Oatmeal Carrot Muffins

These muffins rock.  Our whole family (including Benjamin) devours them.  I modify the recipe a bit: add a grated zucchini and a grated apple (with water pressed out) and a scant 1/3 C ground flaxseed.  I also pass on the white flour and either do all wheat or 1/2 wheat 1/2 spelt.  If your vegetables are big or too watery, add a little more flour or oats.

OATMEAL CARROT MUFFINS

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1/2 c. oil
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. grated carrots
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. flour
1 c. rolled oats
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Nuts, as desired

Combine oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla and carrots. Mix well. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients. Stir into first mixture. Add nuts. Spoon batter into muffin papers in muffin tins. Bake in 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

Cheese Ball

Sometimes, like today, I get a hankering for cheese ball and wheat thins, and nothing else will do.  I sort of eyeball everything, but here are the approximations:

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp mayonnaise (although I didn't have any the last time I made it and it still turned out okay)
1-2 Tbsp chopped green onion
1-2 Tbsp fresh minced parsley
1-2 Tbsp chopped black olives
2/3 C sliced almonds

Thoroughly combine all ingredients except almonds; then add 1/3 of the almonds to the mixture and combine; form a ball.  Chill for an hour (optional).  Roll ball in remaining 1/3 C almonds to coat.

Easy and oh so tasty.

Healthy Granola Bars

Healthy Granola Bars

2.5 c old fashioned oats

1 c whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 c shredded coconut

4 oz applesauce

2.5 tbsp flaxseed

1/4 c honey

1/3 c packed brown sugar

2 oz chopped pecans

2 oz slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease one 9x13. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, applesauce, flaxseed, honey, and brown sugar. Stir in nuts and coconut. Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 F for about 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

-Maren