No-Bake Breakfast Cookies

Happy Friday! It's so wonderful to be posting on my blog again. It's been, what, two months since my last post?!
I'll give you a little idea of the things that have been consuming my time and driving me slightly insane:

• I recently moved out of my father's house and into my own apartment with my absolute best friend from high school, two states away, in New York! Growing up is rough, but I'm glad to be on my own. Change is a good thing, right? And not only do I live in the beautiful state of New Yawk again, I now live only 2 1/2 hours away from my mother, rather than eight hours!
• My car was almost completely worthless, and just about three paychecks and a week in the shop later... it's drive-able again!
• My grandmother passed away right before I left Ohio, and I spent three weeks with my beautiful mother and my family members (who I hadn't seen in almost 2 years).
• I've been job searching and filling out so many job applications, I think my brain may just explode if I see another one... But I did get an interview at a bakery, and I'm very excited about it!
• The weather here has been teasing me, it's spring one day and then snows 6 inches the next... I can't wait for the real spring!

Despite all of these things, I am back and more than happy to be here again!

Anyway, no-bake breakfast cookies... because there are days that I wake up and actually only want cookies and brownies for breakfast and I'm realizing that it may not be the best idea to give into that all the time. And that's where these cookies come in.

I spent a lot of time searching for recipes for no-bake breakfast cookies and never really found anything that sounded so good I felt like I had to be in the kitchen right now making them. I remembered my recipe for no-bake cranberry almond granola bites and turned it into these cute little healthy, delicious, and guilt-free no-bake breakfast cookies. This time, I used chunky peanut butter and chopped walnuts, rather than almonds. So delicious!

No-Bake Breakfast Cookies
Author: Herbivore Haven
Makes: About 10 Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey OR maple syrup

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, add the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, and ground flax seeds. Mix until just combined; set aside.
2. Add the honey and natural peanut butter to a small bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften. (If using maple syrup, only soften the peanut butter)
3. Add the softened honey or maple syrup and peanut butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the oats are coated.
4. Chill the granola mixture for about 30 minutes.
5. Roll the granola mixture into cookie forms, making each cookie the desired size. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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No-Bake Cranberry Almond Granola Bites

Happy Monday! I'm so glad to be back, let me tell ya. It almost feels kind of weird to be sitting here typing this after not being active lately. I've been doing a lot of work on this little blog of mine, you know, HTML, headaches, and cookin' up some new recipes to share with you. And today I'm talking breakfast, and you're invited.

There's something about no-bake snacks that just get me. I do love baking, but I love no-bake snacks and breakfasts even more. And I love granola even more than that. These granola bites are healthy, simple and oh, so good. They're sweet from the honey and peanut butter, with a crunch from the oats and almonds. They have the classic granola ingredients, but also have peanut butter, cranberries, almonds and flax seeds. No-bake and no guilt, what more could you ask for?

Update: I made this recipe with maple syrup rather than honey, and I fell even more in love! So, so delicious!

No-Bake Cranberry Almond Granola Bites
Author: Herbivore Haven, Adapted from Tina's Chic Corner
Makes: 18-20 Granola Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey OR maple syrup

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, add the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, and ground flax seeds. Mix until just combined; set aside.
2. Add the honey and natural peanut butter to a small bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften. (If using maple syrup, only soften the peanut butter)
3. Add the softened honey or maple syrup and peanut butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the oats are coated.
4. Chill the granola mixture for about 30 minutes.
5. Roll the granola mixture into balls, using about 1 tablespoon of granola for each. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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Dark Chocolate Granola Bars

It's Monday again, and Christmas is officially over. Commence healthy recipes to prepare for the new year just days away!

Looking back, I used to think that store-bought granola bars that said they were "healthy", were actually healthy. Annnd then I looked more into the ingredients and laughed to myself. Since then, I've been making my own granola bars at home, and these dark chocolate granola bars are one of my favorites. Dark chocolate alone is delicious, as well as granola bars. But eating a chewy, chunky granola bar with hints of dark chocolate... Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my chin. Just look at that stickiness...

You really can't go wrong with granola bars. There are dozens of combinations of ingredients you could try, like adding any kind of nuts, dried fruits, spices, or sweeteners you want. You can also add flax seed meal, peanut butter, or use gluten free oats to make it, well, gluten free. Granola bars are pretty wonderful in my opinion!

Dark Chocolate Granola Bars
Author: Herbivore Haven, Adapted from Barefoot Contessa
Makes: 14 Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x12 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and place the rolled oats and sliced almonds on the baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12, mixing up occasionally.
3. Transfer the toasted oat mixture to a large bowl and stir in the ground flax seeds.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
5. To a medium saucepan, add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
6. Pour the butter mixture in with the toasted oat mixture. Add to the mixture the sunflower seeds and dark chocolate chips. Stir until the oats are well coated.
7. Pour the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Lightly press the mixture down evenly into the pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. With the bars still on the parchment paper, carefully transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely for about 2 hours. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Store in the refrigerator for harder bars. Store at room temperature for softer bars.

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Protein Packed Quinoa Breakfast Bars

Happy Friday! After the first time I cooked with, or actually even tried quinoa in the quinoa burgers I made awhile back, I was in love. I wanted to find more ways to include the little super grain in my diet, and thus, the protein packed quinoa breakfast bars were born. These bars are on my list of recipes to make again. And again. Annnd again. They are so good! They're flavorful, with a bit of crunch from the nuts and toasted quinoa. These bars are packed with healthy vitamins, minerals and protein. I may or may not have danced around the kitchen to "All the Single Ladies" after taking the first bite...

Being a vegetarian, there are a lot of important things to remember to include in your diet to keep your body healthy and happy. You may already know this, but one of the most important would be protein. Since meat is usually the main source of protein in a lot of diets, and well... vegetarians don't eat meat, it's vital to substitute meat protein for plant protein. Protein helps your body repair cells and make new cells. It is the building blocks for enzymes, hormones and vitamins. Protein is important for your bones, skin, blood, cartilage and muscles. Protein is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Foods such as nuts, beans, eggs, dairy, and fish (if you eat fish) are all good sources of protein in a vegetarian diet.

Peanut butter is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and potassium.
Quinoa is a complete protein and contains all 9 of the essential amino acids. It contains a good amount of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease. Quinoa also contains manganese, iron, vitamin B2, and lysine. It's a pretty super little grain that's incredibly versatile.
Oats are good for fiber, manganese, and may help lower the level of cholesterol.
Nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, Omega-3s, and vitamin E.
Honey (raw) is full of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and powerful antioxidants.
Dark chocolate contains potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron. In small amounts, it can be good for your brain, heart, and it contains a good amount of antioxidants. Plus, it's delicious and helps improve your mood!

Protein Packed Quinoa Breakfast Bars
Author: Herbivore Haven, Adapted from Super Healthy Kids
Makes: 14 bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked red quinoa
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup combination of nuts and dried fruit*
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup dark chocolate (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread oats and uncooked quinoa on a cookie sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 8 minutes.
2. Place the toasted quinoa/oats mixture in a large bowl and add nuts and dried fruit. *I used sunflower seeds and roughly chopped walnuts.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine salt, peanut butter, honey, oil, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and immediately remove from heat. Pour over the oats mixture and combine until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish, pressing it down into the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool for up to 2 hours.
5. After the mixture has cooled, pour 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of oil in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Cut the baked mixture into bars. Dip each bar in the melted dark chocolate and set on parchment paper to harden. Enjoy!

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Healthy Blueberry Smoothie

The past few days have been really... busy. From dealing with college things, to planning our Christmas party, to figuring out what to do for our White Elephant party... All while we're packing for our move at the end of the month. Annnnd that's where this yummy blueberry smoothie comes in. Smoothies are my go-to breakfast for busy days like the last few have been. They're delicious, healthy, quick and easy. In other words, perfect for those days when you're so busy, you almost forget to eat breakfast.

There are a lot of good vitamins and nutrients in this smoothie, so it's a good start for your morning!

Bananas are a great source of vitamin B-6, vitamin C, potassium and give you a good energy boost in the morning.
Flax seeds are packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber.
Oats are good for fiber, manganese, and may help lower the level of cholesterol.
Blueberries have antioxidants, phytonutrients, and are just plain delicious!
Almond milk has Vitamin E, calcium, and is a great alternative for dairy milk!

You could even throw in a handful of spinach, or a scoop of protein powder.

Healthy Blueberry Smoothie

Author: Herbivore Haven
Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon ground flax meal
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 3 ice cubes

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into the blender, liquid first. Blend until smooth, enjoy!

Note: If using frozen bananas, you can omit the ice cubes.

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Cinnamon-Sugar Baked Apple Chips

I spent my morning enjoying a big bowl of crisp homemade apple chips with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar while I scrolled through Pinterest. Life is good.

Baked apple chips are usually one of those things I find it very hard to leave the store without. They're crispy, crunchy, light, cinnamon-y, healthy, and addictive. So I wanted to start making them at home. I used Red Delicious apples, but you can use whatever kind of apple you prefer. You can also use any kind of spice you want to top them, or just leave them plain!

Side Note: A mandolin would be perfect for this, as would a corer. I don't have either, but I still managed!

Cinnamon-Sugar Baked Apple Chips
Author: Herbivore Haven

Ingredients:

• 3 large apples (I used Red Delicious)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Core the apples and slice the apples very thin, about 1/8 of an inch. Slice the apples evenly so the apples crisp up evenly.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Spray two 9x13 baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. Place the apple slices on the baking sheets in a single layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar over each slice. Flip the apple slices over and repeat.
3. Bake at 300 degrees for about 20 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven, flip over each apple slice and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the edges are crinkled and crisp.
4. Allow the apple chips to cool for about 30 minutes. The slices will crisp up more as they cool.

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No-Bake Cookie Smoothie

To be honest, I have this sort of love-hate relationship with the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The only time I actually like the combination is when it comes to Reese's Pieces. But this smoothie? Ooh, let me tell you about this smoothie. It's the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter and I actually crave this smoothie. It's sweet, rich, delicious, and not to mention healthy. It's the perfect protein packed and guilt-free breakfast to get you going in the morning!

For a while, I was seeing a nutritionist and we talked about what kinds of foods I could add into my diet to stay healthy while cutting meat from my diet. I told her about this smoothie was my usual breakfast, and she said it was "perfect" for my diet, for these reasons:

Flax seeds are packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber.
Oats are good for fiber, manganese, and may help lower the level of cholesterol.
Bananas are a great source of vitamin B-6, vitamin C, potassium and give you a good energy boost in the morning.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and potassium.
Almond milk has Vitamin E, calcium, and is a great alternative for dairy milk!

No-Bake Cookie Smoothie

Author: Herbivore Haven
Makes: 1 large smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup chocolate almond milk (I used Silk Pure Almond dark chocolate)
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds (more for thicker consistency)
• 3 ice cubes

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into the blender, liquids first. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

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