Category: Trader Joe’s

Peanut Butter Cup Blender Banana Muffins

Food, Recipe, Trader Joe's, Treats

This recipe originated due to several overripe bananas hanging over my fruit basket. We love banana bread and banana muffins in our house, but “the all things pumpkin” has been the prevailing theme to all my recent baking and recipes lately. The banana was long forgotten for a time there.

Well, there hung four overripe bananas, and I already had plenty in my freezer for smoothies, baking, and nice cream. Hating to throw food away, I decided to bake something with them. It had been a while since I had baked muffins. We love them for snacks, breakfast and desserts. I ALWAYS try to bake a double batch so to have some in the freezer.

Wanting to make my Sunday as relaxing as possible, I set out to see if I could make this entire recipe in one appliance – the blender (and the oven of course). I googled around for inspiration and came across a recipe by Erin. I have made a lot of her recipes. They are always healthy and yet tasty. I made a few tweaks, and I really liked my result.

These muffins are amazing fresh out of the oven as the chocolate and peanut butter cups melt to perfection. However, it’s a recipe that gets sweeter with time. They will store well on the counter for 1-2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and freezer for 3+ months.

Blender Peanut Butter Cup Banana Muffins

  • Servings: 12
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

A healthy, fun, and easy muffin recipe for your busy week.


Ingredients

  • 2 overripe bananas
  • 100 g oats (about 1 cups)
  • 170 g nonfat greek yogurt (3/4 cup)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 TBS liquid egg whites (46 g)
  • 1/2 TBS vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 TBS baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 TBS honey
  • 24 grams mini chocolate chips
  • 4 Trader Joe’s miniature dark chocolate peanut butter cups, roughly chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375. Prepare muffin tin.
  2. In blender place all ingredients except for the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.
  3. Blend all the ingredients until smooth. I used a Vitamix, so I use that to scrape down the size and ensure all ingredients get mixed together. If using another blender, you might need to scrape down the sides once or twice.
  4. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  5. Distribute the batter into the muffin tins.
  6. Sprinkle the peanut butter cups onto the tops. You can gently push them into the batter as well.
  7. Bake for 15-16 minutes.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 104 calories; 16 g carbohydrate; 3 g fat; 4 g protein.

These are yummy fresh out of the oven, but if you can wait for the next day, they will be even sweeter.

Meal Planning Monday

Food, Lifestyle, Trader Joe's

After perusing through my freezer the other day, I realized how much food was there – and food that has been in there for far too long! So much of it I want to eat, but for some reason I just haven’t! So I’m committing this week to working from that menu.

From my freezer I have some gnocchi from Trader Joe’s that is delicious. I have gotten this and eaten it before, so I know I love it. Why have I not eaten it? Truth? It got shoved down underneath other foods in my freezer, and I simply forgot about it!

The “red bag chicken” from Aldi is another family favorite. This chicken is the most like Chick-fil-a. Put one of these on a bun with some Honey Mustard, BBQ or copycat Chick-fil-a sauce, pickle, and you have yourself a Chick-fil-a sandwich. Seriously. It is a must try.

Thirdly, these Cowboy veggie burgers from Trader Joe’s are amazing. I will pop these in the air fryer, and then eat them atop my spinach salads. So good.

Also, for my carb, I have rice and pasta in the pantry that I will cook up for sides to my meals for added carbs as needed.

I did get fresh veggies and fruit from the grocery last weekend. We will eat these to fill on our meals and snacks.

So, the plan is to not cook or prepare anything new – I plan to use up these foods first. This should in theory free me up to get a lot done this week, right!?

🤣 We shall see…

Trader Joe’s Tuesday

Recipe, Trader Joe's

Yesterday I talked about meal prep and yesterday’s breakfast happened to turn into accidental meal prep. I have been wanting to try this box mix of pumpkin pancakes from Trader Joe’s. Monday morning seemed like as good a day as any. We were all SLOW to get up and around! Whew! It took me a solid two cups of coffee before I felt like my mind was functioning at somewhat normal capacity. So I thought pancakes might kick start us a little. 😉

I started by making one batch of these pancakes. I wasn’t sure if the kids would be super into them. For the most part they all like pumpkin flavored baked goods. However, if the pumpkin spice is too much, they don’t prefer it. Well, these were SO GOOD. It’s rare that every child likes the same thing equally. Typically one of my kiddos loves something while another dislikes or at the very least is “meh” towards it. However, all three LOVED these pancakes! So while I had the bowl, whisk, spatula, ingredients, and skillet out, I decided that rather than having to drag it all out again another day this week – I should just make the entire box. This way we can simply reheat in the microwave or toaster.

After eating all we wanted this morning, we have about 10 pancakes leftover. The kids can reheat them tomorrow or later this week, while I can be busy getting ready, finishing my workout, starting laundry, or whatever it is that I might be running around doing. 🤣 I love easy breakfasts!!!

The recipe on the box calls for 2 TBS of melted butter, 1 egg and 3/4 cup of milk combined with 1 cup of the mix. However, I omitted the butter (didn’t miss it at all), used 3 TBS of liquid egg whites and 3/4 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk and added a dash of vanilla extract (which we believe is a necessary ingredient for any pancake recipe).

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pancakes

  • Servings: 20 pancakes
  • Difficulty: EASY
  • Print

Ingredients

  • 1 box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake & Waffles mix
  • 2 1/4 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 9 TBS liquid egg whites

Directions

  1. Mix all the ingredients, whisk until just combined. There will be some lumps. Don’t overmix.
  2. Heat skillet or electric skillet to 350 (I like my electric skillet for large batches of pancakes)
  3. Spray skillet with nonstick spray.
  4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter to form a pancake (1/4 cup makes a good size pancake for stacking).
  5. Cook until bubbly and flip.
  6. Continue until all batter is used.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 163 calories; 22.3 grams carbohydrates; 6.3 grams fat; 6.3 grams protein

I have heard that Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix is also to die for – even if you are not gluten free. I intend to grab some of this next time I go as well!

Trader Joe’s Tuesday

Recipe, Trader Joe's

Another EASY PEEZY recipe coming at you, courtesy of Trader Joe’s fall finds. If you haven’t already concluded, I am thoroughly enjoying all the fall, seasonal items at Trader Joe’s.

Last weekend I was not feeling super well. My allergies have gotten crazy bad. They always do this time of year. Harvest in Indiana is a very exciting time for my family, as I come from a family of farmers. However, the season sends my sinuses and allergies into full on inflamed and plugged ears, sinuses, itchy and watery eyes…Every. Single. Year. Like clockwork it happens, but I just know when it comes, it is what it is.

John and Abigail were at a soccer tournament. The weather was rainy and cold! So I stayed home with the boys. It was the perfect weather to lay around and stay inside. While lying around, Harrison decided he wanted to bake. (?!?) How in the world he was inspired in this way I do not know. Normally I am DOWN to bake something, but that day in particular? The LAST thing I felt like doing was trying to wrangle a 5 year old boy in the kitchen, having him bake something while doing my best to prevent the entire contents of flour, or something like flour, falling on the floor.

OK I’m maybe being slightly dramatic. He does pretty well in the kitchen actually, but I was not about to choose something complex.

Trader Joe’s to the rescue. I knew just the thing I had been wanting to try…Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix!

Look at how pretty and easy…3 simple ingredients…actually 4. It calls for water as well. 😉 Seriously, Trader Joe’s products are so amazing for busy moms and busy people. They do such a great job of providing quality foods with quality ingredients in a convenient package, helping us all to eat well without requiring hours spent in the kitchen.

You know that I love to spend time in the kitchen, but life doesn’t always support this. Frankly there are times when I don’t want to be in the kitchen for hours on end. I would rather be somewhere else, doing something else, or snuggling under a cozy blanket with my loved ones.

I mean how cute. Wouldn’t you want to cuddle with this munchkin?

This cookie mix is Da Bomb. Sooo delicious. The chocolate chunks are the perfect ratio of dark chocolate, and they are VERY generous with amount of chunks. They weren’t kidding, calling it the Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Mix.

I do have to warn you that, if you are on the fence with pumpkin spice flavor, you might not prefer these. They do have a strong pumpkin spice flavor to them. Though for me, the pumpkin spice flavor combined with the chocolate chunks, is perfection.

Also, this is how incredibly lazy I was feeling…cookies just frankly sounded like too much work. LOL. Seriously. Scooping and measuring 24 cookies and baking in more than one batch was just more than I wanted to commit to doing. So we made these in a 9×13 baking pan lined with parchment paper. I’m winning at efficiency people. 😁

Clearly this pan has been well-loved. 😉

TJ's Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Bars

  • Servings: 24 bars
  • Difficulty: EASY
  • Print

Ingredients

  • Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix
  • 8 TBS I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Light
  • 1 large egg
  • 2-4 TBS of water (the recipe calls for 2 TBS, but the batter was so thick I added 2-4 more TBS)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix all the ingredients well.
  3. Bake for 15 +/- minutes per your preference. We like our cookies and bars a little underdone and gooey. Mission accomplished at 15 minutes for us.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 154 calories; 21 g carbohydrates; 7.5 g fat; 2.2 g protein

Enjoy!


Friday Favorites

Amazon, Favorites, Lifestyle, Recipe, Trader Joe's

Yay! It’s Friday!!! The vibe of a Friday is just awesome. Let’s celebrate by looking into some of my recent favorite things!

So it’s officially fall, and here in Indiana the weather is 100% on brand with fall. In Indiana you never know – some years the weather is cool as it is “supposed to be.” Other years we can still be swimming and enjoying the steamy hot weather. I am still holding on to the fact that we might still get some warm enough days to jump in for a swim (well the kids will at least – if it’s below 90 degrees I’m probably not getting in myself 😉).

Favorite #1

Walks. The trees and leaves are changing colors and the beauty of the leaves along with the brisk temperatures makes for beautiful walks. Recently I committed to walking two miles a day, simply because I want to increase my steps. Since the kids have gone back to school I have been sitting at my computer a lot more, and my bum just gets tired of sitting! If I can get outside for a midday walk and then maybe another walk in the evening with John, Bailey and/or the kids…this is such a mind and mood booster! I had no idea when committing to walking more how much my mind and heart would benefit beyond just getting in my steps!

This has been my view this week. 🍂🍁

Favorite #2

My space heater by my desk. 🤣 Although the fall weather brings on all the happy vibes, I’m also cold now. All. The. Time. Sitting at my desk working, I’m COLD. I have my space heater on high most every minute I am sitting. It helps me feel comfortable so I’m not constantly wanting to get up to do something else. This space heater from Amazon is similar to the one I am using.

Favorite #3

Hot Tea, Hot Coffee!!! I am on a constant cup of something hot. I start with lots of coffee in my mornings. Then, around noon I start on hot tea and decaf coffee. I drink lots of water in between as well. These hot drinks though are sweet drops of liquid comfort.

This tea is the GOAT of all teas. It does have a little bit of caffeine, so if you are sensitive in the afternoons to caffeine, be aware. A decaf alternative that is nice as well is

I have super been loving this coffee for a fall change to my normal Starbucks blend. It’s a big strong on the spice for John, so I half the blends.

Favorite #4

This sweater I found on Amazon. It is SO WARM, SOFT, and COZY. It is the perfect sweater to add to your outfit. It works well with leggings, jeans, and would probably look really cute paired with a skirt or t-shirt dress as well! I’ve linked it below.

MEROKEETY Women’s Long Sleeve Soft Chunky Knit Sweater Open Front Cardigan Outwear with Pockets

Favorite #5

I had basically given up on dry shampoo. All of them left my hair feeling chalky, gritty, and basically gross. I couldn’t stand using the stuff…until a friend recommended this product. This Drybar Detox brand is awesome! It does NOT make my hair feel gross at all (unless we are on day 4 – then my hair is just getting gross period 😁). My hair still feels soft and healthy. Best of all is how good it smells! Even my kids will notice and comment on how good I smell if I have used it. If on the hunt for a dry shampoo, you must give this one a try!

Also, side note, I feel like it blends well. Depending on the color of hair you have, I can’t guarantee that it will blend with your coloring. I have a bit darker hair with some highlights, and it disappears really well with my coloring. I’m sure there are some reviews that address this if concerned. 😉

Favorites #6 and #7

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix combined with their Pumpkin Butter.

Simply replace the 1/2 cup of oil called for in the recipe with 1/2 cup of Pumpkin Butter. You’re welcome. 🥰

I made a batch of muffins and bread earlier in the week, and they were devoured. They are SUPER moist, extra sweet and simply delicious! Super easy baked good, and guaranteed deliciousness.

Top it with some https://www.americandreamnutbutter.com/ Cinnamon Toffee Crunch, and it’s next level. Save with FITFOODIE10.

Have a Happy Friday folks! ❤️

Fall Finds at Trader Joe’s

Lifestyle, Trader Joe's
Yes I realize I need to do away with summery flowers now with my pumpkins, but I can’t get motivated to get rid of the pop of color and life these pots give me.

Yesterday I went to Trader Joe’s for “a few things.” Famous last words, I know. I pulled up and saw the pumpkins and thought, “Today is the day I will get my pumpkins are start getting my house decorated for fall.” (It’s very hard for me to move out of summer).

Then, I walked inside the store and was hit with all the amazing pumpkin and fall seasoned products, and I COULD NOT RESIST! I love pumpkin flavored food! Always have.

Here are some things I found. Many of these products I have tried before but some are new to me. Thus far everything I have tried has been YUM!!!

The pumpkin spice pretzel slims – oh my goodness so good!!! The apple fruit snacks literally taste like little fruit snacks, and maple butter is just as wonderful as it sounds.
This spread is OH MY GOODNESS good. So much better than I anticipated even. I put it on a rice cake, but I can’t wait to put it in my oats or eat on my bread, toast or pumpkin bread. I can’t quite believe how much it truly tastes like a Cinnamon Bun!
This bread and muffin mix is unbelievable. Last year I had to make several trips to get more boxes. The bread is so moist (ick – I know – hate the word but I have to use it here). When checking out with my first box last fall, the cashier told me to replace the oil with their pumpkin butter. You guys – next level. So good. Must try!!!
All the cute pumpkins. I bought nine and placed them all over my house. Such a reasonable, easy way to decorate for fall. Also, their candles are amazing, and I feel like they sell out so quickly. So I snagged the Vanilla Pumpkin. I love having candles lit. Provides such a cozy atmosphere, and I love to have things smelling beautiful.
This hand soap smells AMAZING. I bought three and wish I had gotten more. Earlier today I kept wondering what I put on that smelled so good (I was thinking lotion? Perfume? What could it be?), and then I realized it was the hand soap! Also, I love this body butter! I was excited to see it in stock again!
This coffee is delicious!!!
I got three of these for the kiddos. We love to do gingerbread houses around Christmastime, so I thought these looked super fun! AND it’s still nice outside, so I think we will do them outside! 👍🏻👍🏻 Creating the mess outside? Win! Win! Win! 😉