Spring Redux? Or Betrayal Again?

I watched a reel on Facebook last week by a Canadian man. He talked aboot the four seasons they enjoy: first is summer, when you can wear shorts and flip-flops. (I'm paraphrasing since I don't remember the build-up so much, but the punchline resonates with me). Then there's fall, when the leaves change color and you can wear your nice sweaters. Winter brings snow and enjoying cocoa in front of a cozy fire. And then there's the season of betrayal! We've had way too many betrayals, haven't we? (I hope I haven't jinxed us by using the word "spring" now)

The grass is turning green - at least where it isn't buried under dead leaves and the dirt that blew in this winter. I've picked up downed tree limbs as various sections of the lawn have been exposed by the receding snow (and yes, I still have the remnants of drifts in the sheltered areas). I've one section of lawn raked clear of those dead leaves, plus half of one flowerbed cleared and the encroaching grass dug out. Only seven and a half flowerbeds to go!

I had to quit the raking/flowerbed clearing last Friday so Dennis could take me out for supper as an early birthday celebration. By the time you read this I'll have circled the sun one more time (started this process on 5/2/52). And just for Rick, who said he expected to read what I had that night, I thoroughly enjoyed the special (blackened steak medallions with a chipotle/lime butter topping, with a baked potato, loaded bacon, and butter - no sour cream, and the steamed veggies). Dennis had tenderloin with fries - nothing green on his plate! The Durum knows how to do up a special. It was fantastic! (Totally unsolicited or remunerated praise.)

Currently I'm doing the spring edition of the Whole Life Challenge. We're just entering week three, and I've earned (and used) four indulgences. Two of those were used during my birthday celebration: one for an adult beverage (Mai Tai), and one for the Durum's seven-layer chocolate cake. I only ate half, sharing my treat with Dennis. He took the top half, as well as all the whipped topping. Of course, the top half has extra-thick frosting, and I really like frosting. I aimed the take-out at him box that way so it's my own fault I didn't overdose on sugar.

Naturally, I'm looking for, finding, and using more recipes that are compliant with my WLC level. (I'm sticking with the most lenient level - I'm not a masochist!). I defrosted the freezer(s) last week and found I had too many overripe bananas in there. This recipe took care of a few of those.

Protein Brownies

3 ripe bananas

1 C almond flour

1/2 C cocoa powder

1/4 C maple syrup

Optional: chocolate chips

Blend together the first four ingredients. Pour into a parchment-lined 8" square pan . Sprinkle chips on top. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Cool, then store refrigerated.

Even though they aren't compliant, I used mini-M&M's instead of chocolate chips. I do have sugar-free flat chocolate baking wafers (bought at WinCo in their bulk foods section). I'll use those next time, maybe chopped up, I promise.

For a cool treat (I'm really pulling for weather that cries out for cool treats!), the following was made:

Raspberry Jam Bark

2-3 C fresh raspberries, mashed

1 Tbl chia seeds

1 Tbl maple syrup

Optional topping: melt 1 Tbl coconut oil with white baking chocolate in the microwave.

Add the chia seeds and syrup to mashed berries. Spread on silicone-lined rimmed sheet. Pour optional topping on, swirl in. Freeze 30 minutes. Cut into squares. Freeze until set.

I think I used too many frozen berries, so I should have added more chia seeds. They are a thickening agent, so my mass was too runny. And I melted those dark chocolate baking wafers with too much coconut oil. I kept adding more wafers until my topping was thicker. When I tried to swirl it in, it was hot enough that the cold berries made the chocolate set up quickly, so my "bark" is chunky. I think "Bark" is misleading as I think of bark as a room temperature treat. This needs to remain in the freezer. Although, if I'd used the correct amount of berries, it might actually be bark. So I'm keeping my pan in the freezer.

I'll have to try this recipe again with the correct amount of berries. I've been adding it to my morning oatmeal. It melts in nicely when I zap the oatmeal (1/3-1/2 C) with the almond milk (about 3/4 C) in the microwave. I usually stir in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts. Raspberries plus chocolate equals deliciousness. One last note about Dennis: he insists I'm using "nut juice" as there's no such thing as almond milk. (Sometimes I use coconut milk or oat "milk." I think they're all interchangeable. My body doesn't agree with cow's milk.)