The Last Energy Bar Recipe You'll Ever Need

This recipe is self-explanatory... It is the best! Energy bars are so easy to make and are so healthy! They're a great pick-me up snack when your running on the go and need a little boost of energy quickly. I was looking online, saw this recipe, and thought I should share. So don't spend 3 dollars for a Larabar bar at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, make them yourself and enjoy them just a little bit more! This recipe is courtesy of the Monthly Portland. 


Ingredients
1/3 cup quicos (if you can’t find quicos, feel free to substitute plantain chips, pretzels, roasted nuts, or another favorite crunchy treat)

3/4 cup gluten-free oats


1 cup pitted Medjool dates (around 10 plump dates)


1/2 cup almond butter


3 tablespoons cacao powder


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions

In a food processor, pulse the quicos until they resemble coarse sand and small pebbles, then remove and set aside in a large mixing bowl. Add the oats to the food processor and process until they resemble coarse sand. Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture sticks together when you squeeze it into a ball with your hands. You may need to scrape the mixture down from the sides of the container. 

Transfer to the mixing bowl and use your hands to evenly fold in the ground quicos. 

Press the mixture into a 9x9 baking dish and refrigerate before cutting into bars. Alternatively, roll into balls. If the dates or almond butter aren’t moist enough for the mixture to stick together, sprinkle in water, a few drops at a time, until the mixture sticks. Store in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. Enjoy the bars on your next hike, climb, run, or sweat session!

Want to mix these up with new flavor combos? Swap the almond butter for another nut butter, dates for another dried fruit, cocoa powder for some protein powder (or even some chocolate cricket flour!), or spike the blend with some cayenne and/or cinnamon...bottom line, have fun playing with your food!

"Mini Desserts From Your Mini Blogger..."

Key Lime Pie Bites

I absolutely love how fresh these Key Lime Pie Bites taste! But like me, if you find yourself craving Key Lime Pie but have none in sight, grab these tropical cuties and get on with your day! No need to wait for a table and menu!

"Since key limes aren't super easy to find everywhere, I made these bad boys with freshly squeezed lime juice. The flavor is spot on! If you're lucky enough to have access to tart and tasty key limes or have a good quality key lime juice you'd like to use, go for it! My family is obsessed with Nelly's Key West Lime Juice for making pies, cocktails, and energy bites galore!

I'm not 100% sure how many balls this recipe makes, as I keep eating half the "batter" before I've realized what I'm doing. I usually end up with 8 energy bites, though I'd venture to say you could end up with 10-12 if you don't immediately start eating it straight out of the food processor. Whoops!

STORAGE SUGGESTIONS: may be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, though I haven't been able to get them to last more than 12 hours. Enjoy cold or allow them to reach room temperature before snacking, whichever floats your boat! You can even freeze them! Whoohoo!"

From Peas and Crayons, the author of the blog wrote a few notes that I have copied above, such as serving suggestions and substitutes.

This recipe is courtesy of Peas And Crayons.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw unsalted almonds
• 1 cup unsweetened dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup baking walnuts or pecans
• 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• extra shredded coconut for topping
• zest of 1 lime
• juice of 2 limes (aim for 1/4-1/3 cup juice)
• teeny pinch of salt

Directions

1. First add your almonds to a food processor
2. Pulse a few times until roughly chopped.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and blend/pulse to form a cookie dough-like consistency. You may need to push the mixture off the sides of the processor and towards the blades once or twice depending on your processor.
4. Blend to desired texture [I like them a little bit chunky] and move mixture to a cutting board. If it's too sticky to handle, feel free rub a little coconut oil on yours hands while you roll your energy bites.
5. Roll into bite-sized balls, then roll in shredded coconut for a burst of tropical goodness!

I hope you enjoy this recipe! 

Resolution Recipes is a energy bar calendar... Everyday I will be posting a new healthy bar or dessert you should definitely try starting 2017! So get ready to burn some calories and start the new year right!

"Mini Desserts From Your Mini Blogger..."

Coconut Balls

If you're a lover of coconut then this energy snack is perfect for you. With maple syrup as a natural sweetener and cinnamon, a spice that packs a healthy punch.

Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. 

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols (3, 4, 5).In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like garlic and oregano (6)

Inflammation in the body is incredibly important. It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage. However, inflammation can become a problem when it is chronic (long-term) and directed against the body’s own tissues. Cinnamon may be useful in this regard, because some studies show that the antioxidants in it have potent anti-inflammatory activity (3).

In animal studies, cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood pressure (3)

Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms. First, cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal. It does this by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract (12, 13). Second, a compound in cinnamon can act on cells by mimicking insulin (14, 15). This greatly improves glucose uptake by cells, although it acts much slower than insulin itself. Numerous human trials have confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 10-29% (16, 17, 18) 

The effective dose is typically 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day (around 0.5-2 teaspoons).

Basically use cinnamon whenever you can, in your morning coffee perhaps.

Ingredients 

1 3/4 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut, divided

2 teaspoons of melted coconut oil

3 tablespoons of maple syrup

2 tablespoons of unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/8 teaspoon of salt

Directions

1. Place 1 cup of shredded coconut in a food processor along with the coconut oil. Process on high speed, scraping down the sides periodically, until it reaches a paste like consistency. It does not have to be completely smooth, coconut texture is good!

2. Add the maple syrup, coconut milk, cinnamon, and salt, and process until well combined. Add 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to this mixture and mix till well combined.

3. Shape the mixture into 12 (1-inch balls) and coat with remaining shredded coconut. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. 

I got this recipe courtesy of The Kitchn... This is my fourth post of my January healthy dessert calendar, Resolution Recipes. Resolution Recipes is a energy bar calendar... Everyday I will be posting a new healthy bar or dessert you should definitely try starting 2017! So get ready to burn some calories and start the new year right!

              "Mini Desserts From Your Mini Blogger..."

Chia Pudding

Chia... Chia sends massive amounts of nutrients with very few calories to your body. Only 1 ounce (28 grams) has 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 18% calcium, 30% Manganese, 30% Magnesium, 27% Phosphorus, and decent amounts of zinc, Vitamin B3, Potassium, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B2. So you can see that these little seeds pack a big bunch, right? And you can even grow it at home... Ever see those infomercials about Chia Pets?! 😋

Using chia in one of my desserts was a top priority because of all the health benefits and the amazing texture it gives to any dessert. I tested out a few recipes and found the perfect one on the back of my milk carton! Here we go... Be optimistic and give this recipe a whirl!

Chia pudding uses chia and liquid. Liquids such as, milk, yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk are all fine. You can find chia seeds at your local organic food store or even in the grocery store, in the organic or baking aisles. 

Ingredients 

1/4 cup chia seeds

1 cup of liquid

1/2 tablespoon of sugar

*Use the coulis recipe in The Basics blog post for a tart and sweet topping. Granola is also a great topping, especially with blueberry coulis.*

            

Directions

1. Mix chia seeds, liquid, and sugar together in a small bowl.

2. Pour into a ramekin, bowl, mason jar, etc. and place in the fridge for 3-5 hours or overnight, until the pudding looks thick and the chia seeds have gelled.                   


             "Mini Desserts From Your Mini Blogger..."                                            

Cake Batter Bars

Although the title may intrigue you, these are still healthy bars. Using oat flour and cashew butter these bars are the bomb.com. And you won't feel bad eating a little "cake"! This is my second post for Resolution Recipes. Check out my first post at Just A Little Desserts! Grab some sprinkles and a little icing and let's make a "cake" that you'll feel good eating!

Resolution Recipes is a healthy dessert calendar... Every day I will be posting a new healthy bar or dessert you should definitely try starting  in 2017! So get ready to burn some calories and start the new year off right! 

Ingredients

2 cups of crispy rice cereal

1 cup of oat flour

*Make your own by blending oats in the food processor...*

1/2 teaspoon of salt

6 tablespoons of roasted cashew butter or any nut butter substitute

1/2 cup raw agave or honey

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Handful of sprinkles, optional

Directions

1. Combine the crispy rice, oat flour, salt, and sprinkles, together, and stir well.

2. In a separate bowl, combine nut butter (microwave nut butter if it's cold for easier mixing), honey/agave, and vanilla.
3. Combine both mixtures together to form a batter.
4. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment or wax paper and pour batter, making sure the top is nice and smooth.
5. Refrigerate or freeze until hardened. Once hardened cut into bar shapes. This recipe makes 12 bars. 

I got this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie. She has many healthy baking recipes and I will being using some of her recipes in Resolution Recipes. 

This recipe is great because it is low in sodium and cholesterol. Only 133 calories and fills your belly with the taste of cake without all that sugar. This recipe only has 12.1 grams of sugar and from all natural sugar (honey/agave.)

If you guys would like me to post a specific recipe or do a Q & A about healthy recipes or any future recipes of mine... Comment down below!

Hope you enjoy! 

 "Mini Desserts From Your Mini Blogger..."

Vegan Chocolate Avocado Brownies

This recipe is perfect for the start of Resolution Recipes! With avocado substituting butter and peanut butter filling your hungry belly with protein and healthy fat, this recipe is the best fit! All the same tastes of a brownie, without the unhealthy unnecessary ingredients keeping you from dropping the number on the scale! Avocado Peanut Butter Brownie, here we come!

Resolution Recipes is a healthy dessert calendar... Every day I will be posting a new healthy bar or dessert you should definitely try starting in 2017! So get ready to burn some calories and start the new year off right!

Ingredients

1 cup of peanut butter

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 cup of white sugar

1 avocado, peeled and pitted

1/2 cup of soy milk  *You can use any milk you want such as, almond or coconut...* 

1 cup and 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour  *You can substitute any flour...*

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/8 teaspoon of salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C.) Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. 

2. Melt peanut butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan at low, remembering to stir often so as to not overcook the chocolate and make it seize.
3. Blend avocado and milk in a food processor or blender until smooth. Stir avocado mixture into the chocolate mixture until well combined, making sure not to overmix. 
4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl until light, fluffy, and well combined. Add avocado-chocolate mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.

5.  Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and place into the oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Another way to tell if the brownies are done is to look at the edges. Are they crisp? That is a good sign that they are done.

6. Cool completely before cutting and serving.

           "Mini Desserts From Your Mini Dessert Master..."

Hershey Kiss, Pretzel, M & M Candies

Happy Holidays! 節日快樂! Bonnes vacances! Schöne Ferien! Καλές διακοπές! Happy Kapu! חג שמח! छुट्टियों की शुभकामनाएं! Selamat berlibur! Laethanta Saoire Happy! Buone vacanze! ハッピーホリデー！Felices fiestas! God jul! Boas festas! Счастливых праздников! ¡Felices vacaciones! 

(In countries such as Germany, Spain, etc. holidays means vacation so some translations up above mean, "Happy vacation!") :)

Hi everybody! Yesterday was Christmas! Yesterday my aunt had a big family gathering where aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers, will get to see each other and exchange gifts, my favorite part!

I usually bring some kind of dessert to the Christmas gathering so today I will be "gifting" you my favorite simple Holiday dessert/snack/unstoppable force you can't stop shoving in your face...These pretzel bites are the perfect combination between salty and sweet. They're cute, easy to make, and are sturdy enough to store in a ziplock bag, perfect for bringing to a Christmas gathering.

A butter snap pretzel (squares, flat), a Hershey kiss, and an M & M. That's it!! That's why I love these! Let's get started...

_________________________________________________________________________

Lay your pretzels on a sheet pan in a single layer, depicted above...

Place your M & M on top of the pretzel and pop them in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until Hershey Kiss is shiny at a 275 degree preheated oven. This part is easier with a helper! They can unwrap Hershey Kisses and place them on the single layer of pretzels.


Once the Hershey Kisses are slightly melted (shiny) and soft enough to push a M & M candy into, glently push a M &M into the smushy Kiss until the M & M is secure and the Hershey Kiss has formed a sort of nest around the M & M, holding it in place, as shown below...

Place the warm candies into the fridge to harden. Once Hershey Kiss is cold and hard, place the candies in a ziplock container/bag. These are a great gift and an all around season dessert saver! For Christmas, when I make these candies I usually use Peppermint Hershey Kisses and red and green M & M's. For Easter you can use pastel M &M'S with a white chocolate Kiss, etc. You can really experiment and find flavors you enjoy. These take 10 minutes and are a great gift or snack around the holiday season!

Happy Holidays and have a safe and healthy New Year!!

                   
                  "Mini Desserts From Your Mini Blogger..."