summer treats

During these long summer days, we can support ourselves and maintain balanced energy with healthy treats. Instead of grabbing something quick and chock full of preservatives when you are starved, pack some of these treats in your snack bag.

As always, be well and enjoy whatever you eat.

Maple Pecan Fudge

You will need:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon each: cinnamon and nutmeg

Place all ingredients in a blender and combine.

Fold in 1/2 cup pecans.

Pour into a loaf pan lined with parchment/waxed paper. Allow the mixture to cool in the freezer or fridge into solid. Slice into small 1 inch by 1 inch squares or slices. Because of the coconut oil, these will melt if not kept in the fridge or freezer.

Protein Power Squares

You will need:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

• 1 banana, mashed

• 1/3 cup nut butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips

• 1/4 C chopped walnuts

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix everything together. Shape into squares. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bars

You will need:

• 1 cup peanut butter (no sugar, organic) - substitute any nut butter you prefer

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 cups cooked brown rice

• 1 cup chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Melt peanut butter and maple over low heat.

Once all of the mixture is all melted, add the rice and chopped nuts.

Mix all of it together and press it into a 9×13 pan.

While the rice part is cooling, melt the chocolate chips, cinnamon and vanilla over low heat. I just use the same pan for this part to save on dish washing.

Spread the chocolate chip mixture over the rice base, put in the fridge to let cool and soften.