Alzheimer's Association Fundraiser

***UPDATE*** 
2/27/2014.   Many of the items in the photos will be retired very soon.  Shop until August 10th to get them. After 8/10 I will be revising the poster to include BRAND NEW product.  Shop here:  www.marathonmom.origamiowl.com

A few days ago, I was doing some online networking, blogging, creating business materials, etc. and got an invitation to join in with a friend for Walk to End Alzheimer's.  I've been asked before, but either did not have the time or it just didn't seem important.  Well, shame on me! It is important and I must confess, I'm ashamed of myself for neglecting this issue because my great Aunt who recently passed away had Alzheimer's disease.  

Since "retiring" from my day job I vowed to myself to act upon those things that are important, those things I either have neglected to make important or honestly did not have the time for.

In the past, I have done other fundraisers through my Origami Owl business. Now, I turn my attention to Alzheimer's disease.  You see, my great aunt had Alzheimer's.  At the same time, she had lung cancer.  The family debated whether or not to treat her cancer because of the Alzheimer's.  She did not understand what was going on around her.  Did not know why she was being taken to doctors, did not know why people were poking needles in her arms or why she was throwing up.   

I guess it was a blessing that she went fairly quickly.  In fact, she passed from this earth with my mother by her side.  I believe God spared her from a long painful existence that many Alzheimer's patients and their families endure.  From the time the cancer was diagnosed to her last breath on earth, only approximately two years went by.  It doesn't really matter which disease ended her life, the fact is, disease took this wonderful woman from us.   Here is your chance to find a cure for one of them. 

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ALZHEIMER'S FUNDRAISER SHOP FORWARD LINK.

My Chemistry experiment

Today is a rainy, dreary, don't want to get out of bed type of day.  It was supposed to be long run day.  Didn't happen.  Got on the treadmill and was bored in less than 30 minutes.  I managed to pull out 7 miles before I gave up.

A few days ago, I discovered the web site for my favorite dairy-free chocolate, Enjoy Life, and as any responsible runner with a dairy allergy would do, I ordered a case.

After my run this morning, I decided to do some experimentation.  First, I made chocolate milk frappe type drink.  (No photo).  

2 ripe bananas

1/2 cup coconut milk

1 cup almond milk (plain)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chip morsels (pictured above)

2 Tbs Smuckers all natural peanut butter

6 large frozen strawberries

It was not too bad, not cold enough, so I put it in the freezer.  May make good ice cream substitute.  Will find out after it's frozen.

Next, I made my black bean brownies with the dark chocolate chips.  YUM!

The brownies called for 2 TBS of canned pumpkin.  I had a can minus 2 TBS left, so what to do?  I searched my recipes and decided to do a mash up of my Pumpkin Bars and Pumpkin Chocolate chip cookie.  

Recipe:

1/2 cup Agave

1/2 cup Stevia in the raw

1 can (minus what was used for the brownies)  pumpkin puree

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup all natural apple sauce

1 cup oats (finely ground)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

3/4 cup +/- dark chocolate chip morsels chopped up (I put them in the little Ninja for a few seconds)

Mix in order, stirring well.  Spoon onto parchment paper, flatten a bit with a spoon.  375 for 10 minutes.  Allow to cool.   

They turned out soft and very sweet and chocolatey.  I think I love them!!   Will have to get some taste testers when the family gets home.  I will also be taking some of my experiments to church tomorrow and see if they get eaten or hit the trash can.  

Normally, I bake for my own enjoyment.  I can't eat "grocery store" deserts because of my allergy to dairy and my family isn't too keen on my experiments.  Perhaps my readers could give me some feedback.  Like?  Don't like?  I have friends who love the black bean brownies, so maybe these new cookies will be a hit as well.  

Pumpkin chocolate cookies

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven.

Don't ask me what the calorie count is in these recipes.  I'm not into that sort of thing.  I run 35 plus miles a week and need the calories.   The ingredients are natural and healthy, so enjoy in moderation if you are dieting.   Does the plate of cookies look like a little person?  Kinda did that on purpose.