Apricot Pecan Granola Bars

Having amazing snacks are a necessity in my book, and there's nothing better then granola bars. It's easy to get them at the store, buttttt it's much more fun playing with flavors and textures that I personally like. These babies will pump you full of energy, healthy fats, and a nice curb to your sweet tooth!   

-1/2 Cup unsweetened almond butter

-1/2 Cup unsweetened apple sauce

-1/3 Cup grade A or B maple syrup  

-1 tsp vanilla extract  

-1 tsp salt  

Combine the above ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Next add:

-2 1/2 Cups rolled oats  

-1/3 Cup raisins

-1/2 Cup chopped dried Turkish apricots  

 -1/2 Cup chopped pecans 

Spray a mini muffin tin and fill each muffin hole with the granola bar batter up to the top. Bake at 350 for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow these to cool fully before taking them out of the pan. This recipe makes 30-32 granola bites. Each is approx 95-100 calories per bite.  

Cider and Seed Quick Bread

Soup always needs a dipper, and whats better then a bread that comes together in 10 minutes. Pretty much nothing! This recipe came out of my need for a side item when guests were coming over. I'm so glad this "on a whim" recipe worked out. 

-2 large eggs

-2 Tbs maple syrup

-1/4 Cup Olive oil

-1/2 Tbs yeast

Combine these ingredients and mix well in a large bowl. Add in:

-1 1/2 Cups gluten free baking mix (I use Pamela's Products), or you could use a whole grain pancake mix. 

-1/2 Cup buckwheat flour

-1 tsp salt

-1/2 bottle of hard or regular cider ( I used Crispins Hard Pear Cider, but apple would be even better)

Mix well and pour into a prepared quick bread pan. Sprinkle with roasted/salted sunflower seeds and pepitas. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until browned and cooked through!

Favorite Granola

I'm a granola fanatic. Anytime. Anyplace. Im always down for some granola. This happens to be my favorite "basic" recipe. From this starter recipe I switch up the flavors by changing the extracts I use and dried fruits. This week I wasn't feelin the whole dried fruit thing so I left the usual raisins and apricots out. Whatever you like though!

-1/4 Cup Olive oil

-1/4 Cup grade B Maple Syrup

-1 tsp salt

-1 tsp pure vanilla extract

-2 Cups rolled oats

-1 Cup un-sweeteend flaked coconut

-1 Cup sliced almonds

-1 Cup  roasted salted sunflower seeds

Combine the wet ingredients and mix well. Add in the dry ingredients and combine well. Spread evenly on a prepared cookie sheet. Bake at 325, stirring every 7-8 minutes until all is browned to your liking. Takes approximately 20-25 minutes.