Slow Cooker Sweet & Tangy Chicken

INGREDIENTS

2 (18 ounce) bottles barbecue sauce (I wonder if you can use less)
1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, pineapple with juice, green bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Arrange 4 of the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the chicken. Place remaining chicken in slow cooker, and pour remaining sauce over the top. Cover, and cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours.

Figgy Bars

Filling:

• 8 ounces dried figs (one round package)
• 4 ounces pitted dates
• 2 tbsp. silvered or chopped almonds (optional)
• 1 tbsp. agave nectar (or other liquid sweetener)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ginger

Snip off the figs' stems, and put them, the dates, and the almonds into the food processor. Grind to a coarse paste. Stir in the remaining filling ingredients (gradually adding in the water), and process until mixed. Set aside.

Crust:

• 1 cup regular or quick oats, ground in blender until fine
• 1 cup regular or quick oats, uncooked (not instant oatmeal)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 ounces unsweetened apple sauce
• 3 tbsp. agave nectar (or other liquid sweetener)
• 1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir in the wet ingredients, mixing well to a thick consistency (if the mixture is still a bit wet, then let it sit for a few minutes before continue to stir). Press half the crust mixture into the bottom of an oiled, eight-inch square cake pan (use a wooden spoon). Spread the fig mixture evenly over the crust. Smooth the remaining crust mixture over the filling. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars (I suggest waiting at least a few hours, before cutting).

Makes 16 bars.

English Muffin & Apple Stackers

This recipe will serve 8 little ones as a snack, or 4 as a light meal.
Ingredients:
-½ cup peanut or almond butter
-4 English muffins, split and toasted
-1 red apple, cored and sliced
-¼ cup packed brown sugar
-2 tablespoons dairy free, non-hydrogenated margarine (such as Earth Balance)
-¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:
Spread 1 Tablespoon of peanut / nut butter onto each English muffin half. Top each muffin half with a few apple slices. In the microwave, melt the brown sugar, margarine and cinnamon together. Check often and stir frequently until smooth. Drizzle the cinnamon mixture over apple slices and serve.

Chicken Meatloaf

Chicken Meatloaf
Serves 6

-500 g (1 lb) ground chicken
-2 egg whites
-1 shallot – finely sliced
-65 g (½ cup) carrots – peeled, grated
-65 g (½ cup) red peppers - finely chopped
-100 g (1 cup) fresh shiitake mushrooms - finely chopped
-1 tsp fresh ginger – grated
-1 clove garlic – minced
-20 g (¼ cup) fresh coriander – chopped
-20 g (¼ cup) fresh chives – chopped

Preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F

Line a 10 x 21 cm/4 x 8 inch loaf pan with baking paper
Combine all the ingredients and mix well with your hands. Pack the ingredients into the prepared loaf tin and bake in the oven for 50 – 60 minutes, until the loaf is cooked through and golden on top. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Serve cut into slices with a salad or steamed greens.