Biked Goods + National Center for Youth Development: Fueling Spring Break in Sedona
I was super grateful for the opportunity to meet up with the National Center for Youth Development Team in Santa Fe during their spring break trip to Sedona, AZ.
I had the chance to share some of my favorite baked goods with them and talk about food being more than just fuel in the form of calories and macros.
I spoke about how food can also be “social” fuel: A way to connect and savor these moments spent together.
After a long travel trip for them from the Midwest the night before and a day spent out on our bikes the next morning, these snacks hit home post-ride.
The conversations started flowing, smiles got a little bigger, and the sweet moments from the day spent riding bikes together were cherished.
The group's favorite snack was Chocolate Sweet Potato Date Bites (but I also saw a small group run away around the corner with a cake pan full of Coconut Orange Mochi Cakes 🤷)
Before we parted ways and the group took off for Sedona, I left them with a “Super Top Secret Sedona Spring Break Project” to complete.
This included being the first group to get their hands on the 40 Bite-Sized Snacks and Small Meals for Cyclists On-The-Go Cookbook along with specific tasks to make recipes from the book and enjoy with their teammates.
I believe the photos below tell the rest of the story and if the mission is considered “complete.” 👇
About The National Center for Youth Development
About
NCYD is a community-focused nonprofit that believes the bicycle is the perfect vehicle for partnering with youth as they build life skills that last a lifetime.
Mission
Work with youth to build a community to find identity and purpose through the bicycle.
Learn more
Chocolate Sweet Potato Kick Cakes
Make these for your next team trip, practice, or event.
Ingredients
1/2lb sweet potato, cooked and peeled (About 1 large or 2 medium potatoes)
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 Tbsp maple syrup
12 Medjool dates, pitted
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole almonds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350*F. In a food processor or high-speed blender add all the ingredients in the order they appear and process or blend on high, until well combined. Line your choice of the baking tin with paper cups or grease with cooking spray.
Fill the muffin tray with the batter and press down firmly. Smooth the surface with a wet rubber spatula or spoon. Bake for 15-25 minutes (depending on pan choice) or until they are spongy and smell amazing.
Baker’s Tip
There are two quick, hands-off ways to make a sweet potato. Before using these methods, be sure to rinse, dry, and pierce with a fork 3-4 times to allow steam to escape.
Bake: Place sweet potato on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 400 °F. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily slide a knife or fork through the center.
Microwave: Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes, flipping over halfway through cooking. Check for doneness. If it’s not ready, continue to microwave in 30-second increments.
Recommended Products
Usa Pan makes a variety of quality non-stick pans and tins to help form your cakes, including a 20-brownie bite tin, 24 mini muffin tin, and 12 muffin tin.
40 bite-Sized Snacks and Small Meals for Cyclists On-The-Go
Fuel your next team trip or team-building activity with this cookbook. A no-fuss nutrition guide and cookbook to help you make nutritious and delicious snacks and small meals from home — all in 30 minutes or less.
Partner With Biked Goods
If you are a youth organization or school and want to add fun, experiential programming for your youth participants, contact us about partnering together.