Give me some of that Yum Yum Yum!

I've been loosely following a cleanse and I start off on my New Year Journey of eating healthier.  I've been really impressed and haven't felt deprived at all and actually will continue to make several of the recipes from now on.  Here are some of my favorites:

Snacks:

Dried Fruit and Nut Bites

makes 20; serves 5

2c. mixed dried fruit (i used cranberries, raisins and apricots)

2c. mixed raw nuts and seeds (i used cashews, walnuts, almonds, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds)

Cinnamon

Course Salt

1/3 c. raw Sesame Seeds

In a food processor, pulse dried fruit, move to a bowl then do the same for the nuts.  Add the cinnamon and salt and mix together.  (I had to add a little almond butter to get it to stick well)  Roll into balls and roll in sesame seeds.  Keep in air tight container or stick in freezer.  Yum!

The kids love them too.  1 or 2 when I am feeling like a little something something, does the trick!

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Crispy Roasted Cauliflower

Makes 2 cups; serves 2

1/2 head of cauliflower florets (I used one frozen bag of cauliflower)

1 tbs. of olive oil

Course Salt

Red Pepper Flakes

Oven heated to 425.  Lay cauliflower out on a pan and drizzle w/oil, sprinkle w/salt and pepper flakes.  Roast, stirring around every once in awhile till golden.  About 20 min. or so.  

This is listed as a snack, but I served it as a side to dinner. Sooo good!  We will be having cauliflower a lot more now!

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Cinnamon Poached Apples w/Toasted Walnuts

Serves 2

3 c. apple juice

1/2 cinnamon stick (I was out from christmas, so I just sprinkled cinnamon in)

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (this adds such a nice touch!)

2 apples, peeled, cored and halved

2 tbs. toasted walnuts

Bring juice, cinnamon and ginger to a boil. Add apples and simmer for about 8 min. till soft.  (I found it depends on the type of apple how quickly they get soft).  Remove and sprinkle w/walnuts.

I LOVED this and have been having it for breakfast.  So good!!