GRADUATION GIFT: MINI COOKBOOK!

Last year I had weekly dinners with a group of girl friends. Each week, we would rotate who brought what- appetizer, vegetable, main dish, dessert, and drinks- and the theme of the dinner was set by the person bringing the main dish. It was so much fun to have a set time (that we could organize our busy schedules around!) each week when we could share our cooking with each other. As a graduation gift, I decided to make little cookbooks containing the theme and dishes brought each week, along with the recipes of all the goods I contributed. They loved it! And it was really easy to make. Basically all you need to do is print off your recipes and paste them in a little drawing book over some decorative paper! I decided to change the fonts and backgrounds for each week based on the theme, but you could definitely keep things more simple. Here are some pictures!

HEALTHY SNACK: RAW BALLS

We love testing out healthy, fun snacks and naturally (pun intended) these raw balls quickly became one of our favorite go-to snacks. 

Packed with protein, raw balls just like the name aren't cooked. Instead are a blend of a bunch of healthy ingredients and then frozen and served cold.

Here's what you'll need for our raw balls:

raw balls

1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup raw carob powder
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 whole almonds
2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

Place the walnuts in food processor until coarsely ground. Add dates and mix until well combined. 

Next add the carob powder, maple syrup, almond butter vanilla and sea salt. Process until mixture is thick and smooth. 

Add almonds, pulse, the almonds should remain larger for a good crunch. 

Roll into golf ball size balls. Roll balls into the coconut. Place in sealed container and freeze until hardened. Once frozen... serve at any time and enjoy this protein-power fueled snack that's tasty and healthy!