No-Bake Cinnamon Chip Granola Bars

I have been eating granola bars as my mid-afternoon snack at work for the past few months.  I eat the same kind for a few weeks and then switch to the next kind.  I am running out of flavors to try and it's sure getting old.

I figured a homemade granola bar would taste much better and is probably much better for me than the same old store-bought flavors.

These bars are soft and chewy with a light honey flavor.  They hold their shape and don't get crumbs everywhere while you are eating, which is good news for my desk. 

Cinnamon chips have a pretty strong flavor, so if that isn't your thing, you can always add white chocolate chips, regular chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips.

No-Bake Cinnamon Chip Granola Bars

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

2 c. quick-cooking oats

1 c. rice krispies cereal

2 Tbl. coconut oil (or canola oil)

1/4 c. + 2 Tbl. honey

1/4 c. light brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 c. cinnamon chips

Combine oats and cereal in a medium bowl; set aside.  In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil, honey and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.  Bring to a boil and remove from heat.  Stir in the vanilla extract and pour over the oat mixture.  Stir until everything is evenly coated.  Stir in the cinnamon chips; reserving a few for topping.  Press mixture into a 8''x8'' baking pan (or similar size).  Press the reserved cinnamon chips into the top of the granola bar.  Allow to set for several hours or until firm.  Cut into 10 bars.  If taking in lunches, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.  

Jenn's Notes: If cinnamon chips aren't your thing, you can substitute with white chocolate chips, regular chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. 

Linked up at Weekend Potluck!

Skinny-licious Cookbook Review and Giveaway

(Image Credit)

The publisher provided me with a copy of this cookbook for the purpose of this review, but the opinions expressed herein are my own. 

Skinny-licious: Lite and Scrumptious Recipes for a Slimmer You, by Shauna Evans

I'm going to be completely honest with you . . . I was really excited to get this cookbook.  I have been searching for healthier food ideas and I couldn't wait to have a whole book of them.

Well . . . the recipes in this book were not quite what I was expecting.  I found ingredients like whipping cream, sour cream, butter, cheese, cream of chicken soup and so on.

Is it possible to really lose weight while eating this food?

Now, being a food blogger, I sometimes stretch the idea of "healthy."  Like saying zucchini bread is good for you, because it is loaded with zucchini or saying a cupcake recipe is healthier because it is loaded with greek yogurt or calling a cake recipe "skinny" because it only has 4 Tbl. of butter as opposed to 8 Tbl.  Compared to an alternative, maybe they are a little bit better?

That is kind of the same idea that I get from this cookbook.  

I knew there had to be a reason behind these recipes.  Turn to the front of the book and you can read all about the author's weight loss journey.  She has a unique way of losing weight.  Her plan involves only eating during a certain "window" throughout the day.  It is about changing your metabolism.  After struggling for 5 years, she has had success losing almost 60 pounds, in 7 months, while still eating foods she loves, all by using her plan.

Whether you think the recipes in this book should be considered "skinny" or not, they all sound delicious.

A few that I cannot wait to try are:
General's Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Harvest Garden Chili
Greek Salad Sandwich
Peanut Butter Cookies

I tried the Cashew Chicken and we thought it was good and it did feel like a light meal.

You can purchase this cookbook at Costco, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar Fort Publishing and several other places.

*Congratulations to Carol E. for winning this giveaway.*  Winner has been notified via email.

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Coconut Oil Honey "Butter"

Are you ready for an alternative to Honey Butter?  An alternative that might even taste BETTER than real honey butter?  I know, that is a bold statement, but you gotta try it to believe it.  I can't even begin to describe how AMAZING this tastes.

Some say coconut oil is better for you than butter.  It has ZERO cholesterol and ZERO trans fats. Flavor-wise, I LOVE IT, but like any other butter or oil, this is still something you would want to enjoy in moderation.  A small amount on a slice of bread is plenty. 

This isn't the first time I have made this.  The first time I smothered it over warm rolls a few months ago, but this time I was craving my favorite Copycat Great Harvest Honey Whole Wheat Bread.      

That hearty, dense, delicious bread topped with this creamy spread is so irresistible that you better make two loaves of bread while you are at it.  

You know what else I love?  You don't have to store the leftover "butter" in the fridge.  So, it always stays soft and creamy and spreadable.

Coconut Oil Honey "Butter"

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

1/2 c. extra-virgin coconut oil
3 - 4 Tbl. honey, according to taste

Combine coconut oil and honey and beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy and super creamy.  Serve over rolls, wheat bread, banana bread, french toast, or anything else you can think of.    

Linked up at Weekend Potluck! and Link Party Palooza! and Tip Me Tuesday!

Christmas Present Ideas - Things I'm Loving

I am sharing something a little different today.  Christmas will be here before we know it and I am about halfway finished with my shopping.  

I thought I would share with you some of the things I love to hopefully give you some inspiration for your friends and family.

I find myself one of the easiest people to shop for, because I love everything.  You can buy me anything for the kitchen, candles, lotion, cookbooks, movies, dish towels, blankets, etc . . . and I will be happy.

This post is not sponsored by any of the following companies, these are just products I currently own or have used and am very happy with.

doTERRA Family Physician Kit

I'm pretty sure doTerra is going to be the HOT gift to give this year.  I recently purchased this Physician Kit and I am very happy with it.  If you are new to essential oils, this is a great way to start, it comes with 10 different oils.  That way, you can see which ones you like the best and then buy a larger bottle.  You might also want to get a cool air diffuser to go along with the oils.  

Microplane Zester 

This is one of those things that you don't think you need until you actually get one and then you realize you can't live without it.  You can use it to zest citrus fruits, Parmesan cheese, garlic, nutmeg and whatever else you can think of.  I love mine.  

Favorite Family Recipes Cookbook

I have talked about this book several times and it is one of my favorites.  I think it is an awesome gift for both new cooks and experienced cooks.  It is full of good food.

Target Flannel Shirts

I have this shirt in a few different colors.  It snaps in the front rather than buttons and you can roll up the sleeves a bit or leave them long and it is super comfy.

Ganz Measuring Cup Set and Ganz Measuring Spoons

I have always wanted a set of measuring cups and spoons like Paula Deen uses, but those are really really pricey.  My mom gave me these super cute stainless steel measuring cups and spoons for Christmas last year which are very similar to the ones Paula uses (except for the one cup) and I just love them.

Miss Kay's Duck Commander Kitchen Cookbook

If you are a Duck Dynasty fan, then you need this book.  I loved reading through every single story in this book, plus it is full of delicious recipes.  

iHome iPad Bluetooth Keyboard

My mom bought herself one of these and I kind of stole it from her :)  I was planning to just borrow it while my laptop was broken back in February, but I still haven't given it back.  It is much easier to pack around with you to work or on vacation than a big laptop.  You can plug in the keyboard to recharge it and don't have to buy pricey batteries.

  

Mr. Coffee Cocomotion Hot Chocolate Maker

I actually have a Cocolatte, but since they don't make those anymore, I figured I would share the Cocomotion.  You can use this to make hot chocolate or even to heat up water for other uses.  Much easier than turning on the stove and the kids can do it.

Kirkland Signature Hard-Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set from Costco

My Sweetie surprised me with these pans last year for Christmas and I am so happy with them.  They are a heavy pan that actually sit flat on my flat stovetop, unlike my last set of celebrity pans.

Paper Straws

Who doesn't love paper straws?  They are a perfect stocking stuffer and would go great with that Cocomotion up above.

Old Navy Velour Lounge Pants and Jacket

I have these pants and matching zipper jacket in a few different colors.  Perfect for these cold winter nights here in Utah.

Bed Head Recovery Shampoo & Conditioner

My Mother-In-Law gave me this shampoo and conditioner last year for Christmas and it makes my hair  so soft and it smells amazing.

Watkins Double Strength Vanilla

My all-time favorite vanilla extract.  Nothing even comes close in my opinion.

Hobo Wallet

Oh how I love my Hobo wallet.  It is on the pricey side, but so worth it.  Mine is a light blue color, but I am loving this green color and I think someone should buy me this :)

That 70's Show Complete Set

I laugh my head off at this show.  I have a few of the seasons on DVD, but now they have the complete 8 season set for under $30.  

The America's Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook

My Mother-In-Law bought me this book.  ATK is one of my favorite trusted recipe sources and this book will teach you the "how's" and "why's" of cooking.  It has over 600 recipes.

OtterBox iPhone Case

This case is heavy-duty, but not bulky.  If you own an iPhone, then you know how fragile they are if dropped.  A sturdy case is a must.  Just make sure to buy the case for your model.    

Muffin Top Pan

Everyone knows the muffin top is the best part of the muffin.  Get right to it with this muffin top pan.

Victoria's Secret Perfume Gift Set

This is perfect if you want to give someone perfume, but have no idea what scents they like.  Most girls like to have options and change up their perfume depending on where they are going, so this is exactly what they need. 

Snapware

I bought this set over a year ago and threw out all of my old containers.  They have held up very well and I use them constantly.    

Downy Unstopables

This might seem like an odd gift idea, but I think it is a great stocking stuffer.  I have been using these in my laundry since they came out and I can't get over how good my clothes smell.  Even after they have been hanging in my closet for weeks and weeks, they still smell as fresh as ever.  You can also put these in your candle melter and your house will smell amazing.  The Fresh scent that is pictured is my favorite scent so far.

Bath & Body Works Products

Okay, I know, this is an obvious gift idea.  I love Bath & Body Works.  I especially love their shower gels and body sprays.  My current favorite scents are Winter Candy Apple, Warm Vanilla Sugar, White Citrus, Black Amethyst (only available online) and Cashmere Glow.

Sheet Pan Lids
Everyone asks me where I got my sheet pan lids.  Well . . . at Gygi's in SLC and you can order them online.  They snap onto your sheet pan's perfectly.  I also purchased my sheet pans at Gygi's. 

Rescue Me Complete Set
I have so many different T.V. series that I love - I could go on and on.  Rescue Me is one of my favorites and I was so sad when it was over.

4 Silicone Spatulas for $5
I have given these spatulas to several different people as gifts.  I also own a set and you really can not beat that price.

Vanilla Bean Paste
Don't we all love vanilla bean flavor?  I always have this on hand and I love the pretty black speckles it gives my treats.

From Mama's Table to Mine
I love this cookbook.  All the recipes are healthier, but still delicious.  I have tried quite a few and have liked them all.

Peach Freezer Jam - Less Sugar and it's AMAZING

 Holy Moly . . . this jam is DELICIOUS.  This was my first attempt at freezer jam and it was a huge success.  My mom makes some amazing strawberry freezer jam every year and this year when she kept telling me she has peaches that are ready to pick it just "clicked"  maybe I should try and make a peach freezer jam.  

Having no idea what I was doing, I searched for a recipe and the first one I found was from a blog I already follow.  The recipe sounded so good, but it had a lot less sugar than other recipes.  Would I really like a jam without all the extra sugar that I am used to?

The answer is YES . . . this is really amazing and it doesn't taste lower in sugar at all.

I was originally planning on taking step-by-step pics, but the whole process went so fast that I didn't end up snapping any.  So, check out THIS POST for STEP-BY-STEP pics if you need some help.

It really is something ANYONE CAN DO.

All you do is:
1.  Peel and puree the peaches
2.  Boil the juice and pectin for one minute
3.  Add the sugar and pureed peaches and boil 5 minutes
4.  Pour into clean jars

It's a piece of cake and WAY BETTER than any store-bought jam.

Try it, you'll LOVE it.

Peach Freezer Jam
adapted from: Recipe Girl
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

6-8 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (3 cups puree)
3/4 c. unsweetened white grape or apple juice
1 (1.75 oz.) pkg. no-sugar-needed fruit pectin 
 (or 3 Tbl. from a jar)
1 c. granulated white sugar
5 (8 oz.) freezer-safe glass jars and lids (cleaned and dried)

Add sliced peaches to a food processor and process until desired consistency is reached.  I prefer completely smooth jam with no chunks.  You will need three cups of peach puree.  

Heat the white grape or apple juice in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.  Slowly whisk in the pectin.  Continue to whisk until dissolved.  Keep at a hard boil for one minute.  Stir in three cups of peach puree and the sugar.  Bring back to a boil and keep at a rolling boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and transfer to a container with a pour spout  (it will be very liquidy at this point, but thickens as it cools). 

Immediately divide the hot mixture between the five jars, leaving 1/2-inch room at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.  Place the tops on the jars and let them sit at room temperature until they are completely cooled (12 - 24 hours).  Put one jar in the fridge to enjoy now and the remaining jars in the freezer to enjoy later.  Jars may be kept frozen for up to one year.    

Jenn's Notes:  I started with 8 peaches, but some had a lot of bruises that I had to cut off and I ended up with just over 3 cups of puree.  Remember the riper the peach, the sweeter your jam will be.  I used white grape juice.

Linked up at Weekend Potluck! and Inspiration Monday!

Ultimate Kitchen Giveaway

Want to win a Kitchen Aid Mixer, an Ice Cream Maker and Favorite Family Recipes Cookbook (one of my favorite cookbooks)?  Well . . . today is your lucky day.

To make it all possible, I've teamed up with the most amazing bloggers and pretty much spent the entire day browsing through all of their Pinterest boards.  If you don't follow them already, you are going to love what they bring to the table.  Good luck!

Step 1: Pin the image above.

Step 2: Follow all the bloggers listed below on Pinterest.

Step 3: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. For additional entries, follow some awesome new blogs on Facebook!

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Vanilla Bean Custard over Fresh Fruit Bowls

When the weather gets HOT, I crave fresh fruit.  Especially pineapple and strawberries.  I usually eat my fruit with vanilla yogurt, but this time, I wanted to spice things up a bit.  A vanilla bean custard was calling my name.

It turned out even better than I hoped and it tastes DIVINE.  It is rich and creamy and absolutely addicting drizzled over fruit.  I think it has just the right amount of sugar to make it sweet, but not too much that it is overwhelming when eaten with sweet fruit.  I made a fruit bowl with some apples, kiwis, strawberries, nectarines, mangoes and pineapple and it was a perfect Saturday afternoon snack.  

I can imagine this custard sauce would also be amazing on other desserts like a warm brownie with ice cream.  Or drizzled over strawberry shortcake or a banana walnut blondie.  mmm . . . I'm getting ideas here.    

This is a perfect light and refreshing snack after a long day at the Pool or Zoo or Park or whatever.

This is the vanilla bean paste that I love.  It is sweeter than other brands I have tried and it has a really good vanilla flavor.  

Vanilla Bean Custard

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

2 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. cornstarch
pinch of salt
1 Tbl. vanilla bean paste
4 egg yolks

Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt; add to a medium saucepan.  Slowly whisk in the milk and heat over medium heat.  Stir in the vanilla bean paste.  Once mixture is warm and begins to steam, beat egg yolks in a small bowl.  Slowly drizzle 1/2 cup of warmed milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, whisking constantly.  Then, add egg mixture to remaining milk in the pan, while whisking constantly.    

Continue cooking over medium heat until mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  When it's done, mixture will coat the back of a wooden spoon and if you run the back of another spoon down it, the line will remain and won't run back together.  Remove from heat.  Pour mixture into a medium bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface.  Refrigerate until completely cool.  Serve with fresh fruit or drizzle over a warm brownie topped with ice cream.  Keep refrigerated and eat within four days.   

Jenn's Notes: If you want to enhance the vanilla flavor even more, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 

Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook Review and GIVEAWAY

Giveaway is now closed.  Click HERE to see the winner!


I'm sure you guys have all heard of Six Sister's Stuff by now, which means you do not need an introduction, but did you know The Sisters recently released a book?

This book is full of recipes, crafts and all kinds of great ideas!
There is something for everyone.

I browsed through all the RECIPES and I could not find one strange ingredient and most of the items are pantry staples.
Some of the yummy recipes I can't wait to try are:
  Chubby Hubby Buckeye Truffles
Skinny Funfetti Cupcakes
Cheesy Garlic Sticks
Grilled Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

I am so not a crafty person, but I really feel like I could handle the CRAFTS in this book.  They seem pretty easy, but look like they cost "big bucks".
Some of the crafts that I would love to try are:

Do-It-Yourself Ruffles and Yarn Wreath (The cover wreath) 

Do-It-Yourself Stacked Frames

Pallet Bookshelves 

Some of the OTHER GREAT IDEAS are:

40 Road Trip Ideas For Kids

Build Your 72-Hour Kit in 52 Weeks

50 Fun Date Ideas

Here are a few recipes I have tried from The Sisters that I think are fabulous!
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

**TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY**

MANDATORY ENTRY:  You MUST be a follower of Eat Cake For Dinner via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Bloglovin' OR E-mail.  All of which can be found on the right hand side of my blog.  Leave me a comment on this blog post and let me know which way you follow.  If your name does not link me to a blog, be sure to leave me your E-mail address, so I can contact you if you win!

FOR A 2ND ENTRY (optional):  Leave me a separate comment on this blog post and tell me what your favorite recipe is.  It can be anything you want. 

Giveaway will end on Sunday April 7th and I will announce the winner on April 8th.  Winner must contact me within 72 hours or a new winner will be selected.

I was provided a copy of this cookbook for the purpose of this review, but the opinions expressed herein are my own.  Giveaway copy will be shipped by the Publisher.

iPad KIC Mount GIVEAWAY and Review

**GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**
Click HERE to see the winner

Let me introduce you to the KIC Mount.  It is a strong magnetic case for your iPad.

I think this is an amazing product.

The second I saw it, I had to get one!  When I cook, I usually keep my iPad clear across the kitchen where I know there is no chance of anything spilling on it.  Afterall, it always seems like the times you are being extra careful are the times when that bottle of vegetable oil tips over.

Now, I can stick it right to the fridge, out of harms way and I love that it doesn't take up any counter space.  I do however, have a stainless steel fridge that does not allow me to stick it to the front, but it sticks perfectly to the sides.  The kitchen is where I will be using my KIC Mount the most, but there are so many other options.

I also think it is perfect for any Moms (or Dads) that have a child that never leaves their side.  Everyone needs to eat and it's hard to cook while you have a little one right at your feet.  Use this KIC Mount and stick your iPad to the front of the dishwasher, turn on an episode of Spongebob, Caillou or Dora and your little one will immediately be drawn to it. 

(Image Credit)

My Dad is constantly out in his shop working on something.  He could use this KIC Mount to stick his iPad to the front of the toolbox and turn on a NASCAR race and listen and watch as he works.  Or, even look up the instructions of how to fix something.

All you DIY and crafty bloggers could do the same thing while you work on your project in the garage.  

(Image Credit)

Plus, you can search magnetic surfaces on Pinterest and you will find so many other ideas of where you could stick your KIC Mount.

Did you know you can buy magnetic paint and spray paint?  I have no idea if it works, but I kinda want to try it :)

(Image Credit)

This KIC Mount is strong and there is no way it is coming off of that magnetic surface without you pulling it.  It is made of a heavy plastic and has six really strong magnets on the back.  The iPad snaps securely into the front and is immediately ready to be stuck anywhere magnetic. 

The BEST PART is, the KIC Mount is only $35.  That is nothing.  My iPad cover cost me more than that.  You can pick between
white or black and the company is great to work with.

Right now, they are even offering a few KIC Mounts for only $25 and free shipping.  These were used on display at a trade show they recently did.  First come first serve, so you better get on that.  Send an email to kicmount{at}gmail{dot}com if you would like a discounted one.

GUESS WHAT? They are offering a FREE KIC Mount to one of Eat Cake For Dinner's readers!  Enter down below.

Want to find out more or make an order?  Check out the links below.
http://www.kicmount.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KicMount
http://Pinterest.com/KicMount/
https://twitter.com/kicmount/

**TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY**

MANDATORY ENTRY: You MUST be a follower of Eat Cake For Dinner via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, OR E-mail.  All of which can be found on the right hand side of my blog.  Leave me a comment and let me know which way you follow.  If your name does not link me to a blog, be sure to leave me your E-mail address, so I can contact you if you win!

FOR A 2ND ENTRY (optional): Leave me a separate comment and tell me what you would "stick" your KIC Mount to.

FOR A 3RD ENTRY (optional):  Follow KIC Mount on Facebook or Pinterest and leave me a comment letting me know.

Giveaway will end on Saturday March 9th and I will announce the winner on March 10th.  Winner must contact me within 72 hours or a new winner will be selected.

I was provided a KIC Mount for the purpose of this review, but the opinions expressed herein are my own.