Apricot, Cranberry and Almond Spelt Oat Bars.

I spent the few days last week working on a cake for a friends 3rd birthday.  I hadn't made a cake in a few months so it was fun to get back in the groove. I have a few more cakes to work on in the next several weeks, one more thing to add to the busy list.

This past weekend we had our first trip of the season up to the cottage.   I don't know why we go this weekend every year, the bugs are terrible.  We basically go from car to boat to cottage and stay indoors for 3 days and then go from cottage to boat to car.  It is too annoying to be outside, especially for me.  I find the bugs love me and my dark hair, no matter how many light coloured clothes I wear.   I think after long cold winters, we are just so happy summer is here and we're dying to get to the cottage.   Even if we are stuck in doors it is relaxing and fun.

This was our first cottage trip with the little one.  As if we didn't bring enough baggage before, PAH!  Add baby stuff and add three more bags plus baby.   I can't imagine how that will change with a second child in the mix one day.  Maybe I need to improve my packing skills.

Since I was away the last few days with no Internet I was unable to tell you this fun news.
I’m participating in a Good Old Fashioned Recipe Blog Swap! Julie {White Lights on Wednesday}, Kelley {Miss Information} and Rachel {i love my disorganized life} have paired up 30 incredible bloggers to trade blogs for the day.

Brianna from Flippin Delicious and I will be sharing a fabulous recipe on each other’s blogs {but we can’t tell you what they are, because they’re a secret!}. Be sure to visit both of us on May 27th, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on any deliciousness!

These bars are a perfect cottage snack or anytime snack.  

Apricot, Cranberry and Almond Spelt Oat Bars.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup spelt oats
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped apricots
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 pear, grated
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray a 10 inch square pan wit non stick spray. 

2) In a large bowl combine oats, almond, dried fruit and cinnamon. 

3) In a large measuring cup , whisk together honey, almond milk, apple and vanilla

4) Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and mix until well combined. 

5) Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.   Let cool and refrigerate until firm.  Slice into squares. 

Now I know why people make their own granola bars.  So much better!

FATHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY!

Are you looking to start a blog?  Or simply want to improve your blog? There is a great book created by bloggers that can give you a comprehensive guide on how to "survive" your blog.  Getting started, tips, tricks, ideas,social media.  This blogging book well help you if you are brand new or looking to improve your blog and expand.  Check it out,  it might just give you that extra push you need.

The Bloggers Survival Guide

Father's Day is approaching quickly, are you struggling with what to get your Dad this year.  If yours is like mine, you have no idea and he gives you no ideas.  When you think he really doesn't need anything?  When in doubt give Dad the gift of whatever he wants! 

Baking for Katie : An Online Bake Sale

I have said it many times but food blogging isn't just about creating recipes, photographing and throwing some thoughts together in a post.  Blogging is a community and when needed we come together to help others and each other.   I am not an overly popular blogger but I believe it is important to get involved as much as I can when another blogger asks for help.  Even a little can mean a lot.

A blogging friend - Carrie from Frugal Foodie Mama has put together an online bake sale.  It is called Baking for Kate: An Online Bake Sale to Benefit Kate’s Mommy Bucket List.  A friend of hers has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.  We are raising money for her and her family to help cross off items from her Mommy bucket list and to assist in any medical costs. 

Quinoa Peanut Butter Balls and an Amazon giftcard giveaway

My skin is red.  I basically got the burnt the first really nice day.    Had a workout outside, went for a long walk with a friend and burnt!  It doesn't take me long that's for sure.  I am not just burnt, I t shirt and v-neck burn.  This means certain shirts show a wonderful line of red and white.  Ooops.   Hopefully this will mean my burns are done and I will just tan now for the rest of the summer.  Not that I really get that tanned, I tend to just be a darker shade of white.   It's sad really.

One of the wonderful swag goodies from FBC2013 was Kraft's new peanut butter.  I got the Banana Granola Peanut Butter.  I immediately knew I wanted to make peanut butter balls. I feel it allows for true appreciation of the peanut butter.  Plus with the addition of the granola you would get a nice crunch inside.  In my efforts to justify delicious treats I have added some puffed quinoa into these peanut butter balls.

Along with this delicious recipe, I have a giveaway for you.  My blogging friend Lisa from Wine and Glue has organized an amazing giveaway to celebrate her birthday week.  Myself and many wonderful bloggers have joined in her to give you....