Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

No Bake Chocolate Almond Bars {simplyhappenstance.com}-44:: Chocolate Almond Oat Bars ::

{no-bake + gluten-free} 

Let’s talk about these chocolate bars! I’ve been trying to cut back on processed sugars over the past year {ok… several years!} It’s not always easy, since I’m the busy mama of four, have a crazy love of baking, and have a total sweet tooth! These days, I try to sweeten the treats I make using raw honey, when I can. I feel so great when I’m able to offer my kids a wholesome, homemade treat using fine, simple ingredients. These Chocolate Almond Oat Bars are just that. 

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Almond Butter Honey Yogurt Dip

Almond Butter Honey Yogurt Dip :: Almond Butter Honey Yogurt Dip ::

Summer is approaching… and pretty soon you may start feeling like you’re seriously living in the kitchen with the kids home! Having four children, I do in fact spend what feels like half of my day preparing healthy meals and snacks {especially since we homeschool}. 

This Almond Butter Honey Yogurt Dip is a healthy and delicious snack idea that I got from Weelicious! The recipe only calls for three ingredients with an optional fourth, that I’ve added in. I eliminated use of refined sugars by using raw, unprocessed honey and sweetening it further with one ripe banana.     [Read more…]

Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles

Strawberry Orange Banana Pospsicles. Easy homemade popsicles.

:: Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles ::

It’s spring break for us this week, which means the snacking will begin at approximately 9 a.m.  Hence I have to work ahead and think of some healthier snack choices that are fun and exciting during our week off.  This Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicle recipe has to be the easiest recipe that I know.  My kids love these in the summer time, but we are on a stay cation at home, meaning that momma has to be a little more creative and these Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles are just that.  Sweet yet healthy, they are sure to be a hit on warm day.

Strawberry Orange Banana Popsicles. Easy homemade popsicles.  [Read more…]

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

 Chewy Homemade (Gluten-Free) Granola Bars from Simply Happenstance #glutenfree #granolabars

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars //

{gluten-free}

Have you ever made homemade granola bars? They have been on my “must bake” list for quite some time. I did my research, and have read numerous reviews before finally adapting this recipe from Smitten Kitchen {which was originally adapted from the King Arthur Flour site}. What I love about these chewy, flavorful bars… is that they are so easy to adjust to your personal taste! You can customize them by adding in walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, cherries or apples, and sesame or pumpkin seeds… the list goes on and on. Although I think these decadent bars are already pretty healthy… you absolutely can make them healthier by changing out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar, and replacing the melted butter with coconut oil. Also… make sure if you use honey, it’s in its raw form so you can get rid of some of the processed sweeteners. 

Ingredients for Homemade Granola Bars via Simply Happenstance Blog

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Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe

Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe

:: Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe ::

I am ADDICTED to Costco’s Granola!!!  Have you had it? Shane had to have a semi-intervention with me in regards to their granola, so I needed to whip up a batch of homemade granola stat!  This Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe is healthy, delicious, and it makes your home smell incredible while it’s baking.  The smell of the sweet honey, oats, and walnuts create the perfect fall aroma.  This is exactly why I love granola and oatmeal so much.  It’s healthy, filling, and it can be versatile.  It is a fall favorite, but with a few simple switches, this granola can be enjoyed year around. [Read more…]

Strawberry Lemon Zest Yogurt Pops

  

 :: Strawberry Lemon Zest Yogurt Pops ::

One of my dear friends gave me these Zoku Mini Pop Molds at the end of the school year for being one of her room parents {Such a great gift idea!}. Since we are nearly settled into our new house, I thought it was about time to pull them out of the box and whip up a delicious summer treat for my littles!

I don’t know about your kids, but mine rarely finish an entire large popsicle. Inevitably, it ends up as one sticky mess {which may be half the fun}! They either grow tired of the flavor, or end up dropping the leftovers on the ground, it seems. These Zoku Mini Pops are honestly the perfect size! While they are much smaller than your average ice pop, I did find that the kids were still able to spend several fun-filled minutes enjoying them! [Read more…]