Category Archives: Grocery

Chocolate Chip VitaMuffin or VitaTops Copycat Recipe

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Vitalicious products are expensive. There’s no way around that. At a local grocer, a box of 6 VitaMuffins or VitaTops are likely to set you back $6, maybe less if you were lucky enough to catch a sale. Either way, it’s expensive at right around $1 each muffin. The good thing is they are all natural, low in fat and calories and high in fiber. They are a tasty, chocolate-y treat.

So, why do we have to pay them to make them when we can make them ourselves at home, right? Ah, a recipe. That’s what’s missing.Oh wait… But I have one right here for you!

This recipe tastes surprisingly close to the VitaMuffin/VitaTop version. It does have that same slightly ‘healthy’ undertone to it, so if you’re looking for a really decadent chocolate muffin, this isn’t it. But don’t let that detour you from trying it out. If you’re wanting a sweet, healthier treat, this will definitely do the trick. Especially heated up with a little low-fat vanilla ice cream over the top. Yum!

It makes a fairly large batch, so I recommend freezing them and pulling them out one at a time. To freeze, I suggest you cool them down twice before moving them to the freezer. Cool them completely on the counter, then move them to fridge to chill. Finally, seal them up really well and freeze. When you’re ready to eat a frozen one, simply microwave it for 30-45 seconds (60 if you prefer it hot).

Now, go get in the kitchen, you chocolate-loving vitamuffin/vitatop people, and whip up your own batch!

(Sorry, no pictures of this one. I’ve been meaning to make another batch so I can snap a few, but I haven’t been able to and I didn’t want to hold out any longer, so I’ll just show you a picture of chocolate and hope that suffices for now until I can come back and add a photo.)

Chocolate Chip Muffins (or tops)

Makes approx 36 mini muffins.

  • 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 egg whites
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fat-free half & half
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp table salt
  • 1 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp + 2 tsp unflavored fiber supplement (such as Metamucil Clear & Natural)
  1. Preheat your oven to 365 F (Note: you will drop the temperature down before actually baking the muffins. Don’t forget!)
  2. Using a mini muffin tin or a muffin top pan, lightly spray the pan with a non-stick spray.
  3. Sift all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all wet ingredients except the water.
  5. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the water and stir until completely incorporated. Do not over-stir.
  6. Divide batter between muffin tins and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of each.
  7. Put your muffins in the oven and CHANGE the temperature to 350 F. Bake 8-10 mins, or until toothpick comes out clean. Do not over-bake or they will get very dry. Let cool for 15 mins on a wire rack.

Nutrition (approx): 70 calories. 1g fat. 14g carb. 1g fiber. 1g protein.

Late Night Snack Ice Cream & My Healthy(er) Swap

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Oh, Ben & Jerry’s. You’ve done it again. As if one of my all time favorites, Phish Food weren’t enough, you go and add my weakness – sweet/salty – to your gourmet ice cream line-up. It’s in the form of “Late Night Snack” – inspired by the Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night Show. Vanilla ice cream with chocolate covered potato chips (yes, potato chips!!!), swirled with salted caramel – it’s a little taste of heaven.

According to some gossip and reports going around, Ben & Jerry’s may have ripped the flavor off of my absolute favorite ice cream place ever – Humphry Slocombe. With almost identical flavors, Humphry Slocumbe serves up their “After School Special” flavor at Spork SF restaurant.

And while I live not too crazy far from San Francisco to get a scoop of the original vanillacaramelchocolatepotatochip ice cream, my local grocer is much easier for me to go and pick up a container of the Late Night Snack version by B&J. Except the main problem is that the either one of these will ooze with at least 270 calories/15g fat.

That being said, I’m going to rip off both of them and make my own healthy(er) version.  With closer to 160 calories/7 g fat, this is a delicious substitution that will ease your late night noshing conscious.

Healthy(er) Late Night Snack Ice Cream

  • 1/2 cup  Half-the-fat Vanilla Ice Cream (or if you prefer, fat free or no sugar added types work as well)
  • 8-10 bittersweet chocolate chips (melted in a glass bowl for 45-60 seconds, then stirred)
  • 3-4 baked potato chips, crushed (I prefer baked Kettle Brand chips)

Simply, drizzle the chocolate over the top of your scoop of ice cream and sprinkle the crushed potato chips over the top.

Happy Spring!

My Thanksgiving Feast

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Want to see what I ate this “Turkey Day”?

Tofu Turkey

Yup. That’s a Tofu Turkey. Complete with drumsticks and all. I didn’t want to spend the $40 at Whole Foods for a Vegetarian Plus Vegan Whole Turkey that is indeed shaped like a turkey versus the more reasonable Tofurky brand vegetarian turkeys that are loaf-like. If I had a had a whole family of vegetarians, I would have, but it’s just not worth it for just me.

Instead, I make-shifted (is that a word?) my own. I got the cheapest on the shelf – a $5 Quorn Turk’y Roast and two vegetarian chicken drumsticks from a Chinese vegetarian store in Oakland (I don’t know the name. My sister picked them up for me). A few toothpicks later and – voi la! A tofurky!

My husband looked at me like I had grown a second head when I showed him. Then we proceeded to laugh our heads off a how ridiculous it looked. It tasted good, though.  Don’t be jealous. You know you want one for yourself.

Edit to Add: My sister gave me the info for the Chinese or Vietnamese market in Oakland that sells the faux products – Layonna Vegetarian Health Food Market. Check it out if you’re in the area. Lots of great faux meat products. The drumsticks are fabulous. The faux salmon… Well, it’s ‘ok’, but it’s still fun for a very random change of pace.

Peanut Butter & A Giveaway

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Please tell me I’m not the only person who is in the possession of 5 different kinds of peanut butter at any given moment, understanding the unique flavor and use for each one. Please? Yeah. I didn’t think that was going to happen… I can accept that I’m slightly over the top obsessive about my love for peanut butter.

Why do I love peanut butter? It’s the perfect food, in my opinion. It satisfies my cravings for sweet and salty in one delicious place, plus it gives me a healthy dose of protein and natural oils – especially delicious before a workout (in moderation).  I don’t like overly sweetened peanut butters. I love salty, pure and natural PB with strong peanut buttery flavor goodness. I’m starting to drool just thinking about it. If my consumption equaled my love, I’d be larger than a blimp.

Ok, now that I’ve thoroughly scared you about my obsession for peanut butter…  If you’re still reading, congratulations! You’re a brave soul.

Now, on to the real ‘meat’ (pun intended!) of the post…. Peanut Butter. Here are my two absolute favorites and why…

Continue reading →

Oat Bran vs Oatmeal

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I had a friend ask me (paraphrasing), what’s with the oat bran and how is it different than oatmeal? Aren’t they pretty much the same thing? That my friend, is an excellent question. Why am I such a crazy fan of the oat bran and haven’t once mentioned the oatmeal?  Here are my reasons…

  • Nutritional Benefits: Oat Bran and Oatmeal are very similar with their health benefits, but oat bran is a little better nutritionally comparing 1/3 cup. Though oat bran is a little bit higher calorie and fat (slightly – not excessive in my opinion), it also has a lot more fiber, protein, and iron. For me, the vegetarian, the last two are even more important. Check out the stat comparison (M=oatMeal, B=oatBran). Calories: M=100, B=130. Fat: M=2g, B=3g. Carb: M=19g, B=24g. Fiber: M=3g, B=6g. Protein: M=4g, B=7g. Iron: M=6%, B=14%
  • Filling: Even though the nutritional data is a wee bit higher for the oat bran, I find it to be a million times more filling than oatmeal. For some reason I can eat oatmeal and be hungry about 2 hrs later. With oat bran, I’m full for about 4 hrs. (no kidding!) This is rare for me since I usually eat about every 3 hrs as a general rule.
  • Texture: With oatmeal (non instant), you typically have to “chew”, but Oat Bran goes down more like cream of wheat. It’s much more mushy and creamy. While “chewy” oatmeal has it’s place (I haven’t completely abandoned the oatmeal altogether), there’s just something sort of comforting about the softer texture, for me.
  • Flavor: I really see no difference here. The flavor is very much the same as oatmeal. They both need to be “doctored up” (in my opinion) with some sweetener, maybe some sugar, cinnamon, etc.
  • Convenience: I, personally, try to avoid the instant oatmeal because of the extra preservatives and sugars. The problem is the length of time it takes to make real oatmeal in the morning is a bit too long for on-the-go breakfasts. With the Oat Bran, I can make my own preservative-free and sugar-free “instant oatmeal” in under 2 mins at the office. Plus, it tastes fabulous. I can even mock some of my favorite instant flavors (i.e, strawberries & cream or brown sugar & maple) in my oat bran. And that makes me smile.

Hope this helps resolve the question in your mind, “Why is is the vegsf gal so crazy for oat bran? Wouldn’t oatmeal do the trick?”

Try the oat bran. I dare ya!

The Wonderous Oat Bran – 2 ways

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Holy Addiction!

I was introduced to Oat Bran by my friend and fellow food blogger, Faith of I Pray to Gouda. Without making myself like a mad woman, I’ll say it simply – I’m addicted. This stuff is so good and you can do all kinds of things with it making it taste all kinds of goodness. Ahhh… So so yummy. You really do need to try it. (See? Now I’m a oat bran ‘pusher’!) Plus, it’s so easy, you have no excuses.

I can whip up a quick oat bran breakfast for myself in about 3 mins, so it’s a great on the go meal. It also works well to bring to work with me because I can throw the oat bran, sweetener and cinnamon in a tupperwear container and just add the water and microwave it there. Easy, peasy!

And in honor of Valentine’s Day, here are a pair of  MY favorite ways to make oat bran. (FYI – I used two mini bowls and half the recipe for each for presentation purposes, but you’ll want to use bigger bowls)

Step 1: Assemble Ingredients.

  • 1/4 cup Oat Bran (I use Toasted Oat Bran from Trader Joe’s)
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • Dash of salt
  • Sweetener of your choosing, to taste (Agave Nectar, Sugar, Stevia, Splenda, etc)

Strawberries n Cream:

  • Freeze dried , unsweetened strawberries (Trader Joe’s them and I’m ashamed to admit I have found yet another addiction. These little guys are awesome morsels of crunchy “yum”. They also have freeze dried mango, blueberries and banana chips – all unsweetened. You MUST try them!)
  • 1/8 c (2 Tbsp) Nonfat, plain greek yogurt (I use 0% Fage that I buy in bulk at Costco)

Banana Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon (I like a lot. I usually use 1 t. or more)
  • 1/2 of a ripe banana, sliced and warmed in the microwaved for about 30 seconds to make it warm, gooshy and caramelized

Step 2: Cook Oat Bran.

In a microwave safe bowl with some extra room for boiling up (so it doesn’t run over), stir together the oat bran, water, salt and sweetener. Microwave for 1 minute. Take out and stir.

For Strawberries n Cream: Add your strawberries at this time and stir.

Microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until it just begins to boil. Watching CAREFULLY (aka – do not take your eyes off the bowl. The moment you do, it WILL boil over and create a mess. You don’t want that to happen. And don’t say I didn’t warn you… ha!). Stir again and continue microwaving for 15 seconds at a time until your preferred consistency is reached.

Step 3: Add the Fixin’s.

For Strawberries n Cream: Add greek yogurt and mix together well. Top with a few more strawberries if you feel fancy.

For Banana Cinnamon: Add cinnamon and mix together well. Top with warmed bananas.

Step 4: Eat.

‘Nuff said.

Trader Joe’s Peach Mango Gel Cups

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I miss Jello… I don’t know what it is about the gelatin0-filled product, but I just miss having a little sweet gel snacks on occasion. Finding gelatin-free products has always been a challenge, but there are a few alternatives out there, but nothing that really “works”, if you know what I mean.

Until now! I just found my favorite Trader Joe’s is now selling Gel Cups made with carrageenan, a gelatinous algea extract. I picked up the Peach Mango flavor. They actually taste pretty good. They’re a bit puckery sweet, but they still make a pretty decent snack! I think they also have a Strawberry flavor. That’s next on my list. You should try it.

Vegetarian Fish Sauce

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Fish sauce is a key ingredient in almost all Thai recipes and many southeastern Asian recipes. Fish sauce is used as seasoning not unlike salt and pepper are used in American dishes. Without this key ingredient, often the dishes lack authentic fullness of flavor. Of course, this causes a problem for the vegetarians.

There is a vegetarian alternative. When bought, it’s usually made with soy beans,salt, sugar, water, chili and citric acid. You can find bottles of it in Asian markets – especially Vietnamese markets. I’ve heard if the store doesn’t carry it, often the owners can order it for you, so go ahead and ask if you don’t see it. (Don’t you love how they spelled “Vegetarien”?)

If you’re feeling more crafty, you can make your own at home.

Vegetarian Fish Sauce Recipe

  • 1 1/2 cup shredded dried seaweed
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 very large cloves garlic, crushed but not peeled.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup dark Chinese soy sauce
  • Extra boiling water as needed
  1. Place the seaweed in a pot and add 4 cups of water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to keep it bubbling along.
  3. Cook for 20 minutes.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients and enough water to make about 6 cups total in the pot.
  5. Bring back to a boil, then boil fairly high for at least 1/2 hour.
  6. At that point, begin to taste (just a little, though–it’s strong).
  7. When the stock is reduced by about half, it will be almost too salty to eat, and that means it is ready.
  8. Strain through fine mesh or a coffee filter and allow to cool.

Now, you can enjoy authentic tasting dishes at home – stir fries, soups, pad thai – that stuff is so good!

More Love for Trader Joe’s

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My wonderful husband brought home a treat for me the other night. Why I never found them myself at Trader Joe’s, I have no idea. I mean, every time I’m at TJ’s I scour the shelves for anything cool and interesting. But this time, it was he who found my new favorite.

Dark Chocolate Covered Edamame.

They are a taste of dark chocolate heaven. The chocolate is rich and not too bitter with a touch of salt on the crunchy edamame underneath. And with my unending quest to eat more protein daily, just think of all the wonderful protein I’m getting when I eat these rich beans. 8 grams in one serving, to be exact. In my book, that makes these sweet morsels health food! ;)

Habanero and Lime Salsa

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I discovered the most amazing salsa from Trader Joes – Habanero and Lime salsa. I think my husband and I almost polished off the whole jar in one setting. I didn’t even need chips. I could have eaten it straight from the jar with a spoon! We are huge lime fans anyway, so this was right up our ally.

I can imagine it tastes good on just about anything. Go buy a jar now. Actually, you may want to buy two! :)