Looking back at the past couple of recipes I’ve posted, I realized that I post a lot of brown foods. Plum Chutney, Latte Overnight Oats, My Favorite Smoothie, Maple Bacon Waffles, and Cleansing Cashew Milk. Brown, brown, and browner. Yikes! I swear I sometimes eat colorful foods like green things and carrots. I guess it’s time to start showcasing them a bit more on the blog. Noted.
Lately, I’ve been feeling inspired just enough to have a long list of recipes I want to make for the blog on my iPhone, but the problem has been finding time to execute those recipes. Between the travel I’ve been doing for my job and other personal priorities, I haven’t had as much time as I’d like to dedicate to the blog. I feel like a broken record saying this, but I was hoping that the new blog design (!) would motivate me. As it turns out, a new logo alone doesn’t help you find more time in the week…go figure.
I really resonated with this blog post from Hummusapien on just living life instead of getting caught up in the virtual world of blogs and social media. I couldn’t agree more. It’s more important to me to spend time with loved ones, get outside during nice weather, or read a book than post three times a week to 24 Carrot Life. The blog has always been a creative hobby for me and I don’t want it to become a stressful part of my life.
That being said, I do want to see 24 Carrot Life grow into what I know it can be- a great resource for (mostly) healthy recipes and tips. I want to post quality content for my readers and I’m trying to find the right balance between keeping up the blog and enjoying my life outside of blogging. All of this is to say that I hope you’ll stick around as I continue to experiment with the perfect mix of the two!
Now, let’s talk about more brown foods. I am SO excited to bring this Snickers Cup recipe to you. I don’t think I can call this one “healthy” because of the copious amounts of chocolate, but it is definitely a “cleaner” dessert than a real Snickers candy bar. Did you know you can make “clean” caramel from just dates? It’s seriously addicting. These Snickers Cups taste even better than the real deal, are made with just three ingredients, and take less than 10 minutes to assemble! I shared these with some friends and they were all as obsessed as I was when I tried my first bite. I know you’ll be too!
How do you manage to dedicate time to your hobbies as well as all the other competing priorities in your life?
- 1 cup chopped medjool dates (about 12 dates)
- 2-4 tablespoons water or almond milk (if dates are dry)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup salted and roasted peanuts
- Add dates to a food processor and process until it forms a smooth paste. Add water or almond milk if your dates are dry. You can also soak the dates in water for 30 minutes prior to processing and discard the water. Set date paste aside.
- Melt chocolate chips in 20 second intervals in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until completely melted.
- Scoop one spoonful of chocolate into 6 muffin liners and spread along the bottom of the liner.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of date past to the middle of each muffin liner.
- Top with a few peanuts.
- Evenly scoop the rest of the chocolate on top of the peanut and date paste and spread to the edges. Tap the muffin tin against the counter to smooth and evenly distribute the chocolate.
- Place in the fridge to cool completely.
If you like this recipe, then you’ll love these Vegan Skinny Salted Caramel Frappucinos. They are perfect for cooling down in the summer (and also made with date caramel)!
I hear you on the long list of ideas but no time to execute them!
It can be hard to find that balance but just do what you can when you can we will be hear ready and waiting.
And these snickers cups are you kidding me?! Yum! Want. Need. Must have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Emma! You’re the best. I feel the same way about all the treats you post!
Hey Katie! I really love how easy this recipe looks, such a nice one to make and store away in the freezer for when you need something little as a treat! I also really love that you talk about how difficult it is to balance competing priorities. I’m working full time as a lawyer while trying to keep up my website and study as well and it drives me a little loco! I find that I have to schedule myself down time each week, even when I can think of a heap of things to do, because otherwise I burn out and lose enthusiasm. I wish you all the best! 🙂 Monique
Thanks so much for your comment, Monique! I have no idea how you manage a career as a lawyer and your blog (my job is a pretty strict 9-5 so at least that frees up some of my time for blogging). I’ve definitely learned that you can’t do it all and its ok if you choose to spend time with friends and family instead of getting up a post. Or you could always spend some time with yourself and these Snickers Cups 😉