Matcha Balls

/

I’ve been a little absent around here lately.  The short story is that I’ve been really tired.  The long story is pretty long.  Here’s a little bit of the details…

I transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to a working mom this past year.  I have been home full time with my kids for the past 5 years and recently started a full time job.  It has been a HUGE adjustment to say the least.  I’ve had to wrestle with a lot of emotions and thoughts about parenting, who I am as a mom, who I am as an individual, our family, and more.  It’s been a huge adjustment for me physically.  I was tired as a SAHM in many ways, primarily mentally and emotionally.  Some days were awesome and some I thought I was going insane.  My new tired is similar but different.  My job as a school counselor has been extremely demanding and, by the time I get home, I’m ready to collapse.  That, of course, isn’t an option, so instead I power through, trying my best to be fully present in the evening hours I have with my family.  It’s much harder to prep a good dinner, tackle laundry and other household chores, and find any break for myself.  It’s harder to stay connected with friends because work and family feel all-consuming.  Of course, there is good too.  I like my job and it’s been a fun change to be back in that setting.  It’s a good feeling to work this job and, in many ways, it helped me get through the long days of winter when being a SAHM was always the most painful.  But, man, it’s been hard.  I’ve had to focus on keeping myself and my family well and that meant cutting back on a lot of things.  Most changes in life have an adjustment period and I know I won’t feel this tired forever.  I’m glad I now have increased understanding into the world of moms and parenting.  Being a parent is tiring, no matter what.  I envied aspects of the life of working moms when I was a SAHM, and now I miss a lot of the perks of being a SAHM.  (Not having to wear pants is a big one).  I hope that, instead of wasting time comparing situations and assessing how others have this or that easier than me, I can extend grace and compassion to all my parent friends, knowing that we’re all tired, we all have boogers somewhere on our clothes, we’re all worried about something small and something really big, and we all can do this parenting this so much better when we are supporting each other.

I jumped aboard the matcha train.  These matcha balls are a delicious treat/energy boost to keep in the fridge for when you need it most!

Matcha Balls

makes about 15

Ingredients:

1 c walnuts

3/4 c shredded coconut, unsweetened

1 c chopped dates

1/2 t matcha powder

1/4 t ginger powder

For “topping”

1/4 c shredded coconut, unsweetened

1/8 t matcha powder

 

Directions:

  1. Put all ingredients in blender and blend until everything is chopped fine.  You will have to use a tamper, or something similar, to make sure everything is evenly chopped.  (If your blender doesn’t do this well, process the ingredients individually and combine them in a bowl)
  2. Mix the 1/4 c shredded coconut and matcha in a small bowl
  3. Shape the mixture in the blender into small balls, roll each ball in the coconut mixture and set on a plate so they are not stacked.
  4. Refrigerate to cool, then they can be stacked and refrigerated to store.

Herbed Potato Patties

/

I haven’t been very active on here lately.  We’re in a busy season of life with jobs, kids, community, etc.  I have been trying to focus on what we value most and focus my time on those things.  I need to be present during our family time, invest in relationships, and get rest.  So, I’m still cooking every day, and even making new recipes, but I’m a little behind with photographing and documenting.  But, life has seasons.  This one is good-just requires different attention.  Thanks for your patience with me!  I made this recipe quite awhile ago now and am finally gettin around to sharing it!  It is so tasty and easy-you'll love it!

Herbed Potato Patties

1 hour, serves 6

Ingredients:

7-8 small red potatoes

1/4 c olive oil plus some for frying

3/4 t salt

1/2 t garlic powder

1 t fresh thyme, minced

1 t fresh rosemary, minced

Directions:

  1. Fill large pot with 2 1/2-3 quarts of water.  Add the potatoes and bring the water to a boil.
  2. Boil the potatoes until they are soft enough to break with a fork, about 20 minutes.
  3. Strain the water from the potatoes and move the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the olive oil to the potatoes and mash until smooth.
  5. Add the salt, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary and stir until well combined.
  6. Heat additional olive oil in a large nonstick skillet.  Scoop a small amount of the potatoes, shape it into a patty, and place gently on the skillet.  After several minutes, once the fritter has browned slightly, flip to the other side and fry for several more minutes.