Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

My family loves these cookies so much, even a double batch can disappear in a few days. They are hearty and satisfying from the cookie jar or still warm from the oven. These Oatmeal Raisin cookies are the perfect snack for a cold winter afternoon. This recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

2 cups butter or margerine
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
6 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cups finely chopped pecans
2 1/4 cups raisins


Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat eggs slightly and add to sugar-cream mixture. Add vanilla and blend until batter is uniformly smooth. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined and add gradually to batter, mixing well after each addition. Stir in oats, raisins and nuts.

Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Cookie will spread as it bakes. Bake in center of oven, 12-14 minutes. Allow to cool 1-2 minutes before transferring from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

Enjoy!

Handy Trail Mix

Our family does a lot of hiking. When we're out on a hot day, having a trail mix that won't go stale or melt is a must! And now that school is starting, Handy Trail Mix makes a good classroom snack, too. It holds up great in lunches and packs a balance of protein and carbs to keep my kids going through the day.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup lightly salted peanuts
1 cup raisins
1 box (14 oz.) low-fat granola cereal
12 oz. mixed dried fruit (I use the "Fit & Active" brand from Aldi)

Measure out ingredients and pour into a large mixing bowl. (I have my kids do this -- it's great practice at measuring.) Mix thoroughly with clean hands. (Another kid job!) Store in a gallon-sized ziploc bag or other airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

*Note: I use a dixie cup or 1/2 cup scoop to measure out servings. It's just enough to fit in a snack-size bag for my children's classroom or lunchbox.

Homemade Hummus Spread

This is one of the most versatile, fantastic condiments around. It provides nutrition in a wonderfully flavorful way. We use it as a dip, a dressing, and a sandwich spread. It is great as an after-school snack with vegetables or in a pita with fresh tomatoes and lettuce. Hummus holds up great in hot weather, so it's a great alternative to mayonnaise-based dips for summer parties and picnics, too.

Ingredients:

1 can Ceci (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. tahini (sesame paste, available in the ethnic section or in the peanut butter aisle)
Water, as needed

In a blender or food processor, puree beans, garlic, lemon juice and salt, adding a tablespoon of water at a time to keep the blender from binding. Stop and stir frequently and keep blending until mixture is entirely smooth. Mix tahini if it has separated and drizzle in while blending. Finished hummus will have a nuttier flavor the more tahini you put in. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Hummus will keep for up to two weeks.

Nathaniel's Soccer Snack

Soccer season is on the way, and in our family, we make this high-energy snack only for soccer. It is easy and colorful and packed with energy. It is a great snack for after school or as a fun addition to the menu for children's parties. My kids love it.

Ingredients:

One box granola cereal
One jar lightly salted peanuts
1 half-pound bag M&M candies
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup toasted sunflower seeds

Get a big bowl. Have the kids dump the ingredients in and mix thoroughly (with clean hands). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. (Ours is eaten *way* before that!)

Enjoy!

Ants on a Log

My kids asked me to add this recipe. It's one of their favorite recipes to make all by themselves. I don't mind because it's healthy and fun to do. This recipe also makes a fantastic classroom snack!

Ingredients:

1 package celery hearts
1 jar peanut butter
dried cranberries
raisins
dried cherries
lightly salted peanuts

Wash the celery and trim into 3-inch pieces. Fill each piece of celery with peanut butter. That is your "log". Use cranberries, cherries, raisins, or peanuts as "ants" by lining them up along the peanut butter.

If your child has an allergy to peanut butter, try using softened cream cheese instead. I have even used spreadable strawberry cream cheese. Delicious!

Enjoy!

NanaJane's Boursin Cheese Spread

When you are having a party, this recipe makes the most flavorful spread for crackers. I also use it as filling for celery sticks. It's more firm than dip, and stands up to warm temperatures without getting runny. Just be sure to make a large batch. Your guests will gobble it up!

Ingredients:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened (for lower fat, use Neufchatel cheese)
2 tbs. butter or margarine, softened
1 tbs. fresh chives, snipped
1 tbs. fresh parsley, chopped finely
1 tbs. garlic, minced and mashed with a pinch of salt
1 tbs. dill, chopped finely

With mixer or food processor, blend cream cheese and butter until smooth and uniform. Add herbs and garlic. Mix again until uniform throughout. Chill in airtight container until ready to serve.

I find it is best to make this an hour or two ahead of time to give the flavors a chance to blend.

Enjoy!

Fresh Avocado Guacamole

I've developed this recipe over a period of years. My husband and I love guacamole that lets you really taste that beautiful avocado flavor. This is one of our absolute favorites.

Ingredients:

3 ripe avocados
1/3 small red onion, minced
1 clove of garlic, minced and mashed with a bit of salt
Juice of 1 lime
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded (if desired) and minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Halve and pit avocados. Scoop avocado flesh into a bowl and mash coarsely. Stir in onion, garlic, jalapeno and cilantro. Mix in lime juice and cover with plastic wrap, allowing the wrap to go down into the bowl, in complete contact with the guacamole. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.