Chewy Granola Bars

Chewy Granola Bars

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup oil

Combine ingredients until well mixed. Add 1 cup chocolate chips/raisins(/anything you'd like really) if desired. Press into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.


This is another recipe from my Christmas gift from my sister-in-law, Kim. The first time I made it I didn't mix it very well and it didn't turn out as good. As far as any add ins, I say use as much as you'd like. I never measure with that sort of thing. (Like chocolate chips in chocolate chip cookies. Add to taste I say.) My personal favorite is a mix of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. If you helped Kristi and Chuck move then you may have had the chance to try these. I, for some reason, can't stop myself from eating these when I make them. I find them a bit addicting.


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Black Bean and Brown Rice soup

Black Bean and Brown Rice soup


1 can (15 oz.) black beans undrained
1 cup water
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 Italian salad dressing
3/4 cup instant brown rice

Fresh cilantro and sour cream for garnish

Place 3/4 of can of beans into blender and purée until smooth. Pour into saucepan.
Add remaining beans, water, onion, salad dressing, and brown rice and stir to blend. Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until rice is tender.
Garnish with cilantro and dollop of sour cream.
Makes 2 hearty servings.

I found this recipe on the box of Western Family brand instant brown rice (which I get on WIC, along with the beans, even without WIC, this should still be a nice cheap meal.) It was nothing spectacular, but if you're looking for a quick, cheap, easy lunch or dinner then this is a good candidate. I skipped the onion and only had about 1/8 cup of the Italian dressing but it was fine. I think this would be an easy meal to play with as far as adding seasonings/garnishes. I like cilantro so I threw some in while it simmered. Also, I obviously skipped the sour cream (I like sour cream, I just opted to skip it for the fat, as I'm trying to lose some baby weight before the cruise and family pictures.) and added cheese. Avery and I also decided to add some gold fish to it. :)







Avery didn't finish her bowl (she rarely does) but she did eat it pretty well. It says it makes 2 hearty servings. I'd probably agree with that assessment. You can kind of see what we ate, and this is what we had left over.


I'd eat it again. Of course, if I wouldn't eat it again I probably wouldn't bother sharing the recipe.

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Cinnamon Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

I recently discovered Chia Seeds and did a little research. Basically I found that they are what people call a 'super food' because not only is it super rich is nutrients but its also very versitile. I basically put them on everything. I sprinkled some on my breakfast cereal this morning, put it in smoothies, crepes, salads, ect. They keep you feeling fuller longer so they are great if you are trying to loose weight!
 HERE is a website that lists some other great benefits (Great for diabetics mom!).

Like I said you can use them in LOTS of different ways, but here is the pudding I mentioned the other day that I think would be great for your kids (and you) if you are trying to take it easy on the sugar :)




Fair warning: The texture (and appearance) is a little weird, but maybe you can sell it as something cool like frog eyes to your kids? The texture is along the lines of tapioca pudding. Ok. Now for the recipe.

Serves 2

1 cup milk, any kind you like 

3 tablespoons chia seeds

1-2 packets stevia (more or less to taste)*

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 small pinch sea salt

Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl; refrigerate until it reaches your desired thickness, stirring occasionally.  (I usually chill mine about 2 hours, but overnight is fine.)

Here are some of my thoughts and suggestions on the recipe.

-I like to use vanilla almond milk. Im sure rice milk would work fine for little Sophie.

-The first time I made this it turned out a little runny (still delicious), so the next time I added a little more chia seed and it helped to thicken it up. (The chia seeds absorb the milk and swell, forming a gel)

-I dont have stevia.  I used agave nectar. Im sure any sweetener would work just fine. Or if you are using something like the vanilla almond milk that it is already sweet you might be able to just forego the sweetener all together.

-I dont have sea salt. I didnt bother adding table salt. I dont know if it makes a difference :)

-The colder the better!

-It says it makes two servings, but they are decent sized portions, so whatever.

Let me know what you think! If you guys try this and like it and want other chia seed recipes let me know!