Friday Favorites with Food Loves Writing

Today I'm talking with Shanna of the blog, Food Loves Writing. I hate that it's taken me so long to find this blog. Shanna resides in Nashville with her husband, Tim, who also works behind-the-scenes on the blog. She's an excellent writer, and has a gift for telling stories. Their recipes are healthy, accessible, and sound oh-so-good. Avocado fries, anyone? I've been looking for a good tomato jam recipe, and this one sounds perfect. Make sure to follow along with Shanna and Tim as they cook their way through their CSA box this season.

Shanna, what's your favorite food?

Shanna: I had this whole conversation in my head once about what I would do if I could only eat one food for the rest of my life. It would have to be something nutrient-dense, versatile and, obviously, that tasted good—in other words, coconut. We eat coconut, in one form or another, literally every day: vegetables roasted in coconut oil, baked goods filled with coconut flakes, rice dishes with coconut and curry, hydrating coconut water. On our honeymoon, we even got to drink straight out of freshly cracked coconuts with giant straws—a surprise that made the trip to Hawaii even sweeter.

Thanks for sharing Shanna! Have a great weekend everyone!

Raw chocolate truffles

Morning! Man, it's hard to get going after a great long holiday weekend. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Now Christmas is really just around the corner. I heard so many Christmas songs and saw many trees tied to the roofs of cars on my drive home yesterday. People were outside stringing lights and decorating in 70 degree weather. It's amazing how fast we switch from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Last year we screenprinted these tea towels for friends and family for Christmas gifts. So we've been trying to come up with some new ideas this year. I'm thinking about making edible gifts. If so, these truffles might just make the list.

These treats only contain four ingredients, but yet they seem decadent. They're raw, because they aren't baked or cooked. The nuts are soaked overnight and the dates are soaked before blending together. I also tried a batch without soaking the dates, but I prefer the texture of the soaked dates. You could add other flavors like dried cherries, cinnamon, orange zest or mint extract.

Raw chocolate truffles

Makes about 20-24 bite-size balls
1 c walnuts, soaked

1 c dates

4 T cocoa power

1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt

~1/4 c unsweetened, shredded coconut

Soak walnuts for about 8 hours, drain. Soak dates for 15 minutes, drain. Put walnuts and dates into a food processor along with the cocoa, vanilla and salt. Blend until smooth. Roll into bite-size balls (0.75 inch round) with your hands. Then roll through the coconut, covering completely. Freeze for at least an house before serving. I keep them in the freezer and let thaw about five minutes before eating. But they didn't see to ever freeze all the way.

Energy snacks

I've always been a morning person. I enjoy getting up early, and having time to myself before I start the day. I can tell a big difference when I do. Running first thing in the morning, before breakfast or coffee, is my favorite routine. I always hated running in the cold, until I trained for a half-marathon last year. Now I prefer it to running in the sweltering summer heat. There's something about running half-asleep in the cold that I find invigorating. I think part of it is wearing proper running tights. I could live in them (and often do on the weekends).

As the weather is becoming colder, I've started to increase my distance again. With that comes an increase in appetite. I decided to make homemade energy snacks, instead of buying larabars at the store. These snacks are so easy to make (if you have a food processor) and are to eat on-the-go. I thought Josh would be skeptical, but he loves them. I've already made several batches the past few weeks. What do you munch on pre- or post-workout?

Feel free to add substitute your favorite dried fruit (dates, cherries, cranberries) here. Another variation I tried was with more apricots and coconut butter. These snacks are loaded with heart-healthy fats, omega 3s, fiber and protein to keep you satisfied.

Energy snacks
2 cups almonds
4 dried apricots, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
1.5 tsp cocoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp almond extract
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp flax, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
Shredded unsweetened coconut

Soak the almonds in clean, filtered water for at least 4 hours.* Pour out water and rinse almonds. Put almonds into a food processor with the remaining ingredients (except the coconut) and blend. If it's too dry, add a little melted coconut oil or more honey. You should be able to roll into 1 inch balls easily with your hands. Roll through the shredded coconut and enjoy pre- or post-workout.

*I think this step is key. Not only does it help your body digest the almonds easier, but it give the snacks a better texture.