Pop 'em.

First things first: we have a winner! Thanks Akshay for coming up with the winning name, and thanks to everyone for all of the creative ideas--this was actually a really difficult decision! Unfortunately, one of the runners up could not be used because it included my last name. (Man, was that a good one though!)

So, let us begin with yet another "cookie dough" bite flavor. (This is the last time it will be called "cookie dough"! How exciting).

Toasted Coconut Pop'ums

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup crisp rice cereal
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup (or maple syrup/agave/honey)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Toast the coconut by spreading it onto a baking sheet in a thin layer and placing it in the oven (325F) for 5 minutes (or more, depending on how toasted you'd like it).

Blend the cashews in a food processor to a powdery consistency. Add the vanilla, and blend more until the consistency is more clumpy.

Add the cereal and blend. Repeat with the coconut and the brown rice syrup. 

Finally, add the chocolate chips and pulse just once or twice. 

Form into bite-sized pieces.

If you like coconut, you'll definitely like these! If not, don't fret! You can always try the chocolate chip or peanut butter versions. :)

Have a flavor you'd like to see? Feel free to let me know!

I mentioned that I'd be relying on cans and blenders for the next several days. I was not kidding!! But that definitely does not translate to boring food. 

(Really) Spicy Black Bean Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans
• 1/2 jalapeno (seeds included--if you dare)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tomato
• 1/2 can olives
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• optional: salt
• optional: cheese for garnish

In a food processor, add the black beans, jalapeno, garlic, and cumin seeds. Blend.

Add the tomato (roughly chopped) and blend again.

Transfer to a bowl, and add the olives (chopped), lemon juice, and salt, if using. 

[Note: if you'd like this to be warm, you can cook the mixture on the stove for a few minutes, or just stick it in the microwave.]

Garnish with cheese. And a homemade baked whole wheat tortilla chip.

Wait--forgot the salsa!

Prepare to unleash your sinuses.