Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Growing up, there is one October-only memory that I will NEVER forget…mom roasting the pumpkin seeds in the oven. When we were done decorating our fall pumpkin, the seeds that had been removed would then be sprinkled with seasonings and roasted for us to eat later. Here’s a yummy twist on that tradition.
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds, cleaned and rinsed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds with the spices. Place the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The seeds should be slightly golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
This makes a delicious and healthy snack.
Homemade Granola
Ingredients:
4 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup natural bran
¼ cup toasted wheat germ
¼ cup chopped almonds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup sunflower seeds
½ tsp salt
1 cup hot water
½ cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sultanas
Method:
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Mix the oats, bran, wheat germ, flour, nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and salt together until thoroughly combined.
In a separate little bowl, combine the water, honey and vanilla. Combine with the dry ingredients and mix well.
Grease two baking sheets and spread the mixture on the baking sheets, then squeeze together to make small clumps. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the granola mix is nice and golden. You will have to stir occasionally. Add raisins, stir again and bake for an extra 5 minutes.
Let the granola mix cool and then fill it into airtight containers.
This is a delicious and healthy granola that can be enjoyed with fresh fruit and yogurt for a healthy start of the day! It can also be used for snacks and as an ice cream topper! You can always add dried fruit to the finished batch, and you can substitute the nut variety based on your family’s likes.
Energy Cruchy Balls
Ingredients:
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup finely grated carrots
1/4 cup good quality Granola
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 Tablespoon runny honey
3 Tablespoons peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
Directions:
This is a super easy and quick recipe, but very healthy and delicious.
Combine all the ingredients in large bowl.
Roll into balls and let them be enjoyed by old and young!
Yogurt Popcicle Treats
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups plain yogurt (ideally low-fat)
2 small bananas
2/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate (undiluted)
Instructions:
Combine yogurt, bananas and orange juice in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into Popsicle containers and put in freezer.
This is a very easy to make and guilt-free treat for the whole family.
Enjoy!
