Good Mood Gingerbread Squares

These no-bake treats contain therapeutic levels of healing spices and the additional mood boosting herbs maca and ashwagandha. The pungent spices of cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg will not only help digestion but warm you from the inside!

Maca is a starchy tuber that was traditionally eaten as nourishing food. It is said that Incan warriors would consume it before heading into battle for its stamina and endurance enhancing benefits. Its said to have a balancing effect on hormonal systems; increasing libido for both men and women. It is also know to decrease anxiety and sadness, lifting mood. The mildly sweet flavor mixes well in drinks and desserts.

Ashwagandha is amazing! It's been used safely for thousands of years to increase energy, strengthen immunity, help balance sleep and wake cycles, regulate stress response and even help thyroid and adrenal systems. In our chronically stressed and sick society, ashwagandha is a must. If you're exhausted and depleted, this can help restore your normal vigor and lift your mood. It's not recommended while pregnant, BUT awesome for breastfeeding new-moms.

Nutmeg is a medicinal spice you probably already have on your pantry. If you have anxiety and/or depression (like me) or want to help your memory, adding a little into your diet on a regular basis could help you feel better. It’s also shown promise with cancer, high “bad” LDL cholesterol, diarrhea, epilepsy, low sexual desire and wrinkles (by helping prevent breakdown of elastin in your skin)!

Cacao, Theobroma cacao, literally means food of the gods! And you will feel like one when you eat real cacao (NOT cocoa, not chocolate) because it contains the mind altering alkaloid, theobromine (mildly stimulating to the brain increasing focus, creativity, mood and memory), and the neurotransmitters, phenylethylamine (PEA-the euphoria and love hormone) and anandamide (the bliss hormone).

Ginger is a prominent herb used to bring warming, movement and stimulation. It's known to help with nausea including morning sickness and motion sickness. It's a power anti-inflammatory and can reduce pain-from arthritis to migraines. It's bright flavor and aroma is uplifting to the spirits.

Allspice is loaded with antioxidants, helps to soothe pain and like other pungent spices, is warming and soothing to the digestion.

Good Mood Gingerbread Bars

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup almond flour

1/4 coconut flour

1/2 cup raw cacao flour

1 tbsp ginger powder

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp maca powder

1 tbsp ashwagandha powder

1 cup dates (medjool preferred, no pits)

1 tbsp coconut oil or ghee

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp molasses

1/2 cup chopped candied ginger (or chocolate covered candied ginger if you can find it!)

Add all ingredients to a food processor except the candied ginger, and pulse well until mixture resembles a loose dough, a bit crumbly. Reach in and grab a bit. It should stick together. If you need more moisture, add a few more dates and pulse again. Add the candied ginger and pulse a few times to mix in. Line a 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper and press the mixture into it with your hands. It should form a nice uniform dough that you can press into the pan. Let set in the fridge for an hour. Cut into squares and try not to devour all at once.