No bake brownie bites (from Marathon Mom)

These no-bake brownie bites are from the Marathon Mom http://themarathonmom.com/no-bake-brownie-bites.htm it is one of the few recipes that doesn't need modification. It is healthy and tasty. It is perfect for a snack on the go or as a dessert.

*I have also made it using only 8oz of dates (that's how they sell them at our commissary) but I had to add about 1/4 cup maple syrup to get them to stick better.

Click here for the recipe

Homemade Kettle Corn

Here is another new favorite {healthy} snack. This popcorn couldn't be more fun to make- the kids just love to watch it pop- and is SO tasty!

the BEST (and easiest) homemade Mac & Cheese (with Bacon!)

I have tried all sorts of homemade macaroni and cheese, the kind where you make a white sauce gravy then add cheese, the kind you bake, with crackers breadcrumbs, etc...

I FINALLY found the BEST tasting and easiest to make Mac & Cheese recipe. It is SO yummy you'll never go back to the boxed kind (well you might in an emergency, but you won't enjoy it)! I made mine with bacon and asparagus, but you can make it plain or add your favorite meat & veggie combo.

Loaded Granola

I think this is the best granola I've tried. It's really simple to make, healthy for you and tastes great!

Granola
1/2 cup coconut oil or butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
6 cups of oats
1/2 cup flax seed
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups raisins

Preheat oven to 325. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Heat the coconut oil, honey, maple syrup and salt in a microwave bowl or over the stove just until coconut oil is melted and mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, vanilla, oats, healthy additives (wheat germ, flax seed, chia seeds, whatever you like), coconut and your choice of nuts, until well mixed.

Don't add your dried fruit until after baking.

Divide the granola between two cookie sheets and bake for about 15 minutes or just until granola starts to brown. Remove from oven and stir. Let cool until crunchy. Store in airtight container and enjoy!

Guilt-free Honey Wheat Oatmeal Cookies (no sugar!)

These little cookies are not only made from wholesome natural ingredients but are pretty darn tasty and with only 1/2 cup of honey to sweeten the whole batch, you don't have to feel guilty about serving them up to your kiddos or eating one (or three) yourself!

No Bake Energy Bars (No sugar!)

This is the new favorite snack around our house. These yummy bars are loaded with nutrients and don't include any refined sugar, yet they are as tasty as any cookie or granola bar. They are super easy to make and you can add your favorite healthy ingredients such as chia seeds, wheat germ, etc...

Buttermilk Biscuits

Every once in a while it's nice to ditch the whole wheat and go for some yummy white King Arthur flour. This is a great way to indulge in refined flour ;)

Buttermilk Biscuits

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cube butter

1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender (or a food processor) cut in butter until crumbly. Mix in milk until dough is smooth. If dough is sticky, add a bit more flour, the dough should be soft and just slightly sticky. 

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter, press straight down and lift straight up (don't twist) and gently transfer to baking sheet. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until brown on top. Brush with butter and serve warm.

*And yes, if you don't want to be completely naughty, you can use whole wheat flour, I recommend half whole wheat and half white flour for biscuits so they aren't too dry.