Cabbage Rolls

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When my husband and I got engaged we decided since we are both Ukrainian, we would have our rehearsal dinner have pierogi (varenyky) and cabbage rolls! 

I want to share my cabbage roll recipe with you today! You can use them right away or do what I did a freeze them as part of post baby meal prep!

CABBAGE ROLLS

What you will need:

FILLING:
1 large head cabbage
2 lbs ground beef or turkey/beef
1 med onion
2 garlic cloves
salt and pepper
1/2C Brown Rice (cooked)

TOMATO SAUCE:
1 garlic clove
1/3C fried onion
2 15oz Cans Low-No sodium tomato sauce 
1/2T lemon juice
1/4C brown sugar
Salt and Pepper

What to do:
First core the cabbage. 
Boil cabbage 3-4 mins or until the leaves seem pliable enough. If you are halfway through and the leaves seem to get tough put in a microwavable dish with a little water and cook a little longer. 

Next trim the leaves by removing the thick part of the stem, *OPTIONAL- Cut up the stem and place in the bottom of the pan for extra flavour- Fill with a spoonful of filling and wrap up, place in the pan and repeat! 

Top with tomato sauce. If you are freezing, label your container with directions as well. They should say this: Remove cover and bake 350F for 1 1/2 -2 hours and bubbly. If you are just baking right away then preheat oven to 350 and bake!

Vanilla Almond Granola

Who LOVES granola as much as I do? Honestly I could eat it all day long... but don't worry I don't. 

The problem is stuff we buy at the store can be filled with some much sugar and extra crap that we DO NOT NEED. Honestly, don't even look at the ingredients in the store bought stuff. It is scary..

Making your own is SUPER simple, SUPER easy and MUCH healthier! 

Before I share my yummy Vanilla Almond Granola, I will share the main system of how to prepare homemade granola. 

Some people may think it is boring but you have the ability to create and mix whatever you want! 

BASIC GRANOLA 

1. Start with 1/4C oil base- coconut oil, sunflower oil, melted butter, canola oil.

2.Mix in 1/2C sweetness- honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, maple syrup, cane sugar, stevia.

3. Add in flavour boosters 1t-1T if you wish with a pinch of salt- spices(cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, peanut butter, vanilla, almond extract, coconut extract, clove, nutmeg, chili flakes, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder etc) 
*NOTE- add chocolate AFTER baking*

4.Add 3C oats and nuts, seeds, fruit- rolled oats or gluten free, any nuts and or dried fruit you like. You can choose how much or how little of each you would like. 
5. Mix all together and bake at 375F for 10 mins or until golden brown. Be sure to stir often so it doesn't burn.

Simple right? You have the freedom to add anything you want. Mix and match to create the flavours you want. 

Now here is my Vanilla Almond Granola recipe

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Vanilla Almond Granola

Ingredients:

• 3 cup large flake rolled oats
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch salt (I use himalayan pink salts)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In one bowl mix dry ingredients and in another mix together wet ingredients 

3. Add wet ingredients to the dry and toss until it is totally coated

4. Pour onto sheet and spread out evenly; bake for 45mins stirring frequently. Allow granola to cool completely before transferring to airtight container.

*Mason jars work great to store or just a tupperware or glass container. Will keep for 3-4 weeks. 

What to check out another creation? 
Check out >>>>> Chocolate Coconut Granola!

 If you make any of my recipes I would love to see! Use the hashtag #LYPeats on any social media site so I can see who else is loving these recipes and if you are changing them up to make it your own!

Stay awesome and creative friends!
Kristie XO

Chocolate + Coconut Granola (Oil Free)

Two words----- 

CHOCOLATE. COCONUT. Need I say more? 

I fell in love with this recipe as I was craving granola most of my pregnancy and needed variety but wanted to stick to my meal plan. I came across this recipe from Feasting on Fruit. 

Here it is!

Chocolate Coconut Granola

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup large flake oats

1 cup brown rice cereal

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup maple syrup (pure)

1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened coconut (shredded)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

2.Combine all dry ingredients(minus coconut) in a bowl and mix until oats/cereal is covered with cocoa powder

3.Add maple syrup and stir to evenly coat then stir in the coconut

4.Spread evenly on baking sheet.

5.Bake 10 mins

6. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight container

*Mason Jars work great to store or a tupperware or glass container. Will store for up to 5 weeks in airtight container.

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Remember to use hashtag #LYPeats when using any of my recipes so I can see who else is loving them! Also don't be afraid to get creative and make the recipes your own! 

KristieXO