Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies

We all love peanut butter right?! Well, unless you are allergic to it...In that case I am really, REALLY sorry...

I have been very lucky to have some MTS Peanut Butter Fluff protein powder sent to me by Marc Lobliner, owner of MTS Nutrition.  He is supplying me with protein powder to use in my recipes and for my own personal use! Awesomeness!! As soon as I got the huge tub of protein, my brain starting going crazy thinking of all the delicious things I could make with such a unique flavor!

I knew right away that I was going to be using this in some protein cookies!!

Yea, they turned out amazing!! If you don't have any MTS peanut butter fluff protein powder go buy some now and then come back and make these cookies.  You can order it here!! 

If you don't have the peanut butter protein, it's ok, you can still kinda make these...they just might not be quite as good...I will go over substitutions shortly.

You will need peanut butter fluff protein powder, canned pumpkin, egg substitute, sugar free fat free vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, vanilla, sweetener if you like, and marshmallows!!

I came across these super fun Mallow Bits at Target.  They are like the little crunchy pieces you get in  those packets of hot cocoa.  

If you don't have these, no worries! You can just use mini marshmallows.  Also, if you don't have peanut butter fluff protein powder, you can use vanilla or even chocolate and your cookies just won't be peanut buttery.  They will still be very tasty though!! 

Very simple instructions here.  Throw all the ingredients into one bowl and mix with a spoon!

Told ya it was simple... 

I highly recommend using parchment paper or a baking mat for these cookies.  If you don't have either I would at least use a generous spritz of non stick spray.  

Just drop the dough onto the cookie sheet.  I got 8 cookies.  

You can make them as big or as small as you want.  

Keep an eye on them the first time you bake them.  Mine took about 12 minutes at 350.

These are super soft and moist cookies and it would be a shame if you burnt them :(

I wish computer screens were scratch and sniff because these smelled amazing!! My whole house smelled like sweet peanut butter wonderfulness! 

I may have forgot to mention it...but you can eat the whole batch yourself! Without any guilt!

That's because all 8 cookies are only 237 calories! 

They are also very low fat and very high protein! I am having this batch for breakfast tomorrow! I can't wait!

If you wanted to share, each cookie little bit of heaven is only 30 calories.

But let's be honest...you won't be able to stop after just one...and there is absolutely no need to!!

Enjoy!

You can order MTS Peanut Butter Fluff Whey here! Use code KH30 to save 30% 

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies

• 1 scoop MTS peanut butter fluff protein powder (30g)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (120g)
• 3 T egg substitute (46g)
• 1/4 package sugar free fat free vanilla pudding mix (8g)
• 1/2 t baking powder
• 1/2 t vanilla
• 2 T marshmallow bits (5g) *You can use mini marshmallows*
• sweetener if desired

1. Mix everything together in a bowl

2. Drop batter onto cookie sheet (highly recommend parchment paper or baking mat)

3. Bake at 350 for about 12 minutes

4. Eat the whole batch yourself 

Makes 8 cookies - 30 calories each

237 calories for the whole batch

2g Fat

25g Carb

28g Protein

Smart Shake Review

Yesterday I went to a Health and Fitness Expo with the husband.  I love going to those kind of things!! I always discover new products, companies, and tasty things to eat and drink! This year I was not disappointed with what was there.  

I was extra excited because I recently had some networking cards made.

If there was a company with products that interested me, I would just hand them a card and tell them a little about my blog and YouTube channel.  I came across a booth with shaker bottles all over the place and it really caught my eye! I was glad I had my cards because after chatting with the guy and handing him a card, he graciously handed me a shaker bottle in exchange for a review! 

The company is called Smart Shake.  Now, you might think all shaker bottles are the same...not true! These are extra special shakers! 

Of course, I got myself a bright pink one.  I have never seen such a perfect colored shaker! 

So what sets these bottles apart from the thousands of other ones out there?! I will show you!

The bottle divides into three parts.  A bottom storage area, a middle section which is divided into 4 little parts, and the top part which is actually where you keep your shake.  

In the bottom part you can put some extra money, your car keys, gym tag, or whatever else you might want with you in the gym! This way, all you need to take with you is this bottle! The middle section is nicely divided so that you can put all your vitamins, supplements, headache reliever, fat burners, metabolism enhancers, or whatever else you might want to have handy.  

Don't need to keep a bunch of pills with you? You can take the divider out and put whatever you want in there!  Some granola, nuts, more protein powder, a pack of gum...anything really! 

 Maybe you have a shake made in the top part, but you are doing an extra long workout and you think you might want another shake to get through it.  Not a problem! Just fill the bottom part with another scoop of protein power and it's ready when you are! 

If you don't want to mix up your shake yet, you can just keep the protein powder in the bottom for when you are ready.  Then just dump the powder into the shaker, add your liquid, and boom! Protein shake!

Also, I don't know about you, but those little shaker balls are kinda annoying.  Always rattling around...No noise with this awesome shaker! 

There is a neat snap on mixer that you can leave in or take out if you don't need it. 

Don't need the middle storage? Just leave it at home and screw on the bottom!

So maybe you don't need so bring any pills, extra protein powder, or anything else with you...No problem.

Just unscrew the bottom two parts and take the top shaker part with you! 

It really is the perfect size too.  Most bottles are way too big in my opinion.  You usually only want to add about 8oz of water to a shake and this bottle is just the right size!

 If your extra compartments are filled with snacks, pills, and protein powder, you can just snap your keys and gym tag onto the convenient little carabiner! 

And you thought all shaker bottles were the same...

One of the things I really love about these is all the fun colors they come in! Not only that, but the parts are all interchangeable so you can make yourself a rainbow bottle! These are also dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe! 

Even though I am sure you have a shelf full of shaker bottles at home, I am quite certain you don't have one as amazing as the Smart Shaker!! There are a few different series of these bottles but are each about $12.99 or less. Check out their list of resellers and go buy yourself one! Or two, or three...these would make great gifts!

Broccoli Pancakes

I know what you're thinking!! Broccoli Pancakes?! Bleh! Trust me! These are amazing! Would it help if I just called them Broccoli Cakes?! Think about it...I bet you eat crab cakes! If you saw crab pancakes on a breakfast menu, you would probably be hesitant to order them, but you would order crab cakes! So let's not get all caught up on what we want to call this awesome creation!

Pancakes don't just have to be the plain, white, and somewhat boring breakfast food we are used to! They can be savory or sweet! I guarantee these are better for you than a mix from a box!

Like I said, you can make these sweet or savory.  I have had them both ways and they loved each and every bite! I know some people have a hard time with the green color but I think it makes them pretty :) I seriously can't wait til St. Patrick's Day when everyone is dying to make these!

All you will need is...

Broccoli (frozen or fresh), protein powder (unflavored or vanilla), egg substitute, baking powder, and salt! 

**Experiment with other protein flavors too! I had one person tell me they made them with chocolate and another used cake batter! They were both very happy with the results!

If using fresh broccoli just chop it up and steam it.  If using frozen, just steam it! Then drain it and get as much liquid out as possible.  It is best if you can let it sit for a while, but I just used some paper towel to suck up as much liquid as possible.  

Throw the broccoli and egg into a blender and mix til smooth. 

You could add the rest of the ingredients to the blender too, but I used a small single serve cup and it wouldn't all fit.  

Put the broccoli and egg puree into a bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients.  

If you want to go the savory route, you can add some chopped veggies, or any other spices you like! I bet even some shredded cheese would be tasty!

The batter will be a little thick, but just cook these like regular pancakes.  If it seems way too thick, just add a little more egg.  Protein powders all mix up differently so just make it the consistency you like.

Lookin good to me!! I love how thick they get!

Now seriously! Do those look tempting or what?? Even if you are not sure, you know you want to try them just out of curiosity! I am 99.9% you will love them!!

Talk about a good for you breakfast! I know we all get hung up on using the term "healthy" but I am pretty sure no one would argue that pancakes made with an entire bag of broccoli are quite healthy!

This whole stack of 8 cakes is only 240 calories! Very low fat, very low carb, and tons of protein! Of course they are very customizable too! Add more egg and protein, or less broccoli, or cheese and onion, make them sweet, or savory...You can really make them fit your needs! 

So soft and hearty! Such a great way to get some more greens into your diet too! I don't know about you, but I would much rather eat a stack of pancakes instead of a bowl of broccoli! YUM! 

Oh, and if you're feeling really crazy...you can follow this same recipe and use cauliflower instead of broccoli!!!! Yup, delicious too! I will be sure to make a post next time I have Cauliflower Pancakes!!

Broccoli Pancakes

• 1.5 cups steamed broccoli (255g)
• 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder (30g)
• 6 T egg substitute (92g)
• 1/2 t baking powder
• dash of salt
• any other seasonings or chopped veggies you may like!

1. Steam and drain broccoli.

2. Dry as good as possible. 

3. Add egg and broccoli to food processor or blender and puree smooth.

4. Add other remaining ingredients and mix well.

5. Cook like regular pancakes.

6. Enjoy! 

Stack of 8 Pancakes

240 calories

1g Fat

6g Carb

33g Protein 

Quest Bar Review

Anyone who knows me at all knows my obsession with protein bars.  I love them! I eat at LEAST one a day.  Being a vegetarian I sometimes struggle to get enough protein so bars are perfect for me.  Plus, they are easy and convenient! What's not to love?! I often get asked "What is your favorite kind of protein bar?" Easy answer - Quest Bars!

If you have never had a Quest Bar, you are really missing out!  There are so many fun flavors and all the ones I have tried so far have been amazing.  Strawberry Cheesecake, Apple Pie, Cinnamon Roll, Peanut Butter Supreme, Coconut Cashew, and Chocolate Peanut Butter just to name a few!!

My top two flavors are Chocolate Chunk and Cookie Dough.  

As you can see, I now buy them by the box.  

Actually, I usually buy them by the boxes...

I have to make sure I always have plenty to choose from! A shortage of Quest Bars cannot happen in my house! 

You may be thinking...What makes these bars so much better than all the other ones on the market? Well, for starters, they aren't full of crap! According to their website, they are diabetic friendly, gluten free, and have no added sugar.  The ingredients list is very short and you can actually understand it! Each bar has 20 grams of protein, only 5-10 grams of fat, 15+ grams of fiber, and only 2-6 grams net carbs which comes from nuts! 

 The nutrition facts vary a bit depending the bar, but are about 160-200 calories each.  

Just take a look at those chocolate chunks!!

The texture of these bars is perfect! They are soft and chewy, just the way I like them!

 Calling all Oreo lovers! Cookies and Cream!

There are actual pieces of cookies and big white chocolate chunks all through this bar!

Now of course you can just eat these bars right out of the wrapper and they are amazing.  Let's have a little more fun with them! Try sticking a White Chocolate Rasberry bar in the oven for about 8-10 minutes!

White chocolate chunks and raspberry bits.  It is like a giant cookie!! The chocolate gets all melty...All of the bars are great this way.

Don't feel like heating up the house by turning on the oven? Just stick a Chocolate Chunk bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.  

It is like eating warm gooey chocolate fudge!! The Cookie Dough bar is crazy good this way.  It's like eating raw cookie dough! This is my favorite way to enjoy Quest Bars :)

Feeling creative?? How about some peanut butter and Nutella cookie sandwiches?!

Oh yea...so simple too!

Just take a Peanut Butter and Jelly bar and cut into 4 pieces.

Microwave for about 10 seconds or until it gets soft.

Roll into balls.

Flatten them down a bit and place on cookie sheet.  Be sure to use a baking mat or parchment because they will stick. Bake at 350 for about 8-10 minutes.

You got yourself 4 little cookies! You can do this with any of the bars! 

You can enjoy them just as cookies...

Or you can add peanut butter and Nutella to make sandwiches!

Want to have some more fun with these versatile bars?? Take a Cinnamon Roll bar and microwave for about 8 seconds.

Flatten it out like a long pancake...

Mix together some nonfat greek yogurt and a little sweetener and spread it on top.

Roll it up!

You could eat it just like this...but I am baking this guy...into the oven at 350 for about 12-15 minutes.

WHAT?! It's like a giant cinnamon roll with cream filling! 

It is warm, soft, gooey, sweet, and simply delicious!!!!

Had to take a bite while it was still warm!

Oh my goodness!! Heavenly! 

I almost always pack one of these bars in my lunchbox for work.

Who am I kidding...I usually pack 2! Sometimes because I just can't decide which flavor to eat and sometimes because I know I am going to want more than one! 

Perfect road trip snack!

Hope for a sunny day because then you can warm it up on the dashboard!! 

So there ya have it!!! By far some of the best protein bars out there.  You can eat them right out of the wrapper, bake them, microwave them, broil them, or turn them into super fun treats!!

Check out their blog for more creative ways to eat them!  You can find these bars at specialty stores like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe or order them here.  So what are you waiting for?! Go get some right now! You will not be disappointed :)