A Few of My Favorite Things...

 #1. My Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake!

This cake was a big hit with the Mr. when I made it a few months ago, which is saying something considering the fact that he eats about 2 slices of cake a year. 

We average about 400 slices a year between us...soooo, yeah.

I decided to whip it up again for Mother's Day!

Just FYI, this cake is not a beacon of health, but it is perfect for special occasions and insanely delicious.

(recipe at the bottom of this post!)

 #2. Pasta!

Specifically salad and pasta together, like the one that was enjoyed tonight!

After a rather intense day of BodyPump, work, and then Spin, I was one hungry hippo once I got home tonight. 

I quickly assembled this simple salad (greens, carrots, tomatoes, honey mustard) and pasta dish to tame my roaring belly!

 This pasta is super simple and SO good. 

I have a serious obsession with Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo, but no one seems to carry spinach fettuccine anymore! 

I also can't seem to make myself purchase jarred alfredo sauce after reading the ingredients list, so this is my "healthified" version of it :)

 So that brings us to...

#3. Goat Cheese!

  Actually, let's call this Goat Cheese Mac (recipe at the end of this post!), because that is exactly what the taste and texture reminds me of.

Ok, moving on to my recent breakfasts and snacks.

#4. Clif!

 I am addicted to these mini bars. They are the perfect fuel for my 5:30AM Pump class, since my hunger normally has not kicked in yet but I still want to munch on something.

 And look what I FINALLY finished off!! Overnight oats were enjoyed out of my almost empty Wild Squirrel Curios Cocoa-Nut jar the other morning. Sad to see it go but...

 ...on to the next!

#5. Wild Squirrel Nut Butter

I busted out the Chocolate Sunflower Seed Almond Butter today and OOMMMGGGG...total bliss.

Plopped on top of overnight oats? Holy help me. I want this in my life every single day.

If you have not jumped on the Wild Squirrel train, grab a handle and RIDE. Amaze.

I hope your Tuesday was as fabulous as YOU are!!! Now make this cake and pasta and enjoy them with someone you love!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box French Vanilla cake mix (I like Duncan Hines Supermoist)
• 1 small box vanilla-flavored instant pudding mix
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 6 Tbsp creamy peanut butter, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter and flour two 8" round cake pans.
3. Place all ingredients (except peanut butter!!) in a large bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Pour evenly into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out fairly clean.
5. Cool in pans for 5-10 minutes, then remove from pans and place on a cooling rack until cakes are room temp.
6. Spread 3 Tbsp peanut butter on top of each cake layer.
7. Frost with cream cheese frosting, spreading the frosting right on top of the peanut butter layers.

  Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temp
• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temp
• 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. With an electric mixer, beat butter and cream cheese together until soft and fluffy.
2. Gradually add in powdered sugar and salt until fully combined.
3. Gradually add in cream and beat until smooth.
4. Mix in vanilla until combined.
5. Beat icing until spreading consistency (3-4 minutes on medium speed).
6. Frost that cake!

Goat Cheese Mac

Ingredients:

• 1 package spinach pasta (any shape will work)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 4 links spinach and feta chicken sausage, sliced into coins
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup roasted tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup marinated mushrooms, chopped
•  1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 8oz container crumbled goat cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and sausage and saute until onion is soft and sausage is almost cooked throughout.
4. Add remaining ingredients and saute until heated thoroughly and goat cheese is completely melted.

ENJOY!