Classic Cookies and Milk

I just made some Pamela's Chocolate Chunk cookies for the kids. They were pretty good -- at least warm. Once they cool, I can't be so sure. If you bake cookies purely for the pleasure of licking the bowl, I wouldn't recomend these. The dough left MUCH to be desired. But if you are really craving a warm cookie and a glass of (almond) milk, these are a winner.

Eureka!

Finally. I think I found a pitch in worthy dessert that follows all of out eating criteria -- Aunt Cathy's Special K Bars . . . with a few modifications! Growing up, I spent many a summer afternoon at my Aunt and Uncles house (they had kids my age and a pool!). I think my Aunt ALWAYS had a batch of Special K bars on her counter. I am so glad that I have found a way to share this childhood treat with my kids!

In place of Special K, I used "EnviroKids Amazon Flake" which is gluten free. Since it is already sweetened and because I try to avoid corn syrup, I cut back on the sugar and made a simple syrup with water and sugar. Here is my, gluten and dairy free, version of Special K bars.

4 C. cereal
1 C sugar and 1 C water (boil to make a simple syrup)
1 1/2 C peanut butter

12 oz chocolate or butterscotch chips (dairy free)

Make the simple syrup and pour over cereal and PB. Mix together. Spread into a greased 9x13 pan.

Melt chips in microwave and spread over bars. Cool.

Enjoy!

Lovin' Those Omega-3's!

I try to feed our family the most nutritionally packed foods I can. It is so hard to get kids to eat well, so I try to get as much bang as I can for every buck! Luckily, my kids love salmon, which is one of the most nutritious fish you can eat. The omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development and cut the risk for hyperactivity and ADD.

I make salmon with this simple marinade and they love it!

Honey-Ginger Glazed Salmon

1/4 C balsamic vinegar
1/4 C olive oil
2-3 t. ginger
2T honey or brown sugar

Place fish in marinade about one hour before cooking.
Bake at 350 until flaky (15 minutes?)

I serve it with brown rice (made in vegetable broth instead of water to up the nutritional value!) and steamed vegis. Easy-peasy!