Skinny Bacon & Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

February 17, 2019 Amanda Plott

There is one thing that I absolutely MUST make every year towards the end of February and the beginning of March, and that is Soda Bread. Again, it’s a nod to my Irish roots. Irish soda bread is a yeast-free bread that is quick and super easy to make. Really, guys… it’s almost fool-proof. Almost. Trust me, I know because baking tends to scare the pants off of me.

I used my original Healthified Irish Soda Bread as a base for this Bacon & Cheddar variation. This time around I used whole wheat flour to get a more golden color at the end, and of course… loaded this bad boy up with plenty of cheese and bacon goodness…

Irish Whiskey Blondies

February 15, 2019 Amanda Plott

Now that Valentine’s Day is over, I’m already on the thought path of St. Patrick’s Day! I love St. Patrick’s day for a couple of reasons. One being that I’ve got some Irish blood in me. Another being that it’s my dad’s birthday. And of course… who doesn’t love an excuse to drink and pinch people? Don’t worry, there’s no green beer here.

Instead, I opted to start off with these lightened up Irish Whiskey Blondies. I based these blondies over some that I made a good while back now. And yes, there is actually whiskey baked right into these blondies. Enough to give the flavor and just a little kick…

Skinny Blueberry Cheesecake Dip

February 10, 2019 Amanda Plott

I’s been all about the sweets lately. And this Skinny Blueberry Cheesecake Dip takes the cake. The cheesecake that is. No bake cheesecakes in just about any form are always a hit with me. I think cheesecake in general has to be one of my favorite things.

I mean… who doesn’t like cheesecake? Oh, wait. my daughter doesn’t. What a weirdo. Right? I kid!

Cheesecake can be scary to make. They break, they fall, they’re a hassle. Welp! This cheesecake dip is anything but a hassle…

Skinny Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

February 8, 2019 Amanda Plott

Sweets for your sweet!

These red velvet cookies are lightened up with a few simple swaps and are actually pretty easy to make! They start out with a rather traditional red velvet cookie and are then filled in the center with an easy-peasy white chocolate fudge.

They’re super festive right now and would be perfect for any Valentine’s Day party, get-together, or to give as a sweet treat to friends and family on the day of looove…

Dark Chocolate Oat Bars

February 6, 2019 Amanda Plott

Dark. Chocolate. Oat. Bars.

These oat bars are delicious AND easy to make. Sure. They take 2 hours of chilling in the fridge, but so long as you can wait it out. These bad boys are basically fool proof. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make gluten-free with a simple swap of flours.

If you’re gluten-free, you know what to do here so I’m not even going to get into it.

With a handful of whole ingredients and right at 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, you can have these bars ready to go with minimal effort. Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack. Kids are going to love them. Adults are going to love them. They’re good stuff.

A fin mix of a granola bar and a cookie. But. With no baking required!

If you’re scared of not baking the flour, I’ve heard it mentioned before that you can zap your flour in the microwave for a few seconds to get it up to temperature and kill off any nasties that way. I haven’t researched that myself, so I have no idea if that factually is a thing though.

Yum

Dark Chocolate Oat Bars
TheSkinnyFork.com

These easy to make oat bars are perfect as a breakfast bite, a snack, or even dessert. Delicious and made with just a few ingredients! Keep them on hand and ready to enjoy any time.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes • Cook Time: 2 Hours

The Skinny:
Servings: 9 • Serving Size: 1 Bar • Calories: 384 • Fat: 24 g • Saturated Fat: 9 g • Carb: 36 g • Fiber: 1 g • Protein: 10 g • Sugar: 6 g • Sodium: 6 mg

Ingredients:
• 3 C. Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/2 C. All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 C. Tbsp. Maple Syrup or Honey
• 3/4 C. Almond Butter
• 3 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1/8 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 3/4 C. Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:
Line an 8x8” square dish with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the 3 C. oats, 1/2 C. flour, 1/2 C. honey, 1/2 C. of the almond butter, 3 Tbsp. melted coconut oil, 1 Tsp. vanilla, and 1/8 Tsp. cinnamon.

Transfer half of the oat mixture to the bottom of the prepared dish and press down (using clean fingers, the back of a spoon, or a piece of parchment paper.)

Place the dish into the fridge to chill and set for at least 30 minutes.

Melt the 3/4 C. chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 C. almond butter together over a double boiler.

Remove the dish from the fridge and pour the chocolate out over the oat mixture and spread evenly.

Place the dish back into the fridge to chill and set for at least an hour.

Once hardened, remove the dish from the fridge and top with the remaining half of the oat mixture. Again, press the oats using fingers, the back of a spoon, or parchment.

Return the dish to the fridge for at least another 30 minutes to harden.

When firm and harder, remove from the fridge and cut into 9 bars.

Store in the fridge and enjoy for up to 2 weeks!

Step-by-Step Photos:

Nutritional Claims: High Fiber • Low Sodium • Vegetarian • Pescatarian • Egg Free • Peanut Free • Soy Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Red Meat Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Alcohol Free • Kosher

French Dip Bites + Au Jus

February 4, 2019 Amanda Plott

Sometimes the family just wants something light and snacky for dinner. These French Dip Bites are perfect for being added to any game day or get-together spread. They’re rather quick and easy to make… and that homemade au jus? Mmm… that may just be the best part! It’s delicious and almost fool proof.

Usually au jus can be complicated and time consuming. This one though? Easy breezy with no drippings required. Plus, being as its homemade, you get to decide how to season it! While the bites themselves are delicious the au jus is really the star of the show here…