It’s been an awesome winter for me! Happy living each day to the fullest. I have been snowboarding with my family at Boogie Mountain in Espanola. Having a season’s pass is great because we can go anytime for a short time.

One year ago my sister in law Lisa opened a gym The Lively Athletic Center. I bought a year membership even though I’m not a typical gym goer, I really got my money’s worth with the wonderful classes. Everyday something to choose. My favourite is yoga and Pilate’s. It makes me feel like a stronger and aligned person, which makes life a lot easier. I’m always training to keep up with my kids snowboarding.

Lisa asked me if I had a recipe I could share with the gym for their one year anniversary. I said “No worries Lisa I got an idea”. Make a ball, bar, oval you can shape this food in any shape you want.

This recipe is so versatile and easy that literally you will have no worries. I shared with a friend on the weekend and she said it would be even better with cranberries. Go for it make it your own!!!

3/4 cup water or coffee

10 pitted dates

2 oz Chocolate whatever kind you have kicking around.

Salt

2 cups roasted nuts or seeds ( mix it up or my favourite almonds)

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup quick oatmeal ( roasted optional)

1/2 cup hemp seeds

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips optional

1/4 cup what gives you happiness

Roast nuts and seeds if not already roasted at 350 for 5-10 min. Roast oatmeal for flavour if you like. Heat dates and water in a large pot, mush the dates until the mixture comes to a paste. Melt in chocolate and salt. Pulse nuts in blender or chop on cutting board. Pour almost all into the pot, judge the texture. Still wet pour the rest in and add more oatmeal until you get the right consistency. Spoon, press or shape onto a hard surface and put in the freezer until firm and package in to go containers and store in fridge or freezer.

Exercise and enjoy life.