VALENTINE'S DAY GOODNESS
Yesterday I gave myself a challenge to spend 15 minutes and make healthy, raw, delicious truffles to give to those I love for Valentine's Day. It was a cold, gray, February day here in New England and I had lots of work to do and while I was feeling generous....I also had one MAD sweet tooth!
Here's what I came up with. I hope it will make your loved ones SWOON as it did mine. Well, those who are home that is....or shall I saw...my husband, my mom, and my daughter's best friend Isabel who happened to stop by (smile). Whitney, when I sent her the recipe noted: "I love you Mom, but these sound disgusting. I'll stick with real chocolate."
Sigh....go figure!
Mimi's Valentine's Day Deliciousness -- Good for you too!!!
½ cup dates
½ cup raw almonds
2 tablespoons tahini
½ cup raw almond butter (I like crunchy)
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (more for rolling)
¼ cup cacao nibs (healthy divine little sugar free nuggets -- could use cacao powder instead)
1 tsp vanilla (or cinnamon would be good too)
1 tablespoon ground flax seed (if needed)
DIRECTIONS:
-Chop dates and almonds in food processor.
-Add tahini, almond butter and buzz again.
-Add cacao nibs, coconut, and vanilla (or cinnamon) and mix on low speed until smooth...but still making sure to have the nibs as little chunks.
-If it's too wet add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed.
-Roll into tiny little truffle balls and then roll each ball in coconut. Put in fridge.
Then...just TRY to stay away.
Wrap these up in a special heart shaped box...and share with your family on 2/14. Here are some other tips for showing your children that they are loved! Valentine's Day isn't just for romantic love!
Sending my love and light your way!
FAMILY LOVE: VALENTINE'S DAY AND BEYOND
1. Make a list of all the things you love about your child. Type it on decorated paper, roll it up and tie it with festive ribbons. Place it on his breakfast plate to find first thing Valentine’s morning.
2. Come up with a secret way to show love to someone you know doesn’t receive much. How about heart shaped muffins in a pretty basket left on an elderly neighbor’s doorstep?
3. Ask your kids what’s beautiful to them then include more of it in your lives.
4. Have a family Valentine’s Dinner -- lots of red, candles, lacy doilies, little white lights wrapped around the room, and heart felt conversation.
5. Don’t forget to care for your own well being -- more sleep, healthy foods, time alone, laughing with friends. It’s easier to be loving parents when we love ourselves.
6. Remember to treat your child with love and respect. Never do something to her that you wouldn’t like done to you.
7. Come up with a secret sign that means “I love you.” It comes in handy at the bus stop or in a crowded room.
8. In addition to the expected edible treats like the truffles above, give the gift of time to your child. A heart shape note could list ideas such as: *a hike together, *breakfast on Saturday morning - you choose where, *your favorite book -- read by me.
9. Take a close look at your daily activities. Could you focus more on caring for each other than caring for things?
10. Remind your kids that real love doesn’t expect a pay back.
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