Hey there all, and happy Monday!  It’s lunchtime around these parts and, after a weekend of wine by the pool and BBQ with old friends, that means salad!

Today’s salad included:

• Grilled chicken
• Bed of spinach
• Low fat Mexican cheese blend
• Salsa
• Roasted red pepper and banana pepper
• Fresh orange pepper!
• White Chia Seeds

It was fantastic.  I’ll be honest, when I first reached out to Anthony at Swanson Health Products, I was just interested in trying some new things.  These chia seeds, though only used as a topper so far, are quite tasty and great for adding a little crunch.  I haven’t the foggiest idea of whether or not there have been any health benefits to me yet, but soon I’d like to use them in something more creative than “sprinkle liberally on top of your food, no matter what it is.”  So keep an eye out for that.

There was one thing I was looking for, though, that I was BEYOND excited to try!

Swanson sent along some Fancy Whole Medjool dates.  Even though I knew I wanted them, I had no experience with them.  So I turned to the blogger who I see use dates in the most fun and creative ways: Averie at Love, Veggies, and Yoga!  And her recipes using dates were numerous. What to do, what to do…

Luckily for me, I was also using some Blogspiration from Meghann at Meals and Miles and pre-cutting my own carrots for the week ahead (much cheaper than pre-cut or baby carrots).

How could I merge these two into the perfect treat?

ENTER: Averie’s No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin  Carrot Cake Bites!!

Though I’m not about re-writing folks recipes when I literally didn’t change them at all, I did document each step with excitement.

I was lucky enough to have every ingredient on hand, so I followed the instructions to a T.

I used the mini version of my Ninja Food Processor which is actually the most efficient food processor I’ve ever tried for how affordable it was.  If you’re in the market for something small, portable, and affordable to make some smoothies, grind your own breadcrumbs, make these little cake bites, or blend some sexy daquiris. truly check this out.  I got mine at Target for something like $49 and it doesn’t owe me a penny.

These turned out perfect. Delicious, really showcased the taste and versatility of the dates, and really resembled the flavors of a carrot cake without making me feel like they were syrupy sweet!!  I will absolutely be making more, and have a newfound appreciation for these dates!  I’ll have to find new ways to use them.

In fact, I think I’ll have one or two for dessert.

• Are you interested in getting some free Swanson Health Products goodies to review on your own blog? Then check out the Swanson Health Blog for all the details.

Have you ever used dates?  If so, any suggestions for a date newb like myself?

Back to work!!