Apple & Berry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

...Ok, so don't hate on me too much... I had to get on the "Pumpkin Spice" band wagon. These Mini-pumpkins are not only adorable, they are seriously delicious as well. They are packed with powerful vitamins including alpha-carotene (vitamin A) which helps boosts immune (perfect for the changing seaons.) 

You can't go wrong with crisp apples paired with sweet berries, honey and spices. The berries and honey melt together to create a glaze over the apples which is amplified by the spice of the cinnamon and cloves. All of this is packed inside of a beautiful bright orange, earthy pumpkin fruit. The second you lift the top off of the pumpkin, your senses are enveloped by the aroma of the delicious ingredients melding together ever so sweetly.

Enjoy the nostalgic experience with the whole family ever so often, as you enjoy the golden days of autumn.

Black Bean Brownies

Who doesn't love chocolate? These ooey, gooey gluten & dairy free brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth and then some. Comfort food is good for the soul. There is nothing wrong with indulging the occasional chocolaty treat. Chocolate releases endorphins, you know, those "feel good" hormones that we all desire to have. It's good to eat healthy, but it's also important to enjoy what you're eating. 

Black beans are a great source of protein and healthy carbohydrates. It's important to understand how the two work together to keep your body fueled throughout the day. Cutting carbs completely can leave you feeling foggy and unsatisfied. Incorporating healthy carbohydrates such as black beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes & fruits amp up your brain power as well as give you energy to get through your day. 

Enjoy your carbohydrates balanced with plenty of lean proteins and vegetables. A balanced diet equals a balanced life. Treat your body well, it will thank you. 

Baked Pear Berry Oatmeal

This lovely dish was inspired by a dear friend of mine who found a new appreciation for oatmeal when she baked it. This dish is great to spark your creativity in the kitchen. You can substitute the pear for many varieties of fruit such as apples, banana, pumpkin or squash. You can also experiment with different spices and extracts. You could use vanilla or hazelnut instead of maple. 

Remember, being in the kitchen should be an enjoyable experience where your creativity can soar. Play with this dish and make it your own. Customize it to a taste that flavors your palette perfectly!  

This dish is healthy & delicious, packed with many vitamins, antioxidants & fiber to keep you feeling full. It also satisfies that sweet tooth with natural sugar from fruit & immune-boosting raw honey.

Best enjoyed on a chilly fall day, it'll keep your tummy full & toes toasty warm. 

Cinnamon Toasted Almonds

Nothing beats the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon come autumn time. Richness & comfort overwhelms the entire house when delicious cinnamon flavored treats are being concocted in the kitchen. As you all know, I love a delicious treat, but I like to keep it healthy as well. These delectable nibbles encapsulate both deliciousness as well as provide many healthy fats, protein and vitamins to keep you feeling satisfied. 

Not only does noshing on nuts keep your hair & skin beautiful, they can also promote heart health. Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, plant sterols & L-arginine can be found in these powerful snacks. Be conscious when snacking, although delectable, they are calorie dense. Keep serving size to around 1/4 of a cup (roughly 200 calories.)