Healthy Almond Joys

Are you an Almond Joy lover, but trying to eat healthier?  This is for you.  It doesn't taste exactly like an Almond Joy but it is made with almonds and is a "joy" to the taste buds.  And it will be a "joy" to you because it's healthy!

Healthy Almond Joys

2 cups pitted dates
1 cup almonds
1/2 - 3/4 cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)
2 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder
1/4  teaspoon almond extract

Put almonds in high speed blender (I used my VitaMix) or food processor and blend until almonds are fine consistency.  Add the coconut and blend.  Then add the dates, cocoa and almond extract.  Blend until combined, scraping sides. (It will be lumpy, but that's okay.)

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.  Put mixture into the pan and press with your hands and finger into pan.  Refrigerate and cut into squares.  Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.

Crock Pot Red Lentil Soup

 

With the weather getting cold, there is nothing like hot soup.  This is a healthy soup made in the crock pot that is "umm umm good!"  And red lentils are really good for you!  I like mine thick, but if you want it more soupy, just add more water.

Crock Pot Red Lentil Soup

1 (16 oz.) package red lentils
2 teaspoons tomato bouillon with chicken flavor



2 teaspoons onion powder

1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
5 cups water

Mix all ingredients in a crock pot.  Cook on low for 5 - 6 hours.

**I found my red lentils at an Asian grocery store.

Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing

My sister always tries to eat healthy and eats lots of salads.  Her trainer gave her this great salad dressing recipe.  I made it in my VitaMix.  It is really good and best of all, good for you!

Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing

1.4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Happy New Year!

Now is the time to make your New Year's resolutions.  Of course, I always have the same resolutions each year because I start off with a bang and then, POOF--they disappear.  Each year I say I'll do better.  So again this year I will try to do better.  One of my goals for 2015 is to EAT HEALTHIER!  I can't guarantee how long I'll keep it, but enjoy the healthy recipes while you can.

Here is a delicious, no bake, cookie dough that tastes like candy.  Healthy candy, of course.  See, I'm already thinking about candy and it's just the first day of the new year.  But this is healthy candy, right?  You're gonna love these! I sure do.  It makes about 14 balls and I could eat every one at one sitting!  But that wouldn't be healthy would it?!

Here's to you and me keeping our resolutions in 2015!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tablespoon dark cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons peanut butter
pinch of salt
2 Tablespoons chocolate chips

Using a VitaMix, blend the cashews and rolled oat together.  Add maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa and salt and blend/pulse until combined.  Mixture will be a little sticky and you'll need to scrap sides.  Add chocolate chips, blend.  Add peanut butter and pulse again, scraping sides.  Put mixture in a bowl and knead together.  Form into balls and enjoy.

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge--if they last long enough!