Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast Recipe simplyhappenstance.com #cleaneating #avocadosAvocado Toast //

So… I’ve been on a serious {carb-overload} toast kick. I can’t seem to shake it. I usually start my day with a healthy, protein-packed smoothie, but lately… all I crave is a warm cup of coffee and a buttery piece of toast. {Yikes!} Perhaps not the healthiest way to start my day {insert frown face}. I’ve noticed within an hour or two, my stomach is already growling. I decided it’s best not to fight my craving, but instead… let it ride out. After all, how long can this toast addiction of mine last?

So, in an effort to make my latest obsession a little more nutritious, I gave Gwyneth Paltrow’s recipe for Avocado Toast a try. It’s from her It’s All Good cookbook – a fave of mine! You guys… how have I not been eating this? Not only did I love it… but so did 3 out of 4 of my kids {success, right?}! It reminded me of my husby’s tasty homemade guacamole on toast! PERFECTION, I tell you!

Avocado Toast | simplyhappenstance.com #cleaneating #avocados

As you can imagine, the ingredients are super simple… some healthy bread, mayo, ripe avocados, sea salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.  [Read more…]

Vanilla Bean Scones

Vanilla Bean Scones {recipe on simplyhappenstance.com}-33Vanilla Bean Scones //

My kids and I love the little Vanilla Bean Scones at Starbucks. Unfortunately, we don’t get them too often, because they tend to run out early in the day. They’re delicious (and clearly we aren’t the only ones who think so)!

Having never made scones before, I decided to search for a ‘copycat’ recipe online. Lucky for me, I came across one that The Pioneer Woman posted some time ago. I wouldn’t describe the recipe as quick and easy, friends… rather, I think it’s a bit labor intensive. (Sort of like the work involved in making homemade sugar cookies, cutting them out, frosting them, etc.) There’s lots of love that goes into creating these little gems, but it makes them absolutely irresistible!

I’m sort of at a loss for words in describing them, but in my (“expert” of all-things-sweet) opinion, they’re the perfect flakey scone texture! The glaze compliments the slightly sweet biscuit, sealing in the moisture. However, the star of the scone is definitely the vanilla bean! Did you know that there are usually 25,000 tiny vanilla seeds in one scraped vanilla bean pod? Amazing! Well, all of those mini flecks add the most intense flavor!  [Read more…]

Blueberry Pear Smoothie

Blueberry Pear Smoothie Recipe via Simply HappenstanceBlueberry Pear Smoothie //

It’s so funny with the New Year, one instantly feels the need to refresh, tweak a few things around, and try a little harder… for instance with healthier eating. Am I right? I know for me… even without compiling a bunch of resolutions, I ALWAYS have the urge to clean up my act in the eating department, come January! I think I’ve seriously tried it all, you guys. I’ve done an elimination diet, become completely vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free… I’ve even done two back-to-back rounds of the Whole30! Yikes! Sort of crazy…. I know!

Well, this year is really no different. I started off thinking I may attempt 100 days of Real Food with a dear friend of mine, but I’ve already thrown in the towel. Before you feel sorry for my lack of commitment, please know that I don’t plan on eating ding dongs all day {do they still make those?}. Instead, I am just going to do my best. That.Is.All. After all, I think I know what to do at this point… and I’m sort of over following guidelines.

So, with that being said… I picked up this lovely Juice/Smoothie recipe book from Barnes & Noble over the holidays. {It was in the bargain section, which made me like it even more!} It’s a really pretty book… I highly recommend it for the pictures and for recipe inspiration! 

blueberry pear smoothie | recipe at simplyhappenstance.com [Read more…]

Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie

Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie is a healthy Halloween Treat.:: Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie ::

Halloween is just around the corner, why not cut the sweets by serving your little ghouls this Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie! I don’t know about you, but the begging for sweets has already started.  I decided that it’s best not to take my kids to Target in the next coming months.  Believe me, we all love shopping the aisles there, but letting my kids check out the Halloween decor along with the Christmas aisle one row over, and you have them begging and pleading for all of the holiday treats.  I know they will have their fair share of it all, but I am going to try to combat some of their sweets with the serving of this simple and fun Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie. You will be enjoying the fact that this crafty creation is full of fruits and veggies making this treat truly spell binding….hee hee hee! [Read more…]

The Perfect Dutch Baby

Dutch Baby {simplyhappenstance.com} #dutchbaby #breakfast:: The Perfect Dutch Baby ::

I may need an intervention! I recently made my first ever Dutch Baby {which is sometimes called a German Pancake, a Bismarck, or a Dutch Puff}.  I’ve since made a few more batches, using my new favorite cast iron skillet. I may be addicted, friends! I love the simplicity of the ingredients, and how you can easily change the taste by the toppings you choose.  I also love the flavor and texture! It reminds me of a mix between a pancake, crepe, and an omelet. {Is that strange?! I promise it’s utterly delicious!} The edges end up golden brown in color, and slightly chewy/crispy {sort of omelet-like}, while the inside of the Dutch Baby becomes an almost custard-like consistency. It’s hard to put into words — but trust me, it’s crazy good! 

The first Dutch Baby I made, I topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a drizzle of raw honey. I dressed the second batch with a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh blueberries {pictured}. The third batch I made, I simply dipped each bite into a bath of  pure maple syrup! I’ve yet to try a hint of fresh squeezed lemon and butter, but I’ve been told it’s a favorite among many! [Read more…]

Greens Detox Smoothie

Healthy and Easy Greens Detox Smoothie using Aloha Greens:: Greens Detox Smoothie ::

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Aloha, but all opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyAloha #AlohaMoment  https://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

It’s September and school is back in full swing, which means it’s time to get back into a health and fitness routine! This Greens Detox Smoothie recipe, made with Aloha Blend Box of Daily Good Greens, is the perfect start to a busy school day!

Our summer is officially over, as our first full week of school has been completed. The new school year brings along the possibility of a fresh beginning {after a summer filled with ice cream and barbecues}.  I am excited to up my yoga routine, and to use this Greens Detox Smoothie to get my mornings off to a positive and healthy start!   [Read more…]