I was talking to a friend today and telling her how much I have enjoyed this unexpected month off. It's allowed me time to really connect with my kids, downtime in the evenings to relax and read or watch mindless TV and veg (something I normally cannot do because I am holed up in my home office from 8pm to past midnight editing every single night) and enjoying long, leisurely daily walks on the beach with Kooper. This is a pace of life I am not accustomed to at all and even though it felt really foreign and awkward at first, I have found that I am finally starting to really ENJOY it and take full advantage of it. I know my schedule is going to get really hectic soon enough and rather than worry about the bills piling up (OY!), I am appreciating this post holidays, rainy season lull. It's almost like I was gifted with a "maternity leave" for Kooper's arrival!! I have been able to spend loads of quality time with him and the kids and able to actually chill out a bit for the first time in years. It's been quite the blessing in disguise!
One of the activities I have been able to get back into thanks to this time off has been baking. I LOVE to bake. I don't like cooking quite as much but BAKING, ah, yes, baking is my thing! I have a bit of a sweet tooth......
I wanted to share the kids current FAVORITE new snack/dessert that I have been making very regularly. It's surprisingly healthy and nutritious despite being absolutely delicious and super kid friendly!
It's a variation on plain ol' Banana Bread, with loads of add-ons to boost the flavor and nutrients!
So, start off with your basic simple plain Banana Bread recipe (or make this even EASIER on you and get Trader Joe's boxed Banana Bread mix which is what I do). Then add:
2 cups of fresh blueberries
1 cup dried moist cherries
1 cup diced apples
1/2 to one 1 cup chocolate chips (depending on how much chocolate you want in your kids!)
1/2 cup of ground flax meal (at Trader Joe's)
1/2 cup almond meal (at Trader Joe's)
1/2 cup oat bran or wheat germ
You can add 1/2 cup applesauce if it looks too dry/thick.
Stir it all up and bake per usual. I swear my kids GOBBLE THIS UP like it's the best-est, yummiest desert on the face of the planet. I usually give them a piece when they get home from school and it's really actually VERY healthy what with all the fresh fruit and flax and oat bran etc.. I certainly enjoy a guilt-free piece along with them! :)
