Sunday, March 22, 2015

Blueberry Beer Biscuits

Blueberry Beer Biscuits
"We're eating beer?!"  My kids always think it's hilarious when I bake with beer.  I just think it's delicious.  Beer biscuits have become a weekend morning staple in my house because they are quick, easy, delicious and full of healthy fiber.  They taste great plain, with butter, jelly or as a base for a magnificent breakfast sandwich. But with all the choices of flavored beers available these days, I couldn't just stick to my basic recipe. I am not sure if the beer flavor actually adds a whole lot of difference to the recipe, but it is fun to use as inspiration. These would be even better in the summer with freshly picked blueberries, but frozen ones work just as well.  So pick up your favorite beer and get baking! (you should also try my Raspberry and Cocoa Beer Biscuits for an even sweeter treat!)

Raspberry and Cocoa Beer Biscuits

Raspberry and Cocoa Beer Biscuits

I couldn't stop with just one variation on my Beer Biscuits, so the weekend after I first made my Blueberry Beer Biscuits, I changed the recipe a little more and made these. They are so moist, and delicate, with a rich chocolate flavor, that I almost felt guilty eating them for breakfast, but not for long.  You could easily substitute the butter in any of these recipes for coconut oil for a different flavor and nutrient content, and as I stated with the blueberry ones, any type of beer and mix in would work as well.  My favorite part is that from start to finish, it only takes about 30 minutes and my family can enjoy a healthy, slightly indulgent, home baked breakfast.  And if you have left overs, they freeze great and are perfect to pack into a kids lunch for a treat all their friends, and teachers, will want to try!

Friday, March 6, 2015

Strawberry Decadence Bars

Strawberry Decadence Bars
Feel the need for something sweet today?  This recipe uses 100% healthy, natural, powerhouse foods and doesn't even require any baking.  And unlike a lot of "raw", "vegan", "paleo" posts I see circulating around social media, this doesn't have any weird ingredients that you have never heard of before.  Just simple, healthy fruits, nuts, cocoa, maple syrup and coconut.  It only took me about 20 minutes to assemble and they lasted in the freezer for over a week, and after a few minutes thawing on the counter, tasted just as good each time I served them.  Both of my kids loved them and I love the bright pink, all natural, color of the middle layer.  A slightly thicker chocolate layer, might be nice next time so if you want a little more chocolate I would recommend doubling up on the final three ingredients. And you could always use a different fruit or nut depending on what you have in your kitchen or what your family prefers.  And then serve this treat knowing that you are providing a healthy snack disguised as a dessert!