Being the only one...

My son has been so amazing with the obstacle of cutting out all artificial food dye from his diet. This is no easy task! It's in everything! At school, when they hand out something for special occasions like gold fish for Dr Seuss Day, or fruit loops for 100th day of school, or donuts and cupcakes for someones birthday. He will not eat them JUST incase they have the "bad food dye". At Birthday parties he will not eat cake if it is colored. He will either eat around it or I will bring something for him per his request. This is now all on his own without me reminding or stopping him. 

I think his body knows it's no good and he's much better off without it. I have to tell you, it's not easy being the ONLY kid at school or even with friends being on this diet of no artificial food dye. But he's been a CHAMP! I'm so proud of my lil 6 yr old!

Today I gave him the gold fish. They have natural food coloring and he was so happy! I am amazed by him and his ability to stick with this change even when I am not there. I can see that he is proud of himself as well. 

My strong willed kid!

- PB with coconut, banana and dried cranberries on a sourdough star (I cover this with wax paper before I close the box so it doesn't smudge everywhere)
- Blueberries
- Dye free Goldfish
- His favorite greens, Seaweed
- Banana chips

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Coco Loco Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

I know... I've been away from the blog as of late. But just know I have been cooking up a storm! I have MANY new recipes to share! Here is one of my favorite new ones!

Coconut Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia!

Need something new and refreshing to get you going in the morning? Or how about a pick me up snack full of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and goodness? Or maybe, just maybe a healthy desert you can feel guiltless about eating? 

This will do the trick!

Decadent dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, super-food Chia seeds and refreshing coconut milk! Do I have your attention yet? 

Heaven in a jar yes it is!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs honey
• 3 tbs creamy organic peanut butter
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 2 tbs mini dark chocolate chips 
• 2 tbs unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Combine honey and peanut butter in large mixing bowl. Whisk well to combine. Pour both coconut milks into bowl and whisk to combine. Fold in chia seeds and chocolate chips.
2. Slowly pour mixture into 4 to 6 sealable jars. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Chill in the refrigerator overnight to set. (Chia seeds will absorb the milk, thicken, and expand creating a creamy pudding texture.)
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

I am in love with this one!

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Oatmeal Banana Peanut Butter Cookies

Who doesn't LOVE cookies? 

Who doesn't love feeling guiltless when eating cookies? I needed to Mokshafy a recipe to keep me on track and to let my son eat cookies without all the sugar. We both have a major sweet tooth. It can put us in a sugary situation.

This recipe did just that. I won't feel bad sneaking one of these into his lunches for school, or eating one in the middle of the day. Healthy Cookies! For real!

INGREDIENTS
3 bananas, ripe
1⁄3cup Coconut oil
2.25 cups quick cooking oats
1⁄2cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tbs Honey
3 Heaping Tbs of peanut butter

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork until no longer lumpy. If bananas aren't very ripe, a hand mixer may be used. Stir in oil, oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter and vanilla.
Lightly grease a cookie sheet or use a silpat.
For each cookie, spoon about 2 tablespoons of cookie mixture (or I like to use an ice cream scooper) onto the cookie sheet. 

Bake for 16-20 minutes.
**IF batter seems a little dry, add dashes of milk to moisten.

You can omit the chocolate chips to make them even healthier and add cinnamon, raisins or chopped pecans! Omitting the peanut butter all together is also a delish version! I just happen to have a love affair with peanut butter.

Enjoy and stay healthy my friends!

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GIANT Honey Oatmeal Cookies

OH MY! 

There is nothing like a fabulous Oatmeal cookie! Honestly I could eat them for breakfast I love them so much. I am VERY picky with my oatmeal cookies. I do not like cinnamon, nutmeg, raisin or extra stuff in my cookie. I like a wonderful moist, soft, sweet oat cookie! And this is just that! It's SOOO GOOD! This version has half the sugar. Replacing sugar with local honey makes the cookie Softer than usual. The honey acts like a sponge and absorbs moisture from the air which makes this cookie ridiculous!!

This recipe is sweet, buttery, soft and the best in my opinion. Well, it gives my friends infamous Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies that I am in love with a run for their money! She still wont give me the recipe even though I had to have them at my wedding!! (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Your name begins with an A and ends with UDRE!!!) ONE DAY!!!

Sorry, I digress...... Beside those ^^ cookies, these are the best oatmeal cookies. With a slightly healthier recipe replacing sugar with honey, they really ARE THE BEST. 

Everyone will love these. I promise.

Recipe:
Yields 1 1/2 Dozen Cookies

Ingredients: Always use organic when possible

• 1 1/2 cups of sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted grass-fed butter-Softened. (Kerrygold is my favorite)
• 2/3 cup organic local honey
• 3 egg whites
• 4 cups of old fashion oats
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

 Heat over to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheet with Ghee or Grass-fed butter. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, honey and egg whites with an electric mixer on medium.

Then stir in remaining ingredients.

Make each cookie about 4 tsp large. Space about 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. 

Bake for 13-14 minutes. When edges are light brown, the inside will be nice and soft.

Cool 5 minutes and place on wire rack.

*1 cookie is about 250 calories.

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Baked Berry Oatmeal Cakes

I am always looking for a "make ahead" healthy breakfast for my family. That when in need I can grab and go! These babies are just that. Instead of making hot oatmeal in the morning. Make these the day before and store in the fridge or freezer. They are incredibly tasty, moist and filling. Like a treat! My entire family enjoys these. 

Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size: 2 oatmeal cakes
Total Time:  10+ hours soaking time, 55 mins total prep and baking time.
Equipment: Muffin pan with 12 muffin cups

INGREDIENTS;
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 3/4 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

PREPARATION;

• Combine oats and milk in a large bowl. Mix, cover and let soak in the refrigerator until liquid is absorbed at least 10 hours. 12 hour preferably.

• Preheat oven to 375°F. 
• In a small bowl, combine egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Mix well.
• Pour small bowl into the soaked oats until well combined.
• Add blueberries and cherries to mixture.
• Divide the mixture among the muffin cups (about 1/4 cup each). Top each with 1 tablespoon coconut.

• Bake the oatmeal cakes 25 minutes, until they spring back when touched.

• Let cool. Loosen and remove with a knife if needed. Serve warm.

Keep in an airtight container or bag and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Each serving is about  275 calories and worth it!!!! ENJOY!

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Apple Cookies

Apples and Peanut butter are already one of my favorite things in the UNIVERSE! Adding coconut, chocolate chips, walnuts and raisins make it a dream come true! 

Best recipe EVER! 

Another amazing version is adding Almond Butter and dried fruit! HELLO! You really can't go wrong. A sweet healthy treat to feel guiltless about!

My son thanked me a million times when I made these today and he had the biggest smile on his face. 

Ingredients: 

Your choice! Whatever you like! My version consists of:

• Apple cut in round slices
• Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
• Unsweetened coconut flakes
• Chocolate Chips
• Raisins or any dried berries
• Walnut pieces

These are a regular in my house. Enjoy and you're welcome!

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