Pumpkin Bars

Every once in a while I make something that I am really proud of!  Well, ok, I'm proud of all my recipes, but of course, some more than others.  These yummy bars are definitely one of my new favorites!

Did you know that sesame seeds are a good source of calcium?  We all know how important calcium is for healthy bones, right?  With 1/2 cup of sesame seeds, these bars are a great calcium boost!


Pumpkin Bars

2 cups organic quick oats
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup oat bran
1/3 cup honey
2 free range eggs
1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F and grease a baking pan with butter (use one 8 x 8 pan or two 4 x 8's).
Mix all the dry ingredients together and set aside.  Mix all the wet ingredients and blend with a mixer.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well.  Bake for 40 minutes.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Have you ever noticed that a walnut out of it's shell looks like a brain?  That's because it's brain food!  Walnuts are very high in fat, but it's the good kind of fat that we all know as EFA's, or essential fatty acids.  Don't be afraid that nuts will make you gain weight.  (Of course, this doesn't mean you should eat an entire box of chocolate almonds, or can of salted peanuts!)  We all need EFA's for optimal health, and yes, especially brain health.  So, try this recipe and see how smart you feel!

Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

(It's preferable to use your own organic apples and pumpkin that have been cooked and pureed.  However, canned and jarred varieties are an option.)

1/2 cup unsweetened, organic applesauce
1/2 cup organic pumpkin
1 free range egg
1/2 cup rice or almond milk, unsweetened
3 tbsp coconut oil, heated
1 cup organic rolled oats
1/4 cup wheat bran
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.  Mix all wet ingredients and dry ingredients in two separate bowls.  Blend the wet ingredients well with a mixer and add them to the dry.  Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

October is Pumpkin month!

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin soup...the options are endless!  I can't wait to share some pumpkin recipes with you.  Of course, everyone knows that pumpkins are traditional Thanksgiving and Halloween treats.  That's why I am featuring this nutritious vegetable all month long.  Pumpkins are high in vitamin A, as beta-carotene, which is what makes the pumpkin that beautiful orange color.  Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A inside our bodies.  Vitamin A is necessary for eyesight health and it's a powerful antioxidant, fighting off free radicals and disease.  Pumpkins also have a good amount of vitamin C and iron.  Don't throw away those pumpkin seeds!  They are an excellent source of zinc, which will help utilize the vitamin A from the pumpkin.  Zinc also supports the immune system.  For men, zinc may even prevent prostate cancer.  There are actually a lot more benefits of both vitamin A and zinc, but I've got to get busy and share my first recipe.  I hope you like it!