Wicked-Good Pizza Muffins

serves:Makes 12 muffins

time:about 25 minutes
ingredients

* 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
* 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
* 1 tsp (5 mL) each salt and dried basil
* 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
* 1 cup (250 mL) tiny cubes old orange cheddar
* 1 cup (250 mL) plain yogurt
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted
* 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped red or green sweet pepper (optional)
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) pizza sauce
* 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded mozzarella

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, basil and baking soda until combined. Stir in cheddar cubes.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs and butter until smooth. Stir into flour mixture just until well combined and no dry spots remain; stir in sweet pepper (batter will be very thick). Spoon batter into muffin cups, dividing evenly. Spoon 1 tsp (5 mL) pizza sauce on top of each muffin; sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella.
3. Bake about 20 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in centre of one of middle muffins comes out clean. Let muffins cool in pan at least 5 minutes before removing, then let cool completely on a wire rack. (Freeze muffins in an airtight container for up to 1 month; defrost at room temperature.)

Granola

There is nothing better than a handful of granola. You can eat it by itself, as a cereal, or top it on your favourite dessert. Here's a simple recipe that I like to make with my kids. There are tons of options, so if you don't hae allergies in your family, throw in some nuts, too!

Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups gluten free granola (no sugar added)
1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
1/4 cup of sesame seeds (optional)
1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Coating Mixture Ingredients:
1/2 cup sucanat
Pinch of se salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup of canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup honey

At the End:
Mix in dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc....

Preheat the over to 275 degrees.
Mix the dry ingredients together and set to the side.
In a small saucepan, mix all coating ingredients and warm on low until well blended.
Pour coating mixture over the dry ingredients.
Spread granola over a large baking sheet lined in parchment paper.
Bake for about 40 minutes stirring every 10 minutes with a wooden spoon.
Transfer this onto a cooling rack and allow to cool. Sprinkle with dried fruits of your choice.

Keep in an airtight container for about a week or freeze it!

Adapted from The Clean Eating Cookbook by Tosca Reno.

Puppy Chow

Ingredients
9 cups Corn Chex
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation Directions
1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.