I am in a total take out mood tonight, but I am so proud of myself!  Instead of doing take out….we did take out…. in!  As you all saw, I went to Publix today!  I thought that it was important to show you what I buy and spend. Just because I have a savings blog doesn’t mean I walk out of the store paying $0.  I shop for a family of 5 plus dog.  I spend money people, just I lot less than I would without coupons!  I have the occasional 75% + savings and that always makes me feel great.  It just doesn’t happen every week.

This week, I was looking at the meat counter at Publix.  As I hunted for something to jump out and scream “Cook me!”  The stir fry meat started hopping up and down So, I walked over and saw that the package was only around $3!  That was doable, plus I just picked up a big bag of frozen broccoli!  Hmmm…the wheels started turning.   Since I was hungry for some kind of Chinese food, BEEF AND BROCCOLI it was!

If you have never thought about making your own it is so easy!  It will go from the grocery bag to your table in under 30 minutes.  It would take me longer to drive to the Chinese place!  I just wish I had one of those cute little containers to put it in!   Here is my recipe for Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli Printable Version

• Stir Fry Beef Strips (1/2 -3/4 lb)
• Soy Sauce
• Ginger
• 1 TBSP Corn Starch
• Frozen Broccoli Stir Fry Veggies
• Rice

Directions

Place uncooked Beef Strips in a bowl cover with 3-4 TBSP of Soy Sauce. Let sit 15-20 Minutes.

While the Beef is marinating is a good time to cook/steam rice.

Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat.   Add beef, a pinch of ginger, 2 TBSP Soy Sauce, and 1 TBSP Cornstarch.  Cook Beef Strips for 3-5 minutes.

Add the bag of frozen stir fry veggies.

Stir the mixture together and let cook another 5 minutes.

Serve over rice.

Meal Deal

This weeks meal deal isn’t necessarily based on the sale.  It is based on low price ingredients.  As an added bonus, think of all the time and money you saved by making this at home instead of ordering out!  That right there is worth it!

Here is what the ingredients cost me at Publix today.

• Beef for Stir Fry $3.39
• Broccoli Stir Fry Veggies $2
• Rice (Had in Pantry) $0.99 small bag
• Soy Sauce (Had in Pantry) $1.25 (est) if purchased

Total $7.63

Divide by 4

$1.90 per serving!

Try to order Panda Express for that price!

Just another money saving idea from A Few Short Cuts!

I have lots of great Dinner Recipes! Don’t forget to take a look!

I linked up at

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I can’t  believe that Back to School season is just around the corner.  Since I homeschool my kids I don’t have to worry about packing lunches, but I still have to feed them .  I am constantly getting the same complaints, “We are having Ham sandwiches again!?” “Don’t we have something else for lunch?”

I try to be creative with lunches.  I really do.  It just gets exhausting to think of an assortment of lunches to keep the kids interested in food.  I know the same is true for packing lunches.  It is hard to come up with new and creative things to pack that don’t need to be heated.  That is why I am going to try to post some really great lunchbox choices for you guys over the next few weeks.  Each Tuesday I will post a new lunchbox idea!

This week is one of my favorites! I make them all the time!  We even have them for dinner sometimes!  My kids love these too, and they are easy on the bank!

BBQ Chicken Wrap

BBQ Chicken Wrap Printable Version

• Cut up Cooked Chicken (I use Lawry’s Chipotle Lime Marinade!)
• Medium-Large Tortillas ( Use Corn for GF)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (leave out for Dairy Free)
• Shredded Lettuce
• BBQ Sauce

Directions

Heat up Tortillas either in oven under broiler or in microwave.  They fold better when they are warm.

Squirt a TBSP of BBQ Sauce in Tortilla.

Stack Chicken, Lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese in the tortilla.

Fold the Tortilla like a burrito.  Fold in the sides, and then roll.

Serve!

These are really so good!  They are perfect for lunch on the go!  Even for picnics!

I have lots of Back to School Shopping Shortcuts, and Tide you Over Tuesday Recipes!

I linked up at

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You guys know that I love shopping at Publix, but I buy most of my meat from Winn Dixie.  I have just found that Publix meat doesn’t go on sale often.  Not to a “Frugal” price.  I try not to ever pay more than $1.99/lb for ground beef, and $2.49/lb for Boneless Skinless Chicken.  When it goes on sale I stock up. Beef and chicken freeze great! Plus, I have several make ahead meals that are freezer friendly.  The reason I am telling you this is because I didn’t see any meat deals jump out at me from this weeks Publix flyer, BUT the bacon was a pretty decent price.

BACON. MMM…..oh how I love thee!  I really do have a problem.  I can admit it.  And I am sad to say that I have passed this problem on to my children.  Who, if I do say so my self, can put away more bacon than one could ever imagine small children could eat.  I have to limit how often I make it.  My 3 kids can eat an entire pack by themselves.  They are savages!

Since it is so hot outside, and I really was not in the mood to cook a huge meal. I though BLTs were appropriate!  Now, to dress them up a bit.  I made fried potatoes and Carrot Salad to go with.  I nice refreshing, delicious Summer meal!  I think that this meal is perfect to serve to company, or just have a picnic on the porch and enjoy the evening Summer breeze.  Either way, I am stuffed!

BLTs

• Bacon
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Bread ( I thought about making French bread, but it was just too hot)
• Mayo (I used the new Kraft Sandwich Shop Garlic Herb…YUM!)

Toast the bread, and spread Mayo on both sides.  Add Bacon, Sliced tomato, and Lettuce.

That’s it, but you already knew that

Now, I cooked my bacon in a skillet.  I am typically a microwave girl, but I wanted that bacon grease today.  That stuff is like liquid gold in the cooking world. So, cook your bacon in the skillet and get ready for some killer potatoes!

Bacon Fried Potatoes

• 2-3 Potatoes (cut into bite sized pieces)
• Bacon grease
• salt

Now, after you fry that bacon, leave the grease in the skillet.

Toss in the cut up potatoes and cook them over medium heat.

This should take about 15 minutes.  When they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and salt!

I don’t want to keep secrets from you guys, so …..don’t tell anyone else.  You can add shredded cheddar and some sour cream, and make these even better!  But….I didn’t say that!

While those potatoes are cooking it is time to make some carrot salad.

Carrot Salad

Carrot Salad Printable Version

• 4 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits ( Find out how to cut a pineapple here)
• 1/2 cup raisins (golden or regular)
• 1/2 Cup Mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt

In a large bowl mix together the carrots, pineapple, and raisins.

Stir in the mayo, sour cream, and salt.

Chill, and serve.

I am going to be honest.  The first time I saw this I turned my nose up.  I was like, carrot salad??? , What is in it??  Hmmm…No thanks.  Then one day, with children looking on, I was offered some, and being the good mom that I am (trying to teach my kids to try new foods) I had some.  Do you know it is really good???  So, I proved myself wrong.   IF you are like me a skeptical about carrot salad, give it a try.  You may be pleasantly surprised!

Oh, if you need this dairy free just use 3/4 cup mayo and no sour cream!

Meal Deal

Here is what this fabulous Summer Meal would cost this week at Publix.  Prices may vary by region! Thanks to I Heart Publix for the matchups!

::Kraft Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip Dressing, Assorted Varieties, 30 oz jar, BOGO $3.99

-$1.50/2 Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
-$0.50/2 Miracle Whip or Kraft Mayo 6/20/2010 SS Insert (exp 8/15/2010)
-$0.75/1 Kraft Kroger My Magazine Grilling (exp 8/1/2010)
-$2 WYB 2 participating KRAFT products: Kraft Dressing (16 oz.) Kraft Mayo Mayonnaise (24-32 oz.) Miracle WHIP Dressing (24-32 oz.) tearpad
-$1 off Bread wyb Kraft Mayo 12 oz. or larger tearpad
-$2 on Produce WYB 2 participating Kraft products – KRAFT Dressing ( 16 oz ), KRAFT Mayo Mayonnaise ( 24-32 oz. ) or Miracle Whip Dressing ( 24-32 oz. ) tearpad
- $2 on Fresh Meat with the purchase of Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz or larger) and any other 2 participating products: Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz) Kraft Mayo Mayonnaise (22 oz) Miracle Whip Dressing (22 oz) Kraft Barbecue Sauce (18 oz) Tearpad
-$1/1 Miracle Whip Facebook coupon

Use $1.50/2 Kraft Mayo 6/20 SS
$1 off Bread WYB Kraft Mayo
$2 off Produce WYB 2 Kraft Products

Pay $1.99/2 Plus get $3 off your other items

::1 pkg Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, 16 oz, 2/$6

::Russet Baking Potatoes, 5 lb bag, $2.99

::Carrots $1

::Tomato $1 (est)

::Lettuce $1.25

::Publix White Bread $1.19

::Canned Pineapple $1.25 (est)

::Raisins $1 (est)

Total

$16.67

-$4.50 coupons

$12.17

Feed 4 for $3.04 per serving!

Feed 6 for $2.03 per serving!

Plus, have extra potatoes and mayo!

This is a fabulous Summer meal deal!  I have lots of Weekly Meal Deal posts! What is your favorite?

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My son is a picky eater.  I don’t know where he gets it from?? ~looking around the room as everyone is pointing at me~.   Ok, so I was a picky eater when I was a kid, but I didn’t have a food allergy.  My son unfortunately does.  So, the things he would normally eat, he can’t.  We have to find a Gluten Free substitute.  Don’t get me wrong,  I would do anything for my kids.  When my daughter was diagnosed with a milk allergy, we switched a ton of stuff.  Turns out that it is easier to go Dairy free than it is to go Gluten free.

I have found it very difficult to switch my baked good recipes because rice flour, and all the other substitutes, don’t act the same as wheat flour.  If there is a scientist somewhere to make a flour that had the same stretchiness without the gluten, she/he would be a rich person.  Breads and other doughy recipes are very hard to duplicate.  I found this recipe for Biscuits and I jumped for joy.  I had everything on hand to make them, and of course I doctored the recipe a little to make them taste better.  They are so good!  I had 2.  Now, I am stuffed, because gluten free flours are more filling!  I guess because they are more nutritious than processed wheat flour. A little bit goes a long way!

These biscuits taste a lot like my Sweet biscuit recipe. Which, I seriously thought I had posted.  I just went to hunt it down and it isn’t on the blog?!  What?! You guys are in for a treat.  I will throw it up as a bonus recipe one day! It is a go to must have recipe!  Oh, how I love those!  I haven’t made them in awhile, but they are like little bites of heaven!  With homemade jam! MMMMM…. Ok, I am back.  Sorry you lost me with thoughts of jam covered biscuits.   I got out the jam, and had a taste test.  These GF Biscuits are right up there with the regular!  So light and fluffy!

As an added bonus, save some of the dough.   Some little boy twisted my arm and made me fry some donuts from the biscuit dough.  Remember my homemade donuts?? Excuse me as I roll out of the kitchen.   I am so gonna have to work out tonight!

I won’t make you wait any longer! Here is the best GFCF Biscuit recipe I have found!

GFCF Biscuits

GFCF Biscuits Printable Version

• 1 ½ cup brown rice flour
• 2 cup Starch (corn, tapioca, or potato)
• ½  cup soy flour or sorghum flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. xanthan gum
• ½ cup butter flavored Crisco (butter or margarine)
• 1 cup soy milk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1 egg, beaten (or the equivalent amount of your favorite egg replacement)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl thoroughly combine the flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, sugar, and xanthan gum.

Cut the Crisco and the flour mixture together until it is course crumbles.

Add the soy milk, water, vinegar and beaten egg to the flour and stir until the dry and liquid ingredients are combined.

Using a large spoon, drop the dough onto a greased cupcake pan to make 16 biscuits.

Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

I had to include a pic of the insides with the jam! YUM!

Since this recipe makes so many you can totally freeze these and they are just as yummy reheated, or save some of the dough and make donuts like we did!

Just heat some oil in a fryer to about 350 degrees.

Drop biscuit dough in by spoonfuls.  Let fry until golden brown.

Remove, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar!

They got the Picky Eater seal of approval!

This recipe is Gluten Free and Dairy Free.  If you don’t need them to be dairy free you can use regular milk instead of soy, and butter instead of crisco.

There are a lot more Gluten Free and Dairy Free Recipe here on A Few Short Cuts! What is your favorite?

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This week I am proud to bring you one of my very own creations!  Many of you told me that you like Mexican food.  Well, so do I!  Tacos, Enchiladas, and everything in between is welcome at my house!  Even the little one loves her “molie”.  I came up with a great recipe that not only has the flavors that we love in Mexican food, but is a twist on another classic dish.

I took a stuffed chicken recipe and twisted it around a bit.  I think you will love what I came up with!

South Of the Border Stuffed Chicken

South of the Border Stuffed Chicken Printable Version

• 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 Limes (or 1/4 cup lime juice)
• Fresh Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Fiesta Rice (I would make the whole batch! )
• 1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese blend

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With a mallet or hammer, pound chicken breasts flat.  They should be about 1 /4 inch thick. Place in a casserole dish.

In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, olive oil, a pinch of cilantro, and a dash of salt and pepper to make a marinade.

Pour the lime marinade over the pounded chicken breast.  Let sit while you prepare the Fiesta Rice.

Prepare the Fiesta Rice. You can find the full recipe and directions here.

Take each breast and lay them on a flat working surface.  Fill with 2 -3 Tbsp rice, and a handful of cheese.

Roll each breast and place seem side down in a clean casserole dish.

After each breast has been stuffed, sprinkle the tops with more cheese.

Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Serve with Tortilla Chips, Guacamole, Salsa, etc. You can also serve the extra Fiesta rice on the side!

Meal Deal

This week was a stockpile meal for me.  I bought the produce for the guacamole fresh.  Everything else I had on hand!  To learn more about stockpiling you can read my “First Cuts” post and see my stockpile!

I try not to pay more than $1.99/lb for Chicken Breasts.  Winn Dixie has them on sale BOGO this week! I also only by Tostitos when they are BOGO.  Rice I purchase in bulk, and it lasts quite a long time.  It is much cheaper to buy a 5 lb or 10 lb bag than to buy the single serving bags. The Rotel Tomaotes were and unadvertised BOGO at Publix last week, so I stocked up with the $1 off 3 coupon.

The secret to good stockpiling is to only buy what you can use before it expires.  There is no point in buying 10 bags of Tostitios if they will expires before your family will eat them.  Also, try not to wipe out shelves so that there is none left for others.  You can always place a special order at customer service if you know you will need a lot of one item.

This meal should not only be delicious, but budget friendly!

Come back tomorrow for a fantastic and fresh “Snack”urday!

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I remember a few months ago I was complaining how bizarrely cold it was here.  It just isn’t supposed to get that cold in Florida!  Well, somebody heard me cause it is hot now!  The heat index has been hanging around 100!  The air conditioner is running, and things are back to normal.

Some of you may think I am crazy, but I would much rather it be warm than cold.  I can’t handle the cold!  My body just wasn’t made for it.

When it is hot outside we can enjoy some of our favorite activities; hitting the beach, swimming, playing in the sprinkler, Popsicle on the porch, and slushies! OH, I love the Strawberry Slushes from Sonic!  They are my favorite.  With the little chunks of ice and strawberries.  Give me one of those any day!  Then, I got to thinking, how hard can they be to make?  I have my handy dandy new blender with dispenser.  I figured it was worth a shot!

Strawberry Slush

• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 1/3- 1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda ) Thanks Cathy
• 1 cup ice
• 2 cups Strawberry Soda

Just toss the strawberries, sugar, ice, and soda in the blender on high and serve.

This is my favorite feature on this blender!

‘I know what you are thinking, “Does it need the sugar?”  The answer is yes!  I tried it without first, and it wasn’t sweet at all.  Just that little bit makes all the difference in the world!

These tasted just like the real thing, brain freeze and all!  My kids all agreed! I didn’t hear a peep for 5 minutes!

You can see all the ice crystals! So amazingly delicious!

I am sure you could try this with other flavors.  Strawberry just so happens to be my favorite, so that is what you got today!

Plus, to make it even better there is a deal at Publix with the soda

Fanta Strawberry Soda (coke product) 2 liters are 3/$5.

• Use Buy2 Get 1 Free Fanta Publix coupon (yellow advantage flyer)
• Use Buy 2 Coke 2 Liter Get a free Coke Zero 2 Liter (hang tag)
• Use Buy 2 Coke 2 Liter Get a free bag of Snyders Pretzels Publix (tearpad)

Pay $3.33 and get (4) 2 liters and a bag of Pretzels

I found all the coupons in the store today!

Like  Tide You Over Tuesday???  You’ll Love “Snack”urday!  Come back Saturday to see what treat is baking up!

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I am so impressed by the A Few Short Cuts Facebook community!  You guys just jumped right in the other day when I asked what was for dinner!  I got some surprising answers.

Becca was having Beef and mushroom risotto.  Katee was having beef gorditas and Heirloom Nitro Tomato soup with guacamole salad.  Katrina was having grilled chicken that had been marinading in a lime juice, honey and garlic mix.. with green beans and couscous.

I then felt ashamed!  Here I am blogging about food, and you guys eat better than me!   So I admit, maybe I  had hit a little slump lately.  I needed you guys to help me realize there is more to life than chicken nuggets and pizza.  I live with 3 kids 24/7.  They live on Chicken Nuggets and pizza, the little one throws in some celery occasionally!

I decided that I would share one of my favorite meals with you this week!  Not only because it is my favorite but because everything I needed is on sale at Publix this week!  That is just the cherry on top if you ask me!  Ask my Mom; if it was my birthday or a special  occasion and I got to pick the meal, I wanted Steak and mushrooms.  I know, not the typical kid request.  We raised our own beef when I was little.  So the freezer was always full.  It was what I knew, and it was good!  I am a meat and potatoes girl.  I don’t think I could ever be a vegetarian!

So, this week we are having Sirloin Steaks, with sauteed Mushrooms, Steamed Lemon Butter Asparagus, and Roasted potatoes! Take that!

I almost forgot, I wish I would have made these dinner rolls!  It would have been perfect!

Sirloin Steaks

• 4 Sirloin Steaks
• 1 TBSP Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (optional)

I try really hard to practice what I preach, but today I forgot! Check the labels on meat! Especially the first day of a sale!  These steaks are on sale this week for $3.79/lb.  Look what they charged me!  $4.49/lb.  Not a huge difference, but big enough.  Guess I am going to have to take the receipt with me next time I go to the store!

Anyway, back to the cooking.

Get a large skillet and get it good and hot over medium- medium high heat.  I put about 1-2 tbsp Olive oil in the pan.

Now, season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.  If you have good fresh meat, that is all you will need.

Once the pan is nice and hot lay the steaks in and you should hear that nice sizzle!  That is what we want.  Let it cook on the first side about 3-5 minutes.  Then flip.  Cook on the back side 3-5 minutes.

I like my steak medium.  Everyone is different.  I like to place the lid on my skillet when I flip the steaks.  That way it traps the heat in and helps the steaks cook through faster.  Cook yours to your desired doneness.

A good way to test is to use a spatula and push on the middle of the steak.  If it gives in a good bit, it is rare.  The firmer it is, the more done it is.

Once your steak is done to perfection. Remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Just enough time to saute’ those mushrooms.

Sauteed Mushrooms

• 1 Container of Fresh Sliced Mushrooms
• 1 Tsp olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic
• Onions(optional)

I think the only time I make these is with a steak.  So, I just take the pan that I cooked the steak in.  It has all those yummy bits of steak goodness in there.  I leave it on medium heat and dump the mushrooms, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a little bit of oil if needed.

Let them saute for about 5 minutes if that.  You will know when they are done!  You won’t be able to stand it anymore.  You will just have to have a bite!  You can also slice onions and add them to the mix, or just saute the onions.

Everyone’s personal preferences are different.  I know not everyone likes mushrooms, but they are so good!

Lemon Butter Asparagus

• 1 lb fresh asparagus
• 1 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt

I am a new asparagus eater.  It is one of those foods I finally tried and decided I liked.  I don’t know why it took so long.

Take the fresh asparagus and wash it.  Then hold toward the end and bend.  They will naturally snap off where they should be cut.  (This is fun for the kids to do)

Once they are all snapped, lay them out on a large piece of aluminum foil.  Top with 1-2 tbsp butter (or margarine), a squirt of lemon juice, and some salt.

Wrap them up tightly and you could grill or place in the oven around 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes. I tossed them in the oven while the potatoes were finishing.  It worked out perfectly!

Roasted Potatoes

I cheated this week and took help from Simply Potatoes since they are BOGO at Publix.  I just lined a pan with foil and sprayed it with some olive oil cooking spray.  Tossed the potatoes down and sprayed them too.  Then, I sprinkled some garlic salt on them and baked as directed.  It takes them about 30 minutes.  I put them in first, and dinner was complete when I pulled them out of the oven!

So, In 30 minutes you can have a steak dinner that is fit for a king! It is so easy, and will cost you a fraction of what it would at a restaurant.  Here is the breakdown!

Meal Deal

This is the price for this meal if you purchased all of the ingredients today from Publix.  You may be able to make this meal for less by shopping at another store.  Some prices may vary by region.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the sale info and matchups!

Buy 2 Simply Potatoes, Homestyle Slices, Shredded or Southwest Style Hash Browns, Diced Potatoes With Onion or Red Potato Wedges, 20 oz bag, BOGO $2.50
Use -$1/2 Publix Smart Savings Booklet (exp 7/31/2010)
Pay $1.50 for 2 bags of potatoes

Sirloin Tip Steaks, $3.79/lb
Buy 4 steaks about 1.5 lbs ($5.69)

Buy 1 Baby Portabella Mushrooms 8 oz pkg, $1.69

Buy 1 Lb Asparagus, $2.49/lb

Total after coupons $11.37

Divide by 4

$2.84 per person!

Sounds like we covered it all!  Delicious, Nutritious, Time Friendly, and Budget friendly! Another A Few Short Cuts success!

Check out my other Weekly Meal Deals for more great dinner ideas!

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Have you ever read the back of a food package and seen all of the ingredients in the simplest of items?  I have to! My children are both allergic to such familiar items that it has become second nature to see what is in a product, and make a mental note of who can/can’t eat it.  Then, we have the wonderful battle of, Can I eat that? I wish I could eat that!  Why does he get to eat that?

I wish I could buy convenient breakfast foods.  Cereal is as convenient as it gets at my house.  I have only found one breakfast bar that is Gluten Free and Dairy Free and they are almost $5 a box.  With 3 kids they go fast!  So, like my other great recipes this one has come out of necessity.  I have made some super yummy, granola bars that are dairy free, gluten free, and disappear quickly!

You guys will have to try these! You won’t go back to store bought bars!

Homemade Granola Bars (GFCF)

Homemade Granola Bars Printable Version

• 3 cups Oatmeal
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup coconut (optional)
• ¾ cup sunflower kernels
• 5 TBSP Butter flavored Crisco
• 1 cup honey
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. vanilla
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 cup Raisins/craisins
• 1 cup choc chips (Ghirardelli Semi sweet are Dairy free)

Preheat oven to 350.  Line 9×13 with parchment

Toss oatmeal, pecans, and coconut together on a sheet pan and toast for 10 minutes.  Until lightly browned.

I was out of coconut for round 1 ( I am making another batch today! )

Transfer to large bowl and stir in Sunflower Kernels.

Reduce oven to 300 degrees

Place Crisco, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.

Add the Raisins.

Sprinkle Chocolate Chips in the Bottom of the pan.

This makes a fun layer of chocolate on the granola bars! mmmmm!

Quickly dump and press the oat mixture in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into bars.

Makes 16-24 bars depending on size!

I have lots of great breakfast recipes!

I linked this recipe up over at Beauty and Bedlam!

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