Granola Bars

Spray 9x13 pan and line with foil or parchment.

On a cookie sheet bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Stir a couple times:


2 c oats
3/4 c almonds

Add to the toasting oats and bake another 2 minutes:

1/2 c coconut
1/4 c flax seed

Meanwhile on the stove top heat and melt:


1/2 c honey
1 c peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped raisins

Add the toasted oat mixture to the hot peanut butter mix. Mix and press into the pan firmly. Let cool.

Cut the bars. I like to keep the bars in the fridge in an airtight container. They are easier for children to handle when they are cold. They hold their shape a little better.

Gnocchi

Have you tried Gnocchi yet?  It is AMAZING! I saw a box of this yummy potato dumpling noodle next to the lasagna and decided to try it. When I get feeling brave I'll learn how to make the dumpling itself. But I did make some yummy sauce to go over it. It was so yummy. Next time I make it I think I'll serve it with some chicken to help it be a bit more filling. I was still a little hungry after I ate.

Cook gnocchi according to instructions.

For the sauce simmer for 4 minutes:


1/3 c olive oil
2 cloves garlic chopped

Add and simmer on low for about 10 minutes:

1 small can drained diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp basil (or fresh if you have fresh)

Add cooked Gnocchi and top with:

FRESH grated Romano.

In the summer I want to try using my fresh garden tomatoes.

Brussel Sprouts

Now before you disregard this recipe, you have to know the reaction of both husband and children. Kevin's first words were, "This is DEFINITELY a keeper!" The children all said, "I thought this was going to  be yucky, but I love it!" The older kids had two servings and the little children ate it all up!

So, now that you know it is yummy with all its buttery goodness, here is the recipe!

Boil for only 3 minutes in just an inch of water:

1 lb brussel sprouts

Drain the brussel sprouts and rinse in cold water.

Saute for 4 minutes:


3 T butter
1/2 cup onion

Cut brussel sprouts in half and add to the simmering onions with 3 more Tablespoons butter. Cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in:

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup toasted almonds

Serve on a bed of rice.

*If you over cook brussel sprouts you get a bitter taste. Most people over cook the sprouts. You know you cooked them just right if you get a nutty buttery flavor!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Larabar

In a food processor processor chop:

1 cup rolled oats

Add and process for a couple minutes:


1, 1/2 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

Shape into whatever shape you want. The kids liked round balls because it looked like cookie dough.

Peanut Butter Banana Shake

 There are a lot of banana shake recipes out there. I tried a few and wasn't happy. The ones that called for cooked oatmeal didn't make it very far! This one was really good. The kids all wanted more, so that's a good sign!

In a blender blend:


2 bananas, frozen and cut into chunks*
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
8 oz Greek vanilla honey yogurt

* I peeled and placed two bananas in a ziploc bag the night before.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

I've seen a recipe for these going around on Pinterest. I tried the recipe and was really disappointed in the dough texture. I decided to make a few changes to make the dough easier to work with and a bit healthier.

Cream:


1 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar

add:

2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
zest of 2 oranges

add:


2 cups flour
1/4 cup wheat flour (freshly ground)
1 T milled flaxseed
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

add:

1, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes