I'm not always one to want to make no-bake treats, simply because I love turning on the oven and seeing what I've mixed up turn into something new. I have to say though that these no-bake candy bars are changing my mind. They are probably my most favorite thing I have created in a while!




These candy bars are packed with all the good things. They have no processed sugar, can be made paleo, are gluten-free, and vegan! and they are so so so good!! I really suggest that you make them stat!



If you wish to make these paleo, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter




I find that the peanut butter taste gets more prominent once you let the bars sit overnight so try not to eat them all at once!

Everything in the pan

Chocolate on!

After setting

Chocolate Quinoa Candy Bars
Adapted from here 
Makes 12 small squares

Ingredients
For bars:
12 pitted dates (or a little bit more than 1 cup, let soften in water if needed)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
For chocolate:
2 tbsp coconut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
3 tbsp honey
3-4 tbsp cocoa powder


Directions
1. Place all bar ingredients in a food processor and blend until the mixture comes together and everything is combined
2. Line an 8x8 baking dish with wax paper and evenly press the mixture in
3. Place in fridge while you make the chocolate
4. Place coconut butter and coconut oil in a bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals until melted
5. Add in honey and stir vigorously
6. Add in cocoa powder and carefully stir until mixture is combined and looks thicker
7. Pour chocolate layer over bars
8. Place in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes until chocolate mixture is hardened
9. Take out of freezer and remove bars from dish by gently picking it up by the wax paper
10. Cut into bars and eat!
11. Store in fridge

I have been gone for so long! I wish I could tell you that I was on some amazing adventure but sadly I was busy with school, work, and my extracurricular activities.

It was fun but busy!


If you have been busy as I have I'm sure you'll appreciate today's recipe as its easy, quick, and requires no oven. In my opinion the best thing about these is that you can eat them right away! This is a perfect summer treat to nourish you through day and keep you cool. They are also raw and deliciously healthy so really you have no reason not to make them!



Spiced Raw Chocolate Oat Spheres
30-40 spheres depending on size

3 cups oats
2 cups shredded coconut
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp fresh orange zest
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
1/4 cup agave syrup
1/4 cup warmed coconut oil
1/2 cup water

1. Mix dry ingredients into a bowl
2. Mix agave with coconut oil and water and pour over the dry ingredients
3. Mix well until coated
4. Using your hands, form balls with the raw oat mixture and set onto a tray or plate
5. You can let the balls set in the fridge or eat right away! They taste great if you let them set

I also added some chocolate chips but that's completely optional

I know that many of you out there have made a resolution to be healthier in 2012. Popular resolutions always include eating better, exercising more, and losing weight. I think these are great resolutions which can help you live a healthier life. The trouble is many people lose sight of these goals as the year moves forward.

Drinkable cake!
Hope that got your attention...

Do you ever get that craving for a little something extra sweet? You may have had a healthy dinner and a nice little dessert but you feel like you want something more. Well, I get that feeling pretty much everyday so I try to fill my belly and satisfy my sweet tooth with nourishing but delicious foods.

I love desserts that taste decadent but are actually healthy. I especially love foods that are fun!



This recipe is the normally savory hummus made sweet. Please do not think that chickpeas won't go well with sweet things because they do! I have been wanting to make a cookie dough hummus for a long time and I wish that I had done this sooner. It tastes so good!

It’s a combination you've probably seen countless times. Dates and nuts. Aren’t they just perfect together!

I call these Spheres of Joy because they are like little sweet balls of energy. My mom calls them candy, so you can call them that too. But remember they are better than candy because they have no unhealthy fats or sugar in them.

It has been too long since my last post! I had some midterms this past week and I was more worried about where the subclavian artery was located than anything else. Sorry! But now I am back. I also have the week off so you can expect a few posts.

So what's new? Well, you may have noticed that little button at the top that says "Contact". I have been working on making an e-mail for my blog and I now have one! If you would like to contact me please e-mail me at cupcakeskat@gmail.com.

I also just got a Twitter so if you like please follow me. I'm really new to Twitter and not so sure what to do so I would appreciate your friendship.

Though university can be stressful at times, it can also be a lot of fun.

My favourite professor, teaches me the Social Science of Sports. She is absolutely crazy but I love her because she is fun, makes class time go by fast, and makes the content interesting.
She also loves cheesecake!
My favourite quote from her recently, which she said upon a student leaving class, "One day, if any of you become a teacher, you'll understand. If a student leaves your class early, all you'll want to do is: pack up your stuff, buy a cheesecake, go home, and have a party"

I think any excuse is a good excuse for cheesecake! And that is why I am so excited to share this recipe with you.

My favorite way to eat Toaster Cheesecake. With honey and cinnamon

School is back in session and I'm as busy as ever. My week has mainly consisted of lectures, work, skating, the gym, volunteer training, freezing in the cold, more work, and then a little bit of studying and blog reading. Blah.... and by the way happy late 1/11/11! That's January 11, 2011. Just take a look at all those ones! In case you did not know this day was supposed to be one of good luck and achievements. Did you achieve anything?

I also want to take this chance to thank all of you for your wonderful comments left on my last post. I value each and every word you write. So if you’re reading this right now please remember to leave a comment. You can say something positive, something to help me improve my blog, or just say hi.