Snacks

Summertime is coming up so there is no better time like the present to start thinking of healthy and awesome snacks that you can have while lounging in the sun or cooling off by the fan. Summer is usually when you want something quick, easy, and with little to no mess. What else fits that description but some dip? Yep that's right. Dip that you can use with some healthy chips or maybe some vegetables like carrots and cucumbers!

INGREDIENTS

1- 8 oz pkg Sour Cream
1- 8 oz pkg Cream Cheese softened
1- 2 cup pkg shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped lettuce
Chopped/diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS

Mix your cream cheese and sour cream up together well, spread out onto a platter of some sort. Top with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Tastes great alone or with your favorite chip. Is really great on hot days, a cookout, party, or anytime really.

Any of these items can be used in your own amounts really. Just be sure to use the same amount of cream cheese as you do of the sour cream. You can use low fat if you want and you can add any extra veggies or use fruit if you would rather.

This is a recipe you can have tons of fun with. You can literally do anything you want to this one. If any of you try it out either this way or your own way, please let me know. I really want to know your version of it all.

Posted by Sabriena at 15:35

Snacks is my downfall. I love them..I love snacking throughout the day and love having something delicious waiting for me in the kitchen. Healthy and snack aren't usually said together in my vocabulary though. I need to work on that a bit. Spicy Crackers is a recipe that will help me with that. A spicy, crunchy snack is just what I am looking for! Yummy!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of Light-tasting olive oil
1 box of multi-grain saltine crackers
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix (dry powder package)
1 tbsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp of crushed red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

Make sure you use "light-tasting" olive oil - regular olive oil has to strong of flavor. Also make sure to use Hidden Valley Ranch "Dressing" mix not the "Dips" mix.

In a large Tupperware container place entire box of saltine crackers.

In a bowl mix light-tasting olive oil, package of HVR dressing mix, 1 tbsp of garlic powder, and 1 tbsp of crushed red pepper flakes.

Pour mixture over the saltine crackers and seal Tupperware container. Continuously flip the container to make sure the mixture evenly coats all the crackers.

Posted by Sabriena at 08:20

Muffins are an awesome little thing. You can have them as a snack or for breakfast. They are filling so they last you a long time. Anyway, applesauce oatmeal muffins sound so good. I love applesauce and oatmeal. I actually often put them together when I have oatmeal in the morning. These muffins sound delicious!


INGREDIENTS

1 cup old fashion rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup non-fat milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. sugar
raisins or nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Soak the oats in milk for about one hour.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.
Combine the oat mixture with the applesauce and egg whites, and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl measure and whisk the dry ingredients together.
Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined. Add nuts or raisins if desired.
Do not over mix the batter or the muffins will be tough. Spoon muffin mixture into muffin pan.
Combine the cinnamon and sugar and top each muffin with some of the mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until done.
Remove from pan, cool and enjoy.
These can be frozen and reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast.

Posted by Sabriena at 13:56

Air popped popcorn is always a good and healthy snack. I love it because you can have a whole lot of it and still feel like you are splurging, when really you are not. With this recipe you can spice it up a bit by throwing in some ranch seasoning. You do not have to use the butter if you do not want to though.

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (1 ounce) packet Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
1 (3 ounce) bag reduced-fat, butter-flavored microwave popcorn
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


DIRECTIONS

1. Place the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in one packet of seasoning mix. Set aside.

2. Pop the popcorn according to the package directions. Immediately open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl. Toss with the Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® butter mixture and then toss with the Parmesan cheese. Serve at once.

Posted by Sabriena at 09:12