homemade poptarts and cupcakes

These treats may not be super healthy nor are they meals, but at least they are free of preservatives or artificial colors.  These poptarts make great snacks or a great addition to eggs for breakfast and the cupcakes make a delicious dessert.  I try and stick to one treat a day or less (and definitely no soda).

Ever buy greek yogurt and not like it?  Use it up in this recipe!  I added 1-2tsp. sugar to the dough to help get rid of some of the tartness of the yogurt.  I filled these with Trader Joe's organic rasberry jam with 50% less sugar.  All natural and less sugary...pefect!

before:

after:

And, follow the dark chocolate cake recipe on the back of dark chocolate cocoa powder container for some delicious cupcakes!  Instead of pouring the batter into cake pans, pour it into paper lined cupcake pans and bake at 375 for ~15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Top with an easy frosting as below.

2 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/8tsp. cream of tartar

Add sugar, water, and baking powder to small pan and bring to boil over medium heat.  Stir constantly until sugar dissolves.  Add this mixture slowly to the egg whites and beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, ~5-7 minutes.  The boiling sugar syrup will cook the egg whites.  Top on cooled cupcakes.  This frosting keeps its shape surprisingly well!  You can top with sprinkles or dark chocolate pieces.  yumm

added some mini chocolate cupcakes without frosting to the platter:)