Because I’m slow, because I will do everything in my power to make my house clean, running functionally and be fully stocked with glorious food, because I’ve had back to back to back illnesses ranging from stomach flu to severe vertigo to the common cold and because I have two kids, a dog that poos on the floor daily and a brand new house to unpack and decorate for Christmas, I’ve been somewhat invisible the past month or so.
Sorry about that.
But let’s move on to the good stuff. It’s Christmas time! Yay! This is my favourite time of year. Not because I get presents (I’m not that big on gifts for myself at Christmas…but my birthday? Bring it), but because I love Christmas songs, egg nog, Santa, reindeer, bad Santa movies, elves running around people’s houses and the pure joy on kids faces. I mean look at this face:
It’s the simple things that bring us joy. I could get down on myself for lots of things right now. We all have money woes, family issues, health concerns, stress, chores, etc. But instead I’m choosing to think about my PRs during our daily CrossFit workouts. This past week, I blew my previous one rep max on my clean right out of the water. Not three weeks ago I struggled to get 95lbs up to my front rack just one time. This past week I got 105lbs up to front rack three times…on a carpeted floor!
Having not had batteries for my scale in about a month, I didn’t know where I was weight wise, but I found out yesterday I had gained another 5lbs. So now I am up 15lbs since starting CrossFit and the Paleo Lifestyle back in July. Mostly muscle…but you know…I like my sausages and bacon too.
Here is a shot of me in my awesome neighbour’s garage gym doing some 1.5 pood kettlebell swings in my wicked awesome ProCompression socks. Being a FitFluential ambassador has some perks. This is one of them. I swear these socks make a huge difference in stamina, endurance and recovery of my legs during tough WODs. I usually have some pretty sore areas, but so far when I’m wearing them I have had no problems (I keep them on before, during and after my workout for at least an hour or more). Besides that they are cute (I got hot pink too) and protect my shins during barbell moves from the floor. I really want to try full leg compression gear next, but that’s a big investment so we’ll have to wait and see!
Here’s a quote from their website:
PRO Compression socks are designed specifically to deliver both maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood. The moment you put these socks on your feet and incorporate them into your game, you will feel and understand the difference.
PRO Compression socks are noticeably tight and require more effort to put on than standard socks in your drawer. But it’s that extra effort and much-needed compression that make all the difference. Be patient and your feet will thank you.
But enough talk, let’s get to the goods…what you really came here for. A recipe! Finally! In my new house I have an actual room all to myself for use as a studio/office. It’s a dream come true for photos. It made taking the following shots pretty easy. Oh what?! Chocolate Caramel Brownie Cups?! Paleo WHAT?!
One year ago: Citrus Curd
Two years ago: Christmas Baking Roundup
Three years ago: Crab and Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli
Chocolate Caramel Brownie Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a deep silicone muffin tin and set aside (If you don't have a silicone muffin pan, I suggest using paper liners so as to not have to wrestle with it to get your goodies out).
- Blend almond meal and coconut flour.
- Add in salt, cinnamon and cocoa and blend with a fork.
- Stir in the coconut oil, honey, vanilla and egg. Blend until completely mixed.
- Spoon into six or seven of the muffin tin compartments.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes. Remove and cool completely. (I use the freezer for speedier cooling, just don't forget them in there.)
- Place dates and boiling water in a blender or food processor and blend until liquefied.
- Add in remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour over cooled brownie layer and cool again.
- In a double boiler or a small metal bowl placed over a small pot of gently simmering water, add the chocolate chips, ghee and salt.
- Stir continuously until just melted.
- Pour over cooled cups and spread around with your finger or a small spatula.
- Cool completely before trying to remove.
Similarly fabulous recipes from other yummy food blogs:
Triple Chocolate Truffles from PaleOMG
Hazelnut Butter Three Ways from Primal Palate
Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Muffins from Civilized Caveman
Paleo Fudgy Brownies from Health-Bent
**I received free compression socks from ProCompression in exchange for this review. These free goodies in no way influenced my opinions on the product. That’s just good old fashioned me right there.
These look SO good…ps cute socks, too, and you look fit and awesome 😉 I don’t think you could pay me to put pics of me working out on my site but I am still going strong with Crossfit…I go 5x/week and I really love it.
Wow Winnie, that IS AWESOME!
Finally a recipe I have all the ingredients for!
Nice! PRs ftw. Great moves during the WODs Elizabeth!
Now…those cookie bite things. Omfg. So awesome.
You are a lean mean workout machine! Easy to see in the photo that you are gaining so much muscle strength and I’m sure that if you did gain 5 pounds, that it is all muscle.
Your cookie bites…amazing!
I could just die.
At the end of finals, these will be my saving grace.
I could do carmel and chocolate allllll day.
Heck ya you can!
I agree with Adrian since I have all the ingredients necessary! Let the baking begin.
Wow, these look incredible! I pinned for later : ) I love your theme and blog design, too!
Well thank you Sarah!
Congrats on your PR’s! And these brownies sound like the perfect reward. I know “they” say never to reward yourself with food but when it’s so darn good for you, is there really a problem? I think not 🙂
*high five* Exactly.
you think these would work with an egg replacer, like flax seeds? They look good:)
Probably. The egg is acting as a binder, so no that important to the whole overall deliciousness. Your brownie portion MAY be crumbly though…
Happy to hear I’m not the only one picking up daily floor poo.
Recipe looks divine!
I am not seeing a recipe…and when I click to PRINT all I see is your post in text format. Would love to have this recipe. Am I doing something wrong?
Okay now when I hit PRINT it is there…
Now I need to know where you get CREAMED COCONUT? Would love to make these.
Elle, Creamed coconut is also known as Coconut butter and coconut manna. Let’s Do Organic is the brand I buy because it’s only about $3.50 for a container. Any health food store should carry it.
Made ’em. Swooned, quite literally. Didn’t tell co-workers what it was till after they disappeared – and mind blown! And BTW, that is the cutest Santa pic ever! We took ours already but I may do another set! So… Organic and natural is what comes the mind 🙂
Awesome Nadia! So glad you loved them….:)
Ooops, forgot to ask where your santa pics were done! Love the setting!
That was at the Root Cellar Nadia! But I think it was only for that weekend.
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Wow, 2 of my favorites, almond and chocolate. This will be a great reward for a hard days work. How will I make the brownie part gooey?
Extra oil?
Oh these look fantastic!! Great recipe!
🙂 Megan
are you kidding!!!?? yesssssssssssss
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