Products We Love

I was at Costco over the weekend and happened about these tasty little treats. 

FiggyPops

They are so, so delicious, contain no refined sugar and are made from 100% all natural ingredients. Next time you are in Costco, you should definitely pick up a bag (or two) and try them!

C&C in the Kitchen

For the month of January I have made an attempt to cut both refined sugar and alcohol out of my diet. Truth be told, I haven't cut it out completely, but I'm trying, and that's what counts. 

On Friday I was craving something sweet, so I decided to try a new recipe I found for No-bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars on the blog Hummusapien. 

These bars are GOOD. I mean....really, really good! It's hard to just eat one...or two...or three.  I made them again yesterday using almond butter, and they were equally as tasty. Try them. You won't be sorry. 

INGREDIENTS

7 large pitted medjool dates(about ½ cup packed), soaked

5 tbsp hot water

½ cup peanut butter

3 tbsp brown rice syrup (or honey)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups old-fashioned oats

¼ cup chia seeds

2 tbsp ground flaxseed

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a shallow baking dish with parchment paper (or wax paper). I used a 7x11 glass dish.

Place pitted dates in a bowl. Cover with boiling or very hot water (I used my tea kettle). Allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes.

Place soaked dates plus 5 tbsp of the soaking water in a blender (I used my nutribullet). Blend until combined. The mixture will be very thick.

Place date mixture, peanut butter, brown rice syrup, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well-combined and heated through.

In a large bowl, combine oats, chia seeds, and flax. Stir in wet mixture until combined.

Spoon mixture into baking dish, pressing very firmly so mixture is evenly spread throughout pan. It should be very compact. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly. Remove top piece of parchment and freeze bars for at least 2 hours.

Cut into 12 bars. Store in the freezer.

C&C in the Kitchen

Over the weekend I hosted a "Fashion First Aid" party at my house. I had some ladies over for afternoon snacks and beverages. More to come on the purpose of the party in another post, but in the meantime, prepare yourself to salivate....because the two recipes I am about to share are not just good, they are amazing! And an extra bonus, both are healthy-ish, meaning no refined sugar!

Let me start with the most perfect gluten free, vegan summer dessert, the Summer Fruit Pizza. The crust is made with nuts, honey, golden raisins and dates, the sauce with raspberries and lemon juice, and the cheese with cashews, lemon juice and honey. The recipe called for Stevia, but I substituted honey and it worked perfectly.

This pizza/tart may look complicated, but it took me less than 20 minutes to make. 

You can choose any type of fruit. We love berries in our house!

It was definitely a crowd pleaser. I will be making this dessert again, and again and again. It was THAT good! 

The next recipe is also crazy good. There's a reason they are called the "Best Ever Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Bars." It's nearly impossible to eat just one, or even two. 

The recipe source (moneysaving mom) took a more appetizing photo than I did. 

But I guarantee mine tasted just as good. 

These are a great brownie or cookie alternative for anyone that likes peanut butter and chocolate. 

I suggest you try both as soon as possible! You won't regret it!