Sensational Seasonal Breakfasts

Breakfast - literally "break fast" - is the most important meal of the day...so don't skip it! The meal improves your energy level and provides much-needed glucose to your body and brain. It also fills you up before you really get hungry, making you less likely to reach for just anything later.

However, many breakfast foods are laden with sugar and fats, which don't give you the brain boost you need. They give you a quick glucose spike, followed by a sluggish period. Here are two recipes that will bring seasonal flavors to your table and much-needed nutrients to your body!

 Baked Granola

Most store-bought granolas are full of sugars and oil, but a few simple tweaks makes a healthy and tasty homemade option!

• 8 c rolled oats
• 1 1/2 c chopped dates
• orange zest (to taste)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 275, and line baking pans with parchment paper.
2. Put dates into saucepan with 2 c water, bring to boil, and cook on medium for 10 minutes.  
3. Remove from heat, and put into blender.  Add orange zest, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.  Process until creamy.
4. Put oats into mixing bowl and add date mixture.  Stir well.
5. Divide granola among baking pans and spread evenly.  Bake 40 to 50 minutes until granola is crispy.
6. Let cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Best served with warm maple frosting and a cup of coffee, these pancakes are the perfect start to your autumn morning!

• Pancakes
• c flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• pinch salt
• 3 eggs
• 2 c buttermilk
• 1/2 c melted butter
• 1/4 c maple syrup
• 1 c shredded carrots
• 1/4 c raisins
• Maple Frosting
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 1/4 c maple syrup

Directions

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, maple syrup, and eggs.  
3. Fold in flour mixture.
4. Add carrots and raisins.  Stir well.
5. Drop and cook pancakes.
6. Stir together cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth and creamy to make frosting.

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A Slow-Cooked Year – This book includes : the whats and whys behind crockpot cooking, how-to tips and tricks, safe crockpot guidelines, printable planning sheets, and more than thirty seasonally-appropriate, kid-friendly recipes!