Blueberry Lemon Pop Tarts

Blueberry Lemon Pop Tarts

The top three childhood foods have to be Mac and Cheese, Fruit Loops and of course, Pop Tarts. Honestly, these foods still make frequent guest star appearances in my life. Pop Tarts are just a tried and true staple that is there for you in times of need. Its that best friend you can count on in any situation. Did I just call Pop Tarts my best friend? I guess I did and you know what? I am not ashamed. A girl could do worse. And in that case, I’m giving my best friend a little make over. Blueberry Lemon Pop Tarts anyone?

Crust:
2 c. Flour
1 Egg
1/3 c. Sugar
1 Stick and 2 tbl. Butter
1 1/2 tsp. Salt

Filling:
1 1/2 c. Blueberries
1/4 c. Water
1/3 c. Sugar
1 1/2 tbl. Flour
1/2 tbl. lemon Zest
Pinch of Salt

Begin by making the crust. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Blend in butter until the mixture forms small crumbles, then add the egg. Once the dough is formed, place in the refrigerator and chill.

Next step is to make the filling. Place blueberries, water, sugar, lemon zest, and salt in a small sauce pan, simmer on medium heat. When the blueberries begin to break down, and soften add the flour to thicken the mixture. Once the filling has thickened and the blueberries have completely softened, take it off the heat and refrigerate.

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Once the blueberry filling has cooled, remove the filling and crust from the fridge. Roll out the dough and cut it into eighteen, 4×3 rectangles. Place half of the rectangles on a parchment lined baking sheet and spoon blueberry filling in the middle of each rectangle. Place another dough rectangle on top and crimp closed.
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Bake at 350 degrees for fifteen minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Allow the Pop Tarts to cool completely until adding the icing. Combine confectioners sugar, water and food dye together and pour on top of the Pop Tarts. And don’t forget the sprinkles!

Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt

Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt

Winter might still be coming on Game of Thrones, but summer is officially here! Throw on your flip flops, bathing suits, and floppy hats, because it’s time for some fun in the sun. While you start dipping your toe in the sun bathing pool, you’ll need a friend to keep you nice and cool! How about a sweet and refreshing treat? Real strawberries, blueberries and yogurt? Yep, you’re ready for it. Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt. So easy and delicious! Jon Snow would hand in his furry cloak to sit pool side for this recipe.

1 c. Strawberries
1 c. Blueberries
1 tb. Sugar
4 tsp. Honey
1 c. Greek Yogurt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Separately, roast one cup of blueberries and one cup of chopped strawberries for fifteen minutes.
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Using two bowls, place half of a cup of greek yogurt and two teaspoons honey. Once the berries are finished, add blueberries to one bowl and strawberries to the other.
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With a hand mixer, whip the yogurt mixture until the berries are completely blended.

Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and pour the two bowls of yogurt on separate sides of the pan. Swirl the two sides together, using a fork, and freeze the yogurt over night. By the morning you’ll have delicious frozen yogurt!
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Three Smoothies for Spring

It’s finally the first week of Spring! I think many of us thought we wouldn’t make it… and by us, I mean me :-). Flowers are finally blooming and new fresh fruits and veggies are at the ready! Time to make some sweet smoothies with our fruity friends. But where to begin?!?! Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Three smoothie recipes to make your day brighter and full of flavor. Let start this Spring off the right way. Get a pep in our step and a smoothie in our bellies. To the blender!

Strawberry Chocolate Smoothie
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Ingredients:

8 Large strawberries
1 C. Chocolate Coconut water
1 Banana
1/2 Tbl. Honey
2Ttbl. Greek Yogurt
A handful of spinach
5 Ice cubes

Put all the ingredients in the blender and liquify until all the ingredients have mixed and completely blended. I’m no doctor, but this smoothie has enough potassium help with effects of any late night.

PBJ Smoothie
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Ingredients:

1C. Almond Milk
3 Tbl. Nut butter (I used almond butter but you can use whatever you like)
2 Tbl. Greek Yogurt
1/2 C. Blueberries
A few ice cubes

Blend all the ingredients until the drink is smooth and creamy. Yes, I do love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I mean who doesn’t?! Try this smoothie out. Trust me you won’t be disappointed.

Chai Tea Latte Smoothie
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Ingredients:
1 Tea bag Chai Tea
1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp. Ginger
1/4 Tsp. All Spice
1/4 Tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 Tsp. Cloves
1 Tsp. Maple Syrup

1/4 C. Greek Yogurt
1/4 C. Rolled Oats
1 Banana
1 Ttbl. Maple Syrup
A handful of ice cubes

Begin by steeping the Chai tea. Add all the spices and 1 Tsp. of maple syrup to the hot tea water and let it cool. This tea can be made the night before and cooled. It makes enough for two smoothies.

Once the tea is cooled add a 1/2 cup of Chai tea to the blender along with the Greek yogurt, rolled oats, banana, and maple syrup. Liquify the ingredients until everything is thoroughly blended. This smoothie is a great way to start your day. It has caffeine to get you going, and banana and oats to keep you going.