Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter F

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Foodstuff Redefined: Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bark! When my stepdaughter, Brandi, passed along this healthy summer frozen yogurt idea, I just had to give it a try. One bite and my mouth did a “Happy Dance”!With a plain non-fat yogurt base, practically any fruit can be used. Think about it: raspberries, peaches, blueberries, or bananas. Choose sprinkles or nuts for added crunch, like I have here. The possibilities are endless. Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bark is cold, it’s refreshing, and it disappears before you know it. Just beware of the eager-eater. You may be witness to a brain-freeze!
FROZEN STRAWBERRY YOGURT BARK
Ingredients:

2 cups Greek yogurt 

2 tablespoons natural honey

1/4 teaspoon almond extract 

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

2 tablespoons crushed pistachios, separated 

5 fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced

2-3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

1 teaspoon toasted coconut 
Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, natural honey, and almond extract. Mix well. Fold in white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon crushed pistachios. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly to keep the bark 1/2″ thick. Arrange the strawberry slices on top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, the toasted coconut, and remaining crushed pistachios. Place baking sheet in the freezer 4 hours or overnight. Remove frozen strawberry bark and break into pieces. Store in a covered container in the freezer. 

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Pretzel M&M Almond Bark!

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Pretzel M&M Almond Bark! If you have a microwave, you can make this sweet and salty confection in mere minutes. Have all the ingredients measured out ahead of time for best results. Make it fun! Let the kids and grandkids be involved. By the time you are finished, everyone will be singing “Jingle Bells”. 
PRETZEL M&M ALMOND BARK
Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup almonds, sliced

3/4 cup pretzels, crushed 

1/3 cup mini M&M candies
Instructions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Crush pretzel sticks into broken pieces and crumbs, reserving one tablespoon for topping. Place white chocolate chips in a glass microwave-safe bowl. Heat on 50% power for one minute. Remove, add vegetable oil, stir, and return to the microwave. Continue heating on 50% power for one minute longer. Stir until smooth. Repeat process, if necessary. Hint: The chips will not appear melted until you stir them. Do not over cook. When the white chocolate is melted and smooth, fold in the almonds, mini M&M candies, and pretzel pieces. Quickly spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Spread in an even layer. Dust the warm white chocolate with crushed pretzel crumbs. Chill one hour or until set. Break into bite-size pieces.