Crispy Polenta Dippers

Sometimes homemade is overrated. When you finally have an afternoon to binge watch Gilmore Girls. Or setting up for an epic game of Monopoly. Or just want to get off your feet and onto that cozy couch. You're not looking to spend hours of your precious free time in the kitchen. Nope, you want quick and simple like these semi-homemade Crispy Polenta Dippers. Tiny wedges full of corn-licious flavor that take just 10 minutes of prep time and like these scrumptious Buffalo Broccoli and Cauliflower Bites they're a healthy toaster oven appetizer too. All you need is a tube of precooked polenta, a little oil and sprinkle of seasonings. If you've never purchased precooked polenta before, it can be found near the pasta at your grocery store. Now you could always make your own polenta… But that involves hours of cooking and cooling the polenta. All before you can throw together these must-pop-in-your-mouth-right-now Crispy Polenta Dippers. So, store bought it is! To make the dippers, slice the polenta into ½-inch rounds, then cut the rounds into triangles. Arrange them on your toaster oven baking sheet, spray with cooking oil and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings. Pop the pan in your toaster oven for 10 minutes, remember to reduce the time and temperature when using a convection toaster oven. To get these little snack bites crispy on the outside but still creamy inside use your toaster oven's secret weapon: The Broiler. In just 3 or 4 minutes, they will be golden, browned on the edges and ready for dipping. Seasoning and Dip Ideas: Chipotle Powder + Guacamole Italian Seasoning + Pizza Sauce Cinnamon + Blueberry Yogurt Not sure which combo to try first? The Italian seasoning and pizza sauce was the big winner in our house. My husband finished his and started stealing from my plate! While this recipe won't help you snag Park Place or Boardwalk, it will get you out of the kitchen quickly and back in the game.  Print Save Crispy Polenta Dippers Recipe Embed Ingredients 1/2 18-ounce package Precooked Polenta Cooking Spray 1/2-1 teaspoon Seasoning of Choice, such as Italian Seasoning, Chipotle Powder, Taco Seasoning or Ground Cinnamon 1/3 cup Pizza Sauce, or other dipping sauce of choice, such as Marinara Sauce, Guacamole, Blueberry Yogurt Directions Adjust toaster oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 450°F on the Bake setting. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking oil. Slice polenta into 1/2-inch rounds. Slice each round into 4 or 6 triangles. Place triangles onto prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil and sprinkle with seasoning of choice. Bake for 10 minutes until polenta is dry to the touch. Adjust rack to the highest position and switch the toaster oven to broil. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the triangles are crispy and browned. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Notes Convection Toaster Ovens: Reduce temperature to 425 and bake 7 to 9 minutes before broiling. The recipe calls for half a tube of polenta. You can store unused polenta refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Recommended Breville Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven Wusthof Santoku Knife - 5 inch via Food Fanatic http://ift.tt/2kvM0Qz Food Fanatic

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

I think I'm finally getting completely on board with the whole energy ball obsession. Which probably means it's going to go away and be a thing of the past that no one makes anymore. That's usually about the time I start getting into something - as it stops being popular. That's okay though, these little snacks are here to stay at my house. They're just so perfect as a grab a go snack when we're running to various after school activities and sports. My daughter is at the pool for many, many hours every week (well, she thinks it's not enough, and I can't even imagine swimming as much as she does, so I guess it's many hours depending on who is talking) and she is loving these energy balls. With only a few minutes to grab a snack to keep up the energy while swimming endless laps, these peanut butter energy balls are perfect. And I even like these ones! But, really, it's peanut butter and chocolate chips so there's not really any reason not to like them. These almond joy energy balls were pretty good. There was chocolate involved so I didn't mind them. Didn't love them like the kids did, but they weren't bad. But these peanut butter energy balls? Chocolate involved and no dates. YES. I know, I know, dates are wonderful things that everyone loves and wants to put in everything. Except that I don't. Love them, that is. I really wish I did, because they're such a great way to healthy up your snacks while adding some sweetness. So I use them for snacks for the kids (thankfully they like dates!), but I'm not really a fan. Maybe I'll just stick to energy balls like this from now on. It's like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie in energy ball form. Plus they're so easy to make, with only 4 ingredients these literally take about 5 minutes to whip up. The only problem is there might not be any left to give the kids for a snack since I like them too!  Print Save Peanut Butter Energy Balls Recipe Embed Ingredients 1 1/2 cups Rolled Oats 2/3 cup Peanut Butter 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips Directions In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup and chocolate chips until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up. Form the mixture into one inch balls, and place on wax paper. Cover and refrigerate. Energy balls will keep well in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Recommended Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Le Creuset Revolution Spatula OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop Demarle Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat via Food Fanatic http://ift.tt/2jv6CsY Food Fanatic