Sweet Oat Squares

These are a sweeter, crisper granola bar than my regular recipe.  I didn't cut them- we just broke off pieces.  From My Beef with Meat.

• 2/3 cup raw cashews or walnuts
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 1/3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup mix-ins (cranberries, raisins, dried cherries,pistachios, almonds or pecans)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 x 12 or 9 x 11 pan with parchment paper leaving the ends long enough to use to lift the bars out of the pan after they are baked.

Place nuts and water in food processor and process until it becomes a big lump. This will require shutting the machine off and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula a couple times. 

Add maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon, process until well combined. Add oats and gently pulse to mix.  Add mix-ins and pulse until combined.

Press the mixture into the prepared pan spreading it out evenly. It will be a thin layer and it will take a little work to spread as the batter is stiff. A wide rubber spatula works well to smooth out and spread the batter.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden around the edges.

Remove from oven and while still warm, using a sharp knife, score into 12 bars. Set aside to cool. When cooled completely use the long parchment ends to lift the bars out of the pan to a cutting surface. With a sharp knife cut bars apart. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator as they don’t contain any preservatives.

Hot Cocoa Mix

This is a must-have in our pantry during the weather.  Thanks to Martha Stewart's recipe, hot cocoa is always ready in a flash.

In a large bowl, combine:

3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/4 cup cocoa
1 tablespoon salt

Put mixture in airtight container(s).  I use mason jars.

To serve, add 2 tablespoons of mix to a cup of hot milk.  Mix well.

Peach guacamole

2 ripe avocados

1 peach, diced

Mash avocados, stir in peach, and season with salt.  Voilà!

I might also add diced red onion next time.

Pineapple Salsa

We Williams love Baja Burritos pineapple salsa so much that we would eat it with a spoon.  Occasionally I'll make this at home- not quite the same, but a close second.


Pineapple Salsa

large can pineapple rings, drained
1- 28 oz can whole or diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 videllia onion
1 large or 2 medium jalapenos, seeded with ribs removed
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 bundle of cilantro roughly chopped

Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse until "salsa consistency" 
Best if you make ahead!

Quick and easy cinnamon vanilla pudding

From Parents Magazine...

1/4 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
ground cinnamon

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and gradually add milk.  Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Pour into 4-6 individual cups or bowls and cover surface of pudding with plastic wrap.  Chill at least 30 minutes, serve sprinkled with ground cinnamon.