The Skinny - Vegan Banana Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

As you all know I have changed my diet. Since I've changed my diet I feel a lot more energized. Today we're taking advantage of the nice weather and going for a walk along Lake Erie. If you're looking for an easy healthy snack these are it! These bars have a soft and chewy texture. They also smell and taste amazing! These are perfect for on the go snacks.

Ingredients
1 banana, mashed
1/3 cup natural applesauce (unsweetened)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 and 1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 cup strawberries, diced
1 packet Stevia, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare an 8 inch x 8 inch pan by spraying with PAM; set aside. In a medium sized bowl combine banana, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Once combined mix in baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir in oats until everything is well mixed. Add the strawberries to the mixture and combine. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and flatten evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle optional Stevia overtop unbaked bars. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for approximately 10 minutes. Cut into 10 evenly sized bars and enjoy!

Slightly adapted from 100 Pounds 100 Days

Croissant French Toast With Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients (Croissant French Toast)

4 large croissants, halved

1 large egg

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract 

butter

powdered sugar (optional)

whipped cream (optional) - (I was out...)

Ingredients (Strawberry Sauce)

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup strawberries, chopped

Directions 

Sauce: Combine water and sugar in small saucepan on medium heat. Stir sugar water until sugar is dissolved. Stir in chopped strawberries and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is thick. Place sauce in food processor and blend until strawberries are liquified.

Croissant French Toast: Cut croissants in half lengthwise. Whisk together egg, milk and vanilla. Dip croissants into egg mixture until coated well. Melt a small amount of butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add croissant halves to pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and homemade strawberry sauce. Enjoy!

Adapted from My Recipes

French Vanilla Oreo Pudding Dip

There's nothing better than strawberries, pudding & oreos... so why not combine them? This simple and delicious snack will have you falling in love all over again.

Ingredients

1 small box french vanilla pudding

1 1/2 cups milk

6 oreos

strawberries

Directions

Prepare pudding by mixing together the mix and milk with a whisk. Let set in the refrigerator for approximately 5 minutes. Sprinkle crushed oreos over top of the pudding and enjoy! 

Jello Apples

Growing up my absolute favorite snack my mom made was Jello apples. What I didn't realize until recently is not everyone knows what Jello apples are. This snack is so simple and delicious. You will be upset that you missed out on it all this time. With Valentine's day coming up surprise your little ones with this snack using a red colored Jello powder.

Ingredients (1 serving)

1 large apple (Granny Smith or Red Delicious)

1 small box Jello any flavor  (I have found strawberry, raspberry and orange to be the best)

Directions

Wash and cut up apple into slices. Sprinkle Jello powder over the apples (amount depends on personal preference). Enjoy!

Note: Jello powder will temporarily dye your fingers.