Homemade Granola Bars

I got the idea to make my own granola from Pinterest. You can check out my food board to see the original recipes.

I had to try a couple different variations to find a version my son liked.  He turned his nose up at the ones with pumpkin seeds and dried fruit.  Still, I didn't give up.  The winning ingredient was semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Once I agreed to add those he was game to try a batch.  Which I'm totally fine with given the other ingredients I was able to add to it.

Here's the recipe that keeps him begging for more...

1/2 cup of peanut butter

1/4 cup of raw honey

1/4 cup of coconut oil

1 cup of rolled oats

1 measuring cup full of the following:  sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, & ground flax (not pictured)

1/4 cup (or so) of semi-sweet chocolate chips

The ingredients

1. Line a shallow pan with parchment paper or spray with a non-stick oil.

2. Warm the peanut butter, honey, and coconut in a saucepan over the stove.  Stir mixture until it blends together nicely.

3. Remove from heat and add in the rolled oats and then the nut/seed mixture.

4.  Allow to cool a bit, then add the chocolate chips

5. Pour the mixture into prepared pan and spread out evenly.

6. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

7. Cut as you wish and serve! 

The final product

 

Of course, this recipe can totally be adapted to your family's needs.  Have fun figuring out what works best!  Enjoy :-)

Almond Butter Banana Smoothie

I've come to learn that often it's the small steps that have the best results in our home.  My son has a much easier time trying something for the first time if it is only slightly different from what he is already used to.   

One such example is the almond butter smoothie I now make for my kids.  It started out as a basic recipe that I learned about through "What's Eating Your Child".  My son can't tolerate milk, and making this each day gave me the peace of mind that he was getting some nutrients. 

The idea to add in other ingredients came after I tried an almond butter smoothie from Whole Foods.  It dawned on me that a number of the ingredients on the order board are a staple in our home.  I even thought of some other items that I keep on hand that would go great in it. 

The basic way I make his protein shake is with:

2 cups of almond milk*
1 scoop of Metagenics Ultracare for Kids 
Contents of a probiotic capsule.  
*Coconut, rice or soy milk can also be used.

To make the smoothie, I put the above ingredients in the blender and add 2 tablespoon of almond butter (peanut butter is fine), two bananas (this blog recommends frozen), ice and a touch of maple syrup.  Blend until smooth.   

 

Other things I will add if I have on hand:

Sliced almonds

Walnuts

Flax seeds/meal
Chia seeds

*For thinner consistency use less seeds/nuts.  For thicker, use more.

Once done, I top with cinnamon.  Sliced almonds too, if desired.

My kids love this drink.  They ask for it often.  That's the great things about kids.  They encourage healthy routines even when we don't feel like it or forget.  :-)   Which is a good thing since this smoothie has the potential to provide a number of healthy fats and nutrients. 

Here's a shot of them enjoying the finished product. 

Do your kids like smoothies?   What kind do you make?