It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Ulm residence! YAY! Tree is up, house is smelling festive and the cookies are baked. Now if only I could finish the christmas shopping... It was a bit odd as we decorated our tree, we talked a lot about how this is the last year with just the three of us. So crazy to think that in a month we will have a new member of the family. It's hard to believe it is actually going to happen after dreaming about this baby joining our family for 4 years!
This marks the 4th year of us doing the '12 days of Christmas' for Nolan. I originally started it the first year we went to Maui for Christmas and it turned out to be something that Nolan really looks forward to every year! I actually can say it is my only consistent christmas tradition for him and the truth is, I wasn't going to do it this year. I've been feeling overwhelmed with getting ready for baby, christmas and just keeping my house clean, fridge stocked and dinner made that until the day before I needed to start the 12 days, it was cancelled in my head. Nolan brought it up one day last week which reminded me that I can't forget about him. I want him to know he is loved and valued even with the baby coming and since Tom just assumed it was happening, there was only one option. It's on for the 4th year and clearly, every year from here on in... But buying for a teenager...UGH! Thankfully, I was able to think of 12 great gifts that he will be stoked on, I hope.
35 weeks pregnant. All of a sudden the time is slipping away very fast. We have to buy all of our big baby items yet, hello boxing day sales! I'm definitely feeling more pregnant every day. Every time I catch a glimpse of my side view in a mirror or reflection in a window I do a double take because I am positive the bump grows overnight and I hardly recognize myself! I'm on unofficial bed rest now with the exception of driving my son here and there and errand running. My midwives think this babe could arrive earlier than the due date which gives me mixed feelings. I'm not mentally ready for labor yet, but it might be nice to have this baby over the christmas break...or better yet, make headlines and have the first baby of the year! Hello fame...and presents...I'm pretty sure that first baby of the year gets presents! Either way, this baby is going to be here before we know it and then it's the start of a whole new chapter!
Some days when I am feeling awesome and have energy to spare, I like to get my bake on and try new recipes. These bars were really good! They reminded me of some bars my mom used to make only hers were made with sweetened condensed milk. To make these, I made a paleo version of sweetened condensed milk that was pretty unreal actually if you are up for the challenge (it's easy, but just takes time). I will definitely make these again, but it will be a 'special occasion' treat only!
Coconut Magic Squares
Crust Ingredients:
3/4 cup almond flour
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup clarified butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 glass dish with parchment paper. Combine all ingredients and press firmly into prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack while preparing the filling.
Filling Ingredients:
1 can full fat coconut milk
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp vanilla
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring coconut milk, sweetener and vanilla to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring often until it's reduced by half. The coconut milk mixture should be very thick, leaving you with about 3/4 once reduced. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Pour half of the condensed coconut milk over the crust and spread until fully covered. Layer half of the chocolate chips, coconut flakes, raisins, and pecans and press down gently. Add a second layer of the remaining toppings and pour the remaining condensed coconut milk on top of the layers. Top with the flaked coconut and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely (about 2 hours in the fridge), before cutting and serving.
