It’s never too early for Christmas. And that's a mantra I live by.
Watching Elf in June? Perfectly acceptable, it’s a half-Christmas after all.
Personally, I’m yearning to get that Michael Buble Christmas album on in my car, but I nearly had a panic attack myself when I saw mince pies being sold in Sainsburys. And if you work in retail and Christmas just isn’t your jam, I genuinely feel for you, because even though it’s only October, it’s happening and there’s nothing quite like retail at Christmas…
Watching Elf in June? Perfectly acceptable, it’s a half-Christmas after all.
Personally, I’m yearning to get that Michael Buble Christmas album on in my car, but I nearly had a panic attack myself when I saw mince pies being sold in Sainsburys. And if you work in retail and Christmas just isn’t your jam, I genuinely feel for you, because even though it’s only October, it’s happening and there’s nothing quite like retail at Christmas…
Now the party season gets me a bit nervous too, though. So many events and parties are approaching and glowing skin and shiny hair doesn’t just happen overnight, and if I dare want to get my legs into a little glittery number, I’m going to actually have to shave my legs and moisturise (like, more than once a month). So I’m saying start now and you’ll thank yourself after the photos.
This time of year, I love to incorporate lots of skin loving foods to counteract the bitter cold weather that wreaks havoc on our hair and complexions. Almonds are chock full of antioxidants that help to eliminate toxins and free radicals from our bodies, and also being a major source of vitamin E, they will nourish the skin to keep it smooth and glowing. They are an excellent source of biotin (for strong hair, nails, skin and muscles) too.
These Nutty Energy Bars are jammed packed with almonds, so whether you’re seeing yourself through a long lecture lecture, powering your workout, or fuelling yourself for that Christmas work party, it’s easy to get a little skin-loving hit on-the-go. Ditch the expensive store-brought granola bars and do your wallet and skin a favour this Christmas - surely that money could go towards a little treat for yourself under the tree…
No baking required, these bars are easy to make and only 5 ingredients. Refined sugar free!
Ingredients
Makes 12 Bars
(Last for up to 3 days refrigerated in an air-tight container)
135g/1 Cup Dates (pitted)
135g/1 Cup Almonds (roasted unsalted)
100g/1 1/2 Cup Oats
60g/1/4 Cup Almond Butter
40ml/1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
Toast your oats for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown, in an oven set to Gas Mark 6.
Meanwhile, in a food processor or high powered blender (I find my nutribullet works perfectly fine), process the dates into a soft dough.
Place aside your oats, almonds and dates together in a bowl.
Over a medium-low heat, warm up your maple syrup and almond butter. Once incorporated, pour over your oats, almonds and dates and stir until well combined.
In an 8x8 baking tray lined with cling film or baking parchment, transfer your mixture and press down until it is evenly distributed. Be quite firm, otherwise the bars won’t hold together.
Leave to set in a freezer wrapped in cling film for 15 or so minutes.
Cut into bars and enjoy!
Nut butters are a bit of a fiend in my house, so much so, they are hidden and locked away so I’m not tempted to shovel the jar into my mouth. Yes, it’s about as unattractive as it sounds. But with the amazing benefits of almonds for your hair, skin and nails, dipping a spoon into the almond butter jar is perfectly acceptable, right?
Kay’s Kitchen Playlist
Not going to lie, Michael Buble was playing during the making of these.
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