Family * Travel * Food

Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Muffins Recipe

Looking for a healthier option for breakfast or snacks? We have hit back-to-school season, and many of us are time-crunched. Having grab-and-go items is a must for those busy mornings, as well as after school lets out. I've always liked having a variety of snacks available ranging from fruit, cheese, crackers, and baked goods. You definitely have to try out this recipe for vegan cinnamon sugar muffins. I promise you won't know they are vegan! 

Ingredients
For the muffins:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 spelt flour (or you can use what you have)
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 ounces applesauce (unsweetened)
1/2 cup organic almond milk
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup

For the topping:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 390 (F). Grease or line muffin tray and set aside.

In a large bowl stir together all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, almond milk, oil, and maple syrup. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until combined.

Fill the muffin cups 2/3 of the way full, sprinkle each with a little cinnamon sugar, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.


Each family member tried a muffin and the reaction was all the same. They all said it tasted like any regular homemade muffin and they would never have guessed it was vegan. The dozen I made seemed to have disappeared in one day. I was lucky to get one! They had the same texture and flavor of a regular muffin using dairy or egg. This recipe is a keeper!

Check out these other recipes:
Best Banana Bread
Blueberry Lemon Bread
Glazed Meyer Lemon Pound Cake
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Breakfast Idea: Blueberry Lemon Bread

Every day is a struggle when it comes to finding new meal ideas. Breakfast is usually a challenge for the working adults in my household since no one is trying to get up early time is valuable. Having easy, grab-and-go options work well. We all prefer something that is homemade over prepackaged, of course. I purchased some blueberries for snacking the other day, and sadly they were too soft to enjoy. Just like when you have over-ripe bananas, you simply must make banana bread. This time around, I made a scrumptious blueberry lemon bread. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already, so this one is a winner. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tsp all-purpose flour
1/3 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar (you can use less if you prefer less sweetness)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder

Directions:

Heat oven to 350° and grease loaf pan or use parchment paper if you prefer minimal clean up.

Lightly toss blueberries with 2 tsp flour to coat (set aside).

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and extract. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt.

Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture alternately with the milk. Fold in the blueberries. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes. You can test with a toothpick to know if it is baked through. Cool and slice. This bread is best enjoyed when it is cooled down all the way.

Check out these other recipes: 

4 Ingredient Greek Pasta Salad
Shelly's Easy & Moist Meatloaf

Thanks for stopping by today!
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Ways to Give Your Breakfast A Healthy Boost

If you are a parent, you probably have found yourself asking a family member if they had breakfast. We all know how important breakfast is to start our day and sometimes it's hard to eat healthy things. The following items are great to add an extra boost of healthy nutrition that you can feel good about.

Viki's Granola

Available in 5 varieties: Original, Blueberry Almond, Maple Cranberry, Banana Walnut, and Apple Cinnamon

This granola is simple. There are no unnecessary ingredients at all, just wholesome all-natural goodness. It's not coated with sugar or artificial ingredients like many popular brands and are a great addition to your breakfast or snacks.
Viki's Granola is Gluten Free, Non-GMO Verified, Cholesterol Free, Zero Trans Fats, Sodium free, Dairy Free, and Kosher Pareve. I tried the Blueberry Almond variety and it tasted as it should. It was not sweet and was well balanced. A big difference from what I have been used to. It is great on top of yogurt, ice cream, applesauce or as is for a snack. Get some recipe inspiration on the Viki's Granola site and purchase them here.

Carrington Farms Organic Chia

Chia seed is an excellent source of nutrition that can be added into almost anything. My son LOVES it on his oatmeal every morning and that makes me happy. He was even eating a rice dish the other day and requested a sprinkling on top. It helps that chia seeds make you feel fuller longer which aids in weight loss. My husband and I enjoy chia seeds on salads and in baked goods.

Carrington Farms Organic Chia Seeds are:

  • 100% Organic
  • A sought after, nourishing “superfood”, loaded with beneficial properties that support a healthy lifestyle
  • Contains the richest plant source of Omega 3’s, containing more Omega 3’s than salmon
  • High in fiber, has more calcium by weight than milk, high in iron, potassium, folate, phosoporus, magnesium and manganese
  • One of nature’s highest plant based sources of a complete protein and are extremely high in antioxidants
  • Naturally gluten free
  • Can be added to salads, cereal, yogurt and smoothies
  • Perfect to make the popular Chia Seed Pudding


They come in 5 flavors: Blueberry Acai Flax, Peach Chia Vanilla, Maple Pear Quinoa, Raspberry Coconut, and Apple Quinoa Cinnamon. 


This Ready-to-eat Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze is perfect for busy families. You get the goodness of whole grain, gluten free oats and delicious fruit bites in one convenient squeezable pack. No more excuses of having no time for breakfast since they are portable. They are available for purchase in Publix Supermarkets, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and more


Any of these products are convenient ways to boost your breakfast in a healthy way. 
I received product samples for review and all opinions stated are my own as always. Thanks for reading! 

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All You Can Eat Pancakes is Back At IHOP


IHOP, the pioneer of the breakfast all-day, everyday movement has announced the extension of its wildly popular 'All You Can Eat Pancakes' until February 12! Since its inception in 1958, IHOP and their world famous buttermilk pancakes have remained a beloved All-American institution and breakfast icon for nearly six decades. Now until February 12, IHOP is offering guests unlimited orders of its freshly made world famous Buttermilk Pancakes!

Dine-in only, participation varies. 
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IHOP Turns 58! Get A Shortstack for 58 cents on July 12th

IHOP, the pioneer of the breakfast all-day, every-day movement celebrates their 58th birthday this summer! Since its inception in 1958, IHOP and their world famous buttermilk pancakes have remained a beloved All-American institution and breakfast icon for nearly six decades. On Tuesday July 12, IHOP is offering a 58 cent short stack of buttermilk pancakes to celebrate their 58th birthday.
Fun fact: The original cost of an IHOP short stack when the restaurant was founded in 1958 was 62 cents!


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For A Limited Time, Kids Eat FREE At IHOP


With soccer games and dance practices, it’s seldom that families have time to eat a meal together anymore. Moms and dads can save time cooking in the kitchen and let IHOP handle the cooking… and doing the dishes!, From April 11 through May 6, with every adult entrée ordered, kids can eat free daily from 4pm to 8pm at participating IHOPs. That’s right… EVERYDAY!  Kids can choose from a myriad of fun and delicious plates, including: kids’ size chicken and waffles, grilled cheese sandwich, or they can make their own “funny face” chocolate chip pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar, and a whipped cream smile…because at IHOP, breakfast for dinner is not only just accepted, it’s encouraged.

Silver 5
The perfect portion for little ones, these five silver dollar-sized buttermilk pancakes come with a scrambled egg and crispy New hickory-smoked bacon.
Jr. Chicken & Waffles
Two all-white meat chicken strips, battered and fried to a golden crisp paired with two Belgian waffle quarters. Served with whipped butter and your choice of dipping sauce.

Funny Face® Pancake
Kids give two thumbs up to this big chocolate chocolate chip pancake, sprinkled with powdered sugar and a whipped topping smile.


Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled just right, this IHOP pick will have even picky eaters digging in! Served with Mott's Applesauce.
Run over to your local participating IHOP and get this deal before it's gone! Be sure to connect with all things IHOP on Facebook and Twitter.

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Double Dipped French Toast at IHOP Is Back!

For a limited time, Double Dipped French Toast at IHOP is back. I was able to stop by to try it out for myself. I went with the Blackberry & Vanilla variety. 
Let me tell you, that vanilla sauce was divine. It went beautifully together with the blackberry sauce and perfectly cooked broiche French toast. This French toast is dipped in a vanilla batter and then in a corn flakes and oatmeal mixture. The crunch was just right and all of the flavors and textures all together were excellent. I had the bacon combo and of course, it was delicious and exactly what I expect from IHOP.
To find out all of the details on this limited time menu offering, see this post. If you're craving a good breakfast, I highly recommend you run out and treat your family or yourself to this delicious meal. Hurry before it's gone!

I received a gift card to try out the latest menu offering from IHOP in exchange for my honest opinion. 
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Double Dipped French Toast Is Back At IHOP (For A Limited Time)

IHOP restaurants are bringing back their newest innovation, Double Dipped French Toast-- soft brioche bread first dipped in vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in a coating of corn flakes and oatmeal and griddled perfectly to a crispy golden-brown, raising the bar for French toast at an affordable price.

Double Dipped French Toast is yet another example of why America turns to IHOP for breakfast any time of day—and has for over 57 years.  When it was introduced last summer, it became one of our most popular dishes, and guests have been eagerly awaiting its return. And it’s back in two new sweetly indulgent varieties:



Blackberry & Vanilla – Thick slices of Brioche bread dipped in our vanilla batter, then in cornflakes and oatmeal, griddled, and topped with plump blackberries and drizzled with vanilla sauce.


Banana, Peanut Butter & Chocolate – Thick slices of Brioche bread dipped in vanilla batter, then in cornflakes and oatmeal, griddled, and topped with sliced fresh bananas, chocolate chips and a drizzle of peanut butter sauce.

Guests can enjoy two slices of hand-crafted Double-Dipped French Toast any time of day as part of a combo with eggs, done the way they like them, their choice of crispy bacon, pork sausage links or a slice of grilled ham, and IHOP restaurants' signature golden hash browns;  or as an entrée stacked three slices high.

Double Dipped French toast will be available at participating IHOP restaurants between February 15 and April 10, 2016.
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IHOP Holiday Menu Available Until Jan 3

Families and friends coming together at IHOP® Restaurants can enjoy the tastes of the season with new holiday items and returning holiday favorites to the menu, starting November 9.

In addition to the return of the seasonal favorite Caramel Bon Bon Pancakes, guests can indulge in IHOP restaurant’s newest innovation: Banana Bread French Toast which brings the warm, beloved taste of rich banana bread grilled in vanilla French Toast batter and topped with the sweetness of caramel sauce.
Pumpkin is one of the most popular flavors of the holiday season, and this year, IHOP restaurants is giving pumpkin lovers a host of new dishes to choose from, including: Pumpkin Spice Waffles, Chicken & Pumpkin Spice Waffles or Pumpkin Waffle Sundaes.

Guests can also enjoy holiday beverages from IHOP restaurants, including Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate and Pumpkin Coffee. And friends and family can come to IHOP for the traditional holiday lunch or dinner of Roasted Turkey with all the favorite trimmings.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, participating IHOP restaurants throughout the country will be decked out in festive IHOP branded decorations and playing holiday music to provide the perfect backdrop for a wonderful holiday meal.



These menu items will be available at participating IHOP restaurants from now through January 3
·NEW Banana Bread French Toast - Banana bread with cinnamon bits, dipped in our vanilla French toast batter, then grilled and topped with caramel sauce, powdered sugar and whipped topping.

·NEW Pumpkin Spice Waffle - Our Belgian waffle made with real pumpkin, sprinkled with pumpkin spice sugar and whipped topping.

·NEW Chicken & Pumpkin Spice Waffle - Our Belgian waffle made with real pumpkin, topped with pumpkin spice sugar and candied pecans. Served with all white meat crispy chicken.

·NEW Pumpkin Waffle Sundae - Our Belgian waffle made with real pumpkin, topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, candied pecans and pumpkin spice sugar.

·NEW Roasted Turkey & Fixings - Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with warm gravy.  Served with cornbread stuffing, Parmesan mashed potatoes, steamed fresh broccoli & a side of Lingonberries.

·Caramel Bon Bon Pancakes - Buttermilk pancakes layered with Dulce de Leche cream then topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped topping.

·Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate - Hot chocolate flavored with Toasted Marshmallow syrup, finished with whipped topping and finished with cocoa powder.

·Pumpkin Coffee - IHOP restaurants’ 100% Arabica International House Roast Original™ coffee with a touch of pumpkin syrup, made with real pumpkin, and then crowned with whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice sugar.

Grab your family and friends and head to your nearest IHOP soon!
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IHOP® Honors Veterans with Free Patriotic Pancakes - Nov. 11

IHOP® Restaurants say thank you with FREE  Red, White & Blue pancakes to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veteran's Day, November 11. 
IHOP® restaurants will once again honor the 22 million Veterans currently living in the United States and more than 1.3 million Armed Forces members currently serving in the military by offering them a free stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes on Veteran’s Day.

Participating IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will serve a stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes – buttermilk pancakes crowned with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping – free for Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veteran’s Day, November 11, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service to receive their free Red, White & Blue pancakes. Proof includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of yourself in US military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.



Please consider sharing this post to spread the word!
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Pumpkin Pancakes at IHOP until January 3rd


For all the pumpkin lovers out there, IHOP has the perfect menu item just for you. Pumpkin Pancakes, IHOP restaurants’ most popular seasonal item, will once again, be available at participating restaurants throughout the country. Guests of all ages can enjoy this Halloween treat, made with real pumpkin, long past the end of the spooky holiday from now until they vanish – like ghosts – on January 3.

Each order of IHOP restaurants’ signature pumpkin pancakes, made with real pumpkin and spices, comes crowned with creamy whipped topping. Guests can order pumpkin pancakes alone, or as a combo served with two eggs, any way they like ‘em, hash browns, and a choice of crispy bacon, pork sausage links, or sliced ham.

And, for the first time ever, guests at participating IHOP restaurants can order a cup of piping hot pumpkin coffee that combines IHOP restaurants’ 100% Arabica International House Roast Original™ coffee with a touch of pumpkin syrup, made with real pumpkin, and then crowns the cup with whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice sugar.

“Whether you carve or crave pumpkins, IHOP has you covered this Halloween season and throughout the New Year,” said Marie Grimm, Vice President, Menu Development and Innovation, International House of Pancakes, LLC. “The warmth and delicious, sweet flavor of our new pumpkin coffee with the return of our seasonal favorite pumpkin pancakes will have pumpkin lovers everywhere beaming – like a jack-o-lantern – with excitement.”

Both pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin coffee are available at participating restaurants until January 3.

Don't forget, IHOP gift cards make the perfect gift for any occasion!
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Double-Dipped French Toast from IHOP (Review)

I recently stopped by my local IHOP to try out their latest menu item-- Double-dipped French Toast. They come in two flavors:  Lemon Strawberry and Cinnamon Sugar. I decided in the Lemon Strawberry because it screamed summertime. I had the bacon combo which came with 4 strips of bacon, 2 eggs and hash browns. I was definitely most looking forward to trying the French Toast first. The fact that they use brioche made me already know that it was going to be extra delicious. The entree came with two thick slices of French toast that was dipped in a vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in crispy corn flakes and oatmeal, griddled, then topped with cool lemonade cream and glazed strawberries. The actual French Toast had a very light texture and was cooked to perfection. For some reason, I was expecting it to be a bit crunchy on the outside and it wasn't. I'm glad! I think the texture was exactly what you would expect from perfectly cooked French toast. The lemonade cream was so smooth and creamy with a nice balance of both sweet and tart. The strawberry topping was delicious and the perfect pair with the lemonade cream. It was like summer on a platter. There was not a single bite left on my plate! 
This lemon strawberry French toast was not too sweet and oh so scrumptious! 
I plan to go back this weekend with my family to try the Cinnamon Sugar variety to celebrate the kids going back to school. The Double-Dipped French Toast at is available until September 20th, so grab your family and head to your local IHOP to try it out for yourself. I promise, you'll love it and will want it to be a permanent menu offering (hint, hint IHOP).  
This combo was fairly priced. Perfect for a family meal out. 
Be sure to stay connected to IHOP on their website, Facebook and Twitter for their latest updates and promotions. Don't forget, IHOP gift cards make great gifts for teachers, college students and as a "just because". 

I received a gift card to try out the latest menu offering from IHOP in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
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Break Out Of Your Flavor Rut With Cheerios #CheeriosFunFlavors ($20 Paypal Giveaway)


Next week marks our first week back to school and I am organized and ready for the busy months ahead. I do all I can to make things easier on myself so I don't lose my mind. Having planned out meals are important to help keep my family healthy and well fed. I get stuck in a rut when it comes to having enough variety sometimes. When it comes to breakfast and snacks, I do all I can to offer my kids healthier options. One great breakfast that is quick and requires no effort is Cheerios and milk. I recently found out that Cheerios makes a variety of flavors including favorites like Honey Nut, Original, Apple Cinnamon and newer flavors: Banana Nut, Frosted, Multi-Grain, Multi-Grain Peanut Butter and
Apple Cinnamon Cheerios.

I did not realize there was a Banana Nut variety and I could not wait to try it for myself. I'm pretty simple when it comes to cereal, so I either like it as is with milk, or dry as a snack. I think I may have found my favorite new flavor! I made the mistake of letting my husband and kids try it and now it is their favorite as well. Looks like I better stock up on a few more boxes. Speaking of which, right now you can print a Publix coupon for buy-one-get-one FREE of Cheerios. That's right, you can buy one box of your favorite Cheerios, and try a new flavor for FREE! Now is the time to really stock up with back-to-school season in full swing. Hurry and get your coupon while they are available.

Did you know that besides serving Cheerios in the more traditional ways, you can use them in fun recipes? Check out all the great Cheerios recipes that are sure to please your whole family. I plan to make some Cheerios snack bars for my little one's class as a surprise treat. I'm sure they will all enjoy it!

To help you stock up in Cheerios and take advantage of the BOGO deal, one Mom Files reader will win $20 PayPal cash. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents and will run until Sept 2, 2015. One winner will be selected and contacted via email address to claim prize. You must follow all rules stated in Rafflecopter widget for entries to count. Good luck!
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Double-Dipped French Toast at IHOP® for a limited time

The end of summer just got a little sweeter with new Double-Dipped French Toast from IHOP® Restaurants. This twist on the breakfast classic features soft brioche bread first dipped in vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in a coating of corn flakes and oatmeal and griddled perfectly to a crispy golden-brown. Guests can choose one of two flavor combinations to top off this hand-crafted treat:
Cinnamon Sugar Double-Dipped French Toast – Soft brioche bread is first dipped in vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in crispy corn flakes and oatmeal, griddled, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and whipped topping.

Lemon Strawberry Double-Dipped French Toast – Soft brioche bread is first dipped in vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in crispy corn flakes and oatmeal, griddled, then topped with cool lemonade cream and glazed strawberries.

This newest take on the breakfast classic is backed by a long history of French Toast favorites from IHOP restaurants, including mouthwatering Stuffed French Toast and the popular Brioche French Toast.

Guests can enjoy two slices of hand-crafted Double-Dipped French Toast as part of a combo with eggs, done the way they like them, their choice of crispy bacon, pork sausage links or a slice of grilled ham, and IHOP restaurants' signature golden hash browns, or stacked high as an entrée of three slices at participating restaurants.

Double Dipped French toast will be available at participating IHOP Restaurants between July 27 and September 20.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC 
For over 57 years, International House of Pancakes, LLC has been a leader and expert in all things breakfast and a leader in family dining. The chain is highly competitive in its menu offering, serving 65 different signature, made-to-order breakfast options as well as meals under 600 calories. Beyond offering “everything you love about breakfast,” IHOP® restaurants have a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, as well. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of March 31, 2015, there were 1,650 IHOP restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Philippines and the U.S. Virgin Islands. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc.
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