Vegan Granola Bars

I've been trying to think of a semi-healthy snack that is portable

 and that I can always have on hand for the two boys in my house.

 I had a hard time thinking of something that wasn't processed

{or contained a million chemical ingredients}

and then it came to me

....granola bars!

I looked all over for the perfect recipe

 when I found this one over at Your Vegan Mom's blog.

I made a few changes to the recipe and they turned out delicious...both boys approved!

Here is the recipe that I used:

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose if you don't have it)
1/4 cup flax meal
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used a mixture of chocolate and peanut butter chips)
3/4 cup craisin trail mix (contains, crasins, raisins, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds and almonds)

1/4 cup sunflower seeds - roasted and salted

3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 cup canola oil

1/8 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup mara natha organic peanut butter

1/4 honey (or light corn syrup, or brown rice syrup)

2 teaspoons high grade maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup water

Heat the oven to 350 and grease an 8 x 8 inch baking pan (I used a 9 x 13 inch pan and there was more than enough to spread around).  In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (the oats through salt).  Make a well in the center and pour in the wet ingredients (all the rest).  Stir to combine and spread this mixture out in your prepared baking pan.  Bake for 20 minutes or  until the edges are just turning brown (it took mine closer to 25 minutes - surprising since my bars were spread out in a thinner layer).  Remove from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into bars.  Store in an airtight container for several days or freeze for longer storage.  

They're not overly sweet, they don't crumble and travel well in a plastic baggie or in a container - the perfect on the go snack!

{Success!}

Enjoy!!

Just.Lovely.Things Giveaway!!

Simply Handmade by Paige 
is hosting a giveaway for
{just.lovely.things}
Follow the link to Paige's blog and click on the giveaway!
 There are several ways to enter to win one of Heather's lovely headband creations!
While you're there, check out the amazing and crafty things this super cute 14 year old girl is doing...how cute is she?!
Okay, stop reading and go enter!! :)

Bleubird Vintage

Bleubird Vintage is just one of the many blogs that I follow....I love how she uses vintage items and clothing to create modern looks. Check it out and enjoy!



Super Yummy Vegan Banana Bread!

I've been trying for several months to find

the perfect vegan-ized banana bread recipe

but couldn't find one recipe I was totally satisfied with.

So, I combined a few different recipes and came up with some of the most tasty banana bread I've ever made 

{vegan or not!}

Plus, I can pronounce all of the ingredients

{which I can't say for all vegan recipes I read!}

and I already had all of the ingredients in my kitchen!

Here's the recipe:

2 large or 3 small very ripe bananas

1/2 cup applesauce (I used the natural, no sugar added type)

1/2 light brown sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup - the good stuff (I used grade B)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup white whole wheat flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts - optional (I chose not to add either of these to my bread, but I know they are popular!)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Add the sugar, applesauce, oil, and maple syrup, and beat to incorporate. Slowly add  in the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt (careful not to over mix...only mix until the wet and dry ingredients are combined) If you decide to use chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in here.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes (it took exactly an hour for mine). The top should be lightly browned and a toothpick inserted through the center should come out clean. Let cool and enjoy!

Golden brown and cracked on top :)

I couldn't wait to slice it open - hence the reason there is steam in this picture :)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ok, I just had to post this recipe! 

My friend

{Justine}

made me some of these as part of a Christmas goody plate, and

I've been craving them ever since! 

I finally got a chance to make them this weekend and they were soooo worth it!

 I'm not exactly sure what it is about these cookies that makes them so amazing, but they are!

I've been trying to 'vegan-ize' most of my baking recipes

 {but this one was too good to mess with}

So, here is the recipe!

6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips


Pre heat oven to 350. Beat butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl and gradually add to the butter mixture. Then, add in the chocolate chips! Mold into rounded teaspoons and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes and enjoy!

 A few pictures of the finished product 

This recipe only made 27 cookes - the perfect amount! But it could easily be doubled if you want more to share :)

{Someone else really enjoyed them too}

Checkbook Covers

How fun are these?!
 Just a little twist on something ordinary to make it more interesting!
 If you'd like to place an order, please do so through my Facebook business page, or by emailing me at alexandrarose.gmx.com.

These can be made custom as well, with any color or pattern that your heart desires :)

Thanks for taking the time to check out my items!

Alexandra Rose is available for purchase at DeL*ght!

I am beyond excited to announce
that my handmade items are now available for purchase
at DeL*ght!
For those of you who are not familiar with DeL*ght,
 it is a studio, salon and overall creative space that houses two stylists, two photographers (one of whom is a stylist :) ) a graphic designer and also a retail section {among some other very cool things}
I'm so honored that my products are on display at such an amazing and inspiring place that is filled with wonderful, lovely, creative people

For more information on DeL*ght, products they carry and events they are hosting, please check out their Facebook page
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