Camp Care Package That's Not Campy

I first learned about this clever company You Bars on Cooking Channel's, Foodcrafters program.  The foodcrafters at You Bar let us create our own health bars, cookies, trail mix and more by selecting from their nearly endless list of healthy ingredients.  The coolest part is they customize the packaging label.  My son received this trail mix I concocted (raisins, sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, granola, and chocolate candy) at his summer camp.  He's going to Secret Agent camp which, from the looks of the camp's photos, appears more like he is in Taliban training. They're labeled "Griffin's Spy Fuel."  Let's just hope when he's questioned by the Feds, they don't take away his snacks.

My daughter is at an art school named Innerspark, so she received,  "Kendall's Innersparks" cookies.  She said, and this I quote from a sometimes snarky 16 yearold, "they are really delicious."  She sent this photo:

These are not the cheapest treats, but they are healthy, fast and uniquely personalized.   Check 'em out!

RECIPE

Swag Bars - Crunch 'em if you've got 'em

I should rename this bar Health Nut for my sister Leslie who gave me this recipe and whose  cholesterol and waist measure 24 and 23 respectively.   Kids devour these bars which are a healthier alternative to snacking than chips or sweets.  You can make them in no time and keep them for weeks by freezing, refrigerating or storing them in your pantry.  They're as easy as pie without all the pie.  We've provided options for ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (no baking)
36 protein and fiber packed snack bars


Swag Bars


1 3/4 c. creamy peanut butter - (I like Smart Balance or try Soy Nut Butter)
1/4 c. sugar plus 1/4 c. Splenda (or 3/4 c. sugar)
1/4 c. agave nectar plus 1/2 c. light corn syrup (or 3/4 c. corn syrup)
1 1/2 c. dry roasted peanuts
5 ounces whole-grain flaked cereal ( I use Kashi 7 Whole Grain Flakes)


1.  Combine first three ingredients in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat for 4 minutes.  Stir constantly.
2.  Chop peanuts in small food processor*.  Add to mixture.
3.  Grind cereal in food processor and add to mixture.
4.  Press mixture into a 13x9 pan that's been coated with cooking spray.


Crunch Time!


*instead of processor, seal ingredients in a ziploc bag and crush peanuts and cereal separately with rolling pin or bottle.

RECIPE

Smoothies: One Batch, Three Treatments

Smoothies are fool-proof and easy, especially when you give them several presentations. Motto - make everything in bulk and reincarnate. This smoothie, one of my go-tos, serves as a breakfast beverage, a frozen to-go drink, and a popsicle.





Ingredients*

Frozen Strawberries
Vanilla yogurt (yea protein)
Banana
Orange Juice (lowest sugar possible)
ice cubes

*don't fret measurements, just play

Future smoothie ingredient

This weekold pineapple would get major complaints at the table...but not when I slip it into a smoothie. Make sure to freeze the fruit flat so you don't get a frozen fruit blob that makes your blender explode. Smoothies are not healthy for your walls!

RECIPE