Banana Oat Breakfast Cookie

They say breakfast is the most important meal of they day.

After the body has been at rest it's a good idea to feed it in the morning so you energy to last you to the next meal.  It's simple really.  A good energy laden breakfast will satisfy you and give you the pep you need to feed your brain and muscles until lunch time.

During the week I'm not that great of a breakfast eater.  Toast on the run kind of girl.  So when I came across these wonderful breakfast cookies (yes, I said cookies!) that promised me a healthy start to my day I jumped at the chance to make them.  I mean, who doesn't want to eat a cookie for breakfast?

These are low in fat, contain whole grains, and lots of energy producing ingredients that are perfect for breakfast.  Much better than that muffin you pick up at Starbuck's with your morning coffee...

These are also a great snack.  One you should feel proud to feed your kids, and they're gonna love them too!  And since this makes a big batch you can freeze them.  Just pull them out of the freezer to thaw whenever you crave one.
 

They turned out wonderful.  Moist and chewy with some sweetness.  Do you like trail mix, or energy bars?  Well this is just like that, in a cookie.  And I tell you, they will fill you up.  What a perfect way to avoid those mid-morning cravings and avoid all the extra calories.  Perfect in every way.  

Enjoy!

Banana Oat Breakfast Cookie

Adapted from BHG

Yields: 12 breakfast cookies

1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup dried cranberries 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat two cookie sheets with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together banana, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.   Add oats, flour, milk powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir until combined. Stir in dried cranberries.

Using a 1/4-cup measure scoop, drop mounds of dough 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. With a thin metal or small plastic spatula dipped in water, flatten and spread each mound of dough to a 2 3/4-inch round, about 1/2-inch thick. Once baked, each cookie will be about 3-1/2 to 4 inches in diameter.

Bake, one sheet at a time, for 13 -14 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Valentine's Day Breakfast and a Product Review

 February is all about Valentine's Day, and love, chocolate, and hearts!

Why not take some time out this Valentine's Day and make a breakfast that shows you love them.  Making an easy meal such as pancakes goes a long way to show you care.  What is even better is making heart shaped pancakes.  Just a little spin on the traditional by free forming a heart shape when pouring the batter on the griddle.  

If free forming isn't your forte, you could use a mold...or one of those handy squirt bottles for batter.  They all work well and the sentiment will be appreciated.

You can even go modern and make XOXO pancakes.  Too cute!

So let's talk about the batter.  You can use your favorite pancake batter but, I wanted to introduce you to a new product I came across.  I'm sure you've all used an baking mixes before.  There are quite a few different brands out there.  I recently came across one from one of my favorite brands, King Arthur Flour.  I just love their flour (and many other items as well...) because it seems to make my baked items so much more tender than any other.  So I new I had to try it.

King Arthur Flour Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix comes in a 36oz box for $6.95.  here's what they say about it.

Make tender, golden pancakes or waffles with our easy mix. Flavored with a hint of malt for "diner-style" flavor. Just add milk, egg, and butter or oil. See instructions on the box.

WHAT YOU GET

Classic Diner-Style Pancakes and Waffle Mix. 16 oz. package makes 20 large 4" pancakes.

DIETARY INFORMATION

• Kosher.

TEST KITCHEN TIPS

Want to make waffles? Prepare the batter as directed for pancakes, doubling the amount of butter or oil. Bake according to your waffle iron's instruction manual

The pancakes came out light and fluffy with a slightly tangy flavor which is from the buttermilk powder. Tasted just like homemade. I must say this is a superior mix to the old stand by. 

Hope they come out with a whole grain version too!

So remember that you can take a shortcut and make wonderful Valentine's Day pancakes that are quick and easy, tasty, and full of love.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Pancakes

2 cups King Arthur All Purpose Baking Mix (or other brand)
2 eggs
1 cup milk

In a large bowl add the baking mix. Then add the milk and egg and stir until combined.

Preheat a griddle and use either cooking spray or butter to grease the griddle. Pour batter in heart shape and allow to cook over medium heat until small bubbles form on top. Flip over when golden brown and cook another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.

Serve with butter and heated maple syrup.

Valentine's Day Dishes

Love is in the air!

This year Valentine's Day is on a Friday.  Will you celebrate that day, or will you wait for the weekend?  For years we took a trip to Vegas around Valentine's to have a little getaway which was really nice.

This year haven't made definite plans to go away, but we are talking about it.  For Valentine's we'll most likely go out for a nice dinner and come back for a yummy Valentine Dessert.

For those of you who like to serve up some love I wanted to bring you some Valentine's Day ideas for breakfast, dinner, or dessert.  These are all special in my book and would please any recipient, whether a loved friend, child, significant other...or to share with you beloved dog!

And don't forget to share the love with yourself!  You deserve some too...

Filet Mignon with Bearnaise Sauce  (dinner)

Be My Valentine Dessert  (dessert)

Raspberry Balsamic Chicken  (dinner) 

Valentine's Day Cornmeal Cookies  (dessert)

Sweet and Sour Chicken  (dinner) 

Raspberry Sour Cream Muffins  (Breakfast)

"In the Mood" Chocolate Mousse Pie  (dessert)

I'm making more Valentine's Day goodies so stay tuned...