Good Food That's Good For You

Here are a couple of healthy recipes that my family enjoys. Both are good for both breakfasts and snacks.

Granola

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup water

4 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. salt

8 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

2-3 cups nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, etc.)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Combine brown sugar with water in a 4 cup glass measuring cup. Microwave for 5 minutes--until it boils and sugar is completely dissolved. Add vanilla and salt to sugar water mixture, stirring to dissolve salt. Put oats, nuts, and seeds in a large bowl. Pour sugar mixture over, and stir until thorough mixed. Spread onto cookie sheets and cook for 45-60 minutes. Let granola cook completely, then store in airtight container.

(This recipe is from Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen, by Kathleen Daelemans)

Fruit Smoothie

8 oz. yogurt (plain, vanilla, or fruit)

1 banana

1/2 cup dry non-fat milk

1/2 cup orange juice

1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, mango, etc.)

Combine all ingredients in a blender.

This serves 2-3 people, depending on your cup size.

(adapted from Lose Those Last 10 Pounds by Denise Austin)

Enjoy!