Marzipan Stuffed Dates with Candied Fruit (Plněné datle)

Dates are popular treats at Christmas time throughout the world. It’s definitely the case in Czech Republic, where I’ve seen beautiful ones in holiday baking sections at grocery stores. Here they are stuffed with marzipan that has a bit of orange essence, and then top with candied fruit, another ingredient you see a lot of in Czech stores around the holidays. Though any candied or dried fruit works well, I particularly love to use the combination of candied orange peel and halved dried cranberries on top. If you have the marzipan ready and handy, these are quick to make.

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Weeks 10 & 11 – Friday Fitness and Weight Loss Updates

Steps back steps forward
One step backward, two steps forward equals progress

It’s been a tough couple of weeks! My computer has given me major problems (explaining the combined weeks 10 & 11 post), my mood has been low, and my motivation to keep up my fitness and weight loss journey was disturbed much of the time.  At the end of week 10, I thought I would’ve at least maintained my weight, but I didn’t though my calorie consumption seemed mostly in the maintenance or slight weight loss range. This past week 11, I did a little bit better. I weighed myself a bit early, and was encouraged. Luckily, I lost a touch more by my weigh-in day. Here are my results: Continue reading