Fall is Definitely Nearing!

I absolutely love the feeling I get when the seasons begin to change. It's a feeling I can't quite put into words. The air feels different, the sun feels different, and best of all my mood is different. I feel happy and inspired. Yesterday was so beautiful, the sun was still hot but there was a breeze that made it ever so bearable. Time to head to the mountains! We packed up the girls, and a little food, and headed out to one of our frequented spots to enjoy the fresh air. There's no better way to celebrate the coming of a new season then to spend time with family. Summer has it's benefits but I will not be sad to bid it farewell and welcome the oh so pleasant Fall!

My Girls :)

          

Almond Butter Brownies

This recipe comes from the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall. The actual recipe is for peanut butter brownies but peanut butter just doesn't agree with our tummies so I decided to use almond butter instead. Plus, almonds are really good for you. They're a good source of protein and calcium, and they're high in monounsaturated fat (the "good" fat). And, for someone doing a grain free diet they're a good source of fiber. You can't lose! But enough about that, lets get to the good stuff. These are extremely easy to make, only requires 4 ingredients, and they're SUPER yummy!

 

Almond Butter Brownies
(Adapted from Breaking the Vicious Cycle's "Peanut Butter Brownies")

1 cup almond butter, no additives
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into an 8x8 inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper, if you don't have parchment paper make sure to butter the dish well. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely and enjoy! Be prepared, these will go fast!

"Granola" Breakfast Cereal

One of the things I have missed most since going grain free is cereal in the morning. It's so quick, so easy, and so satisfying. I have to admit there are not many things I miss on the grain free diet, but cereal is definitely one of those things. My two daughters have also adapted pretty well to our new way of eating but when my youngest came up to me the other day asking for cereal I knew I had to find a replacement pronto! Thanks to Google I found this recipe for "Great Grain-Free Granola" over at Little House in the Suburbs. I just knew it would fit the bill...and it did, by far!

 There were only two changes I made to the original recipe, I used pecans instead of walnuts and omitted the frozen blueberries.

Grain Free Breakfast Granola
(Adapted from Little House in the Suburbs)

1 cup salted sunflower seed kernels
1 cup raisins
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup chopped raw pecans
1 cup chopped raw almonds

Just mix and store in refrigerator, or freezer, until ready to enjoy!