And the Winner Is....

I wish I had 5 copies of the book to give away! But, I only have one... and seeing how I am related to 4 out of 5 of the participants of the Spring Giveaway, I want everyone to know that there was no partiality in choosing the winner - I used random.org to choose the number, and the number it gave me was #2!

So, congratulations Jean! err... Grammie :) I'll get you're book sent out as soon as I can!

Free Download and a Reminder!

One website/blog that I regularly follow is Graham Family Ministries. Sheri regularly shares healthy recipes, homeschool tips, and other encouragements. She also has an online store in which she sells a variety of ebooks. The other day she shared a link for a free download to an audio series entitled  "To Teach What Is Good" by Carolyn Mahaney. The series is based on Titus 2. You can read Sheri's post with a link to the downlad here.

I have listened to the first part, and it has been a great reminder and encouragement to me of my purpose as a wife and mother. I am looking forward to listening to the rest of it!

Also, one last reminder to sign up for the Spring Giveaway! I will announce the recipient of the book tomorrow! Even if you don't think you are interested, you can pass it on to be a blessing to someone else!

Mock Almond Joy

Meet Mr. Medjool Date

I haven't been doing much baking lately, if you hadn't noticed the lack of recipes... no, I'm not ill. :) Tonight I really wanted to make a snack, but I really didn't want to spend time measuring, mixing, and turning on the oven (so labor intensive! ha!) I picked up some medjool dates at the grocery store today,  with plans to try a new brownie recipe. But, I would have had to measure, mix, and turn on the oven... oy.

SO, I searched the internet for something simple. It took some searching, but I found this recipe, which had minimal measuring, it is mixed in a food processor, and I didn't have to turn on the oven!

The recipe is called Fudge Brownies, but it's really nothing like a brownie. More like a chewy bar. They are absolutely scrumptious and taste like an Almond Joy candy bar! No kidding! Here's the original recipe, with my substitutions in bold.

Mock Almond Joy Bars (gluten and dairy free)

2 c. shredded coconut (I used 1 c finely ground almonds, and 1 c dried unsweetened coconut, shredded)

2 Medjool dates, pitted (I used 3)

3 Tbl honey

1 Tbl carob powder (I used cocoa powder)
1 tsp vanilla

(I added just a pinch of salt)

Throw it all in the food processor and blend! Add more honey if mixture doesn't stick together easily. Place a piece of plastic wrap in a 9x5" loaf pan, let the excess hang over the sides. Press the mixture evenly in the pan. Fold over excess plastic onto bars, and press. Chill in the refrigerator until firm. (I stuck mine in the freezer) Cut into squares as small or large as you like!

I hope you try these! They go together super quick, and really are guilt-free! Just don't eat the whole pan in one sitting.... Mine are sitting in the freezer, so I can take out one at a time... or three.... I cut mine pretty small. :)