Fergie's No Bake Granola Bars

Sick of spending money on granola bars that are full of sugar, preservatives and

no true nutritional value?  I made these for my kids who all play sports and are always hungry. 

Easy to make, super yummy and with way more goodness than store bought. 

3 Cups Raw Oats 

1 Cup Whole Grain Cereal (I used Cascadian Farm Whole Grain Squares), Hand Crumbled 

1/2 Cut Raw Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds

1/2 Cup Raw Sesame Seeds

1/2 Cup Raw Hemp Seeds

1 Package Graham Crackers, Hand Crumbled

1 Package Milk, Semi-Sweet or Carob Chips 

1/2 Teaspoon Salt 

4 oz. Organic Grass Fed Butter, Unsalted 

1/2 Cup Coconut Nectar or Agave Nectar 

1 Cup Raw Honey 

1/2 Cup Almond Butter 

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter 

1 Tablespoon Vanilla 

Start building all your dry ingredients... 

This is the cereal I used... 

Use your hands to crumble it up... 

Combine the sunflower seeds... 

And the sesame seeds in a dry pan and toast for just a couple of minutes... 

Do not leave unattended they will burn! 

They should only be lightly toasted... 

Combine in the bowl... 

Add the flaxseeds... 

Add the crumble graham crackers... 

Whenever you are going to measure a syrup or honey... spray your measuring cup 

with cooking spray... It will make your life much easier... 

Measure your butter, syrups, vanilla ... 

Add the peanut butter and the almond butter... Simmer on low and whisk continuously 

until smooth... 

Don't forget your chips.... 

Remove the mixture from heat and add the honey... Allow to cool if you want the chocolate chips to stay whole... add when warm and it will melt the chips... 

Add the mixture... 

Using your hands get in there and mix well... 

Spray a large casserole ... 

Press down with your hands or spatula...  Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm... 

Cut and enjoy!!! 

They are amazing!!!!!  

Fergie's Paleo Sweet Bites

I am trying really hard but although I don't usually crave sweets, the moment you tell me I shouldn't have them ... I CRAVE THEM!!!  I developed this recipe with a friend in mind... this is for you CF... 

1/2 Cup Cranberries, Dried, & Unsweetened

1/2 Cup Raisins, Unsweetened, Natural 

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla 

1/2 Cup Pecans

1/2 Cup Flaxseed Meal 

1 Cup Coconut, Unsweetened 

2-4 Tablespoons Water 

Soak the cranberries and raisins for at least an hour... drain well and place with vanilla in food processor.

Process until almost smooth.

Add the remaining ingredients except the water.  Pulse and slowly add water 1 tablespoon at a time 

until you achieve a dough consistency.  (You want to be able to shape into small rounds) 

Shape using a 1 inch cookie scoop.

Keep refrigerated. 

Fergie's Indian Beef Shank Stew

I bought some shanks the other day (my favorite for cooking stews with)  I was going to make the same ole stew I always make and decided to switch it up a bit, okay well maybe a lot.  I am so glad I did... 

4 Beek Shank Steaks 

1 Whole White Onion

5-6 Garlic Cloves 

3 Tablespoons Olive 

1 Tablespoon of each of the following:

Chile Powder

Spanish Paprika

Turmeric

Garlic Powder

Cumin

1 Teaspoon of each of the following:

Black Pepper Corns

Fennel

Coriander

Caraway

Crushed Red Pepper

1 Whole Fennel Bulb, Sliced

1 Can Organic Garbanzo Beans

6-8 Carrots, Peeled & Sliced

Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes

10-12 Cups of Water 

Start off by making your spice blend... 

This will make more than you will need for this recipe but you can use as a seasoning 

on chicken, fish, veggie dishes... just smell it !!! 

Ground up in a spice blender... 

I cannot wait for you to smell this! 

Combine the onion, garlic and 3 Tablespoons of your Indian Seasoning... 

Blend well... 

Generously salt your shanks... 

Heat the olive oil and sear the shanks well... you are not trying to fully cook the meat, 

just searing it! 

Once both sides are nice and brown... 

Remove from pan... 

Add the sliced fennel... 

You may add a bit for oil if you need to ... cook until soft... 

Add the onion, garlic and spice mix... 

Cook for about 3-4 minutes... 

This is the brand of garbanzo beans I used for this recipe... 

Peel and slice your carrots (Jacob did it) 

Add the water, carrots and garbanzo beans ... 

Bring to a boil and lower heat to low... simmer for 45 minutes... 

In the meantime peel and chop the potatoes and sweet potatoes... 

Notice I did not put a quantity down... Because it's a starch you are welcome to add or omit... 

Add the potatoes and sweet potatoes if you are going to use them and 

simmer for another 30-35 minutes...