a sweet homecoming
I didn’t want to advertise the fact that I was home alone (albeit protected by the ferocious Boosty, Ha) but Viper has been overseas for the past week, which made my teething toddler troubles all the more harder to bear. His return today has been so wonderful, it actually feels like the whole household has just breathed a sigh of relief… Boosty has calmed down and is not tearing up the front lawn every time a leaf blows past. It’s weird, it’s like both Misty and Boosty knew something was not quite right, and were both unsettled by the missing Viper.
I seriously take my hat off to single parents. You deserve medals, or gallons of chocolate and wine.
Viper spent a bit of time away last year too, when Misty was younger, so I wasn’t too concerned about him being away for just over a week. Let me tell you, looking after a little baby on your own is NOTHING compared to a toddler. My oh My. I’m shattered.
I can’t thank you all enough for your lovely, supportive comments. Sometimes just knowing you are not the only one going through a certain situation is enough of a boost to get you though.
I like sprouting things… I like waking up life from hibernation. Chickpeas are my favourite things to sprout, as they are easy. The smaller-sproutables annoy me, as I tend to lose half of them down the plug hole in the rinsing/draining phase. Sprouted dehydrated buckwheat groats are one of my favourite things… but by the time I do the jar-juggle, get them onto a sheet and into my-not-so-ideal dehydrator there are probably 16 groats left. Boo.
One day I’ll have a big fancy dehydrator without a whopping great hole-thing through the middle of it. Shelves are indeed a fantastic invention. Or maybe just a proper sprouting jar? Hmmm.
Anyway, I LOVE chickpeas… I love them too much. When I love them too frequently, they do not return my affections. Sprouting-wise they are a breeze as their size makes them much less fiddly. Sprouting actually makes them more digestible, and they keep me fuller for longer for some reason? Win and win.
I thought I would share the photo above to illustrate how strange my taste buds are. Here we have raw shredded brussel sprouts, sprouted chickpeas, this relish, green peas, and a “Salad Cream” made from cooked blended black turtle beans, Savoury Seasoning, raw garlic, apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper.
Weird… but delicious (to me).
Below is something that is hopefully delicious for all….I’ve been making variations of these for years. Actually I think something close(ish) to this was my first foray into making healthy treats – the start of a beautiful relationship with my food processor. I’ve listed a few substitutions for this recipe – I have heard a few of you aren’t all that keen on dates (!) I admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of those shrivelled up little nuggets that come in the packet from the supermarket – try medjool ones, you won’t be disappointed. Otherwise use prunes and raisins. I’ve kept this super simple… but feel free to add nuts/seeds whatever you like.
Carob Coconut Bites:
(Vegan, gluten/wheat/seed/nut/grain/corn/soy/refined sugar free)
- 1C pitted prunes
- 1/2C dark raisins (or pitted dates)
- 2 T carob powder (or cocoa)
- 1t vanilla extract
- *Optional 1-2T of a liquid sweetener eg honey, maple syrup, agave – I didn’t add this but if you have a raging sweet tooth then feel free.
- 1/2t sea salt
- 3/4t lemon juice
- Coconut Butter (I used the raw version here) or dessicated coconut for coating.
- Pulse all ingredients in a food processor.. it will form a large sticky ball.
- Wet hands and roll into balls – whatever size you like.
- If I am coating in coconut butter I like to do mini-balls, as the coconut butter gives a little crunch and texture. It’s easiest if you roll the balls, let them harden in the freezer, and then coat with coconut butter (softened). Place them back in the freezer – they are brilliant as frozen treats! These remind me of those yoghurt covered raisins.
- If I roll in dessicated coconut I will usually pop a whole walnut (or any nut) in the middle of the ball, and make them slightly larger.
Yummo.
34 Responses to “a sweet homecoming”
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Vegan. Stay at home Mum of Misty. Yoga teacher in training. Passionate about REAL food - creating it, eating it, sharing it. I can never stick to a recipe.
Don’t you got one of dem dar sprouting jars with the fine mesh lids? I’ve not lost a single sprout yet, but it could be because I’m sprouting big sprouts (alfalfa, radish, chickpea, mung bean)
I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be alone with a toddler and I’d be totally unqualified to offer support. Just as if you would feel weird offering sympathy to someone who’d been attacked by bears, shat on by dinosaurs and shot down by hostile artillery in the same day.
Ah well. Sprout on, good lassie, sprout on!
I need to get one, Angie! I’m just using my colander so I end up tipping half of them all over the place. I WILL track one down, as I LOVE all sprouts.
I saw them at Binn Inn when I was in NZ… should have grabbed one! (Love Binn Inn!)
Ha, shat on by a dino
Yes Binn Inn! They’re the best : D Email me your addy and I’ll send you one, them dar sprout lids are ridiculously cheap. Love the binn inn in Rangiora in particular, they have every weird thing I want, from sauerkraut to mushroom soy sauce. They’re always very very nice to deal with too, personable and genuine with American soft drinks (by God! I adore those!) in plenitude!
Oh thanks Angie, you’re a star…. Dr Pepper? I am working on my own batch of sauerkraut right now, so excited!
I’m glad to be a star! And I’ll be equally glad to hear about the outcome of your sauerkraut. You know, our ancestors ate it because they were poor… but we eat it because it is actually delicious.
Dr Pepper? A few WONDERFUL places have that, but what I adore is the Binn Inn’s selection of “grape sodas” “cherry sodas”, root beers (ordinary and vanilla tinctured) and all sorts of American exotica. Who was the man who invented carbonated sweet things, and did he anticipate the fact that he would have the whole world kneeling at his aluminium altar? These things are ridiculously bad for me but I allow myself one at a time as a treat.
That’s it, Angie -treats are great, everything in moderation – a wee vice here and there is good for the spirit I reckon
Aww I’m so glad you’re feeling better now that Viper is back! Now you have a little time to recharge and rest and get back to your normal self. Cake always helps lol
I think that salad sounds fantastic by the way. I guess I have weird tastes too
I love that you covered those in coconut butter! I just did that with some goji-berry date bites I made and you’re right it’s just like a yogurt coating! I wish I hadn’t used all my coconut butter to do it though lol. Now I need to make more!
Good thing is when you DIY coconut butter it is SO cheap to make! It’s amazing how much they charge for a jar (here in Aussie) when it costs less than $2 for a whole food processor full of coconutty glory
Gals with weird taste buds unite!!!
Hey Lou – they look yummy, will have to track down some carob powder and give them a try (still too scared of the caffeine in cocoa after a terrible day with Jarrah following a chocolate binge!). I have been meaning to ask you if you sprouted as I have been faithfully sprouting boring old mung beans as a staple for years, however when ventured into mustard seeds ended up with a slimy mess! Any tips? I do have a mesh-lid sprouter and it does make life simple! Do you know, can you sprout quinoa just from the grain you buy dry in the supermarket? I have lots of recipes using sprouted quinoa so want to give it a try.
Well done for surviving a week alone with a toddler! One of our motivations for Tas changing jobs was so he wouldn’t be away so much – not only is it hard for mum but dad missed seeing his little girl every night! A
Oh I LOVE mung beans sprouts…. Yummo, not boring at all! I have been wanting to try quinoa too – I will totally get a mesh lid so I can give that a try.
My thoughts with the mustard seeds is maybe because they are so small, too much water is kind of hanging around in the jar… possibly try sprouting them spread on a piece of muslin, spread flat on say a baking tray? Then you can bundle them up like a sack, rinse, gently squeeze to get rid of excess water and spread out flat again?
Aduzki beans are also really yummy to sprout, really similar to mung beans
I drank so much “hot carob” when was pregnant, so comforting AND no caffeine! I love the flavour, it;s so rich and earthy.
Much love to you and your gorgeous family xx
Thanks Lou – will try the muslin idea – you are so clever and innovative! And will keep an eye out for adzuki beans too. Never seen chickpeas sprouted either – looks awesome. Your blog is very inspiring – has given me new energy to explore new foods and recipes! So easy to get caught up in the same old same old! Samarah loved your cheesy polenta shapes recipe – will definitely be making them again!
I used to eat lots of carob and got so excited whenever I passed ‘Carobana’ world in Coffs Harbour (they do yummy sugar free carob) but went off it for some reason and haven’t had it for ages. Thanks for reminding me about an old friend!
XX
Let me know if the muslin thing works… worth a try anyhow!
I’m so glad you are getting excited about exploring fun (real) food – I reckon as parents it’s so important to give our kiddos the best chance possible, and nutrition is everything. It’s kinda frightening some of the “foods” marketed towards kids these days!
ooooo Carobana sounds like my kinda place
xx
so did you sprout those chickpeas? cause i would inhale them too if could. tummy woes! and you deserve buckets of wine and bakers chocolate! Or a vacation!
Yup yup, sprouted little chicky-peas… do you sprout? Do you find them easier on the tum? Hope you’re feeling OK
Boo to tummy troubles.
Glad things are a little easier now that Viper is back. My husband was working this INSANE job earlier this year, where he was never home till after Holden was in bed and then gone before he woke up (so essentially never here lol). It was sooooo hard. I often tipped my hat to single parents too. I honestly don’t know how they do it on a regular basis, I do it once in a while and it is enough to do me in.
Those bites look/sound delish! Love me some little snack balls
Snack balls are the BEST, huh?
I hear ya on single parents…. dead set LEGENDS they are – I could not do it. I better keep being nice to Viper then I suppose! Awesome that your husband is working better hours now.
When Reuby was about 12 months old, Lee went to a conference in Melbourne for 4 days. Reuby went MENTAL. He woke up really early every morning and went on a hunger strike, refusing to eat. Then when Lee came back he didn’t want to have anything to do with him. Strange little minds!!
Sounds like you need a break! I would die after a day alone with my toddler.
What are the benefits of sprouting?
Oh yes, these little beasts are certainly a challenge… but they teach us some pretty amazing lessons about ourselves, no?
Sprouting is great… it makes the sprouted food easier for the body to digest/process so you get the optimum amount of nutrients available. If you have a sensitive digestive system (as I do) it makes them a little more gentle on the tummy (some people have problems with beans/legumes ya know?) It’s also just a nice change… they add a great texture to salads and fantastic if you are eating High Raw
I don’t usually announce when Jason is out of town either, until the day I know he is returning (as it is, he will be flying home tomorrow morning, yay!). Glad your house is complete once more… I know how everyone kinda relaxes.
I too love chickpeas too much? I need to try sprouting them… been meaning to for a while.
these bites look perfect – and I rarely add extra sweetener either – the fruits are sweet enough for me!
Hi Kristina! Totally sprout yourself some chickpeas… they are such a nice crunchy addition to salads (and easier on the tum!) Dried fruit is like candy to me… LOVE the stuff – plenty sweet!
those are like healthy raisinets! so pretty and delicious! i’m so glad viper is back – my mom was a single mom and i seriously don’t know how she did it. she’s my hero … all single moms (or moms in general) are!
Yup, your Mum is a legend… do you have siblings? Seriously ONE is enough for me!
I about fell out of my chair when I saw that last photo. COCOA YUM! I love chick peas as well, I have never sprouted them though. This looks fun. I do get skeeved out when onions and garlic start to grow shoots. Mainly just the onions..the multiple finger like shoots look like alien fingers.
I reckon when potatoes start sprouting and turn green is the WORST ew ew ew. Sprouting is fun though, I think sprouty beans are cute
I think you are inspiring me via this post to start sprouting chickpeas too. I have always thought about doing so just have been too lazy. Really though? How does one become that lazy that they don’t want to do nothing??? Glad you have your Viper back! xo
Dude it’s quite fun… sprouts are cute. Viper says they freak him out
I hear ya on the lazy-don’t-wanna-do nuthin’ thing…. I wish I took full advantage of that before I had Misty!!! I wish I could just spend a whole day sleeeeeeeping!
Oh, you are even more of a champion now we know you were doing it all on your own!! How on earth you didn’t just end up eating peanut butter from the jar like I’ve been doing when, you know, I’m just stressed from work and life and don’t have to take care of an entire little person, I’ll never know.
Oh Hannah, my favourite activity after I have put Misty to bed is eating almond butter. Healthier than hitting the vodka me thinks?!
Thanks for the great Bin Inn feed back as the store owner of Bin Inn New Brighton it was great to get a customer in to store today.She was so happy to be able to get sprouting lids and in return she passed on to me your great blog.I must say that I am most impressed and I will be sending people to this blog.Keep up the great work and I look forward to more great things to come
Oh, thanks Nikki! I was so impressed with your selection of products last time I visited Binn Inn when I was back home for a holiday… it’s hard to come by good bulk foods these days. Thanks so much for reading and the lovely comment
i must try that
You totally should! It’s Yummo
Samarah and I just made these and they are yummo! Sam ate half the mix before it even got turned into balls! We added some almond pulp from making milk for a bit of extra texture. Yummo!
I have been making balls similar to these (i just throw in any dates/dried fruit and nuts, honey, tahini) which we call ‘bliss balls’ and I use for bribery with Samarah (terrible mummy bribing with food!).
Yay! I love carob and prunes together, such a nice combo.
Hey as long as it’s healthy food used for bribery, I reckon that is A-OK (whatever works I say!) I’m sure I’ll do it when Misty is older…. actually I bribe him with “milkies” already, Ha!
I love how almond-milk making is a win/win – yummy milk, plus pulp for other goodies!