Day: December 9, 2016

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Healthy 3 Ingredient Flourless Brownies

I love that there are so many health conscious people out there who love to cook and recreate healthier versions of recipes. I’ve connected with many of them through the social media sites Instagram and Pinterest. I pop on one of these virtual gathering places and find encouragement for the healing journey and inspiration for food preparation. 

I recently discovered The Big Man’s World on both sites. Arman has wonderful recipes on Pinterest and gorgeous, mouthwatering photos on Instagram. Ready to try one of his simple to follow recipes, I selected his Healthy 3 Ingredient Flourless Brownies. 


How much easier could it get, right? These brownies are vegan, and do not contain flour (gluten), dairy products, eggs or sugar. It sounds impossible, but Arman has figured out exactly how to make these treats with only three ingredients: bananas, almond butter and 100% unsweetened cocoa. 


Directions:



In a couple of minutes, I had brownie batter ready to tuck into the oven. I used MaraNatha all natural, smooth almond butter. It only has two ingredients: almonds and palm oil. My bananas were very ripe, providing a hint of sweetness, and I used 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa for full fudgy flavor. 

The aroma from the baking brownies was wonderful. Twenty minutes later I removed the loaf pan from the oven and allowed the brownies to cool completely. Arman calls his creation “visually unfortunate”! But standing there inhaling the fudgy goodness I thought the pan full of brownies looked beautiful. 


So how did this dessert made from three ingredients, and without flour, eggs, or sugar, taste? I cut into the cooled brownies and bit into a small square. 

They were deliscious, with a rich, chocolate taste and just the right amount of sweetness. I’ve been off of sugar long enough that I don’t like for any of my food to taste very sweet. I’ve come to appreciate a variety of other flavors, both subtle and bold. These brownies were perfect. 

You can check out Arman and his recipes and blog on his website HERE. I’m looking forward to trying more of Arman’s clever creations!

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The 12 Days of Letter Writing

I am always open to opportunities to touch another life with love, and especially so this time of year. As I am finishing the year, I ask to be shown ways to give back, either financially or with my time, or both. Then I let go of the request and stay aware. Beautiful opportunities arrive. This year was no exception. 

This interesting campaign caught my attention in my Facebook newsfeed over the weekend. Sponsored by the group The World Needs More Love Letters, the goal is simple, and yet profound: Make love famous. Show people that they are not alone. 

Check out their website HERE

Founded by Hannah Brencher, her purpose is to encourage people by sending them heart-felt, handwritten love letters, reminding them that whatever difficulty they are facing, they are not alone. 

I was immediately captivated. For about a year I’ve felt drawn toward letter writing. In an age of text messages and emojis and tweets, there is something beautiful and soulful about putting pen to paper and letting the words flow, along with the ink. 


Monday evening I participated in my first Twitter party with members of this organization. What fun to meet other women across the US and learn more about the 12 Days of Letter Writing. Those who joined in Monday were given two precious individuals to write to. 

The official campaign kicked off on December 5, and continues through the 17th, with a new person to write to given each day. Although these people are strangers, their first names are given and a brief story is shared. Each person selected to receive love letters can use the encouragement during this time in their journeys, and the reminder that people care about them. 


Tonight I gathered my supplies and caught up on my writing, completing six notes. I carefully read through each person’s story and simply wrote from my heart, sharing love, sharing hope, sharing their journeys in this moment. Their stories are so touching. Their souls, so beautiful. And each one is so deserving of love. I feel privileged to offer words of encouragement to them. 

I’m now current. It will be a great way to end my day, during the rest of the campaign, by writing a love letter each night. 

I’ll drop these notes into the mail tomorrow. They go to dear helpers who will bundle all of the letters together, and send them on to the recepients. I hope each person receives hundreds of notes. 

I am grateful for this opportunity, this invitation, to make a difference in someone’s life. All it requires is thought and a little time and a postage stamp. And love. Truly, what the world needs is more love.