PEANUT BUTTER AND OAT GRANOLA BITES

PEANUT BUTTER AND OAT GRANOLA BITES

3/4 C oats
2T unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds
2T pistachios, chopped
1/4 C dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1/4 C dried blueberries, roughly chopped
2T ground flaxseed
1/2 t kosher salt
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1/4 C chunky peanut butter
1T honey
1/2 t vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients making sure to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
Roll some of the dough between your hands, if it sticks together it is ready to go. If it feels too dry then add a bit more peanut butter or honey.  If it is too wet add extra oats or flaxseed.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Roll a heaping tablespoon of dough into a 1 1/2" ball and then place it on the prepared baking sheet.  Repeat with the remaining dough.  Chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.  Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

CHICKEN SALAD

5-MINUTE CHICKEN SALAD

I didn't feel like hanging out in the kitchen much today, so I opted to whip up a quick batch of 5-minute chicken salad. I went to Costco this week and picked up a rotisserie chicken for a whopping $4.99 {and some croissants too!} so literally the entire dinner was ready in less than 10 minutes! Add a few multi-grain tortilla chips and a handful of cherries and dinner is served! My kind of meal after a hectic day.

This "recipe" is so versatile. Don't have an apple on hand? Try pineapple tidbits instead. Don't like raisins? Dried cherries are lovely in it too. Also, feel free to add sliced almonds, grapes, water chestnuts or chopped pecans. Serve it inside a lettuce wrap for a gluten-free version or just plain for an afternoon snack! Also, you'll notice I use plain yogurt instead of mayo. I personally like the taste and health benefits better, but if you miss the sweetness, you can add 1-2 tsp of honey or sugar to the salad as well. Taste it first though! If you add a lot of sweet fruit, chances are you won't even miss the added sugar.

5-Minute Chicken Salad

·    2 cups diced cooked chicken {canned version works well too!}

·    about 1/4- 1/3 cup plain yogurt, depending on how much moisture you prefer

·    1 apple, diced but not peeled

·   3 stems of celery, sliced

·   about 1/4 cup raisins, craisins or any other small dried fruit

·  dash of salt, pepper, dried parsley and onion powder

·  dash of lemon juice

Chop, dice, and/or slice everything and toss in a bowl. Add the dash of lemon juice and stir a bit, coating the apples. Add in yogurt and stir, coating everything well. Mix in seasonings, tasting along the way.

SEASONED BUTTER RECIPES

SEASONED BUTTER RECIPES

Rachel Ray Magazine Nov 2013

Mix 4 oz room temperature, salted butter with any of the following combinations:
Combine ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

LEMON-CHIVE BUTTER
1/4 C chopped chives
1t lemon zest
1/4t paprika

ROASTED RED PEPPER
1/4 C roasted red pepper patted dry and chopped
1/4 t paprika

HONEY-MUSTARD
1T honey
1t dry mustard

CRAN-WALNUT-ORANGE
1/3 C toasted walnuts, chopped
1/4 C dried cranberries, chopped
1t orange zest

SWEET BERRY
1/4 C blueberry preserves
1t sugar

PUMPKIN PIE
1T canned pure pumpkin
1T packed light brown sugar
1/2t pure pumpkin pie spice