Hey guys!

I was thrilled that amongst the usual nonsense of Health Magazine’s November issue (ya know — the how to lose 5 pounds in 5 minutes and how to have great sex even when dead crap), there was a one-page article on Alicia Silverstone’s October book release, The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet.  Even though I cringe at the title, I had been excited to try a recipe from this book ever since Lindsay of Happy Herbivore posted on the book here.  Also, I just generally have a soft-spot for Alicia as she seems filled with that idealism I lost when I went over to the cranky side (plus – not gonna lie – Clueless is one of my all-time favorite movies, don’t judge!).  So, I tried the recipe for CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS *swoon* below and I’ll tell you what I thought…

Alicia’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Earth Balance natural spread (dairy free butter) — 640 calories, 72 g fat, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
• 3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (preferably natural, unsweetened, and unsalted) -*I used Kirkland Brand Organic Peanut Butter, Smooth* — 1200 calories, 90 g fat, 12 g fiber, 54 g protein
• 3/4 c graham cracker crumbs or 10 graham cracker squares, crushed -*I used 5 Trader Joe’s Old Fashioned Cinnamon Grahams (NOT vegan b/c they have honey) — 240 calories, 8 g fat, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein Note: these MAY have honey in them!
• 1/4 cup maple sugar or other granulated sweetener -*I used Trader Joe’s Organic Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar* — 60 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
• 1 c grain-sweetened nondairy chocolate chip or carob chips-*I used Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips* — 1280 calories, 64 g fat, 16 g fiber, 16 g protein
• 1/4 c soy, rice or nut milk-*I used Blue Diamond Natural Almond Breeze, Unsweetened Vanilla* — 10 calories, 0.75 g fat, 0.5 g fiber, 0.25 g protein
• 1/4 c chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts-*I used Kirkland brand Pecans* — 200 calories, 20 g fat, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein

Directions

• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. (Find out where to find unbleached liners at ifyoucare.com). Set the tin aside.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and maple sugar; mix well. Remove the mixture from the heat.  Divide mixture evenly (about two tablespoons per cup) among the muffin cups.
• Combine the chocolate and milk in another pan. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate has melted.  Spoon the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter mixture. Top with chopped nuts. Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Total Nutritional Composition:  3630 calories, 254.75 g fat, 32.50 g fiber, 77.25 g protein
  
• Per 1/12: 302.50 calories, 21.23 g fat, 2.71 g fiber, 6.44 g protein

The Cranky One Cautions

I thought these peanut butter cups tasted delicious — like amazingly delicious because the graham cracker crunch mixes with the peanut butter smoothness and is then heightened by the chocolate topping and *oh-em-gee-i’m-drooling* factor; however, I will not make them again unless I severely alter the recipe. This recipe is a prime example of how the “vegan” or “vegetarian” label do not give you a free-for-all pass to gorge on the food.  One dessert portion packing over 302 calories and 21 grams of fat is a little crazy in my book unless it’s a slice of cheesecake the size of my head.  While these treats certainly are good, I would be much happier portioning them out to half their size and altering the recipe so it’s not so saturated with fat.  Seriously, if you eat two of them that’s 605 calories and 42.46 grams of fat — that’s close in calories to, and yet MORE fat than, a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and small French Fries (641 calories & 30.5 g fat for the McDonald’s combo) — granted, eating saturated meat fat is presumably worse for your health and the environment at large, but…seriously…

Suggested Alterations

• Use half a cup of Better ‘N Peanut Butter and a quarter of regular peanut butter and you’d cut a total of 400 calories and 52 g of fat! that’s better ‘n nuts! Note: Better ‘N Peanut Butter is NOT vegan.
• Use Carob Chips instead of Chocolate Chips — Based on the Sunspire brand of Carob Chips, you’d cut a total of 36 g of fat from the recipe and 720 calories! that’s insane!
• Try using crumbs of Puffin Cereal on top of the cups instead of nuts if you’re watching calories — Puffins are still vegan!
• Eliminate half the Earth’s Balance!  I think the spread might have been unnecessary for the taste, but perhaps necessary to create the consistency?  As it was, there was an oily residue coming out of each cup wrapper as there was definitely enough oil in the p.b. alone. I’d try substituting apple sauce or pureed banana for the spread if you’re vegan.  If not, I bet non-fat plain yogurt would be great.  Maybe even almond or soy milk!
• Pour into TWO 12-cup muffin tins!

My Fave Peanut Butter Dessert Alternatives

• Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars
• One bar — 160 calories, 8 g fat, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein; Ingredients: organic peanuts, organic brown rice syrup, peanut coating (sugar, fractionated palm kernel oil, partially defatted peanut flour, salt, soy lecithin [an emulsifier], cocoa powder, whey powder [milk], vegetable monoglycerides, natural flavors, paprika extract [color]), organic oats, crisp rice (rice flour, sugar, salt, barley malt), organic invert cane juice syrup, organic evaporated cane juice, organic peanut butter (organic peanuts, salt), organic oat syrup solids, wheat flakes (rolled wheat, sugar, salt, barley malt), organic expeller pressed canola oil, sea salt, natural flavor, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) added for freshness. Note: Not vegan.

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies found here
  
• One cookie — 61.98 calories, 3.75 g fat, 0.43 g fiber, 2.0 g protein; Not vegan.
  

In the News

• The New York Times‘, “A Few Cookies a Day to Keep the Pounds Away? ” (10/21/09) here
• Science Daily’s, “Phytochemicals In Plant-based Foods Could Help Battle Obesity, Disease” (10/21/09) here

Give-Away Round Up

• Win a shirt and scarf from Fluxus Brand Clothing here
• Win some Michael Season’s baked chips here
• Win three boxes of FiberOne muffins here
• Win some Nature Made vitamins here

What’s your favorite vegan treat? Peanut butter treat? Interested in Alicia’s book? What do you think about the nutritional composition of Alicia’s Peanut Butter Cups?

<3, The Cranky One

Two new loves have entered my life…the Clif Kid Z Bar and a frozen peach with peanut butter…

Clif Kid Z Bar

Stats

• Delicious.  Organic.
• They look little (they’re meant for kids, after all, but they are same in weight to most Kashi bars…yes, I checked…)
• 120-130 calories, 2-4 g fat, 3 g fiber, 3 g protein for the Chocolate Brownie, Honey Graham or Chocolate Chip flavors
• $10.79 for a 24-pack of the three flavors listed above at Costco (a little over a buck more than a 24-pack of Kashi TLC Fruit and Grain bars) — Breaks down to $0.45/bar

Peach and Naturally More

I halved and de-pitted a peach, shoved a tablespoon of peanut butter where the pit went, placed on parchment paper and then in the freezer for 30 minutes.  I took it out, quartered it, took a bite and decided I’d stand outside its window with a giant radio blasting “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel..it was good…

It may have been more delicioso than usual because I used Naturally More Peanut Butter.  I was hesitant to try a p.b. that had flax seed and egg whites mixed in (oh and sugar and wheat germ too)…but, seriously, it turned out to be one of the best peanut butters I’ve ever had (must be the added sugar, not gonna lie!).  The almond butter was insanely good too (though I needed to borrow Popeye’s arm to be able to mix in the separated oil when I first opened it…it was like a brick, no kidding…).  Oh and uh…note to self…we may need to put a lock on the fridge.  Just ‘cuz no one will catch you with the spoon in the p.b. jar at 2 a.m., doesn’t mean the event miraculously never happened.  As Shakira says, the “hips don’t lie.”

Stats on Naturally More Peanut Butter

• Two tablespoons: 169 calories, 11 g fat, 4 g fiber, 10 g protein; 8% DV of Omega-3s and 1% DV of Omega-6s
• Ingredients: roasted peanuts, wheat germ, flax seed, cane sugar, egg whites, honey, flax seed oil
• Cost: $18.95 + $6.95 shipping for a 6-pack via their site here (breaks down to $3.16/jar w/o shipping).  You can also find at Whole Foods.
• Note: Also available in organic and almond butter

What are some of your fave 200 cal and less snacks?

Related Posts

• Battle of the Butters here
• My Fave 100-Calorie “Packs” here
• Three of my 300 Cal or Less Faves here
• New Healthy Treats here
• Stuff Health Conscious People Like here
  

In the News

• Science Daily‘s, “Brain’s Response To Seeing Food May Be Linked To Weight Loss Maintenance” (9/16/9) here
• New Scientist‘s, “The Art of Thriving” (9/17/09) here — See some amazing wildlife photographs taken by the world’s finest nature and wildlife photographers (Thrive! exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery this Friday and Saturday).  Really makes you appreciate the beauty in nature we sometimes take for granted.
• Science Daily‘s, “Zinc Deficiencies A Global Concern” (9/17/09) here

Give-Away Round Up

• Win some customized jeans here
• Win $75 to the Zensah website here
• Win a Gourmet Fall Cheese Tasting Party worth $150 here
• Win some free Oikos Greek Yogurt coupons here
• Win some Arnold Sandwich Thins in Rye here
• Win some of Jen’s fave things, including Smart Ones and Flat Out Wraps here
• Win some Pond’s face towelettes here
• Win some Food Should Taste Good chips here
• Win some True North nut clusters here

Shameless Bloveling (That’s “Blog” mixed with “Groveling.” Wow, cleverest girl of the century award right over here)

• If you’re off voting for your favorite bloggers for the Food Buzz 2009 Food Blog Awards (I did, I did!) and you just have no clue who to nominate for Best New Blog…Might I suggest Feed Me I’m Cranky?  We’ve only been around for 7 months, but it’s been an absolute pleasure .  Nomination form and info. to be found here.

Whose watching The Office tonight?! It’s a brand new season and I’m so stoked!  Is there a t.v. or movie character who you feel bears and uncanny resemblance to you? I can’t even begin to explain how much Pam of the Office and I have shared roles…

<3, The Cranky One

Sunday

…was a glorious day.  Why, you ask, because I made a delectable breakfast for two of my favorite people in the world.  Being a rookie blogger, I made blogger mistake #1 and did not take pictures! gah!  But I shall tell you the menu and you can salivate while conjuring up the pictures in your mind:

1. Experimental pancakes #1:  Buttermilk pancakes with ricotta cheese
2. Experimental pancakes #2: Buttermilk pancakes with ricotta cheese and cacao nibs
3. Buttermilk pancakes (b-o-r-i-n-g!)
4. Red potatoes with olive oil and fresh rosemary
5. Whole-wheat toast with selection of nut butters
6. Buttery and fluffy scrambled eggs
7. Chicken sausage

I think my guests were pleased   Have you noticed that it can be *so* much more fun cooking for other people?  Especially when you don’t have to be too stringent on ingredients or portions for calorie purposes.  My belly and sanity thanked me.

Love is in the Air

Recently, I discovered the most amazing threesome out there

Get your minds out of the gutter! That’s whole-wheat toast with organic Kirkland Signature (Costco’s brand) peanut butter, Peanut Butter & Co.’s Dark Chocolate Dreams and 365 Brand (Whole Foods’ brand) Almond Butter.

Now let me be honest with you…this

is dangerous.  At first I was skeptical because the texture is much drier than I usually like, but one bite and I thought to myself, “oh sh*t” because I knew I was in trouble! TOO DELIGHTFUL! Cool thing is — I thought that per 2 tbsp it would be more than my beloved almond butter — but it’s not! 2 tbsp of PB & Co. DCD is 170 calories, 13 g fat versus 365 Almond Butter’s 190 calories, 16 g fat.

But don’t get too cocky over there PB & Co., I have two new food loves in my life and I will let them introduce themselves to you.

Love #1

Action shot

Hey guys!  I’m Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt. I’m short, stout and extra rich and creamy!  Best thing is — I’m only 90-120 calories a serving!

Thanks Oikos.  Yes, Oikos is flippin’ amazing.  I wasn’t convinced I would be making regular Whole Foods trips until I tried this yogurt.  Since they don’t sell it at Trader Joe’s, WF here I come!  This stuff is totally legit, I’m serious.  Delicious and filling.  I’ve tried blueberry, vanilla and honey.  Blueberry and honey have 120 calories and vanilla has 110. If you didn’t know, Greek Yogurt typically has double the protein of regular yogurt, which makes it quite a caloric bargain!

Fave toppings for Oikos: blackberries and raspberries. Did you know that one cup of blackberries has 7.6 g of fiber and one cup of raspberries has 8 g of fiber?!  Talk about mother nature being a giver!

You can download a $0.50 off Oikos’ products coupon here.

Love #2

Buongiorno!  I am Trader Joe’s Italian Sausage-Less Sausage. Yes, I am made from soy, but pick your battles, per favore! I taste just like meat and you will love me, just try me! Prego!

Action Shot

I gave him a try and am happy to say that he goes delightfully well with fake eggs and smoky, peach salsa. Nutritional information per sausage (and it’s big!) — 140 calories, 7 g fat, 1 g fiber, 13 g protein

Coming tomorrow – My review of a turbo kick boxing class & some tips on how to take it seriously (hehe)
Later this week – My twin, Chris…

will share his own tips for weight loss, maintenance and, knowing him, something tangential and hilarious.

Any new food finds you want to share? Have you tried Oikos Greek Yogurt yet? What’s your take on soy products?

What I do get is being super excited about PEANUT BUTTER (or almond butter or any nut variety butter for that matter!)!  Just found out this morning that a 3-pack of Barney Butter almond butter in smooth is now available from Amazon.com for $23.08 – that’s $7.69/each, which is the cheapest price you’ll find around.  Shipping is free, which is great b/c if you buy online directly from Barney Butter it’ll cost you $7.99 plus $6.92 for UPS ground shipping – the cheapest shipping option they have available.   I get why companies want to use UPS for shipping – they’re responsible, yes — but the added cost is really not something I am willing to pay for (even if it’s for almond butter!).  This is why I have yet to purchase anything from Holey Donuts (and how I could use a donut right now!).  Is having three jars of Barney Butter a good idea?  Yes, if an exercise in self-control is a good idea.  I’ll keep you posted as to when the crunchy version of Barney Butter almond butter becomes available via Amazon.com.

If I’ve got you thinking about what you could do with three jars of almond butter, I shake my head at  you. The options are endless!  I mean you could just leave them be until you’re ready to use them…but you could also just make a ton of goodies and send me some! Muahah! Or, *sigh*, you could also buy one jar directly from Whole Foods for $8.99.

Check out this site called Peanut Butter Boy for peanut-butter-related recipes that could easily use almond butter or cashew butter instead.  You will be amazed at how delicious and original his recipes look and a lot of them are actually healthy! Wow!  I haven’t tried any out yet, but I hope to this weekend as an Easter treat!

Alright, I’m drooling…

Is almond butter better than peanut butter?  I say yes.  It has less saturated fat, more iron, more fiber (and in the case of Barney Butter, more magnesium and vitamin E) than peanut butter.

In terms of practicality, budgets and health – let’s find the happy medium.  For us Southern Cali people, right now Barney’s is only found online, at Whole Foods Market (currently only the crunchy variety is available near me), or Henry’s Market.  Additionally, and unfortunately, almond butter is more expensive than peanut butter.

Here is Barney Butter compared to my favorite almond and peanut butter.  You can decide based on your budget, health concerns and access to grocery stores which variety is best for you!

Barney Butter Almond Butter, in Smooth
$7.99 for a 16-ounce jar directly from them online, $8.99 at Whole Foods, $7.99 from yummy.com.  It looks like a 3-pack discount will be given from Amazon.com eventually – I’ll keep you posted.

Two tablespoons: 180 calories, 15 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein
8% iron, 20% vitamin E, 25% magnesium

Trader Joe’s Unsalted, Creamy Almond Butter
$4.99 for a 16-ounce jar – Available only at Trader Joe’s
Two tablespoons: 190 calories, 18 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 3 g fiber, 8 g protein
6% iron

Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
$7.99 for TWO 28-ounce jars – available only at Costco Wholesale markets
Two tablespoons: 200 calories, 15 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein
4% iron

Missing from my list, I’ll admit, is regular, store bought, peanut or almond butter. Here’s my confession – I have an aversion to regular grocery stores.  The prices are ridiculously high and there is too much junk and crap food that it really disheartens me. If you would like to recommend I try your favorite, healthy, almond or peanut butter, I’m totally up for it!