Fantastic Banana Bread...

...that's also good for you but shhhh don't tell anyone!!!

I love breads, but it is so hard to find varieties that taste good and are healthy for you.  So I made up my own!!!  If you are like my family you can eat through a whole loaf in one sitting!  But if you are like me, you like variety and to give bread to neighbors, teachers, friends, parents, etc. as gifts,  and of course the presentation is very important! Therefore I make mini loafs to freeze or give away! As for presentation, first wrap loaves in strips of parchment paper then tie them up with cute strips of material.  Most mini loaf pans come with lids, so put on the lid and VIOLA! Gift! Heehee!

Tips:
-  Don't be scared of using ingredients you have never used before! Example stevia.
-  Take ripe bananas, peel them, place in a Ziploc and throw them in the freezer for later!
-  All ovens are different so watch your baking!
-  Always bake something twice if it doesn't turn out the first time!
-  Ask questions!  I love them!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 5 mini loaf pans with cooking spray.

Ingredients:
-  1 c whole wheat white flour.  I use this for everything to replace normal white flour. Great carbs your body can use and protein protein protein!
-  1 c whole wheat pastry flour.  It's lighter so it makes the bread less dense.
-  2/3 c old fashioned rolled oats.  Not one minute!
-  1 tsp baking soda.
-  2 tsp baking powder. 
-  2 tsp cinnamon. 
-  1/2 c brown sugar
-  1/2 c stevia Stevia in the Raw granuals brand.  Stevia is a natural sugar like honey or 100% pure maple syrup which is more easily metabolized by the body, plus it's zero calories!!!
You may substitute stevia with sugar.

Mix all of the above ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl mix:

-  2 eggs + 1 egg white
-  3/4 c apple sauce
-  1/2 c yogurt any kind.  I use plain nonfat greek, this helps increase the protein levels in your bread. Also it is amazing with a splash of real vanilla, maple syrup and fresh fruit for breakfast! Try it I dare you!:)
-  3 tbsp melted butter.
-  3 ripe bananas
-  4 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup.  Check the label don't use fake syrup!  Again it is a natural sugar so your body metabolizes it easier, rather than storing it as fat!
-  2 tsp of real vanilla.

Mix small portions of dry into wet beating the whole time until completely combined.  Divide batter evenly among pans.  Bake for 30 min!  Allow loaves to cool in pan for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and let cool completely.  Once cooled return to pans and give away or freeze. I rarely am able to let it cool before I take my perfectly healthy bread and smother it in butter!:) Enjoy!

-Kid, friend, and husband approved.  He doesn't know he eats that healthy!:)




Amazingly unpredictable weather!

It started out with sun and 80 degree weather!  The girls played dress up then thought it would be a great idea to run through the sprinkler!  Gotta love that childish spontaneity! ;)

Then it ended with thunder and lightning all day Friday in the mid seventies, with downpours and hail!!! What is that!?! Again the girls couldn't resist a chance to dance in the rain and chase puddles! There is Ry again doing the crazy dance! :)

Daddy's story time!

He tries so hard to stay awake! It just doesnt happen especially when the kid falls asleep on you and you have to read princess stories!  Haha!  Love you honey!

Fourth of July at the Sanders!

The girls got their kiddie packs and had a blast!  They were even wanting the "more exciting ones"!  We may have to move up to the cakes next year!  Those are my favorite too!


Austyn wanted to take charge of the camera so I let her! This one amused me because you can see her in my glasses!  Heehee!
Jon and Amy throw a mean party!  They have food, insane foreworks, volleyball and the POOL! The kids love it, but the water wasn't quite warm enough for the adults this year!

Austyn wouldn't go off the CRAZY slide, that has a six foot drop into the pool at the end, so she opted for the flippers and snorkle!

Here it is!  It has a crazy bump at the end that throws you into the air! Fun but I wasn't ready for it yet until the weather is warmer! 
Thanks Jon and Amy!  You are the best!

Granola... mmm mmm delish!



I love to eat greek yogurt with blueberries drizzled in honey or maple syrup, then topped with homemade granola. It is packed full of great energy and will help you power through until lunch!

Homemade granola is full of yummy and natural ingredients that are great for your body and health. Unlike store bought alternatives it is less processed therefore your body is able to use and metabolize its goodness.

Ingredients:
-8 c of Old Fashioned Oats
-1 c sliced raw almonds
-1 c dried cranberries
-1 c Honey
-1 c 100% pure maple syrup
-1 c evoo (extra virgin olive oil)
-1/2 c water
-2 tbls 100% pure vanilla
-1 tbls fine ground sea salt

To Make:

Set oven to 350 degrees. Place dry oats in a large mixing bowl, and set aside the almonds and cranberries. In a large pot over medium heat bring all other ingredients to a boil stirring constantly. The liquid will double in size as it boils so it is very important to use a large pot and stir constantly so it doesn't boil over. Remove from heat and pour over the oats. Stir with a wooden spoon until completely coated and the oats have absorbed most of the moisture. Spray a large rimmed cookie sheet with cooking spray then spread the oats eavenly in a thin layer. It may take two batches depending on the size of your cookie sheet or oven. The granola cooks from the bottom so you will not notice a lot of browning on the top, that is why it is important to watch it closely so it does't burn. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and using a large cookie spatula turn the granola without much breaking, return to oven and bake another 10-15 minutes. Add the almonds and flip one more time again baking it for 5-10 minutes. Stir in cranberries, place on two sheets of wax paper and allow to cool completely before transfering into an air tight container. Enjoy!

Back on the Farm

The last couple of weeks have been spent on the farm getting much needed play time! Fist we broke in the waterslide...


Rylee doing her crazy dance!!!



Then we did pottery...




... caught some rays and waves!



Ry was my rockstar!! She loved it!!



And ended with some four wheeling, ponies, and hoof and mouth! Haha! What a trip!