Surviving the Holi-daze - Part I

Dazed and a maybe a little confused at this time of year? You’re not alone.
Feeling overwhelmed with your current commitments and now you have to add holiday celebrations/staff /school gatherings to the mix? Ugh. It’s enough to make you binge on the plethora of sweets surrounding just to get the instant energy hit to get through it all!
Don‘t despair, we’re here to help you not fall into that terrible and all too familiar trap. Instead make your own ‘guilt-free’ goodies. Indulge and enjoy yourself without the repercussions. Take a little time to make a couple of simple recipes for when you’re invited out or are having company in. Engage the kids and let them be a part of the holiday goodies preparation. Have fun with it.
Here are a few of my family’s favorites’ (quite easy when the nuts/seeds are pre-prepared and you have a good food processor):
This one’s really simple:

Oatmeal Shortbread
1 1/2 cups spelt flour
1 1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup organic butter (it’s worth it if you can swing it)
1 cup Panela (unrefined sugar)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. unrefined salt

1.) Cream sugar and butter then add the rest of the ingredients.

2.) Roll into balls and press w/ fork to flatten gently.

3.) Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 15 minutes until slightly golden brown.

Cool and enjoy.

Merry Hemp Balls (see picture)
These balls are always a hit and have only unrefined sweeteners (that will not negatively affect blood sugar, in moderation) and healthy fats (that will not cause weight gain (if kept to moderation). They are especially nourishing when the nuts and seeds are pre-soaked (see below) so I recommend doing that ahead of time to cut down preparation time.
An all around great treat to have around the house for guests anytime or to bring to holiday parties.

1 cup raw almonds

1 cup raw organic pumpkin seeds
½ cup raw organic cashews
½ cup raw organic pecans
1.5 cups organic nut butter (organic peanut or almond)
½ cup pure maple or brown rice syrup/ raw honey
2 tbsp organic Blackstrap molasses (optional)
2 tbsp pure cocoa or carob powder (optional)
or ½ cup dark chocolate chips (to roll into middle of balls)
¼ cup whole hemp and/or flax seeds (optional)
Approx. ⅓ cup shredded unsweetened coconut/crushed almonds or pistachios/whole hemp seeds (for coating)

*All seeds and nuts above should be pre-soaked for at least 8 hours, for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Then, if desired, low-temperature roast them (slowly at approx. 150C) for optimal flavour and storage.

1.)Blend all dry ingredients in a blender or food processor, except flax/hemp seeds (keep whole) and any other ingredients you choose for coating the balls.
2.) Remove blended ingredients, put into large bowl, add whole flax and/or hemp and add ‘wet’ ingredients (sweetener of choice, nut butter).
3.) Adjust to desired moistness by adding additional maple syrup or honey or blended nuts/seeds.
4.) Roll into balls. *If you want chocolate chips, roll into centre of balls.
5.) Grind almonds or shredded coconut or use whole hemp seeds. Spread onto a plate or flat surface and coat the balls.
6.) Refrigerate (or freeze for storage beyond a few days) in a well sealed, opaque container. Chew well and enjoy.

*Yields approx. 50 balls, depending on size. You can double this recipe if desired as well as play around with a variety of nuts/seeds.