7 Layer Magic Bars

Whoever invented this technique is a total genius. These bars are the easiest dessert to make. My daughter has been making them since she was 9, so when I say they are so easy a kid could make them, I really mean it. There is no mixing, no bowl, nothing to clean up until after the pan is emptied. And it is always emptied. They don’t last long.

I like taking them to potlucks because I can always remember there are seven ingredients: butter, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk. That means I can pick up the ingredients at the store, without having looked at the recipe. Preferably, I have all seven on hand for last minute potlucks, or when I haven’t planned ahead. For best results, bake a few hours before you leave, and set the pan in the fridge for half an hour or so after it cools. It makes cutting into bars much easier.

Just writing about these bars makes me want to go make them right now! Just click here to join me.

Stir-fry Bok Choy

Bok choy is so good for us. It is full of calcium, fiber, and potassium, and Vitamin C. I have always added it to different vegetable and meat stir-fries, but finally decided to let it be the star of the show. It works great. Delicious with roasted chicken. To make this a vegetarian dish, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

This is a nice change of pace from the typical vegetable side dish. To see the recipe, just click here.

Blueberry Scones

Years ago, my good friend Julie made me my first scone. It was so good. I think it was orange cranberry. Since then, I’ve had them at coffee shops and I’ve tried the “just add water” mixes in the stores. None compared to homemade. And they are so easy. If you can make biscuits, you’ve already made scones! It’s really just lightly sweetened biscuit dough with bling.

I like adding a little whole grain to this dough. It gives it a bit more flavor, and makes me feel a little better about eating pastries for breakfast. If you are not as inclined to enjoy whole wheat, feel free to substitute with all-purpose flour. This recipe also calls for buttermilk. I love the tangy moistness it gives the scones, but I don’t always have buttermilk in the refrigerator. I do, however, keep buttermilk powder there. Just add the powder to the dry ingredients (conversions listed on the container) and use water for the liquid. It’s a pretty good substitution.

As shown above, I like my scones with lemon curd. You can find it next to the jellies. If I can get my hands on clotted cream, all the better. If not, a little butter will do.

To get the recipe, just click here.

The more I have guacamole the more I like it.

Great as a dip?

Check.

Condiment to Mexican dishes?

Check.

Delicious with Caribbean dishes?

Check.

On burgers?

Check.

With eggs?

Check.

Loaded with healthy fats?

Check.

Great texture?

Check.

To me the only limiting factor for guacamole is the quality of the avocados and their price.  If you can score some good ones at a good price I say guac away.

This version is about as easy as falling off a log.  If you’re practiced with handling avocados, it should take you less than five minutes to make.

Click here to see.

Last fall, a friend who is a registered dietitian and I gave a presentation called “Healthy Eating on A Budget”. I used these two recipes to demonstrate how you can save money by making your own granola and bars. Not only save money, but know exactly what you are eating and tailor the recipe to include your favorite ingredients.

Try stashing a small cup of granola and/or a few bars in some key locations (purse, backpack, diaper bag, briefcase, desk, glove box, etc.) and you will be less likely to find yourself in front of a vending machine or at the drive-thru because you are starving.  Add some more dried fruit, nuts, and a few chocolate chips to the granola and you have yourself some trail mix. The granola is also good in our Granola Banana Pancakes, and our daughter, Chloe, has a favorite snack of peanut butter and granola sandwiches (skip the jelly).

To see this easy and flexible Granola recipe, just click here.

If you want to take it a step further, and make our Granola Bars, click here.