Friday, January 20, 2012

Cocoa Patties

After the events of yesterday, I finally felt inspired to try a new healthy recipe I'd jotted on a card many months ago. After a visit to the doctor to follow up on my blood pressure prescription followed by an hour long Zumba class that left my knees feeling like jello and my face as red as a ripe tomato, I decided it was about time to give it a whirl. I'd picked up the magic ingredient, Spirulina, at my last visit to Whole Foods and recently discovered that my favorite peanut butter now comes in Natural form. Spirulina, a deep green powder, is touted as Superfood for Longevity. My weight gain documented at the doctor's office, followed by an hour in a room where the mirrors fogged from rising temperatures of 30 plus women making every effort to mimic the moves that promise up to a one thousand calorie burn, were the incentive I needed to “just do it.”




Ever since I'd read the ingredients the first time, I'd dreamed the outcome would be that of a healthy chocolate oatmeal cookie, the kind  I've always made with lots of sugar and butter. I could only hope there was a semblance of great taste that might help curb my desire for chocolate and sugar. Although the caloric count was not included with the recipe, I felt sure the added protein, added anti-oxidant protection, immune defense, cellular, cardiovascular, eye and brain health offered by the Spirulina and peanut butter alone were enough to make up for any calories that might be a problem. When you add the advantages of fiber, lignan and omega-3 fats of the flax seed, one could clearly see this was not about counting calories. Once made into patties and either refrigerated or frozen, one might indulge in one a day and feel quite sure the health benefits would trump any calories taken in.



As I mixed the first ingredients and got my first whiff of cocoa, I was certain there couldn't be a problem with seeing my dream come true. But, let's just say that I was almost thoroughly convinced as I mixed in the peanut butter. The sensory experience was much the same as that of my old time favorite that includes a whole stick of butter and enough white sugar to keep you in Zumba class the rest of your life. The very last ingredient added is hot water. At this point I wasn't sure what consistency to expect and still wondering if I'd see my dream materialize. I did wonder how I was to get some longevity in every bite with only a ½ teaspoon of Spirulina in the recipe?



The finished product took all of 10 minutes to put together and now awaits my trip to the store for foil to wrap the patties for freezer and frig. I'm not certain when I'm going to get there. The clear plastic wrap keeps slipping off the edges of the bowl and I have to keep sampling a bite or two to make sure it's still fresh. Sure is a good thing they're not calling for snow over the weekend. It appears my dream DID come true! This recipe is amazingly close to the real thing. If I keep sneaking these spoonfuls, I may have to visit Zumba every night next week! But then I'll for sure be better prepared since my entire body is going to respond to the promises of overall health and longevity found in Spirulina.



While I love the upbeat music and movement of Zumba as much as I love those sugary, buttery chocolate oatmeal cookies of the past, I'm really feeling drawn to the more quiet approach my doctor suggested to me yesterday. Quiet time and prayer while bicycling right in the comfort of his own home each morning sounds divine. I guess I could try that. If I do, I could also make sure I have plenty of my new healthy snack on hand, just in case I need a burst of energy!



Cocoa Patties



2 ½ cups old fashioned oats

½ cup whole flax seed (I used ground)

¼ cup organic cocoa powder

½ cup natural peanut butter

½ cup honey

½ tsp. Spirulina

½ cup very HOT water



Form into patties-wrap for freezer or fridge

1 comment:

  1. I am printing this out I cannot wait to try it! Your experience was so fun to read about. Thanks for sharing Robin!

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