Books, Bites and Indecision
It’s library day.
Every other Thursday is library day. Why every other Thursday? Because it’s not Ballet Day (Wednesday) or Grocery Shopping Day (Friday) or Church Day (Sunday) or Stay in Your Workout Clothes And Simply Reapply Deodorant Day (Monday and Tuesday…and often every other day, too).
Library books technically aren’t due until three weeks after we check them out, but after a week and a half, I’ve grown tired of the Junie book of the week, the Fairy book of the week and whatever other books I’ve managed to gather while trying to keep Lulu from actually sticking her hands in the mangy puppets in the “Discovery Room.” Time hasn’t been kind to those guys. They make Malibu look like a monk.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of book returning and not sticking our hands in compromising places, it’s rare that I get the chance to check out a book for myself. But that doesn’t mean I don’t read. I’m usually in the middle of three books because I have a hard time committing to one thing at time.
Right now I’m in a tizzy trying to decide what to do for our date this weekend to celebrate my birthday.
Ethiopian, trendy vegan or tapas for dinner?
Water for Elephants, Soul Surfer or African Cats for a movie?
How about you tell me where to eat and what to see, and I’ll tell you what I’m reading right now?
That only seems fair.
The New Rules of Lifting for Women by Lou Shuler, Cassandra Forsythe and Alwyn Cosgrove.
This is a re-read for me. I’ve read this twice before and refer back to it often as well for the great nutrition advice and new inspiration for weight training routines. The gist of it is this: lots of cardio and calorie restriction is NOT the way to your best you. Heavy weightlifting and fueling those workouts with quality calories is the key. I’d highly suggest this book if you are interested in getting off the treadmill and gaining strength, tone and empowerment.
“
Max on Life, by Max Lucado
I picked up this book on a whim last weekend at Costco and I haven’t been able to put it down since. If you aren’t familiar with Max Lucado, he’s a best-selling Christian writer and pastor. He’s compiled all of the questions he’s been asked over the last thirty years, about God, sex, parenting and death, among dozens of other topics and gives straight-forward, concise answers to those questions. It’s all in there. Pretty much everything I’ve always wondered spiritually is there, from “If God loves us why do so many good people suffer?” to “I don’t like the narrow-mindedness of some Christians, where do I fit?” to “How do I stop being so critical of my husband publicly on my food blog*?”
*some embellishment added
The thing I love is that Max answers the questions without judgment, with sincerity and grace. I’ve already promised to loan this to several of my friends and family members. It’s phenomenal.
Carrots ‘N’ Cake, by Tina Haupert
You may have heard of her? I was so excited to get this book as a gift from Tina and her publisher this week. It’s so unreal to see another food blogger, someone I’ve met and just love, in print! The book is just like Tina’s blog, full of tidbits from Tina’s life, workouts and recipes, so if you love Carrots ‘N’ Cake the blog, you’ll love Carrots ‘N’ Cake the book.
Since we were on the way to the library and would be gone most of the day, I wanted to take along a snack to munch on between putting our fingerprints on the fish tank and fighting over who gets to push the elevator button.
I had carrot cake on the brain.
And muscles that needed fed.
So the Lord gave me an answer.
Carrot Cake Protein Bars
Inspired by Jamie Eason’s Carrot Cake Protein bars
Makes 9 bars
- 1 c. oat flour
- 3/4 c. vanilla protein powder
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 1/2 t. ginger
- 1/2 t. nutmeg
- 1 t. baking powder
- 1/4 t. salt
- stevia to taste (I use about 1/2-1 t. of pure stevia extract)
- 1/2 c. silken tofu
- 1 c. carrot puree (made from 4-5 steamed carrots + 1/2 c. water)
- 1 t. vanilla extract
Possible substitutes:
*Omit the protein powder and use extra oat flour or another flour of your choice
*Use 2 flax eggs in place of the silken tofu (1 T. ground flax + 2 T. water = 1 flax egg)
*Swap the carrot puree with 1 c. of canned pumpkin
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine oat flour, protein powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, salt and stevia.
Peel, slice and steam carrots (using your microwave or steamer), and add to a blender or food processor with water, tofu and vanilla and blend until smooth.
Add the carrot mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Spread batter into an 8×8 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray or lightly spritzed with oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bars are set. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Amazing stats. But it’s cake.
Enjoy with a shmear of nut butter or cream cheese (vegan or organic), or just with a good book.
I’m not ashamed to sneak these into the library every other Thursday.
And now you know what that orange smear is on your library books.
Phew.
Now if only I could decide what to do for my birthday…
I definitely want that strength training book — weight lifting is my new favorite hobby
Me too! I love being strong!!!
I recommend Ethiopian, it’s my latest obsession! Then go home and recreate what you ate so we have the recipes. Happy birthday…now get to work.
You may want to go ahead and start fermenting your teff (I’m just trying to make your life easier).
See, I’m leaning towards Ethiopian too, but I think Pea Daddy is scared. What does he think it is…his birthday?
I’m so impressed by how high in protein you make your bars! That sounds awesome. I’ve never baked with protein powder, but I want to give it a try now.
The carrot cake bars look stellar! The protein powder and the tofu really bump up the stats on those bad boys. Nice! I think I need to schmear a thick layer of buttercream or cream cheese frosting on mine just to downgrade? the stats a bit. haha! Because I am the queen of loving frosting
Lift heavy, get off the treadmill, don’t be a slave to cardio, embrace strength training. Yep. Took me 3 decades to figure that out but finally did and have posted many times about it. Thanks for the reminder and Max’s book looks great!
And Tina’s book. Yay for a great blogger having her book published and on store shelves. You’re next, right!
And you are living proof that women can lift heavy and not look “bulky.” Preach on!
The strength training book sounds really interesting. I’ll definitely have to check that one out!
I remember the library days when I was little, I could spend hours just finding books
Never would have imagined tofu in a protein bar, but it sounds just strange enough to try!
The tofu is just to act as a binder without eggs. It’s undetectable!
Yippee for another gf recipe! I cannot wait to try these bars w/pumpkin!
I’m on a roll…
see water for elephants. loved the book, and the movie is a great adaption. very beautiful! soul surfer was alright ( i heard) and african cats was good (also i heard, haven’t seen either of those), but water for elephants was excellent.
I’m just kind of thinking I should read the book first…I’ve heard mixed reviews.
Yes, read the book first! It’s a great read.
You read my mind with this recipe. Right when my finals are over, I’m making them! Max on Life sounds interesting; I’m going to see if my library has it. thanks
Great minds think alike, I just posted about women and weight training today.
I am going to have to pick up that book…an make those bars. I have been looking for way to get creative with the protein powder.
If you are into weight training, it’s a must (the book) (well, maybe the cake too).
Those look so yummy!
Definitely see Water for Elephants, but read the book first!
I live in Portland and have been to Toro Bravo and I was not impressed. Blossoming Lotus looks good!
Thanks, Alex…that helps! Toro Bravo doesn’t have a TON of veggie options, so that’s good to know!
You should do Ethiopian! Queen of Sheba is so good by far my favorite in town. Next time my husband and I have a date night that’s where we’re going. Whenever that is. It’s not as upscale as the other two options but you can have an amazing dinner there and then go enjoy delicious cocktails at Mint/820. That’s what I’d do at least.
Wow, thanks! I don’t need upscale, I just need yummy food and your endorsement is a big help!
Ethiopian and Water for Elephants.
I love Max Lucado children’s books. The stars and dots, boxes and balls. They are all part of our home library.
I say Ethiopian and African Cats! See my theme?! Well…it’s Africa. Plus I heard African Cats is a great movie.
I’m a sucker for animal movies! Well, I guess Water for Elephants is an animal movie too…
Yes, but Water For Elephants (at least the book) had a bit of animal cruelty in it. I can’t bear to watch that, so I’m nervous to see the movie. However, the book was SO good that I’ll have to at least give it a try. My date “night” is at noon on Sunday, so that’s when I’ll be watching.
Ours is Saturday. The race to date night is on….
Looks like you’re heading into Portland for your b-day. Have you heard of Natural Selection Pdx (http://www.naturalselectionpdx.com/)? It’s on Alberta (right next to the Vita) and offers vegetarian and vegan food that is all plant-based and very creative. It’s a little spendy ($35 for 4 courses) but their menu changes weekly with the seasons and it is quite an experience. I vote you check that out!
I saw your post on them last week and I looked at their menu. It’s definitely intriguing, though it might be a bit rich for my blood
You’re right; It is expensive! Did you see our check? Dang! That was with a few bottles of wine, though.
My vote is Blossoming Lotus!
Thanks so much for providing a sub for the tofu for those of us who abstain!
Looks wonderful!
The bars look great! I had a couple of those books on my “to-read list” but now I can add the Max Lucado book!
It is music to my heart!
Genius!! These sound fabulous. I can’t wait to start baking again, especially with the whole GF thing. I’m determined to make it fun + delicious. The kitchen will be a kitchen soon!
Totally feelin’ the lifting more, less cardio, + more protein. Woop!
I vote for trendy vegan and African Cats, though personally I’d be fine just staying in and eating some of these bars with smears/jars of PB on top.
Those carrot bars sound wonderful! And I’m really interested in all of the books you highlighted.
Oh, and my vote is for Ethiopian (sounds unique!) and Soul Surfer (I’ve heard it’s really good).
Maybe I just had mediocre Ethiopian, but it tasted a lot like Indian to me. I’d go to Blossoming Lotus, or at least pick up a dessert from there if you are nearby.
There’s grumblings about the Water for Elephants elephant being treated poorly, so it might make you sad. That is if you can keep your eyes off Robert Patterson long enough.
Happy Birthday!
Oh, Bitt, you definitely should try Ethiopian at another restaurant. It shouldn’t taste like Indian. The spice mixtures are pretty different, plus the breads are wildly different. And Ethiopian tends to be lighter as well…no change of ghee if it’s authentic!
I cant eat the bread so I haven’t been as thrilled about it. But I will try it again.
Yes! Another high protein recipe. I love all Mama Pea recipes, but the high protein ones are my very favourite.
Also, I think you should eat Ethiopian. Mmmm….injera. Injera with slop. It’s my husband dream meal because it doesn’t require utensils, and who doesn’t love to use bread instead of a fork?
Those protein carrot bars look great and love the color too! That workout book sounds great, it has been awhile since I have really read, I have been reading one book here for over a month or so now because I barely have time to really read anything. Though I do enjoy a good book. I am so excited and happy for Tina too!! And all of you blog friends that have books so inspirational!!!
I have been on a carrot kick lately – those bars look delish!
I remember we had “days” for things when I was growing up… we did NOT have a library day – that is a lovely type of day to have (coming from a teacher
)
Ooh! Fun recipe. Of course I’m very curious to know what Lucado had to say to you about being less publicly critical of your husband on your food blog. What a prescient man.
Those carrot cake bars look great! I liked reading your book reviews. So exciting to see TIna’s book!
Hi! Happy almost Birthday !!
I really want to read Tina’s Book and the rules of lifting book! I might need to download those soon!
Did u read the book ‘ Water For Elephants’ I am sure you did, so if you did then maybe see that!!
I adore Jamie Eason, very good recipe here, yum!
Can’t wait to hear what you choose to do for your birthday!
xoxo <3
I haven’t read Water for Elephants…that’s why I might like to read the book first. Thanks for the early birthday wishes!
ohI love the carrot bars. Nice Mama pea. and you know, I saw Max lucado’s new book. Now I am must go get it. thanks for the review!
You’ll love it!
LOVE Max Lucado! I especially love how down to earth he is. He is a Christian author but he makes everything so real and relevant. Those are the best kind of author’s….you should know….you happen to be one of them!
Thanks, Lauren
Soul Surfer was a wonderful, beautiful and inspiring film! I highly reccommend it! Course, I haven’t seen the others
As for food, I have no opinion. Despite being a foodie, I live in Labrador, Canada, and have no access to good restaurants 
Happy early birthday!
Thanks, Steph. I’ll gladly take your movie advice!
Wow, those bars have amazing stats! I think I have to try them sometime
Food: Ethiopian! (it’s tasty, has lots of chickpeas, and is definitely an interesting eating experience) Say, do you like sourdough bread?
Movie: Soul Surfer! We’re probably going to see it soon because the story is such an inspiration
I do like sour dough bread, but fermented things kind of freak me out, so now I’m worried…
Yup, I think Soul Surfer has my vote too.
It’s definitely worth a try though, Ethiopian food is. I’ve had it twice at a local restaurant and they served us a lot of dip/sauce/hummus type dishes on a flat pizza-shaped bread that tasted like sourdough. I think the bread’s unleavened, but I’m not that sure. The taste is quite good.
The library is a BIG deal around here. Wednesday is our library day…every week because like you, I get sick of reading the same thing over and over. LOL
Love Max Lucado!
I love that you focus on high-protein in your recipes. As a vegan, I get a lot of ignorant replies such as, “But where do you get your protein!?”….and I know all vegans do. A lot of our fellow vegans have gotten on the, “You don’t need as much protein as you think you do” train to counteract that, however, I DO! I’m an athlete and I get STARVING if I don’t eat enough protein. Your recipes are a God-send!
Thanks, Kristy. As I’ve said before, for the average person, I’m not sure that a ton of protein is needed, but like you, I’ve always been an athlete, and I love working out, lifting and running. I DO need protein. For me, I’ve just got to find other ways of getting it. And carrot cake sits just fine with me…
OK, those bars look phenomenal. I love carrot cake and those stats are incredible and I love how they’re CNC inspired. yum yum yum.
Oh, and I wanted to tell you that I have a serious obsession with your toffee bars. Meaning I beg people to come visit so I can have an excuse to make them!
I’ve been experimenting a bit too by taking the basic bar recipe and going crazy with toppings. My favorite is a chocolate-toffee-coconut and cinnamon-apple-pecan. If I gained ten pounds this winter, I’m totally blaming you 
I totally forgot about those babies. Yum!
P.S. I work at my local library and I just love regular library patrons.
Come visit San Antonio sometime, if not for the obscene heat than because you can come to church with me, Max Lucado’s church. It is wonderful to hear him preach week after week.
Hope you have a great birthday celebration, whatever it is you decide to do.
REALLY?!? That is amazing!!!
ha! it’s true, you never know what those stains and smears could be…if all it is is carrot cake bar that’s a lot better than i could have imagined it
I have some sad looking baby carrots in my crisper… I will definitely be making these!
Love, love, love NROLFW!! It’s such a great book, even though I don’t dig the diet portion of the book.
Oh my goodness, I am totally making these bars!! They sound amazing and carrots are pretty much an every-day staple for me. And I totally think you should go see Soul Surfer as your date movie. It’s on my list, as is reading Tina’s book!
Can’t wait to try these bars!!! They look so yummy!
I’ve been in a carrot mindset lately. I feel your (delicious) pain.
Oh and I totally vote Ethiopian.
I need to start making rules for when I can read your posts…because laughing out loud uncontrollably just isn’t always appropriate.
That lifting book looks great! I just finished the semester so I’m look for some good reads for the summer!
This one wasn’t even funny
Wow all those restaurants look great. My first thought was Ethiopian but I didn’t see my favorite (vegan ketfo) on the menu. Maybe tapas because the atmosphere looks more “date-y”? I saw African Cats last weekend and it was phenomenal! Full of drama, suspense and action. Who knew the wild felines led such exciting drama-filled lives! I’m talking everything from pride wars to “baby daddy” drama. I am so not kidding. If you see it, you will totally get it. Be warned though: it’s a documentary about real live HUNGRY wild cats, not Pea Kitties
So uh, yeah quite a few circle of life moments.
The only reason we wouldn’t go see African Cats is that we want to take the girls to see it. But if it’s too “Circle of Life-y,” maybe not…
idk…they do show them attacking the prey but it is Disney so you don’t see any actual tearing of the flesh or asphyxiating death grips. I can see your girls being a bit upset by some of the events. They seem pretty smart and I don’t think it would “go over their heads”. My 13 yr old son had to keep saying “MOM! stop crying. please. oh my goodness!” LOL
Uh oh. Well, we’ll just get it on DVD and fast forward through those parts
Ethiopian! and coin toss for the movie!
Thanks for the book recommendations. Adding these to my to-read list, especially the one on lifting. I began Jillian Michaels’s plan yesterday and think it’s going to be amazing. What I love about Jillian’s plan is that she keeps your heart rate up the whole time you’re doing weights, so you get the most benefit.
We always have to renew our library books because J-Man gets to into one or two of them that he wants to read them every night.
Is it Making the Cut that you are doing? Because I just read that too
Actually I signed up for her online program. It has menu planning which I will pretty much disregard. But the circuit workouts is what I wanted. Looks like she switches it up every day. I’m in love so far.
Wow, that sounds cool!
I love the library! I always take out way too many books on crafting and sewing and quilting and cooking and fashion…… At the moment, I have about 13 books here with me, most of them I haven’t even looked at yet. While the library does provide books, they don’t do anything about giving us more time to read them all. (I also amassed over $30 in fines within the first few months of having my library cards – woops.)
I don’t have the problem, thanks to geography. We don’t live in the city limits, so while kids can check out as many books as they want, adults can only check out one at a time. It’s like they now I’m going to clean out their cookbook section.
p.s. I vote Ethiopian.
I grabbed the Lifting book from the library this week – loving it so far!!
You should see Soul Surfer – it’s so inspiring!!
That’s what I’m leaning towards…
Those bars look soo good! What a great idea to add protein to your recipe!
i vote ethiopian for your birthday because i’d love to see you re-create some of those dishes! especially the way they prepare greens and lentils. yum.
I promise that if we don’t go Ethiopian, I’ll at least look up some recipes
YES!! thank you! i forgot to mention also that shiro wat is amazing also- it’s ground chickpeas so seems like it would be right up your alley
and their cabbage/potatoes/carrots concoction.
mmm carrot cake at the library…what a great day!
Those carrot cake bars look so good! I love carrot cake.
I’m also rereading New Rules because I want to start taking strength training more seriously (and will start after my marathon in June!)
Yum, yum, carrot cake bars! I heard Soul Surger and Water for Elephants were both good. Happy almost Birthday!
Juice cocktails? Go trendy vegan!
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking too!
So jealous of the fabulous eats you have available to you when dining out
Enjoy a juice cocktail for me.
Maybe you should try and make a vegan version of Jessica’s (from How sweet eats) peanut butter stuffed hot fudge cupcakes. I think I almost died when I ate them. They were that good.
Now those sound AMAZING.
Thank you for the book reviews! I have been on the hunt for some new reads and I am pumped to try out all three!! Thanks lady!!!
P.S. You guys should totally have the cheesiest tropical themed backyard bday party you could imagine!! I’m envisioning coconut bikinis!! lol
That will be Pea Daddy’s birthday. Totally over-the-top tropical kitsch. You wait and see.
See Water for Elephants! You won’t regret it.
How in the world did I miss this weekend is your birthday?? I’m a crappy friend. Happy birthday dear sweet Mama Pea, I hope you have the best birthday weekend EVER! Heart you!!!
My birthday isn’t actually until Monday! You are not a crappy friend, you are an about to burst friend! I’ve got an idea, why don’t you and I go out for Ethiopian food?! I need a Mommy Night Out and I think you probably do too! I’ll email you!
Happy Birthday Sarah!
I fully vote for Ethopian, the food is DELICIOUS!!
Please, please, please do NOT waste your time or money seeing Water for Elephants, or as I like to call it “2 Hours of My Life I am NEVER Getting Back!”. The book was much better, and other than extreme animal cruelty, NOTHING happened! Not to mention zero cheimistry between that Twilight kid and Reese… I beg you to see something much more uplifting, so as to actually enjoy your time!
Yep, we’ve ruled out Water for Elephants. Thanks for the warning!
Is there any way to substitute anything for the protein powder? I don’t have any and these look yummy!
Have a very Happy Birthday!! Go somewhere super yummy for dinner with your hubby!
It says right in the recipe what you can substitute
Don’t I feel silly
I didn’t read that far down
That’s what I figured…no skimming, Mindy!
I vote, Water for Elephants and Ethiopian. I love Rob Patz! Twilight nerd right here!! And my bf is 1/2 Ethiopian so we get to eat the food often and I love it! Happy almost Birthday!!
Thanks Taylor! Now I’m so confused…
The strength training book looks like a must-read!
Those protein bars look fabulous, although I think I’ll use the substitutions they sound even better! Yummy
I vote Ethipian, Soul Surfer, some decadent chocolate and a foot rub (yeah Pea Daddy?)
Now that sounds gooood!
Oh my gosh, Jamie Eason is my fitness hero. Gorgeous, fit, full of faith and overall, just seems like the sweetest souther girl! I’ve made her protein bar recipe numerous times (among others) – now I can’t wait to try your take on them!
I am looking forward to taking my little one to the library weekly this summer (when I am off). Have your girls read Crysanthemum (by Kevin Henkes) yet? My girl is head over heals for it right now.
We haven’t read Chrysanthemum! I’ll have to pick it up. And yes, I too am obsessed with Jamie Eason
Her biscotti recipe is AMAZING . . . if you can veganize that, you’ll be hooked.
I was just looking at that the other day. I must try!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday no matter what you decide to do! Enjoy!
Thanks, Amy!
Woah! That protein count is UNREAL! I’m definitely making these this weekend – thanks!
a) ethiopian. tell pea daddy to stop being a wuss and try it!
2) what is max’s answer about narrow minded christians?
d) i want to read “water for elephants” then see the movie… so i say we both read the book and then you go see the movie with ME!???? there’s a juicer in it for you… =)
a) Have you been to that restaurant?
b) Max says “different flights have different destinations” and Jesus was not about judgment, he was about encouragement, forgiveness, eternity and thanks. How can we, who has been loved so much, not do the same for others?
c) It’s a date!!!
I actually really liked Water for Elephants! I didn’t think I would but it was good. Have you read the book?
Those carrot cake bars look amazing! Awesome nutrition stats too. I really need to get a copy of Tina’s book! I’ll eat your carrot cake bars while I read. Booyah.
I haven’t read the book…I think I’ll do that first
There was allegedly some mistreatment/abuse of the elephants on the set of Water for Elephants; no sense getting into it here (especially since you already said you’d ruled it out), but Vegansaurus had a good post on it a couple of weeks ago. A lot of people have decided to boycott it (for both the elephant reason and the fact that it also allegedly kind of sucks). Soul Surfer looks awesome though, and I can’t wait to see it myself!
Thanks, Sara!
Mmmm, if you’ve read my blog, then you know I absolutely love carrot– especially carrot paired with coconut
All it’s missing is some coconut or nut butter and then it’s good in my terms 
You’ve probably mentioned this before, but can you tell me what type of protein powder you use? I usually go with designer whey protein powder but I want to look into different options.
Also, that weight lifting book is great. When I first considering heavy lifting, it was the first book I bought
I am currently using a 50/50 rice/pea blend from True Protein, but I also use Nutribiotic rice and Olympian Lab pea protein.
Ethiopian is my FAVORITE!!! My husband is the pickiest eater I know, and he loves it too. Yemisir Watt (spicy lentils), Shiro (seasoned chickpea flour), and Kik Alicha (split peas) are at the top of my list. Plus, the Ethiopian bread (Injera) is traditionally gluten free…. though at our local restaurant you have to call a day ahead if you want the traditional, gluten free Injera. Happy birthday (a couple days early)!
Thanks Janelle! All those dishes sound delicious.
Happy Birthday, Mama Pea! Enjoy your date night–you deserve it!
Blossoming Lotus definitely!
Also, Portobello on se 12 & division is an amazing place to celebrate. Have fun!
That’s what we’ve decided on (I think…). We went to Portobello on our anniversary and it WAS great!
I was wondering what kind of protein powder you use? Do you put protein powder in your oatmeal as well?
Thank you! Heather THe bars luck yummie!!
I do put it in my oatmeal. I am currently using a 50/50 rice/pea blend from True Protein, but I also use Nutribiotic rice and Olympian Lab pea protein.
I’m not usually one to reading exercise books but that lifting book does look interesting
Between the ruptured disc, vegan eats and NW home (Seattle for me), I was certain we had lots in common. Now even more so, because my bday is this weekend, too. Are you also a May Day baby?
Whenever it is, I wish you many blessings on your sun circle! Happy Birthday…. to us! Weeeeee…
My birthday is Monday, the 2nd! Happy birthday to YOU!!!
YES. i can’t wait to make this and eat it while i read tina’s book.. i got it too. i can’t wait to get yours, though. EEP!
your birthday is national truffles day. take that how you want.. because there is the sweet kind or the mushroom kind.
Definitely the sweet kind, thank you very much…
Tapas…always Tapas. And I’ve been dying to see African Cats ever since I saw the trailer – looks amazing and moving.
I have about 20 books checked out and one pilates dvd for me. I can totally relate to reading 3 different books and not finishing them. I’ll have to check out the Book the New Rules for Lifting for Women, but first I must finish my personal training cert. book! Ha!
Ethiopian sounds good but so does Tapas! Happy Birthday to you and have a fabulous weekend!
Congrats on getting your certification! If you need to write out some sample workout weight routines for anyone, you know where to find me…
I love that you take your kids to the library! I feel like it’s something that less and less parents do, which is super sad. Must admit, and I promise I’m not butt kissing, I’m excited about your book. I love that bloggers are getting published!
Thank you, Christine. I’m pretty danged excited too. We are *this close* to going to press. We’re just waiting for the last of the back cover “quotes” to come in. It’s pretty ridiculous how thrilled I am.
I can relate to those library trips! I place holds on books from my home computer and then zip by the hold shelf and head straight to the kid’s section when we go to the library. In fact I am placing a hold on that weight lifting for women book right now!
My husband and I are having a date night tomorrow, too! I’m so giddy about it (we have one every month or two). Hope you enjoy yours, and happy birthday!
I hope you have a great date night, Rebekah…we totally deserve it! (and thanks for the early birthday wishes)
im so with you on the weight training. i started lifting heavy weights consistently about a year and a half ago and can’t believe how it has changed my body. i used to run all the time and though i looked good, but i had no idea how great of shape (and what a cute little booty!) i really could have. so modest, i know
. its amazing to feel so strong, and i only lift two days a week, but when you lift heavy its all you really need. and i cannot believe how much i eat now-i get hungrier much more often but the calories seem to get “gobbled up” by the muscles. i think women are afaid of getting bulky-but its just not going to happen, we arent built that way. heavy weights=long, lean female muscles. way to go mama pea!
I couldn’t agree more with you! When I was running 1/2 marathons I definitely had more of a “skinny fat” look, but now I am more shapely and cut than I’ve ever been and I’m not afraid to say it! I’m with you, Jane.
Sarah-
Can you freeze these bad boys?
Sara
Good question! I don’t see why not. In fact, that’s a fantastic idea.
Mama Pea, you are a genius! I made these bars tonight, subbing almond meal for protein powder, and they are delicious! I’m going to have to practice some serious self-restraint to avoid eating the whole pan…although my mother is always worried about whether or not I am getting enough protein as a vegetarian so she may endorse my large consumption of these bars.
I’m so glad! Our batch is almost gone…I think I will just try to constantly have a batch made and in the fridge (where I’m storing mine…)
I loved this post Sarah! *ahem* I mean…Mama Pea!
thank you for the review on Max Lucado’s book! and we’re so alike in that I just.cannot.focus on one thing especially when it comes to books!! haha seriously. currently I’m reading, “Compelled by Love” (Heidi Baker), “The Hole in the Gospel” (Richard Stearns), and SOME of “The Shack”. I def. recommend all of them esp. Hole in the Gospel.
Love your “equation” here! Weights + Spirit + Carrots = Nourishment!
I HIGHLY recommend “Facing Your Giants” by Max — I don’t even use his last name since I pretty much ‘own’ every one of his books
That’s the latest I read and it was awesome. Also–Fearless is another one on top of my list.
Thanks MB, I’ll check ‘em out!
Happy Birthday hun! Enjoy your date night. I’m still trying to convince Eric to go to Water for Elephants…heh.
Do you follow “Max on Life” on twitter? I am going to have to get his book, he is wonderful!
Have a wonderful birthday!
I do now! Thanks!
new rules!? crazyness; I feel like new and old rules often overlap. hope to hear some good tips!
I can’t believe it is possible for a cake to have so much protein. I must make these asap!
P.S. I love the orange smear comment, I always get so grossed out when I see any stains on my library books.
Hee hee…me too.
I live north of Portland (Vancouver, WA). I’ve never been to any of those three restaurants, but I went to a different Ethopian place (I think it was called Dalo’s Kitchen?) and had a spicy lentil dish that was amazing. They had four vegan dishes and you could get them all in a platter. I’ll have to do that next time!!
That carrot cake looks amazing, unfortunately I don’t have a square pan!
Hey neighbor
Thanks for the recommendation!
Sooo good! I had to sub oat flour (clearly need to go to the grocery store!) for whole wheat and use the flax eggs, but these were great! They reminded me of the carrot cake cliff bar and made a great pre-run snack!
I love NROLFW! It worked really well for me.
I’ve never read Lucado’s book, but I’m always interested in well-written religious texts. The best one I’ve read in a long time was by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach — “Renewal – A Guide to the Values-Filled Life.” It uses the values of Judaism, but it’s definitely not just for a Jewish audience. I found it fascinating and very invigorating to read.
I’m cooking up carrots for these right now. So excited!
One question: I don’t use stevia. Any suggestions for how much brown sugar or maple syrup I could use and which would work better?
I’d use the brown sugar. Maybe taste the batter with 1/4 c. and see if it’s sweet enough for you?
Wow, these turned out so great. Great as in I want these around all the time.
I was low on protein powder, so I only used 1/4 cup and replaced the rest with oat flour. Instead of stevia I went with about 2 T of brown sugar since my protein powder is quite sweet.
Thanks for the awesome recipe.
I’m so glad you liked them, Allie!!!
A word of warning: I didn’t think about it, and put a couple in a baggie, then in my desk at work. I bite into one today, and it definitely went bad. So, definitely keep these in the fridge.
*bit
My oh my….I think I have found my next baking venture! Making these tomorrow!
Happy birthday Mama Pea! My vote is for Water for Elephants just for some lovely R Patz viewing.
Couldn’t wait to make the bars yesterday and didn’t have any carrots (how does that happen?) so I used canned pumpkin like you said. I am serious love!! These are absolutely amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing! These are exactly the type of thing I need for a healthy yet treat-like afternoon snack. Yum!
oh wowee!! how scrumptious!! I will have to make these asap!
Hi! I just love reading your blog – I read it everyday!
I am going to make these with Pumpkin, they sound delicious and I am in need of some afternoon snacks in lieu of my usual protein shakes. A couple of questions for you: i am not vegan, could I use regular eggs instead of the tofu or flax eggs? also, I have never used stevia before…any tips on buying it? would you substitute sugar for it, and if so, how much?
thanks so much!
If you aren’t vegan, you could certainly use egg whites. The original recipe calls for four. More on stevia in my next post…but if you are going to use sugar, I’d use about 1/4 cup. Hope that helps!
I loooove getting some help in the reading department!! I swear everyone is blogging about Tina’s new book…I need to get to a bookstore asap!
YAY Gluten Free!!! Those bars look amazing!!! and I definitely want to get Tina’s book! I have about 5 books I need to read before I can get to that one but I’ll get to it eventually!
Water for Elephants is one of my fav books in the last few years. Right now I’m reading Freedom by Jonathon Krantz and loving it.
first of all happy birthday!!
second, no movies are appealing to me right now, but water for elephants is one of my all time fave books. im pretty sure the movie will ruin it as per usual, so im not going to see it.
I just got the weight lifting book from the library today and I’ve been reading bits of it every chance I get! Question: do you try to get 30% of your calories from protein as they recommend? What are some of your go-to high protein foods that you eat? And what kind of protein powder would you recommend for baking? I have some hemp protein powder but I think its dark green color would turn this recipe swamp brown.
I love when the author addresses the common advice to “eat less, exercise more” and says that would be like asking your employees to work more hours for less pay. What a great analogy!
Hi Rebekah! I have been trying to get close to my body weight in grams of protein each day. I’m able to do this through rice protein powder, pea protein powder, nutritional yeast, tofu, tempeh, edamame, beans, lentils, nuts, greens, etc. I use rice and pea for baking (usually a 50/50 split). I don’t think hemp would be good at all, but I don’t like hemp protein anyway
Hope that helps!
Those look SUPER yummy! I bet it would also be delish with a dribble of melted coconut butter
I just made these and forgot to put any sweetener in, but I love them anyway! Maybe my sun warrior had enough sweetness? Anyways I am much to lazy to make frosting just for me right now so I put a smear of tofutti cream cheese on top and it was bliss! Great way to amp up my protein intake, especially on days when I lift and my muscles are begging for replenishment. You are such an inspiration of health and fitness!
Aww, thanks, that’s so sweet. I just try to do what works for me, as unconventional as it may be. And for me, that means extra protein so I can have muscles!
I just purchased The New Rules of Lifting for Women and I am also a new vegan. Since the book’s meal ideas are not vegan, I was wondering what your favorite high protein meals are. I usually have oat bran cooked and mixed with a banana and one scoop of vega protein powder and a tbs of nut butter for breakfast. Salad with lots of veggies, tempeh, and hummus for lunch. Nuts and dried fruit for snack, and some sort of veggies with vegan protein for dinner. Any easy and tasty recipeas you would suggest.
Those actually sound a lot like my meals. I also do a lot of smoothies and protein ice cream. And my homemade protein bars.
If you search “protein” on my recipea page, here are the recipeas you’ll find and these are my favorites! (especially the cake batter smoothie and the protein ice cream)
http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?search_term=protein
Hope that helps!