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Superfood Pecan Energy Bars

Description

The whole family will love these superfood pecan energy bars. They’re simple and nutritious, making them a perfect on-the-go snack! Recipe submitted by Sonja and Alex Overhiser, A Couple Cooks.

Ingredients

  • 15 Medjool dates (9 ounces)*
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup gluten free oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  2. Place the dates in the food processor and process or pulse until they are chopped and a rough texture forms. Then, add the remaining ingredients and process for a minute or so until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Line a baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Dump the dough into the center of the parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle that is 6” x 10.5”. Cut the dough into 14 bars that are 1.5” x 3” or into a desired shape.
  4. Bake the bars for 30 minutes (this step helps to make the texture more dry and less sticky). Cool the bars to room temperature, then store refrigerated in a sealed container between sheets of wax paper.
  5. To package them for on-the-go snacking: cut out 4” x 6” rectangles of wax paper, wrap them around the bars, and secure them with tape.

Pecan Crusted Air Fryer Pork Chops

Description

Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, this gluten-free alternative to traditional pork chops will be a family favorite. By using pecans in place of breadcrumbs and an air fryer in place of traditional frying, you have a more nutritious alternative to fried pork chops without sacrificing flavor. Recipe submitted by Amy Rains, Wholesomelicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecan pieces
  • 1/3 cup arrowroot or corn starch
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 6 medium sized boneless pork chops (trimmed of any fat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a medium sized bowl, mix together pecans, arrowroot starch, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and sea salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, Dijon mustard, water, and garlic.
  4. To make the pork chops*: first cover the pork chops in the egg mixture, then transfer to the bowl with the pecan mixture to coat all sides. Repeat with remaining pork chops. Place 3 pork chops in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook pork chops for 6 minutes, flip, then cook for an additional 6 minutes. Set aside on a plate.
  6. Repeat with remaining pork chops.
  7. Serve hot with extra Dijon mustard (if using).

*Note: If you don’t have an air fryer, coat the pork chops using the same method, then sauté the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat.

Toasted Oat and Pecan Smoothie

Description

Pecans take center stage in this smoothie recipe along with oats, hints of banana, cinnamon, maple and vanilla for a nutritious breakfast that will start your morning with plant protein. Recipe submitted by Brandon Matzek, Kitchen Konfidence.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup whole Greek yogurt
  • 2 bananas, cut into slices and frozen
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Grated nutmeg, for topping (optional)
  • Pecan pieces or pecan halves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Place oats and pecan halves on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake in the oven, stirring occasionally, until toasted and fragrant (12 to 15 minutes).  Let cool completely.
  2. Add toasted oats and pecans to a blender, and blend until finely ground. Add milk, yogurt, frozen bananas, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt, then blend until smooth. Divide between 2 glasses and top with grated nutmeg and pecan pieces or pecan halves, chopped if using. Enjoy immediately.

Pecan Chicken Meatballs

DESCRIPTION

These pecan chicken meatballs pack a lot of flavor and can be served alongside a dipping sauce for an appetizer or over your favorite pasta as an easy weeknight main the whole family will love. Recipe submitted by Aubrey Cota, Real Housemoms.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1 cup raw pecan pieces or pecan halves, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, lemon juice, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne (if adding), and 1/2 cup pecans.
  3. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  4. Roll chicken mixture into meatballs, a little over 1 tablespoon of mixture each.
  5. Place reserved 1/2 cup pecans in a bowl. Roll meatballs in pecans to coat, and then place on prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Serve warm with sauces for dipping or over pasta of your choice as a main dish. Makes about 25 meatball. Serves 5.