Carrot Cake Bites

I love the ingredients in carrot cake. This is a fun way to get a mouth full of the flavors of carrot cake in a snack bite. They passed the taste test with my 3 year old grand daughter and my husband. Eating one is not enough. I hope you are having a beautiful week. 

Carrot Cake Bites

Ingredients  makes approx 16 bites

10 medjool dates Pitted

1 cup  pecans

1 cup  almonds

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 1/2 Tablespoon of coconut oil

2 teaspoons cinnamon

pinch of salt 

Directions

Pour all of the ingredients into a power blender and blend until crumbly. It will require you turning on and off the blender to stir with a rubber scraper to redistribute the mixture. Then when process  of blending is complete, roll the mixture into small balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy

 

Healthy Fig Bites (gluten free)

Fig Bites 

             Hi! It has been a while since I shared a recipe. I thought it would be fun to pass this yummy snack along. I have enjoyed eating figs lately. I have been excited about the calcium they have in them. I am always looking for foods that have calcium in them. They are a healthy treat. When you make them into these healthy bites you have a wonderful snack. 💕

Recipe 

3/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds

1/2 Cup chopped up Figs

1/2 Cup Chopped up Almonds (or nuts of your choice)

4 Tablespoons of honey

1/2 Cup Almond Butter

!/2 Cup Old fashioned rolled Oats (gluten free)

1 C unsweetened Coconut Flakes 

Instructions

1. Grind the sunflower seeds in blender.

2. Pour sunflower seeds into a bowl. 

3. Stir in the remaining ingredients into the bowl until all combined. 

4. Form into bites. 

5. Put on cookie sheet and freeze about an hour. Then store in air tight container in the freezer. 

6. Will store about 2 months. 

7. Makes about 16 balls depending on the size you make. Enjoy!!!

Add caption

 

Coconut Seed Clustered Granola (Grain Free)

 Hi, It has been a while since I took the time to put in a recipe. I still love creating recipes. Britney my daughter has been busy creating too. She is expecting her first daughter after 4 boys very soon. We are excited.  She is a busy Mama.  Our family gets three beautiful grandchildren this year. Great things are happening.

I found some coconut clusters at Costco a while ago. They had coconut, seeds and chia in them and I fell in love with them. Well I have a large bucket of shredded coconut, and so I thought it would be fun to try, and make some on my own. My belief is it is always a healthier option to make your own if you are able to.

Well I made this last week for some friends and it was a big hit with my friends and family so I thought it would be fun to share it with you. I love it!

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil                  

1/4 Cup Honey

4 Cups of Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

1 Cups Raw Pumpkins Seeds

1 1/3 Cups Raw Sunflower Seeds

6 Tablespoons Chia Seeds

Directions

Stove top method 

In a large pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium and pour in the oil and honey. Stir together and heat until warm. Then stir in the coconut and turn down the heat to medium low. Stir in the coconut in with the honey mixture until the coconut is all covered. The coconut flakes will start to turn golden. Stir in the seeds and continue to stir until the coconut is a light golden brown. 

Take pot off of the stove and pour the mixture on to a parchment paper or greased pan. Spread out and let cool. Store in an air tight container. 

In oven method Preheat oven to 325

Pour all of the Ingredients into a bowl. Stir it until all ingredients are combined. Pour ingredients on to greased cookie sheet. Spread out the ingredients evenly. Place pan in preheated oven. Bake for 13-20 min. Until the coconut turns light golden brown. You can stir the granola halfway through for even baking. 

Take out of the oven and cool. Store in an air tight container.  Enjoy!

Healthy No Bake Brownies (Gluten Free)

It is so wonderful to enjoy this time of year. I am hanging on to the warm weather as long as I can. There are still a lot of beautiful flowers too. I love warm weather. I love to go on morning walks and take it all in. I exercise as much for my mental health as my physical health. It is so healing. It gives me time to ponder and get things sorted out in my head. I also have done some meditation. I know I have a daughter and son that really like meditation. I want to do that more.

It is wonderful to be able to create little snacks that taste really good and are healthy at the same time. These are taster approved my daughter ate one and then came back for a second one. :) Winner!

They whip up fast and you can make extra for later. You can make them with gluten free oat flour if you are eating gluten free.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of oat flour*(Gluten free)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup ground chia (Optional)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips chopped up*
3/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Directions  (makes about 10 brownies)

1. In a mixing bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, chia* and chips. 
2. Blend together in blender almond butter, honey, vanilla and oil until all creamy.  Mix into dry ingredients until all combined. 
3. Scoop into balls with a cookie scooper or with spoon. I rolled them into smooth balls with my hands. Delish!
4. Left overs can be stored in an air tight container and store in fridge or freezer.


*I just blend up old fashioned gluten free oatmeal in the blender until it turns to powder.
*I put the chocolate chips in the blender for a couple seconds to break them into smaller pieces.

Quinoa Energy Bites (gluten free)

This recipe was motivated by eating the "Aussie Bites" at Costco. I thought it would be fun to make them with out as much sugar and butter. I had all the ingredients so it was easy to whip them up. You have the option of eating them raw or baking them. I had them both ways. I enjoyed the baked version the best. The baked version reminded me of a many muffin. They are loaded with nourishing goodness that will add energy to your day.

Ingredients

1 C Old fashioned Oatmeal (gluten free)
1/2 C cooked quinoa
1/4 C sunflower seeds unsalted or pumpkin seeds
1/4 C ground flax seeds
1/4 C chia seeds
1/4 C honey or vegan sweetener
1/2 C dried apricots chopped or dried fruit of your choice
1/4 C raisins
1 tsp vanilla

Directions     makes 12

1. Pour all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is similar to cookie dough. It all sticks together.
2. Scoop into balls. You can eat them raw.
3. For baking version. Preheat oven to 350.  Bake in heated oven for about 8 min. Take out of oven and let cool.
4. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge or freezer.

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Bites (no added sugar)

These are a wonderful protein bite that tastes delicious. They will help boost your energy for the day. They are wonderful because they are healthy at the same time. They are low in sugar. You can't guarantee that when you buy them at the store. 

 Ingredients

1 C chopped pecans
1/2 C old fashioned oatmeal
1/4 C chia *optional
1/2 C dried cherries
2 T coconut oil
1/3 C dark chocolate chips

Directions  makes 10-12

1. Pour all of the ingredients into the blender and pulse until all combined and broken down.
2. Pour out on clean surface form into balls.
3. Place in fridge to harden about 30 minutes.
4. Eat and enjoy. Store leftovers in airtight container store in the fridge.

Nutty Granola (Low sugar)

Oatmeal is one of my favorite grains. I love eating it in all sorts of ways. Granola is one of my favorite ways to eat. This is a nice low sugar recipe and it is easy to make. It is a wonderful snack or breakfast. Yum!

Ingredients

2 T honey or vegan sweetener 

1 T coconut oil

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp pumpkin spice 

3 C old fashioned oatmeal

1 C unsweetened coconut flakes* optional

1/4 C chia* optional

1/2 C chopped unsalted cashews

1/2 C chopped unsalted almonds

1/2 C chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

1. Heat oven 300. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or grease. 

2. In a small sauce pan pour in honey and coconut oil and stir until come to a boil. 

3. Take off the heat and stir in salt and pumpkin spice. Set the pan aside.

4. Pour oatmeal, chia, coconut and nuts in medium size bowl and stir together.

5. Pour honey mixture over oatmeal mixture. Stir together until all combined.

6. Spread granola on to cookie sheet evenly.  Place in oven. 

7. Stir in the middle of the cooking to let it cook evenly. Bake about 20 min or until lightly brown. 

8. Let cool and store in air tight container. Serve with yogurt, fruit, hot cereal, or eat alone. 

Peanut Butter Play Dough (edible)

Britney used to love to make peanut butter play dough when she was growing up. The recipe she used to use had 1 Cup of corn syrup. I thought it would be fun to make a healthy version of it. Success!

This is an edible play dough. It is a yummy snack.

 You can also play with it before you eat it. A fun activity for children and adults too.

Ingredients

1 C natural peanut butter
2 T honey ( I used raw)
1/3 C powdered milk

Directions

1. Put the peanut butter and honey in a bowl. Stir until all creamy.
2. Stir in the powdered milk until all combined. You can fully knead it in with your hands.
3. Have fun eating and playing with it.
4. Store leftovers in zip lock bag in the fridge.

Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough (Low Sugar)

 It is hard to resist a spoonful of cookie dough. This is a great way to enjoy a spoonful with out the guilt. So indulge yourself with a mouthful of yum. The nice thing is they are filling too. A great little snack with protein.  #Gluten Free #Low Sugar

Ingredients

1 C cashews unsalted pieces
2 T coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
2 T honey or sweetener of your choice
1 C  Bob's Red Mill old fashioned oatmeal (gluten free)
1 C unsweetened shredded coconut *optional
2 T  Bob's Red Mill chia * optional
1/4 C dark chocolate chips chopped up
1/4 C dark chocolate chips
1 T coconut oil

Directions  makes 16

1. Pour into a blender cashews, oil, vanilla and honey. Blend and pulse until creamy.
2. Pour in oatmeal, coconut, chia, and blend and pulse till all combined and cookie dough consistency.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips roll into bite size balls.
4. Place on non stick pan. Place in freezer to harden about 20 min.
5. In the meantime put chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl add oil. Put in microwave about 45 seconds. Long enough to melt the chips. Stir together and let cool.
6. Take the bites out of the freezer and dip into chocolate. Place on non stick pan.
7. Place back in the freezer and and let harden about 20 to 30 min.
8. Take out and indulge yourself. Store left overs in air tight container in the fridge or freezer. Yum!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies were really good. I was very pleased how they turned out. They ended up looking more like chocolate cookies because I chopped up  the chocolate chips and some of them got chopped up really fine, so it made them more chocolate flavor throughout. So that was great for me. I stored them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days and they lasted great. If you are going to keep them much longer store them in the freezer in an airtight container. 

Ingredients

3 C old fashioned oatmeal

1 C warm water

1/3 c brown rice flour

1C almond flour

1/4 C potato starch 

1 T nonfat powdered milk ( can use soy milk)

1/4 gaur gum 

1/2 tsp salt 

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/3 C coconut oil melted

2 eggs

1tsp vanilla

1 C dark chocolate chips chopped ( spreads the chocolate throughout the cookie)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375. Spread oatmeal out on cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in oven. Let cook until light brown. Stir after about 5 minutes. Toast for about 10 minutes total.

2. Take half of the oats and put in a small bowl cover with water. Stir water into the oats. Cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to let soften. Set the bowl aside.

3. In a medium bowl mix together brown rice flour, almond flour, potato starch, milk, guar gum, salt, baking powder, stir with wire whisk. Set the bowl aside.

 4. In a medium bowl blend together the oil, eggs and vanilla, stir in flour mixture, wet oat mixture and then remaining oats. Fold in chips.

5. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 30 min.

6. Heat oven to 325.

7. Scoop cookie dough into round balls. Place on cookie sheets. Flatten with greased spatula.

8. Bake about 20 minutes. Cool on cooling rack.

9. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days or on freezer in air tight container .

Pecan Pie Bites (No gluten, Low Sugar)

These are a fun version of pecan pie without all the calories. They only take 3 ingredients to make pecans, honey, and oil. pecans have a natural sweetness of their own so they don't need a lot of sweetener.  They will fill your mouth with a mouthful of yum. A great source of protein too. Read some of the benefits to pecans here. Pecans are loaded with nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

1 C chopped pecans
1 T coconut oil
1/2 T honey or vegan sweetener
1/2 C finely chopped pecans
1/4 C  chopped pecans

Directions     makes 8 bites

1. Put pecans in blender with oil and honey. Blend until smooth. I used the Blendtec twister jar that worked fast. It may require some pulse and stir in another blender until it reaches the right consistency.
2. Stir in the 1/2 C of pecans in a small bowl. Put in fridge until it starts to thicken about 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Take bowl out of fridge and roll into small balls. Roll into chopped nuts. Eat right away or put in fridge to harden. Store in airtight container.

Nutty Bars (gluten free and low sugar)

"Some times you feel like a nut some times you don't.... " This song has been running through my head. I usually feel like a nut. haha I love eating nuts. The funny thing is I used to think I didn't like pecans and now I realize that I do. It is fun to eat different nuts because they all contain different benefits. They are a great source of protein too. The key is to enjoy them but to not go overboard eating them.

I made this mixture of nuts into a bar and was very pleased how they turned out. It is a great combination of flavors. Do you feel like a nut today?

 Ingredients

1 C chopped unsalted cashews
1 C chopped almonds
1 C chopped pecans
1/2 C chopped dark chocolate chips
4 T chia *optional
4 T coconut oil melted
1 T honey
1/2 C chopped dark chocolate chip
1 T coconut oil

Directions    makes about 1 dozen

1. In a medium size bowl pour in cashews, almonds, pecans, chips and chia. Stir until all combined.
2. In a small bowl stir together oil and honey. Stir into the nut mixture until all combined.
3. In a small bowl melt remaining chips and oil in microwave. Stir the oil and nut mixture together. The chips melt a little bit with the warm oil and honey. I liked that.
4. Line a long bread pan with parchment paper. Pour the melted chips on the bottom of the pan spreading evenly. Then pour the nut mixture on top. Spreading it evenly. I used a small metal spatula to flatten the mixture down.
5. Place in fridge to harden. It will take about an hour. Cut into squares and enjoy.
6. Store leftovers in fridge in air tight container. YUM!

Cashew Butter Bites (gluten free and low sugar)

This are a fast and easy healthy snack to make. I love having snacks like these on hand. It is a nice source of protein that gives you energy.

Ingredients

1 C unsalted cashew pieces
2 1/2 T cashew butter (you could use another nut butter)
1 pinch of salt
2 T chia * optional
1 T honey

Directions   makes 9

1. Pour all the ingredients into a bowl. Stir until all combined.
2. Form into balls with hands or with cookie dough scooper.
3. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the fridge.
4. Store in airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Almond Joy No-Bake Cookies (Gluten free)

I had a great couple days celebrating the birth of our first granddaughter. I think the angels sing each time a child is born. It is a sweet time. It is wonderful to watch my son become a Dad and our daughter in law become a Mom. What a the sweetest things in life. I look forward to going and seeing her soon.

These are a fun healthier option than eating an almond joy. They  are a greaat little treat or a great way to get a protein boost. These are a winner.



Ingredients
3 ounces dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup almonds, chopped
2 cups unsweetened coconut
3 T chia *optional

Directions  Makes 15
1. Melt the chocolate chips, oil, and honey in a small saucepan on low. Stir in the coconut milk.

2. Take off the heat. Stir in the coconut almonds, and chia until well mixed.

3. Scoop onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper in 1.5 inch balls. Place them in the fridge to harden, at least 1/2 hour.

4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or serve immediately.

Here is another No bake chocolate peanut butter cookie recipe.

Mango Pineapple Salsa

So I have been reading a great book Anti Cancer. It has some great tips on how you can take care of your body better. I love those kind of books.  One of the things he recommends is eating 25 servings of fruits and vegetables a week. He also said it is a good idea to include variety in your servings. So this salsa is a great way to include a lot of variety into your servings for the week. The extra bonus is it tastes great too. It got a thumbs up from my family.

Ingredients

2 C diced  fresh pineapple
2 C diced mangoes (I thawed frozen)
1/4 C red pepper diced
1/2  C chopped red onion
2 T minced jalapeño
1/4 C chopped cilantro
1/4 tsp salt
3 T chia * Optional (nice thickener)

Directions serves 4-6

1. Place all the ingredients except chia in a medium bowl and toss the mixture.
2. Toss the chia on top and then toss the mixture again. The chia adds nutritional benefits also it works as a nice thickener. It is Delish!

Guilt Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake

I had this for a snack yesterday and am craving it again today. It is so easy to make and tastes so good. The best part is it has healthy ingredients and it tastes like cheesecake. It is a great way pick me up as a snack with protein. Also would make a healthy dessert. Winner!

Ingredients

1 C greek yogurt
1 T honey
1 T natural peanut butter
2-3 T chopped up dark chocolate chips
1 T chia * optional

Directions     serves 1

1. Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir it up. Enjoy!

Berry Berry Muffins

 I love Berries! It was fun to add them to muffins. My little grandchildren gobbled them up. That is always a good sign.

Ingredients
1/2 C coconut oil
1/2 C honey
1/2 C water
1/2 C almond or cashew milk
2 eggs
1/4 c chia
2 tsp baking powder
2 C wheat flour
1 C thawed mixed berries (Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

Directions  heat oven to 350  makes 1 dozen
1. Beat together oil, honey, water and milk. Then beat in eggs one at a time.
2. Then in another bowl mix together chia, baking powder, and flour. Fold into wet batter until combined.
3. Scoop into greased muffin cups and place in heated oven.  Bake for 15- 20 min or until done.
4. Take out of muffin tins and cool on cooling rack.

Chocolate Chip Muffins (whole grain)

This is a super easy recipe that is whole grain. I chopped up the chocolate chips which added a little bit of chocolate in every bite. They make a great little snack or a nice addition to a meal. 

Ingredients

2/3 C honey

1/2 C olive oil or coconut oil

1/2 C almond milk

1/2 C water

2 eggs

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 C chia

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 C whole wheat flour 

1/2 C dark chocolate chips chopped up

Directions make 12 mini muffins Heat oven to 400

1. Beat or stir together honey, oil, water. Beat or stir in the eggs. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl mix together salt, chia, baking powder, and flour. 

3. Fold flour mixture into wet mixture stir until all combined. 

4. Fold in chocolate chips. 

5. Grease muffin tin. Scoop muffin mix into tins. 

6. Bake 12-15 min. 

7. Take out of muffin tins and let cool on wire rack. Enjoy

Yummy Vegee Scramble

I find that between lunch and dinner is the time of day that I get the hungriest. So the key is to eat something healthy that can carry you to dinner. I made this today and it was just what I needed. Love that it has protein as well as lots of vegetables. It was delish.

It would also make a wonderful breakfast, lunch or dinner too.

Ingredients

I egg
1 T chia
1 1/2 T olive oil
2-3 mini peppers chopped
1 T onion chopped
5 chopped mini tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
salsa for garnish  (homemade is the best)

Directions    Serves 1

1.  In a small bowl beat together egg and chia. Set bowl aside.
2. Heat a small frying pan with olive oil on medium heat. Add peppers, onion, tomatoes and let cook while stirring 3-5 min. until soft.
3. Stir in the egg mixture with the vegetables. Cook until the eggs are all cooked.
4. Take off the heat. Scoop onto to dish salt and pepper and top with your favorite salsa. Enjoy!

Hickory Smoked Almonds

I a lot of times crave salty instead of sweet. I used to buy these Hickory Smoked Almonds at the store. Then I realized how easy it was to make them. And so I was extra excited to learn that this month's Recipe Redux theme was Bring in the New Year with Smoke or Spice so I could share it with you! The cool thing is that it doesn't have all the extra ingredients that you don't know how to pronounce. It only takes 4 ingredients and you are done. They are easy to make too.

Ingredients

1 egg white
2 tsp salt 
1/2 tsp liquid hickory smoke
3 C raw almonds

Directions

1. Beat the egg white in a bowl till foamy. Then add the salt and liquid smoke. Beat together.

2. Throw in the almonds. Stir until all the almonds are covered.

3. Grease a cookie sheet or use parchment paper. Spread the almonds out on the cookie sheet.

4. Bake at 300 for about 30 minutes. Stir them every 10 minutes. Take out of the oven. Let them cool and enjoy. 

5. Store leftovers in an airtight container. It's a great little snack. 

Couldn't be much easier than that. I chopped some up in my chopper for a salad tonight Yum!

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