I had a funny conversation at the gym this morning - a girl next to me rolled her eyes at someone wearing a running skirt while... running on the treadmill. I countered with "what, you wouldn't wear one?" and she said no. I laughed and told her not to point and laugh if I ever show up in one! 😀
Our conversation continued to a more general skirt vs. pants topic, and while I wear pants, I would say I am definitely a skirt girl. My friend Jackie joked once that I would mow the lawn in a skirt... years ago when I lived alone I did mow the lawn, and it was often in a skirt! When I used to play tennis I loved my tennis skirts. I still wear them, and now I also have running skirts and dresses.
So, for my female readers out there (or kilt wearers!), are you more of a skirt or a pants person? Outside of what you may wear in a workday life, what do you normally tend to wear more?
I can definitely think of girls who I never see in a skirt, and people probably think the opposite of me!
Okay, such deep thoughts out of the way, 😉 let's move on to something I'm totally serious about. I am most definitely in that waiting for summertime mode, and these apricot bars definitely have a fresh and sunny flavor! With a total of six ingredients and no cooking, they are a quick way to something impressive.
apricot bars
sesame cashew crust
2 cups raw cashews
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Pulse cashews and sesame seeds in food processor; add coconut oil and blend until dough forms. Line 9X9 square baking dish with parchment, spread crust in even layer.
apricot filling
6 oz (1 bag) dried apricots
⅓ block tempeh
1 tablespoon agave
Pulse apricots and tempeh, add agave. Spread filling in even layer atop crust.
Refrigerate 1 hour before cutting in squares. Makes 9-16 squares, depending on serving size.
Running skirts - yes or no?
Janet says
interesting recipe. sounds delicious and the pics are pretty!
camillia says
Just wondering - I'm not a huge fan of tempe, what would you replace it with? Can you think of a soy free option?
spabettie says
hi camillia, this recipe was created around the tempeh - so I've never made it another way... but you could try oats? start with 1/4 cup.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
just saw you link these on leanne/guestie post.
NICE
i love apricots and everything else about them. great!
spabettie says
you should try these, Averie - they are one of my favorite desserts I have ever made, and if you like apricots you'd LOVE them! 🙂
Liz says
I'd love to try out running skirts, mainly because I'm convinced I'd hate it and that it'd get in the way of my stride. I like proving myself wrong, I guess. 🙂
Mmm, can you believe I've never had an apricot? I love apricot jam though...
spabettie says
well, then you've SORT OF had an apricot... 🙂 you should try a skirt - I think you'd be surprised how comfortable they are! the ones I have are pretty short (with attached shorts under) and never feel like they're getting in the way 🙂
Julie says
Running skirts - absolutely yes! I wore one when I ran my first marathon. They are super fun! And of course the most comfy thing to wear around town doing errands and such. 🙂
spabettie says
yes - I wear mine a lot for non running activities too!
Heather @ kissmybroccoli says
Oh my gosh, I can't believe how easy these look! Why oh why am I out of apricots!? *insert mucho sad face*
I used to NEVER wear skirts, but the summer before last I bought my first "summer dress" and I was hooked! There's hardly a day that goes by during the summer that I'm not in a skirt or a dress!
spabettie says
they're SUPER easy - girl, get yourself some apricots next shopping trip - you will NOT regret it! I cannot believe how awesome these taste...
and ME TOO... I wear yoga pants pretty often, but I'd say 90% of my "bottoms" are skirts and dresses! 😀
Sondi says
This looks like a great recipe. Did you melt the coconut oil before adding it to the food processor?
spabettie says
Thank you, Sondi! nope - I spooned the coconut oil solid as is 🙂 I am so very excited about this recipe - so SO good, I hope you try it!
Shirley @ gfe says
I'm a skirt or a dress girl whenever possible. More comfortable and attractive to me.
Those bars look sensational! Great photos. 🙂
xo,
Shirley
spabettie says
I agree completely! skirts and dresses to me are comfortable... and thank you - I am so excited for the result of these bars... can't wait to make other flavors!
Rachel (Olalliberry) says
What a fun way to use tempeh! And I do love dried apricots, but I really can't wait until fresh apricot season!!
I am definitely not a skirt person, but if you love skirts, why not wear them when running?
spabettie says
I also look forward to fresh apricots, peaches... mmm!
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
hmmm I don't think I've worn a skirt since High School. I'm a jeans + hoodie girl through and through. I don't know if you could pay me enough to wear a skirt while at the gym! These bars look delicious. I love unbaked bars - I just tried a date bar recipe from Oh She Glows and loved it! I wonder if you could use figs on top instead of Apricots? I'll have to give it a go!
spabettie says
YES !! figs are fabulous with this - I made those last week (posting soon...) and while I was making them, came up with this one... 😀