Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Oatmeal Bar Wars: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

So this is the the third recipe in the the quest for more oatmeal bars.  This may be the most complicated but that is because of the shear number of ingredients.  The best part is as far everything needed for running and nutrition this may the best yet. 

Origin:  www.foodnetwork.com

Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup baking mix (Bisquick)
  • 2 cups quick oates
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup honey
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Spray 11x7 or 9x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  3. In a mixing bowl, stir together baking mix and oates.
  4. Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined
  5. Press dough into baking pan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
I am not sure the war is won but this may be in a dead heat for the best.  Unfortunately, it is a three way tie out of three.  Of course there is no creamy peanut butter in my house so extra crunchy works great.  Space and the Psycho love it and all of the oatmeal bars.  These are real heavy bars almost like fudge and I like. 
Time for new oatmeal bar recipes.  I can't wait.

Avacado Tostadas

So this is a kind of special recipe considering it has two recipes in it.  I started making my own guacamole about a year ago.  It is usually better than that pureed junk that passes for guac that you by in a container.  To top if off I have found the best cookbook ever.  I found it a while back at a garage sale and it is amazing.

Origin:  Best Recipes :From the backs of Boxes, bottles, Cans and Jars

Ingredients:
  • 8 Old El Paso tostadas shells
  • 1 can Old El Paso refried beans
  • 4 cups browned ground beef
  • 2 1/2 cups guacamole
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 4 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup grated cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Old El Paso Taco Sauce
Directions:
  1. In separate skillets heat beans and brown beef with some taco seasoning
  2. Assemble tostadas by spreading equal portions of beans on each shell.
  3. Next layer equal portions of meat and guac.
  4. Add olives, lettuce, and cheese.
  5. Top with guac and sour cream
  6. Add taco sauce if desired.
Just so we are clear no Old El Paso was harmed in the making of this tostada.  This a great way to get everything a kid needs to eat for a nutritious dinner.  The lettuce of the mention has been replaced by a salad in a bag.  This make the book and now for the easiest guacamole recipe ever.

Ingredients:
  • Avocado
  • Lemon Juice
  • Salsa
Directions:
  1. Pit and scoop out Avocado
  2. Add a dash of lemon Juice
  3. Add a spoon of salsa
  4. Mush up till it makes Guacamole!
There are variations with garlic powder, onions or tomatoes or what ever but this is the basic.