Homemade Sports Drink

As you might imagine, I have a plethora of cookbooks.  These days, I am trying to pare down rather than add to the collection; the internet (and this website!) have been great for that.  But when given the opportunity to preview the new book by Laura Fuentes (whose blog I have long followed), The Best Homemade Kids' Snacks on the Planet, I realized that this will most definitely be a new addition to the very few and specially selected books that stay in reach on my counter.

Within three days of receiving the book, I had made five of the over 200 recipes, including: Maple Cinnamon Dip (I shared with guests at a gathering with fruit and it was a huge hit), Blueberry Crumble (which disappeared seemingly instantly), Carrot and Zucchini Bars (my neighbor tried these and immediately asked for the recipe), and Baked Zucchini Bites (I thought they may make them until breakfast, but not a chance).

I have since made more (I can't wait to try the Chocolate Chia Seed Mousse next!) but so far, the recipe that I have made most often has been this Homemade Sports Drink.  I am a water drinker, but as I am training for a half marathon, I often need something more after a run on these hot summer days.  I am always reluctant to share store bought sports drinks with my kids, and have never been crazy about them myself, especially with the sugar content.  But there is no questioning the ingredients in this drink, especially when using my favorite Sea Salt from Sea Love!  This easy drink has been my go-to after nearly every run since I got the book in the mail; it is refreshing, thirst-quenching, and helps me to replenish those lost electrolytes.  Plus, it is perfect for my kids after a hard day of play or sports activities.

With super simple snack ideas, drinks, mini-meals, frozen delights, and many no bake recipes, this book is an awesome compilation of recipes that I can feel good about feeding my family.  When stuck in a rut for snack ideas, I now know where I will turn.  I am sure that you will absolutely love this book and we have an opportunity for you to win a copy!

COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE BEST HOMEMADE KIDS' SNACKS ON THE PLANET  We are sorry - this giveaway has ended.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups cold water
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (try Sea Love's!)
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a pitcher, combine water, pineapple juice, sea salt, and baking soda.
2. Refrigerate until cold.  Serve over ice.

Difficulty: Super easy

Time: less than 5 minutes, plus time to cool

Source: The Best Homemade Kids' Snacks on the Planet

We are thrilled to be able to offer a lucky winner a copy of The Best Homemade Snacks on the Planet! To enter, just leave a comment in the comment section below.  The contest runs until 9pm August 2, 2015.  We are sorry - this giveaway has ended.

Almond Brownies

We are pumped to post this brownie recipe for several reasons.  First, this recipe is a sneak preview of Tia Mowrey's, whose show Tia Mowry at Home premiers on The Cooking Channel on Wednesday, April 29th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT.  Tia is a busy mom herself, and we are thrilled to have been asked by The Food Network/The Cooking Channel to give her recipe a try in our Busy Moms' kitchens.

Second, I am excited to share this recipe because, well, these brownies are flat out awesome.  The prunes seem a bit unconventional, but the added sweetness and flavor mixed with the cocoa, mmmmmm.... And the best part? The sea salt sprinkled on top.  The combination of the sweet, almondy, chocolaty goodness and the salty topping provided by our favorite sea salt - Sea Love Sea Salt out of Wrightsville Beach, NC - is decadent and irresistible.  This one is so worth the splurge.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup prune puree (I used baby food)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (try Sea Love's!)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease an 8-by-8-inch pan with butter. Cut a piece of parchment to hang over 2 sides of the pan.  Mix together the butter and almond butter by hand in a large mixing bowl. Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then add them to the butter mixture. Mix in the sugar, prune puree and vanilla.
2. Whisk together the cocoa powder, flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gently stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix by hand just until combined; do not over-mix. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the flaky sea salt.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the brownies comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool, and then cut into squares.

Difficulty: medium

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes 20 minutes prep as well as cooking and cooling time)

Source: Tia Mowry at Home- Premiering Wednesday, April 29^th at 9:00pmET/6:00pmPT - SERIES PREMIERE! (COOKING CHANNEL)