From the category archives:

Meals & Snacks

Wholesome Whole Wheat Applesauce Cake

by Stacy on August 12, 2010

Whole Wheat Applesauce Cake

Wholesome Whole Wheat Applesauce Cake
from one of my favorites,
Trainer Momma

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Mix it all together and pour it in a 9×13 pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 mintues.

24 bars at 110 calories each. (64 calories!! without the chocolate chips)

This recipe appeared in my reader one morning and I jumped up and made a batch right away. I was that stoked for something wholesome and simple and new to feed the kids in the morning. I was out of chocolate chips so I used carmel bits and pecans and it was delish. The perfect accompaniment to a berry smoothie in the morning and they held up so well I think I’ll make some to take with us on a VERY LONG road trip I’ll be telling you about real soon.

The base of this recipe was so tasty I’m going to try making some banana bread out of it too.

The kids & I baked this together so it is a very kid-friendly recipe and just in time for back to school. Oh yeah & speaking of back to school, I’m guest posting over at Simply Modern Mom today with a ton of ideas on what to pack for school lunches. I hope you’ll head over and check it out, it’s my first guest post and I’m a  little nervous. :)

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Tasty, Organic Snacks for Kids

by Stacy on April 14, 2010

Ok, I have a confession to make … I think I may be addicted to Clif Bars. Seriously, they are so ooey gooey, tasty good and the perfect solution when we’re out and about and don’t get home in time for lunch. That’s why i jumped for joy when I was asked to try Clif Kid ZBars … and guess what … I think I like them EVEN MORE! :)

Cliff Kid ZBars are more like cookies than their gooey aunts and uncles but still pack a healthy punch and tide my kids over when we’re outdoors walking, hiking, or playing at the park. Their flavors are so delicious, I just had to insist my kids “share” these special treats with me :) (hey, don’t judge – at least I’m teaching them to share, right?)

Happy thoroughly enjoying his 1st Zbar

Since the kids versions only have 130 calories versus the grownup 260 version. I may even replace a few of my go-to snacks with these yummy treat bars. I feel like I’m eating something I shouldn’t be (indulging, dare I say) , but instead I’m getting 12 vitamins and minerals and 7-11 grams of whole grains not to mention 3 grams of protein. Um, I mean that’s what I’m serving my kids … I also rest easy knowing the bar is certified organic and that I recognize every ingredient that went into making it.

Try all 6 amazing flavors (I promise you wont be disappointed)

Blueberry (120 cals)
Chocolate Brownie (130 cals) Tastiest Bar EVER!! Doubles as a special treat/dessert even
Chocolate Chip (130 cals)
Honey Graham (130 cals)
Peanut Butter (140 cals)
S’mores (130 cals)

I found a variety pack of 24 Clif Kid Zbars for just $14 + Free Prime Shipping
($11.90 if you use Subscribe & Save)

* I was not paid to write this product review, however I did receive a free sample of each flavor Zbar in order to form my own opinion on this great product. Clif Zbars will be added to the KSW pantry list (coming soon) as a go-to product for children’s and healthy Mom snacks. If you aren’t familiar with Clif Bar & Company take a moment to read their incredible story here.

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Tropical Oatmeal

by Stacy on March 26, 2010

I’ll be making a big announcement next week, an announcement that has a lot to do with the better food choices I’ve been making for my family this year. We’re eating foods that are better for us and finding ways to make them taste better than their sugar loaded alternatives. I’ll be sharing some of our favorite meals with you over the coming months, but I thought I would start you off with one of our favorite breakfasts, Tropical Oatmeal.

Tropical Oatmeal

This one is a hit with everyone in my house, which is saying A LOT. Hopefully it will be a big hit in your home too.

Tropical Oatmeal

3 cups Oats (We use Quaker Old Fashioned but any kind will do)
3 1/2 cups Water
1 3/4 cups Light Vanilla Soy Milk (can sub. milk if needed)
2-3 tablespoons Butter
Pinch of Salt (Optional)
1/3 cup Brown Sugar

Top With:

Blueberries
Dried Fruit (We like Sunmaid Tropical Trio)
Additional Toppings: Granola, Slivered Almonds, Toasted Coconut, anything goes really

This recipe makes 6 servings but you can modify it to your families needs. Stick to the instructions on the Oatmeal container, substituting 1/2 of the water for Light Vanilla Soymilk or Milk. This makes the oatmeal have a different consistency and makes it a ton more filling and healthy. I add the brown sugar to the oatmeal while it’s still in the pot because it’s a lot less fuss than sweetening each individual bowl. This recipe will give you just a touch of sweetness (perfect for toddlers) but you may need to add some more sugar to suit your own tastes. (I try to use the toppings as a way to sweeten to my liking instead of adding any more sugar) Finish by garnishing each bowl with a few handfuls of blueberries, a handful of dried fruit and whatever additional toppings you choose. Sit back and enjoy this surprisingly exotic comfort food.

~ Happy Friday!

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Almost Homemade …

by Stacy on February 17, 2010

I’ve been making an effort this year to feed my family less packaged and processed foods [fun new recipes and how-tos coming soon], BUT in an effort to transition our lifestyle in the most frugal way possible, I have been slowly phasing out our existing stock of pantry items.

I made this version of Blueberry Muffins with a Semi-Streusel with the kids this morning and they were such a hit, I just had to share them with you. When I finally perfect my healthy, homemade version, I’ll post an update for everyone. In the meantime, enjoy this super simple version you can have on the table in just 20 minutes.

You’ll Need:

Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffins

x2 (makes 12)

+

YoPlus Blueberry Acai YogurtX1

- Follow Muffin Mix Directions on package, add in a carton of YoPlus+ [We LOVE the strawberry kind too] Blueberry Acai yogurt

- Pour batter into Muffin Tin

To make the Streusel Topping: Mix 1/3 cup of oats, with 2-3 spoonfuls of brown sugar, sprinkle in some cinnamon sugar to taste. Then sprinkle this topping on each of the muffins

Bake for 17-21 minutes (whatever the package dictates), mine were perfect after 18 minutes.

And enjoy!! These babies are tasty enough to fool guests and in-laws and hit the spot on a weekend morning when you want to surprise the family with something a little special.

Almost Homemade Blueberry Muffins

If you try these, stop back by and let me know what you think. If you’d like me to feature more recipes in the future, take a moment and tell me that too. I thrive on feedback :)

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A Gobble Gobble Good Time

by Stacy on November 25, 2009

Turkey Cookies

~ Sugar Cookies
~
Chocolate Icing
~
Candy Corn
~
White Chocolate Chips
~
Orange Decorating Gel

These incredibly easy-to-make cookies are the perfect activity to get kids excited about Turkey Day. There’s no need for perfection, so let your kids have a ball creating wonky turkeys and cross-eyed fowl. There’s even time for a quick lesson in Giving and more than likely, you won’t even need to play Teacher. When I made these cookies with my toddlers this afternoon, they asked if we could make some extras to take to their soccer coach, Nana & Papa, Aunt Mel and Uncle Birdie {they like to get creative when naming their relatives}. Be still my heart, I’ve raised a pair of Good Samaritans.

To make your own sweet treats: Bake sugar cookies from your grocery store (less fuss), spread a layer of chocolate frosting along the top of the cookie, smoosh candy corn into the icing, use decorating gel as glue to attach white chocolate chips as eyes, then use the gel to draw a V-shaped beak and pupils. Voila, instant whimsy and loads of fun. I apologize in advance for the sugar rush that follows …

Idea Adapted from Pilsbury

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