76 SIDELINES JULY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
No-Bake Energy Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of coconut shreds or powder, 1/4 cup butter, 1/8 cup
of almond butter, 1/8 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1
tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1/4
teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of rolled oats.
Directions:
In a non-stick skillet, heat coconut over low heat until it’s slightly
browned or starts to smell nutty. Remove from heat and allow to
cool.
Mix together the remaining ingredients. Take heaping
tablespoons of batter and roll into a ball. Roll in the coconut.
Repeat.
Chocolate Cinn-Almonds
Ingredients:
One cup of almonds, 1 cup of milk chocolate chips, 1/4 cup
of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of
salt.
Directions:
In a dry saucepan, heat the almonds on medium heat
until they give off a nutty aroma, four to five minutes turning
periodically. Remove from pan and allow to cool completely.
In a double boiler or microwave, heat chocolate until melted.
Add the almonds and coat completely.
In a large tupperware container with a lid, or a ziplock bag,
add the remaining ingredients. Add the almonds and all of their
chocolate, shaking vigorously until coated completely with the
cinnamon mixture.
Lay individual almonds onto plate or cookie sheet and
allow to set. Anything remaining from the chocolate/cinnamon
mixture, set aside and use as a base for hot chocolate.
Note: Use leftover chocolate bits for stirring into coffee or hot
chocolate.
By Kat Nielsen
New puppies and new foals are some of the greatest blessings
around. They provide you with endless antics and entertainment,
while also proving to be some of the biggest “monsters” out there.
Not to mention, they’re just so gosh darn cute!
The downside of fluffy, adorable baby animals you want to
snuggle is having to prepare for their part in the eminent destruction
of property and paddocks. You all know what I’m talking about.
Whether you’ve gotten a new puppy to be your companion at the
barn or you’re breeding your own horses, most little ones learn
by trial and fire. Thank goodness none of them have opposable
thumbs!
You essentially have to baby-proof everything and worry about
all unseen threats as their caretaker. You start by inspecting your
paddocks for loose nails and boards that look even remotely
dangerous. Then there’s making sure no small objects exist that
might accidentally be consumed, or loose baling twine for a giant
living ball of yarn to be created. Even with our best intentions, our
guard gets let down for mere seconds and trouble ensues.
With the arrival of a new puppy in my house, sleep was the first
thing to go for me, and then making dinner turned into a speed
round on Top Chef. Luckily, I’ve been able to pump out snacks
with some protein and caffeine to get me through my day during
the rare 15 minutes of puppy nap. I don’t dare keep these delicious
and easy snacks to myself in case anyone else is going through
similar challenges. I do encourage you to try the Chocolate Cinn-
Almonds or the No-Bake Energy Cookies for coping with fewer
counted sheep, or for a packed show schedule in your future. Not
one of us should be without good food and something or someone
to keep us on our toes.
To full plates and eating your tarte out.
Photos by Kat Nielsen
About the writer: Author Kat Nielsen is a horse enthusiast turned food blogger.
She maintains a day job in the horse world handling marketing and brand support to
various companies while enjoying her evenings and weekends writing recipes and
blogging all about her culinary experiences. Visit her blog at EatYourTarteOut.com
or email her at
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Good Food Hunting
Chocolate Cinn-Almonds combine hints of cinnamon and
individually chocolate-coated almonds for a wonderful snack.
New Puppy. New Foal. No Time.
No-Bake Energy Cookies include everything
but the kitchen sink but pack a ton of nutrients
and cookie-like qualities into one bite.
