Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars Recipe {And a Review of The Yummy Mummy Kitchen Cookbook}

Marina (aka Yummy Mummy) has mastered the art of cooking with a few top-quality ingredients in such a way that when combined, their simplicity transforms into something complex and unexpected.

Yummy Mummy recipes are uncomplicated and unpretentious, yet absolutely elegant in their simplicity, making them perfect for both a weeknight meal with the family, as well as a formal dinner for a special occasion. Marina’s cookbook, The Yummy Mummy Kitchen, is one of the prettiest cookbooks I’ve seen in a while and I’m excited to share my thoughts on it with you!

Let’s dive right into the recipes.

Salted Brown Butter Cookies

Given that this recipe is very straightforward and contains just a few ingredients, these cookies are surprisingly complex in flavor. Rich, buttery, and slightly nutty, with deep notes of caramel and a twinge of vanilla. Brown butter is magic in here. The sea salt flakes on top add not only their briny salt flavor, but a bit of crunch too, and pull everything together. This recipe was a favorite – one of the best cookies I’ve had in a while – and it will be pulled out again for my holiday baking, as I know it will be a huge hit with everyone, and a fun way to switch up the cookies I traditionally make. (Although I doubt I’ll wait until the holidays before making these cookies again!)

Favorite Guacamole

Any time I find out someone’s favorite recipe I’m always tempted to give it a go. When I saw Marina’s recipe for her favorite guacamole and realized I had everything in the fridge, I pulled out the ingredients and it was mixed up in about 3 minutes flat. And I couldn’t have asked for a more delicious afternoon snack.

Marina has perfected the recipe: it has a fantastic balance of piquancy from garlic and onion, tanginess from lime, sweet/tart flavor from tomato, and buttery goodness from avocado. A sprinkling of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper are the finishing touches. And I love that her version isn’t completely pureed…not only is there no need to dirty the food processor, but it means the guac has some texture. Marina, I hope we can share favorites.

Potato-Scaled Halibut

This beautiful dish is impressive enough to entertain with, but quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Another great thing about this meal is that because the flavors are so clean, I think it would pair well with just about any bolder-flavored side dish you’d like to serve it with. I served it along with a green salad dressed with homemade ginger-garlic-soy dressing, but it would be just as lovely with a side of Herbs de Provence-seasoned roasted vegetables or a creamy tomato-basil risotto.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars

As much as I loved everything, this is my favorite Yummy Mummy recipe so far…I’ve made it four times in the past month and a half! I’ve found it’s the perfect thing to whip up for a potluck or party, since it’s versatile and works well as breakfast, snack, or dessert. With intense peanut butter and jelly flavor, it’s a favorite all around.

Head over to my post on Culinary Covers for the full recipe for Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars from The Yummy Mummy Kitchen cookbook!

Disclosure: I received a free review copy of The Yummy Mummy Kitchen (HarperOne; April 2013); as always, opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items, which helps me keep this site alive – thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!