Baked Granola Bars

 Today I made new batch of granola bars. This time I tried a baked version. Before I’ve only made no-bake one. They came out pretty good. The batter tasted divine, but after cooking I felt they didn’t have quite enough pizzazz. Alas, I will still share the recipe with you.

 Ingredients:

- 2 cups quick cooking oats

- ½ cup all-purpose flour

- ½ whole-wheat flour

- ½ cup chopped almonds

- ½ sesame seeds

- ¼ cup wheat germ

- 1 teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon cinnamon

- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil

- ½ cup honey

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2. Line a 9X13 inch baking pan with parchment paper

3. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.

4. In a small box or Pyrex measuring cup, combine wet ingredients.

 

5. Pour wet mix in with dry mix and stir to combine. 

6. Pour into pan and press evenly.

 

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

8. Try to let them cool completely before cutting. ( I couldn't wait, but it make it easier and cleaner cuts if you do!)

 

Move out of the way Vanilla

Never would I ever break into a Gu, just for a snack. I stood in front of shelves of them for years and was never enticed to buy one when hunger strikes. The first time I tired one was at XC camp and I thought it was totally vile. This was after running only 3 miles and it was probably a gross flavor too like chocolate. When I started training for marathons, I tried them again and have to admit after running for 14 miles, they do hit the spot. I am not very adventurous with flavors though. I tried a couple fruit ones and wasn't a fan, so I have always stuck with Vanilla or Plain. (Plain taste like honey!)

Sorry Vanilla Gu, I think I'm retiring you. I have a new love affair with Peanut Butter Gu. It is your own fault. Make anything Peanut Butter flavor and I not be able to resist. We got these in the store and I was patiently waiting until long runs resumed to try it out. First go, and I think I said out loud yum. It was super delish! Just did my marathon and solely used PB Gu for the event!

Pizza, Pizza, and More Pizza

I can't get enough of making pizza. I'm a machine. That stone was one good investment!

Cream sauce, Baby Spinach, Fresh Tomato Slices

 Red peppers and Onions

Spinach, Mozz and Provolone Mix

Ok this one looks ridic! Kind of like a mountain range. It was a dough purchased from Hannaford and for whatever it wanted to rise and keep on rising. It stood like 2.5" tall!

Another Delectable Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

I've been wanted to try another Lemon Poppy Seed recipe for quite some time. I've been wanting to bake something for quite some time. It has been far too long. Today I finally got in some much needed baking. I tried out Joy of Baking's recipe and am quite pleased with it. I always want to eat some right out of the oven, but this like cornbread, this definitely taste better hours later (or the next day) when it has cooled off and flavors have had time to marinade.

Here's the recipe. The original didn't have lemon juice in it?!?!??! Just lemon zest. That was not going to fly so I added some in!

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

- 3/4 unsalted butter

- 3/4 cup white sugar

- 3 large eggs

- 1 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1/4 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Butter a loaf pan and set aside.

3. Zest and juice 1 large lemon or 2 small ones

3. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and poppy seeds 

4. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until softened for about 2 minutes

5. Add sugar and beat until fluffy for another 2 minutes.

6. Add in the eggs, one at a time.

7. Add in the lemon juice.  

8. Add in flour slowly in about 3 parts.

9. Add in milk and finish off mixing.

Pour batter into the pan and bake for roughly 45 minutes.

The meticulous beating really makes for a great consistency. Enjoy!

West Side Market how I miss thee!

What I miss most about NYC:

Loved that place. Went there at least 3 times a week.

 I have always been into grocery stores. One might say a connoisseur. I get really excited about exploring new ones. Not to say I'm excited to be back at Stop & Shop, but Westside Market will always have a place in my heart.
 
Best part was the cheese sections when they had free samples out! I always loved their produces. Such nice quality and good prices!!

What I miss most about NYC:


Loved that place. Went there at least 3 times a week.

 I have always been into grocery stores. One might say a connoisseur. I get really excited about exploring new ones. Not to say I'm excited to be back at Stop & Shop, but West Side Market will always have a place in my heart.

Best part was the cheese sections when they had free samples out! I always loved their produces. Such nice quality and good prices!!

Tis the season to be eating Gu.

So when this seasonal Gu came out, I was not doing longs run. But man do I loves peppermint stick ice cream, so I was super intrigued by this flavored. Soooo March rolled around and I finally broke into this bad boy. It was AWESOME. It left my mouth with a minty freshness after which was a nice change from just a sugary film. I'd recommend it!