Healthy Flatbread Recipe

Pizza! Ah! My favorite food! But, cheese and bread has a bad rep for being heavy on the calories. So, why not try a lighter flat-bread that I recently came up with?

Ingredients:

-1 whole wheat flat-bread
-1/2 cup ricotta cheese
-2 oz. part skim shredded mozzarella
-1 slice of turkey bacon cooked and chopped
-1/4 cup of mango in big chunks
-1 tbs. chives chopped

Optional garnish:

-1 tbs. garlic minced
-2 tbs. olive oil


Fierce calorie count: 482 calories!

Instructions:

Take the whole wheat flat-bread and scatter the part skim shredded mozz all over the top! Remember to leave an outer crust.

Next, dabble 5-6 ricotta spoonfuls from the 1/2 cup you sectioned off.

Scatter the turkey bacon bits, mango chunks, and chives all over your flat-bread.

Pop this pizza in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes on 375 degrees.

Take it out when finished and drizzle optional olive oil and minced garlic on top!

Enjoy!

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THE SIMPLEST PANCAKE RECIPE EVER

Okay, pancakes have carbs. And, that sucks. But, let's say it didn't have to be that way. Let's say you could substitute for a dramatically healthier option. BAM.

1 banana

+

1 egg

=

Gluten-free, low calorie pancakes!

Simply mash 1 ripe banana into a bowl until smooth. Then, mix in one egg. Pour into 4 small circles on a non-stick pan. After 1 minute, check to see if edges are golden brown with a spatula. Flip when ready, and cook the other side.

Feel free to include some topping within your batter like I did here! (Cinnamon Pancakes) Additionally, I added 1 teaspoon of baking powder to add fluffiness.

Toppings can include: Fresh fruit, cinnamon, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, honey, natural maple syrup, etc.

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Sun Salutations: Surya Namaskar

Want to lose weight? Increase your flexibility? Challenge your body? Reduce stress? Well, take up yoga! As I am studying to become a certified yoga instructor, I recently started practicing Sun Salutations daily. The results have been a more toned body and a calmer mind. Who wouldn't want that?

Besides the physical benefits, Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, also provide an opportunity to express gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet. That is a beautiful message! And, one that will get you out of bed and up practicing Sun Salutations every day.

For the best results, try and follow the above video every morning. Take breaks accordingly.

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American University - Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Video

I got through to the second phase of the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars, and I am beyond excited. Check out my video submission. Keep your fingers crossed for your girl as she awaits to hear if she made it to phase 3!

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Pesto Hummus, Tomato, and Mozz Panini (Get the Recipe for Pesto Hummus!)

Hot Panini

Cold Sandwich

Chef Turo, the awesome head chef at my school and my awesome Culinary Arts III teacher, said make a panini. He told his students that we could use ham, pork, ground beef, american cheese, steak. We could use the grill and the deep fryer. We could use anything we could find.

So, I decided to use hummus, a healthy spread made from ground chickpeas and sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. And, in a spontaneous decision, I chose to combine the hummus with a pesto sauce. After spreading my creation onto a long slice of rye bread, I topped off my pesto hummus with fresh tomato and a handful of shredded, part-skim mozzarella. I proceeded to press the completed sandwich in the panini machine, and it came out looking ultra fierce. It was possibly the best tasting sandwich I have made thus far. I have my pesto hummus recipe from beginning to end below so you can try it on your next sandwich, too!

Hope you enjoy it!

Fierce Ingredients:
-16 ounces of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed

-1/2 cup basil leaves

-1 clove garlic

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-salt and ground black pepper to taste

The Simple Rundown:

1. Combine the garbanzo beans, basil, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse the combined ingredients several times. You may also choose to chop ingredients by hand, although this may take more time.

2. Use a spoon or spatula to push the mixture from sides of processor bowl. 

3. Pulse the mixture again while drizzling in the olive oil. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, mixing along the way.

4. Spread pesto hummus on your sandwiches and wraps. You can even mix it with some quinoa, like I did with the leftovers the next day! Ultra yummy! Ultra fierce! Enjoy!

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Holiday Avocado Salad!

Here are some facts about the yummy avocado:

1. Many people in Spanish countries start off a meal with a avocado salad instead of salad greens. 
2. The avocado tree (AKA Persea americana tree) is native to Mexico. 
3. The Spanish word for avocado is aguacate. 
4. Avocados are technically fruit, and more specifically, they are considered a one-seeded berry. 
5. Avocados are packed with protein! In fact, one avocado contains four grams of protein, among the highest amount coming from a fruit. 
6. Making cookies? Avocados' creamy texture and healthy fats make it an easy substitute for butter! In the rights proportions of course, take out some of the butter and sub in avocado to make healthier chocolate chip cookies and other delectable treat!

My Puerto Rican family makes a mean avocado salad around the holidays! Below you'll find the delicious recipe! Try it out at your next holiday dinner!

Ensalada de Aguacate

Serves 3 (136 calories per serving)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Fierce Ingredients:

-1 Florida avocado cubed
-1/4 small red onion thinly sliced
-1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
-1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
-Salt and ground pepper to taste.

Fierce Instructions:
1. Place cubed avocado in serving bowl.
2. Toss in thinly cut red onion.
3. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar on top. Add salt and pepper as desired.
4. Carefully toss the salad, making sure you do not smash the avocado.
5. Serve cold.

More holiday recipes to come! Keep your eyes peeled!

Love,

Kelsey

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Peanut Butter and Banana Snack Idea!

Don't grab the cookie! Put it down! Grab a protein-packed, sweet banana instead. Here's how it's done: 

The Fierce Instructions

1. Simply slice a whole banana as shown. 
2. Next, sandwich a little peanut butter in between each slice. (Use 1 tbs. in total.) 
3. Piece the banana back together. 
4. Get a fork. 
5. Eat. 

Another fierce alternative to satisfy your sweet tooth, and it's only 164 calories! Try it for dessert or a snack, but try it today!

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