Happy January 1st!

We’ve got a winter white out here, so perfect for staying inside a warm, cozy home and watching movies.  Seriously, we had leftover Pigs in a Blanket for breakfast and just watched Despicable Me 2.  It’s still snowing and our streets aren’t well plowed, so this seems like the obvious (and probably safest) answer.  Plus, the BOY has a cold and happy for a day of relaxation.  We have a nap and maybe some reading time scheduled in as well.  Plus, amazing Chicken Posole for lunch!

 

 

In this new day, I wanted to take a peak in on my November/December goals.

1. Eat Clean

-More veggies, less starch

-No processed crap

2. Train Dirty

-Strength train at least 2xweek

-Try new classes (ie trampoline, barre)

-Go to yoga weekly

3. Live life to the fullest!

-Stay present to appreciate even the small moments

 

It was a truly magical holiday season that whizzed by way to quickly!  For the most part, I ate healthy (pigs in a blanket aside) and kept my cookie tasting to a minimum.  Although I’ve taken it easy the past few days, I’ve been exercising regularly, doing barre workouts at home, running intervals at the track, and getting to yoga 2xweek.  I tried my best to stay present for all of the good stuff and really enjoyed Hanukkah in New York followed by a few Christmas celebrations.

 

 

Days like this are perfect for eating soup (I highly recommend this recipe from last year…ha ha yesterday but same thing).  And of course baking.  So let’s start the new year with a new recipe from I Heart Eating.

 

 

If you’ve never heard of Brownie Brittle, then you probably don’t shop at Costco, or you don’t go on the weekends and work your way through the samples.

 

 

This thin and crunchy cookie-like-brownie is delicious!

 

 

And perfect for any occasion (even snow days)!

 

 

I hope you are enjoying your day!!!

Stay warm!

 

 

What is the first thing that you’re making this year?

How are you celebrating New Years Day?

 

 

M&M Brownie Brittle

From I Heart Eating

 

Ingredients

2 large egg whites

1/2 c. granulated sugar

3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 c. vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 (12.6 oz.) bag plain or peanut M&Ms (or maybe mint chocolate chips…yum!)

1/2 c. mini semisweet chocolate chips

 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a 13×18-inch rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy.  Add sugar, and whisk until combined.  Whisk in oil and vanilla until incorporated.  Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk until combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing as needed.  Sprinkle M&Ms evenly over batter, and then sprinkle mini chips over the batter.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes.  Let it cool until it’s easy to handle.  Or place in the freezer to cool quickly.

Break into pieces, and enjoy!

 

Baking Notes: I probably could have used a larger baking sheet, spreading my brownie mix thinner.  This baked up puffier than I expected, so it was tough to break.  Instead, I stuck it in the freezer for an hour and then sliced it apart.  Next time, I will make a thinner and crunchier brittle.

 

*Also…Feel free to experiment with toppings!