Sunday I remembered why I hate Seattle so much – and avoid going there unless I really, really have to (streets missing, streets closed, dumping rain, price gouging parking and since it is spring all the traveling panhandlers are back in town…). I somehow forgot just that when I bought a Groupon deal for the Seattle Aquarium months back. But it was fun, we hadn’t been there for maybe 9 years, and Walker really enjoyed it. And he got a cool octopus painted on too. If anything, the aquarium is small so small kids don’t get over whelmed. We took Ford to the one in Tampa, Florida 4 years ago, and while simply amazing, it was a lot to see. This was a good choice for Walker’s first aquarium.
Alistaire had a lot of fun as well, although he did like the perk of a cozy stroller to hop into!
That Alistaire has allergies is sinking in, and more so just how hard it is to avoid his known triggers. His Doctor office called me this morning and I took him in for a discussion on his allergies, his test results and where to go from this. No more peanut anything in the house and egg whites are not good either (which isn’t an issue for us). It was a good appointment, I really, really like the boy’s doctor. He takes time and is in-depth. He has us seeing an allergist soon, for more testing.
So….feeling the need to create (great way to work out stress) I pulled out sunflower butter I had bought over the weekend (good thing I happen to love it already!) and made a batch of goodies that Little B can munch on 🙂 I picked up a couple of jars from Trader Joe’s, the natural, but sweetened kind. I have a number of jars coming from Vitacost this week, non-sweet ones, so I’ll have a lot of supply on hand.
Sunflower & Oat Balls
Ingredients:
- ½ cup quick oats (1-minute)
- ¼ cup white whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup sunflower butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 Tbsp powdered sugar (made with tapioca flour)
Directions:
Mix oats through chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Stir sunflower butter through vanilla together, add to dry and stir till mixed.
Using a 1 Tablespoon scoop
Store tightly covered in refrigerator.
Makes about 1 dozen balls.
Notes:
If your sunflower butter is unsalted add a pinch of fine sea salt. Chill the balls for a few hours before eating for best taste!
~Sarah
Omg yummy and super easy! I just made homemade sun butter last week…it was soooo much thicker than peanut butter, but I didn’t add any oil or anything…I need to add something…or syrup because I didn’t care for it too much on its own. These balls look delicious.
I’d say a little oil and a pinch of salt goes far. So does agave or maple syrup 😉
I just made these, they are AMAZING! See, this is why you are my favorite blog…easy, fast and delicious recipes 🙂 I added cinnamon to them and omg…amazing.
Do you mind if I do a post about them?…obviously linking to your site…
Ooh, funny is I had thought about cinnamon as well 😀 Yours look even lovelier!
Ok, you’ve convinced me! I’m making these tomorrow! I love easy and healthy….if it wasn’t so late, I’d make them now!
These look great Sarah! My problem with “ball” type of treats is that I can’t stop eating them, seriously it’s a problem. I have a new treat coming soon that I think your kiddos will like.
I totally know that one 😀 Munchmunchmunch! And I can’t wait for your new recipe!
Food allergies – what a challenge! But good to know about them very early on. It will certainly expand your kitchen creativity!
I’m like Holly – these kinds of treats don’t last long in our house. So easy to just pop into one’s mouth!
Especially after the gym!! I am circling the fridge 😉
Perfect timing! We need a new snack! I didn’t realize you had a food allergy to contend with. Creativity inspired by necessity. Thanks for sharing so many wonderful kid friendly foods, Sarah. 🙂
Yeah..it is a new issue. Just glad we found out at home – and not while traveling!
Very lucky indeed.
Snackalicious! Hope your little guy is doing okay. Babies with food allergies make me wanna cry 🙁
And I found him yummy crackers that are GF and vegan too! He is a happy baby 😀
What crackers are those? I’m always on the lookout for decent GF crackers 🙂
Love the balls! Maybe I’ll try sunbutter, you make it look so good.
-Dana
Dana, I found these: http://www.snapdragonfood.com/rice-crisps.htm in the whole grain brown rice version. They are very tasty!
I think my baby would love this treat too. I am going to give it a try over the weekend. My Allergy Easy