Organic Mixed Fruit Granita with Lemon Thyme and Basil (no sugar added)

So I decided to try making granada, but with no sugar (I used splenda).  This was super simple!  After looking at a bunch of granada and sorbet recipes, I decided to try making my own recipe.  It was super delicious!

Ingredients:

1 cup organic frozen (thawed) mixed fruit with juice

1tbs lemon juice

1 small sprig of organic fresh lemon thyme

2 small leaves of organic fresh basil

pinch of salt

10 packets of splenda

1.blend in food processor, be careful not to turn it into liquid

2.pour into an ice cube tray, freeze for up to a month

3.when ready, throw cubes in food processor and make into almost slush-not liquid!

(whole recipe has 60 calories!)

Enjoy!

It had a nice texture from the different kinds of fruit, and not too sweet.  I couldn't even taste the thyme or basil, which was OK.  But, overall, it was very good.  Next time I might try adding 1 tbs of Lemoncello or a flavored vodka (just so it won't freeze all the way).  Last summer I made Italian Ice, that recipe called for a tbs of vodka or flavored rum, for the same reason.  The Italian ice was very good, and melted in your mouth, without tasting like alcohol.  Also, fruit can be exchanged for other fruit, try making with coffee or liqueurs!

This is a non-fat, nutritious way to enjoy dessert on a warm day, or all year around! 

Maple and Brown Sugar Granola with Peanuts and Mini Chocolate Chips

Wow.  I could eat this entire thing it's so good, better than the last batch of granola I've made (which I didn't think was possible).  So this is the same recipe I used the last time, with a few changes (you should know me by now). 

Ingredients:

2 cups maple and brown sugar quick oats

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 tbs applesauce

1/4 cup honey

1 tbs lightly packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup peanuts

2 tbs mini chocolate chips 

handful dried apricots

mix wet/mix dry-combine

350 degrees for 9 minutes, then 325 degrees for about 7-10 more (until browned)

mix with spatula a bit, add apricots and let cool.

Voila! Amazing, easy and nutritious granola.  Enjoy!

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

The strudel is what really makes these muffins special.  They also stayed moist for a whole week, which is more than I can say about most muffins!  Easy to make, and the berries can be switched up and nuts, or any kind of chips can be added.  These were very tasty, not to sweet and the blueberry flavor was just enough.  Definitely making these again!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/To-Die-For-Blueberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx

Easy Homemade Granola with Peanuts, Chocolate Chips and Dried Apricots

This is my first time ever making granola, and boy oh boy, they call it "easy" for a reason!  It's so simple, mix the wet, mix the dry and combine.  I also added half of a cup of applesauce just for a little more flavor, and I saw another recipe where everyone loved the applesauce in the recipe.  Although, I don't think it tasted like applesauce, but that and the cinnamon made my house smell great!  I did switch up this recipe a little too, (don't I always do that with recipes?) I added almost half of a cup of chocolate chips, two thirds of a cup of unsalted peanuts, and two thirds of a cup of chopped dried apricots.  After letting the granola cool completely, I did a little taste test (just to make sure it wasn't poison!) and, it was crunchy, chocolaty, and chewy because of the apricots.  Man oh man, I don't think I can ever go back to store bought granola every again! 

http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2009/01/easy_homemade_g.html

(Healthy) Big and Chewy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

This is the second time I've made these breakfast cookies.  The first time they came out perfect, so I decided this is a recipe I'm going to stick with.  This time I made them without the half of a cup of cocoa powder, simply because I didn't have it.  But, let me tell you, they were still just as good without it!  They are soft and chewy, and are a very nutritious way to start the day! 

http://heart-healthy-cooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/chocolate_breakfast_cookies