I have to say, of all the things I have ever loved most, there really is nothing that compares to the smell and look of deep black soil, and the feel of it on your hands and your jeans after a good day of digging and connecting with the ground. I'm not sure I've shared much here about my little passion for gardening, but that could very well be because the last few years have been well, kind of, not really about that. Until now that is!
I'm pretty happy to report that as of today, there are now two perfectly placed wooden planter boxes perched on my boulevard, and they are full to the brim with rich organic soil that was placed by a team that is doing great work. Yup, I'm growing food this year, and I can't wait to take you all along for the ride!
If any of you know the beauty of eating local food, then imagine the supreme awesomeness we'll have access to all season long with fresh greens literally right outside the door. And I'm not talking about the grocery store down the street either (though we are pretty spoiled there too). The benefits of eating food freshly picked have been widely documented, but simply put, produce that's freshly picked is just more alive. It's got the sun's vital energy, and all that incredible green life force still in there when you eat it. We will hopefully save some dollars too, and even better, have some fresh goods to give away to those who have less. There's no other way to put it, it's just a very good thing!
Do you grow food? If so, share with me! I'm new here and I'd LOVE your tips!
On another note, I feel I've been somewhat vague in my posts of late, mostly because I've been just plain overwhelmed, but for those of you curious, we did decide to cancel our trip to France this year. I had a friend reach out and ask how it was, and since she hadn't seen any shares on any social media, was feeling a bit confused at the absence of details. For that I apologize, as I kept trying to find a way to share, but my mind has been pre-occupied with matters more pressing (how could anything be more passing than blogging, you say?! I know! Craziness!) It's true that we were supposed to go in February, but sometimes these grown-up lives of ours get filled with all these grown-up things to do. I wish I could find a way to describe all that's been happening, and I'm sure I will, at another time, and in another post. But for now, let's enjoy this lovely treat, as even if we can't always do all the things we want, we can at least enjoy just a little something sweet ;) Don't worry Paris, I'm coming for you, that is one thing I know for sure. But for now, let's talk growing food, eating raw candy (with COFFEE in it!), and looking ahead to the future. Bon appétit! xox
Fudgy Coffee and Nut Fudgy Candy
Inspired by Angel Foods
- 5 pitted Medjool dates
- (1.5) cups Brazil nuts
- (3) tbsp raw sugar, or Sucanat
- (1/2) cup cocoa powder
- (1/4) cup whole coffee beans, or powdered grain beverage substitute
- (3/4) tsp cinnamon
- (1/2) tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
So back when I was still floundering around with sub-par (read: cheap) blenders, I could never have dreamed of making this (as I don't own a food processor and haven't for years). But the good news is if you have a decent blender with a good attachment (like the Blendtec Wildside) you can easily make this in your blender. However, even I must admit that a food processor is THE ideal tool for a recipe like this.
Simply combine all of the ingredients in your food processor and run until everything is smooth and well combined. The best texture is one where everything has been processed super fine and you have a truly fudgy consistency. I don't worry about soaking the nuts here, but you could, and I like that it's easy and requires no forethought.
When you've reached the desired texture, transfer to a parchment lined loaf pan and refrigerate until hard before cutting. Cut into small one inch pieces and transfer to a container to be kept in the fridge. Enjoy anytime you need a pick me up and jolt of caffeine! Perfect just before an afternoon workout.
