Nut and Fruit Bars

These are so simple and delicious!   They make a great snack or dessert even.  

I googled "homemade lara bars" and saw a bunch of similar recipes.  I'll include the recipe I have used so far, but they seem really easy to tweak.  

- 2 cups lightly salted cashews

- 2 1/2 cups pitted dates

- 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Place all ingredients in a blender or a food processor.  When the mixture starts to clump, it is done.  (If you are like me and get the balance wrong, going a little too approximate in the ingredients, then you can add some more dates or some raisins to help it clump.)

Place on parchment paper and roll out.  I cut the parchment paper big enough to fold some over the mixture in order to roll it out easily and neatly.  Then cut in desired shape or roll into balls.  Refrigerate.

Simple. Delicious. Healthy.  

Whole family enjoyed!  

Energy Bites

These are a perfect snack.  Healthy.  Protein.  Good texture.  A little sweet.

(I found my recipe on gimmesomeoven.com)

- 1 cup (dry) oatmeal

- 2/3 cup coconut flakes

- 1/2 cup peanut butter

- 1/2 cup ground flax seed

- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

- 1/3 cup honey

- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.  Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  

Once chilled, roll into a ball of your preferred size (mine are in about 1-in diameter).  Or, press into an 8x8 or 9x9 dish.  Cut into squares.  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for a week.

So tasty and so easy!

Zucchini Bread

Will, Anna-Kate, and I love breads, cereals, cinnamon rolls, etc for breakfast. We are not good at eating hearty eggs, bacon for breakfast. I have wanted to cycle in healthier and longer-lasting options. Will has given me his approval to make anything I want to try, even if it has whole wheat flour in it. (He is still getting use to how dense it makes things.) I am looking forward to experimenting a lot more!! Here is my first super-healthy breakfast bread attempt.

We all loved it!!

- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup oil
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup chopped nuts, optional (I didn't use any)

Preheat oven to 325 for large loaf pan and muffin pan; preheat to 300 for small loaf pans.

Blend the dry ingredients.

Make a well (or hole) in the center and pour in the eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla. Stir just until mixed - do not over mix. (It appears quite dry while mixing, but the end product is not as dry as you fear it will be.)

Fold in grated zucchini (and chopped nuts).

Pour batter into desired pans. Bake 30-40 min for small loaf pans; 50-60 min for large loaf pan; and 15-20 min for muffin pan.

Thanks to inspiration from my sister-in-law and http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/ for this recipe. Hope you enjoy!!

Lean Treats

I was introduced to these not long ago, and now I am h.o.o.k.e.d! Melted marshmallows...yummm!

- one bag of mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp butter
- one box of Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal
- about a 1/3 bag of craisins (or to taste)

Melt butter in pot on stove. Add marshmallows, stirring, until they are a yummy goo-y-ness. Stir in cereal and craisins. (Pretty much follow the standard Rice Krispie Treat recipe.) Put in 13x9 pan. Let sit to cool.


My commentary: these are so amazing! If you need breakfast on the go....if you love marshmallows.....if you love craisins....if you are in the mood for something different that is still healthy.....if you love marshmallows! Try these! You could definitely add nuts/almonds or dark chocolate chips or etc if you wanted. I highly recommend these.