Healthier Holiday Cookies

Who says the holiday season means you have to throw your diet/healthy lifestyle out the window?

Yes, I will admit, celebrations tend to equal sweets and treats, and my household is no exception.  The key here, people, is moderation... and modification...

We've all heard the moderation thing before.  That's right... leave that 14th cookie on the platter and have a glass of water... your straining waistband will thank you.  At least I know mine will.

Reflection: Getting My Priorities Straight

I've been reading and studying through "Lies Women Believe (and the truth that sets them free)" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  You may remember me mentioning this in a previous post and yes... I'm still only halfway though the study.

Today's chapter focused on a lie that many women believe... in fact, many women I know personally have fallen into this trap:  believing that the title, "Wife" or "Mother" is somehow less important than career and looking down on those women that choose make the wife/mother role a priority.

I'm Still Here! I Promise!

My apologies - it's been a month since the last time I posted anything... there's been a lot of stuff going on in my life lately, but the good news is, there's light at the end of the tunnel!

With the holidays almost upon us, it's time to start (or continue) thinking about Christmas gifts for friends and family.  In the next few weeks, I'd like to post a few DIY gift ideas, as well as a party idea or two and of course, at least one more recipe.

Big plans!!!  So stay tuned!

And thank you for bearing with me. :-)

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

This is ice cream not for the faint of heart.

I will admit, it does take some time and effort, but the results are SO worth it.  I've been experimenting with some ice cream recipes this year, but this one is by far my favorite.

Apple Cider Baked Doughnuts

Apple Cider Doughnuts are a fall staple at every apple orchard I've ever visited.  I MISS FALL!!!  Born and raised in New England, fall to me means the scent of wood smoke hanging in the crisp fall air, apples and pumpkins, colorful leaves on the trees and crunching underfoot.

Sigh.

Adventure Date: Caverns Tour

M and I went on a great day trip recently to Florida Caverns State Park.  We spent the day walking nature trails and were able to take a guided tour of the caverns approximately 65 feet underground. 

Hubby and I kind of have a thing for caves... we toured another cave in Colorado last year and loved it.

I also loved the fact that the cave is a balmy 60 ish degrees all year round. Slightly damp, but nice and cool.  Especially in Florida when it's like 80 degrees in October.

Coconut Lime Power Balls

Shortly before our trip to Canada, I happened upon a recipe for a reverse engineered Larabar (similar to Cliff bars or Luna bars - basically pre-chewed nuts and dried fruit.  Sounds gross, but actually isn't bad.  As long as you don't think about it too much).

Inspired, I took to the kitchen to try out a few varieties... which I loved!  I brought 3 varieties with me on vacation and they held up really well on the plane and in the car as we traveled.  They were great for a quick energy pick-me-up while we were on the go.

When we got back home, I decided to branch out and try some other varieties, then got REALLY adventurous and created my own version with ingredients I had on hand - mostly inspired by a bunch of limes from the discount produce rack. Gotta love 12 or so limes for about $1.50.  I didn't care that they didn't look pretty; they tasted amazing!

I have to admit, these power balls are best fresh.  But, in a pinch, you can freeze them and they still taste fine a month or so down the road.  Disclaimer:  they only lasted 6 weeks in my freezer...because  I ate the last of them just recently on our day trip to the Caverns.  So, I'm not sure exactly how long they will last... 

Coconut Lime Power Balls

by Raye

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: none

6031409

Ingredients (8-10 balls)

• 1/3 cup cashews
• 1/3 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/3 cup unsweetened, unsulphured golden raisins
• zest of 1 lime
• juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 Tbsp)
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

In a food processor (or blender), process nuts for about 30 seconds until they reach a mealy consistency.

Add raisins and coconut; process another 20 to 30 seconds, until raisins are chopped finely. Add zest, lime juice, and nutmeg. Pulse until combined. Mixture should stick together when pressed between your fingers. If mixture is too dry, add water 1/2 tsp at a time until mixture comes together.

Roll into equal balls, approximately .75 oz each (1/2 inch diameter). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (or in the freezer for up to 6 weeks).

Note: balls can be somewhat sticky, feel free to roll them in more unsweetened, shredded coconut so they don't stick together when packed.

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These are also a great variety to make if you have a hard time finding dates in your area - golden raisins tend to be a little easier to come by.   Note - I made these in a food processor (recommended), but you could also make these in a blender.

Let me know what you think!