happy thursday everybody! it's almost the weekend...woohoo! i've been wanting to try my hand at some homemade granola bars for a while now. honestly, i've been putting it off because it requires a food processor and frankly, it's on a shelf in my kitchen out of my reach and just generally a big, fat hassle to use. but, that being said, i had some free time yesterday and made it happen!

what i like about homemade granola bars vs. store bought is that these are completely free of refined sugars! that's great and also they pack a lot of nutrients that the grocery store bars lack. seriously, look at the nutrition facts on your next pack of them in the store and you'll be shocked!

what you'll need:

1 - 1/2 C. rolled oats

1 C. pitted packed dates

1/4 C. sweetened coconut flakes

1 C. peanuts, almonds or any nuts really

1/2 C. peanut butter

1/2 C. dark chocolate chips

1/4 C. honey

steps:

1. blend dates in food processor until they form a doughlike consistency

2. add all ingredients except honey and peanut butter to large mixing bowl

3. heat honey and peanut butter for 30 seconds in microwave and thoroughly mix together after heated. pour over other ingredients and mix all together either with a spoon or your hands. make sure dates are evenly distributed.

4. line 8x8 baking dish with wax paper and pour mixture inside. flatten with hands and pop into the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes. once they're ready take them out and cut into bars! so simple and delicious!

hope you guys enjoy these bad boys! i know i did. in fact, i may have eaten two before i got that last picture.

xoxo,

ashley

guilt free buffalo chicken wraps

i love to cook and i reeeally love to cook relatively quick, healthy things. that being said, this is one of my favorite new recipes. even better? it doesn't require you to dip into your 401K to buy a gazillion ingredients. you know what i'm talking about...those recipes that call for fig butter and seasoned rice vinegar that you'll never touch again.

steps:

saute the chicken in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil until cooked through. remove chicken and shred on a cutting board.

dice celery stalks. in empty pan put the frank's wings sauce, butter, celery salt, salt & pepper to taste. (i personally go crazy with seasonings and put a ton of pepper, siracha and tabasco in the mixture. i just try it until it tastes right...there's no science. that is of course if you enjoy spicy foods.) saute until the butter is melted and return chicken to pan. add celery and toss to coat.

to dress just add blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing to taste. serve with baby carrots or red pepper slices and wah-la you have an easy weekday meal.