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Chicken Tostada Salad

April 10, 2012 ·

This Chicken Tostada Salad recipe uses a technique for chicken that simply doesn’t cross my mind often enough – poaching!  Poaching is an easy and healthy way to cook chicken, without any added fat, in about 20 minutes.  In this recipe, the poached chicken is shredded and serves as a perfect blank slate for the salad, which combines simple but flavorful ingredients, such as red onions, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice.

The base of the salad is a crispy, toasted tortilla, with cheese baked right on it.  I have used both romaine lettuce and mixed greens.  It is good either way, but since I have mixed greens on hand at all times, that is what I tend to use.  Go with what you like best!  We enjoyed this tostada salad so much for dinner, I decided to make it for lunch again the next day.  It was that good!

Chicken Tostada Salad
 
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Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, skinless (or rotisserie chicken breast)
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray
  • ¾ cup Monterey Jack cheese, plus additional for topping (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup water
  • Coarse salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • ½ head of romaine lettuce, shredded OR 5 ounces of your favorite mixed greens
  • 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Fresh cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken in medium pot, and add enough water to cover chicken. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer; cook for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let chicken stand, covered until cooked through (about 12 to 14 minutes). Remove chicken from liquid and shred with 2 forks.
  2. Spray corn tortillas with cooking spray and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Baked until golden and crisp (about 8 to 10 minutes).
  3. While tortillas are in the oven, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add chili powder and garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add chicken and the water and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until chicken is warmed through and water has evaporated (about 2 to 3 minutes). Stir in 1 teaspoon lime juice and remove from heat.
  4. After tortillas are toasted, sprinkle each tortillas evenly with cheese and bake until cheese is bubbling (about 3 minutes). Remove from oven.
  5. In a large bowl, combine lettuce and remaining lime juice, season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to coat and divide evenly among tortillas; top each with chicken mixture, tomato, avocado, remaining onion, and cilantro or cheese (optional, for topping).

Slightly adapted from Everyday Food Light

Filed Under: healthy, main dishes, Recipes, salad Tagged With: , ,

Mushroom and Leek Pita Pizzas

April 4, 2012 ·

After a long day of work and play, it’s nice to have some healthy quick and easy meals ideas on hand.  These Mushroom and Leek Pita Pizzas fit that bill quite nicely.  Mushrooms and leeks are a delicious combination, and a little garlic and crushed red pepper give this pizza a little pizazz.  The whole wheat pitas serve as a sturdy crust.  Topped with some low fat ricotta and lots of vegetables, these pitas turned pizzas become a healthy dinner in less than 20 minutes.

Mushroom and Leek Pita Pizzas
 
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Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup leeks, sliced (approximately 1 leek)
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms (5 ounces)
  • Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 2 whole wheat pitas
  • ¼ cup low fat ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, for drizzling
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
  3. Add leeks and mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes (watch carefully to not over cook garlic). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Place pitas on prepared baking sheet. Spreach each pita with 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and top with vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Bake until pita is golden and cheeses begin to melt, about 6 to 8 minutes. Serve immediately.

Adapted from Whole Living

Filed Under: appetizers, healthy, main dishes, Recipes, vegetarian Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

March 31, 2012 ·
healthy chocolate peanut butter breakfast oatmeal

Today I am sharing with you my favorite breakfast that I make with peanut butter ~ Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal!  It’s easy, inexpensive and so good for you.  And it can be made in less than 5 minutes!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal is a simple balance of natural, wholesome foods.  The complex carbs from the oats, along with the good fats and protein from the peanut butter, are the perfect combination to power you through your day.  I also use a very ripe banana as a natural sweetener – no added sugar needed.

I normally make this by putting everything in one bowl, but it’s also fun to cook the chocolate and peanut butter portions separately and swirl them together in your serving bowl, as pictured.  It all works.   It’s chocolate; it’s peanut butter; it’s breakfast!


Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
 
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Yields: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • ½ cup quick oats
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed meal (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 very ripe banana, mashed
  • chocolate chips and peanuts (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Directions (one bowl)
  1. Put oats, cocoa, peanut butter, flax seed (if using) and water in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until oats have absorbed the water to desired consistency. Stir in mashed banana and microwave on high for another 20 to 30 seconds. Garnish as desired, and serve.
Directions (for swirl)
  1. Put ¼ cup oats in 2 separate microwavable bowls.
  2. Add cocoa and flax seed (if using) to one bowl.
  3. Add peanut butter to the other bowl.
  4. Pour ½ cup water into each bowl.
  5. Microwave, both bowls, on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until water has absorbed to desired consistency.
  6. Stir mashed banana into peanut butter bowl until blended.
  7. Drop dollops of each oat mixture into serving bowl. Use a knife to stir/swirl mixture. Garnish desired and serve.
Notes
Microwave times may vary based on your appliance.

Filed Under: breakfast, gluten free, healthy, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , ,
lighter baked tortellini fontina cheese with spinach

Baked Tortellini with Spinach

March 29, 2012 ·
lighter baked tortellini fontina cheese with spinach

I’m a sucker for anything with cheese.  Cheese pizza, a cheese sandwich, cheesy pasta, it’s all good.  When I saw a recipe for Baked Tortellini, I was beside myself.  Cheese tortellini itself is good.  Bake it in a light cheese sauce, and we’re golden.  In fact, the dinner I had planned was immediately scrapped so that I could make this!

lighter baked tortellini fontina cheese with spinach

I decided to add some spinach, which was very welcome and an easy way to boost the nutrition of this dish.  I added a little cayenne pepper to perk things up a bit, and also added garlic.  We can’t have pasta without garlic, right?  Baked Tortellini with Spinach is cheesy pasta perfection, made healthier, with a little kick.

lighter baked tortellini fontina cheese with spinach
Baked Tortellini with Spinach
 
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Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup fine dry breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups skim milk, heated (I microwave it for about 1 minute)
  • ½ cup fontina cheese, shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 16-20 ounces cheese tortellini (I used 2 10-ounce packages)
  • 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and set aside.
  2. Set water to boil in a large pot to cook tortellini.
  3. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until flour lightly browns. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, continuing to whisk constantly.
  4. Add hot milk and bring to a simmer, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. While the milk mixture is simmering, add tortellini to boiling water and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or according to package instructions.
  6. Remove milk mixture from heat and add in fontina cheese and cayenne pepper, stirring to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Drain cooked tortellini. Add tortellini to the cheese sauce (milk mixture) and stir until coated. Add chopped spinach and stir until evenly distributed.
  8. Spray 2½ quart baking dish with cooking spray and pour mixture into dish, using the back of a spoon or a silicone spatula to spread evenly throughout.
  9. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Cover and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, up through step 8. When ready just sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake as usual.

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 366
Fat:  8g
Carbs:  46g
Protein:  18.5g

Adapted from Eating Well

Filed Under: healthy, kid-friendly, main dishes, Recipes, vegetarian Tagged With: , , , , ,
Carrot Cake Pancakes | alidaskitchen.com

Carrot Cake Pancakes

March 27, 2012 ·
 
 Carrot Cake Pancakes taste like carrot cake or breakfast, only healthier and quick and easy to make!  
Carrot Cake Pancakes | alidaskitchen.com #recipes #pancakes #carrotcake #healthy #easter #breakfast
After the first time I made these, all my little Adam could talk about for days were Carrot Cake Pancakes.  He wanted them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  And I can’t blame him really.  These pancakes taste like having carrot cake for breakfast (or lunch or dinner),…just a whole lot healthier!

These Carrot Cake Pancakes are made using whole wheat flour, buttermilk, and 2 full cups of shredded carrots.  There is a touch of brown sugar to give a little sweetness.  While these pancakes are delicious plain (Adam’s preferred way to eat them), I decided to dress them up a little a cream cheese drizzle.  Either way is excellent.  Pineapple, or whatever your favorite topping, would also be tasty.  Enjoy this little taste of spring!

Carrot Cake Pancakes | alidaskitchen.com #recipes #healthy #carrotcake #pancakes #breakfast #Easterrecipes

Carrot Cake Pancakes
 
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Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups carrots, finely shredded (about 3 to 4 carrots)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 ounces neufachtel cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons skim milk (suggested amount; adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and gently stir until blended. Fold in carrots (and nuts/raisins, if using). Let batter sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat large nonstick skillet or griddle to medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
  5. Pour batter onto griddle (2 tablespoons to ¼ cup, depending on desired size of pancakes). Flip pancakes when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked (about 2-3 minutes). Cook the other side until set (about 2 minutes). Serve warm with Cream Cheese Drizzle (optional).
  6. Cream Cheese Drizzle: beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until well-blended. Add milk by the tablespoonful, adjusting to desired consistency).

Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle | alidaskitchen.com #recipes #healthy #carrotcake #breakfast #Easter

This post was sponsored by Frigidaire. When you check out Suzanne Goin’s springtime recipes at www.maketimeforchange.com, Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children’s U.S. programs. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to win the new Frigidaire Range with SymmetryTM Double Ovens – featuring two large ovens (thatcan each fit up to a 28 pound turkey!), providing the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at the same time at different temperatures, so you can get more on the table at the same time.

Filed Under: breakfast, Favorites, healthy, kid-friendly, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars

March 23, 2012 ·

In the spirit of the Peanut Butter for Breakfast campaign, I thought it would be fun to share some breakfast recipes using peanut butter.  What better place to find inspiration than the National Peanut Board’s website.  I found so many delicious ideas, including these super healthy granola bars.  It is amazing how easy and inexpensive it is to make granola bars right at home.  And they’re good too!

These granola bars have a perfect balance of flavors and a nice texture that is not too chewy, not too crispy.  They are naturally sweetened with dried fruit and a touch of molasses.  The peanut butter is present, but subtle, and acts as a binder with the egg whites.  Add a little spice, some oats and seeds, and you have a healthy, high-protein, high-fiber granola bar that is perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, a mid-morning pick me up, or any time the mood strikes.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
 
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Yields: 8 bars
Ingredients
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup dried fruit, such as dates, raisins, prunes, chopped (I used dates)
  • 2 tablespoon flaxseed meal
  • 2 tablespoons pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8-inch square baking pan with foil and spray foil with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, egg whites and molasses until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, dried fruit, flaxseed, pepitas, sesame seeds and pumpkin pie spice.
  4. Add the oat mixture to the peanut butter mixture, and stir until combined.
  5. Pour into prepared baking dish and use a silicone spatula (or the back of a spoon sprayed with cooking spray) to spread the mixture into the pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan. Remove from pan by lifting out the foil and then cut into 8 bars.

Adapted from the National Peanut Board

Filed Under: breakfast, gluten free, healthy, Recipes, vegan, vegetarian Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Oven-Baked Sriracha Chicken

March 20, 2012 ·
healthy baked sriracha chicken breast

It seems sriracha sauce is everywhere these days.  I was excited to find a baked chicken recipe using sriracha, but based on my preference, wanted to use chicken breast instead of drumsticks and thighs.  Of course when cooking with leaner, boneless/skinless cuts, such as chicken breast, modifications are required in order to achieve tender and juicy meat.  Well, the first time I made this with chicken breast, I intentionally did not adjust for this to see what would happen and guess what…it was dry!  But the flavor was amazing, so I knew it was worth further experimentation.  With a few simple tweaks, the result was exactly what I was hoping for ~ moist and tender, spicy sriracha chicken breast baked in the oven.  Keep in mind, the sriracha sauce has some heat, so adjust the amount accordingly.  We enjoyed this with edamame brown rice.

Oven-Baked Sriracha Chicken
 
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Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch green onions (greens (thinly sliced) and whites (minced) separated)
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or grated)
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced (or grated)
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon Chinese five star seasoning
  • 4 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the minced whites of the green onions, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, lime juice, sriracha sauce, and seasoning.
  3. Working with once piece at a time, place chicken breast in the bowl and coat with sauce (note: the sauce is pretty thick). Place chicken breast in baking dish and repeat with remaining pieces of chicken. Pour any remaining sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cover baking dish with with foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Place chicken on serving dish(es) and top with green onion greens and sesame seeds.
Notes
Make ahead tip: Prepare chicken and sauce per the above and refrigerate until ready. Take chicken out of the refrigerator and then preheat the oven. Bake as usual.

Adapted from Eating Well

Filed Under: gluten free, healthy, main dishes, Popular, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , ,
peanut butter buttermilk pancakes

Peanut Butter Pancakes

March 15, 2012 ·
peanut butter buttermilk pancakes

As a lover of all things peanut butter and a frequent pancake maker, making Peanut Butter Pancakes was inevitable.  I searched online for some inspiration, but did not quite find what I was looking for.  Most recipes I found did not use natural peanut butter (some even discouraged it).  Natural peanut butter is a must for me, so I decided just to wing it.  The rest of the recipe just fell into place, and the result was just what I had in mind.  These Peanut Butter Pancakes have the perfect amount of peanut butter flavor, with a little sweetness from brown sugar.  Buttermilk contributes to the fluffy texture, and the whole wheat flour adds more nutrition.  They are delicious plain, with a little syrup, or even jelly to make a PB&J pancake!

peanut butter buttermilk pancakes
Peanut Butter Pancakes
 
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Yields: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1¼ cups low fat buttermilk
  • ½ cup chunky natural peanut butter (see note)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • maple or chocolate syrup (optional, for serving)
  • chopped peanuts (optional, for serving)
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt (if using). Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, peanut butter, oil, vanilla and eggs, until well-blended.
  3. Add peanut butter mixture to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Preheat large nonstick skillet (or griddle) to medium (about 325 degrees).
  5. Pour batter onto griddle (2 tablespoons to ¼ cup, depending on desired size of pancakes). Flip pancakes when top are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked (about 2-3 minutes). Cook the other side until set (about 2 minutes). Serve warm.
Notes
To soften natural peanut butter and make it easier to work with, just microwave it in the jar for about 30 seconds (adjust depending on how much is left in the jar).

 

Filed Under: breakfast, healthy, kid-friendly, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
easy peanut butter butterfinger cheesecake pie

Butterfinger Cheesecake Pie

March 14, 2012 ·
easy peanut butter butterfinger candy cheesecake pie

Today is March 14th, which means it’s National Pi(e) Day!  So in honor of this day, I am sharing with you Butterfinger Cheesecake Pie.  I am not lying when I tell you this is one of the best desserts I have ever had.  Plus, it is super easy to make, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for a party, potluck, or simply to celebrate Pi!

easy peanut butter butterfinger cheesecake pie

The hands-on time takes less than 15 minutes, and the bulk of that time is in chopping the candy.  The pie is baked to set the cheesecake filling and then chilled for several hours (overnight works great).  I used a premade graham cracker pie crust.  A from-scratch crust is pretty easy to make though.  It all works.

easy peanut butter butterfinger cheesecake pie

The result is a delicious slice of cheesecake filled with chunks of Butterfinger – so good.  I love this recipe because you can easily swap out the Butterfinger for the same amounts of whatever candy or cookie mix-ins strikes you.  You can also mix up the crust, using a chocolate cookie crust, graham cracker, or whatever you like.  The possibilities are endless, though I am quite happy to celebrate this day with a piece of Butterfinger Cheesecake Pie.  Happy Pi Day!

Butterfinger Cheesecake Pie
 
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Yields: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
  • 2 8-ounce packages Neufchâtel cream cheese (the ⅓ less fat variety), room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2¾ cups Butterfinger candy, chopped - separated (I used an entire 12.5 ounce bag of 'fun size')
  • chocolate syrup (optional)
  • whipped cream (not pictured, optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Using an electric mixer (or hand mixer) set to medium-high, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well-blended.
  3. Fold in 2 cups candy, mixing until combined.
  4. Pour cream cheese mixture into pie crust (it will be very full!). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until filling has set. Remove from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining candy over the top (or save some to use as garnish) and chill in the refrigerator for 8 to 10 hours (or overnight).
  5. Garnish with crushed candy, chocolate syrup and/or whipped cream, as desired, before serving.
Notes
Adapted from Real Simple

 

Filed Under: dessert, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , ,
st. patrick's day brownies made with irish cream and irish cream frosting

Frosted Irish Cream Brownies

March 9, 2012 ·
 Frosted Irish Cream Brownies get a double dose of Irish cream in both the brownie recipe and frosting, making this dessert festive for St. Patrick’s Day yet fun for any time! Frosted Irish Cream Brownies | alidaskitchen.com

With Saint Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to make you something a little festive. While brownies may not be considered traditional, I figure you can never go wrong with chocolate. Add a little Bailey’s Irish Cream, and these brownies become the perfect little treat to celebrate the holiday!

st. patrick's day brownies made with irish cream and irish cream frosting

This recipe combines elements from a couple “lighter” recipes. The result is a delicious, from-scratch brownie, made with Irish Cream, topped with an Irish Cream frosting. The amount of frosting yields just enough to cover the brownies, or to pipe a cute little swirl of frosting as I have pictured here.  A little bit goes a long way taste-wise, but if you’re a frosting fiend, you may want to double the recipe.
Frosted Irish Cream Brownies | alidaskitchen.com

Frosted Irish Cream Brownies
 
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Author:
Yields: 16 brownies
Ingredients
Brownies:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup butter (I used light butter)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ egg substitute (or 4 large eggs)
  • ¼ cup Bailey's Irish Cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cooking spray
Irish Cream Frosting:
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • ¾ to 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Bailey's Irish Cream
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • skim milk, as needed
  • green and white sprinkles (for decorating, optional)
Instructions
  1. BROWNIES: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
  3. In a large microwavable bowl, add chocolate chips and butter. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until chocolate and butter melt. Let cool slightly and then add sugar, egg substitute, Irish Cream and vanilla extract, stirring well with a whisk. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
  4. Add flour mixture into butter mixture, folding gently until combined. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean. (Note: The key to a fudgy brownie is to not overbake). Cool on a wire rack.
  5. FROSTING: In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, Irish Cream and vanilla extract and beat until blended. Add milk by the teaspoonful, as needed, to achieve desired consistency. Spread, or pipe over, cooled brownies. Decorate with sprinkles, as desired.

Adapted from myrecipes.com and Eat Better America

st. patrick's day brownies made with irish cream and irish cream frosting

Filed Under: dessert, Recipes Tagged With: , , , ,