A Healthier Cookie

 This weekend we made some yummy "healthier" chocolate chip cookies! We changed a few ingredients around to make them as delicious and healthy as week could! I would give them 5 thumbs up because everyone in the family approved! I decided to make some mini versions for the boy's lunch boxes too! I simply followed the Nestle Toll House recipe and made Always Healthy Mom changes when needed.

So here is what we did...

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup old fashion oats

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup earth balance

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

2 egg whites

1 cup chocolate chips

I mixed the dry ingredients  in one bowl and earth balance, egg, vanilla, and honey in a separate bowl.

Then combined both mixture.  Placed on cookie tray and bake at 350 F for 10 min depending on desired size of  cookie.

Remember the cookies will appear darker because of the whole wheat flour. I did not use regular sugar but instead used honey to sweeten them up. My family loved them and I hope yours does too. Remember these are still cookies despite being healthier so eat responsibly!

Enjoy!

Homemade Gronola Bars

 As promised here is my latest healthy experiment in the kitchen. I attempted to make my own granola bars. I have to say it worked out pretty well. And we all enjoyed a healthy treat! These are great for lunch boxes, breakfast on the go ( that never happens in my house) and road trips.

Granola bars

Ingredients

4 cups oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1tsp almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup honey

A personal touch
You can ADD...
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup cranrasins
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup marshmallows
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried fruit
or 1/4 cup nut of your choice
sunflower
walnut
almond
peanuts



I would try to pick two add ins that makes a hearty tasty treat!
This way everyone has a combination that they like.

Directions

• Preheat oven 325 F
• combine dry ingredients in bowl
• in separate bowl mix oil, extracts and honey and whisk
• pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir
• place mixture on parchment paper or non-stick foil about 1 in thick
• bake for 30 min
• cool, cut, serve and enjoy

Pretz-a-bagels

Pretz-a-bagels

Enjoy the soft pretzel taste you love in a mini bagel shape. Great for fun easy snack! Pair it with hummus or peanut butter or even make into a lunchtime sandwich! Look for these at your local store!


Here is another fun, healthy idea...

Healthy Hummus Bagels

SERVINGS: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Thomas'® Whole Wheat Bagels, split and toasted
• 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ garlic clove, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• Optional: 1 ¼ cups store-bought hummus
• Suggested Toppers: 1 tablespoon each chopped cucumber, chopped pitted Kalamata olives, quartered cherry tomatoes and 1/2 tablespoon chopped red onion
  
  Prep time: 10 minutes

DIRECTIONS:

Pulse first 5 ingredients in a food processor. Transfer hummus to a bowl and stir in parsley. Spread hummus evenly onto split sides of bagel halves and top with suggested toppers if desired. Yield: 1 ¼ cups hummus without toppers

NUTRITION INFO:

Calories – 210
Total Fat – 9g
Cholesterol – 0mg
Sodium – 540mg
Total Carbohydrate – 28g
Dietary Fiber – 6g
Protein – 8