Aren't you glad I said (chocolate) banana smoothie?

What is more delicious than a chocolate shake? Two chocolate shakes? Three maybe? Ah... frozen chocolate blended with dairy and whipped to a frenzy. But my pre pregnancy pants are loose, and I prefer them to stay that way. What is a chocolate lover to do? Improvise of course.

Here I bring you a rich, delicious, light and cheap -about $.90- (don’t you just love cheap) smoothie that you and the kids will love. It is one “Smooth Operator.” What? You don’t like Sade? Okay, it’s a “Smooth Criminal.” Alright, alright. I’m not funny. I will stop now.

What you’ll need:
One medium sized banana that you pealed, cut up and froze ($.14)
6 ounces fat free yogurt (3/4 cups) - this equals one container of Yoplait ($.60)
1 tbsp baking cocoa($.13)

Place your frozen banana in your blender with your yogurt and cocoa and blend until smooth. That’s it. You’re done. I know. I can’t believe it either.

Polka Dot Blondie

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I am trying to be healthier. The cup cake I just ate whilst standing over the sink during my baby's nap time would indicate otherwise. But hey, it's a slow process.

Since I am beginning my foray into baking I decided to scour the earth for a blondie recipe that wouldn't leave my little arteries aching. Unfortunately (or unfortch as my friend Sarah Jane Jones would say) many recipes out there leave the bars too light, too dense, too dry or too gross.

But if you tweak this flour and add that flour and do this and not that you will get a delicious and somewhat healthier alternative to a regular blondie. I say somewhat because this recipe still contains butter, sugar and chocolate. Although it is dark, and that should count for something... I'm just saying. **If you are opposed to butter see the foot note below.

Also, at around $3 for the entire recipe this is great for a party, bakes ale, or to eat over the sink during nap time. No judgements here.

What you'll need:

1 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup white flour
2 cup oats
A pinch Kosher sale
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 cup milk (that is two tbsp)

One bag chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350 and grease up your pan. In a bowl mix together your dry ingredients. Slowly add the melted butter and milk while stirring. Add the egg and continue to stir until smooth. If your mix is clumpy add another tbsp of milk. Once everything is mixed, stir in the chocolate chips and slide in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes.

** If you don't want to use butter, substitute a cup of applesauce and four tablespoons of oil. But, only use 1/2 cup brown sugar. I can not attest to what this will taste like.