First, I was ready to try making granola bars again. I had tried last year, and was bummed by the result (mine were dry and VERY crunchy - not my kind of bar). I gave this a whirl, and they were blissful. I used chopped cherries, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecan pieces. In my next batch I think I'm going to back off the chocolate chips a bit & maybe add in some rice cereal. They are exactly as described: thick & chewy. These are NOT low-calorie, but I find that a small square satisfies my sweet craving, and the kids love them, too. I also appreciate that I can control what goes in them (more dried fruit, NO high-fructose corn syrup), and the serving size.
A few days later I had a hankering for the sweet fruits of summer, and so I made Blueberry Boy Bait. Great name, right?? I only tasted a small piece of the cake, as I ended up donating it for a bake sale. Good thing, as it could have been dangerous - lurking in my kitchen to trip up a ravenously hungry morning muncher. It was much like a coffee cake, and would be delightful with some cheesy eggs & bacon on a Sunday morning.
And finally, I made my beloved Red Beans & Rice. One of the few things I miss about living in the South is Red Beans & Rice & the occasional Crawfish craving. I decided to man up and figure out how to make my own - and I did! All Recipes came to the rescue with Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice. I made it as written, but used Chicken Andouille Sausage, and mashed the beans in the last half hour. I also subbed in brown Basmati rice for the usual white. A thumbs up from the whole family!
Maybe next time I'll post pictures.... but usually I only think of that when we are clutching our full tummies and laying down to enhance digestion. Enjoy!
