As a busy mom I am always looking for ways to make my life easier. Grocery shopping is one of those things that we all have to do, but it can be so time consuming and inconvenient. However there is a fantastic online grocery shopping option from the Real Canadian Superstore which is guaranteed to make your shopping experience easier (and perhaps even more fun) by using their Click & Collect service. You simply place your grocery order online and pick it up when you’re ready! What could be easier?

Recently I spoke about the service on Breakfast Television and also demonstrated two recipes which are fantastic time savers for parents and kids alike. The Toasted Coconut Trail Mix Bites & Peanut Butter and Banana Apple Stack n’ Dip are delicious, nutritious and quick. Perfect for all us busy parents or for anyone who wants a little extra time in their lives. You can watch the 5 minute television segment HERE and the two yummy  recipes featured on the show are listed below:

Toasted Coconut Trail Mix Bites (Recipe courtesy of pc.ca)

Whip up a batch of these bite-size fruit and nut treats to keep in your fridge for a quick and satisfying grab-and-go snack. Soft dates work best in this recipe, but don’t worry if your dates are on the firmer side – simply soak them in a bowl of hot water for about 30 minutes to soften before using.

• Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) PC® Blue Menu Just Almonds Smooth Almond Butter
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) PC® 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
• 1 cup (250 mL) PC® Blue Menu Trail Mix
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) PC® Blue Menu Ancient Grains & Super Seeds Blend
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) PC® Crispy Rice Cereal
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) PC® The Decadent Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

directions:

Pulse dates, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla and salt in food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down bowl if necessary. Add trail mix and seeds blend; pulse until coarsely chopped. Alternately you can use a knife to chop everything into small pieces and mix it all together. Add cereal, apricots and chocolate chips; pulse until combined. Transfer to large bowl; mix with moistened hands if necessary to combine. Roll by heaping 1 tbsp into balls; roll in coconut to coat. Arrange in single layer on large plate or baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.

Makes: about 20 pieces Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 15 minutes Ready in: 35 minutes Difficulty Level: Easy

Per serving (1 piece): 100 calories, fat 5 g (1 g of which is saturated), sodium 45 mg, carbohydrate 12 g, fibre 2 g, sugars 7 g, protein 2 g

Peanut Butter and Banana Apple Stack n’ Dip (Recipe courtesy of pc.ca)

This is a healthy breakfast or snack that is fun to make for kids of all ages!

• Ingredients:
• 1 large apple, scrubbed (skin on)
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) PC® Blue Menu Just Peanuts Smooth Peanut Butter
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced crosswise in coins
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) liquid honey
• 1 cup (250 mL) fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• Pinch cinnamon

Slice half of the apple crosswise into 4 rounds; set aside remaining apple. Cut out apple cores in the round slices using a small knife. Spread peanut butter evenly over top of 2 of the apple slices Arrange 4 banana coins on top of each slice and drizzle each with 2 tsp (10 mL) honey. Top with remaining apple slices. Stir together yogurt, cinnamon and remaining honey in a small bowl To serve, arrange apple stacks on 2 serving plates; spoon yogurt mixture on the side of each stack. Cup up remaining fruit and serve alongside.

Makes: 2 stacks. Prep time: 10 minutes. Ready in: Under 5 minutes. Difficulty Level: Easy

Per serving (1 piece): 310 calories, fat 8 g (of which 1.3 g is saturated), sodium 70 mg, carbohydrate 44 g, fibre 5 g, protein 17 g