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Tropical Pineapple Date Bars

August 6, 2026 by Karen Breyer Leave a Comment

These Tropical Pineapple Date Bars are naturally sweetened with dates, banana, pineapple, and orange juice. Made with oats, coconut, and walnuts, they feature a chewy oat crust topped with a delicious tropical fruit filling. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert whenever you’re craving a wholesome homemade treat.

Yield: 12 Bars

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oat flour (blended oats)
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana
  • 1 cup orange juice (more if needed)
  • 1 (20-ounce) can unsweetened crushed pineapple
  • 2 cups chopped dates

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend enough oats to make 1 cup oat flour.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix together the banana and orange juice.
5. Combine the juice mixture with the dry ingredients. If needed, add more orange juice to make the oat mixture hold together.
6. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Set aside.
7. Add the pineapple and dates to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently. Cook and stir until the mixture is thickened.
8. Spread the thickened fruit mixture over the oat mixture.
9. Top with the remaining oat mixture.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fruit bars begin to brown.

Notes

You can use other nuts in place of the walnuts.
To make the oat flour, blend enough old-fashioned oats to make 1 cup.
If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water. Drain before adding.

© Karen Breyer

Baked French Fries

June 23, 2024 by Karen Breyer Leave a Comment

Baked French Fries

Baked French Fries
5.0 Stars (2 Reviews)

Ingredients

  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil**
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste

Instructions

    1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    3: Wash and dry the potatoes.
    4: Cut the potatoes into 1/4 inch matchsticks*.
    5: In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with the oil and salt. Add additional seasonings if desired.
    6: Arrange the potato strips in an uncrowded, single layer on the baking sheet.
    7: Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, stirring around halfway through. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
    8: Let cool a minute or so before serving. If desired, serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or a homemade sauce.

Notes

*To cut the potatoes into matchsticks:
1: Slice a thin piece off one side of the potato to create a flat surface.
2: Place the cut side down and cut the potato into thick slices about 1/4 inch wide.
3: Stack a few slices on top of each other. Slice through the stacks to create long, thick strips resembling matchsticks. Aim for consistent thickness.

Thicker fries will take longer to cook. The Skinnier one will cook faster.
**Choose an oil that can take a high heat, like grapeseed, canola, peanut, or avocado oil.
You can add additional seasonings, such as garlic powder, garlic granules, pepper, paprika, chili powder, or more.
No need to peel the potatoes unless you want to.
1 large russet potato is about 8—10 ounces.

© Karen Breyer

Craving crispy French fries but want a healthier option? In this video, Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make perfectly Baked French fries at home in the oven. This easy, healthy recipe is a great alternative to the deep-fried version without sacrificing deliciousness.

Baking fries in the oven ensures they are lower in fat and calories, making them a guilt-free treat you can enjoy anytime. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a main course, these baked French fries will surely be a hit with everyone.

Not only are these baked French fries healthier, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Karen will show you how to get a perfect crispy texture and suggest seasonings to suit your taste. Whether it’s a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a cozy night in, these Baked French fries are a quick, simple, and delicious option. Watch this cooking video and make some delicious Baked French Fries today!

Taco Seasoned Oven Fries

September 12, 2023 by Karen Breyer Leave a Comment

Taco Seasoned Oven Fries

Taco Seasoned Oven Fries
5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Ingredients

  • 2 large or 3 medium potatoes, baking
  • 2 - 3 teaspoons oil (Olive, vegetable or grapeseed)
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, ground (or to taste)

Instructions

    1: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
    2: Clean and pat dry the potatoes.
    3: Cut the potatoes lengthwise in 1/2 inch thick wedges.
    4: Place cut potatoes in a bowl. Add oil. Mix together until all sides of the potatoes are oiled.
    5: Place potato wedges skin side down on baking pan.
    6: Sprinkle with taco seasoning, salt and pepper.
    7: Bake 25 - 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and are browned to your desired doneness. Add more salt if desired.

Notes

Thicker potato wedges will take longer to cook and smaller ones cook faster. You can take the smaller ones out earlier if they get done sooner.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Try these amazing Taco Seasoned Oven Fries! They are easy to make and healthy too. Make these fries with only a few ingredients. This is a budget-friendly recipe that everyone will love! These Taco Seasoned Fries are perfect for a side dish or snack. Eat them plain or dip them in sour cream, guacamole, ketchup or ranch dressing. This is a super tasty recipe that everyone will love! In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make these Taco Seasoned Oven Fries. Watch this cooking video and make these delicious Taco Seasoned Oven Fries today!

Pumpkin Bars

November 17, 2022 by Karen Breyer Leave a Comment

Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars
5.0 Stars (2 Reviews)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup walnuts chopped
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 1/2 cups (29 ounce can) pumpkin, canned
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

    1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 12 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
    2: Stir together the flour and nuts. Set aside.
    3: Add remaining ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
    4: Add to flour mixture and mix well.
    5: Pour into baking dish.
    6: Bake 40 - 45 minutes or until the edges and top starts to brown. Cool and enjoy!

Notes

You can chop the walnuts in your blender or food processor before you start the recipe (if they are not already chopped).
For a delicious variation, add 3/4 cup raisins and/or chocolate chips.
Make sure you use a food processor that is large enough to hold all the ingredients.

© Karen Breyer

Try these delicious, healthy Pumpkin Bars! They are filling and easy to make. They are perfect for a snack or dessert and healthy enough for breakfast! In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make Pumpkin Bars. Watch this cooking video and make these delicious Pumpkin Bars recipe today!

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