Diabetic friendly (I think) cookie/energy shots

The challenge:

This is more of an idea than a recipe. I wanted something to eat pre-workout, pe-run or cycle or just something different for a super quick breakfast. Energy gels just don't do it for me and a lot of other folks. Cake bars are just too much of a sugar hit for a diabetic and a bit too sticky/gooey in the mouth feel dept.

The proposed solution:

In the coming list, when I say 'some' I mean a bit, a handful, a dose, a measure...experiment! There is no right or wrong. Make this food HOW YOU LIKE IT!

So, what's in this stuff?

Some oats.
'Innocent' coconut, pineapple and banana juice (or whatever floats your boat)
Cinnamon - some or more...:-)
Vanilla extract - srsly, go easy here
Chopped/diced dried prunes (stone out, duh!) - plenty!
Peanut butter - crunchy!

I found the peanut butter bit is okay left out. Get the prunes in though - great flavour...some dried apricots instead/as well? Maybe even some dried figs? I'll give that a go next time.

Anyway, mix the whole lot together. Taste IT! The best mix is slightly sticky. Roll it into balls about an inch in diameter. Think small golf ball. 

Grease a baking tray and bake for ten minutes at 180 celsius or bung 'em in the fridge for as long as you need....at least an hour.

Done.

Eat.

Some times I add sesame seeds on the outside or I toast almond flakes and crutch them in the mix.  There are probably many things that would work in this snack.

Let me know if you like these and if you have any other ideas for variations.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Web Analytics can reveal startling offline trends about you and your business

Getting Value from Referring Sites

Key insights from web analytics data help England Rugby star cater to a segment of fans

@MrsFastBloke is a Rugby fan like me (@fastbloke) but for somewhat different reasons. Last night @MrsFastBloke was browsing the interwebs 'researching' Ben Cohen - England and Sale winger. Seriously top rugger player.

Anyway, an interesting article popped up about Ben's gay following. Not surprising really - I guess you could say the guy is 'easy on the eye' without sounding like I'm announcing a lifestyle change. So, the question that piqued my interest in the interview was:

Outsports: What has been the reaction to the idea so far? Have you been surprised by the reaction?
Ben Cohen: I just noticed that I was getting more attention. My website stats were shooting up and when I looked where the links were coming from, I could see that 90% of them were from gay blog sites. The biggest surprise I got was knocking David Beckham off the top slot in the Sunday Times Gay Icon list. I was gob smacked quite frankly.

Cool! This is a great illustration of a key analytical lesson I deliver to clients - check out your top referring sites and see who your BFFs are (Best Friends For evah!). The traffic volume and quality will vary hugely but in Ben's case there was a clear 'hot' segment of referrals and kudos to Mr Cohen for responding to the demand:

...he announced plans for a night in London to honor his gay fans. The event will be held at the Dorchester on May 28.


Impressive stuff. Anyone using web analytics can get the same value from this type of insight. You might find a lucrative traffic segment that is of value through monetisation or brand awareness in Ben's case.