The Start of Something New

I've been wanting to do a blog for quite some time.  I mean, it's seems to be the thing to do these days for women my age (my age..ha! Like I'm some old maid or something).  So I thought "Why not give it a try."  But what would I talk about and who would want to read the ramblings of an over-tired, part time Mom of 1/part time working professional?  Well, hopefully my love of family, health, DIY projects and baking, and a semi-like for general cooking will win over a few hearts. 

In keeping with my love for baking, I thought my first post should be a recipe that I bake on an almost weekly basis in our household.  My husband and I work out about as much as we can with a highly demanding 16 month old.  In order to try to eat as healthy as possible, I make these really yummy protein bars.  They are great for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Bars

This recipe makes a double batch (~12 3"x4" bars), which for us lasts about a week.  You can of course cut them smaller to get 16 bars, but I like the larger bars.   

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 9x13 baking pan.

Ingredients:
* 3 1/3 cup quick cooking oats
* 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I usually use whatever we have on hand at the time.)
* 4 tbsp flax meal or seed
* 2 small bananas, well smashed (You want them to be almost runny so they mix in well.)
* 1 cup smooth peanut butter
* 4 tbsp applesauce
* 1/2 cup egg whites or 2 eggs
* 4 tsp agave (honey will work for this as well)
* 1-2 tsp vanilla
* Whatever add-ins you like (chocolate chips, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, etc.)

Directions:
* In a large bowl, combine first 3 ingredients.
* Next, add banana and peanut butter.  Mix until the peanut butter and banana are combined into the dry ingredients.

* Mix in applesauce and egg whites.

* Add agave and vanilla and mix well.

* Fold in your add-ins (I almost always do chocolate chips, case in point the pic below). 

* Spread the mixture evenly in the baking pan.  Bake for 10 minutes.

* Remove from oven and cut into bars immediately.  Let cool completely in pan and enjoy!