Even though the weather has been so much more than expected for this time of year the climate is still one of sadness. Unfortunately a lot of young life has been lost in the last few weeks. Often we do not realize that the passing of a life has a rippling effect out into the community, effecting everyone who has in some minor way touched upon those that have left us. It effects the atmosphere, instilling it with a sadness but also with a contemplative moodiness. We begin to reflect on how we are living and the ephemeral quality of the body. There is a quote by Buddha that states that,

"The trouble is, you think you have time."

This sums up our everyday existence, often we take advantage of the sunshine in our lives. When we have troubles we mull and think but when we are happy we disregard the people that have helped us into that state.We hold grudges and make excuses, putting off what we want until tomorrow because we always feel that we will have a tomorrow. However, when someone passes, we briefly remember that death is a certainty and that we all will one day experience it. In fact today may be your last. Although I have no advice on how to live your life better or on how to cheat death, I will remind you that you do not have time, if you haven't spoken to a dear friend... do so. If you have a crush...tell them. If you are fighting with a loved one...make up. Take the risk, don't wait until tomorrow, because it may not arrive.

That being said, often when this atmosphere is surrounding us we rely on friends and family to bring back the sunshine and often we do this with food. Food comforts us and flavors can evoke memories, smiles, and joy. Just because I am alkaline does not mean that I don't enjoy the comfort of a sweet treat, especially one with the bright, refreshing lemony flavor of these balls of sunshine that I have concocted.

These little treats are filled with protein and flavor, but are also substantial in the texture department so that eating one is enough (I have to do this so I don't eat the whole batch in one sitting!) They are filled with almonds, flax, chia, steel cut oats, coconut oil, and lemon with honey for that extra bit of sweet. I hope that you enjoy them and that they bring a little sunshine into your day!

Steel Cut Oat, Almond, and Lemon Balls of Sunshine

1/2 cup Almonds

1/2 cup Steel Cut Oats

2 tbs Flax Seeds

1 tbs Chia Seeds

1 Lemon, zest and juice

1 tbs Honey

1 tbs Coconut Oil

Place the Almonds, Flax, Oats, and Chia in a food processor, blend until flour like. Add the zest and juice of a lemon, the honey, and coconut oil. Process until a ball begins to form. Chill for 30 minutes in order to make rolling easier. Roll the mixture into balls and freeze. Enjoy and healthy eating!

"This weather's for the ducks!"

called out the older gentleman as I walked into the grocery store this evening. Well then call me one happy duck, because I am loving this drizzly, gray day. I love the moody atmosphere of a day that is humid with moisture hanging in the air especially when it is late November in the Northeast. I am perfectly aware that this could in fact be a foot of snow and personally I would take this drizzly over a foot of snow any day!

That being said, this is the type of day that you want to don your biggest, fluffiest socks and curl up on the couch eating bonbons! Yes, I know that sounds cliche but in reality who doesn't love a sweet little snack when you're cozied up inside your house, sipping on a warm cup of tea and reading a book while the rain pitter patters outside your window? When I left work today that that is exactly what I craved so off to the store to get supplies I went.

I have to be honest, I am not a big pumpkin fan. I am not one of those people who jump for joy and go pumpkin nuts when the fall comes around. I am much more of a chai girl. I love the spicy, slightly floral taste especially when combined with chocolate! So I decided that a chai tea chocolate bonbon - I love that word, it sounds much more lovely than ball - was in order!

These bonbons combine walnuts and cashews with chai tea, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and a dash of cayenne. Due to the bitterness of the tea I do add a little agave to sweeten it up along with the dates, some people don't consider this raw but it needed a little something and these little delights are to die for!!

Raw Vegan Chair Tea Chocolate BonBons

1 cup Raw Walnuts

1/2 cup Raw Cashews

1 tbs Flax Seeds

1 tbs Chai Tea (just rip open some tea bags)

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Ginger

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 tsp Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

Dash of Cayene Pepper

1 tbs Cacao Powder

1 tbs Coconut Oil

1 tbs Brewed Chai Tea

1 tbs Vanilla Extract

1 tbs Agave Syrup

8 Dates

In a food processor combing the walnuts, cashews, flaw seeds, chai tea, spices, and cocoa powder. Process until the nuts are very small. Add the coconut oil, brewed tea, agave and vanilla extract, process until combined. With the machine running add 1 date at a time until the mixture begins to combine into a ball.

Using your hands, mixture into 1/2 in. balls. At this point you can roll the balls in unsweetened coconut flakes, cacao nibs or powder. Place the balls on a tray and put in the freezer for at least one hour before consuming. Store in the freezer for the best consistency. Now sit on your couch, with your cup of tea and enjoy!

Who knew that these little delights could be so tasty and healthy!