A few months ago I went to Costco and they were featuring an oatmealish, energy snack called "Aussie Bites". I'm pretty sure I looped around the aisle like six times to keep sneaking samples. The wonky, sideways glances I was getting from the Cosco worker was well worth it... and a little deserved. Anyway, they were amazing but 1) I don't live near a Costco, 2) They mentioned that only certain Costcos carry them, and 3) I wanted to see if I could make a healthier version and know exactly what I was putting in them. So I found a few recipes online, tinkered with them a bit, and devised my own. And I must say, they are pretty damn awesome.
I feel confident that I (maybe with some help from you guys!) could tinker with them to make them even more healthy. I'm thinking of replacing the flour with oat bran and replacing the butter with more coconut oil perhaps? I think those are the least healthy components of the recipe, but I'm working on some solutions. In the meantime, these are still pretty healthy and are incredibly satisfying. Eat them for breakfast with your coffee or crumble them into some yogurt - YEEHAW! So so great. Enjoy and let me know how it goes!
Magical Aussie Bite Dupes
Ingredients:
1 c wheat or white flour
1 c almond flour
1 c chopped dates
1/2 c flax seed
2/3 c brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbs hot water
1/2 c shredded coconut
1 stick butter
1/2 c coconut oil
1 tsp baking soda
2 c oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixer affixed with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, coconut oil, and brown sugar. Once creamed, add egg.
3. In a food processor, chop up dates until they are pretty darn chopped. The food processor may hit a point where all the dates kinda clump up and stop chopping. That should be chopped enough. Then add dates to mixer and mix.
4. Add flax seeds, coconut, and baking soda. Mix well.
5. Now start adding the dry ingredients in slowly (about a half cup at a time), starting with the flour (almond and white/wheat), then add in the oats. Add in the hot water as needed while you mix in the dry ingredients to keep it moving. The mixture shouldn't be too wet or too dry.
6. Spray a cupcake pan with cooking spray. Use a cookie scooper to fill cupcake pan (one scoop per space).
7. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Take out of the oven and transfer to cooling rack.
Recipe usually yields 24-36 muffins (depending on scoop size).
No seriously, this is the greatest salad you'll ever eat. I made a ton of it and then ate it for almost two weeks straight. Healthy. Refreshing. Downright magical. Try out my crazy creation and let me know what you think!
Roasted Beet and Sautéed Fennel Citrus Salad
Ingredients:
Three large beets
2 mangos (I used jarred ones that I bought at Costco and just used 3-4 strips. I know that sounds weird, but it sure beats peeling mangoes!)
1 can of pineapple chunks (in juice) or fresh pineapple, whichever you prefer
2 bulbs of fennel
1/2 c. slivered almonds
Juice of 2 Meyer lemons or an orange
Juice of 2 limes
1 orange
Chile flakes
Fresh mint
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt (I use Himalayan Sea Salt because it is full of awesome minerals and is nice and salty!)
Pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Peel beets with a vegetable peeler, cut into chunks, coat in EVOO, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Take out of over and let cool to room temperature. Place in a large bowl.
3. Peel mangos, chop into cubes, and add to bowl.
4. Drain pineapple (save juice for another day) and add to bowl. (If you use fresh pineapple, it is one more level of awesome if you grill the pineapple before cutting it up and adding it in.)
5. Grab the fennel, slice off the fronds (leafy bits), and the green stalks. Cut the bulb in half and then slice into 1/2 inch pieces. Coat the bottom of a sauté pan with EVOO and sauté fennel until golden brown. Add just a pinch of salt to help with the browning process. I like mine SUPER brown - nice and caramelized, but cook it how you like. Once it's cooked to your liking, remove from heat, and let cool to warm/room temperature. Throw in the bowl.
6. Toast the slivered almonds just to bring out the flavors. Just be sure not to burn them. Once toasted, throw them in the bowl.
7. Peel orange, cut into chunks, add to the bowl.
8. Add in the juice of the Meyer lemons and the limes.
9. Add a sprinkle of chile flakes for a kick of heat. If you don't like heat, don't add this in. It'll still be delicious.
10. Chop up fresh mint and add to the bowl.
11. Mix contents of the bowl together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
12. Eat until your heart's content! Serve it at room temperature or serve it cold. It's delish either way!
Some possible add ins:
If you want it to be a bit more hearty or fibrous, you can always add in some
cooked brown or wild rice.
And if you are looking for a bit more protein, it would be great with some grilled
chicken or roasted pork.
Also, feel free to halve this recipe - it makes a ton!
