Minimal Waste Recipes:

Granola Bars

Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cup oats

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup chopped pecans

¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs

¼ cup ground flax seed

2 Tablespoons chia seeds

2 Tablespoons hemp seeds (optional for an extra boost in nutrients!)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

½ cup honey or agave

2 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Line the bottom and sides of an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper or cooking spray

2. (optional) mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir the liquid ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and smooth

3. Mix ingredients well, then evenly spread the mixture into the prepared pan and chill for at least 2 hours.

4. Cut into bars and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, or in the freezer for one month if you can make them last that long! ;)

*All ingredients can be found at your local bulk food store! Bring your own containers to make this tasty treat zero waste!*

Power Balls 

Ingredients:

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

½ cup dark chocolate chips

1 cup oats

½ cup ground flax seed

2 tablespoons honey or agave

Instructions:

1.       Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so that they are easier to roll.

2.       Roll into 12 bite sized balls and store in the fridge for up to one week.

*All ingredients can be found at your local bulk food store! Bring your own containers to make this tasty treat zero waste!*

Crock-Pot Yogurt

Ingredients:

½ Gallon (8 cups) milk (I use 2% cow’s milk but you can use other fat contents or try other milk types although you may need additional thickeners)

½ commercial plain yogurt that says “Live and Active Cultures” on the tub

Instructions:

Add milk to a large crockpot and leave on low for about 2 ½ hours. Then unplug and let sit for 3 hours.

Stir in ½ cup yogurt and let sit for 8-12 more hours. If it’s cold in the room wrap in towels or a blanket.

Place in container and refrigerate for a few hours before serving

Options:

For Greek Style Yogurt you can strain the finished mixture in cheese cloth for a few hours (keep in fridge while straining).

You can flavor the yogurt with jam, pie filling, concentrated juice or fresh/frozen fruit.

You can also store ½ cup of the finished plain yogurt to use as the starter for your next batch.

For more resources, visit: https://green.eckerd.edu/plastic-reduction.