Ghostly Donuts

It's almost Halloween and I can't wait.  Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays.  I have so many fun "Halloween-themed" recipes saved and I don't get around to making many of them, but this Ghostly Donut recipe is so stinking simple that I couldn't resist.  These donuts have an ingredient in them that I have never used before, so I was eager to see what I thought.

This post is sponsored by In the Raw.  However, all opinions expressed herein are my own and do not reflect the opinions of the makers of In the Raw sweeteners.  In the Raw provided me with product samples, a gift card and the below information about Monk Fruit In The Raw.   

Have you ever heard of Monk Fruit In The Raw? 

 Let me give you a few facts about it:

- Monk Fruit In The Raw is a zero calorie sweetener that is certified vegan and naturally gluten-free

- Monk Fruit In The Raw is made from vine-ripened monk fruit, native to Southeast Asia

- It adds deliciously light sweetness to any baked good or beverage, and is available in packets and a Bakers Bag

- Monk Fruit In The Raw is ideal for those looking to cut added sugars and is also recommended to those with or at risk for diabetes seeking sugar substitutes

This is the first recipe I have ever made using any kind of sugar substitute.  Honestly, I had low expectations, but I was impressed by how delicious these donuts are.  The texture and flavor are great.  The cinnamon really adds a great flavor and I highly recommend not leaving that out.  The donuts are soft with a little bit of chewiness to them.  

I was a little nervous about the glaze, because when tasting it on it's own, it was a little different than what I'm used to with regular powdered sugar based glaze.  BUT, once the donuts are all put together with the glaze and unsweetened coconut, they were really good.  I ate two donuts right away :)

I can't wait to test out other recipes using Monk Fruit In The Raw.  

For more information about In The Raw products, check out the below links:

In The Raw Website

In The Raw Facebook

In The Raw Instagram

In The Raw Pinterest

Ghostly Donuts

From: In The Raw

(Printable Recipe)

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/3 c. Monk Fruit In The Raw

3/4 c. 2% milk

5 Tbl. unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Glaze

1 c. Monk Fruit In The Raw

1 Tbl. cornstarch

3 Tbl. 2% milk

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. shredded unsweetened coconut

48 googly eye candies or mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a donut pan with cooking spray; set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and Monk Fruit In The Raw.  In a second medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted butter, then whisk in the milk and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir together just until combined.  Divide batter between the depressions in the donut pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and top springs back when lightly touched.  Cool in pan for a few minutes, then use a toothpick to loosen from pan and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together Monk Fruit In The Raw, cornstarch, milk and vanilla.  Place coconut in a separate bowl or plate.  Dip one side of each donut into the glaze and then in the coconut.  Place two googly eyes or chocolate chips onto each donut and allow to dry on a rack.  Makes 12 donuts.  

Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are SOOOO good.  This recipe is my go-to cookie bar recipe that I use all of the time, but I switched things up this time and added Peanut Butter M&M's. 

I think this might have been the first time I have bought Peanut Butter M&M's and it definitely won't be the last. They made these cookie bars outstanding.  The cookie is soft and chewy and then when you bite into the M&M's with the crisp outer shell and creamy peanut butter filling, you will be in heaven.  These come together super fast and taste great for several days.

You might also like:

Cookie Butter Bars

Orange Dreamsicle Chewy Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Bars

Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Bars

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

(Printable Recipe)

3/4 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
2 c. packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 Tbl. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (18.4oz.) bag Peanut Butter M&M's

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream together the butter and brown sugar.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.  Add the vanilla and mix until combined.  Add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix until just combined.  Stir in the Peanut Butter M&M's.  Press dough into a greased 9x13-inch cake pan.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Cool, cut into bars and serve.  

Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein {In under 30 minutes}

I can't even tell you how many times I have made this.  My whole family loves it.  It comes together super fast and it tastes great leftover.  This has really become a go-to recipe.  After the first bite, I knew it would become a regular menu item.

I adapted it from this recipe, but since we don't really eat much steak, I went with hamburger and I also doubled most of the sauce recipe.

Seriously, the flavor of this dish is outstanding and it even tastes great leftover.  Have dinner on the table in no time with this simple and delicious recipe.  

You might also like:

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein

Asian Pork Chops

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Honey Sesame Chicken

Chinese Noodle Hamburger Casserole

Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein
Slightly adapted from: The Recipe Critic
(Printable Recipe)

8 oz. spaghetti noodles
3 c. fresh broccoli florets
1 Lb. lean ground beef
1 Tbl. dried onion flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1- 1 1/2 c. shredded carrots (I buy the pre-shredded/matchstix)

For the sauce:
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 c. hoisin sauce
2 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

In a large pot of boiling water, boil the spaghetti noodles according to package directions.  About 5 minutes before the noodles are done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.  Drain when done.  Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  When meat is just about browned all the way through, add in the dried onion flakes, minced garlic and shredded carrots and cook until meat is cooked through and carrots are tender, stirring frequently. Add in the cooked spaghetti noodles and broccoli and then pour in the sauce.  Toss to coat everything in sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce is heated through.  Serve.

For the Sauce:
Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger and red pepper flakes.