* SPOKEN WORD added 11.15.21 *
Personal chef turned blogger! One of my favorite recipes is now yours!
My former personal chef clients regularly requested the addition of these blissful bites to their weekly deliveries.
They felt Bites of Bliss were...
-paired perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea
-served wonderfully as a simple breakfast on the go
-a delicious snack between meals
-nutritious fuel needed before or after a workout
-a guilt free substitution for dessert
(Step 1) If you desire to recreate my Bites of Bliss in the comfort of your space, you will need the following ingredients...
-1 cup raw, certified gluten-free, rolled oats
Desire more details on why I follow a gluten free way of life?! The following previous blog post touches on this topic:
-1/2 cup almond butter, fresh ground to ensure no unnecessary added ingredients
(I enjoy grinding at Raisin Rack and Fresh Thyme)
-1/4 cup chia seeds
(Bulk food section recommended to ensure you only purchase what you need, saving money)
-1/4 cup crushed pecans, bulk food section recommended
(You can always substitute your favorite nut for mine)
-1/4 cup organic raw honey
(Local or Manuka honey are great options based on personal preference)
To better understand why I primarily cast my vote for organics:
-2 teaspoons of pure organic vanilla extract
-2 tablespoons of organic shredded coconut meat, bulk food section recommended
(Step 2) Add measured ingredients into a bowl and mix!
(Step 3) Press dough into the cups of a mini muffin pan and be sure to keep ingredients level with the top of the pan!
(Step 4) Remove your Bites of Bliss from pan using a standard kitchen spoon!
(Step 5) Place one Bite of Bliss in the palms of your super clean hands and roll dough into a ball! If you followed my steps listed above you will need to repeat this step to form all bites into 11 balls total!
Unfortunately, too much of a good thing is not better so keep in mind your serving size will be 2 Bites of Bliss per day...
-paired perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea
-served wonderfully as a simple breakfast on the go
-a delicious snack between meals
-nutritious fuel needed before or after a workout
Functional Elements
In a perfect world what we consume should be fulfilling a positive intention. My recipe listed above takes this notion into account by incorporating functional foods!
-Oats:
+good source of fiber helping to lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which reduces risk of heart disease
-Almonds:
+are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin E helping to decrease inflammation and reduce oxidative damage within our bodies
+are rich in the mineral magnesium, which contributes to blood pressure regulation, blood sugar control and muscular function preventing chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
+provide a nutritional profile high in protein and fiber that decreases hunger/appetite
+are good overall sources of fat, vitamins and minerals
+improve cholesterol profile by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol while maintaining or increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels
-Chia Seeds:
+are a good source of fiber helping to regulate appetite
+are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids helping to decrease inflammation in the body and thus disease
-Pecans:
+help to improve cholesterol profile by lowering triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol +are a rich source of minerals (copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc) that support energy production, blood pressure, skeletal health and wound healing
+are one of the most significant sources of Flavonoids in the world, which help to improve immune response, vascular function, glycemic (blood sugar) control and insulin sensitivity
+are high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and a source of protein
-Honey:
+has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory (disease reducing and fighting) properties, decreasing the growth of food-borne pathogens such as E.coli and salmonella and helps to fight certain bacteria, including Staph
+suppress a cough during a common cold
+the darker the color, the better its antibacterial and antioxidant power
(antioxidants remove damaging agents from living beings)
+is NOT recommended for children under 12 months of age
-Local Honey:
+can help reduce environmental allergies
-Manuka Honey:
+native to Australia and New Zealand
+holds a rating between 10 and 25 and according to the Honey Association, a higher rating signifies more substantial antibacterial properties
-Vanilla:
+contains numerous antioxidants that provides bodily protection from toxins and assists in treating intestinal gas
-Coconut:
+good source of fiber
+be careful of daily intake due to saturated fat content
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*Would your stomach feel better if you paired your coffee or tea with 2 Bites of Bliss?
*Do you often skip breakfast? Yet understand the importance of adequate fuel to support your morning routine!
*Are you hungry between meals and unsure of a healthy snack option?
*Do you feel depleted and defeated before or after a workout?
*Got a sweet tooth but hate the guilt associated with indulging in dessert?
*Need bliss?! Eat my balls!
*Did this expression add value to your life? Please consider donating to support in buying a symbolic cup of coffee! Thank you in advance for your contribution & generosity!
May the kitchen be the art room where you create edible masterpieces that literally become you and those you choose to serve!
Peace, Love, & Everlasting Protection!
Namaste,
Maggie Fekete, E-RYT, CHC, BCHHP
Nutritionist
Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher
Certified Health Coach
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
*Learn more about my background and offerings!