Thinking Out Loud

TAX SEASON IS OVER. Let’s just all celebrate for a sec. In keeping with our celebration, I thought it a good idea to offer you all a tasty summer recipe now that you’re hopefully getting more sleep after April 18th.

We all know and emphasize the importance of a good night’s sleep. Study after study confirms it. Our bodies go into full repair mode when at rest which is crucial for muscle recovery, weight loss, mindfulness and cellular regeneration (among many other things).

Here is a tasty recipe that I adapted from an old cookbook. I changed a couple of ingredients to keep it in line with my plant based diet. I will give you both options ;)

Just in case, here are a few things to avoid before you lay your head down: dark chocolate, high fat foods (ice cream) and anything with too much sugar. I usually like to wind down with some fennel tea which aids heavily in digestion.

Summer Cherry Bake

(Cherries, oats and nuts are said to help aid in prepping the body for relaxation which is why I chose this recipe)

Ingredients:

2 cups organic oatmeal (old fashion style)

1/2 cup tart cherries (it’s better if you boil them down in a little water and sugar first to assure they’re soft enough)

½ cup walnuts

2 flax eggs (mix 2 tbsp ground flax meal with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 2-3 minutes and substitute for regular eggs)

1tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

4 tsp cinnamon

2 cups Almond Milk

2 tbsp vegan butter (I use Earth Balance) or regular butter works too of course

2 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract

3 tbsp coconut sugar or agave (add more if needed), regular sugar is fine too

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Combine nuts, oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon

Combine flax egg mixture, vanilla, butter and almond milk

Pour oat mixture evenly in a baking dish

Add flax egg and milk mixture to cover all the oats

Add the cherries to the top (add some agave or coconut sugar to the cherry mixture)

Bake for 30-40 mins or until firm

Finish by sprinkling with powdered sugar or more coconut sugar and serve warm. ENJOY!