Snacks, hmmmm, sitting in front of the TV you suddenly want a snack. You develop a “taste for something”, as the old folks used to say. What shall it be? Salty, sweet, nutty, creamy?

My go to snack is Handel’s ice cream, I usually get it once a month as my treat. The creamy silky taste of the chocolate is stupendous! However , that is not to say I don’t enjoy other snacks. In fact I recently had an experience with one of my faves.

I was sitting in the “she cave” binging on Netflix when I thought, “I got a taste for something”. As my mind went through all the choices I had on hand, Skinny Pop came to the forefront of my mind. That delectable popcorn that is high on flavor, but low in calories.

Before I finish that saga, let me share with you a little history. Some years ago during a colonoscopy, the physician discovered I had diverticula in my colon. No panic, they are just little pockets that have formed over the years. Its fine as long as you don’t overdo nuts, seeds, and you guessed it popcorn.

Not thinking I gorged out on Skinny Pop popcorn and needless to say suffered for it the next two days.

I want to share with you some healthy snacks that you will definitely make again and again. The first two are smoothies and may hold no surprises. The last two are deserts. If you try them leave your comments to let me know what you think.

All of these recipes can be done in a blender or food processor.

Tropical Smoothie ( ingredients may be fresh or frozen)

1 cup papaya

1 cup mango

1 handful of spinah

1/2 – 1cup water, juice, or almond milk

Add ingredients to a blender, pulse until smooth, enjoy!

Energy Burst Smoothie

1 cup strawberries

1/2 cup spinach

1/2 cup fresh beets

1 avocado, pitted and peeled

3/4 cup water, juice, or almond milk

Blend until smooth and get your energy for the day!

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

2 ripe avocados

1/4 cup cocao powder

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

3-4 tablespoons almond milk ( or your choice)

1/8 teaspoon salt

sweetener of your choice ( 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, or stevia)

Combine in the blender until smooth, chill and dig in!

Black Bean Brownies

1 1/2 cups black beans ( 1 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 cup quick oats

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients, except chips, and blend until completely smooth. Blend well, stir in chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan.

Bake the brownies 15 -18 minutes, let cool at least 10 minutes. Cut and serve, makes 9-12 brownies.

Dive in !!!

Give these treats a try, you may find something “you got a taste for”

Peace and Blessings