I recently watched a documentary called Happy. If you follow the link, you can watch a trailer for the movie. I really liked this documentary and highly suggest you watch it! The movie is about our ultimate yearning to be “happy.” I think most of us agree that money does not necessarily make you happy (other than the basic necessities) which was explained in the movie, but something that really hit home for me was the fact that the people who gave the most to others were some of the happiest people. I already knew that from experience. I feel so fulfilled and content when I serve others, whether in a soup kitchen or simply cooking for my family. I think know that is a main reason why I like cooking so much. Another important factor for happiness that was depicted in the movie is community. Community also feels so important to me. I love being around my family and the sense of belonging and acceptance that it leaves you with! Which is definitely a large reason why I still live at home! Surface friendship is not fulfilling enough for me. I need to feel deeply cared about and accepted. I truly love nothing more than filling my family and friend’s bellies with good food! What makes my nieces happy is making healthy desserts for them… 
Recipe: I couldn’t decide between oatmeal raisin cookie or cinnamon roll for the name, but in the end decided that the frosting dubbed these cinnamon rolls! You can also cut these into bars instead of bites!
- 1 c rolled oats
- 1 c raw cashews
- 1/2 t cinnamon
- 3/4 c dates pitted and soaked for 4 hours
- 1/4 c raisins (or sub more dates)
- 1/2 t vanilla powder (or alcohol free vanilla)
- 1/4 t salt
- 2 T melted coconut oil
Frosting:
- 1 c raw cashews soaked for 4 hours (save soaking liquid)
- 2 T coconut oil melted
- 1 t vanilla powder
- stevia to taste or 2 T maple syrup
Process the oats and cashews until fine like sand. Pour into a bowl and process the soaked dates and melted coconut oil until they form a chunky paste. Add the oat mixture back in along with the seasonings and process until mixed. Finally add the rasins (or chopped dates) and process one more time, just until mixed. Press dough into a parchment lined large loaf pan (or could use half of a square baking dish) and place in the freezer. For the frosting, blend all ingredients with just enough of the soaking liquid that is needed to blend. Pour frosting over the crust and place back in the freezer for two hours to chill. Remove, cut into squares and store in the fridge until ready to serve! 
Submitted to: Wellness Weekend