Homemade Low-Sugar Energy Bars

These were kind of an experiment when I was dying without sugar and really wanted a dessert.  Don't think of them as a dessert and you'll likely like them.  They are similar to a cliff bar, but definitely better tasting.

Ingredients:
-2 cups oats (regular, not instant although instant would probably suffice if you're willing to sacrifice nutrition.
-1 cup natural peanut butter
-2/3 cup no-sugar added applesauce (I used an actual apple, cored and ground up in a food processor)
-2 eggs
-1 tablespoon vanilla
-1 tablespoon cinnamon
-semi-sweet chocolate chips (use sparingly, can omit)

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients minus the chocolate chips and the oats until well blended stir in oats and chips.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pile on the mixture.  Spray a spoon with non-stick spray or coat with olive oil. Use the spoon to spread the mixture on the cookie sheet.  Re-apply non-stick spray/olive oil as necessary. The mixture should be about 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick. Don't worry about making the mixture reach the edge of the sheet. Bake the mixture for about 10 minutes or until top feels slightly crusty and not sticky.  Cool for 5 minutes then cut into bars.

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

I'm on a training diet these days and finding good, flavorful, nutritious food that won't make me miss the old stuff is getting harder and harder to find.  This recipe is something I would eat whether I was on a diet or not and it's so easy!

Ingredients:

• Green Leaf whole lettuce leaves, washed.
• 1/2 chopped, uncooked chicken.
• 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil
• Crumbled blue cheese
• 1-2 sliced avocados
• 1 diced tomato
• Buffalo sauce (mix together ingredients below)
• 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste (I usually use just a small sprinkle)

Directions:
Lightly coat the bottom of a skillet pan with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.  Sauté chicken in oil until cooked through and browned on both sides. Once chicken is cooked, stir buffalo sauce into chicken and remove from heat.  Use one leaf of lettuce per wrap.  Top with chicken, tomatoes, avocados, and blue cheese.  Fold and serve. Makes about 4 servings (two lettuce wraps per serving).