Snacks Part 2 (Featuring Nic)

Chips ‘n dips ‘n cookies…I like the sound of this. In the first “Snacks” post (which I posted a couple of weeks ago), Nicole helped us out with some tips regarding popcorn, peanut/nut butter and quick, easy to grab snacks for your day. Today we are going to continue with that trend and add a few more ideas to our list. Instead of posting a recipe for each chip, Nicole has provided us with a link to a great recipe. Gotta love the internet. Let’s get started with…

Chips

Now this list can go on and on with healthy alternatives to chips. Make these homemade healthy chips using your favorite flavored salt (see Snacks Part 1 listed under Nicole’s Tips to the right side of this page). Here are a few of my favorites chips with links to recipes.

• Kale chips http://allrecipes.com/recipe/baked-kale-chips/

My most recent fave…Kale Chips.

• Baked apple chips http://theitaliandishblog.com/imported-20090913150324/2012/1/2/homemade-apple-chips.html
• Spinach chips http://lostgardenblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/cheesy-nacho-spinach-chips/
• Broccoli chips (stems) http://www.keepitsimplefoods.com/vegetarian/baked-broccoli-chips/
• Radish chips http://www.simplecomfortfood.com/2011/05/18/radish-chips/
• Butternut squash chips http://www.acouplecooks.com/2012/02/baked-butternut-squash-chips/
• Plantain chips http://www.thekitchn.com/healthy-snack-recipe-spicy-bak-112231
• Brussel sprout chips http://inspiredrd.com/2012/03/brussels-sprouts-chips.html
• Eggplant chips http://whatsgabycooking.com/eggplant-chips/

Eggplant Chips

• Taro root chips (Dont consume raw as it is toxic) http://www.marthastewart.com/317706/taro-chips
• Zucchini chips http://vittlesandbits.blogspot.ca/2012/03/baked-zucchini-chips.html
• Beet chips http://acozykitchen.com/baked-beet-chips/

A Super Quick Tasty Dessert When You Need One

• Fudge bars! Healthy Choice fudge bars are only 90 calories each and taste fantastic. Again, get out your Costco membership cause you can pick up a big box of them there! You will need a big box as this will be a nightly treat you look forward to.

Ummmm yeah. That’s Nic working over a Fudge Bar.

Home Made Cookies!

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed until smooth & creamy
• 1/3 cup peanut butter ~ creamy or chunky
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups quick oatmeal  ~ uncooked  (or use old fashioned oats for more oatmeal texture)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (peanut, walnut, pecans, pumpkin seeds, I change it up with whatever I have on hand)
• 1/4 cup carob or chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• cinnamon to taste (optional)

Cookies in the oven. Smells good!

Preheat heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix mashed banana & peanut butter until completely combined then add in the applesauce, vanilla extract ~ mix again until all are completely combined.

Add in the oatmeal & nuts to the banana mixture & combine. Add the optional carob/chocolate chips at this time if you want them mixed throughout

Let dough rest for 10 minutes.

Drop cookie dough, by spoonfuls, onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet & flatten cookies into circles.

Bake cookies approx. 20-30 minutes or until golden brown & done.  Remove from oven & let rest on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then move to cooling rack.  When cookies are completely cool, store in a covered container.

Note: If you like your cookies crunchy not soft bake them longer and keep them out of sealed containers. 

Let’s eat! Yummay

Thanks again Nic for all these great ideas and helpful tips and most of all for the picture of you celebrating Valentines Day with that fudge bar…lucky fudge.

KP