::Breakfast Bars::

{via LargeFamilyMothering}

MY KIDS REALLY LOVED THESE IN THE MORNING. ALSO, I USED THEM FOR SNACK LATER WITH FRUIT, OR CRUMBLED INTO YOGOURT.

1 1/2 cups butter
3 cups brown sugar
Cream together. Add:
5 eggs
Mix.

Add:
3 cups oats
2 cups flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
2 cups raw wheat germ
1 1/2 cup coconut
2 cups nuts
2 cups raisins

Grease two 9 x 13" baking pans, fill each with half of mixture. Bake at 350*F until golden brown.
Cut into bars and serve in a bowl of cold milk.
We make these the night before--they are more nutritious than granola (they contain eggs and not so much oil or sugar).

::Rustic Apple Tart::

{Top Chef Recipe}

FLAKY PIE CRUST:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 sticks (8oz) chilled butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

APPLE FILLING:

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and dices
• 4 Fiji apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup water

APPLE CIDER REDUCTION:

• 1 quart apple cider
• 4 bags ginger peach tea (herbal)
• 2 inches ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

FLAKY PIE CRUST:

Combine water, salt, and sugar in measuring cup. Stir and put cup in fridge for at least 15 min. (to chill water and to dissolve sugar and salt). Chill mixing bowl and paddle if possible.

Combine flour and butter pieces in mixing bowl. On medium speed, cut butter into flour till butter pieces are the size of chickpeas. With the mixer running, pour the water into the butter mixture. Mix till the dough comes together.

Separate dough into 4 discs. Wrap each with film and chill.

APPLE FILLING:

In large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté apples for 1 minute. Add in salt, sugars, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir in lemon juice and crystallized ginger. Continue to cook on medium heat.

In a small bowl, combine water, cornstarch, and vanilla. Quickly stir mixture into apples. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Adjust seasoning if desired. Let cool.

PIE:

Roll each pastry disc out to a 6 inch round. Put 1/4 apple mixture in the center and fold 2 inches of dough, making pleats, around the filling leaving the center open. Brush each tart with an egg wash, 1 egg and 2 T water. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, equal parts granulated sugar and brown sugar or cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees or till the crust is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Serve warm with apple cider reduction.

APPLE CIDER REDUCTION:

Combine all ingredients. Reduce to 3/4 -1 cup. Chill and serve with apple pie and a wedge of cheddar or blue cheese.