Pre-Workout Caramel Apple Smoothie #BacktoSchoolTreats

I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #BacktoSchoolTreats week recipes. All opinions are mine alone. 

I loved having my teen home this summer.  We got to spend time getting to know each other better as we adjusted to our new normal of being a family.  But I am looking forward to the new school year as is she.  She feel more settled now and ready to concentrate on school rather than being the "new" kid.

I am looking forward to getting back into my routine of hitting the gym three mornings a week.  One of my favorite ways to take care of myself is to get my nutrition in before my exercise with a smoothie.  They are quick, portable and give me enough energy to power through even the toughest workout.

This smoothie contains a whole apple for fiber, Greek yogurt for protein, and Torani syrups for flavoring.  It is like enjoying a caramel apple on your way to the gym.  That is a wonderful way to start your day.

Cheesecake Truffles #NationalCheesecakeDay

All your favorite Cheesecake flavors in chocolate dipped bite size nuggets.

Welcome to National Cheesecake Day.......

Celebrating #BacktoSchoolTreats with Chocolate Malt Waffles

I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #BacktoSchoolTreats week recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Wow, it is hard to believe that summer is nearly over and the school year is upon us. Here in Michigan the kids don't return to school until after Labor Day. In other parts of the country they are returning to school next month. There is a wonderful group of bloggers that are sharing #BacktoSchoolTreats all week long.

I am starting off with a wonderful, filling breakfast that your kids are sure to love. Chocolate malt Waffles studded with chocolate chips and sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can sit down and enjoy a family meal or, if your family is like mine, the kids can grab a waffle and eat while being driven to school. Either way, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that their stomachs are full and their brains are ready to soak in all the teachers have to offer.

Welcome to the first day of Back to School Treats Week.......

Israeli Sticky Wings #ChickenWingDay

This simple Middle Eastern marinade of lemon and olive oil makes a delicious platter of sticky wings that your guests will gobble up in no time.

Welcome to Festive Foodies.  We are celebrating National Chicken Wing Day......

Sourdough Oatmeal Raisin Muffins #MuffinMonday

The fresh tang of sourdough combines with the heartiness of oats and the sweetness of raisins for a muffin so delicious and moist you won't want to stop at one.

It is Muffin Monday and what a great lineup today........

Chocolate Fudge Raspberry Bars #OurFamilyTable

Chewy, fudgy and delicious, these bars are topped with a chocolate ganache and then finished with fresh raspberries.  It is a decadent and lovely dessert.

We are sharing Chocolate Recipes today with the From our Dinner Table group......

Summer Spaghetti Salad and The Weekly Menu

Summertime in this household means lots of entertaining.  This is especially true during the month of July when my brother and his family come in to visit from California.  Luckily vegetables are abundant during the summer and my refrigerator is filled with finds from Farmer's Markets and Roadside stands.

This year, however, we had a very crappy June and our local produce is late getting to the markets. Nearly constant rain and below average temperatures this Spring wreaked havoc on our farmers and their crops.

That didn't stop me from making this Spaghetti Salad using what summertime veggies I had on hand.

Filled with seasonal vegetables and dressed with a store bought robust Italian, this salad can feed a crowd and is ready in minutes.