Bake your own crackers! As simple as slice ‘n bake cookies but more wholesome. Packed with dried apricots, raisins, pistachios, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and no added fat, these crackers are as easy as baking a quick bread then slicing and toasting. For the recipe, jump on over to RaisinYourNutrition for step-by-step instructions. Let me know how your home-baked crackers… Read more
I’m lucky St. Patrick’s Day inspired a loaf of Raisin Irish Soda Bread in my kitchen. All week I’ve enjoyed it sliced and spread with Irish butter. Want a bite? You can have a loaf ready in an hour, so get started! Visit RaisinYourNutrition for step-by-step to making this super easy wholesome bread. I think you’ll feel happy… Read more
Have your cake and no sugar too! No added sugar and no gluten, but plenty of flavor! Cocoa Coconut Torte is sweetened with raisin and date puree like my Raisin-Date Apple Muffins. The cake is rich and sweet, similar to a flourless chocolate torte. Ground almonds replace flour for a little extra fiber and protein. So you really can have your cake… Read more
Muffins are ‘sweet’ for breakfast or snack. These fruit-sweetened muffins have no added sugar, thanks to raisins and dates blended into a puree, plus no added fat! The dried fruit puree plus diced apples add enough moisture to replace butter or oil, yet retain a light cake-y crumb perfect for a muffin. I created these muffins for a Sun-Maid school… Read more
Perfect Snack Bar Adapted from Almond Board of California Makes about 30 3 x 1.5-inch bars 1-1/2 cups (7 oz) whole California Almonds 1 cup (4.25 oz.) raw pumpkin seeds* 3/4 cup (3 oz.) sliced California Almonds 2/3 cup (2.25 oz) old-fashioned oats 1-1/4 cups (2 oz.)… Read more
Hummus is having a heyday as a healthy spread and dip, and there are endless variations on the traditional version with chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon and garlic. This recipe from California Walnut Board substitutes walnuts and walnut oil for tahini, and orange for lemon juice, but I couldn’t quite imagine the flavors until I made it. I noticed the recipe… Read more
Travel Snack Bars Prep time: 20 minutes Bake time: 20 minutes plus 1 hour cooling Makes 12 bars or 24 squares 3/4 cup raw whole almonds 3/4 cup puffed rice cereal* 1/2 cup quinoa flakes* or quick oats 1/2 cup chopped dried dates or dried figs 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, or cherries 1/4 … Read more
Banana stuffed French toast is super easy to make in this oven-baked recipe. There’s no tricky bread pocket to slice and stuff. Just layer sliced bananas between raisin bread in a casserole dish then drench in a cream cheese custard and bake to a creamy-on-the-inside, crunchy-on-the-outside French toast. Prepare it the night before or a… Read more
Rita’s Basic Stir Fry enough for 2 servings with rice 7-8 oz. boneless chicken, pork or beef, sliced 1+ Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce Sauce 1 cup water (3/4 cup for thicker sauce or use a bit more cornstarch) 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 Tbsp. soy sauce (low sodium or regular) 1 Tbsp. cream sherry (Christian Brothers or any… Read more
Peppermint Ice Cream Truffles Active Prep Time: about 30 minutes Plus Chill Time: 30 minutes Makes about 16 truffles. 2 pints peppermint ice cream or favorite flavor- look for Dreyer’s Limited Edition Peppermint 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup (6 ounces) white baking chips 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided Colored sprinkles (optional)… Read more
