Tag: snacks

  • Happy National Chocolate Chip Day with Christine Waltermyer

    Happy National Chocolate Chip Day with Christine Waltermyer

    Happy National Chocolate Chip Day

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas

    Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
    Keyword appetizer, Bananas, Chocolate, Chocolate chips, dessert, Kid snacks, Kids, snack
    Servings 8

    Equipment

    • 8 popsicle sticks (wooden or plastic)

    Ingredients

    • 4 Ripe bananas peeled
    • 1 cup (8 oz.) chocolate chips or carob chips
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

    Toppings of your choice, such as

    • Shredded coconut
    • Flaked sea salt
    • Naturally-colored sprinkles
    • Freeze-dried raspberries
    • Dried apple chips ground up
    • Roasted nuts (pecans or pistachios)

    Instructions

    • Cut the bananas in half lengthwise. Place each banana half (wider end) on a popsicle stick. Place the banana halves on a parchment-lined plate or container. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours.
    • Arrange your toppings in little bowls. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or a stainless steel bowl placed on top of a saucepan filled with simmering hot water on medium heat. Add the coconut oil. Whisk occasionally until melted.
    • Use a silicone brush to brush the melted chocolate onto the frozen bananas. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with any toppings of your choice. Work quickly as the chocolate freezes quickly. Place on parchment or wax paper to set. Refreeze the bananas, storing in an air-tight container.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Note: Instead of putting the bananas on sticks, you can just slice them before coating with melted chocolate and toppings.

    Vegan Cookie Dough Truffles

    Course Dessert, Snack
    Keyword dessert, kid friendly, Kid snacks, vegan
    Servings 8

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup gluten-free oat flour
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil softened
    • 1 tablespoon almond butter
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 pinch sea salt
    • 8 oz. chocolate chips or carob chips divided
    • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips or carob chips divided
    • flaked sea salt optional

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, mix together the oat flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, almond butter, vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir well, then add 2 tablespoons of the carob chips. Roll into 8 bite-size little balls. Feel free to double the recipe if you want a larger batch. Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for about 12 minutes.
    • Using a double boiler or a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of boiling water, melt the chocolate chips or carob chips. One at a time, drop the chilled cookie dough balls into the melted chocolate, turning it to completely cover it. Carefully place on a piece of parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough balls. Feel free to sprinkle with flaked sea salt before they cool and harden. You can also use a spoon to drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top. Chill the cookie dough balls again before serving.
    • Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Cinco de Mayo with Christine Waltermyer

    Cinco de Mayo with Christine Waltermyer

    Cinco de Mayo

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Happy Cinco de Mayo! Looking for some healthy plant-based alternatives for your favorite traditional holiday recipes? Check out two of our Cinco de Mayo favorites from Christine Waltermyer and The Natural Kitchen Cooking School below!

    Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Pita Chips

    Course Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
    Keyword appetizer, chips and dip, cinco de mayo, dessert, fruit salsa, pita chips, salsa, snack, summer
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz ripe strawberries diced
    • ½ golden delicious apple diced
    • ½ granny smith apple diced
    • ½ any red variety red-skinned apple diced
    • 1 kiwi fruit peeled and diced
    • 8 oz red raspberries
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • pinch sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons all-fruit strawberry jam
    • juice of ½ a lime
    • juice of a mandarin orange (or a few tablespoons fresh orange juice)

    Pita Chips

    • 4 whole grain pita pockets
    • avocado oil (spray or oil)
    • 4 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 4 tablespoons raw cane sugar

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • In a large bowl, place all of the fruit. Add the maple syrup, sea salt, vanilla, jam, lime juice and orange juice. Stir gently.
    • Place the whole pita pockets on a baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush each one with a little avocado oil. Sprinkle each one with a tablespoon of raw cane sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut each pita pocket into 4 pieces. Bake the pita chips in the preheated 350 degrees F. oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving them with the salsa.
    • Enjoy!

    Vegan Enchilada Casserole

    Course Main Course
    Keyword casserole, cinco de mayo, enchilada, entree, vegan
    Servings 6

    Ingredients

    Carrot Sauce

    • 3 large carrots cut into big chunks
    • ¼ large red onion chopped (½ cup)
    • 1 teaspoon chopped red beet
    • water
    • sea salt
    • lime (½ lime, juiced) optional

    Casserole

    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 yellow onion diced
    • 1 medium zucchini cut into half moons
    • 1 cup black kalamata olives chopped
    • 16 oz crimini or button mushrooms de-stemmed and sliced
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ cup frozen corn kernels
    • chili powder or crushed red pepper optional
    • 26 oz cooked kidney beans
    • ½ cup vegan shredded cheese or cheese of your choice, for the top (plus extra if you want to add some in the layers)
    • 1 8-count pack cassava flour tortillas or other tortillas

    Instructions

    • Lightly oil a 9 x 13 glass casserole dish.
    • Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, place the carrots, red onion and red beet. Add just enough water to almost cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer on low for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
    • Once the vegetables are soft, place the cooked carrots, red onion and any remaining cooking liquid in a small blender. Add ½ teaspoon of the sea salt. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    • In a large frypan, heat the olive oil over medium heat for a minute. Add the onion and garlic. Add a sprinkle of the sea salt to help the onions soften. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the mushrooms. Add another generous pinch or two of sea salt. Cover and cook for a few more minutes, or until the mushrooms soften. Add the zucchini, a little more salt, the corn kernels and the black olives. If you want to add spicy ingredients like chili powder or crushed red pepper, you can add that now.
    • In the prepared casserole, place about ½ cup of the carrot sauce on the bottom. Spread it around. Add a layer of tortillas, then top with ½ of the vegetables and ½ of the kidney beans. Feel free to add a little vegan cheese in the layers. Top with ½ cup of the sauce. Repeat the layers with another layer of tortillas, then the remaining beans and veggies, another ½ cup sauce, and another layer of tortillas. Spread with any remaining sauce.
    • Cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes. Uncover the casserole and bake for another 8 minutes. Top with cheese and bake for another minute. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve with a side salad and guacamole.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Note: If you want more sauce in this casserole, feel free to double the amount of sauce ingredients.

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Snacking Made Simple with MadeGood!

    Snacking Made Simple with MadeGood!

    We can #TrustInSomethingGood with all of MadeGood’s products! MadeGood snacks are baked with good intentions with organic ingredients, whole grains, and veggies.

    Their snacks check all of the boxes:

    – Have 6 hidden veggies in every snack

    – Free from the most common allergens

    – Certified organic, vegan, and gluten free

    – Non-GMO Project certified

    – Safe for schools

    – Super delicious

    No wonder why their snacks are loved by kids and grown-ups!

    Stock up on MadeGood Crispy Squares and Granola Minis before their 2 for $7 sale ends on September 30th, 2020!

    Check out these simple recipes you can make at home with MadeGood snacks!

    All ingredients can be found in all Basil Bandwagon Natural Market locations.


    Morning Breakfast Parfait

    Whether you or your kids are going to school virtually or in person, this recipe is the perfect start to your day! The best part – it can be customized to fit everyone’s needs and likings.

    Watching your serving sizes? Pro tip – stock up on your favorite yogurt or yogurt alternative cups and use one per parfait. Now you can mix and match all of your favorite flavors!

    Ingredients for 1 Serving

    -1 MadeGood Granola Minis packet

    -Your favorite fresh fruit

    -1 cup of your favorite yogurt

    Method

    1. Alternate layers of fruit and granola with yogurt until your glass is full. Serve parfaits immediately.

    2. Enjoy!


    Granola Stuffed Baked Apples

    Looking for a warm and cozy fall dessert? We found the perfect one – Granola Stuffed Baked Apples!

    For a quick step-by-step video, visit:

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEWnpcmFVmv/

    Ingredients for 4 Servings

    -2 MadeGood Apple Cinnamon Granola Minis packets

    -2/3 cup gluten free rolled oats

    -1 tablespoon maple syrup

    -1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    -1/4 cup dairy-free milk (I used oat milk)

    -4 Honeycrisp Apples

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

    2. Remove the MadeGood granola minis and crumble them into a medium bowl.

    3. In the same medium bowl, combine crumble granola minis, oats, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and milk. Stir until fully mixed and set aside.

    4. Remove stem and core from the apples. Using a small spoon, remove a little more of the core in order to have enough room to fill apples.

    5. Generously fill the cored apples with the granola mixture.

    6. Place granola filled apples in an 8×8 baking pan and add 1 cup water into pan.

    7. Bake apples for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.

    8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with caramel drizzle, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or just with a utensil.

    9. Enjoy!

    References: Baked Apple Recipe found on MadeGood’s Instagram

  • Continuing Mother’s Day Traditions Thanks to Made Good

    Continuing Mother’s Day Traditions Thanks to Made Good

    We all wanted Mother’s Day to be different this year, but we didn’t think it would be this different- thanks to COVID-19.

    Thankfully, Basil Bandwagon and Made Good helped me keep my family’s traditions alive and well. Growing up, my mom would always make rice cereal treats. Creating them with different cereals, fun colors and shapes; you name it and she did it.

    Well a couple of months ago, I moved into my own home. It was a difficult adjustment to not annoy her with videos or pictures to show her from social media, hug her every chance I could get, or ask her “what’s for dinner?” Because let’s be honest, when you try to make food living on your own, it never tastes as good as if your parents made it. So to save myself the time (and my mom from tasting poorly made food), I was able to grab a box of Vanilla Crispy Squares from Made Good.

    My mom isn’t a huge fan of sugary foods or anything that tastes like butter, and with having a compromised immune system, I knew that having the individually wrapped squares inside was perfect for her (plus, I can hear about when my dad will eat one and blame my younger sister for leaving the wrapper around. As an older sibling, you have to take every chance to torture your younger siblings, especially when you’re not living at home).

    So not only was I able to give my mom something that I knew she’d enjoy, but we were able to keep our tradition going during these tough times (all while staying 6 feet apart). Added bonus- the selfie photo shoot with her because we never take pictures together since we both hate it. Thanks Mom!


    Check out some of Made Good products on sale this month!


    Feel up to the challenge to make your own cereal squares?

    Check out this recipe featuring Made Good granola:

    Ingredients:

    2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons butter

    2-2/3 cups mini marshmallows

    3-1/3 cups granola

    Method:

    1. Melt butter in large sauce pan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well-blended. Cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

    2. Add granola. Stir until well coated.

    3. Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly and firmly into 13×9 inch pan. Cut into 2×2 inch squares or in different shapes when cool. Enjoy!


    Here are some more delicious recipes featuring Made Good products*:

    Banana Chia Oats Pudding

    Ingredients:

    2/3 cup old-fashioned oats

    1-1/3 cups unsweetened almond milk

    1 tablespoon chia seeds

    pure vanilla extract

    1 large banana, mashed

    2 tablespoons unsweetened creamy no-nut butter

    Method:

    1. In a jar combine old-fashioned oats, unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, splash of pure vanilla extract, mashed banana, and unsweetened creamy no nut butter.
    2. Stir well. Refrigerate overnight.
    3. In the morning split into 2 bowls. Top with sliced banana, and Made Good granola (any flavor). Enjoy!


    Tropical Smoothie Bowl

    Ingredients:

    3/4 cup pineapple juice

    1 cup frozen mango

    1 cup blackberries

    1 banana

    1/4 cup shredded coconut (if you’re not allergic)

    Method:

    1. Combine pineapple juice, frozen mango, blackberries, banana & shredded coconut in a blender.

    2. Add into bowl. Top with granola, more coconut & fresh fruit. Enjoy!


    “Hey there, teddy bear!”

    My parents also thought it would be fun to join in on the ‘bear hunt’ for the neighborhood kids! Make sure you check out your neighbor’s windows and see if you can find some.

    If you have no idea what I mean about ‘bear hunt,’ check out this article from the NY Times:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/style/teddy-bear-scavenger-hunt.html

    *Recipes found on Made Good Instagram account

  • Pantry Banana Bread with Christine & Anya Waltermyer!

    Pantry Banana Bread with Christine & Anya Waltermyer!

    Pantry Banana Bread

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”


    Pantry Banana Bread

    vegan recipe

    Ingredients

    3 very ripe bananas, mashed

    1¾ cups white whole wheat flour

    2 teaspoons baking powder

    ½ teaspoon baking soda

    1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus extra for the top

    ⅓ cup sugar (combination of maple sugar and coconut sugar)

    Avocado oil

    ½ cup walnuts, chopped

    ⅓ cup oil (combination of avocado oil and refined coconut oil) 

    ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Additional options: ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins


    Method

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

    2. Grease the bottom and the sides of an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan. 

    3. Place the mashed bananas in a big bowl. Add the sugar, vanilla and oil. Stir well. 

    4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk to blend together.

    5. Add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Then add the walnuts and any other additional options.

    6. Pour the banana bread batter into the loaf pan and add a little extra cinnamon on top of the mixture.

    7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top springs back to the touch.

    8. Let it cool before slicing and enjoy!


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 2/27/2020

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 2/27/2020

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Bluebonnet: Intimate Essentials Line (Maca, For Him, For Her, LJ100) & Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules
    Gabriella’s Kitchen Hemp Bowls: Fabulous Farro & Tuscan Style Veg, Chunky Chickpea & Squash, and Loaded Lentil & Mushroom
    Basil Bandwagon Natural Market: Elderberry Syrup (larger size), Melatonin 10mg, & Berberine
    Everyone Products: Hand Soap, Foaming Hand Soap, Kids Foaming Wash, and Essential Oil Roll-Ons (Uplift, Revive, Focus, Relax, Calm, & Sleep)
    Mestemacher Protein Bread: Almond, Carrot, & Walnut
    Rhythm Cauliflower Bites: Buffalo Ranch, Sea Salt, & White Cheddar
    Valley Shepherd Creamery: Black Truffle Goat Cheese, Sheep Yogurt (Strawberry, Vanilla, & Plain), & Vat Cultured Butter
    Whole Life Pet: Pure Chicken Breast Cat Treats
    Wholesun Wellness: Lions Mane, Real Energy, Deep Immune Health, Deep Digestive Health, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga, Shiitake, & Maitake
  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 1/23/2020

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 1/23/2020

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Brodo Broth: NEW PACKAGE AND LOW PRICE!
    Charlotte’s Web CBD: Original Formula
    Green Foods: Chlorella Tablets, Chlorella Powder, & Beet Powder
    Just About Foods: Cauliflower Flour
    Lavva Plant-Based Yogurt: Vanilla, Original, & Strawberry
    Out of the Woods: Daily Carryalls & Insulated Cooler Bags
    Perfect Snacks Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Coconut, & Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT TUESDAY 9/10/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT TUESDAY 9/10/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Acure: Hemp Seed Oil & Castor Oil
    Base Culture: Mini Nutty Pumpkin Bread
    HempFusion: Hemp Balm & Cream
    Lakanto: Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
    Lesser Evil Popcorn: “No Cheese” Cheesiness
    Natural Hope Herbals: Tasty Attention, Tasty Calm, Tasty Elderberry Immune, & Herb Calc
    Matr Boomie: New Bags & Jewelry
    Palmini Pasta: Hearts of Palm Linguine
    Quantum Health Lozenges: Cough Relief (Meyer Lemon & Honey) and TheraZinc (Elderberry Raspberry and Blood Orange)
    Rad Soap Co: New soaps & deodorants!
    Savannah Bee Company: Rosemary Lavender Body Butter
    Strong Roots: Spinach Bites, Mixed Root Vegetable Fries, & Cauliflower Hash Browns
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 9/4/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 9/4/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Acure: Detox-Defy Color Wellness Shampoo & Conditioner, Unicorn Shimmer Shampoo & Conditioner, Wave & Curl Color Wellness Shampoo & Conditioner, and Coconut & Argan Shampoo Bar
    Barnana Banana Brittle: Double Chunk Dark Chocolate, Extra Creamy Peanut Butter, & Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chip
    Buffalo This Dip Is Nuts!
    Flow Alkaline Spring Water: So many flavors and on SALE!
    Garden of Life Mykind Organics: Adrenal, Ashwagandha, & Oil of Oregano
    The Living Apothecary: Red Raspberry Leaf Ginger & Peach Black Tea
    Maple Hill Organics Shelf Stable Milk: Whole Milk & Chocolate Whole Milk
    Natural Stacks: Magtech, Serotonin Brain Food, GABA Brain Food, Acetylcholine Brain Food, Smart Caffeine, Dopamine Brain Food, & CILTEP
    GoMacro: Maple Sea Salt & Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
    Stasher: New colors!
    Nulo Freestyle Cat Food: Chicken & Herring Recipe, Minced Beef & Mackerel Recipe, and Shredded Beef & Rainbow Trout Recipe
    PlusCBD Oil: Hemp Rollers (Original and Extra Strength)
    Primal Kitchen: No Soy Teriyaki
    Natural Vegan: Deodorant
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 8/28/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 8/28/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Farmwise: Veggie Skins and Mozzarella & Broccoli Bites
    Fountain of Health CBD: Cool Aid Muscle Roll-On & Paw Power
    Garden of Life: Elderberry Syrup & Gummies and Turmeric Tablets & Gummies
    Haring Family Farm Pasture Raised Eggs
    Navitas Organics: Matcha Latte, Turmeric Latte, & Cacao Latte Packets
    NEW BOOKS!
    Penstock Coffee Roasters: The Tulgey Wood & Kayon Mountain Farm
    Pukka: Supreme Matcha Green Tea
    Rhythm Superfoods: Organic Crunchy Pineapple
    Tierra Farms: Everything But The Bagel Cashews
    Unreal: Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars