How's everyone doing? Things are looking and feeling a little different than the last time we spoke. A little? Okay, maybe a lot different.
Daily life is slower in some ways, yet frantically fast in other ways. Traditional expectations have diminished, but quickly replaced with new ones. An appreciation for digital socialization has emerged, while we equally appreciate the memories of physical interaction from recent past. Most of all, I'm learning to let go of control, truly living in the moment and counting my blessings. Those darn cliches are always right!
Anyone else snacking more? Baking more? Trying to find ways to keep your littles on track with nutrition? Struggling with grocery options? Planning food options during financial strain? I thought I would share a few easy, minimal ingredient recipes that are yummy for us (and our littles.)
In addition to the yumminess, I also find that spending more time in the kitchen has given me a sense of accomplishment, provides a mental break/distraction and results in teaching the kids valuable household lessons.
Apple Cinnamon, Date Granola
Full disclosure - I eyeball this recipe. I'll try to be as accurate as possible, but part of the fun is experimenting and doing what works for you! I love this one because it's no-bake, naturally sweetened and a guilt-free snack that can easily turn into a breakfast add-on.
1 cup pitted dates
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup apple sauce
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 teaspoons cinnamon
(You can add chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkle in flaxseed, or any add-ons you'd like)
Grind up the dates in a food processor. Once dates are ground (can be a little chunky, up to you), mix in the other ingredients in a big bowl. Transfer mixture into 8X8 baking dish (or similar size) lined with parchment paper. Firmly press down so it's evenly flat, and place in the freezer for about an hour (preferably covered with a lid.) Afterwards, you can divide it up or simply keep in the fridge for bits & bites throughout the week. It also goes really well as a topper for plain yogurt!
Traditional Banana Bread
Another basic ingredient recipe that is tried, tested and true. Makes for a satisfying snack, breakfast or after meal dessert.
3-4 ripe bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour (if gluten-free, replace with alternate flour but use appropriate amount conversion)
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup un-salted butter (softened)
2 eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar (or any sugar substitute of your choice)
**Note: You can reduce the amount of sugar as you like since the bananas are naturally sweetened.
Mash up the bananas in a big bowl and gradually combine the wet ingredients. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, and combine wet and dry ingredients together until cohesive. Grease up a loaf pan with butter and pour in the batter. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. Voila! A delicious banana loaf ready for the week.
Oat Fruit Crisp
I love baking crisps because they are easy, versatile and a healthier option for sweet-tooth cravings. My go-to crisp is an Apple Crisp, but you can easily replace with your favourite fruit or mixture of fruits. I use Ricardo Cuisine's recipe with a few modifications.
Topping:
2 1/4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup un-salted butter (softened)
Filling:
6 apples of your choice (sweeter options are better), peeled and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine topping ingredients by whisking together oats, flour and brown sugar. Then add the butter and mix with your hands...it gets messy fast! In a separate bowl, combine peeled & sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. I like to put the apple mixture in the fridge for a few hours to soak in the flavours, but you don't have to do this. You can transfer the apple mixture into a square baking pan, or a large rectangle pan (depends if you want thicker consistency with the filling, or lighter crumbly consistency.) Pour crumble mixture on top and bake in the oven at 350 for 45-50 minutes. Makes a delicious, oat-version Apple Crisp!
Kid-Friendly Charcuterie Plate
A little creativity can go a long way! Like a kid-friendly charcuterie plate...a fancy way of saying crackers & cheese, please! I'll load up the kid’s plates with their favourite cracker add-ons. You can pair crackers with cheese slices, apple slices, berries, peanut butter spread, almond butter spread, leftover meat sliced up...whatever is easy, in the fridge and kid-approved!
Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit
Get the kids excited about a fruit snack by melting dark chocolate and dipping their favourite fruits. I melt the chocolate over the stovetop on low-heat with a bit of coconut oil, and mix constantly until smooth.
Peanut Butter Cookies
This recipe is super simple, only requires a handful of ingredients and is naturally sweetened. You can easily replace with almond butter too!
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut flour (or any flour substitute with correct conversion amount)
Mix together wet ingredients, then add flour and cinnamon. Roll into cookies and place on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely as they come out soft. I bet your kids (and adults) will want more than one!
Fruit Popsicles
Grind up your favourite fruits with a splash of orange juice in a food processor. Transfer to popsicle holders, freeze and snack! A fun twist to get your littles to eat their fruits. Here are some fruits high in Vitamin-C: Apricots, cantaloup, kiwi, honeydew melon, orange, papaya, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries and watermelon.
What are some of your go-to quarantine snacks? Are you craving more sweets or saltiness than usual, or are you experimenting with different recipes? Would love to hear from you!
Sending lots of virtual love...with a pinch of wellness and better days ahead!
Stay well, and as always, happy reading!
