Weekday Breakfast :: Loaded Blueberry Muffins

I may have mentioned this before, my son is a picky eater.  But the irony of him is that he isn't picky in the traditional sense of what picky eaters eat - he loves a lot of foods that are full of flavor and a little bit weird.  Like oysters.

Lunch is a struggle.  You can't pack oysters in a lunch and he doesn't eat most things that would be considered lunch foods.  I started filling muffins with all kinds of healthy options and packing them in his lunch - and we have a win.  He loves that he gets a muffin for lunch.  I love that it isn't just a bunch of sugar and there is some hint of protein packed into these.

Loaded Berry Muffins

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1 egg

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1/2 cup quinoa, cooked

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons wheat germ

1/3 cup milk

1/2 cup berries

rock sugar {optional}

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Oil an muffin pan and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer combine sugar, coconut oil, the egg, yogurt, quinoa and vanilla and mix until completely combined. Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined. With the mixer running, slowly add milk and mix only until everything is just combined. Stir in berries.

Divide batter evenly across the 12 spaces of the muffin tin and sprinkle rock sugar over the top {if using}. Bake 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven until a toothpick stuck in the center of the muffins comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.

Alexandra HedinComment
Weeknight Party Girl :: Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Bars

One of the hidden bonuses of working with Pop Secret popcorn is that they sent boxes and boxes of popcorn to make sure I had enough for the Oscar Party Photo shoot.  We used tons of the popcorn for the shoot and we still ended up with tons left over.  What to do, what to do?

I made popcorn bars.  But these aren't just any popcorn bars because I used Pop Secret's Cinnamon Roll Popcorn in the bars.  Epic.

Oscar Parties aren't as hard as you think! {with Pop Secret}

Last month my girlfriend and I were out to a boozy lunch and we decided to host an Oscar Party - we've even figured out how to project the show on a big screen in the Fire Station!  

But what to serve...

Nothing goes better with movies than popcorn - and I love popcorn.  I worked with Pop Secret to plan a fabulous popcorn bar with delicious flavors and dreamy mix-ins.  I literally can't think of a better way to watch the Oscars and hang out with the girls.  Except for the cocktail - that's coming later this week!

The fun part about a popcorn bar is popping up a few flavors of popcorn {I popped Double Butter and Cinnamon Roll} and filling bowls with loads of your favorite candies, nuts, etc.  We even tried a few savory things and they were delicious.

How are you celebrating the Oscars?

Popcorn c/o Pop Secret

Photography by Alexandra Hedin

Styling by Jenny Batt

A Football-tastic Party

Last night the Oregon Ducks competed for the National Football title, this weekend the Seahawks hope to defend their Super Bowl trophy - even if you aren't into football, this is a good excuse for a party.  And food.  And great if you live in the Northwest because I literally don't know anyone who isn't watching football right now.

Seahawks Beast Mode Punch

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White Chicken Chili  

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Slow Cooked Street Tacos

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 

Weeknight Party Girl :: Eggnog Affogato

If you like an Eggnog Latte, I have stumbled upon the ULTIMATE Eggnog Latte.  Scoop one or two scoops of eggnog ice cream in a coffee mug.  Top with hot espresso.  It's an Eggnog Affogato and your new favorite coffee.  Especially if you're feeling a little sluggish in the morning from all of the festivities at night.  Like say, tonight?  And tomorrow?

An Instagram Year

Looking back on my Instagram photos from the past year I can't believe what a FUN year it was!  I spent loads of real life time with online friends, had fun adventures with my children, met STEVEN TYLER, and put my liver through the wringer.

All in all - it was a great year.

I'll be taking a little break until after Christmas to hang out with my family and generally revel in the holiday.  But I will still be on Instagram.  

Follow along

!  Can't wait to party with you!

FamilyAlexandra HedinComment