Healthy Banana Oat Nut Butter Cookies

This is one of my favorite go to healthier treats. I never make it the same way. Usually just eyeball it and see what happens, then modify it for next time. Well this time, I really like the way it turned out so I thought I'd share.

Healthy Banana Oat Nut Butter Cookies

3 Ripe Bananas, mashed

1/2 Cup Natural Nut Butter (I used a natural peanut butter this time)

1/3 Cup Milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats

1/3 Cup Flour

1 tsp Vanilla Extract (I used Vanilla Bean Paste)

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/3 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips (or any other desired mixin)

**Combine the mashed banana, vanilla, milk, and nut butter. Add remaining ingredients. Drop by the spoonful on baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes at 350 degrees.** 

Simple & Sweet Asian Quinoa Salad

I am always looking for a new recipe to make for lunches to bring to work each day. This one turned out quite well.

Asian Quinoa Salad

2 Cups Baby Spinach (or any other favorite green)

1 Cup Quinoa

1 Cup Water

1 Cup Chicken Broth (feel free to use vegetable)

1 Can Mandarin Oranges (I used no sugar added), drained

1/3 Cup Crazons (I used 50% less sugar)

1/4 Cup Green Onions, sliced

Sliced Almonds, toasted

Drizzle of your favorite Asian Salad Dressing (I like to use Panera’s)

**Rinse the quinoa in mesh strainer. Add to a pot with the water and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let sit.**

**Once quinoa is cooled, add the spinach, mandarin oranges, Crazons and green onions. **

**When ready to serve, top with toasted almonds and Asian salad dressing.**

Hope you enjoy!

Healthier Apple Cake

In spirit of the season, I thought I should try out a couple new fall recipes. First up, a dessert of course… I have been a little apple obsessed lately. So I thought, why not a “healthier” apple cake?

I just started throwing some ingredients together and it actually turned out pretty darn delicious. Don't judge.. its also a very tasty breakfast. =)

Healthier Apple Cake:

For the Cake:

3 Large Apples, chopped (I used Braeburn and left the peel on)

2 Cups Flour

1 Cup Milk

1/6 C Brown Sugar

1 T Canola Oil

1 T Honey

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Vanilla

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Small pinch of salt

**Mix well. Pour into a cake pan lined with foil and sprayed with PAM.**

For the Crumble Topping:

1/2 Cup Quick Oats

1/6 C Brown Sugar

1 T Honey

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

**Mix well with your finger. Sprinkle on top of apple cake mixture.**

**Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.**

Enjoy!