Vegan Edible Eagles: A Kid-Friendly Patriotic Treat

Lately, I began watching The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross on Netflix. It ignites childhood memories of when I used to watch this on PBS. Like my previous patriotic vegan White Chocolate Summer Berry Bark dessert, the hydrangeas inspired me to produce patriotic desserts. Although hydrangeas do not bloom in red, the plant produces a deep pink color flower, which looks similar to blended raspberries.
 
To say the least, I’ve taken my yoga studies seriously again to study nature. It’s the one source that can inspire us no matter how crazy our wildest dreams maybe. Nature doesn’t tell you “no” or that you need more money to pursue your passion. Nature says “do it!” 

After aimlessly perusing Pinterest, I found something called an edible eagle where people take marshmallows and produce an eagle’s head. It seemed perfect for a Fourth of July recipe, since the eagle is our national bird. But, also the eagle is very important and symbolic to the Pacific Northwest.
 
During the summer, I can sometimes see eagles flying and nesting in the trees outside of my apartment. They are a magical and miraculous bird that spiritually symbolizes courage, strength, vision and leadership. Eagles also signify new beginnings and the endurance and resilience that one needs to overcome obstacles. An eagle’s eye is eight times sharper and contains more color-sensitive cones than humans. They're brilliant inside and out. It's no wonder why eagles have been prized since the Babylon era. Native Americans are an important part of the Pacific Northwest's culture and history. The natives have strong connections to animal spirits and believe the eagle is one of the most powerful creatures on the planet. 
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Shouldn't this be the wise words we teach our children?

I sat on this idea for days, looking for flowers and props that matched my vision. I looked at the hydrangea leaves and they looked similar to bird wings. “It’s as if I can fly!” I screamed. I found this 1960's American ribbon at the monthly Queen Flea up cycled vintage market in Queen Anne. You can see what the owner, bygone charm, collects on her Etsy account & Instagram page. 

From me to you, I want your kids to fly high into the sky to pursue their wildest dreams. 

Replicating animal treats and snacks are the perfect way to get kids involved with healthier eating. There are many versions of edible eagles, but I focused mine to inspire kids to eat clean and healthier sources of fat and protein. Healthy sweets can be just as enjoyable.   
 
Kids naturally desire sweet food, but our kids now-a-days are bred to eat sugar day and night. When this happens, the kid (or adult) needs a palate change. Incorporating healthier food is the only way one can begin to eat healthier.
 
Edible eagles are easy to make and can be kept in the refrigerator for several days. You can make these non-vegan and surely sweeter than I did. A non-vegan substitute is to use milano cookies. Cooking and making food with the family is a great way to bond and spread some TLC and positive energy into the food you eat. Happy Fourth of July!

Vegan Kid-Friendly Edible Eagles
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients
Biscuits or square cookies (make sure they do not contain dairy if making it vegan)
Peanut Butter (or other nut butter, without sugar or salt)
Whole Cashews
Slivered Almonds
Mini Chocolate Chips
Coconut shreds or desiccated coconut
 
Take a biscuit and smother it with peanut butter. Place the slivered almonds on the bottom to replicate feathers. I put the bigger end of the almond on the bottom. Place the cashew horizontally on the right or left side of the biscuit to represent a beak. Sprinkle coconut on top of the peanut butter. Slightly, push down so the coconut sticks. Place the flat end of the mini chocolate chip near the beak facing up for the eye.
 
You can eat it immediately or place it in the refrigerator so the peanut butter hardens. 

What is your favorite Fourth of July treat?

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