Chocolate Peppy Squares

These squares are out. of. this. world.  They are quite pepperminty, which is great for a huge peppermint lover like me!

They are extremely easy to make and keep well for a long time, especially when kept in the freezer.  Please make them.  Your boyfriend/girlfriend, family, co-workers will thank you!

Chocolate Peppy Squares

Adapted from www.ohsheglows.com

Ingredients:

2 cups oats (blended into fine flour)

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup almonds

5 tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 tsp fine sea salt

2 tbsp soy milk/almond milk

5 tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp peppermint extract (depending on taste)

1/4 cup oats

1/2 cup mint chocolate chips (ohhh yeahhhhh)

1/2 cup mint chocolate chips (for topping)

1 tbsp coconut oil (for topping)

flaked coconut (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Blend oats into flour using blender or food processor.  Put into bowl (I used my stand mixer)

2. Process nuts until semi-fine consistency.  The consistency is a personal preference.  Add nuts to oats mixture.

3. Add cocoa powder, sea salt, milk, maple syrup (make sure you add all 5 tbsp as this helps bind the "dough"), peppermint extract, oats and 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips.

4. Mix until well combined.

5. Line an 8 by 8 baking dish with wax paper.  Add mixture to dish.  Press down using your fingers until everything is firmly pressed together.

6. Melt 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips and 1 tbsp coconut oil in the microwave until melted.

7. Pour and spread over top of mixture.

8. Sprinkle with coconut.  Put in the freezer until chocolate topping has set.

This is why wax paper is so amazing! Comes out clean without any sticking.

9. Cut into as many squares as you'd like. 

10. Freeze and enjoy!

And yes, I realize I am a huge nerd considering I labelled the bag, but I mean, come on...who doesn't love labelling? Am I right? Please tell me I am...

Great Greek Salad

It's that time of year again. Out with the comfort food, in with the fresh food.  During the winter months, I tend to gravitate towards more comforting food, as I'm sure we all do.  Sure, they're delicious and yes, I try to make them as healthy as possible and get my greens in different ways (thank you green monsters) but after awhile it gets old.

The sunny, warmer weather we have been having has inspired me to create meals using much more fresh produce. I love this time of year for that.  

This greek salad is as simple and delicious as can be.  It was supposed to go alongside homemade spelt pita bread...but, as you can see by the pictures below that didn't happen.  Note to self: Read ALL instructions before you begin cooking.  As I was cooking the chicken, I realized the pita dough needed 2 hours of rising time.  Whoops.

Great Greek Salad

Ingredients:

1/2 cucumber

1 green pepper

1 red pepper

2 tomatoes (or 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes)

1 shallot

1 romaine heart

feta cheese

olives

basil

Directions:

1. Cut up all vegetables and put them in a large bowl.

2. Top with feta cheese, olives and fresh basil.

3. Toss with dressing (recipe below).

Red Dressing

adapted from www.howsweeteats.com

Ingredients:

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Juice of 1 lemon

1 1/2 tbsp honey

2 garlic cloves or 1/2-1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp herb de provence

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4-1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients into a blender and blend (rocket science, I know!)

The wonderfulness that is olive oil becomes creamy when blended, so this is actually more of a yellow dressing than red...oh well, I'm going to keep the name!

A simple dinner for two

Fresh salad with baked chicken on the side! Mmm...

What do you like to eat your greek salad with?