Strawberry Pecan Baked Donuts

Strawberry Pecan Baked Donuts

Everybody loves donuts.  Especially my kids.  But obviously I want them to grow up strong and healthy, so donuts are not on our everyday menu.  But with this easy recipe, they can be! I had a large container of raw pecans that I had bought in bulk, so they weren't as expensive as pecans can sometimes be, but this recipe can easily be made using any type of nut, or nut butter if you don't have a food processor to make your own.  You could also substitute out the whole wheat flour for a gluten free variety, or use a vegan source of milk plus vinegar instead of the buttermilk.  The options are endless, but the results will be the same. Simple, easy to make, delicious and nutritious breakfast treats (or snacks) that your kids are sure to love.  As you can see by some of the photos, I did put a little Nutella on top of some of the donuts, but it is totally not necessary in my opinion.  Just something fun for a special Sunday breakfast.

Strawberry Coconut Banana Pie

Strawberry Coconut Banana Pie

This recipe is about a year old, but by the time I put the post together, strawberry season was long over.  But it's June again, and my backyard strawberry patch is beginning to bloom, so what better time to share this delicious, out of the ordinary, pie recipe.  I can't even remember where I saw my inspiration for this, using fresh bananas in a pie that you bake, which I had never heard of before.  My mom, who is an amazing baker, even thought it sounded weird, but I was convinced it would add a layer of creamy sweetness to the dish.  I must say, I was right.  One of the ingredients, the sweetened coconut flakes, were new to me, something that my sister in law in Canada, where I baked this pie, had bought at Costco.  Hopefully you can find them as well, or just substitute regular coconut flakes and add some sugar.  The pie tastes like a tropical delight and is perfect for a warm summer day, either for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Happy strawberry picking!!

Strawberry Almond Scones

Strawberry Almond Scones

Happy Mother's Day 2014!!!  I wrote this recipe for a magazine that has since been discontinued, but I have been waiting to share it until Mother's Day because that is what I thought it would be perfect for.  It is an easy recipe that dads and kids can make together and surprise mom with on her special day, or any day for that matter.  Because moms work hard every day, all day, and deserve a delicious, healthy treat that can help them continue to perform the hardest, yet most rewarding job in the entire world.  So this is for all the mothers out there, young and old.  Thank you for all that you do. xoxo