Breakfast

, , ,

Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

, , ,

On mornings when you're running out the door, it's great to have some healthy granola bars in the house to take with in the car for a quick breakfast (or snack) on the run.

granola
  • 2 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces*
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

*For a dairy free version, use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks

Read the complete recipe and directions at inspiredtaste.net

Overnight Oatmeal Cinnamon Pancakes

My daughter loves pancakes.  Unfortunately I don't have the time most mornings that it takes to make them.  This recipe is a great solution (plus it's healthy and fiber-full, something most pancake recipes are not).  The batter is made the night before, and the actual cooking of the pancakes doesn't take much more time than it takes to make toast.

  • 2 cups quick oatmeal
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups buttermilk*

*For a dairy free option, use slightly less than 2 1/2 cups of non dairy milk, mixed with 2 tbs. of vinegar.  Simply using 2 1/2 cups of a non dairy milk would work too.

Read the complete recipe and directions at melskitchencafe.com

,

Easy Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal

,

Steel cut oats are amazing, and higher in fiber than regular rolled oats.  The only thing that can put people off is that they have a long cooking time.  This recipe solves that since it's made the night before.

Even if you're not a fan of oatmeal, I'd recommend giving steel cut oats a try.

  • 4 cups (32 ounces) water
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • optional – dark or light brown sugar, honey or cinnamon to top the oats and mix in for a touch of sweetness or a dollop of peanut or almond butter
  • toppings such as toasted walnuts, fresh or dried blueberries, goji berries, fresh blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, sliced banana, cranberries, dried cherries, sliced peaches, fresh mango, you name it

Read the complete recipe and directions at marinmamacooks.com

, , , , ,

Healthy Banana Cookies

, , , , ,

These are delicious cookies that also make a nice breakfast or snack for on the go!

  • 3 large ripe bananas, very well mashed (about 1 and 1/2 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups rolled oats (use gluten free oats if necessary)
  • 2/3 cup almond meal
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut, finely shredded
  • 4 tablespoons sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup rasins or chocolate chips

Read the complete recipe and directions at sweetmakemesmile.blogspot.com