Jan's Pretzel Salad

Do you ever have times when you see a dish or recipe and you automatically think of that one person who always made it for pitch-ins, holidays or a special 'just because' day?  This is one of those recipes for me.

Growing up we had a lot of get togethers with friends- any time of year, any occasion.  I can sit here now, close my eyes, and think of dishes that always seemed to be at the gatherings and know exactly who brought what side, dessert, or casserole with them.

Pretzel Salad was always Jan's dish.  She didn't bring it every time, but you should have seen everyone's eyes light up when it was placed on one of the long tables already groaning from all the other delicious foods.

I came across this very recipe just a couple days before a pitch-in in our new location and thought it would be very appropriate to share with our new friends here in Texas.  I've had several requests for the recipe and thought I'd go ahead and share today with all of you.

Jan's Pretzel Salad

1 cup broken pretzels
1 stick melted butter
1/3 cup sugar

Mix ingredients until pretzels are coated.  Roast in a 400° oven for 7 minutes.  Remove and stir until cool.

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 15 oz can crushed pineapple ~ drained
8 oz Cool Whip

Cream sugar and cream cheese until smooth.  Add pineapple and mix.  Fold in Cool Whip.

Keep pretzel mixture and cream cheese mixture separate until ready to serve.  Enjoy!

Paleo Berry Crisp

This is good.

Just so you know.

Did I have a couple of kids turn their noses up at it?

Sure.

Why?

One kiddo doesn't like nuts...... of any kind.  (She ate it when I took the nuts off, though.)

One kiddo doesn't like chia seeds....... it's a texture/mind thing. (Although, she will eat raspberries and blackberries just fine. Go figure.)

That being said, this dessert is just bursting with flavor and will actually have you feeling good about eating something that satisfies that sweet tooth!

Ready to start?  Here's what you need....

1. Put cleaned berries {I chose raspberries, blackberries and blueberries} in a 9x9 dish.  Sprinkle with chia seeds.

2. Combine coconut oil, coconut palm sugar, almond meal flour, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (optional).  "Cut" with a fork to make a crumble.

3. Sprinkle crumble over berries.

4. Add chopped nuts to the top. (Optional)

5. Bake in a 375* oven for 25 - 30 minutes.

6. Serve warm.  Or warm leftovers up in the microwave ..... if there are any.

You can even add some frozen yogurt on the side, if you eat that kind of thing! (We do.)

The chopped nuts on top add such amazing texture.  The chia seeds help thicken the fruit juices to create a warm, gooey goodness to savor.

 
Every little (or big) bite was savored.

There were even a couple of requests for seconds.  (Which always makes my little heart happy!)

I'd love to hear about how you like the recipe, if you make it.  Make sure to give me feedback - I would appreciate it so much!

Keep loving Life!