Snacks!

My Favorite Chocolate Smoothie

1 cup raw nuts (I use a mixture of whatever is on hand: almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans)
water
1 1/2 frozen banana
3 tsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. honey

Put the nuts into the Vitamix and then add water to about the 3 cup line.
Let this sit for at least 15 minutes (longer is fine), to soften up the nuts some.  It works without sitting, but I find it much smoother if you wait.

Add the frozen bananas, cocoa powder and honey.  Blend until smooth.  It makes enough for 2 larger servings or 4 smaller ones.  My kids love this stuff, too!

Juice Gelatin

32 oz. 100% fruit juice
4 Tbs. unflavored gelatin

Pour 1 cup of the juice into a microwaveable measuring cup.  Pour the remainder of the juice into your pan.  I use an 8x10 pan, but you can use an 8x8 or 9x9.

Bring the 1 cup of juice to a boil (I use the microwave, but you can use a pan on the stovetop).
While you are waiting for the juice to boil, sprinkle the 4 tablespoons of gelatin over the juice that is in the pan.

Pour the hot juice into the pan and whisk the mixture.  You want to mix this very thoroughly.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator until firms up.

Nutty Bars

1 1/2 cups brown rice crisp cereal
1 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, your choice!)
1/4 cup of raisins
1 1/4 cup of almond butter
1/4 cup of brown rice syrup (could probably use honey or maple, just adding a little sweetness)

Combine the cereal, chopped nuts and raisins in a mixing bowl.

Heat the almond butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds.  Mix in the brown rice syrup.  And then mix into the cereal mixture.  I usually have to use my hands to get it well combined. 

Then press the mixture into an 8x8 pan.  Cover with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator.  After it sets awhile, cut it into squares or bars. 

Squash Spice Bread