Chewy Bars

My granola bar stash needed a major restocking. I had 30 minutes to spare so I decided to whip up my homemade chewy bars. These freeze well and are so easy to make. My favorite ingredients to use: Kroger natural creamy peanut butter, Flying Mouse Farms Grade B Maple Syrup, Lindt 85% chocolate, and GF oats. 

-1 cup natural creamy peanut butter

- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

-1/3 cup maple syrup

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-1 tsp salt

- 2 1/2 Cups rolled oats

-1/3 cup ground flaxseed

-2 Tbs Chia seeds

-1/2 cup raisins

-1/2 bar dark chocolate (I used 85%) chopped

Mix all ingredients together and press into a sprayed 9x13 pan. You can use whatever size pan you prefer, it will just determine the thickness. Cut and wrap in parchment and freeze each slice for individual servings!

Zucchini Ribbons

Veggies! Out of all the things I recommend to my patients eating more vegetables is always #1! Especially during the holidays when there's an over abundance of drinks, desserts, and hefty main courses. When I know I've got something coming up where I will be indulging I really work on upping my veggie intake before and during the event. Today I'm lovin on some zucchini, and using it as the main part of dinner. I sauté the strips then top with Kalmata olives, feta, parsley and lemon zest. Using it as the noodles for spaghetti is a great way too!

-3 zucchinis sliced with a veggie peeler or however you like to do it.

-Place strips in a colander, sprinkle with salt. Let sit for five minutes then press out all extra water. 

- Sauté for 5 minutes in a pan with 2 Tbs olive oil, 3 chopped garlic cloves, 1 Tbs hot pepper flakes, and salt/pepper to taste.