Leader Enterprise - March 2016 - Coconut Oil

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

Coconut oil seems to be the 'rage' these days. I just love it because there are so many wonderful uses for this great product. I think I could share enough to fill 3 columns. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. 

What kind to use? 

Virgin Coconut Oil – This is the purest form and the best form. It does have a stronger taste and smell of coconut but provides the best benefits.

Refined Coconut Oil – This has been somewhat processed to take away the odor and coco-nutty taste. It is still good for you but you will have to ingest more to get the benefits of virgin coconut oil.

Fractionated Coconut Oil – This is used as a carrier oil in cosmetics or as a carrier oil for aroma therapy. It’s processed to remove some fatty acids so it will never go rancid, and it doesn't harden.

- Bake with it. You can substitute coconut oil into any recipe to replace butter, olive oil, or canola oil.(I recently made chocolate chip cookies with it and they were out-of-this-world delicious!) 

- Cook with it. There are many benefits of cooking with coconut oil. It is an antioxidant, is heart healthy and will help your cholesterol. 

- Put it in your coffee instead of creamer. It's best whirled in the blender. It makes it almost like a whipped latte.

- Pop popcorn with it, you won’t believe how good this is.

- Put a teaspoon into your favorite smoothie to give you an energy boost.

- Heal cooking burns faster and with less scaring. 

- Rub it straight on your lips as a lip balm.

- Lessen wrinkles and brown spots by rubbing it under your eyes and on your age spots.

- Cure cradle cap, just rub it on your babies head and watch it disappear.

These are delicious and healthy treats. No one has to know but you! 

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES 

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice or brown rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed

1 Tb. wheat germ

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil

1/4 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate, white or butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with non stick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips) together until blended well; mixing by hand. If the mixture seems dry after mixing, add a little more coconut oil or honey.  Add just a little at a time until the mixture starts to come together.  Stir in chocolate or butterscotch chips.

Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the granola mixture into each muffin cup. Press mixture with back of the spoon, or your fingers, until compacted tightly. Bake for 12 - 13 minutes. Remove from oven when browned and let stand in pan for 30 minutes.  Remove each from pan and enjoy! Yield: 2 dozen

Tasty and healthy muffins! Substitute blueberries for peaches if desired.

HEALTHY PEACH YOGURT MUFFINS

2 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

2 eggs

1 c. plain Greek yogurt

1/4 c. + 2 TB. coconut oil, melted

1/4 c. nonfat milk

1-1/2 c. frozen or fresh peaches, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a large muffin pan (I love using baking spray with flour). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, coconut oil and milk. Immediately pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients along with the chopped peaches and mix together with a spatula until just combined. Do not over mix. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Bake for 20-23 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes and then gently move to a cooling rack.

Yield: 12 muffins

Dave Willis says "Show respect even to people who don't deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours". 

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites {Healthier Option}

These are yummy & a 'healthier choice' for kids...and adults alike. 

I LOVE bite-sized anything!  The kids will woof these down.  They're great to put in their lunches or for an after school snack. 

I was so happy when I saw these at Mommy's Kitchen.  Tina is a wonderful mom & down-home cook.  I have enjoyed many of her recipes as they can be trusted. 

With oatmeal, flax seed, wheat germ, coconut oil and honey among the listed ingredients, how can you go wrong?  (Trust me, the kids won't even know!) 

There's debate whether or not the flax seed needs to be ground, so do whatever you think your family will enjoy.  I eat the seeds whole in other things and don't find it's a problem.  I've also read the Omega-3 is better absorbed when it's ground(?)  If you want to 'hide' it from your kids, then I would suggest using it ground. 

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES 

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice or brown rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed

1 Tb. wheat germ

1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate or butterscotch chips

(I used white chips)

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil

1/4 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with non stick cooking spray.

In large bowl, mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips) together until blended well; mixing by hand. 

If the mixture seems dry after mixing, add a little more coconut oil or honey.  Add just a little at a time until the mixture starts to come together.  Stir in chocolate or butterscotch chips.

Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the granola mixture into each muffin cup. Press mixture with back of the spoon, or your fingers, until compacted tightly. 

Bake for 12 - 13 minutes. Remove from oven when browned and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Remove each from pan and enjoy! 

Yield: 2 dozen yummy treats. 

Linked to Mop it up Monday Melt in your Mouth Monday Mix it up Monday Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday Foodie Friends Friday

Leader Enterprise - August 13, 2014 - School Studies & Lunch Ideas

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. I believe the school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

Any area where your child studies needs to be free of distractions: toys, phones, clutter, etc. It has always bothered me to see or know of a child who studies with their books in their lap. Everyone needs a cleared flat surface to lay books and to be able to write. A bulletin board nearby gives them a place for a calendar, school papers and lists. Have a sturdy place for the student to sit giving good support and with feet touching the floor.

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the'brown bag rut'. It's great to have more control over what your child is eating. Taking a lunch to school has taken plain ole peanut butter sandwiches to a whole new level. Now there are wraps, pitas and tortillas available to send. Be sure they are ''100% whole grain" and the first ingredient listed is 'whole grain'. For variety, cut sandwiches into 4 squares or 3 strips. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

Mini Brownie Treats

There's a real variety of  'cool' ice packs to keep lunches cold. You can use hard ice packs (wrap in a paper towel to collect moisture )or the soft gel kind. If you include a juice box in the lunch, freeze it first and as it thaws it will keep the foodstuff chilled, and should be ready to drink by lunchtime. Gotta love those kinds of practical ideas huh?

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags-a great way to have perfect single-serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version. Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced apples at the store, make your own! Toss apple slices in a mixture of lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents: don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress in ways you may never know.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter 
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ, optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed, optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield: about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ,optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted (or butter)

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12 - 13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

Whether or not you pack these are a fun little snacks in their lunch or give them as after school snacks, kids will have a blast making these themselves. 

MINI BROWNIE TREATS 

1 package (9"X13"pan size) fudge brownie mix

48 striped chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 18 - 21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.Immediately top each with a chocolate kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen yummy little treats.

​

3 Healthier Snacks Using Coconut Oil {Blast from the Past}

These special little bites are sweetened with honey.  Oh SO scrumptious and chewy! 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Granola Bites

What tasty little bites...baked in the oven. Oatmeal, flax seed, wheat germ, coconut oil and honey are among the listed ingredients. What's not to love? 

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

I can normally pass up ice cream, but pour this awesome topping over it and I'll scream for more. Sometimes I eat this just to satisfy my sweet tooth...and the recipe is actually

SUGAR FREE! 

Peanut Butter Hard Shell Ice Cream Topping

​

Leader Enterprise - Sept. 13, 2017 - Starting School Right

Cafeteria Peanut Butter Balls

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. The school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

The place where kids study should be comfortable, quiet and free from distractions. They can go to their room, close the door and kill as many distractions as possible - like music, television, and even the internet and their phone. 

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the 'brown bag rut'. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags-a great way to have perfect single-serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version. Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced apples at the store, make your own! Toss apple slices in lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents:don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress in ways you may never know.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter 
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ,optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed,optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield: about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ, optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted (or butter)

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

William Butler Yeats has been quoted as saying "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire".