Homemade Granola and Smart Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today when I woke up I decided that today was going to be a baking and cooking day. Maybe it's the random spurt of energy I have today and the great sleep I got last night. This might mean the baby is on his way...who knows!

Homemade Granola
4 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Method
In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds and coconut; set aside. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, oil, honey, maple syrup and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture; stir to coat. Spread in a large shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool. Add raisins and dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.

**This is super yummy! Put it over yogurt or milk with some fresh blueberries.

Smart Chocolate Chip Cookies - a wholesome twist on a family classic!

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup rolled oat
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.

Makes 36 cookies (it really does make this much)

I also made a homemade Hearty Oat Loaf today. We haven't tried it yet so I will post the recipe once we do (just to make sure it tastes as good as it looks).

Love you all!

This Week

By request from Crystal...our meal plan this week. A warning that it's very boring this week...very kid friendly I guess:)

Tuesday - ham, mac and cheese, peas
Wednesday - chicken fajitas
Thursday - going to a wives' meeting:) (probably blueberry waffles for the kids, and the husband can just find something...haha)
Friday - pizza night
Saturday - dinner out/take-out
Sunday - no cooking night: sandwiches, apples, popcorn
Monday - chicken patty sandwiches, green beans