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!

Chocolate Mousse (Dairy Free)

Isn't anticipation for happy things ahead the best. I am looking forward to seeing my new little granddaughter tomorrow. Such an amazing miracle to see these little ones come to earth. She is a lucky little girl to have 2 wonderful parents. I love being part of a great family that keeps on growing. :)

I made this the other day and it was smooth and creamy. It tasted really yummy with fresh strawberries. It is low in sugar and so fast and easy to make.

Ingredients
1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons honey or vegan sweetener
1 cup canned coconut milk
Top with fresh fruit or your favorite topping.

Directions
1. Melt the chocolate chips and honey in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

2. Take the chocolate chips off the heat and stir in the coconut milk. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

3. Serve. Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge.

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.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Dream (No added sugar)

This is so yummy and has all the right flavors in it. It is good to the last drop and no added sugar. The chia added to it add nice health benefits as well as a nice thickener. Yum! Keeping healthy in 2015 with out sacrificing the flavor.


Ingredients

2 C cashew milk (use your favorite kind)
1 T cocoa
2 frozen bananas
2 T chia
3 T  natural creamy peanut butter
1/4 C dark chocolate chips
8 Ice cubes
*Garnish with chopped up chips if desired

Directions Seves 2

1. Pour into the blender milk, cocoa, bananas, chia, and peanut butter. Blend until all creamy.
2. Add the chips and ice and blend until creamy.
3. Serve right away! Good to the last drop.

Almond Joy Smoothie (Sugar Free)

Here is a fun way to enjoy the flavors of an Almond Joy without feeling any guilt. A candy bar in a glass.  The banana is added to add a nice natural sweetener without adding sugar. You can blend as smooth as you want if you don't want to have the texture. I liked a little texture in mine. 

Ingredients

2 C almond milk vanilla unsweetened

1 frozen banana (natural sweetener)

1/2 C unsweetened shredded coconut 

1/4 C dark chocolate chips

1/4 C almonds

2 T chia * optional

* garnish with coconut and  crushed chocolate chips

Directions  serves 2

1. Pour all the ingredients in the blender starting with the milk. Blend to desired texture.

2. Garnish with crushed chips and coconut if desired. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (no added sugar)

I have been thinking about a new thought lately after reading a cute story and some other experiences I have had recently. The idea is "Happiness is something you decide ahead of time." I love that thought. It means to me that my happiness needs to be based on what is in my head not on the outside things that are happening around me. I know it takes work to do that. I am still working on it. So prior to my feet hitting the floor in the morning I am going to decide to be happy. I love the idea of working at improving on this. The benefits are that I will be happy each day. :)

These are fun little bars I made up the recipe yesterday. They are fast and easy to make and they have no added sugar. They are a fun little snack.

Ingredients

1 C dark chocolate chips
1/2 C natural peanut butter
2 T coconut oil
2 1/2 C old fashioned oatmeal

Directions

1. Place a sauce pan on the stove and heat to medium low heat. Pour in the chips, peanut butter and oil. Stirring constantly until all melted.
2. Take the pan off the heat stir in the oatmeal until it is all combined with the chocolate mixture.
3. Grease a 9 X 9 Pan and pour in the mixture. Smooth and flatten with a spatula.
4. Place it in the fridge. Let harden 30 min to 1 hour. Cut into squares.
5. Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge.

Creamy Peppermint Truffles (healthier)

These are fun easy truffles for the holiday. I made them healthier by adding coconut milk instead of whipping cream. They are delicious treat for this time of the year without the guilt. Peppermint and chocolate are a favorite flavor combination at our house. You can either roll them in crushed nuts or candy canes. 

Ingredients

1 C dark chocolate chips or bar
2/3 C canned coconut milk
5T coconut oil
2tsp vanilla
1 tsp peppermint oil or peppermint extract
Roll in cocoa,  or finely chopped nuts, crushed candy canes

Directions   makes about 8

1. In a small saucepan on medium low heat pour in chocolate, milk, and oil. Stir until all melted and nice and smooth.
2. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint oil.
3. Pour into a metal loaf pan and let cool in the fridge until thickens.  
4. Take bowl out of fridge. Rub some coconut oil on your clean hands for easier handling.
5. Scrape with the side of a spoon the chocolate until you get enough for a small ball. Roll into a ball with your greased hands.
6. Put cocoa, nuts or crushed candy in a small bowl and roll the ball into the topping of your choice. I think cocoa is the best. 
7. Place in air tight container and place in fridge to harden.

Chocolate Chip Chunk Bars

It is always a winner to make chocolate chip bars. They are faster than cookies and taste great. I had fun adding chia to these for added protein. Great snack for anytime of the day. Could be a great breakfast too. 

Ingredients

3/4 C coconut oil

3/4 C honey

2 eggs

1/3 C chia *Optional

1 tsp vanilla

2 C oatmeal

1 C whole grain flour ( I used kamut)

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 C chocolate chips

Directions

1. In a bowl Beat together oil and honey. The beat in each egg one at a time. 

2. Stir in the chia and vanilla.

3. Stir in oatmeal, flour, baking soda and salt. Fold in chocolate chips. 

4. Scoop into a 9x9 pan. Spread until all smooth. 

5. Place in heated oven and bake about 25-30 min. 

6. Take out of oven and cool and cut into squares. 

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Dough Bites (gluten free)

I sometimes get cravings to eat cookie dough. This is a great way to satisfy that craving with out all the calories. You can make them up ahead of time and then you will have them ready when the craving hits. They are also a great high protein snack. Enjoy!


Ingredients


1/3 C natural peanut butter
1/4 C honey
3 T coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 C Old fashioned oatmeal
3/4 C unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 C chopped up dark chocolate chips
1/3 C chia  ground*optional


Directions  makes 15 bites

1. In a mixing bowl put peanut butter, honey, oil and vanilla. Stir together until all creamy.
1. Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl. Stir until all combined or use your cleans hands to help all of the ingredients combine together.
2. Roll into balls with your hands. Put on a non stick surface.
3. Then place in the fridge to harden. After they harden put in airtight container and store in fridge or freezer. Enjoy!

Protein Chow

I made the normal puppy chow recipe into a healthier protein snack. :) Healthier without sacrificing the flavor. I eliminated the butter and the refined sugar. You still have the yummy combination of chocolate and peanut butter with added protein too. It is a yummy snack. It is so easy to make.

Ingredients

3/4 C dark chocolate chips
2 T coconut oil
1/2 C natural peanut butter
1 14 oz box of toasted wheat cereal
3/4 C chocolate protein powder  (Vanilla would be yummy too)


Directions

1. In a microwavable bowl melt the chocolate chips in the microwave.
2. Stir in the peanut butter and put in the microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Pour cereal into bowl and pour melted chocolate and peanut butter on top of the cereal.
4. Stir in the protein powder into the cereal until it is all combined.
5. Pour cereal on to cookie sheet and place in fridge to let chocolate harden.
6. Then enjoy! Store in airtight container in the fridge.

*Tastes great with to eat as a cereal with almond milk too.

Cherry Chocolate Caramel Granola Bars

This is a healthy snack. That is full of protein, antioxidants, low is sugar. My daughter says she doesn't like cherries and she really liked these. She even packed some for work. These are healthy enough to eat for breakfast too.  

Caramel

Ingredients

1 C canned coconut milk (full fat)
1/4 C honey
2 T coconut oil
1/2 C chia seeds
1/2 C unsweetened shredded coconut
2 C old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 C dried cherries chopped up small
1/2 C dark chocolate chips chopped in small pieces

Directions   makes 16

1. Pour into small saucepan milk, honey, and oil . Stir on medium heat. You may want to have on medium low part of the time. Be careful to not let it burn.  Cook and stir often. It should be cooked down until it becomes very thick. Like the picture above. It is soft ball stage.
2. In a medium sized bowl pour in chia, coconut, oatmeal, and cherries. Stir together until all combined.
3. Pour hot caramel over the oatmeal mixture. Stir until completely mixed together.
4. Fold in the chips.
5. Pour into square parchment lined pan or greased. Press mixture down with the spatula.
6. Place in fridge to harden. Cut into 16 squares. Store in air tight container in the fridge.

Peanut Butter Nutter Clusters (protein)

I have a new hobby that I am loving. Biking! It is so fun to see things from a bike. I am able to see a lot more than I did when I walked. I am still at the novis stage but it is so much fun. It is fun to do something new. I had ridden bikes before but not to this extent. We live in such a beautiful world. It is a very pretty time of year. Love it!

These are a fun snack. They are loaded with protein and a great snack in between meals when the hungry pains hit or even before that.


Ingredients

1/4 C pecans
1/4 C almonds
1/2 C cashews
1/4 C peanut butter
1/4 C chia
1 T coconut oil
3/4 C old fashioned oatmeal
1/3 C dark chocolate chips

Directions   makes 12

1. In a blender pulse all the ingredients together until all combined.
2. Scoop on to pan lined with parchment paper.
3. Place in fridge to harden. Store in airtight container in the fridge.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bites (no added sugar)

These are a fun little snack and they are loaded with protein. No added sugar without sacrificing the flavor. My goal is to cut down on the sugar in recipes whenever possible without sacrificing the flavor. They are great to make ahead and have in the fridge when you are wanting a healthy snack.

Ingredients

1 C dates soaked for at least and hour
2 T coconut oil
1/2 C canned pumpkin
1/2 C old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 C chopped nuts (I used cashews)
4 T chia *optional great source of protein
1/2 C dark chocolate chips

Directions makes 12

1.Blend in blender, dates, and oil together until smooth.
2. Next add in the pumpkin and blend until smooth.
3. Then add the oatmeal, nuts, chia and chips and blend until all combined and the chips are broken down. It will require pulsing and stopping and stirring during this whole process.
4. Put the mixture in a bowl in the fridge for 20 min. for easier handling.
5. Form into balls and put back in the fridge in airtight container. Enjoy

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Smoothie (No added Sugar)

Here is another delightfully yummy pumpkin chocolate chip recipe. It is so refreshing and has that great pumpkin chocolate flavor. It has no added sugar so it is guilt free as well. Winner Winner! Great little snack or even a yummy breakfast.

Ingredients

1 C almond milk vanilla (no added sugar)
2 frozen banana cut in pieces
2 T canned pumpkin
1/3 tsp cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
2 T chopped up dark chocolate chips

Directions    serves 1

1. In a blender blend milk, banana, pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend until creamy
2. Stir in crushed chips or put the chips into the blender with the mixture and pulse once or twice. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am having a lot of fun making things with pumpkin. I think my favorite is pumpkin and chocolate chips. I cut down the sugar and the fat without comprising the flavor, and made them whole grain.  These cookies are soft and delicious. It adds to the enjoyment of this time of year having yummy cookies to eat. Have a great weekend.


Ingredients

1/2 C coconut oil
3/4 C honey
1 egg
1 15oz can of pumpkin puree
2 C whole grain (I used 1 C kamut flour and 1 C spelt flour)
2 C old fashioned oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1 T cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 C dark chocolate chips


Directions  Heat oven to 350  makes 36 cookies

1. In a mixing bowl beat together oil, honey, and egg. Then beat in pumpkin.
2. In a medium sized bowl measure and pour in flour, oatmeal, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Stir in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until all combined.
4. Fold in the chips.
5. Scoop on to cookie sheets. (I pressed mine down a little before baking them) Bake for 10 min. or until done.
6. Cool on cooling rack and enjoy! Happy Baking!

Chunky Monkey Smoothie (No added sugar)

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by National Dairy Council and the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

One more post today for the National Dairy Council and the Quaker Oats Center for Excellence.  We love the ingredients that are in this. The smoothie turned out so refreshing and yummy. You are going to love it!

We love oats. They are sometimes easy to overlook when you are trying to eat whole grains. They are so familiar that we sometimes forget they are a legitimate, amazing whole grain.

Oats contain more soluble fiber than any other grain, which makes you feel full longer. They also contain beta-glucans, which have been proven to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and therefore lower heart disease. Oats are okay for people who are looking to avoid gluten as long as they are certified gluten free.

Ingredients
1 C milk of your choice
1/2 C old-fashioned oatmeal uncooked *
3 T peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 frozen bananas, chopped up
1/4 C dark chocolate chips
garnish with chopped up dark chips

Directions   serves 2
1. Blend milk and oatmeal, peanut butter, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour in bananas and blend until smooth.
3. Pour in chocolate chips and blend to desired consistency. I like keeping the chocolate slightly chunky. Garnish with additional  chopped up chocolate chips if desired.
* You can add the oatmeal at the end with the chocolate chips if you want the oatmeal chunky.

An InLinkz Link-up

Zucchini Carrot Muffookies (Whole Grain)

I hope the name of these puts a smile on your face like it does wit me. My daughter Deanna came up with a name for these. She said they were a combination of a cookie and a muffin. It is fun to come up with names instead of the traditional names. I am all for that plan. These were a hit with my family. My husband was sneaking a couple before  got a picture of them. I managed to save a couple for the picture. This is a great way to use your zucchini out of the garden too. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 1/2 whole grain flour (I used spelt flour)
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 T cornstarch
1/2 C coconut oil
1/2 C honey
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 C grated zucchini
1 /2 C grated carrot
2 C oatmeal
1 C dark chocolate chips

Directions  Heat oven to 350

1. In a bowl pour in the flour, salt, cinnamon, soda, cornstarch, and blend until all combined with a wire whisk set aside.
2. In a separate bowl beat together oil, honey, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Pour in the zucchini and carrots and blend until combined.
4. Stir in the flour mixture too.
5. Then stir in the oatmeal and then the chips. Let sit to thicken a couple minutes.
6. Scoop on to cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or on a greased cookie sheet.
7. Place in heated oven and bake until light golden about 10 min.
8. Cool on cooling rack and enjoy. Store in airtight container.

Cashew Coconut Cookie Dough Bites (Gluten Free)

I was visiting with my friend Sue today. She just got home from Hawaii a couple days ago. (Love Hawaii) She was sharing some coconut vanilla cashews with me. They were yummy. So I got inspired to make this recipe after tasting her nuts. The great thing is these are much healthier, but you get a similar flavor. So yummy and good. So fast and easy to make. A great little snack. Have a wonderful weekend.

Ingredients

1C cashews

1 C unsweetened coconut shredded

1 C old fashioned oatmeal

1/4 C honey

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 C dark chocolate chips * optional

Directions makes about 12

1. In a blender or food processor blend cashews and coconut until combined and broken down.

2. Set aside 1/2 C of the mixture and then pour in everything else in to the blender except the chips. Blend until all combined.

3. Fold in the chips. Roll into small bite size balls.

4. Roll the balls into the 1/2 C mixture you set aside. Place on a plate or into a covered container. Let them harden in the fridge and enjoy.

5. Let overs should be stored in the fridge in a covered container.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Whole Grain Muffins

It sounded like a fun idea to make chocolate and peanut butter muffins. It is a yummy combination, so why not make it into a muffin. I made 2 kinds one with cocoa one without. You can decide which one sounds best.  They are made from whole grains so they are great to eat anytime of the day.

Ingredients

1/4 C natural peanut butter
1/2 C honey
2/3 C coconut oil
1/2 C almond milk
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 C cooked quinoa (I used leftovers from cooked cereal)
1 1/3 C old fashioned oatmeal
1 1/3 C whole grain (I used Kamut flour)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 T cocoa * (for chocolate version)
1/2 C dark chocolate chips

Directions  Makes 1 dozen muffins heat oven to 350

1. In a bowl beat together peanut butter, honey, oil. Beat until nice and creamy. While Beating add the milk, eggs and vanilla.
2. Stir in the quinoa, oats, flour, salt, soda, baking powder, and *cocoa. Stir until all blended.
3. Fold in the chips.
4. Scoop into greased muffin cups and place in hot oven. Bake 12-15 min or until done. Don't let them over bake.
5. Cool on cooling rack.
6. Enjoy!

Granola Bites (Protein Packed)

These yummy bars are loaded with protein. They will give you a great energy boost any time of the day. You can make them ahead and store them in air tight container in the fridge and have them when you want a great protein snack. Yum! It is always a winner with chocolate and peanut butter.

Ingredeints

1C. chopped almonds (food processor)

1/2 C. sesame seeds

1/ 2 C. toasted quinoa

4 1/4 C. old fashioned oats
1/4 C. hemp seed Bobs red mill

1/4 C. flax seed (ground) *Optional

1/4 C. chia (ground) *Optional

1/2 C. honey

1/2 C. water

1 1/2 C. natural peanut butter
2 T coconut oil

1/2 C. unsweetened shredded coconut
1 C dark chocolate chips

Directions

1. Pour into a medium sized bowl almonds, sesame seeds, quinoa, oats, hemp, flax, and chia. stir  until completely blended.

2. Then add oat mixture to water, honey, and peanut butter, add coconut oil Mix till all blended. Then fold in coconut and chocolate chips.

3. Firmly press into a jelly 13x9 pan. Compress to make it all level. You can use a spatula. Allow to sit  in fridge until firm. Cut and eat.

4. Store leftovers in fridge in air tight container.