Maria Makes Muffins * Minneapolis Clean Eating + Living *

Strawberry Mango Kale Salad

Hello clean eaters! If you're new to MMM you may want to subscribe via RSS or email. All of my Clean Living Recipes will be sent straight to you free of charge. Thanks for visiting!This is what it looks like outside right now. Yep. That’s a bunch of snow. God has quite a sense of humor, doesn’t he? The last time MN had snow in April was 2002, the year I graduated from high school. Prior to that, you have to go back to the 1980′s.... Read More

Slow Cooker Mahi Mahi Tacos

Two weeks ago when I posted a photo on Instagram of my Mahi Mahi taco crockpot experiment I had several requests for the recipe. I hesitate to share new recipes with you guys until I have actually tried the dish myself. I would hate to post a recipe and have it turn out to be flop! I am here today to tell you that this recipe is most definitely NOT a flop. I have found that the secret to cooking lean meats and fish in the crockpot is to start with... Read More

Summer Kale Salad

There was a big head of lacinato kale that I purchased at the farmer’s market two weeks ago sitting in my crisper drawer taking up much needed space. I had intended to create simple massaged kale salads for lunch every day last week, but instead opted for salads using CSA greens. This week the beautiful monster was starring me in the face and I knew it was time to use it for something. Enter the Summer Kale Salad. This is a very easy salad... Read More

Gluten-Free Summer Strawberry Cornbread

Can you believe that we are in the midst of strawberry season already?!? I adore sweet, local berries and am so excited that the season is arriving early and with a vengeance this year. Usually the local MN strawberries are bright red, extremely sweet and very fragile. They can be difficult to handle and bake with because they easily fall apart in your hands and have a high water content. However, this year I had the pleasure of buying a case of... Read More

Watermelon Protein Slushie

It’s starting to feel like summer in MN. I am excited for the fun family events we have penciled in this summer, including a few trips to the cabin and a couple camping adventures. One way that we like to beat the heat is to share a cold, refreshing smoothie. Some days I serve Matthew’s smoothie in his very own cup outfitted with a straw. However, lately he has been much more excited about drinking a mooo-thie out of mama’s glass... Read More

Matthew’s 2nd Birthday Party

Sorry for the delay in posting photos from Matthew’s party. We’ve been a little out of sorts over here, so I had a delay in getting the photos pulled together. Last Sunday we celebrated Matthew’s 2nd birthday with family and friends. The following are some highlights from the party, including the party menu. We started off the party with snacks and appetizers: Guacamole Strawberry Avocado Salsa Train Track Trail Mix Refrigerator... Read More

Fun in the Sun

Have you been wondering to yourself, where in the world has that Maria Makes Muffins been?!? She hasn’t posted in weeks! Today I am here to answer that question… With the second trimester in full swing, Matthew and I have had quite a bit to catch up on. It felt like the first trimester moved in slow motion, filled with morning sickness, nausea and fatigue; however, the second trimester is FLYING by! This morning Matthew and I used up... Read More

Whole Wheat Maple Donuts

I had to stop in briefly this afternoon to tell you about the most amazing treat that I whipped up for bible study tomorrow morning. When I signed up for fellowship at bible study I immediately knew that I wanted to bring a healthy baked good. There were a few reasons for my decision: 1. All of the baked goods and sweets at bible study are loaded with white flour, sugar and (most likely) shortening or conventional butter. 2. Most people think that... Read More

What’s for Dinner?

I was honored to find out that my recipe for BBQ Quesadillas was featured on Yummly yesterday in a line up of Cheesy Quesadillas. There are several deliciously tempting quesadilla recipes highlighted that you should definitely try! What on the menu tonight? We are having a quick veggie-filled frittata with freshly baked bread.  Pregnancy cravings just hit and we are stopping at Noodles & Co for Pad Thai!  Read More

Twenty One

Things have been getting increasingly exciting around here. Every day we experience Matthew growing up and learning by leaps and bounds. He is now 21 months old and has definite opinions about everything. His confidence in his body and movement is amazing. He believes that he is invincible! Matthew and I have been focusing on having verbal conversations and it seems to be helping him to speak more, instead of simply gesturing and whining to get his... Read More

Banana Chai Muffins

I am still in love with Ashley’s chai spice blend. Yum! Every week I make a batch of clean and healthy snack muffins or cookies for Matthew to enjoy throughout the week. It’s an easy way for me to ensure that he is getting enough healthy fat, whole grains and fruits/veggies. Plus, I can pop a few in my purse for snacks away from the house without having to solely rely on organic dry cereal. When I saw Heather’s recipe for banana... Read More

Gingerbread Two Ways

Matthew and I have been enjoying our Advent Calendar activities. Matthew looks forward to opening the Advent Calendar door and unfolding the little piece of paper every day. I found little clip art photos to represent each activity so that he can recognize what we are doing without the need for me to read the activity out loud… even though I always do. Each day we talk about how God sent his son, Jesus, to save us. I honestly think Matthew... Read More

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

Have you ever watched the show, The Best Thing I Ever Are? When we had cable, I would tune in to Food Network when I was doing chores… folding laundry, stuffing cloth diapers, etc. Inevitably, the show, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, would be on. I much prefer cooking shows like Giada At Home and 30 Minute Meals, but was always entertained by seeing all of the odd things that people enjoy eating. I have been hitting a lot of home runs in the kitchen... Read More

Family Favorites: Soaked Sweet Potato Waffles

I know that it’s still September, but the Holidays are fast approaching. Before we know it there will be snow on the ground, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and jingle bells playing on your iPhone. If you are like me and host your family’s Holiday get-togethers there is always the age old question proceeding any celebratory gathering… What am I going to do with the leftovers? Typically, I immediately vacuum seal and freeze half... Read More

Wordless Wednesday: Family Favorites: Pumpkin Donuts

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 Pumpkin Donuts Serve these pumpkin donuts with a side of scrambled eggs for a special weekend breakfast or with a slice of string cheese as a quick grab and go snack during the week. Print this recipe. Makes 6 donuts 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1/4 c sucanat (I used 2 tbsp in this batch) 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp... Read More

Dolce Vita

We had another glorious weekend filled with sunshine, family and amazing food! On Friday night Allan and I went on a date to Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill where we dined alfresco on amazing food including a cosmo for her and a mojito for him (my first vodka since having Matthew). We shared the mediterranean flatbread, mediterranean salad and a beef tenderloin with red potatoes and veggies sans butter. The food was amazing, but for some reason... Read More

Between the Sheets

Hello Pinners! I am so happy that you clicked through and found MMM. The following recipe for Overnight Oats is one of my favorite Spring and Summer breakfasts. Don’t want to add protein powder to your overnight oats or want to make a batch for your kids? I have an updated recipe here that is still full of protein goodness, minus the protein powder. Looking for more clean eats or want to know more about clean eating and MMM? Be sure to check... Read More

For the Love of Leftovers

Allan and I have never been big fans of leftovers. Over the years I have learned to creatively use up leftovers in a gracious manner, but most of the time leftovers are presented at our table in the same state that they were originally created. Don’t get me wrong, leftovers make wonderful quick lunches and fast weeknight suppers. It’s just that some people have a way of magically transforming leftovers into completely different meals... Read More

Chocolate Heaven

We have been on the run lately, so it was essential that I take half an hour and whip up a couple batches of various protein bars and snacks for grab-and-go snacks while in the car, running errands, or going to play dates. During the week , Matthew and I have been enjoying quality time with a couple different groups of moms. Today we joined a new group of lovely ladies that we met through Allan at Lake Hiawatha Park. Matthew and I both had an amazing... Read More

Somebody Call 911!

Listen up! Put down your remote and head to the kitchen immediately (after reading this post) to prep this breakfast for tomorrow morning. You’re welcome ahead of time. Trust me, you will love me in the morning. We had a handful of extra organic cherries that needed to be used up and after seeing the beautiful cake Coco made for her twenty sixth birthday, I knew that I needed to make a delicious cherry breakfast. And so I did. To make morning... Read More

Cooler 1: Day 3

Today has been a LONG day! At least it’s starting to cool off a little outside. Those super hot and humid days were very difficult. I hate turning on the air conditioning and we’ve had it on since last Friday. *yuck* While Matthew napped this afternoon I got to working on some food prep for Matthew and I, including two new Cooler 1 protein bar (actually one muffin and one donut) recipes that still need some tweaking. When they are finally... Read More

Cooler 1: Day 2

I am still rockin’ and rollin’ on Cooler 1 today. I plan to keep strong until Friday. Then I may have a small cheat meal on Saturday afternoon, as we will be attending my sister’s graduation party. My cheat meal will be clean, just not in accordance with Cooler 1 guidelines. Then I will be back to Cooler 1 on Sunday followed by the Stripped Plan on Monday, along with the start of NROL4W Stage 7. I am so excited to be switching things... Read More

Matthew’s Birthday Party: Food Edition

As you know, Sunday was Matthew’s first birthday and we threw a small party for him. The following is the food that we served to our family that came from near and far to celebrate with us. Prepping the salad Organic english cucumber Removing the seeds Organic cucumber and organic red pepper Mixed greens, arugula, pea shoots, cucumber, red pepper, strawberries and avocado dressed in homemade balsamic vinaigrette I used the following simple dressing... Read More

Pizza Night + Dough Ball Winner

Thanks again for all of your feedback! As you know, Friday night is pizza night around here and tonight was no exception. I usually use my KitchenAid Pro Mixer to make pizza dough, but since we are selling our house, my large mixer lost its spot on the counter and now resides in a closet in the upstairs bedroom. So, instead of hauling the mixer down to the kitchen, I pulled out my beloved food processor. I can’t believe that I have used the... Read More

Burger up!

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments that you left yesterday. I am so excited to take your feedback and use it to improve MMM. If you have not already, be sure to stop by yesterday’s post and enter to win a batch of my dough balls -trust me, they are amazing! Overall, it sounds like you are interested in hearing about what we eat, how we stay on budget every month and tips to staying organized. Yesterday, I gave you a peek into... Read More

Rhubarb Breakfast Bake

Simply Rhubarb Our garden is overflowing with sweet and sour, ripe rhubarb. And from what I hear, that is the case across the Midwest. So, what should you do with your rhubarb bounty? Why make muffins, of course! My good friend, Laura, wrote to me asking for a rhubarb muffin recipe that was high in protein, but did not use protein powder. She wanted to be able to eat a muffin or two as a complete snack versus having to pair a high carb muffin with... Read More

Microwave Protein Cake

I feel like I have been so busy that I can’t keep my head on straight. Sometimes I don’t know if I am coming or going. Juggling Matthew (naps, feeding, playtime), workouts (4-5 times per week), clean eating prep (quick start ingredient prep), selling the house (cleaning for showings), work (super busy!) and the blog (posting every day + theme/site tweaks) is really starting to take its toll on me. So, I have been trying to find ways that... Read More

Blueberry Banana Tofu Muffins

I am excited to share my very first muffin recipe with you. This recipe for Banana Blueberry Tofu muffins was originally created for Matthew; they taste amazing, are nutrient dense, unsweetened, low in fat and are very moist. Matthew loves baked goods – muffins, bread, pancakes. He gobbles them up in a heart beat. Usually Matthew is an excellent eater. From the time that he began solids, he has always been extremely interested in food; however,... Read More

Bitten by the Baking Bug

This Sunday I was bitten by the baking bug. I must have dreamt about food, because I awoke with a gazzilion ideas for new recipes… blueberry zucchini tofu muffins, egg salad, chocolate strawberry breakfast bakes, blueberry buckwheat protein pancakes, the list goes on… Enter new recipe #1: Blueberry Buckwheat Protein Pancakes We were all pleasantly surprised that these pancakes were very light and fluffy, especially considering they... Read More

Brunch Easter Style

Happy belated Easter! We hosted Easter festivities for both of our families. My parents, Allan’s parents and my sister were in attendance. There was so much AMAZING (and clean) food that the fridge was so packed it was difficult to find anything!  Read More