Raisin Pecan Bars (Vegan)

This recipe is an adaptation of one of my favorites. The Original is completely different, but if you want it for reference you will find it in the book Set For Life "Alan's Cookies".

We have recently decided to go "Vegan". I know what you're thinking, really?! Will she ever make up her mind on what to eat? The answer is probably no. The more I study the more I learn and I am just trying to find the "right" thing for me. The funny thing is, if you read over this blog, you will find I started by eating low carb. I have decided that is definitely not for me. It is not a way of eating that can be maintained long term. Also, in light of several documentaries and several books I've read, I have learned that eating that way is a sure way to develop cancer. I would like to live a long time and so I have decided to cut out all meat and dairy products. Let me just say that, for me, this works. I have battled anxiety and weight problems for quite a long time and I have been doing this for two months and I am finding many symptoms I've experienced starting to disappear! I feel so much better!

In an effort to feed my family and to find variety, I have been recipe hunting like crazy! I am not a professional chef nor do I claim to even be that great of a cook, but I am a Mom and when I find something my kids will eat and that I like, I will continue to post it! Hope you enjoy these bars. They were gone in 10 minutes. They were so incredibly nummy!

Raisin Pecan Bars (Vegan)

1 C Coconut Oil

1 C Agave

1 C. turbinado sugar or any unrefined sugar

4 T. Ground golden Flax

1/2 C. Water

2 t. Vanilla

3 C. Spelt flour

1 C. ground Oat flour

2 C. Rolled Oats

1/2 C. Ground almonds

1 t. Salt

1 1/2 t. Soda

1 t. Baking Powder

1 C Raisins

1/2 C Coconut

1/2 C. Pecans

Cream oil, agave, and sugar. Add flax, water and vanilla. Mix well. Add all the flour, one cup at a time until well mixed. Add rolled oats, ground almonds, salt, soda, baking powder and mix only until combined. Add raisins, coconut and pecans, mix in. Bake on a large cookie sheet in bar form for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Pizza Can Be Healthy!

My husband has been out of town this week and my kids and I decided to have a little party. So we made pizza! I love pizza but it's not the best thing for you depending on how it's made. I have a great bread recipe which I will share here and then probably post again at some point, so you can see the bread finished. This bread recipe is something I use every week. Sometimes I substitute different kinds of grain or bean flours in my bread, making sure I use at least 7 cups wheat or spelt for gluten purposes. I also made Monkey Bread. This is a simple recipe that has been around for years. I'm sure most of you already know how to make it..but I will include it as well. Pizza made with whole grain crust and loaded with veggies and good proteins is such a balanced meal! Don't shy away from making your own pizza, the healthy way!

Bread Recipe (adapted from Kitchen Kneads)

5 cups warm water

2 heaping tablespoons SAF yeast

1/3 cup honey or agave

1/3 cup olive oil

11-14 cups whole wheat or spelt flour

2 tablespoons Redmond salt

Combine Water, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Mix gently. Add 11 cups of flour and salt all at once. Mix until combined. Add more flour until the dough cleans the side of the bowl. If the dough is too dry or too wet it will fall while baking. I will only add 1/2 cup flour at a time until the dough isn't sticking to the side of the bowl but will still stick to my finger a little. I prefer it a little on the wet side rather than stiff (too dry). If you ever get the dough too dry add oil while mixing NOT water. Mix for 8 minutes (very important, to develop gluten). The dough will then be soft and pliable. Gently oil hands and shape in to loaves. (makes 5 loaves) Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Pizza

Take a small amount of bread (1 loaf size amount), roll it out until very flat. Place it into a round or square pan. Cut off the excess that falls off the edge with a sharp knife. Immediately bake at 425 for 5 to 10 minutes, until slightly brown. Poke the dough while baking with a fork, if it develops bubbles. Do NOT let the dough rise before baking or your crust will be very thick.

Toppings

Use your favorite sauce, whether it is homemade or not. I prefer Ragu No Sugar Spaghetti Sauce. Spread sauce evening over baked crust. Add toppings you desire...

chicken

ground turkey or beef

ham

sausage

pepperoni

pineapple

green peppers (finely diced is my favorite)

onions (finely diced)

sliced mushrooms

olives

zucchini

cheese (I used a blend)

Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Monkey Bread

Butter

Sugar and Cinnamon

Take a pinch of dough. Roll into a ball. Dip in butter and then in sugar cinnamon mixture. Place in a greased pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350.

Have fun!