Homemade & Handmade

These days we just don't know what goes into our food anymore. That's why I am all for homemade recipes from raw, natural ingredients, handmade with some tender love and care. This week I definitely hit the jackpot on some good homemade recipes, so I wanted to share.

First, I made some Goji Berry Granola from Dr. Oz's website so you know it's got to be pretty nutritious. Goji berries might seem like an exotic ingredient but they can be locally found or purchased online. I purchased mine at a nearby Sprouts near the dried fruit section. Goji berries, like many other berries, are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals qualifying them for the title of "superfruit." Of course, if you want to take a simpler road, pick another dried fruit, like dried blueberries, to use in your granola! Not only is this Goji Berry Granola nutritious, but it is also delicious. I mixed my granola with some Greek yogurt and fresh berries, but it tastes great by itself, too! I snacked on it all day! Check out the recipe Goji Berry Granola and my picture below. Enjoy!

Goji Berry Granola
with Greek Yogurt & Berries



Second, I made some delectable energy bites that kind of taste like somoas if you ask me but are made from super healthy ingredients! Now, there are a ton of recipes online for healthy energy bites. You pretty much can't go wrong with any combination of ingredients, but this combination turned out to be a hit with my family. I made at least 20 bites and they didn't even last 2 days! Keep in mind that you can easily substitute ingredients, so get creative! For example, my brother doesn't like shredded coconut, so for his batch I used finely chopped pumpkin seeds. Instead of chocolate chips, try peanut butter chips. The options are endless!

Ingredients:

Healthy Samoa Bites

-1 cup oats
-2/3 cup shredded coconut
-1/2 cup Coconut Peanut Spread
-1/2 cup ground flaxseed
-1/3 cup maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey
-1 tbsp chia seeds
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-pinch of cinnamon
-1/4 cup chocolate chips




Third, my mom and I made homemade salsa. I always give her a hard time because she is obsessed with chips and salsa, since eating chips every day is not exactly the healthiest obsession, so I am so glad she enjoys this homemade, definitely healthy salsa. My aunt actually crafted the recipe and shared it with us, so a huge thank you to her! Anyway, this salsa is great because once you got the basic idea of how much of each ingredient you need (you may use different amounts depending on what flavor you like), then you can make large batches and keep it for a week or so in the fridge. Now get chopping!

Fresh Sassy Salsa

Ingredients:
-2 cups finely chopped tomatoes
-2 chopped jalapenos
-1 chopped red onion
-2 garlic cloves chopped
-lime juice to taste
-some shredded cilantro
-pinch of sugar to balance the acidity