This week we'll explore sugar snap peas and birthday cake bars made from chickpeas. We'll also delve into an incredible bobcat sighting and some ways to treat yourself (in honor of my birthday this week!).

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: SNAP PEAS

One of summer's greatest pleasures is the delightful crunch of sugar snap peas. Especially if you can get your hands on local (or even homegrown) sugar snaps, they're a seasonal treat that's worth celebrating. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:

• Keep them raw and whole, then dunk them into hummus as an appetizer or a happy hour snack. I love them with this herb-filled, brightly colored Green Goddess Hummus.
• Give them a very quick sear in a hot skillet with a little splash of coconut oil and some salt, then toss them on top of a salad, into pasta, or into a nourish bowl. Just a couple minutes at high heat keeps them crisp while enhancing the flavor.
• Slice them and toss them into a summer salad like my favorite Rainbow Vegan Chopped Salad, this Watermelon, Snap Pea, and Mint Salad, or this Grilled Corn, Blueberry, and Snap Pea Salad. Bonus: all three of these salads are great for bringing on a picnic since they don't contain greens, which wilt easily.

Try This Week: BIRTHDAY CAKE BARS MADE FROM CHICKPEAS?!?

Yes, you read that title correctly; these nostalgic Birthday Cake Protein Bars are made from chickpeas. Before you get concerned, let me assure you that the chickpeas disappear completely, both in terms of flavor and texture. They yield a delightfully decadent, creamy filling that's reminiscent of cheesecake.

I'm sharing these birthday cake bars with you because my birthday is this week! But whether you have a summer birthday or not, I'm excited for you to try these nutrient-dense bars. These beauties are:

• Vegan
• Grain-free and hence gluten-free
• High in protein and fiber thanks to chickpeas
• Rich in healthy fats thanks to almonds
• Naturally-sweetened with dates (in the crust) and maple syrup (in the filling)
• Easy to make and no-cook
• Deliciously indulgent, yet secretly healthy

Live Colorfully

In the Natural World: BOBCATS

I saw the COOLEST critter last week. I was happily hiking along a forest trail, sipping my matcha (yes, it was yet another "Sip & Stroll") when I saw a glimpse of a bobcat disappearing in front of me. I very quietly crept along the trail, and was eventually rewarded when I got to watch the bobcat crouch down and go after a chipmunk. I watched it for at least a minute or two, in amazement!

Bobcats are big (but not huge), powerful, wild cats with furry, pointed ears and a somewhat comical furry, short tail. They're not nearly as big as a catamount (which is likely now extinct in Vermont), but they certainly look intimidating. I've lived in Vermont for over 40 years and had never seen one until a few years ago; now I've seen several recently, and I wasn't more than 20 feet from this one.

Are there any particular animals that awe you? For me, big cats certainly fall into that category. Something about them is so mysterious and wild. I feel humbled and thankful that I get to share this little patch of Vermont with them.

Self-Care Pick: TREAT YOURSELF!

In honor of my birthday this week, I want to celebrate the fact that it's okay to give gifts to ourselves sometimes. Here are a few wellness-related goodies I've been savoring recently that you might want to treat yourself to.

1. Premium matcha. Ditch the coffee shop lattes (they're pricey and can contain tons of sugar) and gift yourself some nourishing, antioxidant-rich matcha. I'm a huge fan of Matcha Nude and drink it every single day. They have bags of a few different sizes as well as matcha whisks, matcha bowls, and starter sets. If you use the code ROGUE at check-out, you'll save 15% on all matcha and accessories so that you can curate your own beautiful matcha ritual at home.
2. All-natural skincare. Last year for my 40th birthday, I bought myself all new face care products that are handmade in small batches and free from harmful additives. After a huge amount of research, I settled on Leahlani (you'll get $10 off if you shop through the link). Their facial oils have revolutionized my routine and are like nothing I've ever used before; I feel like I'm at a fancy spa a few times a day now! My personal favorites are their Siren Serum, Happy Hour Serum, Bless Balm, Pamplemousse Cleansing Oil, Honey Love Exfoliating Wash, and (perhaps most of all??) Mahina Night Moisturizer.
3. A juicer. Being able to make nutrient-rich, fresh juices at home is an incredible treat. If you're looking for a summer splurge, I've become a huge fan of the Nama juicers. I have the J2, which I recommend highly; it's the best cold-pressed juicer on the market. Treat yourself, then have fun making your own juices and wellness shots. You'll save $60 on the J2 if you use the code BRUSSELSPROUT10 at checkout.

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!