Chocolate Pear Banana Protein Shake

I think I am in Love. And addicted. 

Let me tell you why:

I make this shake almost every day. That is the addiction part. It is my favorite treat/drink/food to eat after I work out!

I go to this AMAZING exercise class that I LOVE! Thanks Jan! I get my butt kicked and finish off with some push ups, come home and I am hungry. After I wash of my stink, I make this shake. Ready to feed my muscles. Yes, sometimes I will flex in the mirror and kiss my arms (LOL, cuz I am crazy) and my husband calls me a "monster". Ok. Ok. But I work hard. So there you go. 

Let me tell you, over 20+ grams of protein per serving (the shake makes 2 servings) it is just what my body and muscles need. It is ALL natural and raw. Plus it tastes SO DANG GOOD! I mean, have you ever had a chocolate smoothie from Wendy's? It is about the same thickness, but a million times better for you. I will tell you what is in it, but first let me back up it up with some facts: 

In Sports Medicine it says "One study found that athletes who refueled with carbohydrate and protein had 100 percent greater muscle glycogen stores than those who only ate carbohydrate. Insulin was also highest in those who consumed a carbohydrate and protein drink.

Protein Needs After Exercise
Consuming protein has other important uses after exercise. Protein provides the amino acids necessary to rebuild muscle tissue that is damaged during intense, prolonged exercise. It can also increase the absorption of water from the intestines and improve muscle hydration. The amino acids in protein can also stimulate the immune system, making you more resistant to colds and other infections."

Here is another Link to 6 Smart Snacks to Eat after a Workout. 

Oh ya, I usually drink both servings. That is if my husband or kids aren't around (they like it too). But in saying I drink both servings, that is my entire lunch. It fills me up. The shake is also loaded with fiber. Another one of my favorite things...fiber!

So I recently got a Blend Tech and I think I am having a love affair with my blender. It's ok, I told my husband. Before I made this shake, my "after work-out snack" would be: some peanut butter with 8 dark chocolate chips melted in the microwave. Then I would mix in some hemp seeds and dip a banana in the mixture. After I got my blend tech I started experimenting and came up with this marvelous shake!

The pictures don't do it justice. I am telling ya, I am licking out my cup at the end. And while I am eating it, I am doing a little jig. 

After, I am completely satisfied. Satisfies my sweet tooth. Satisfies my hunger. Satisfies and gives me energy and strength. Satisfies my belly. Get in my belly! 

Enough rambling, let me get on to the recipe: But wait! Before I do, let me give my thanks: Thanks Jan for your workouts-You Rock! Thanks Blend Tech for your amazing blender! Thanks to my kids for coming and getting dragged along when I go workout! Thanks to all my friends who call me "muscles" and those who I work out with and dance while we work out...I love ya! Thanks to my hubby for loving me and my bod! And thanks to my brain and butt for making a commitment to get my butt moving and exercise. Seriously, exercise is a addiction all in itself! Thanks! And thanks to YOU readers for reading my blog, even though I lack here and there with posts. 

Triple Chocolate Cake with Nutella Filling

This one is dedicated to my sisters.

The month of February is the month both of my sisters were born. In fact, their birthdays are a day apart...no they are not twins. Although sometimes I think they act like twins. Anyway, my sisters and I growing up always made "Smith Island Cake" for our birthdays. A little about this cake...it had 8+ layers, Nutella frosting and it was tradition for us to make this cake. So, I gave our Smith Island Cake a new twist...and MORE chocolate. 

This cake is Moist. Chocolatey. Tempting. Delicious. And it tastes BETTER than it looks. Promise!

Sisters, this is for you...Happy Birthday!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ok. Ok. Here they are. My neighbor called me up and said "You need to stop what you are doing and give me the recipe for those cookies. I have been craving them ALL week. How do you get them so fluffy?" 

Well, I am happy to say...here is the recipe. These are good. Not only do they taste good, but they are good for you. I used 100% whole wheat in this recipe. You don't have to, but I loved them!!! And so did my friend...apparently.

So, for Halloween, I was having fun cooking and baking. For the kids. Check out what I made...

Halloween was a blast! The kids LOVED dinner!!! Had to fill their belly's with good food before they filled it with candy.

On to the recipe, because if I don't post this soon, I might get another phone call and get yelled at ;) 

All joking aside...here is the recipe. 

M-n-M Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing like a warm cookie right out of the oven.

Hits the spot. For these cookies, there was a request to add M-n-M's. M-n-M's are a great candy! Mmmmm Mmmmm!

It has been awhile since I have blogged. This is my busy time of year. More than any other. Anniversaries, Birthday's, Holiday's. But the baking is a MUST! Soups are a must! And Pies during Thanksgiving are a must! At least 8 different pies!

But on to cookies....and don't forget your milk!

Chocolate Root Beer Cake

Moist. Rich. Great for Parties. Now...I taste something?

Root Beer. Chocolate. Cake. Wonderful. I made this at a party at my mom's house while I was visiting in Maryland. It turned out Fabulous! I mean, who doesn't like chocolate? (Well, I actually know some people), BUT Chocolate Cake...that is a cake worth eating. The Root Beer keeps it moist and an extra flavor that makes you think "What is that?"

Have you ever made a cake in a dutch oven? Well, all you need is a cake box, can of peaches and a can of soda. Who knew...soda in cake? It does all the work for you. Now, me personally, I haven't made that cake (I don't use cake box mixes), but give it a try!

Cinnamon Crunch PopCorn

I love making my own popcorn. I don't buy the bags.

My friend gave me this recipe. She calls it "Crack Corn". Yes, it is addicting....it is like a drug. Now I call it "Crack Corn". I am hooked!

The second I tried this popcorn, I was in heaven. It is SOOOO good. My whole family loves it. And did I mention, cinnamon is one of my faves? But you knew that already.

It is glorious. What a sweet treat. Talking about it makes me want some NOW...right NOW. But I will make it another day.

Anyway, I have Cinnamon Rolls baking in the oven. It has cinnamon, so it will fill my cinnamon addiction for today. Mmmmm!

Chocolate~Chocolate Chip~Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Whew, that is a long name. And well worth it.

I often eat a banana's covered in peanut butter and melted chocolate. Why not put it in the bread too?

What a treat! Let me tell you, it was gone fast!

Where is my cup of milk? Ahhhh tastes good.