Some "Spring Candy"

Easter is around the corner and we will celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ. He is alive and THAT is the reason we celebrate Easter.

How we have turned this into a bunny hopping and candy filled holiday just blows my mind. Don’t get me wrong. I like a bunny and I love candy,  but I think we just get our focus all messed up. The problem is unless you live in a bubble you can’t avoid the commercialism of it all.  So what’s a girl to do about the yellow sugar peeps and giant chocolate bunnies that stare at us from grocery store aisles?

In the midst of this sugar laden time of year I am afraid that not only do we take our eyes off Jesus  with all the meal planning and baking,  but we forget to treat our bodies well. Now before you go thinking I am some kind of nutrition freak please remember what I said, I like candy. The problem is I like ALL things sweet! I do love nutrition, I even thought of be a nutritionist but God had other plans. Anyway, back to the post…… My meals are not my problem. I eat very healthy. Grilled and lean meats, veggies, lots of salad, smoothies etc…… It’s the sweets people, it’s the sweets. I come from a LONG line of excellent cooks and we all love to bake. Just last weekend my mom made a pecan pie, a chess pie and a chocolate meringue pie just because! “Holy Spirit, please produce self control in me” is all I could say! So in an attempt to refocus myself both spiritually and physically I made myself a little “Spring Candy”. When in comes to practicing self control I find I do better if I have prepared in advance. Having these little treats in the fridge help me say no to sugar and yes to taking care of me. Taking care of me helps make me more fit for service to God and to others, so it’s a win either way you look at it!

Apricot Protein Truffles

About 1/4 a cup of dried apricots (very packed)

1/4 cup all natural vanilla protein powder

2 Tbsp almond butter

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup solid coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup slivered almonds

A few dashes of cinnamon

Place the apricots in a small bowl with very hot water and let them soak for 4-5 minutes.  While they are soaking, place your other ingredients in the food processor.

Remove the apricots from the water and reserve the water they are in. Place them in the food processor with your other ingredients. Add one Tbsp of the reserved apricot water. Pulse all ingredients in the food processor. You will see the mixture come together. If you need to add another Tbsp of water you can, just be careful not to get the mixture too wet or it will get very sticky.

Remove the mixture and place on waxed paper and roll into a large ball. Then break off small amounts and roll into individual balls, about an inch in size (you can make them as large or small as you like).

These little treats will keep in the refrigerator about a month. They will keep at room temperature for 3 to 5 days and they pack well in lunches etc….

One truffle is about 50 calories depending on your protein powder and they are very low in sugar, under 2 grams per truffle!

Now this is a treat worth having!

Living Free,

Rene’