When SIMPLE is BEST: Vanilla xo

When it comes to sweet treat 'flavours' these days, we are SO spoilt for choice at every turn; at every supermarket, every cake shop, ice cream stand etc.  Like at today's exotic coffee shop visit with friends, the menu boasted hot chocolates flavoured with hazelnut, mint, caramel, rose, chilli etc the list goes on!  And then there are the gelato stands that spoil us with every tastebud tantaliser imaginable, from the popular classics like pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate, to the inventive flavours like 'Ferrero Rocher' or 'green tea'.  

But do we still remember the joys of the humble vanilla bean?  It's a classic, simple and reliable flavour that is sometimes all we need instead of the over complicated choices out there.  I don't know about you, but as a kid when there was a choice between chocolate, strawberry or vanilla flavoured ice-cream, I ALWAYS chose vanilla.  And when spoilt for choice on a fudge shop visit.... vanilla fudge suited me best.  Vanilla is so subtley sweet, so gentle on the taste buds, so dreamy, so comforting, honest and pure.  As I type this I am remembering my last creme bulee moment where my spoon scraped away every last speckle of the vanilla pods at the the bottom of the ramekin.  Bliss xo

So while I'm still riding this wave of 'healthy desserts', this time I went simple and sweet with yummy and chewy bliss balls with a generous hit of vanilla extract.  Again, even bliss balls these days have so many flavour options... with the addition of dates, apricots, peanut butter, cinnamon, cocoa, ginger etc.  But yep... this one is simply vanilla and I LOVE IT.  Enjoy xo

Vanilla Bliss Balls (adapted from All Recipes) (makes 10 - 12 balls)      

Ingredient:

1 1/4 cup almond meal

3/4 cup desiccated coconut

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

pinch of salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

extra coconut for coating

Instructions:

Mix together in a bowl the dry ingredients.  Stir in the wet ingredients.  Then roll dough into small 1 tablespoon worth balls and roll in extra coconut.  Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.  Yum xo

      

Getting to know Tristan and yoga

Meet Tristan....... he's someone who I like to think of as the 'humble, quiet achiever' that has come so far in his yoga practice since his first class in September last year.  Like he said, the hypo, music pumping gym environment isn't for everyone, and like SO many other people, stumbling into the world of yoga by accident was a true blessing.  In Tristan's case, a back injury led him to go to his first class and since then he hasn't looked back.  When you find something good, that rewards you with BOTH physical and mental strength it's always worth sticking to it.... just like Tristan.  The results are well worth the journey!  Enjoy getting to know Tristan and his perspective on yoga xo  

When and where did you first start yoga?

I started yoga in September 2011 at the Baulkham Hills Yoga School, Sydney.

Why did you start yoga?

I had injured my back at work (I am an ICU nurse) and I didn't feel like going to the gym to strengthen it as I found the gym environment didn't suit me.

What do you think yoga aims to achieve?

Body, mind and life balance.

What do you find most rewarding in yoga?

The most rewarding aspects I've found with yoga are the clarity in which I find myself, particularly when I'm regularly practicing.  I find I have a clearer mind to focus on the important things.  The strength I now have through yoga has also been great especially for work, I feel more stable when I have to move heavier patients.  

What do you find most challenging in yoga?

What I find most challenging in yoga is usually during Shavasana.  I find it hard to switch my mind off.  But it's happened a few times and it's been SO good.  So I need lots of mental training!  Oh and the handstands.... still working on my upper body strength!

What are 3 reasons you would recommend yoga to others?

It clears and de-clutters the mind.  It makes you feel more balanced.  It's a more wholesome lifestyle for getting fit.

What are 3 words that describe how you feel after yoga?

Zen, Clear, Strong.

What makes you smile?

Food!

What's your ideal way to spend a Sunday?

Brunch with the Sunday paper.  Then heading to the beach.

What's your best holiday to date?

I've travelled a fair bit, but I LOVE New York and Spain.

What's something that a lot of people don't know about you?

I paint and am interested in photography.