Adventures in Purple: Easy as Pie (or energy bars)

I have been reading lots of recipes for healthy cooking and stumbled upon one for homemade energy bars (like Clif bars). Who would have thought I could make them so easily and inexpensively compared to store bought? I bought raw cashews, almonds, medjool dates, shredded coconut and dried cranberries.

Ingredients:

2 Cups Moist Medjool Dates, pitted and chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped (optional)

2 Cups Raw Cashew Nuts

½ Cup Raw Almond (without skin)

¾ Cup Cocoa Powder

A Pinch Of Sea Salt

½ Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

2 to 3 Tbsp Cold Water

Method

I don't have a food processor, but if you do, this would be even easier using one. Using a blender, I chopped the nuts and added the cocoa powder and sea salt. Then, I chopped the dates very well by hand (make sure your knife is extra sharp because this is sticky!) Combine chopped dates with nut mixture in a large bowl. Then add the shredded coconut and the vanilla extract. I believe the best cooking tools are my hands so I got in there and squished it together until it was mixed well. Add drops of water if needed to get the right consistency. Scrape the dough mixture into a 8 x 10 pan lined with aluminum foil, Press evenly with a rubber spatula (or your palm!).

Chill for about an hour. Lift out of pan by the foil and turn over onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and enjoy the homemade goodness! Mmmmmm! Wrap pieces in wax paper to keep them from sticking together. Store in refrigerator.

Pretty cool, huh?

I also made a green smoothie for breakfast this morning - recipe courtesy of my friend at thepracticalhousewife.com.
Basic Green Smoothie

Here is a very basic smoothie recipe - use what you have on hand and more importantly, what you like!

1 cup of water, juice or milk

2 cups of fruit

2 cups of greens

splash of aloe vera juice (optional)

splash of flax oil (optional)

Today, I used fresh pineapple.