It only takes about 20 minutes to make and is the perfect recipe if you need something yummy and on the table 5 minutes ago for dinner!  The leftovers taste amazing too… that is *IF* there...

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The post Cheesy Chicken Chili appeared first on The Best Blog Recipes.

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew from My Incredible Recipes is the perfect Fall and Winter comfort food! Just put everything in your slow cooker in the morning and you have an amazing dinner ready for your family when they are all hungry after a long day at school and work!  The best part is not...

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German Oven Pancake

This German Oven Pancake recipe from The Recipe Critic is a classic breakfast that is sure to be a huge hit with your family! The recipe creates a hot and puffy golden pancake that only requires 5 minutes of prep!  You can top it with your favorite fruit and berries, powdered sugar, or even a bit...

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Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies

These Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies from Saving Room for Dessert are everything you want in a cookie! They are homemade and are so much better than store-bought.  They are soft with crispy edges, sweet, but not too sweet, and the cinnamon and nutmeg are the perfect flavor combination. You’ll definitely want to check out the...

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Chocolate Lasagna

This No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna from Amanda’s Cookin’ has all of your favorite things — cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and chocolate chips. All of that goodness is on top of an Oreo cookie crust and trust us when we say you are REALLY going to love this recipe!  It’s easy to make and always a huge hit at...

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