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Hippie Oatmeal Cookies with Hemp Seed Hearts

Hippie Oatmeal Cookies with Hemp Hearts

A Healthish Cookie

“February in Salinas is likely to be damp and cold and full of miseries. The heaviest rains fall then, and if the river is going to rise, it rises then.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Of course cookies aren’t very healthy, nutrition wise. Unless we add mental health, comfort and satiety. And a need for really good snacks. And hemp seed hearts. Hemp Seed Hearts are loaded with vegan protein and amino acids which is why they are typically added to smoothies or smoothie bowls. I’m not adverse to smoothies, they just aren’t a favorite. Making cookies is more interesting. Something I would do any day. READ MORE . . .

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Ina’s Coconut Cupcakes

Ina Garten's Coconut Cupcakes

A Favorite Recipe for Easter

“Cathy walked lightly, almost dancingly around the house and into the street. The trees were breaking into leaf and a few early dandelions were in yellow flower on the lawns.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Once I made Ina’s Coconut Cake for my mom, she was obsessed. Anytime I asked her what she wanted me to bake for her she asked for Ina’s Coconut Cake. I always thought chocolate was her favorite but for her birthday, Mother’s Day and Easter it was “that Coconut Cake”. (I held firm on Thanksgiving, that’s pie season. She knew Christmas was for cookies.) This is from a woman who routinely bought the 36 bar packages of Hershey’s with Almonds at the local big box store. Any desserts with coconut were a favorite of hers. If there was chocolate and coconut, all the better. She had no fear of making those hugely decadent Seven Layer Bars. Coconut Macaroons usually appeared during the holidays. She dipped the tops in melted chocolate chips. My mom made an apricot bar cookie that was topped with coconut streusel. I must find that recipe, it took an entire jar of apricot jam. We loved her oatmeal cookies, no raisins, she detested them and never had them in the pantry. But lots of walnuts and coconut and yes, chocolate chips. My mom has been gone a year and a half and I really miss her. The sharp edges have softened, but my heart still tightens at the most unexpected time. The last time I made this recipe was Mother’s Day 2014. I’m ready to share the recipe, its perfect for spring and Easter, the season of renewal and rebirth. READ MORE . . .

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Toasted Sesame Peanut Bars

Toasted Sesame Peanut Bars

A very good snack bar

“You’re burning that bacon. Charles turned quickly back to the stove. It’ll just be crisp, he said, I like it crisp. He shoved the bacon out on a plate and broke the eggs in the hot grease and they jumped and fluttered their edges to brown lace and made clucking sounds.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

It’s that time of year when sweets and all manner of other highly caloric scrumptious foods appear. The temptation to over indulge is everywhere. I’ve got a little diversion. It will satisfy the craving for something a little sweet with enough protein to power through the afternoon energy slump. The sesame flavor is the star of this recipe with the added bonus of peanut and coconut. A huge explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. This is a snack bar for those who enjoy the subtle flavor and crunchy texture of sesame seeds. There is anticipation of a great home made snack when the aroma of toasting sesame seeds fills the kitchen. Then the mingle of warm honey, peanut butter, coconut and vanilla seal the deal. READ MORE . . .

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Almond Joy Energy Bars

Almond Joy Energy Bars

A Craving

“Let’s get it over and the door closed shut on it! Let’s close it like a book and go on reading! New chapter, new life.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I’m floating into the New Year. Just going to let it happen. Not swimming against the tide, not pushing against the closed doors, not going to deny the passage of time. Making a commitment to move on—no loads of heavy thoughts or remorse over unmet goals. It’s new territory and I’m happy to have an invitation to attend the opening ceremony. This year was consumed with loss and I am ready for change. I crave a new beginning. READ MORE . . .

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Low Fat Granola Clusters with Almonds, Coconut and Strawberries

Granola with strawberries

Whole Grain Goodness

“The stove was warming, with orange light showing around the lids and the soft thunder of drafty flame leaping past the open damper. The kitchen clock flashed its pendulum behind its glass skirt, and it ticked like a little wooden hammer striking on an empty wooden box.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Granola with fresh fruit is a terrific way to begin the day. Whole grain goodness to power through the morning with hints of sweetness to wake our sleepy minds. Add just enough seasonal fresh fruit and we are seduced into a moment of daydreaming before we begin our day. Granola with quality ingredients can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought and perhaps best of all it requires no prep time on busy mornings. A batch can quickly be made on the weekend and it will last through a week of breakfasts for a family. READ MORE . . .