Brownies for a rainy day in April

So, I'm not sure if you noticed but last week, I missed the first of my own deadlines - Pinterest Fridays!  Oh well.  Maybe completing one Pinterest project every other week is a more realistic goal for me.  It's all about knowing your limits, right?

This week, I took an idea for protein-filled Black Bean Brownies from my friend Karen's site That Mom Blog.  I followed her super easy directions, (rinse and blend a can of black beans with just enough water to cover, add to the dry brownie mix), and just like that, they were a hit!  Kids loved them, hubby loved them and I enjoyed my fair share as well. 

WARNING: While these brownies may be a lower-fat, higher protein option, they may or may not make you and your family a little farty.  Enjoy with caution!  :)

the one about Pinterest

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because
 we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel.” —Steve Furtick

A new friend shared this quote with me one day while we were chatting about Pinterest.  I was explaining how the site makes me feel like an inadequate parent.  I’ve been home with the kids for five months now and can never find the time or energy to do any of the crafty ideas I pin, even without a day job taking up 40+ hours of my time.  How do all those other parents do it?

I’m sure there are some parents that really have it all together.  They love nothing more than being home, raising kids and making everything from scratch.  I’m also sure though, that most people are simply posting their highlight reels for the rest of the world, saving the behind-the-scenes for their eyes only.

This realization has definitely changed the way I look at other people’s posts, but still I feel that I could put a little more effort into things and take more advantage of being home while I still can.  That being said, I found a recipe for DIY Fruit Snacks on Pinterest this week and decided to try it out.

Not only did they turn out to be super easy and delicious, but I know exactly what they’re made of and can feel good about giving them to my kids.  They, by the way, love them so much that they  sneak more every time I turn my back.

I’ve decided to make a new goal for myself: find the motivation to complete ONE Pinterest project each week and post it to my blog every Friday.  Now, if you don't mind, I need to go do some research - I’m already sweating over next week’s looming deadline.  J

An easier, healthier twist on an old favourite

I certainly didn’t create this concept but I definitely love it and wanted to share it.  My kids aren’t crazy for pancakes unless they’re covered in maple syrup with a generous pile of bacon on the side.  Even then they usually just eat the bacon after they’ve smeared it through the syrup, leaving the pancakes for the green bin.  Not the healthiest breakfast ever and I can’t stand the waste.

I have recently discovered, however, the muffin tin pancake!  They’re so much better than the plain old variety.  They’re way easier to make, there is less of a mess to clean up afterwards and the kids can eat them by hand!  Even better, you can load them up with fruit, there is no need for syrup and in my kids’ case, they’re not associated with bacon. 

 

Here’s what you do: Make your pancake batter the way you normally would and pour it into a muffin tin lightly coated in a non-stick spray.  Add whatever toppings you want (the kids love helping with this part).  Today we made them with blueberries and bananas but we’ve also used strawberries, mango, and even chocolate chips.  Bake in a pre-heated 350F oven and voila!  I always use frozen fruit and find that 15 minutes is the perfect amount of time for yummy golden pancakes.

Also, since I’m making twelve at a time, I freeze the leftovers and pop them in the microwave for a quick breakfast in a pinch.  Enjoy!