With this crave-worthy recipe at your fingertips you’ll no longer worry about falling off the healthy eating band-wagon at snack time. Plus, you can spread your great inspiration by making an extra batch to share with friends and co-workers.

The best part is that because this isn’t a perfectly scientific recipe, it can be a clearinghouse for your pantry. Don’t have sunflower seeds or sun butter on hand? No problem, swap them out for chopped pumpkin seeds and that last 1/3 of a jar of nut butter lurking in the back corner. Or, put those pecans leftover from holiday baking to work in place of almonds, all in the name of good eating.

Even with this versatility, be sure to stick with the crystallized ginger (at least for your first batch) because it is undoubtedly the superstar of this recipe (less Kim Kardashian, more Dame Judi Dench).

Let us know how your batch turns out and if you made following these exact directions, or if you got creative!

Ginger-Vanilla Protein Bars

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
scant 1/2 cup Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
1 cup oats (gluten free optional)
1 cup corn flakes, pounded to large crumbs
1/2 cup raw almonds, finely chopped
1/3 cup sunflower seed butter
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped (approx. 3 oz whole pieces)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In saucepan over medium low heat, melt butter, whisk in maple syrup. Add milk and protein powder, whisk together until smooth. In large bowl, add oats, corn flakes, almonds, sunflower seeds and about 3/4 ginger pieces. Pour melted butter mixture over dry ingredients, mix together thoroughly. Add sun butter to mixture and mix well, kneading with hands if necessary. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment, foil or non-stick spray. Transfer mixture into pan; using a spatula or damp hands, press down firmly in even layer. Sprinkle shredded coconut and remaining ginger pieces, press down into bars. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.

The inherent dangers that frigid winter temperatures pose to animals are common knowledge. But you should also be mindful of the threats linked to other outdoor hazards, possibly lurking in your own front yard. Beware the six seasonal hazards outlined in this handy infographic … it might just save your dog’s life!

Here's the definitive checklist of “people foods” that dogs should never eat, plus ones they can have on rare occasions. Keep your canines safe this holiday season, and all year long, with this handy infographic!

Nothing says “the holidays are here” quite like a comforting cup of hot cocoa. One whiff of this rich, chocolaty recipe will fully engage your nostalgia reflexes, conjuring up happy days of yore. Even better, the following simple mix-stir-and-heat recipe features a healthy measure of Chocolate Protein Powder, our non-GMO, nutrient-rich blend of proteins from pea, chia, pumpkin, hemp and quinoa! What better way to shore up your joyful reserves and fuel your holiday shopping, planning and festive jubilations!

As outlined, makes a single serving. Simply increase the fixings to serve two, six or even a dozen!

10 oz milk of choice

1 scoop Life's Abundance Chocolate Protein Powder

1 tsp Maple syrup or sweetener substitute

1 tsp Cocoa powder (increase for extra ho-ho-ho)

Pinch of salt

Optional: Add a few drops of Peppermint extract, or 1/8-1/4 tsp Vanilla extract for an added zing.

Directions: Add all ingredients into a shaker bottle or a blender and mix well. Pour contents into a saucepan or microwave-safe container and gradually heat at medium temperature or power level. Pour the warmed contents into a festive mug and enjoy at your leisure.

If you’re up for enjoying the holiday spirit in a more literal way, consider any of the following flourishes to upgrade your cocoa to a cup of good cheer!

Merry-making combos:

Peppermint Schnapps + Kahlua, Tequila or Cinnamon

Frangelico + Brandy or Bourbon

Rum + Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Goldschläger

Bailey’s Irish Cream + Vodka or Whiskey

Be sure to leave your comments in the section below. If you think you can improve upon our recipe, let us know how you did it! Remember, it’s the season of giving, so please share your cocoa-making secrets with your fellow blog readers.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Check out this snapshot of U.S. statistics on pet parents. This month, we're taking a closer look at some of the interesting numbers behind households with cats. Enjoy!

Earlier this week, we asked our readers to submit photos of their dogs and cats celebrating Halloween. So many of you responded and now we’re happy to share some of the spooky fun with you!

Adorned in a flattering ensemble, Kinzie is rocking a look she calls ‘Candy Corn Witch’.

No Halloween would be complete without a great pumpkin, and they don’t come any cuter or sweeter than Pumpkin Vasquez.

Oliver being totally chill and owning his role as Scary Biker Dude.

By far, our most highbrow submission goes to the classically inclined Ludwig 'von Big Boy' Beethoven.

Granny Zelda was caught wearing her unmentionables, saying, “I can’t talk now, my stories are on."

Stella’s costume definitely raised some eyebrows.

Is it a bird? A plane? Nope, it’s Copper doing an excellent imitation of Superman! Looks like this Kal-El is hangry.

Well, Hello Kitty! We’d trade all of our Beanie Babies for a few minutes holding Buttercup.

Even though he’s not from Baskervilles, this hound is definitely on the case. Now we just need to find him a suitable Watson!

Simple, but always spooky, Wendell looks particularly ethereal in his ghostly garb.

Slow and steady wins the race, says Luna, pulling off her turtle costume with aplomb.

It’s barely November, but Coffee is already gearing up for Christmas!

For all of you who sent evidence of just how awesome your companion animals are, we thank you from the bottom of our candy hearts! And to all of the dogs and cats who participated, we hope your bags were full of yummy, healthy treats!

Just because Halloween is over, it doesn’t mean that your companion animals don’t deserve high quality treats all year ‘round! Be sure to check our big selection of dog treats and our gourmet cat treats.

Keep in mind that we’re always interested when your pet kids do something cute, sweet or funny. Email your awesome pet photos to [email protected].

Dressing up for Halloween isn't just for humans anymore! If your dog or cat is donning a costume this year, we want you to share the adorable photographic evidence. Email your costume pics to [email protected]. Staff favorites will be posted the first week of November, so tell your four-footers to say "CHEESE!"

Who says healthy living can’t be irresistibly delicious? Definitely not anyone after sampling the latest Life’s Abundance recipe!

Judging by the reaction this recipe got here at our home office, you might want to throw caution to the wind and whip up a double batch of this fudge-inspired delight.

Be sure to share this delectably sweet and coolly refreshing treat with friends and family!

Ingredients:

2 Cups toasted rolled oats

1 Cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 Cup slivered almonds

1/2 Cup virgin coconut oil (warmed to liquid)

1 Cup almond butter

2/3 Cup raw honey

1/2 Tsp. almond extract

2.5 Scoops (approx. 1/4 Cup) Life's Abundance Greens Blend

3/4 Cup chia or flax seeds

3/4 Cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Spread oats and coconut on cookie sheet and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

Use a mixer to combine the almond butter, honey, almond extract and the softened coconut oil. If needed, add more coconut oil by the tablespoon to reach the desired consistency. Once these ingredients are well mixed, add the remaining ingredients and mix until evenly blended.

Spread and press the mixture into a 9 x 13 pan (line with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up) and set in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Cut into bite-size delights and enjoy!

On the very slim chance you have leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Meet Michele Dobos and Max. While attending an enormous pet adoption event co-sponsored by Life’s Abundance in West Palm Beach, Florida last month, Michele took a chance and entered our Free Pet Food for a Year Giveaway. And we’re so glad she did!

Michele is smiling because she is the winner of our drawing! Max is smiling because he’s just a happy guy, plus he was given a basket full of tasty goodies.

When asked what motivated her to attend the Countdown 2 Zero Adoption Event, Michele said, “I went to support the rescues. A friend and I filled our pockets with bills and dropped donations into each rescue group’s jar at the event. As a former rescue volunteer, I know how important this event was for all 32 of these groups.”

Life’s Abundance CEO Lester Thornhill took our winners on a red carpet tour of the headquarters. Within minutes Max and his broad Shih Tzu grin dominated the day and won the hearts of everyone who met him. He’s a seven year old with spunk and now that he’s eating Life’s Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food we’re certain to see an extra spring in his step.

Congratulations to Michele and Max, and welcome to the Life’s Abundance family!

Check out this snapshot of U.S. statistics on pet parents. We're taking a closer look at some of the interesting numbers behind households with dogs. Facts can be fun, too!