Raspberry, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Waffles Recipe

I invited my little cousin over for a sleepover this weekend.  She started the 7th grade not too long ago and we needed some serious girl talk about the year so far!  We stayed up all night watching movies, eating lots of popcorn and of course gossiping!  In the morning I decided to make breakfast, I was scared I was going to wake her up, but nope, she was passed out on the couch.  I made my raspberry, cinnamon and brown sugar waffles and she loved them.  They are made with quick-cooking oats and fresh fruit so they are super healthy and keeps you full!  

1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats

1 cup of all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of cinnamom

1/3 cup of brown sugar

1 egg

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 1/3 cup of milk

1/3 cup of raspberries, thawed

Maple Syrup

Butter (optional)
Powdered Sugar (optional)

1.  Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions from the manufacturer's.

2.  In a medium size bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients.  Then add the wet ingredients, excluding the raspberries.  Stir until well combined.  Now gently fold in the raspberries.

3.  Now spoon the recommended amount of waffle batter (my waffles take about 1/3 cup of batter).  Be careful not to  overfill the waffle iron.  Close the top and then cook until the waffles is golden on both sides.  Remove add to serving plate and then top with maple syrup and butter.  

Balsamic Strawberry Preserves Recipe

I went to Whole Foods yesterday and I love their pecan-encrusted tilapia!  It tastes so simple and yummy and the price is very affordable too.  I served the fish with my super easy Balsamic Strawberry Jam Recipe.  I know what you must be thinking, strawberry preserves on fish?  Trust me it's so good!  It's sweet, but slightly acidic from the vinager, which enhances the delicate fish flavor.  It would also be wonderful if paired with chicken or pork chops!

1/4 cup of strawberry preserves

4 strawberries chopped up

1 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

1.  In a small bowl combine the above ingredients.  Whisk until well combined.  Serve with chicken, fish or pork chops.

Double Berry Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Get your Labor Day on!  This is a deliciously sweet, mildly fruity barbeque sauce that is balanced out with a jaleopeno kick to it!  This grilling season you are going to want to slather all your meat in it!  I like it because it helps me to empty out all the leftover sauces and jams in my fridge, that I feel guilty tossing since there isn't a whole lot left.  Top with my No Mayo 5 Ingredient Coleslaw for a crunch!  It's super easy to make and the ginger in it pairs lovely with this sauce.  

  

1/3 cup cup of blackberry jam

1/3 cup of strawberry jam

1 cup of barbecue sauce (I used 2/3 cup of Famous Dave's and then used up whatever else was in the fridge)

2 teaspoons of season all

2 tablespoons of Worcestshire sauce

2 jaleponos, minced finely

1 yellow onion, diced

3 large, skinless boneless chicken breasts

Hamburger buns

1.  Mix all the ingredients together, besides the chicken in a bowl, until well combined.  In a slow cooker add the chicken and pour sauce over it.  Cover and cook 3-4 hours on high.  Shred chicken with a fork and serve with my No Mayo 5 Ingredient Coleslaw

Strawberry Nutella Bars Recipe

Looking for a decadent dessert that isn't going to take you forever to prepare?  Well, my Strawberry Nutella Bars are the way to go!  I purchased the strawberries from a local produce stand from up the road, so the strawberries were naturally sweet.  They are mess free and easy to eat with your hands which would be perfect for any picnic, party or your next family get together.  I actually made these for a barbeque that my cousin was hosting this weekend.  The bright red strawberries with hazelnut chocolate were a big hit with adults and even the kids couldn't get enough of them while we played corn-hole in the backyard! 

1/2 cup of butter

1/2 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon honey

1 egg

1 cup of flour

1/4 teaspoon of baking powder

Filling

1 cup of strawberries chopped

1 tsp of cornstarch

1 tsp of cinnamon

2 tablespoons of strawberry jam

1/3 cup of Nutella

1.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees  In a large mixing bowl cream the butter, sugar and vanilla until it is fluffy.  Add in the honey, egg, flour and baking powder.  Beat ingredients until a dough forms.

2.  In a medium size bowl add the strawberries, cornstarch, cinnamon and jam and stir until everything until it is just combined.  Be carefully not to mash the strawberries.  

3.  In a lightly greased 9 inch square baking pan add half the dough mixture and spread until it is smooth.  Add the strawberry filling on top of this.  Using a large spoon drop in the Nutella randomly on top of the strawberry mixture.  

4.  Drop the remaining dough on top of this.  It will not totally cover the strawberry and chocolate mixture.

5.  Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is slightly golden brown.  Cool and then cut into bars.  

Buckin' Berry Lemonade Recipe

This is a perfectly tart lemonade that is perfect for slow sipping and catching up with one of your best friends.  It's super easy to make and it tastes way better than anything from the can.  Plus, the beautiful berry color is hard to beat! 

1/4 cup of lime juice

3/4 cup of lemon juice

1/2 cup of strawberry lemonade mix

1/2 cup of sugar

2 cups of frozen mixed berries

1.5 quarts of water

1. In a food processor blend the mixed berries together.  

2.  In a pitcher add the juices, strawberry lemonade mix, sugar and the mixed berries.  Add about 1.5 quarts of water and stir ingredients together.  If the drink is too sour, add more water and sugar until your liking.  To remove berry seeds pour the drink through a metal strainer before serving and then enjoy!