Author: healthbyhayl

Peppermint Bark

by healthbyhayl, posted in Sweet Treats

Yield: 18-20 servings

 

Ingredients:

12 oz dark chocolate, melted

8 oz white chocolate, melted

1 ½ cups crushed candy canes (or peppermints)

 

Directions:

  1. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour dark chocolate onto the pan and spread into an even larger with a spatula.
  2. Drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate. Using a toothpick, swirl the chocolates together slightly.
  3. Evenly sprinkle on the crushed canes onto the chocolate mixture. Freeze for 20-30 minutes or until set.
  4. Gently break the bar into large pieces and serve! Keep in the fridge or freezer until serving.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

by healthbyhayl, posted in Seasonal Delights

The easiest and most simple homemade gift for anyone! Feel free to double this recipe to have more on hand!

 

Ingredients:
5-6 vanilla bean pods (I bought mine on Amazon!)

8 oz 80-90 proof vodka (You could also do Brandy, Whiskey or Rum)

 

Directions:

Place vanilla bean pods into a glass jar, pour over vodka until beans are fully covered. Tightly screw on the lid and place in a cool dry place for 8-12 weeks. Be sure to shake the jars every few days. The extract should be dark in color and have a rich vanilla smell!

 

 

Spiced Apple Baked Oatmeal

by healthbyhayl, posted in Breakfast

My favorite make-ahead breakfast, packed with fiber and protein and incredibly versatile! Truth is, I’m not a hot oatmeal or even muesli lover, so this is the perfect nourishing breakfast with all of the added health benefits. Feel free to mix and match flavors- add different fruit, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and other nut butters to make this recipe your own.

Yield: 10-12 oatmeal bars

Ingredients:

2 apples, cored and diced (whatever kind you have on hand)

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (substitute

3 cups oats

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup walnuts (substitute pecans, almonds, pistachios!)

 

IMG_1541

Directions:

  1. In a small pan, saute apples for 10-15 minutes on low heat until soft. Sprinkle with salt and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, maple syrup and peanut butter until smooth. Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir until fully combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a prepared 9×13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until set and firm.
  4. Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Keep in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 1 week.
  5. Serve with extra peanut butter, fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup!

 

Orange Poppyseed Granola

by healthbyhayl, posted in Snacks

Yield: Roughly 4 cups

Ingredients:

3 cups oats

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

3 Tbsp poppy-seeds

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup pistachios, chopped

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest + Juice of 2 oranges

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup dried apricots

1/4 cup dried cherries

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, flaxseed, poppy-seeds, cinnamon and pistachios.
  3. In a small pot, heat maple syrup, vanilla, zest, juice and salt on low heat until simmering. Let this mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until fully coated.
  5. Evenly spread the mixture onto a sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once the granola is out of the oven, sprinkle with dried fruits and stir to combine. Let the granola fully cool before breaking into pieces and storing in an airtight container.

Trail Mix Bars

by healthbyhayl, posted in Snacks

These are your new favorite travel snack, perfect for throwing in your hiking backpack or your bag for a quick snack at work.

 

Yield: 18-20 bars

Ingredients:

3 cups mixed nuts/seeds (cashews, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts- whatever you have on hand!)

1 cup assorted dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, blueberries, apricots)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup honey

 

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, stir together the assorted nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon and vanilla.
  2. In a small pot, bring honey to a boil over medium-low heat. Stir constantly and boil for 5-8 minutes.
  3. Pour hot honey mixture over nuts and fruit, toss to coat evenly.
  4. Pour the mixture onto a large sheet pan and press into an even layer. Let sit for 30 minutes- 1 hour or until set. Cut into small chunks.

 

Peanut Butter Coconut Bars

by healthbyhayl, posted in Sweet Treats

Another favorite that’s always packed in my freezer! These bars are perfect for a little sweet treat, but also keep you satisfied!

 

Yield: 12-16 bars
Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (can sub any nut butter- almond, cashew, sunflower seed)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

1 1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted

Flaky sea salt, optional

 

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, honey, coconut and almond flour until a dough begins to form.
  2. Press dough into an 8×8 pan in an even layer. Freeze for 20-30 minutes until set.
  3. Pour melted chocolate over the bars, coating evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Freeze for 30 minutes- 1 hour before cutting into small squares.

Copycat Perfect Bars

by healthbyhayl, posted in Sweet Treats

If you know me, you know that Perfect Bars are my favorite on-the-go energy bar. They’re made with real, wholesome ingredients and are found in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. Try my homemade version to save some $ and switch up flavors as you like!

 

Yield: 8-12 bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

1 1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

 

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients until a dough begins to form.
  2. In an 8×8 or 9×9 pan, press the dough into an even layer. Freeze for 30 minutes- 1 hour or until firm and set.
  3. Cut into even bars and keep in an airtight container in the freezer.