In case you couldn't tell by my lack of posting, shit has hit the fan over here. I'm scrambling to put finishing touches on projects and research papers, and trying my best to refrain from using inappropriate language when I get upset or frustrated. The end is in sight, so close I can almost taste it. But unfortunately, the end being in sight means my anxiety has quadrupled and, as a result, I've morphed into a complete nutcase who binge eats dark chocolate, tortilla chips, and caramel covered popcorn. At the same time.
As if luring me from this place wasn't enough, the massive amount of school work has also managed to sabotage my diet and fitness regimen. What used to be chock full of fresh fruits and vegetables now consists of junk food. Lots of it.* And don't even get me started on the fact that I don't remember the last time I picked up the dumbbells in my spare room.** That's how lazy I've become - I cannot even be bothered to lift in the comfort of my own home.
My pants like to remind me of what this type of neglect will do to a body. Little do they know, I have a secret stash of jeans for moments like this; moments that would have previously resulted in a meltdown of sorts. You know, like me throwing every pair of pants I own out of my fourth story window. Or shoveling spoonfuls of homemade cookie dough ice cream into my face while crying to the tune of Kate Winslet telling Leonardo DiCaprio she'll never let go. But now? Now I just give my skinnies the middle finger and pull out my boyfriend jeans. Otherwise known as the jeans that were made for fat days. Or weeks. Months? I'm not judging.
*My version of junk food isn't really junk food. I don't want you to picture me eating corn dogs or donuts or any other stuff that is worthy of being called junk. Peanut butter is hardly junk, but I consider it so when half the jar gets eaten in one day.
**I wrote this post earlier in the week. Dumbbells were picked up yesterday. Progress.
As if luring me from this place wasn't enough, the massive amount of school work has also managed to sabotage my diet and fitness regimen. What used to be chock full of fresh fruits and vegetables now consists of junk food. Lots of it.* And don't even get me started on the fact that I don't remember the last time I picked up the dumbbells in my spare room.** That's how lazy I've become - I cannot even be bothered to lift in the comfort of my own home.
My pants like to remind me of what this type of neglect will do to a body. Little do they know, I have a secret stash of jeans for moments like this; moments that would have previously resulted in a meltdown of sorts. You know, like me throwing every pair of pants I own out of my fourth story window. Or shoveling spoonfuls of homemade cookie dough ice cream into my face while crying to the tune of Kate Winslet telling Leonardo DiCaprio she'll never let go. But now? Now I just give my skinnies the middle finger and pull out my boyfriend jeans. Otherwise known as the jeans that were made for fat days. Or weeks. Months? I'm not judging.
*My version of junk food isn't really junk food. I don't want you to picture me eating corn dogs or donuts or any other stuff that is worthy of being called junk. Peanut butter is hardly junk, but I consider it so when half the jar gets eaten in one day.
**I wrote this post earlier in the week. Dumbbells were picked up yesterday. Progress.
Oh, that thing up there? I call it lazy girl peanut butter cookie pie. It's the result of pressing the dough into a 6" cake pan then pouring melted chocolate (1/4 cup chocolate chips + 1 teaspoon coconut oil) over top. It's good. You should make it.
Notes: Any type of flaked grain will work in this recipe - so far, I've made the cookies with kamut and quinioa. If you want to turn these into protein cookies, omit 1/2 cup of the oats and add 1/3 cup of your favorite protein powder. Cacao powder would be good, too. Every once in a while I'll throw in a handful of cacao nibs or a pinch of cinnamon. If your dates aren't fresh, you'll want to soak them in water for 15-20 minutes to soften them up.
LAZY GIRL PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
2 cups rolled oats
Pinch of fine sea salt
10 medjool dates
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
6 tbsp nut milk
In a food processor fitted with the S blade, blend the oats and sea salt into a fine meal. Add the dates and peanut butter; blend for 30-45 seconds. Add the nut milk and pulse just until combined. Using a small cookie scoop, drop the dough onto a flat surface lined with parchment paper. Press a fork into the tops, then freeze for 15 minutes to set. Refrigerate in an air tight container for up to two weeks. Cookies will keep in freezer for months.Yield: 2 dozen
Yum! That cookie pie looks like it will cure all my chocolate craving hormonal blues.
ReplyDeleteAck, I hate weeks/months like that. Good luck with your deadlines & projects and thank you for sharing these little nuggets of deliciousness in the middle of such a busy time for you!
ReplyDeleteHa! I love this. My roommate has been bringing home one too many desserts leftover from work so I've been having a total chub month. For times like this I praise spandex, chunky winter clothing, and having to ride my bike in order to get groceries!
ReplyDeleteI totally turn to "junk" food too when I'm busy. There's nothing wrong with some all natural kettle corn, but there is when you've eaten the entire bag in a day... Thanks for sharing these lovely little cookies amidst the craziness!
ReplyDeleteI love that you clarify what "junk" food is to you. My version of junk is along the same lines except it sometimes includes take out Chinese noodles...You're almost at the finish line, good luck!
ReplyDeleteP.S. These look amazing, but I'm certain I did not need to state the obvious since your recipes always look amazing!
A girl after my own heart :) One of my all-time favorite flavor combinations!
ReplyDeleteI need these ASAP!
ReplyDeleteIm so happy you posted these! I love peanut butter (I had to stop buying peanut butter because I too consume it on an insane level) but I despise baked peanut butter cookies...thought of them makes me want to die.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all of your finals! Many of us are sharing your pain but we can do it! :)
P.S. Im eating peanut butter and chocolate melted on top of your raw banana bread recipe right now. sooooooooooo good
That pie? Um.. Fuck yeah. Peanut butter + Chocolate = Love, and loss of self control for me. ha ha
ReplyDeleteIf you want to feel better about life, come try on my pantelones girlfriend. I want these. ASAP. When you're done with finals please come over for hot toddy's and kale and general merriment. I miss you! ps, this photo: http://www.someecards.com/usercards/nsviewcard/MjAxMi04ZmU2ZDZjZTMwY2FjYTAw
ReplyDeleteFat days/weeks will happen no matter what, so just hang in there! This recipe looks soooooo good. I am drooling, actually drooling over my laptop.
ReplyDeleteNot being melodramatic: boyfriend jeans are proof that we are loved in this world.
ReplyDeleteI've been there with the finals thing and the necessity of eating chocolate, salty snacks and caramel corn at the same time. The triviality of the contrasting flavors is somehow totally clutch when stress hits.
Rooting for ya girl. YOU GOT THIS.
Yummy!! These peanut butter cookies look awesome!! I didn't know your blog but I really liked it!!! I'm following you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these recipe! I loved it!
How do you use quinoa in this recipe - just sub it in for the oats, as is (no cooking)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou have to use quinoa flakes - they're available at most natural grocery stores.
DeleteI love making bars and cookies with just oats, dates, and PB - so easy and they always taste great - and yours, mmmmm, I want a taste. Looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteOoh i am going to try this recipe using groats. Let u know! Do vegan choc chips melt just as simple as regular?
ReplyDeletethanks.
barb
I love these! They look great. I made some similar but without oats so I can imagine that these are just as yummy! I especially love your idea for the cookie pie - gotta try that :)
ReplyDeleteThese are such a good idea. I made them too - you can see my version here: http://meadowscooks.blogspot.com/2012/12/no-bake-peanut-butter-cookies.html
ReplyDeleteAny idea where to get an affordable blender/food processor that will blend these items? I've gone through one too many..
ReplyDeleteCouldn't tell ya, Darla! I use a KitchenAid 12 cup processor which was about $200 - I highly recommend it. I've had it for two years and haven't had any issues.
DeleteMy husband just bought me a Ninja blender that I absolutely love! It's about $150 but totally worth IMO.
Delete