BERRY LAVENDER FREEZER CUPCAKES

Every Sunday evening my husband and I meet with two other couples to check-in on the various happenings of the week, study scripture [and continually be challenged by it], pray, and more than anything, journey through this thing we call life - together. Balance does not come through food alone, although making healthy food decisions is a significant piece. It is important to remember that food is just a portion of the larger picture. Spirituality, family, community [large and small], work, emotions, thoughts, sleep, and exercise all play an equally important role in bringing peace and wholeness to your life.

I urge you to find ways to bring joy to each part of your life. If you need to, put the dirty dishes back in the sink, let the sponge sit in that soapy standing water, find the nearest good book [this may be the Good Book that has gotten a little dusty over time], put on a pot of hot water, grab a tea bag, sit down in a quiet place [yes, that cell phone does have voicemail - you don't have to answer it], and read for a half an hour. Walk, do yoga, meditate, garden, or just stare out the window if you are being indecisive. Give yourself time to breathe, relax, and loose yourself in something larger than those tasks that take up so much of your time. Don't feel guilty, and if you do, remember this time is as important as sitting down for a meal - only now you are feeding your soul. Most people are aware of missing dinner. Try to bring that kind of awareness to the other places of your life.

Now, back to Sunday night. On one particular Sunday it happened to be about 85 degrees with a humidity level of 220% [okay, maybe that's not possible but heat tends to bring out the dramatic in me]. That being said, I was in no mood to cook yet I had a dessert to prepare. I hopelessly looked around and decided if we were going to have dessert it was going to be raw, period. This decision made [which I was quite proud of at the time - indecisive had been my constant companion that day], led me to the coolest spot in the house - the freezer. Blueberries, check. Opening the refrigerator I found fresh black berries and a can of homemade peaches [not raw but I wasn't making a dessert for purists], check. Something was still missing. It needed something...something floral...lavender! I love lavender paired with berries and peaches. The flavors compliment each other so well. Ten minutes later, freezer cupcakes emerged and ended up being a delicate, cool treat for our evening together.

Alright, here's the dirt:

Blackberries nourish the liver and kidney, are a blood tonic, and rich in vitamin C and pectin.

Blueberries are a cooling food [perfect!], help eliminate toxins from the body, and support the lungs, spleen, stomach, and eyes. They are one of the best sources of antioxidants, especially when compared to other fruits. These little berries are a really good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Lavender is both an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory herb. It's uses include indigestion, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, and bronchial upsets. It improves digestion, has a relaxing effect on spasms, may lower fevers, and improves circulation.

I hope these raw frosty little babies will become a nice alternative, especially on those hot summer days, to their baked cousins. And the best part is, you can alter these in any way to suit your tastes and momentary cravings!

Indulge well!

[FOR THE CRUST]

1/4 c. cashews, ground

1 1/2 c. walnuts, ground

1/2 c. coconut flour

1/4 c. honey

1/4 c. coconut oil

Place silicone cupcake holders in cupcake pan [I haven't tried this with paper holders so you would need to experiment if that is what you have in the house. You can also make this is a greased glass baking dish.]

Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix until soft dough forms. Press small chunks of dough into prepared cupcake molds to make a crust about 1/4 - 1/2" thick. Set aside.

[FOR THE FILLING]

3 c. blueberries + blackberries [you can also add peaches]

1/4 - 1/3 c. raw unprocessed honey

1/4 tsp. lavender flowers

pinch of Real Salt sea salt

1/2 c. unrefined coconut oil, melted [to melt, set bowl of oil into a larger bowl of warm water or set in sun and let it work it's magic!]

In blender combine all of the ingredients except coconut oil. Blend on medium until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. With the blender running, slowly pour in melted coconut oil until mixture becomes thick and creamy and all of the oil is incorporated.

Gently pour filling over prepared crust. Freeze 30 - 60 minutes or until filling is firm but not solid [the oil will help with this]. Remove and serve immediately.