Grape Sangria is a simple and light sangria recipe with three added fruits.

Sangria is one of those cocktails that you share with friends. The lovely thing about sangria is that you can make your pitcher of sangria in the morning, and it’s perfect for drinking later in the afternoon or evening. And it’s so super simple to make that you don’t have to stress about the recipe at all.

One recipe of Grape Sangria makes one pitcher. If I’m planning to share between four people, I usually double the recipe so we can each enjoy a couple of glasses.

How to make Grape Sangria:

There are very few ingredients needed to make most kinds of sangria. For Grape Sangria, you’ll combine one bottle of red wine with red grapes and sliced orange. Depending on the season, you’ll also add sliced nectarine, peach or pear as well. Honey is used to sweeten the sangria just a little bit. And just before serving, you’ll add sparkling club soda to the sangria.

What kind of pitcher and glasses do you use for sangria:

I’ve served sangria a couple of different ways. You can certainly serve it in a classic glass pitcher. If you do this, you’ll want a long spoon nearby so you can scoop out some of the fruit to put into your sangria. You can also use a glass bowl or vessel and serve your grape sangria with a ladle instead. I love these Sangria Glasses for serving.

What is the best wine to use for red wine sangria?

Dry wine is best to use for red wine sangria. Three kinds of red wine are suggested for the best flavored red wine sangria. Merlot has a more fruity taste. Cabernet Sauvignon is more full-bodied in flavor. And Pinot Noir is a little lighter in flavor and will allow the fruit to shine. All varieties will work well for making Grape Sangria.

How to garnish sangria:

Since fruit is the star of sangria, you’ll want to use fruit to garnish your grape sangria. You can use grapes, an orange wedge or a nectarine/peach wedge to slide onto the edge of your glass. Since this is grape sangria, I recommend using a small bunch of green grapes to garnish the glass. You can use red grapes to garnish, but it looks so pretty to use the green grapes since the sangria is red. It’s a nice color complement! Cheers!

Here are a few more sangria recipes you might like to try:

• Sunset Sangria
• Carolina Peach Sangria
• Strawberry Peach Sangria
• Rosé Sangria
• Winter Spiced Red Wine Sangria
• Apple Cider Sangria
• Piña Colada Sangria
• The Best Red Wine Sangria Recipe

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                              Baked Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in an AMAZING glaze mixture of Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, sweet honey a pinch of spice and garlic cloves. This is a MUST make family meal!

Chicken thighs have so much tender, juicy meat on them! If you love chicken thighs as much as I do try this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggie, Lemon Garlic Butter Herb Chicken with Asparagus or Roasted Honey Garlic Butter Chicken.

Baked Chicken Thighs with the Most Amazing Glaze

This is it! This is the recipe that is a staple in our home. It is simple to make, easy to whisk together and has the BEST results! This baked chicken is more than AMAZING. It is all you wanted and more! Crispy, brown chicken skin on the outside then amazingly tender and juicy on the inside. Every bite of these baked chicken thighs is melt in your mouth worthy! It is one of our favorites as a family. This bake chicken thigh recipe is a MUST make for sure!

What makes Chicken Thighs So Delicious?

Chicken thighs are mostly made up of dark meat. Dark meat is known to be lean when compared to other cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs are usually more moist and flavorful compared to a chicken breast. Chicken thighs are one of my favorite cuts of chicken to bake. It is very similar to chicken breasts that you can easily create and make more recipes by tenderizing the thighs using special rubs or marinades for variations of flavors and meals.

When comparing chicken thighs to chicken breasts, chicken breasts are made up of mostly white meat which is a little tougher and can dry out quicker when cooking if overcooked. Chicken thighs have a rich, enhanced flavor to them since they have a higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This is why it tastes juicier and more tender when baked. Chicken thighs are similar to chicken breasts but maintain the flavorful and deliciousness from the dark meat.

What you Need to Make Baked Chicken Thighs:

Chicken thighs are so flavorful and delicious this baked chicken thigh recipe is going to melt in your mouth it is so good! For the juiciest, tender chicken thighs, it is best to purchase bone in with skin on chicken thighs. This baked chicken thigh recipe is so simple to make with very few ingredients. You will be making this easy baked chicken thigh recipe over and over again!

• Bone in Chicken Thighs
• Salt and Pepper
• Butter
• Italian Seasoning 
• Honey
• Dijon Mustard
• Paprika
• Garlic Cloves

How to Bake Chicken Thighs:

Juicy and tender chicken thigh meat is the best dinner choice during the week. No prepping the chicken thighs, just simply lay flat in a baking dish and add salt and pepper to taste. It is quick and easy to whisk the ingredients together and spread over the chicken thighs. With this baked chicken recipe the skin is going to turn a golden brown and become crispy while baking the chicken thigh meat inside to a tender and juicy meat. It is an AMAZING combination that you are going to love!

1. Prepare chicken: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Salt and pepper.
2. Whisk together: In small bowl whisk together the butter, Italian seasoning, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic cloves.
3. Combine and bake: Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken and bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is browned on the tops.

How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs:

The higher the temperature when baking chicken thighs creates that golden brown outer skin that protects the dark meat from over cooking and tenderizes the inside making it even more flavorful and tender. I like to bake chicken thighs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes long. Checking baked chicken thighs with a meat thermometer gives the best reading to find out if the chicken thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Chicken Thighs at 350°F – 50-55 minutes
• Chicken Thighs at 375°F – 45-50 minutes
• Chicken Thighs at 400°F – 40-45 minutes
• Chicken Thighs at 425°F – 35-40 minutes

Variations of Baked Chicken Thighs:

Baked chicken thighs are so simple to make and can be made several different ways. Once you learn how to bake chicken thighs and feel comfortable with how they cook it is always fun to try new flavors for different tastes. It is fun to modify recipes and add in favorite ingredients that still make for an AMAZINGLY delicious chicken thigh recipe. Try different seasonings, marinade or sauces to mix together and spread over the chicken thighs. Take this easy baked chicken thigh recipe to the next level by adding and substituting ingredients for more delicious recipes!

Tips for Making Baked Chicken Thighs:

• Chicken breast: If you prefer chicken breast instead chicken thighs you can substitute the chicken breast. Chicken breast tend to dry out quicker compared to chicken thighs. You will want to cook at 375 degree Fahrenheit for about 25 to 30 minutes checking it with a meat thermometer.
• Choosing chicken thighs: It is best to find chicken thighs that are all the same size and shape. This will help the chicken when it is being to cook evenly.
• Preparing chicken thighs: Before placing the chicken thighs in the baking dish pat them dry with a paper towel before adding the salt and pepper.
• Meat thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is best to make sure that your chicken meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cooking on the Stove top: Cook your chicken thighs over medium heat in a skillet. Crisping the outside until it is a dark golden brown.
• Left overs: This baked chicken thigh recipe is perfect for left overs and making more meals out of it. The chicken thigh meat can be shredded and used for sandwiches, salads or baking into soups or casseroles.

Additional FAQ about Baked Chicken Thighs:

• Should I cover my chicken thighs when baking? There is no need to cover your chicken thighs while baking. This will ensure the crispy outer layer on the chicken thighs turns a golden brown and cooks up quickly.
• What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked? It is best to have a higher temperature cooking setting to crisp up the outside of the chicken thigh and tenderize the inside making it so delicious and juicy.
• Do you put water in the pan when baking chicken? No, there is no need to add any water to the baking dish. The glaze that is whisked together is AMAZING and will bake perfectly in this baked chicken thigh recipe.
• Should I trim my chicken thighs? Another great thing about chicken thighs is there is less preparation when using them. They do not need to be trimmed. Simply add them to the baking dish with the glaze over top of it.
• Why are my chicken thighs tough? Normally chicken thighs do not come out tough unless they are overcooked in the oven.

What Goes with Baked Chicken Thighs:

Make this a complete meal with all the sides to go along with it. This is the perfect chicken thigh recipe to add in your favorite side dishes.

Here are a few of our favorite sides to add more to your plate:

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon
• Skillet Potatoes with Peppers
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Orzo Pasta Salad

How to Store Baked Chicken Thighs:

Baked chicken thighs are so simple to make and in less than an hour you have a delicious meal with tender chicken to enjoy with your family. This chicken thigh recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time and making it easier during the busy week ahead.

• Can you make the glaze ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the glaze about 3 days ahead of time before it needs to be baked with the chicken thighs.
• How do you store chicken thighs in the refrigerator? Let your chicken thighs completely cool before adding them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Try not to stack them over top of each other. It is best if they are laying flat, side by side. They will store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Can you freeze baked chicken thighs? Yes, it is best to freeze the chicken thighs in a flat layer in a ziplock bag with the air completley removed. Properly stored when laying flat and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake or reheat, let thaw in the refrigerator over night.
• How do you warm up chicken thighs? It is best to let your chicken thaw before cooking or reheating again. Once your chicken thighs are thawed from the refrigerator place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until the meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to only reheat chicken one time.

More Amazing Chicken Recipes:

• Awesome Chicken Katsu
• Chicken Adobo 
• Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken 
• Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
• One Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

Buy Clotilde's latest book, The French Market Cookbook!

February 2 is La Chandeleur (Candlemas), a holiday that welcomes the first signs of spring. In France, it is traditionally celebrated by making crêpes, with a variety of superstitious little tricks to bring happiness and prosperity upon your household.

One of those tricks involves holding a coin in your left hand while you flip the crêpe pan with your right hand: if all goes smoothly and you haven’t dropped the crêpe or the coin or killed anyone, chances are you’re lying. But if you’re not, that is a very good omen. Another one is to throw the first crêpe of the batch (which is always a dud anyway) on top of a high cupboard, and leave it there for the rest of the year. Well, do you want good luck or no?

If you’re experiencing sudden pangs of anguish because you missed La Chandeleur, fret not: Mardi-Gras is coming soon (refer to this page to know this year’s date), and the French like their crêpes so much that they eat them to celebrate Mardi-Gras, too!

The recipe I use for crêpes was handed down to me by Maxence’s mother a few years ago. We had our own little crêpe party with our neighbors on Saturday night (the perfect equidistance from La Chandeleur and Mardi-Gras entirely fortuitous) and enthusiastically tested a variety of toppings — from nutella to crème de marron to maple syrup to lemon juice — only to conclude, as we unfailingly do, that beurre-sucre (salted butter and sugar) is really your best bet.

(Check my recipe for Savory Buckwheat Crêpes, , or galettes de sarrasin.)

Have you tried this? Share your pics on Instagram!

Please tag your pictures with #cnzrecipes. I'll share my favorites!

The post French Crêpes Recipe appeared first on Chocolate & Zucchini.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a simple dessert that takes a ripe, juicy strawberry dipped in melted chocolate and drizzled or dipped in various toppings to make a sweet treat. Melt someones heart with this decadent dessert! 

I love strawberries and dessert! Put them together and enjoy these strawberry desserts for any occasion you are celebrating: No Bake Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Pie, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars with Strawberries or Frozen Strawberries and Cream Dessert.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Who doesn’t love a fresh and juicy strawberry covered in chocolate?! These strawberries are a weakness of mine! Fruit plus chocolate equals pure happiness for me. Every bite is filled with a juicy and chocolatey strawberry that just melts in your mouth and gives you that fresh strawberry taste with a crisp chocolate coating. It is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or treat to celebrate the special occasion.

These chocolate covered strawberries are simple to make and come together quickly. With a few steps you will be able to impress your friends and family with this decedent dessert plus save you money with the same delicious treat you can buy at the store. My kids are always excited when I make these chocolate covered strawberries. Now that my girls are a little older they love to help me dip and add all the toppings they can on them. It makes for a special memory and one that we can enjoy for special occasions. These chocolate covered strawberries will not last long and will be a huge hit during the Valentine’s Day.

What you need to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

When purchasing strawberries, you will want to buy the largest strawberries that you can find. Smaller strawberries will work as well but it is always nice to find those big, juicy strawberries for presentation and more to indulge on. Once you pick out the best looking strawberries, choose the type of chocolate you are wanting to melt. It can be as simple as chocolate chips or candy melts. Make this as simple as possible and save money while doing it!

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate or White Chocolate 
• Shortening
• Strawberries

Optional Toppings:

These are just a handful of ideas for toppings. Get creative and surprise your family and friends with their favorite toppings or leave them as it. These chocolate covered strawberries are delicious any way you make them!

• Sprinkles
• Mini Chocolate Chips
• Chopped Nuts
• Crushed Candy Bars
• Crushed Peppermint 

How to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

An easy and simple recipe that is prepared in minutes. You do not need a double boiler for melting chocolate. A microwave or stove top works perfectly making this easy and less mess.

Make it easy and melt your chocolate by microwaving it. It is so easy to do and will only take a minutes time. Use a glass bowl and add in the amount of chocolate that you are melting. Start with 30 seconds in the microwave on High. You do not want to over cook but you also need to start the melting process. Remove your bowl and stir together. Repeat on High for only 15 seconds. Continue to stir in-between each 15 second interval until your chocolate is completely melted without over cooking. If you are melting chocolate on the stove top, melt the chocolate on low setting stirring it constantly until it is melted.

1. Melt Chocolate: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a small microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate of choice and shortening. Melt and stir after every 30 seconds until chocolate is completely smooth.
2. Dip Strawberries: Dip the strawberry so that it completely covers and lay on parchment paper to set. If using toppings, immediately put on the top.

What is the Best Type of Chocolate to Melt?

This is a great question and can usually be answered with what you chocolate you prefer. Most chocolates can be melted and most chocolates melt very evenly and smoothly for that creamy texture. Chocolate chips and candy melts are usually my go-to melting ingredients because they are easiest, still have delicious flavor and are smooth chocolatey texture. Try using a specialty chocolate like Ghirardelli or Guittard for a little more chocolatey flavor. You can find them in any baking isle at your local grocery store. They have an assortment of milk, dark and white chocolate chips. These are easy to melt and taste delicious!

How to Decorate Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

Make these even more decant and beautiful by decorating the chocolate layer with extra special toppings or drizzling another layer of chocolate or sauce over top. These chocolate covered strawberries are so fun to make and look ever prettier when done. Impress your friends and family with these special chocolate covered strawberries this Valentine’s Day.

You do not need anything fancy to make the chocolate drizzle. Simply place your drizzle in a ziplock bag and squeeze to one of the bottom corner. Cut a small hole in the bottom corner and squeeze softly using it like a tip for drizzling.

Once you have dipped your strawberries in the chocolate, let them harden in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before decorating your chocolate covered strawberries. If you decorate too soon the drizzle won’t stick to the outside.

If you are adding toppings over top of the chocolate you will want to do that before the dipped chocolate strawberries are hardened. After dipping the chocolate covered strawberries, simply dip or roll your strawberry in another layer of topping, then let harden in the refrigerator.

Drizzle Over Top: Do this after the chocolate covered strawberries have been hardened.

• White, milk or dark chocolate melts
• Melted Peanut Butter Chips
• Butterscotch Chips
• Caramel Sauce

Toppings: Do this immediately after the strawberries have been dipped and coated in chocolate.

• Sprinkles
• Sea Salt
• Sanding Sugar
• Mini Chocolate Chips
• Chopped Nuts
• Candy or Cookies Finely Crushed
• Graham Cracker Crumbs

Tips for making Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

• Picking strawberries: The riper the strawberry the better also the bigger and firmer strawberries are best.
• Preparing strawberries: Make sure your strawberries are washed, cleaned well and completely dry before you start to coat them with chocolate.
• How to hold strawberries while dipping: Try to find strawberries with a long stem. Hold the strawberries by the green stem then gently glide them in a bowl rolling it the strawberries in the melted chocolate until covered completely. Using a fork or wooden skewer at the top of each strawberry will also help if the stem is too short.
• Set up chocolate covered strawberries: It is best to use a sheet parchment paper, waxed paper or nonstick silicon baking mat.
• Drizzling: Cut the tip of a ziplock bag and carefully squeeze the chocolate out the hole over the chocolate covered strawberries.
• How to keep chocolate covered strawberries from sweating: Place a paper towel over top of the strawberries when stored in the refrigerator.

What to Make with Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

Make this a complete meal this Valentine’s Day. Turn your chocolate covered strawberries into a sweet dessert after enjoying a night in. This year we are enjoying Valentine’s Day at home and being with our family. They are the ones I want to share my love with and show them by making an extra special evening out of it.

We are going to start off with Mouthwatering Strawberry Spinach Salad or if you are soup lover the Easy French Onion Soup is AMAZING and light! For the main corse I am making both The Best Lobster Tail Recipe Ever and Perfectly Juicy Grilled Steak only because I have two growing boys and a husband. Then for the sides we love Potatoes made any way, Vegetables (preferably green) and Fruit Salad. And for the bread we will be making Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. End with an Easy Creme Brûlée or Turtle Brownies for an extra special dessert. This may all look hard and overwhelming but it is not and it is so delicious when made all together. You have a little of everything at your table with those you love around it.

If you are having a romantic dinner for two or a family Valentine’s dinner, here are more special recipes to help celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones:

• Three Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe!: Totally Kid Approved
• Skillet Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp: Have both seafood and steak
• Walnut Crusted Maple Salmon Perfect for the salmon lovers
• Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin: Always special and delicious
• Garlic Butter Herb Prime Rib Recipe: My hubby’s favorite!

I love to surprise my kids with fun treats on special occasions and these chocolate covered strawberries always amazes them and makes them feel so special. Showing our friends and family a little extra love goes a long way and this is an easy and quick treat to do that with. Here are 50+ Delicious Valentine’s Treats that will help make your Valentine’e with your friends and family a little more fun this February.

If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day try these sweet treats to make the month of February more lovable:

• Sweetheart Valentine’s Buddies
• Red Velvet Pound Cake
• Mini Toffee Chocolate Chip Cheese Balls
• Chocolate Filled Mini Brownie Bites
• The BEST Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

It is best to store chocolate covered strawberries in the refrigerator. They do tend to sweat or have tiny water bubbles on top of them. To help avoid those bubbles, place a paper towel around the strawberries or over top of them. This will help reduce those tiny bubbles and the paper towel will absorb the sweat or condensation that is over top of the strawberries. These chocolate covered strawberries are SO simple to make and are a special dessert that everyone loves!

• Can you make Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ahead of time? Yes, you can make them ahead of time but they will last about 2 to 3 days stored in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb the sweat or condensation that builds up from the strawberries and chocolate covering.
• How Long Do Chocolate Covered Strawberries Last? Chocolate covered strawberries last for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator.
• Can you Freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberries? It is best to keep them covered in the refrigerator rather than freezing them because of the condensation that will build over top of the frozen strawberries as they are defrosting. The chocolate starts to melt quicker and leaves it a little more messy than a refrigerated chocolate covered strawberry.

More Delicious and Decadent Chocolate Recipes:

• Flourless Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Lava Cake
• Death by Chocolate Cheesecake
• Red Velvet Cake Recipe
• Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake

A free 7-day, flexible weight loss meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner and a shopping list. All recipes include calories and updated WW Smart Points.

7-Day Weight-Loss Meal Plan

It’s funny, I keep seeing posts on social media about how long January has seemed, but getting settled into the new house has made it quick for me! I love having instant pot/pressure cooker recipes on hand for nights that I am super busy!

WW has changed their plan to now include a Blue, Purple and Green Plan. All the recipes on my blog are updated for the Blue plan. I’ve been updating all my recipes (over 2000) and have completed 2019 with the other two colors, and I am working my way down so please be patient.

Why Should Everyone Meal Plan?

Meal planning is a great way to organize your meals for the week ahead. You also save time and money in the supermarket! And of course, planning ahead helps you stick to your goals!

About The Meal Plan

If you’re new to my meal plans, I’ve been sharing these free, 7-day flexible healthy meal plans (you can see my previous meal plans here) that are meant as a guide, with plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food, coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc or swap recipes out for meals you prefer, you can search for recipes by course in the index. You should aim for around 1500 calories* per day.

There’s also a precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You’ll dine out less often, waste less food and you’ll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.

Lastly, if you’re on Facebook join my Skinnytaste Facebook Community where everyone’s sharing photos of recipes they are making, you can join here. I’m loving all the ideas everyone’s sharing! If you wish to get on the email list, you can subscribe here so you never miss a meal plan!

Also, if you don’t have the Skinnytaste Meal Planner, now would be a great time to get one to get organized for 2020! There was a print error last year, but it’s perfect now! You can order it here!

THE DETAILS:

Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated WW Blue SP for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!

The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often. Cross check your cabinets because many condiments you’ll notice I use often, so you may already have a lot of them.

And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There’s plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you’re using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!

MONDAY (2/3)
B: Yogurt Chocolate Chip Muffins* (7B 8G 7P) with a pear (0B 0G 0P)
L: Orange and Arugula Salad with Red Onion and Gorgonzola (4B 4G 4P) with 1 small multigrain roll (3B 3G 3P)
D: Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli (6B 6G 6P)

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 20B 21G 20P, Calories 862**

TUESDAY (2/4)
B: Yogurt Chocolate Chip Muffins  (7B 8G 7P) with an apple (0B 0G 0P)
L: LEFTOVER Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli (6B 6G 6P)
D: Chicken Enchiladas (6B 5G 3P) with 1 ounce avocado (1B 1G 1P) and Mexican Cauliflower “Rice” (1B 1G 1P)
(Recipe x 2)

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 21B 21G 18P, Calories 812**

WEDNESDAY (2/5)
B:  Yogurt Chocolate Chip Muffins (7B 8G 7P) with a pear (0B 0G 0P)
L: Open Faced Tuna Sandwich with Avocado (4B 4G 4P) and an apple (0B 0G 0P)
D: LEFTOVER Chicken Enchiladas (6B 5G 3P) with 1 ounce avocado (1B 1G 1P) and Mexican Cauliflower “Rice” (1B
1G 1P)

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 19B 19G 16P, Calories 895**

THURSDAY (2/6)
B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (0B 4G 0P) with a banana (0B 0G 0P)
L: Open Faced Tuna Sandwich with Avocado (4B 4G 4P) and an orange (0B 0G 0P)
D: Swedish Meatballs (7B 8G 7P) with Garlic Mashed Potatoes (5B 5G 1P) and Roasted Parmesan Green Beans (1B
1G 1P)

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 17B 22G 13P, Calories 1,067**

FRIDAY (2/7)
B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (0B 4G 0P) with a banana (0B 0G 0P)
L: Open Faced Tuna Sandwich with Avocado (4B 4G 4P) and an apple (0B 0G 0P)
D: Honey Garlic Shrimp (2B 3G 2P) with ¾ cup brown rice (5B 5G 0P) and Roasted Broccoli with Smashed Garlic
(2B 2G 2P)

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 13B 18G 8P, Calories 1,051**

SATURDAY (2/8)
B: Chewy Low Fat Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies (7B 7G 5P)
L: Mixed Baby Greens with Pomegranate, Gorgonzola and Pecans #  (7B 7G 7P)
D: DINNER OUT!

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 14B 14G 12P, Calories 404**

SUNDAY (2/9)
B: Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche (4B 6G 4P) and an orange (0B 0G 0P)
L: LEFTOVER Mixed Baby Greens with Pomegranate, Gorgonzola and Pecans #  (7B 7G 7P)
D: Asian Glazed Drumsticks (7B 7G 7P) with Asian Edamame Fried Rice (4B 5G 1P)
Totals: Freestyle™ SP 22B 25G 19P, Calories 1,001**

*Freeze any leftover you/your family won’t eat.

**This is just a guide, women should aim for around 1500 calories per day. Here’s a helpful calculator to estimate
your calorie needs. I’ve left plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food such as coffee, beverages, fruits,
snacks, dessert, wine, etc.
# Set aside ½ without dressing for leftover Sunday.

(more…)

The post 7-Day Weight-Loss Meal Plan (February 3-February 9) appeared first on Skinnytaste.

Brown Sugar Banana Muffins are delicious muffins to start your mornings!

This is a good muffin recipe. The muffins bake up perfectly, slightly risen and nicely golden. They have crispy edges and a tender texture. And they pop out of the muffin tin nicely without sticking to the pan. The flavor is sweet. There is no cinnamon or any other spices in these Brown Sugar Banana Muffins, so they’re very much a banana-flavored muffin.  You can add spice if you want, but I never do. The brown sugar gives them a good depth of flavor. Add a handful of mini-chocolate chips, if you’re into that banana and chocolate combo.

Ingredients needed for Brown Sugar Banana Muffins:

• butter
• brown sugar
• eggs
• 2 large, ripe bananas
• buttermilk
• vanilla extract
• all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt

How to make buttermilk:

If you don’t want to buy a carton of buttermilk to use specifically for this recipe (especially since you only need 1/4 cup), it’s easy to make your own. Put 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice OR distilled white vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Then fill milk to the 1/4-cup line. Stir. The milk will thicken a little and become slightly curdled. That’s exactly what you want it to do. Then you have your homemade buttermilk to use for Brown Sugar Banana Muffins.

Make ahead instructions:

Brown Sugar Banana Muffins are a good make-ahead recipe. Just prepare them as indicated. If you want to freeze them all, you can place them in a covered container and put the whole thing in the freezer. If you’d like to freeze them individually, put each of them in a zip baggie and then you can take a single muffin out whenever you’d like to eat only one. To defrost, just let the frozen muffin sit at room temperature for an hour or so (or overnight).

I might suggest that these Brown Sugar Banana Muffins are incredibly good when paired with peanut butter. This is coming from someone who eats peanut butter often! It’s completely optional, of course, but you may wish to try it– especially when your muffins are warm.

This recipe qualifies for “good weekend baking.” I often make muffins on the weekends so we can enjoy them for breakfast during the week following. Enjoy!

Here are a few more banana muffin recipes you might like to try:

• Whole Grain Banana Muffins
• Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
• Quick and Easy Banana Oat Muffins
• Jumbo Chocolate Chip Toffee Banana Muffins
• Whole Wheat Banana Blueberry Muffins
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
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