I’m linking up with Tina Muir and Confessions of a Mother Runner for Meatless Monday. Head over there and check out some of the great recipes they have.
Yesterday my family and I celebrated Father’s Day by spoiling my wonderful husband. First off, breakfast, and then we went to see the movie Inside Out (loved it)
I am so in love with my family, and my husband is the center of that love. I’m not going to paint a perfect picture, marriage is full of ups and downs, but I can confidently say that he is someone who can get through many tough circumstances and still see the glass as half full. He is calm and can handle stress in a way that I can’t and I am so very grateful for the balance in our relationship.
My own father lives in another state, but he was on my mind, too! My Dad and I are so much alike and when I need to talk through something, there is no other person who understands me so deeply as my father. I feel so connected to him and grateful that he is such an amazing listener and that he cares so deeply for me. Again, not going to paint a perfect picture, we’ve had our ups and downs too, but we always manage to get through them and come out stronger and closer.
I realize that many of you have lost your fathers and some have lost your spouses and that thought leaves me with a very heavy heart. There are no words. Life is never the same without that foundation. Young or old, when you lose your parent, you are an orphan and when you lose your spouse life is never the same. I pray for some of the hurt to be lifted from your broken heart and I pray that you were able to find the strength to get through Father’s Day yesterday.
On a much lighter note, my kids and I are off to a great summer. I took most of last week off in my effort to “Scale Back.” Things go so much smoother when I plan our days, even if the plan is to have no plan. When we have no plan, I often walk upstairs or in the garage and find forts, Lego cities and dogs dressed in TuTu’s, and honestly there is nothing that makes me happier.
We had family in town last week, and more to come next week. We went mini golfing. My young children beat me every time. This picture is the story of my life… rimmers are the devil– sigh…
Running is going well. I have been getting up and going early before my husband leaves for work and doing a long run ( mostly trails) on the weekends with my running buddies. I am easing back into my routine and taking things very slow. With the temps on the rise, my paces have been slow and I am completely okay with that. I am addicted to (and staying hydrated with) my homemade, all natural, no sugar added Electrolyte drink— orange is my fav! As far as running goes, I’m taking things easy and will increase my speed as the summer goes along.
Be sure to check out my post tomorrow, I have a new DIY/Runner Hack that I will post in the morning. I’ve been using and loving them on my long runs. Hope you will check back and take a look in the morning. Here’s a little teaser…
Now for my recipe. I can’t stand turning the oven on the summer. We keep our house pretty warm and the thought of heating up the house any more makes me cringe. I love no bake recipes and this one turned out awesome! I love these gluten free, vegan cookies as a snack. I have also been eating these before I go out on my run as a quick, grab and go breakfast.
No Bake Salted Caramel Latte Cookies- #Vegan #GlutenFree #fitfluential #runchat Click To TweetWhat You’ll Need
1/2 cup of Truvia Baking Blend
1/2 cup Strong Coffee or espresso (could substitute with Almond Milk)
1 Stick of Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1/4 cup of Unsweetened Cocoa — I use Dutch Processed
3 Cups of Oats Flour- Make your own by placing oats in the food processor or buy pre-made HERE
1 cup of Nut Butter- I used almond
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. sea salt
1 cup of Butterscotch chips-(the caramel)
How to Make Them
In a large sauce pan place the coffee, Earth’s Balance stick, Truvia Baking Blend, Nut Butter, Vanilla and Cocoa, put on medium high heat and whisk until all ingredients are dissolved, slightly thickened an smooth in texture. Remove from heat, and add the Oat flour–mix well. Allow to cool slightly and place a 2 T. sized ball of dough on a lined cookie sheet. Flatten and press down with the bottom of a drinking glass, then add chips on top. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Your turn! How was your Father’s Day? Do you have a favorite “no bake” recipe? What are you grateful for these days?
