Homemade Granola Bars

It's no secret that I love my job.  I consider myself so lucky to be able to be apart of the daily lives of 70+ teenagers every semester. It's pretty awesome. What makes my job even better are the people I work with. For 6 years I have worked along side someone who has become a dear friend to me (my wing-woman & my work-wife) who happens to bring me treats every so often. Told ya - I'm one lucky lady! The other day she brought me a homemade granola bar and holy shit, I kid you not, they are delicious. They are by no means healthy, but they sure are delicious. I made a batch this weekend and gave a few to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law to enjoy and I got a text message the next day saying " those granola bars are off the f'n hook. I'm going to need that recipe." So D, here it is. Enjoy!

Ingredients
3 3/4 cups rolled oats
2 cups rice krispies
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar                                        
1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 to 3/4 cup chocolate chips/raisins/dried cranberries/slivered almonds/walnuts etc. whatever your heart desires

Method
Toss all of the dry ingredients in a bowl (except chocolate chips if you are using them - they will melt) and set aside. Over medium heat melt honey, butter, brown sugar and vanilla together and stir continuously. Remove from heat once melted and pour over dry ingredients. Stir. If using chocolate chips add once mixture is cooled. Pour into a 9x13" baking dished lined with waxed paper and flatten. Place in fridge for 30 minutes. Remove and cut. Keep them refrigerated. ENJOY! Good luck staying out of the fridge with these in the house...

Crock Pot Squash Soup

Fall has officially arrived - trees are vibrant colours, leaves are quickly falling, and the temperature is dropping.  In fact, we woke up this morning to snow (cue the Christmas music)! 

My husband recently harvested squash and carrots from our garden so I wanted to find an easy recipe that incorporated both items.  I found this crock pot recipe on Pinterest and adapted to suit what I had on hand.  I hope you like it. Nothing is better than pressing "power" when you walk out the door to work and arriving home to dinner ready to go. This soup is a perfect match for this perfect fall weather. Paired with a glass of merlot would be even better ;) Enjoy this fall weather folks.

Ingredients
1 med/large buttercup squash, peeled, seeded & cubed (acorn or butternut would do too)
1 onion, peeled & cubed
1 tart apple, cored & cubed
2 carots, peeled and diced
2 cups stock (chicken or veggie will do)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut milk (added at the end!)

Method
Toss everything but the coconut milk into the crock pot and give a little stir. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4 hours). Once cooked add coconut milk and blend all ingredients together. Done!So friggin' easy.

October 15th

October 15th is a day very near and dear to my heart for a variety of reasons.  A few years ago my husband experienced an early miscarriage after our first round of fertility treatment.  It was devastating on so many levels. We also share in the grief of some very close friends who have experienced their own difficult losses. October 15th is a day no only for us who have experienced a loss but also to spread awareness to those who haven't that might not understand the prevalence of this.

 

Last year my husband and I decided to do a random act of kindness on October 15th to recognize this important day and to honor all little angels. We have decided to continue the tradition with our daughter and will be doing this every year.  Spread love and awareness... it only takes a little effort.

 

xoxo