In June, I visited Evan and Boardman Lakes for the first time without snow! I did this hike as a snowshoe in 2016, making my way up most of it on a snow covered road. My map and compass came in handy using my route-finding skills to make it to Boardman as there was no trail to follow between the two lakes.
It was fun to go back and see where the trail actually went (much higher than my snow route) and explore more on the far side of the lake.
Evan and Boardman Lakes are perfect for kids and the whole family if you are looking for an alternative to the crazy crowded Lake 22 on the Mountain Loop Highway. The road is longer and quite filled with potholes, but you avoid congestion. I headed up to write a hike description for Washington Trails Association and spend a little time outdoors. Give it a try the next time you are headed up the Mountain Loop Highway!
#pistachios #driedbingcherries #shreddedcoconut #datepaste #cocoapowder #chocolatechips
It was a summer for experimenting with energy balls. My goal was to limit the purchasing of pre-made bars like Lara and such with the ingredients I had in my pantry. I know you were wowed by my Tangy Bacon Pineapple Energy Balls last month, let’s see how I do with these delicious morsels!
Do you remember eating spumoni as a kid? The classic scoop of ice cream served at American Italian restaurants across the country? Particularly The Spaghetti Factory? I do. I grew up in the Seattle area and I remember my dad taking me for a treat to the Spaghetti Factory down on the waterfront. It wasn’t just the dark interior with plush velour seats and getting to sit at a train car table but the Shirley Temple and the free scoop of spumoni in the shiny metal cup after all that bread and pasta. Heaven…
So, why not an energy ball to honor that combination of cherry, pistachio and chocolate flavors? Yes, cherry. Did you have the kind with the candied cherries? Memories. Before they switched and started just using strawberry ice cream, that is.
This energy ball came together nicely (they really are very simple to make). I bought the dried cherries at Trader Joe’s, the unsweetened and unsulfured ones. Try to find ones that do not have an oil coating, a lot of them do.
This was the only picture I got at Boardman that was not photo bombed by a mosquito, so enjoy this one from Putrid Pete’s Peak…
Hmmm, scrambling is dirty business…maybe this one from our bike ride is best…
There we go. There problem is that in my old age, I can’t see that close when snapping the picture. So, I take a bunch and hope one of them turns out okay.
Sigh.
Oh, I did make a version without the chocolate and the balls tasted great, in the event that I have a reader or two that don’t care for chocolate. Not sure who that might be but I do hear some folks can’t tolerate it. Just omit the cocoa powder and chips in the recipe.
Either way, these are sure to give you a boost! To find more recipes for your next outdoor adventure, check out my Hiking and Backpacking Paleo Recipe Index.
Classic Spumoni Energy Bites
Prep Time
10 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Dehydrator Needed, Paleo, Vegan, Whole Food
Servings: 24 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pistachios
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup date paste or softened medjool dates
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in the food processor until blended well.
- Use a tablespoon to measure out and roll into balls with your hands.
- Store in an airtight jar or container.
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