Spiced Vanilla Pear Muffintops

I was in the mood for something healthy, something sweet, and something delicious.  With a fridge stocked to the max with pears and dried fruit, I decided to experiment a bit.

Sweet

I wanted them to be sweet, but without tons of sugar.  So I boiled dried fruit for 30min, threw in the food processor with a little avocado for creaminess, a few TB Honey and Agave nectar, and 2TB powdered sugar and viola!...Sweetener!

Healthy

I also substituted 1/2 c of whole wheat flour instead of enriched white flour. 

Moist

I added cream cheese (2 TB) instead of oil or butter.  (It is a healthier fat, and full of protein and calcium)

Delicious

The dough was a bit flour-y, so I added 1/8c skim milk and 1/2 c water.  It was soon the perfect consistency.

Pear-filled

The best part was adding all the pears and spices.  I probably added 2-4TB Cinnamon (yes, these muffins have a kick to them!)

Crumbly

Spiced Vanilla Pear Muffintops

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-35 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:•1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•1/2 cup whole wheat flour
•1/2 cup all-natural sweetener (1/2c pureed dried fruit, 1TB honey, 1TB agave, 2TB powdered sugar, 1TB avocado)
•1 TB baking powder
•1/2 tsp salt
•3 TB cinnamon
•1/2 tsp ginger
•1/4 tsp nutmeg
•2TB Cream Cheese
•2TB egg whites
•2 TB Vanilla
•1/2-3/4c warm water
•2 large, ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 380 degrees. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray
Combine flour, sweetener, baking powder and spices in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, combine water, egg whites, cream cheese, and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add egg white mixture. Stir until just moist. Fold in chopped pear. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling them 1/2 full, and bake for 10 minutes.  Dust with powdered sugar.

Makes 18 muffin tops.  (or 12 muffins if you fill them 3/4 full)
High in protein, fiber, and whole wheat!

A Winner! :-)

Enjoy!

In other news, I decided to take today as a rest day since I am running the RACE FOR THE CURE tomorrow.  Time to deck out in Pink!!!! yay!

Happy Friday!

XOXO
Hannah

Lunch at "the tree"

If you went to PBAU, like I did, then you became very familiar with one of the most romantic, awesome hangout spots on Palm Beach Island- "the tree."  Just a bike ride away from campus, the tree was a perfect place to catch an afternoon nap, illegally carve yours and your boyfriend's initials in the branches (hint- I know who you are!!!), read a textbook, or have a picnic.

In fact many engaged couples go there for their engagement/ wedding photo shoots.

"the tree"

So, when Bryan and I started dating I introduced him to this glorious haven.  We grabbed lunch-to-go at Makeb's Bagel Shop, and parked on on of the shaded benches to munch on our everything bagel club sandwiches.  Two words describe it...."Ahhhhhh :)"  and "Yum."

me at the tree

Yes, forever I will love the tree and its magnificent branches.  Breath-taking.

-----------------Today's Workout-------------------
3 miles on the treadmill
2 miles along the waterway (much much better!)
50 crunches
25 side crunches  (hello Summer abs, here I come!!)

------------------Question---------------------
Do you have a favorite park, trail that you find yourself going to often?
The tree is one of mine if I am craving quiet, secluded.  I also love to go walking downtown on Saturday mornings if I want to be around lots of people.
Do you make time to get outside each day?
I do.  I notice such a difference in my mood.  I am much happier with a little vitamin D.

Go Green

One of the best things about being in Florida is that we are always a few hours away from any major Football stadium.  With 3 NFL teams, and tons of  great college teams, its a great place to spectate. 

For Christmas, Bryan received 2 tickets to the MSU Bowl game.  It was a blast.  After Spending time with this little guy....

Ethan Michael, my cute little Nephew

 We arrived in Tampa....

MSU vs. Georgia Bowl Game

 For the game of the season!

What excitement!

 We were on the edge of seats the whole time!

Bryan's mom got us amazing seats just a few rows up from the endzone.

Overall, MSU kicked butt and won by 4 points.  After the 3rd overtime, I was about to die of FREEZING.  The whole day had been extremely warm til about 4pm when tempatures began dropping rapidly. 

After the game the only thing on my mind was.... Get me warm!  We raced to the shuttle pickup point at Burger King and grabbed a hot tea.  Thank God for warm beverages that make life bearable in 50 degree windy weather.

In MN, I used to have the gear for this kind of thing, but now, with a few scarves and sweaters, I find myself frozen to the bone in cold weather. 

Time to start looking for a wool jacket I guess ;-)

Question:
Do you like watching football?
Love it!  I like being outside (when its warm lol). And I love the excitement, the crowds, the cheering, etc. FUN!
Do you normally eat at the game or before/after?
I always eat prior.  The prices are steep at the stadium and not the healthiest options.  I also like to pack snacks like granola and nuts to bring in unsuspected.
Did your college have football?
Mine didn't so I love being able to truely appreciate all teams and the sport itself.  I also have adopted Bryan's team when we go to MSU sporting events together ;-) he got me a shirt and everything!

New Year, New Auntie!

This holiday season has been one to remember!  My life is forever changed- I am an auntie! 

My younger sister had her first baby boy- Ethan Michael mid December. Ethan is a miracle baby.  He arrived 7 weeks early and with a few complications we were all praying for this little guy.  Sure enough he is now home from the hospital and growing every day.  He went from 3lbs to 6lbs in just a few weeks!

There is nothing in the world like holding a new baby for the first time.  I had seen Ethan the day after delivery at the NICU but wasn't able to hold him in my arms.  The day I did.....

......It was PRICELESS!

I hope to be making a lot more trips to Orlando this year to see him!

------------------------
Today's Workout:
I have been really slow at gettign back to the gym since the new year. I have maintained running 4-5 days a week still, but with all the traveling, my workouts haven't been as extensive as usual. 

Today I slept in but I plan on hitting the gym after work for 5 miles on the treadmill!  I also hope to get some weight training.

-----------------------
New Year's Resolutions
1. cut down on sugar intake.  I have gotten in the habit of eating 2-3 desserts a day.
2. 5 days working out a week including one longer run
3. get a promotion
4. run a half marathon
5. have more patience
6. make more time for family and friends