A Treat for the Bride

Martine cherished many of the gifts her mother gave her, including the recipe for Martine's signature French buttercream. The recipe Martine uses today is identical to what her mother made for her as a child, except Martine and her staff produce 1,000-fold the quantity and employ a candy thermometer. Martine's mother was so skilled that she could forgo a thermometer and by listening to the sugar as it boiled, know when it was perfect.

As our gift to you, we'd like to share one of Martine's favorite recipes that is a healthy snack for the busy bride!

Martine's Oat Drops
Say "Yes!" to this delicious cookie that has no sugar, no fat, no eggs, no dairy and no guilt! Good and good for you!

1 1/2 cups regular rolled oats (use whatever type of oats you like)
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup of almond meal (or flour of your choice)
1/2 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 cup dried fruit (or your choice of chocolate chips or berries)
3 ripe bananas, mashed (or substitute applesauce)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, coconut flakes, salt, almond meal and mixed nuts. Stir in cinnamon and ginger. Add dried fruit and stir until well and evenly mixed. Make sure the dried fruit does not clump together.

In another bowl, mash bananas. Pour mashed bananas over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Press spoonfuls of batter onto a cookie sheet. Or form balls with your hands and flatten slightly. Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

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Eating well is one way to take care of yourself during this wonderful but sometimes stressful time in your life. For relaxation and stress relief, head to our favorite yoga studio, the Yoga Health and Therapy Center, 322 West Second Street in Lexington, which conducts a yoga program for wedding parties. This program is designed to help participants develop positive skills for reducing stress, as well as to provide an enjoyable relaxation break for the bride and bridesmaids, or for the bride, groom and friends, etc., during the hectic preparations for the wedding day. Available as a weekly course or a one-time workshop or party activity.

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