Life gets tricky, relationships get complicated and the unknown can be terrifying. There are certainly a lot of ways to read or read-into that last sentence so I should explain.
Tricky=We are all stretched by time constraints. Picking and choosing what to spend our free and work time on is something that we all navigate.
Complicated Relationships= just a fact. With true communications skills on the decline it is easy to become isolated and wonder if the subtext is really a declaration of more.
Unknown= there can and is some sort of anxiety around that which we cannot yet understand. Even excitement can bring with it elements of this emotion.
And yet, despite all of those factors, life has some amazing high points. Times when you realize just how great it is to be in the midst of your life, and enjoying the here and now. These past few months in many ways felt surreal with a dose of magical.
Dress shopping for my daughter’s junior prom brought with it all of the excitement of a Disney princess movie, eg Cinderella heading off to the ball, with elements of tricky, complicated and the unknown lurking. Life as a young adult is not easy and it wasn’t when I was growing up either. Technology now plays a more prominent roll in the lives of this generation; the struggle is real.
And as you may have read in my last blog post, there was some questionable feelings I had as I approached this next decade of my life. Regardless, this next half century of my life (to quote my daughter), was ushered in by people that brought with them contagious happiness and more fun than could be bottled up. In her usual way, my daughter required me to ‘sparkle’ and I went out of my comfort zone and dawned my mermaid-esque top to show that I would not run or hide but meet this new phase head-on.
With so much fantasy in the works…princesses and mermaids alike, the reality was that I was living large and consumed a few too many calories. It was fun, and well, at a certain point I have to get back to the basics. And while this recipe is hardly glamorous food, it fits the parameters of trimming the waistline, providing fuel and eating on the healthy end of the plant-based spectrum. Like all dichotomies, for as much as I love to get all slicked up for a formal event, I also like to wear my faded blue jeans and embrace my pseudo-inner hippie roots (growing up in Marin County in the 70’s and 80’s had a way of seeping into my blood). This carries over to my food vibe too. I love food that is a showstopper and yet I also love food that is simple and healthy.
Coconut Pistachio Bites – This simple combination should not be underestimated, the flavor of the oats, nuts and maple syrup gives this recipe a good texture and subtle sweet flavor. The recipe is quick to assemble, great leftover and a good energy booster.
Coconut Pistachio Bites
Ingredients
1 cup raw, shelled pistachios plus more for sprinkling on top
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup unsweetened coconut
¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp salt
2 TBS olive oil
honey (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, using an S blade, combine pistachios, oat and salt and blend for 30-seconds until it is the consistency of a meal. While the motor is still running, slowly add the wet ingredients (maple syrup and olive oil). A dough should start to form.
Firmly press the dough evenly into the pan and sprinkle with coconut flakes and chopped pistachios. . Bake 10-12 minutes until the coconut is golden brown and the dough is baked. Set aside to cool.
Carefully remove the cooled bites out of the pan by holding the sides of the parchment paper. Cut into squares. For extra sweetness, drizzle with honey.
