Snacky

Wow...it was a busy week last week and there is more of the same this week!  I am taking the last of my Step exams this Thursday and Friday (yep, two day test...expensive test...must pass!), so most of my days have been full of studying.  But last week I also had a few distractions like a career fair, Mamma Mia, baby sitting Luke (who proceeded to ask for me when he woke up the next morning and then asked if I was going to come see him that afternoon!), and a full day of call in the PICU.  All of that to say...sorry for the lack of posts last week...and this week.  Hopefully, I'll be able to post some more after this test is over.

This week for Eat. Live. Be. we are talking about our favorite quick and healthy snacks.  I think some of the best snacks are fruits.  You just grab it and you're ready to go!  I love apples and pears with either hummus, peanut butter, or those lovely laughing cow cheese wedges.  Another favorite is frozen grapes, especially during warm weather.

During the winter, I tend to crave oranges for some reason...and if you can get GOOD blueberries...YES!!!  Other options are pistachios or almonds or carrots and hummus.  Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and is quite satisfying.  And, according to my dad, a spoon of granola is a good snack, too.  So, if you are feeling snacky, try this yummy banana granola from Katrina...it even has chocolate in it! 

Banana Dark Chocolate Chunk Granola adapted by Katrina, Baking and Boys! from www.zulascafe.com

5 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
3 small or 2 medium bananas, overripe
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 – 1 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste
1 to 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (I used mini chocolate chips)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oats and nuts. In a food processor or blender combine the banana, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour banana mixture into oat mixture and stir together with a wooden spoon until all the oats are moistened. Transfer the granola onto rimmed baking sheet and spread evenly. Stir every 12-15 minutes and bake for about an hour (maybe longer if you like it really crunchy). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding chocolate. Store granola in an airtight container.

Sarah Caron - http://www.sarahscucinabella.com/
•Cate O’Malley - http://www.sweetnicks.com/
•Maris Callahan - http://www.ingoodtasteblog.net/
•Chris Arpante - http://www.melecotte.com/
•Faith - www.clickblogappetit.com/
•Kristen - http://www.dineanddish.net/
•Emily - http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/
•Jenna - FireMom - http://stopdropandblog.com/
•Casey - http://www.thestarnesfam.com/
•Patsy - http://familyfriendsandfood.blogspot.com/
•Tri-Fit Mom - http://trifitmom.blogspot.com/
•Allison - http://sweetflours.blogspot.com/
•Jen - http://njepicurean.blogspot.com/
•Leslie - http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/
•Rivki Locker - http://www.healthyeatingforordinarypeople.com/
•Claudia - Journey of an Italian Cook
•Jennifer Schulz - http://lick-a-plate.blogspot.com/
•Sarah Rogers - http://sarahssweetcreations.blogspot.com/
Denise and Lenny - http://www.chezus.com/