Well, the kids are off the school today! Here's the oldest - ready for her senior year!

I’m actually pretty excited myself to have the house quiet for several hours. It’s my own routine, my own music and maybe I can catch up the laundry. Now I know as some of you may know that the first day back is full of ambition for mommies! We can conquer mountains today! So the mountain I want to climb is after school snacks

I want to make some “healthy” cookies, maybe whip up some banana muffins and possibly a fun snack mix too. And I know for myself that having the recipe close is always a good idea.

Here’s the “healthy” cookie. This is also great for breakfasts on the go!

Breakfast Cookies

2 c bran (or corn) flakes                                                  1 c white sugar

1 c raisins                                                                        1 ½ c brown sugar

2 c oatmeal                                                                      3 stick butter

2 c coconut                                                                       2 t vanilla

4 c flour                                                                             4 eggs

1 t baking powder

1 t salt

1 t baking soda

Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla and beat til kinda fluffy. Mix up dry ingredients and slowly add. Stir gently till mixture is all incorporated. Drop by ¼ cup blobs on cookie sheet. It’s best to only do 6 to a sheet. Bake at 350* for 10-12 minutes or golden brown. These are best a little bit soft.

Banana Bread

3 ½ c flour                                                1 ⅓ c sugar

4 t baking powder                                     10 T butter (1 stick plus 2 T)

1 t baking soda                                          2 c mashed really ripe bananas

½ t salt                                                       4 eggs

(fresh or frozen blueberries)                       2T milk & lemon juice (mixed together)

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and milk/lemon juice. Add your bananas. Mix up dry ingredients and slowly add. Stir gently till mixture is all incorporated. Pour into muffin tins or bread pan. Note that baking time will vary with what you choose. Poke a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean they are done. I like to sprinkle blueberries over the top right before popping in the oven. They shouldn’t sink and won't turn your mixture a weird color. Bake 350*

This snack mix is basically what I have around the house

Dry cereal (something fun - bran flakes NOT acceptable)

Popcorn (always good by itself too)

Pretzels

Chocolate chips

Dried fruit

Tiny animal crackers

Small cheese flavored crackers

My kids - even as teens still love this and I can send leftovers in Andy’s lunch the next day. Win-Win!

Ok, I’m off to start that banana bread….