Chewy S'mores Granola Bars Guest Post

 

 There is a sense of accomplishment and joy when I make our food from scratch. Whew! Lots of hours in the kitchen though! But it's worth it to me knowing where our food comes from and what exactly is in it. I've been trying to make more snacks as well so this post is perfect for our household!

 

 If you haven't read Maya's blog over at Alaska From Scratch, head on over there after you read her yummy recipe for Chewy S'mores Granola Bars posted below. She has some amazing recipes and beautiful photos to look at. Whenever I look at her photos of food, it makes want to jump through the screen and eat it. Just look at the granola bar below! Don't you want to grab and take a huge bite! I can already taste the yumminess and feel how chewy it is! I need to go make these, but first, take it away Maya!



 

 

 

 Hi Alaska's Kids Readers! I'm Maya from Alaska from Scratch. I'm a mom of three, a pastor's wife, an associate pastor, and a food blogger from the Kenai Peninsula. Since our family of five transplanted to Alaska from California two years ago, I've been cooking from scratch to help keep our grocery bills down and to provide wholesome meals and snacks for my family. One of our favorites are my Chewy S'mores Granola Bars and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share the recipe with you here at Alaska's Kids. A regular box of popular brand granola bars in our part of Alaska can run right about $5 for 10 bars, occasionally less. In addition to saving money, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with making these at home and knowing exactly what goes into these favorite lunchtime snacks.

Taco Soup and Flowers

Nice heading huh? I can't think of anything other then what this post is about. Maybe lack of sleep is really getting to me.

I got this yummy recipe from a lady years ago. I would credit it to her, but I don't know who she is or where she got it from.

Taco Soup

1 lb cooked shredded chicken OR hamburger meat
1 chopped onion
1 can red kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can white corn
1 can whole kernel corn
1 diced tomato
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can chicken or beef broth (use the broth with whichever meat you are using)
1 pkt taco seasoning (1/4c)
1 pkt Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (1/4c)

I rinse the beans and then throw everything into a crock pot. I keep it on low for an hour or 2. You can also just put everything in a big pot and boil. Instead of using canned corn I use frozen though.

My kids LOVE this, even my 10 month old! We also add cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips, yummy!! This is quick to throw everything together for a laid back meal.

 Are you growing a garden? We are growing a couple of things. Veggies and flowers! This is a photo of our peony, isn't it gorgeous! It just gets better daily! We have little broccoli florets growing. It's so cool to see something that we are growing our self!

What's cookin momma?

Some nights I can't even THINK of what to make for dinner. More then not its Brinner (breakfast and dinner). But I have found a new fav to whip and the kids really enjoy it so I thought I would share, Halibut Olympia and Parmesan Asparagus. I can not take the credit for coming up with these yummy recipes. Halibut Olympia is from Best of the Best from Alaska from Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley. Parmesan Asparagus is from Barefoot Contessa Family Style by Ina Garten. The Alaska book is GREAT for all that moose, halibut, and salmon in your freezer!

 Halibut Olympia

                                      2 lbs Halibut fillets                             1 c mayo

                                      1 c sour cream                                  3/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

(just to let you know I don't even measure this! I just throw it in. the recipe also calls for green onions, but I don't care for them)

Pat haibut fillets dry and place in baking dish. Mix all ingredients and spread on top of halibut. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-20 mins or until easily flakes. SOOOO yummy!

Parmesan Asparagus

                          2 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus                                 1/4 black pepper

                          2 Tbsp olive oil                                             1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese

                          1/2 tsp salt

(this is another recipe that I no longer measure, just throw it all together)

Lay asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cheese. Roast for 15-20 mins at 400 degrees. My kids LOVE these. I didn't like asparagus before these and we eat them once a week!!!



Best thing is they can both cook together and dinner is ready fast! Fast and healthy is great, especially for kids who are hungry and driving you crazy! =)

Happy eating!!

Trail Mix Muffins

Healthy and delicious CAN go together with wonderful ingredients like organic agave and white whole wheat flour. Add in things like carrot, apple, nuts and seeds, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s both kid and husband tested and approved!

Click "read more" for the full recipe!