Joy In Life's Details: May 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

People matter & Recipe...of course!

I just have to say it...I love how Facebook and the Internet allows me to connect, reconnect, and stay connected with people that otherwise I wouldn't have in my life. Ok, I understand that sometimes those "connections" are passive but the fact remains I am encouraged, blessed and humbled daily by these friends and people. Just yesterday I received a message from an old friend that sadly I haven't seen in probably 14 years but she wanted to share with me a little about her journey over the last 15 months and how I was somehow a part of it and an encouragement to her.

She has lost over 100 lbs, changed her lifestyle, started working w a trainer (who is implementing Crossfit WOD's into her routine) and over the course of this incredible journey was reading this blog and found recipes, stories and encouragements through it. Wow! I was moved to tears to find out I was a part of this. The great part of moments like this are the memories that flood back in minutes-the fun we had, the things that I learned from her and STILL implement in my life! I wrap gifts better because of her, I decorate with thoughts of her running thru my head, I still make recipes we tried together when we were both newly married, I entertain using little bits of flare she taught me, I light my Christmas tree like she taught me...she impacted me in so many positive ways and is a part of who I am today! I am better because of her and as I sit here typing the memories continue to overwhelm my thoughts!

So, although we haven't seen each other for 14+ years, today I am closer to her then I was 2 days ago and I am grateful! So proud of you! Thank you for sharing with me! Thank you for making me a stronger person! And now for a recipe for you, see the connection from our past.

Paleo Almond Szechuan Sauce
(Use this as a mix for cole slaw, on grilled chicken, pork or shrimp or even on a paleo pizza crust)

2/3 cup almond butter
1 T chili paste (add more for additional heat)
2 T raw honey
1 t coconut aminos
1/2 t fish boat sauce

Whisk all the ingredients together. Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Today was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Well then....

Cookies? What is your favorite type of cookie? Snickerdoodle? Oatmeal Raisin? Truth be told, I bet that Chocolate Chip Cookies are the MOST popular hence the reason they have their own day! And as soon as I heard today was the day...I put it out there that I was BAKING tonight!

And after a rough morning as Mom, I was ready to channel the Mrs. Cleaver in me and bake for my family. In many ways it proves to be therapeutic for me and I think it ministers to the hearts and tummies of the kids too.

This is not a recipe that I can call my own, in fact I owe it all to Kristin Carter for introducing me to it. The other day, she actually told me that she thinks she has the recipe memorized...love that kind of honesty! We are women after all and women love chocolate! These cookies are YUMMY...I especially like the mini Enjoy Life chocolate chips because there seems to me oodles of chocolate in every bite (yes, I said oodles). You can also reduce the chocolate chips by 1/4 cup and replace with shredded coconut or chopped nuts.

Ingredients

1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Coconut Oil, Organic, unrefined
1/2 cup Maple Syrup, Grade B
2 whole Eggs, Pastured
3 cup Blanched Almond Flour

Process

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine dry ingredients.
In a small mixing bowl beat eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and beat with hand mixer until combined.
Melt coconut oil, pour into batter, and continue to blend until combined.
Stir in chocolate chips.
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drop balls of cookie dough, about a tablespoon in size.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Let cool and serve