“Always take a good look at what you’re about to eat. It’s not so important to know what it is, but it’s sure crucial to know what it was.”

My 2 Cents

I am not a spring chicken so having to keep up the teens students so hiking in out of the forest each day can sap my energy. These tasty snacks not only give me good shot of needed calories but also help ease the aches and pains of working in the backcountry, and also help boost my immunity. The chocolate is added for sweetness and a bit of the stimulant theobromine. I start off my morning routine with making these, when I am making the morning coffee and they are done before the coffee is ready and they are chilled by the time am ready to go out the door. They should be eaten a day or two, or freeze enough for a week. Adjust the proportions for your own tastes. In a later post I will give you all my more souped up version.

1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 Teaspoon fresh Black pepper 2 thumb size roots of turmeric 1/2 thumb size root of ginger 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/2 cup date nuggets 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

On low heat In a small frying pan melt the coconut oil, as you are waiting grind the black pepper and then stir it in to the oil. Not only does the pepper spice up the finished product but black pepper increases bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric and provides several other health benefits. Shred the turmeric and ginger and stir into the oil once the black pepper starts to bubble. Continue to stir over low heat until the turmeric changes color. Remove from the heat add the coconut and dates. Let cool a bit and add chocolate chips. Roll into balls and refrigerate until hard.

Enjoy