My kids love granola bars.  And, really, so do I.  It's so nice and convenient to just grab a granola bar and go.  But I hate all of the extra ingredients in the store granola bars.  So, I set off to create my own I'd be happy to feed my kids.

​I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

As you know from my last homestead diary, it is milk season here for us.  This means I am constantly on the search for recipes that are going to use up a LOT of milk!  As I scanned my brain for foods that I know use a lot of milk, pudding came to mind.  I wanted to create a pudding recipe that was delicious AND healthy for my family, made with natural ingredients, and this is what I came up with!  I hope you enjoy this delicious, chocolatey goodness just like we did!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 3 1/6 cup milk (we used whole milk)
• 1 tsp. vanilla (if you're not making your own, here's a recipe on how you can!)
• 2 T. butter

Combine the maple syrup, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a saucepan and heat on low.  Continuously stirring, add in the milk and bring to a boil.  Allow the pudding mixture to boil for one minute, stirring continuously.  Remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and butter.  Chill the pudding for 2-3 hours and serve (it can also be served warm).  This is great with a dollop of whipped cream!
​

This hearty meal filled with root vegetables and venison is sure to fill you with warmth and goodness on a cold day!  Paired with homemade biscuits for dipping, this is a perfect fall or winter meal!