My break from this space turned out to be a little longer than I had intended, but I’m happy to be back and I feel ready and inspired to begin this approaching fall season. The last part of the summer was filled with travels and family time, and I tried my hardest to let go of my phone and social media to connect more deeply at home. Living in the present, mindfulness, slowing down- all of these seem to be much talked about topics in our fast-paced technology driven culture, but really taking a step back and thinking about how to implement these things as a way of life has been a challenge. There are so many things I want to do, so many goals to strive for, and it seems that the lesson I’m learning over and over is that it’s simply not possible to do it all or at least do it all very well.
Moving on to these little bars now though- they are delightfully simple with only six ingredients (not counting the vanilla and salt) and they quickly come together in the food processor. A maple sweetened pecan and oat base has a touch of coffee for flavor and depth, and I couldn’t resist finishing the squares off with a drizzle of dark chocolate. Baking these will make your entire house smell like a coffee shop. Even my kids who don’t like coffee happily went for these and had contented smiles of satisfaction afterwards. I recognize that it is a gift for us all to be home right now, cooking, baking, and sharing meals together. As we watch the news and see the devastation done by the hurricanes it is incomprehensible to us. Our hearts are aching as well. xo
- ¾ cup unsalted pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted cashews
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3 ounces dark chocolate, melted, for dipping or drizzling
- Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the pecans, cashews, oats, coffee, and salt. Process until nuts and oats are finely ground, about 30 seconds. With the motor running, drizzle in the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Continue processing just until a wet dough comes together.
- Use a spatula to evenly press dough into prepared pan. Bake until top turns golden and tester comes out clean, about 11-15 minutes.
- After bars have cooled in the pan, carefully use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a cutting board. Cut into sixteen squares. Dip or drizzle each square with melted chocolate, as desired.
Liora says
I’m going to a housewarming tomorrow and I think these will be the perfect thing to bring! So happy you’re back 🙂
Emily says
You are the sweetest, Liora. Thanks for faithfully following along and taking time to write me a quick note! Hope you love these. xo
Louise says
These look delectable Emily:) Thank you so much for sharing…I’ll be pinning them for sure.
Finding a social balance is difficult in these times but, the fact that you are even thinking about it and trying is wonderful!!! Kudos to YOU!!!
Emily says
Taking a few moments each day to remind myself of what’s really important is helpful for sure. Thanks so much, Louise!
Gena says
Emily, these are beautiful! Espresso shortbread used to be one of my favorite non-vegan holiday gifts, and I have yet to try a vegan version. I’m so happily surprised to see that these are naturally vegan, and I’m sure I’ll be giving them a spin when we’re a little closer to the holidays.
Hope all is well in your world and that the time you took to slow down and experience your time mindfully gave you more clarity and sense of purpose. I know it’s hard to step away from blogging, even for a little while, but sometimes I find myself far more refreshed and attuned to what I’d like to say when I get back.
xoxo
Emily says
I have loved exploring the world of vegan baking and have learned so much from friends like you! Thanks for taking a few minutes to stop by my little space here and leave a thoughtful note. There is so much to think about in this world of blogging and I find myself continuing to sort through a lot of my own thoughts, but it’s a joy to be back sharing once again. xo
Eadaoine says
One quarter of a cup, a Tbsp or a tsp of maple syrup?
Thanks
Emily says
1/4 cup- thanks for catching that!
Jessie Snyder says
These are so cute Emily, I love their perfect shape and that totally coffee-shop-worthy chocolate drizzle on them too :). The addition of the espresso has me dying to make these soon. I hope you had a wonderful break, and think it’s so important for us all to do so during some point of every season, to really make sure we connect with what’s in front of us. Adore you friend and envying the beautiful fall color I’m sure is coming your way soon ;).
Emily says
Aw thanks, Jessie! So much admiration for you as well, sweet friend. Took a quick trip to CA for a wedding this summer and thought of you and loved your beautiful state! It was so refreshing to be a place totally different from MI and the food was SO good. 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I’ll definitely be trying these Emily because they’re packed with my favorite ingredients. So glad you enjoyed some family time this summer. I’ll be looking forward to some delicious recipes this fall!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
These bites are truly finger-licking, Emily! I could eat them all they long, not only as a dessert. Can I use honey rather than maple syrup?
Emily says
Thank you, Agness! Flavor profile would be a bit different when using honey, but it should definitely work as a substitute. Hope you love them!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
I fell in love with these pretty little cookies the moment I saw them! Pecans and coffee are the perfect pair… I looove the ingredients and that chocolate on top puts these over the top! I can see these in cute little packages for the holidays. So happy for you, taking much needed time off, taking care of you and family… It’s so important to be mindful of the implications technology has on our lives.
I’ve been doing the blogging/social thing for a little over three years now. I wasn’t on social before starting my blog for reasons we share, I’m sure. Now that I’m on social, it’s been an evolution for me to learn how to step away and, in some cases, completely not participate in new features as I’ve recently ditched IG stories (last month). It’s just too much. I can’t tell you the weight that’s been lifted as I continue to reduce my time spent on social and focus on things that are more important and long lasting like exercise, time with family, friends, planning vacations/trips, reading books. The social hamster wheel is exhausting. Thank you for sharing, Emily. xo
Emily says
I’m sure we could sit and talk about this forever, dear Traci! Being less on social media frees me from the weight of comparison and life is so much fuller. I admire you as well for being deliberate with your boundaries and hope you continue to find balance in all that you do. You are obviously so hard working and talented, and I’m always cheering you on. Thanks so much for your ongoing friendship. xo