So I love granola bars; they are a quick on the go snack. However, I have found MANY bars have sugar in them and obviously most are not gluten free (if they are they are way too expensive). So I have come up with a solution! I made my own! This recipe is SO easy, there is NO cooking involved! I love recipes like that, don't you? Let's get to it!
Granola Bars
1 cup Raisins (regular or golden are fine)
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
1 cup Toasted Nuts (almonds or pecans work best but you can use a variety)
1 1/2 cup Oats
1. In a small bowl microwave the peanut butter and honey for 30 seconds and stir so it is mixed well.
2. In a food processor, puree the raisins until they become a paste (it will look like fig newton filling).
3. In a large bowl combine ALL ingredients, mix well.
4. Press into an 8x8 pan lined with wax paper for easy removal.
5. Freeze the bar for about 40 minutes or until set firm, I like to wait until its nearly frozen solid.
6. Remove the bars from the pan and cut into desired sizes, I like to individually cut them, wrap them in plastic and keep them stored in the freezer; taking one out when I am on the run and letting it defrost a little before eating it nice and cold.
VARIATIONS:
You can use almost any dried fruit instead of raisins (figs, cranberries, etc.)
Choose the nuts you like and use those instead, I like to roast the nuts in the oven to bring out the flavor more.
Feel free to make these unhealthy by adding chocolate chips or M&Ms if you wish (that will make them NOT sugar free)
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This recipe has been a to me delight on a hot day. Refreshing and easy to make, this sugar free frozen treat is awesome in the summer. What could possibly be easier than tossing frozen fruit and a few other ingredients into the food processor? Let's jump right into this frozen treat!
Pineapple Strawberry Sorbet
1 cup Pineapple chunks, frozen
1 cup Strawberries, frozen
1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp Honey
1. Toss all those goodies in the food processor and blend on high, about 5 minutes, until all is blended smooth. You may need to scrape the sides down once or twice but just give it time and it will blend together nicely. You can enjoy all of this now or save some in Popsicle molds or just in Tupperware in the freezer for later.
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So there has been questions while shopping for oats. Steel Cut or Rolled? What are the differences? I had no idea at first either, I thought one took longer to cook and the other was under a minute. Are the health benefits the same? Lets find out!
Steel Cut oats are whole oats that are just coarsely chopped. Rolled oats only take a minute to cook but that is because they are processed much more than steel cut oats. Rolled oats are steamed, rolled, steamed again, and toasted. Steel cut oats are a bit lower in calories but when it comes to protein, carbs, fiber, fat, calcium and iron the two oats are equal. Rolled oats do tend to be higher in sugar but steel cut oats sit lower in the glycemic index. So in many opinions the 'healthier' way to go is with steel cut oats just because they are less processed.
In this recipe feel free to use rolled oats instead of steel cut, I am choosing to use steel cut because they are less processed and I LOVE foods that are closest to their natural state.
Healthy Oat Pancakes
2 Eggs
1 Banana
1/2 cup Steel cut oats
1/4 cup Unsweetened apple sauce
1 tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1. Okay guys, this one is EASY. Put all the ingredients in the blender and puree.
2. Over medium heat grease your pan (I use coconut oil) then pour some batter on the pan. Wait for bubbles to appear just like you would be cooking 'regular' pancakes.
3. Flip pancake and cook until done, probably about only 2 minutes per side.
4. This recipe makes 4 pancakes, perfect for a quick breakfast for yourself or the kids. Serve with all natural maple syrup, fresh fruit, peanut butter or whatever you like with your pancakes.
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So I love granola bars; they are a quick on the go snack. However, I have found MANY bars have sugar in them and obviously most are not gluten free (if they are they are way too expensive). So I have come up with a solution! I made my own! This recipe is SO easy, there is NO cooking involved! I love recipes like that, don't you? Let's get to it!
2. In a food processor, puree the raisins until they become a paste (it will look like fig newton filling). 
VARIATIONS: 
