Home And Kitchen Heroyam

Oatmeal raisin cookie lovers will love these fun Oatmeal Raisin Popcorn Bars full of oatmeal, walnuts, cinnamon and raisins, then drizzled in white chocolate. Are you kids “snackers”? My three angels have always loved their snacks. When they were toddlers, I looked forward to snack time, too. Snack time meant happiness in our house. It didn’t matter if the precious little two-year-old was having a terrible, rotten, fussy day. As soon as I pulled out our standard toddler snack of graham crackers and apple juice, all was peaceful, even if just for 20 minutes or so. On special occasions, I’d give them a package of fruit snacks. I can remember Maddie playing with her “Finding Nemo” themed fruit snacks for a good hour at the table. She’d have those little gummy fishies swimming all over the place! We’re past the stage of me handing out snacks at set times of the day, but my kids still love their snack time.  Lately their favorite snack is popping up a bag of microwave popcorn...

What happens when apples and peanut butter – that old standby – get dressed up with a little flair?  They turn into these charming little apple sandwiches. Awhile back I attended a fancy catered event where I could hardly eat anything, as most of the dishes contained meat, dairy, or gluten — ingredients I have to avoid. My only consolation was the kids' table, where I found "sandwiches" made from sliced apples, peanut butter, oats, and raisins. Though the apples satiated my rumbling stomach, I didn't think much of them as I gazed longingly at the parade of off-limits foods. But then a funny thing happened. In the weeks that followed, I found myself craving these well-rounded, tasty snacks. Apples and peanut butter are nothing new, but somehow the addition of toasted oats and raisins, and a touch of honey and cinnamon, makes them that much more satisfying. Now I frequently make these sandwiches for an afternoon snack. Apple sandwiches are great f...