1. The flowers are budding!

2. The birds are singing!

3. Daylight savings has begun!

4. The days are growing longer.

5. Hay fever and allergies are in upswing!

6. Romance is in the air!

7. Feel like getting outside and exercising more.

8. Everything seems a little more beautiful.

9. Spring Break can’t get her quick enough!
10. Getting  creative in the Kitchen!
    

Ahhhhhh,   Spring is wonderful time of the year.    The change of season to warmer weather always brings a smile to my face.  Spring brings to mind…….new beginnings and a new start.

Its also a great time to open up to some creative cooking ideas.  This week I have been experimenting with  some simple baking recipes in the kitchen.  Its time to get creative and look at substitutions and additions that can be added to many of your everyday recipes.  Healthy or not, its important to add items that are natural, wholesome and low in saturated fat.

Some of the things that I regularly incorporate into my baking are:

1. Unsweetened Applesauce

• Substitute applesauce in place of oil when baking. I have found that 1 cup of applesauce (unsweetened applesauce) replaces 1/2 Cup of oil and makes recipes moister and chewier.

• Substitute Agave syrup for Honey or sugar . This works well in most recipes. I prefer the taste of agave over honey as It has little or no aftertaste and its more mellow than honey. Plus its low glycemic, a pure form of fructose which also makes it healthier for you!

• Healthy and tasty Additions to Baking to add flavor and crunch!

1. FLAX SEEDS…………..a tsp or 2 into the mix add a nutty crunch and lots of omegas!
2. DRIED CRANBERRIES.………….a handful or two adds a tart chewiness
3. DRIED BLUEBERRIES…………..a handful here or there are yummy!
4. NUTS.……………as  long as you or children do not have an ALLERGY……go ahead
   add a few……..Anything you like. I think chopped or slivered almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans are all great choices.
5. CINNAMON…….its good for you and adds flavor……..just a sprinkle extra is     perfect !
   

Easy Granola Bars

Get the kids they can do this themselves with help from an adult!  Makes 24 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (pastry flour works well)
• 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey or substitute 1/4 Cup Agave Syrup!
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additions can also be made from the list above:  2 tsp  of flax seeds, 1/4 C nuts, and 1/4 cup dried cranberries make this basic recipe even tastier!

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey or agave, egg, applesauce and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut!  Enjoy
4. You can refrigerate or freeze leftovers if there are any!
   

Tags: fun, outside, recipes, Spring