I recently read the book "Lean in" by Sheryl Sandberg, current COO of Facebook . In her own words, Sheryl says: " I wrote this book to encourage women to dream big, forge a path through the obstacles and achieve their full potential".
Even though I felt the book made reference to women working mainly in large corporations, the lessons can be applied to all women who want to start a business, work for a non profit organization, volunteer or just improve their work situation .
I would like to focus on one chapter of the book, because I really think it applies to all of us. It's titled: "WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WEREN'T AFRAID ? " I would like to encourage you to think about it. In fact, I would like to encourage you to not only think about it, but do something about it as well. How would getting rid of your fears impact your life? How would you feel? Can you do it? Can you challenge yourself ?
Personally, on a business level, if I weren't afraid I would overcome my natural shyness and go out there and reach out to successful people, request a meeting and ask for business advice. Someone once told me that successful people love to help others and see others succeed. Whether that's true or not, I don't know. I guess I've have to overcome my fears if I want to find out for myself 🙂
Now it's your turn: what would you do if you weren't afraid?
Home Made Paleo Almond "Yogurt" with Persimmons & Pomegranates
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds plus 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ cup warm water
- ¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tbsp grade B maple syrup (you can also use raw honey)
- 1 tsp all natural vanilla extract
- Sliced persimmons and pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Soak almonds in water for about 2 hours. Drain and using your hands, rub the skins off
- Combine chia seeds and warm water in a small bowl. Set aside. (The chia seeds will form "gel")
- Combine soaked, skinless almonds, almond milk, honey or maple syrup and vanilla in the food processor. Pulse a few times until the almonds are broken down. Add chia "gel", and blend until smooth
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
- Top with sliced persimmons and pomegranate seeds (or your favorite fruit) right before serving
- Prep Time: 6 hours
ATasteOfMadness
This looks fantastic! I have a pomegranate lying around that needs using. I would love to make this
Vicky & Ruth
Perfect time to use that pomegranate.
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com
I did not think almond yogurt was possible till I saw this! love the fruit combo!
Great question to ponder - If I were not afraid, I might take a leap of faith and open a teen center? Or..?
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you for sharing Shashi, we wish that one day you will be able to open a teen center. Sending you positive vibes over cyberspace 🙂
Yosef - This American Bite
Your bowl is so pretty gives the yogurt such a Middle Eastern flair. Nice touch!
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you Yosef.
Melissa {lilmisscakes}
I love the colors here, and I love your bowls and napkins!
Aimee / Wallflower Girl
Very clever and delicious sounding recipe! And talking about overcoming fear in the way of success is something that's been on my mind lately. Shyness definitely holds me back a lot, yet I have so many ideas rattling around in my head that I never do anything about! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you Aimee, may be this year will be one that we will overcome at least one of our fears!
John@Kitchen Riffs
Gosh, this looks so good! Great pictures, too. Thanks.
Vicky & Ruth
Thanks John! This is quite delicious. And a little addictive too! 😉
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen
What a beautiful recipe. Had no idea you could do that with almonds. There are so many things I would do if it weren't for fear. I would love to teach cooking classes or open a food based business. Right now, I mainly have a fear of feeling overwhelmed and pulled in too many directions. I think once my kids go away to college that fear will go away for the most part.
Vicky & Ruth
I think that's a fear most moms have. I'm sure you'll get through it. One step at a time 🙂
Monica
I am really curious about chia seeds. This looks like a lovely, healthy dessert and I am all for those! And thanks for giving me something to think about...
Vicky & Ruth
We absolutely love chia seeds. So many things you can do with them! And they're little nutrition powerhouses!
Shundara@SavyNaturalista
That's a good question that I never thought about, to be honest I don't know what I would do if I wasn't afraid.. Maybe live again! 🙂 .. Lovely in site from the book I do like to dream big and set goals... I never thought this was yogurt, I thought it was cereal.. I miss persimmon season already lovely colors.. 🙂
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you! The texture almost resembles cereal, but it's creamier and definitely nuttier!
Coffee and Crumpets
Great looking yogurt! Love the persimmons and mango, so pretty!
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you!! We love to play with different colors and textures 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
Thought provoking question. There are so many things I would do that now that I'm pondering I'm wondering why I've felt afraid in the first place.
Your almond yogurt sounds yummy.
Vicky & Ruth
That's a good question too. Understanding why we're afraid would definitely help get over the fear!
Jackie @Syrup and Biscuits
Beautiful photos! This recipe sounds wonderful.
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you so much. Glad you like it 🙂
Ronnie Fein
Sometimes fear, being afraid, is appropriate. It keeps us from doing dangerous, stupid things. On the other hand, being inhibited sometimes keeps us from discovering the world and feeling the great heights and benefits of freedom. I think it comes with age and experience. My daughter was once dangerously ill and we weren't sure she would make it. After that kind of fear??? I was never afraid of anything ever again. It cured me. I don't wish that kind of thing on you, but one day you'll realize there is little to be really afraid of. You go girl!
Vicky & Ruth
Sorry to hear about your experience Ronnie, but I'm glad something positive came from it. Working on conquering those fears one day at a time 😉
miranda
Would kids eat this??? any experiences anyone?
Vicky & Ruth
Hi Miranda,
My son won't try anything that resembles yogurt or dairy in general, so I can't help you there... However, I can tell you this is slightly sweet and nutty. You can add your kids favorite fruits or toppings and give it a try! Let us know 🙂
Christina
Can I make this in larger batches? How long will it stay in the fridge?
Vicky & Ruth
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure you cover it with plastic wrap slightly touching the surface, so it doesn't dry out. Hope this helps!
Couldn't Be Parve
I love that you made your own almond milk for this, I love making "yogurt" with chia seeds.
Vicky & Ruth
Yes, the chia seeds give it a great texture. Besides, everyone knows we're sort of "obsessed" with them 😉
Mary Frances
Sorry it has taken me so long to comment! This is a great post and reminder - that is encouraging, that successful people usually like to help others succeed. If I wasn't afraid of rejection, I would be more open to asking for help, as well. P.S. I can't believe this is paleo! You guys are so good in the kitchen!
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you so much!
I hear you on the asking for help thing. Something I've been working on for a long time. Quite a challenge!
jessica // the kosher foodies
can we talk about how amazing your dishes are?
Vicky & Ruth
Awwww... You're gonna make us blush!!! Thank you so much. So glad you're enjoying them <3
Tamar Genger @joyofkosher
Wow, I can't believe you made this. Sounds great.
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you so much. When we first tested the recipe, we didn't get to take pictures because it was all gone before we had the chance! Almonds and honey? Can't go wrong with that! 🙂
Sarah Klinkowitz
So colorful and healthy as always.
I, as outgoing and friendly as I am, tend to be shy to ask for something from another person. I am working to overcome that 'shyness' and realize I have a right to ask, and the worst that will happen is I hear a no, which is never the end of the world.
Vicky & Ruth
You're absolutely right. Sounds like a lot of us have the same struggles!
Food to Fitness
Looks great! Thanks for the recipe.
Vicky & Ruth
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it 🙂