Snacks

Soft Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bars

The school year has started, we are all off to new routines for class, work and extra activities. Now is the time to get your healthy snacks in order. This is one of my favorite recipes for on the go healthy options. This recipe is super simple as you just put all the ingredients in a food processor, blend and bake. You have 10 bars ready to go perfect for breakfast on the run, a lunch bag, snacks or simply toss in your purse. They are packed with fiber, protein and a touch of sweetness. You won’t feel bad giving these to your kids with these high quality ingredients and also gluten and dairy free.

I am using the new Lindsay Creamy Almond Butter  in this recipe. This product is smooth and creamy making it perfect for all your nut butter needs like sandwiches, dipping and baking. It has no hydrogenated oils, cane sugar, preservatives or gluten. Try it in place of traditional peanut butter for a twist on some of your favorites. A 12 oz. jar retails for just $8.99 but you can learn more and get coupons here.

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Smooth, creamy and easy to spread almond butter

Try out any of the new Lindsay Almond butter flavors like Classic Creamy, Classic Chunky or for a sweet treat Honey Cinnamon. All of the varieties work well in the soft Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bar recipe listed below.

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Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bars

 

Soft Cinnamon Raisin Granola Bars

Makes 10 bars

3 cups old fashioned oats regular or gluten free

1 cup raisins

½ cup pecans

½ cup almond butter (at room temperature)

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup pure honey or maple syrup

¼ cup water

¼ cup ground flaxseed meal

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt

 

So simple, put everything in a food processor and blend. No food processor?  No problem just see the note below.
So simple, put everything in a food processor and blend. No food processor? No problem just see the note below.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper or grease with oil.

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a large food processor, pulse for 20 seconds and scrape sides, pulse for another 20 seconds to chop pecans and throughly combine ingredients. Do not over mix or it will become pasty.

Scoop mixture into prepared pan. Using a slightly wet hand press mixture evenly into the pan. Bake on the middle rack until golden brown and firm about 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely, remove from pan and cut. Make 10 bars by cutting horizontally through the middle once and four even cuts vertically.

 

Cut to make 10 perfect snack or lunch size bars.
Cut to make 10 perfect snack or lunch size bars.

*If you do not have a food processor, coarsely chop the raisins and pecans. Then in a large bowl combine all ingredients until well mixed and bake as directed.

*Raisins not your thing? Try this with other dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, blueberries or dates. Look for unsweetened varieties to help limit excess sugar.

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If you like the creamy almond butter you may also want to try Classic Crunchy and Honey  Cinnamon

Full Disclosure:

Sometimes I receive sample products to test and share my honest opinions about. I will ONLY promote products that I love and currently use myself. I feature these products as they have made my life simpler or more enjoyable in some way. I share them with you only as a resource to better support you in enjoying a simply delicious happy and healthy life.  All reviews are my own words and my own opinions. I share them and hope these products and services work for you and bring as much joy to your life as they have to mine.
I will occasionally link to specific sites or include affiliate links to help you purchase similar or recommend products. Again, I will only feature items I currently use and think will truly benefit you and your family. As always it is my true effort to serve you please contact me if you have questions about this process, products I mention or would like me to consider your product for a feature highlight. I am happy to help.

 

Pantry Essentials

Pantry Essentials

Pantry Essentials

It happens, we all get busy and all of a sudden we need food and need it fast. Here is how to keep from running out of fast food. Stay in by having a few of these Pantry Essentials on hand for simple and creative snacks anytime. I often make my own pizza crusts and keep them frozen and ready for use but sometimes you just need a quick snack, appetizer or lunch. I always have some type of tortilla shells yet pita bread, naan, flat bread, even English muffins or bagels will work too. Basically you are looking for a flat bread-type items to serve as a base, then add a sauce a variety of toppings and in 15 min or less you have food on the table. Here is a basic guide.

Base (pick one)    

  • tortilla shells
  • pita bread
  • naan
  • flat bread
  • English muffins
  • bagels

Spread Base with Sauce (pick one)

  • Marinara
  • Blue cheese dressing
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Herbed cream cheese
  • Ranch dressing
  • Italian dressing
  • BBQ Sauce

Add a Topping or two (pick 1-3)

  • Deli meats
  • Pepperoni
  • Chicken
  • Tomatoes
  • Cheese
  • Olives
  • Herbs
  • Artichoke Hearts
  • Sausage
  • Grilled Vegetable
  • Canned Beans
  • Leftovers

* be creative! Many items are shelf-stable. Keep a few of your favorites on hand and you will never be hungry again!

Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes and you are set with hot and tasty snacks. Slice and serve like pizza or fold in half like sandwiches.

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Mommy and baby party day

(Mommy and baby party day)

This past week Alexander and I hosted our first party since he was born. He is now 4 moths old and I have learned a lot about healthy eating with babies especially since making meals one-handed is a skill I have not yet mastered. I learned that with a baby, the best meals are ones that are good at room temperature or cold, they can be eaten one-handed without the need to be cut, preferably no utensils at all.

My menu for this party was filled with healthy snacks for my new mommy friends. After having Alexander I notice I am hungry all the time and constantly looking for simple healthy snacks that I can grab easily or take on the go. These Coconut Almond Lime Bites are a perfect protein-packed healthy snack for anyone with a busy lifestyle.

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Looking for power-packed healthy snacks that taste great? Try these Coconut Lime Almond Bites to eat well on the go.

Healthy Snacks: Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Coconut Almond Lime Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Start to Finish: 45 minutes

Makes 20-24 Bites

These coconut lime almond bites are great for an on-the-go snack that will keep you energized.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, plus additional for rolling
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped unsalted almonds
  • 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Zest from 1 lime
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, combine ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in additional coconut flakes to cover. Store covered in refrigerator.