At summer camp in Vermont, we used to make a cheater's version of Rice Krispie treats: melted marshmallows, butter, and puffed rice cereal in a scratched old pot over a campfire. Instead of smoothing them into a pan and waiting for them to cool, we'd reach into the pot and grab handfuls, letting it harden as we ate it. It was exceptionally messy, but far more fun to eat. The smokiness of the fire gave the dessert a wilder taste and took the intense sugar high down a notch. Despite the proliferation of high-end, dressed-up Rice Krispie treats, I hadn't tasted any that came close to the campfire ones, until I tried these hippie crispy treats. Bound with almond butter, maple syrup, and bittersweet chocolate, they have an adult, addictive quality to them.
Read moreChocolate & Coconut Raspberry Tarts
There's something incredibly appealing about miniature desserts. They're adorable and you're allowed to eat an entire one by yourself (say it with me: YES PLEASE). You can easily scale this recipe up to make a full-sized tart, but I like making individual ones for a party or to make a otherwise ordinary weeknight dinner feel a little more special.
Read moreMOUNTAIN MUESLI & QUIET
I wish that showing you these photographs would also let you take a deep gulp of cold, crisp mountain air, and hear how quiet it is. When you live in a city, the noise around you blurs into one chaotic background murmur. Sirens, subway rumbles, car horns all become white noise. As soon as I touch down somewhere else, I'm always alarmed by the quiet. Alarmed! That in and of itself should be a wake-up: Remember to travel to places where you can think.
Read moreDAY-CHANGING PEACH-STRAWBERRY PIE
I am a firm believer in changing the exterior to change the interior. If you think about it, it's asking an awful lot of yourself to break a habit, get out of a rut, or change a routine while everything else stays the same.
Read moreCHEWY SPELT OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
A good novel will always be waiting. Listening to "Latch" by Disclosure will always make you want to dance. And these particular oatmeal cookies will always come out chewy and just a bit sweet.
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