Have you ever being sledding with your kids before? We have had so much snow lately in New Jersey that snow activities are pretty common especially on the weekends. We live around many parks and hills so tubbing and sledding it is pretty common. My kids enjoy both but for some reason I get a bit afraid when rolling down the hill and catching up some speed. I guess I am getting older and afraid I will brake a bone or something! My kids love it of course but I can’t help but be a little bit afraid.

These chocolate rice crispy treats were our treat when we headed home. We paired it together with some hot chocolate and it was just perfect to keeps us warm. Given that neither the chocolate rice crispy treats or the hot chocolate were exceptionally sweet it was perfect. I always associated hot chocolate and rice crispy treats and sweet foods but not my versions!

For these chocolate rice crispy treats I used Truvia® Brown Sugar Blend  to sweetened them. ½ cup of this blend has 210 calories and provides the same sweetness as one cup of brown sugar that has 830 calories. Since I only used 1/4 cup for this recipe the calories were even less. This blend is great for baking cookies and cakes. Visit Truvia® to learn more about their products and other recipes. I am sure you will find something that you will like.

These chocolate rice crispy treat are not sweet at all, which is good since I don’t want my kids to over load themselves on sugar.

Truvia is also giving away prizes worth up to $700 on a photo sledding photo contest. To participate read below:

• Faribault Woolen Mills Scarf
• Marmot Gloves
• Enamel Coffee Mugs
• Snowman Building Kit
• Thermos
• Reusable Hand Warmers
• Duluth Pack Bag
• Truvia(R) Product Family
• Keurig 2.0

Good luck and enjoy!

Chocolate rice crispy treats

Miryam's original recipe

Yield: 12 pieces

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups brown rice cereal
• 1 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup Truvia® Brown Sugar Blend
• 2 tbs cocoa powder
• 1 tbs unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

Line a 8x8 baking pan with unbleached parchment paper.

Place ingredients in a mixing bowl and with a spatula combine until they come together. Press mixture down onto the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the shredded coconut over it. Place mixture in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours until it becomes firm.

Cut crispy treats into squares and serve. Keep leftovers in the fridge.

The post Chocolate rice crispy treats appeared first on Eat Good 4 Life.

It is very easy to make your own protein bars. I think I am going to start doing them much more often. Store bought protein bars not only are expensive but most are full of sugar and have weird ingredients.

For this version I added hemp seeds. I got the ingredients from my friend’s at Bob’s Red Mill. I truly love all their products. I wish I lived closer to their factory so that I could visit! Maybe one day. They have a vast array of products and many are gluten free. I suggest you take a look a browse their many options.

These no bake protein bars are truly packed with goodness. I have started using hemp seeds a lot more lately. My husband loves them and these bars were one of his favorite bars ever. I actually had to tell him to stop eating them so the rest of us could get a taste. Really, I sometimes have to partition what I cook and bake. So annoying!

If you don’t like peanut butter you can use any other butter of your choice. I sometimes use cashew butter which is equally good.

These no bake protein bars are great for on the go or as a snack. I actually pack these for my kids to school. They love them. Did I mention they are also gluten free and vegan?

Well if you haven’t started making your own bars I strongly suggest you do. You will save loads of money, have more bars at your disposal and they will be way healthier than store bought.

I hope you like this recipe.

Enjoy!

Here you can see the ingredients prior to mixing. You can use a spatula which will take longer and some muscle strength or you can use a stand up mixer.

No bake protein bars

Miryam's original recipe

Yield: 8-10 bars

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic peanut butter
• 1 cup brown rice cereal
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 scoops hemp protein powder
• 2 tbs water

 

Directions:

Line a 9 by 5 loaf baking pan with unbleached parchment paper and set aside.

In a stand up mixer or mixing bowl add all the ingredients and mix until combine. With a spatula, evenly press this mixture on the prepared baking pan and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours until it sets. Cut into bars or squares.

Store in the refrigerator covered for up to 1 week.

The post No bake protein bars appeared first on Eat Good 4 Life.