Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Oats are wonderful for providing fiber and plant-based protein for breakfast or snacks. In these peanut butter and white chocolate chip granola bars the benefits are double. They provide minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and manganese, while the wonderful B vitamins, B1 and folate are present too. The fiber helps sweep cholesterol out of the colon, feeds good gut bacteria, and helps us stay full longer.

All-natural peanut butter is used in this recipe because it contains only peanuts and salt. There is no hydrogenated oil or sugar added. Peanuts provide more fiber and polyunsaturated fat to this snack, so we are more satisfied. Not only that, but they also provide another source of necessary minerals, B vitamins, biotin, and vitamin E.

Take a look at these two ingredient labels below and ask yourself, “What is better for me and my family?“

God’s plan for our provision and the benefits of food in their natural form will always be better than man’s poor substitute! The good news is we don’t have to settle for less!

We have choices for better snacks for our families. Although few in number, there are companies that try to maintain the integrity of our food. The more we, as concerned parents, place our money where our values are, the bigger the impact on healthier products being offered.

6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

    than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,

    but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Proverbs 28:5-7 ESV – Evil men do not understand justice, but – Bible Gateway

So, to keep the integrity of these granola bars, I wanted to minimize the sugar and maximize the heart-healthy benefits of this snack. Remember the American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day for women and 9 teaspoons for men.

Our little guys and girls are those future men and women!

Let’s start protecting them now. Although I’d like to get away with 1/4 cup of sugar, there is a 1/3 cup in this recipe. And that is 16 teaspoons for two batches of roughly 36 granola bars (depending on the size you cut). The white chocolate chips add a little more sugar there are 16 tablespoons in a cup and each tablespoon of Simple Truth Organic White Chocolate Chips has 7grams of added sugar for a total of 112 grams in the entire two batches. About 3grams per bar plus the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. The total amount makes just under a teaspoon of sugar per bar.


Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

  • 4 Cups Oats
  • 1 16 oz Jar All Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter (no sugar)
  • 1 Tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/3 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Simple Truth White Chocolate Chips
  • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 4 Large Eggs

  1. Preheat Oven to 350

  2. Divide the one tablespoon of olive oil between two 9×13 pans for this double batch of granola bars and spread the oil along both baking dishes well.

  3. In a small mixing bowl stir the peanut butter (the oil and peanut butter separate after sitting a while), completely incorporating the oil and butter. It's easier to place it in the bowl first and stir well.

  4. In a large mixing bowl add the Oats, cinnamon, white chocolate chips, and sugar and stir well.

  5. Add the eggs and peanut butter last, making sure all the oats are covered.

  6. Divide the mixture between the two baking dishes and roll out until flat.

  7. Bake at 350 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and carefully cut with a knife then let cool.


God bless you and I hope you enjoy making your own Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Chip Granola Bars with your kids!



Vegan Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are some days you just want a small taste of chocolate. Since the 72% Cacao chips by Simple Truth are nice for making a healthier chocolate chip cookie, there will be less guilt for my cookie loving friends. Oh, and these are made without eggs too.

I also wanted the full fiber, vitamin E, and nutrients provided by the fresh milled whole grain. Hopefully my gluten free friends will remember I use 1/2 cup almond flour and 1/2 cup of arrowroot flour with 1 tsp xanthan gum for a gluten-free version.

Although, I didn’t get to taste these cookies because I’m detoxing from sugar this month, my best taste tester, said “These are really good.” I don’t get “really” good very often… so take that however you like.

God is faithful to give us just what we need, while not giving too much for a big ego.

Here is what you need to get started for these Vegan Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

¼  Tsp. Salt

¼   cup coconut oil melted

1 1/4 Cups of fresh milled whole grain flour (or 1 cup unbleached flour)

½   Cup unsweetened coconut flakes

½   Cup 72% Cacao Chocolate Chips

¼   Cup Unsweetend Vanilla Almond Milk

1   Tsp vanilla

¼    Cup Sugar plus one scoop pure stevia*

¼    Cup Vanilla almond milk

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine the flour and salt. In a separate bowl combine the melted oil, milk, vanilla, sugar/stevia. Whisk until well combined. Add the flour mixture, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips.

Use a small teaspoon or cookie scoop to place 10-12 dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

**a Scoop of Stevia looks like this:



Crispy Low Sugar Lemon Cookies

The fresh smell of lemons reminds me of warm summer days and lots of sunshine! I think I’ll bring a little of that sunshine into my baking today. Since I also want to make my hubby some healthier snacks for work (to keep him out of the vending machines!) lemons are making this cold winter day brighter. Another plus is this simple recipe only makes a small batch of crispy low sugar lemon cookies. It’s ideal for one or two people.

Although he is not getting too many cookies, he’ll have enough to enjoy a couple after his lunch each day. The benefits of this recipe come from using the fresh milled whole grain with vitamin E, fiber, fatty acids, and B vitamins. The low sugar content, combined with extra fiber and protein in the whole grain, decreases a spike in blood sugar. That’s important for him and anyone else trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Surprisingly, the bitterness of stevia is lost when combined with the sugar. It’s a win-win situation…for him, anyway. He’s not too fond of stevia. So, this may also be a nice trick for anyone who dislikes sugar substitutes.

However, I prefer the stevia in very small amounts in baking because it comes from a plant. Although highly processed, at least it is not artificially made from chemicals.

You really can’t beat six ingredients either!

Fresh milled flour and fruit makes me feel extremely blessed to have access to so much provision. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of our Creator and I’m always reminded what God puts in the garden is good.

Did you know Isaiah says He looks from His dwelling like clear heat in sunshine? The smooth poetry of scripture comes from the best…the author of life Himself.

All you inhabitants of the world, you who dwell on the earth, when a signal is raised on the mountains, look! When a trumpet is blown, hear! For thus the Lord said to me: “I will quietly look from my dwelling like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

Isaiah 18:3-5 ESV – All you inhabitants of the world, you – Bible Gateway

I pray you enjoy His word today alongside a crispy low sugar lemon cookie or two.

God Bless you!


Crispy Low Sugar Lemon Cookies

  • 1 1/4 Cups Fresh Milled Flour (or 1 cup unbleached)
  • 1 Lemon
  • 1/4 Tsp salt
  • 1/4 Cup Organic Sugar plus 1 scoop pure stevia
  • 1/4 Cup Butter or Coconut oil

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. Combine flour and salt and the zest of the lemon in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.

  3. In a separate bowl, add the scoop of stevia to the sugar and whisk it well. Carefully peel the lemon and remove the seeds, saving as much of the juice and pulp as you can.

  4. Puree the lemon in a food processor or mash it in the sugar with a fork until well blended using the pulp and the juice. Add the flour and mix well.

  5. Use a small teaspoon or cookie scoop to make 10-12 one inch dough balls and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet 1-2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden on the edges.




Peanut Butter & Chia Oat Bars

Peanut butter & chia oat bars are something I make for my hubby’s snacks. They are dry like a granola bar, and slightly crunchy. I saw a similar recipe in Bread Becker’s cookbook as I was looking for some bars to make with the fresh milled whole wheat.

Although, this recipe is completely different, theirs gave me inspiration… I use the fresh milled whole grain but add oats, pumpkin, chia, and hemp seeds. They are rich in good omega 3 fats and also low sugar.

Benefits of Peanut Butter & Chia Oat Bars

Benefits of these bars are the high protein, high fiber, and as previously mentioned omega 3 fat. With this lusciously crunchy combination, these peanut butter bars will satisfy a hunger craving until suppertime. A 2-ounce bar has 2.5 grams of fiber, 175 calories, 5 grams of protein.

Chia seeds are rich in calcium, zinc, and phosphorous. They also have a good amount of omega 3 fat, protein and fiber. Plus, they’re so tiny you won’t notice anything but the slight crunch they add to these peanut butter bars. Their partner in these peanut butter and chia oat bars is hemp seed hearts. A source of complete protein, more omega 3, vitamin E and potassium.

Pumpkin Seeds are a good source of magnesium, manganese, and antioxidants. A rich source of antioxidants taken in our snacks help reduce inflammation and feed our cells what they crave…nutrients! Nutrients that help maintain bone, heart, and muscles. They are also well known for their prostate support. God’s thoughtfulness is evident in the things created to nourish and sustain us!


Peanut Butter & Chia Oat Bars

  • 1 Cup Organic Oats
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Milled Soft Wheat (or ground oats)
  • 1/2 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Plus 1 Tbsp to coat baking dish)
  • 1/2 Cup Coconut Sugar plus 1 scoop stevia (Stevia is optional)
  • 1/4 Cup Pumpkin Seeds (Hulled)
  • 1.4 Cup Chia Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Hemp Seed Hearts
  • 1/2 Cup All-Natural Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup or Honey

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. Use a few drips of the Tbsp. of olive oil to spread into a 9×13 baking pan, then line with parchment paper, and grease the paper with the remaining oil. This helps pull the bars out to cut when they are cooled.

  3. In a large bowl add the eggs, sugar (for more sweetness you can add the stevia), salt and oil; whisk well.

  4. Add the dry ingredients, oats, seeds, and flour. Mix well until combined, this will be thick and gooey.

    Spread it out evenly in the 9×13 pan and drizzle with honey or syrup. Place in the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes or until brown and toothpick comes out clean. This makes about 12 2-ounce bars.


Devotion

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds, I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”

Psalm 9:1-2 EST

When I read about the macro and micronutrients in the grains and seeds God provided, I think of the Psalmist with his praise. Rejoicing in the little things is worship, my friend. God sees and He knows when we appreciate every little thing, He does to give us strength for each day. In our culture, these things are at our fingertips. May we recount all of His wonderful deeds!

I pray you are given stamina today with your choice of nuts and seeds. Maybe combine them all together in a peanut butter & chia oat bar for some added energy! Whatever you choose, know He is with you today and every day. God bless you!



Pumpkin Pecan Scones

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE to make scones! So, I consider fall the perfect time to adapt my favorite biscuit recipe to make some belly pleasing pumpkin pecan scones.

These slightly sweet biscuit-like treats are perfect for a brunch or taking to a neighbor when they are mourning the loss of a loved one. A perfect way to show you care and are there for them! The also have a few health benefits.

Benefits

  1. Pumpkins are rich in antioxidant and vitamins that help us maintain function at the cellular level. For instance, according to twenty two meta analysis studies, vitamin A and beta-carotene found in pumpkin may help ward off cataracts (1).
  2. Whole grain freshly milled wheat will provide B vitamins and protein.
  3. Pecans are a good source of monosaturated fat—the GOOD fat—to help with skin and brain function. Moreover, pecans contain a decent amount of magnesium, copper, manganese. Minerals that are necessary to decrease inflammation and repair cells (2).

So, enjoy this low sugar, antioxidant rich Pumpkin Pecan Scone Recipe to add a little disease fighting power to your day.


Pumpkin Pecan Scones

  • 2 Cups Unbleached Organic Flour
  • 1 1/2 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 3 Tsp. Aluminum Free Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp. Cream of Tartar
  • 1 Tbsp. Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
  • 3/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
  • 1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Topping

  • 2 Tbsp. Melted Butter
  • 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup

  1. Preheat oven to 425

  2. Combine all dry ingredients: flour, spices, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar

  3. Add the pumpkin puree and oil then softly knead on a flat surface until combined, just a couple of minutes.

  4. I roll my dough into a log and cut into triangles, your shape yours however you want.

  5. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown

  6. While the scones are baking, combine melted butter with maple syrup and when they come out of the oven, brush each scone with the maple butter mixture.


Devotion

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:10-12 ESV – For this reason I write these things – Bible Gateway

It’s hard to think of rejoicing for my friends who are losing loved ones daily. However, we can comfort one another in hope of being reunited some day. For we know the God of love and peace will be with us and these ole earthly bodies will be restored on the day of redemption.

In the meantime, my friend, enjoy what God puts in the garden to give you energy and strength…it is so good!

Enjoy!

Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis – PubMed (nih.gov)

Wang A, Han J, Jiang Y, Zhang D. Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis. Nutrition. 2014 Oct;30(10):1113-21. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.02.025. Epub 2014 Mar 12. PMID: 25194611.

Review of nut phytochemicals, fat-soluble bioactives, antioxidant components and health effects | British Journal of Nutrition | Cambridge Core

Alasalvar, C., & Bolling, B. (2015). Review of nut phytochemicals, fat-soluble bioactives, antioxidant components and health effects. British Journal of Nutrition, 113(S2), S68-S78. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003729



Low Sugar, Orange Creamsicle Cake Roll

Rest assured, you and I don’t have to panic when emotional eating creates cravings. Especially with this low sugar, orange creamsicle cake roll around. I’ve seen the images of sugar hitting the pleasure region of the brain on CT scans. So, I know how enjoyable and addictive it is.
However, when I had an emotional day last week, coming off a sugar fast, I didn’t want to completely blow my good behavior… Strange thoughts like Twinkies started intruding on my weak feelings. Really?! I haven’t had a Twinkie in probably twenty years. Close to the shelf-life of those deplorable things. Nope, I can’t do that.
With the temptation of Twinkies off the palate, I began to think about orange cupcakes. You know those ones with the thick orange icing on top? So, even though I dodged a Twinkie, I couldn’t stop thinking about orange cupcakes. No, that is not going to work either. Rehashing good sweets and really bad sweets is the kind of battle I face in my weak moments. My friend, it is also how food lovers create new things and try to make them better. Well, better for us anyway.
What is it about sugar that just reaches that pleasure spot in the brain? I’ve enjoyed my time in God’s word every single morning. Enjoyed it well, I promise you. I sat happily immersed in the comfort, peace, and strength only He can bring. At the same time, I still wanted that orange cake. Jesus reminded me in His word….

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

No, He doesn’t give like the world gives. My heart “must not be troubled”. I know he wasn’t talking to me. He was telling the disciples He was going to die. Something He had to do, so all of us can live. They weren’t taking it well. In fact, they were handling it as poorly as me losing a loved ones respect.
So, the one thing I can tell you is, this low sugar, orange cream sickle cake roll did NOT soothe the ache in my heart. Only good humbling sorrow in the arms of Jesus can do that. However, it sure did taste good. Now, the first time I made it, I zested my orange, and began to place half of the orange into a bowl. As I thought about my pumpkin roll and the amount of pumpkin in it, I realized there was not enough substance to this orange pulp. Spying the butternut squash on the stove, I liked the color and thought it might be like other squash and take on the flavors of the things combined with it.
So, I thought, “Why not?” Maybe the butternut flavor will be mild to minimal with a lot of orange zest. It was actually pretty good, I used 2/3 cup just like I do with the pumpkin roll, and it made the cake a pretty light orange color. However, it was too dense and heavy. So I made it again, with just 1/3 cup of butternut squash and ….bingo! It’s so good.
Now, no low sugar creamsicle cake roll is as comforting as Jesus, of course…but it’s still hits a sweet spot to soothe to my sore emotions. Best of all, when taken in small slices, there is no guilt.


Low Sugar Orange Creamsicle Cake Roll

  • 3 Large Cage Free Eggs
  • 1/3 Cup Organic Sugar plus 1 scoop pure stevia
  • 1/3 Cup Fully Cooked Butternut Squash
  • 1/2 Fresh Orange Pulp
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Organic Unbleached Flour
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 1 8oz Block of Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 Fresh Orange Pulp (remove the white stuff)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Orange zest
  • 3 Tbsp. Organic Powdered Sugar

  1. Preheat oven to 375.

    Beat eggs, squash, orange pulp, orange zest, vanilla, sugar and stevia mixture until fluffy. Add the flour and baking powder and continue to blend well. Set aside.

    Prepare a 9 x13 baking sheet or jelly roll pan with lightly greased butter. Place parchment paper over the baking sheet and lightly grease the top with butter. Add the batter and spread it evenly, bake for 10 minutes.

    Meanwhile, lightly sprinkle a dish towel with powdered sugar.

    When the cake is done, carefully turn onto the dish towel. Cover and gently roll into a tight roll. Place it in the freezer for 15 minutes.

    As the cake is cooling, combine softened cream cheese, remaining orange pulp and zest, vanilla and powdered sugar in a bowl. Whip until smooth and creamy.

    When the cake is cooled, unroll it and apply the cream cheese filling. Roll it up as tight as you can and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.


I hope you like it as much as the hubby and I do! Remember, what God put in the garden is good! And if we give Him half the chance, He soothes the soul too!


Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll

A gluten free pumpkin roll is always on my Thanksgiving dessert list each year.  My celiac and gluten sensitive friends like their fall treats too! So, with hosting responsibilities on my mind, I’d like to give you and I another way to please our guests.

The best part is…they won’t even recognize the slight change in ingredients.

As our fall holiday plans begin to take shape and we check off our list of things to do, the blessings mount, don’t they? You and I may have managed to lose a little weight, or we are maintaining our current weight!

Whoop Hoo! What if we just want to sustain a healthier eating pattern?

Whatever the plans and dreams in our hearts we have an opportunity this Holiday to give glory to God in thanks and praise.

He restores joy and long months of distance by giving us time together for a holiday. The prolonged separation helps us see how much we miss and need each other.

May the Lord draw us closer spiritually as we gather and cherish this special day.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalms 9:1

Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll
Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll

The big plus for a gluten free pumpkin roll is decreasing exposure to wheat sensitive guts that stimulate the immune system to attack itself. We will both benefit from a little diligence in decreasing inflammation, right?

Since our immune systems can be under constant attack eating a few ultra -processed foods. Food sensitivities play a role in making us feel bad. Staying on track is important to both of us. That’s why you’ll find me giggling like a schoolgirl when I get to brainstorm ideas with my clients.

They love creating their own meal plans to enjoy!

Now when it comes to baking, I am not the best gluten free baker. However, I care about the people in my life who are susceptible to the damaging effects of wheat.

So, even though developing this recipe took several tries, it was worth it!

The one I made for a friend’s dinner and went over pretty well. Therefore, I hope it is a pumpkin roll you can use too!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll Recipe


Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll

I love sharing one of our Thanksgiving favorites for all of you. This particular pumpkin roll meets the needs of gluten sensitive people in our community.

  • 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Arrowroot Starch/Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree'
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar with 1 scoop Pure Stevia (Or 1/4 Cup Stevia Blend)
  • 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup (Optional)
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 Tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 8 ounce Block of Cream Cheese
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1/4 Cup Maple Sugar (Yes, another one, for the filling.)

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the flours, stevia blend or sugar (your preference) and spices in a bowl and whisk well. Add the Eggs and pumpkin and also blend. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly grease the top of the paper with butter. Pour the batter over the parchment paper and spread out evenly. Bake for 10 minutes.

    Sprinkle a dish towel with 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar. When the cake is done, handle the baking sheet with oven mitts and turn the cake onto the surface of the towel. Pull off the parchment paper. Gently roll the cake into a log while in the towel. Place the towel in the freezer and set your timer for 15 minutes.

    Meanwhile, Whisk 1 block of cream cheese with 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1 tsp vanilla until soft.** See notes below for alternatives.

    Remove the cake from the freezer, and apply the cream chees frosting to the inside of the cake. Roll back into a log and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

I have replaced the sugar in the cake with stevia or monk fruit blends and it works well for those on special eating plans. But I forgot to add the maple syrup in the video and  FYI, I did not miss the extra carbs at all! It was sweet enough with the maple sweetened filling. 

Also, my preference for sweetening the cream cheese filling is to use 1/4 cup maple syrup with the vanilla to  sweeten. You may of course use 1/4 cup powdered sugar if you are not concerned about the added sugar, just remember portion control. 


And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful

Colossians 3:14-16 ESV – And above all these put on love, which – Bible Gateway

I hope you enjoy this gluten free pumpkin roll for your gluten sensitive friends! God wants you and I thriving spiritually and physically. He also gave us the power to do that! The blessing of His Son for our redemption and the provision of all good things in the garden to heal our bodies. We can be truly thankful.

I am here for you if you have any questions about the recipe or if you want to talk to a health coach about making some changes in your lifestyle, exercise, attitude, or nutrition. You can contact me here at Book an Appointment for a 30-minute free consultation.



Low Sugar Cherry Tarts

“Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11

I like the key word in this verse…aim. Aiming for restoration and comforting one another. The act of living in peace is what we, as Christians wake up with every intention of doing each day. Meeting God in His word and beginning with prayer helps us hit the mark. Well, aim better anyway.

We may be tempted in situations to respond in haste. We may forego the extra time to stop and listen to the answer of our own question, “How are you?” to our neighbors. While each hour of our day passes we have the opportunity to take extra time or go the extra mile. When we do, a small spark of confidence grows and the peace of God is present in our small victories.

We can feel Him smiling as our aim is closer to that of his Son.

While we think about our aim to be more like Christ, I’ll share the aim of this cherry tart. It offers a balance of delicious tart and sweet flavor for our enjoyment. A crunchy oat and walnut cluster of top is slightly sweet and filling. Also, the use of a very small amount of sugar and stevia allow this pleasure to remain a healthier option for a rounded snack or breakfast substitute.

Cherries dark red juice and skin is loaded with anthocyanins to help fight inflammation. They also contain a decent amount of vitamin C. There is no guilt indulging in this beneficial treat.

Cherry Tarts

Filling

  • 3 Cups Cherries (Fresh or Frozen)
  • 1/4 Cup of Sugar mixed with 1 scoop of PURE stevia or monk fruit
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon or nutmeg
  • 1 Tablespoon Tapioca Starch or Arrowroot Powder

Crust

  • 2 Cups Organic Gluten Free Oats
  • 1/3 Cup Organic Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar (Optional)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 Cup Walnuts Chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine your filling ingredients in a bowl and toss well with the sugar, arrowroot powder, and spices. Place in a 8 pre-made tart shells and set aside. Combine oats, olive oil, sugar, cinnamon and walnuts in a bowl and place over the cherries. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Take a couple of theses along with you as you visit shut ins or drop them off on the door step with a card of encouragement! Aiming high is our goal in our efforts to comfort and agree with on another.

Enjoy!



Cranberry White Chocolate Granola Bars

I’m not a big fan of white chocolate, but many of my friends are!

So, here is a healthier version of White Chocolate Granola Bars. Let’s face it, we are not going to deny ourselves a small pleasure after a hard day of work or an exhausting day with little ones. However, we can make that gratifying choice a better one. One consists of good fiber, protein, omega rich walnuts and infection quelling cinnamon.

Take heart in your hard work, God is setting an example for your little ones through you! It is your care, your love, your daily sacrifice that shows them God’s love. The bible says, “From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each of us.” (Acts 17:26-27 HCSB)

Whether you’re influencing your own little ones, or someone else’s we can be the light they may need to reach out and find Him. So, power up, and keep your physical strength for this task, too! I hope you enjoy these bars. They contain those rich beta glucan coated oats I love to use. As well as those pressed olives, in the most famous garden of my favorite book!

These are super easy and not too sweet.

3 Cups organic oats

1/4 Cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tsp cinnamon

1/4 Cup organic unbleached flour (or any gluten free flour of your choice)

3/4 Cup cranberries

3/4 Cup chopped walnuts

1/2 Cup Mini white chocolate chips

Combine in a large mixing bowl all of the above dry ingredients.

Next Add

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Organic Olive Oil

1/3 Cup honey or maple syrup

Add the eggs until all of the dry are coated well. Then add the olive oil, coat ingredients well. Lastly, add the maple syrup or honey, also coating well.

Stir well and add to dry ingredients. Once combined add 1/4 cup raw honey until all the oats are wet and sticky. 😉 Place onto baking sheet and roll out until flat and even.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15-18 minutes–they should be golden brown.

Enjoy!



Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

The Spirit gives life and breath and all things. I can’t help but think of Him hovering over the water ready to breathe life into humanity on that first day of creation. The third part of our triune God is ready to provide ALL the things we need. It’s easy to meet partial needs here and there, however, we often overlook …. ALL that we need.

In our rush to meet demands and take care of others, we sometimes neglect to nourish ourselves. We may take the time to fill our soul with a good Word, yet rely on a man made item to fill our belly. Not really considering how little value the item provides in sustaining our much needed energy levels.

I wish to share with you today a little fix for nourishing the body in your day to day and remind you of the depth of love infused into every gift from above. When the complexity of simple things we take for granted every day are brought into our focus, we see their true value. Although your value may seem small at times in our heavenly Father’s eyes, I assure you, it is greatly treasured. When it’s unveiled under the scope of His well planned creation, you’ll see your worth.

Provision for our worth started in the garden. So, the plan for our garden this fall is to prepare the soil by planting oats. In addition to their magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, B1, and some B5, they provide protein, and fiber for our bodies.

With that said; they provide excellent organic matter to the soil as a fall cover crop. Especially for my neighbors across the river who have clay soil. God’s plan for creation is revealed throughout the bible in a macroscopic way, yet with these little tidbits of scientific information we can follow His plan microscopically!

Benefits of planting oats according to Mother Earth News, Modern Farmer, and Gardening Channel are as follows:

1. “Bulk up soil with organic matter, cover crops prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and create and cycle soilborne nutrients using the power of the sun. Recent advances in soil biology have revealed two more ways cover crops can improve soil.”

2. “Rhizodeposition is a special advantage to working with cover crops. Many plants actually release sugars and other substances through their roots. They are like little solar engines, pumping energy down into the soil.” (https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/cover-crops-improve-soil-zmaz09onzraw)

3. “Many cover crops are legumes that convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a soluble form that other plants can absorb. Some cover crops accumulate other essential nutrients like phosphorus, but all cover crops add organic matter to the soil. Rather than being harvested for food, cover crops are tilled back into the soil at the end of their growing cycle where the nutrients are released as the plants decompose. In a way, cover cropping is like composting in situ – no need for hauling in manure or building a pile – and they’re sometimes called ‘green manure’ for this reason.” (https://modernfarmer.com/2015/08/how-to-grow-a-cover-crop-this-fall/)

4. Oats improve overall soil quality by preventing erosion, adding organic matter, and improving soil aggregation. For best results, sow oats six to 10 weeks before your local average date of first frost. Oats are less frost tolerant than most winter cover crops and are killed by temperatures below five degrees Fahrenheit

5. Dead oats form their own mulch, which is typically well rotted by spring. If oats do not die during winter, mow and till them before seed heads appear in late spring. (https://www.gardeningchannel.com/winter-cover-crops-guide/)

So, while you enjoy these websites to implement ideas and strategies for improving your home gardens; Think about these tasty granola bars to enjoy for snacking that provide you with essential fiber and minerals to get you through your day! Build the strength of your body, so you can carry out the good work of your mind; as you sew the seed of God’s Word in the soil of your prepared heart.

Enjoy the beauty of God’s garden around you in even the smallest things. Give thanks that his provision and plan for you is good!

Dark Chocolate Granola Bars

3 Cups Organic Quick Cooking Oats

¼ Cup Honey or Maple Syrup

2 Teaspoons Ceylon Cinnamon

1/3 Cup plus Organic Olive Oil

½ Cup 72% Cacao Chips (Simple Truth Brand has no soy)

½ Cup Chopped Walnuts

1 Large Egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil and set aside. In a large mixing bowl add your oats, stevia (or sugar) and cinnamon. I whisk these together very well to distribute the spice and sweetener. Then I add the walnuts and chocolate chips. Next, incorporate the two large eggs making sure to coat each oat. Then add the oil, again coating and mixing the batch to cover it well; I use a fork to do this. Then, last add the maple syrup to further moisten and coat your oats. Then they are ready to spread into your baking dish. Use the fork to flattened the grains into the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown then cut into bars. This makes 21 bars. I let them cool then store in snack bags, placing half in the cabinet and the other half in the fridge to avoid spoilage.

My prayer for you today is that God fill ALL that you need physically and spiritually, for He makes you worthy!