Vegetarian

Vegetarian

Recipes, Snacks, Tips, Vegan, Vegetarian

Six Minute Sweet Potato Chips

Happy Friday and congratulations to my Natural Delights Medjool Dates Giveaway winner: Kristi E. from CO! Enjoy!

Now lets talk about some hot potatoes!

I have never been a huge fan of potatoes. I don’t know what it is, but I have just never really loved them whether they be baked, mashed, or fried… well that was all true until I discovered sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes are an excellent and nutritious source of carbohydrates, making them one hot item!

  • Unlike other types of potatoes, sweet potatoes contain almost twice as much fiber totaling up to about 7 grams of fiber per serving
  • They contain a large amount of vitamin B6.
  • Rich in Beta-carotene and potassium which both promote muscle recovery.
  • A great source of Manganese, an important component in the metabolism of carbohydrates which helps support healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Also filled with vitamins C and E, which are  potent antioxidant vitamins that play an important role in disease prevention.


Although I don’t eat baked or mashed sweet potatoes very often, I love making sweet potato chips! Last year my mom bought be this awesome little gadget that she saw in an article in the Los Angeles Times called Topchips! She emailed me with a shipment/tracking number and said “I bought this for you, I hope it isn’t a scam!” haha Love my mom so much! Although this does look like an as seen on TV infomercial item that like most is too good to be true, it’s so amazing! Don’t let the infomercial-ness scare you! I was not paid by Topchips to review this product, but I had to tell you guys how ridiculously awesome it is. If you order from the Topchips website, it comes with the silicon microwavable chip making tray and a mandolin slicer (and random goodies) for only $19.99+ shipping & handling. It is sooo easy to use and you can make so many different chips without fattening oil or any other added ingredients or preservatives. I’ve made tons of different chips such as sweet potato, apple, radish, and beet chips! All you have to do is rinse the produce, slice it using the provided slicer, place the slices onto the Topchips tray and microwave for 3 minutes, flip and microwave for 3 more. Tadaaa, healthy oil free chips! Cooking time does vary depending on your microwave and the type of produce you are using (apple chips take longer), but in a matter of minutes, you will have healthy chips at your fingertips! If you are someone who is short on time, or in a college dorm with only a microwave, this little chip maker could be your new best friend. No waiting for the oven to heat up, no long cooking times, it’s quick and easy. I know that some people are not huge fans of microwaves, so I will also experiment with an oven baked sweet potato chip recipe for you guys if you would like!

Sweet potato chips are great for snacking, parties, or even as a crunchy topping on your salad!

I’ve been so obsessed with the slicer that I use it to slice apples and pears for my oatmeal all the time. I actually got a little carried away with it once and ended up slicing off part of my thumb nail… Yaaa that didn’t go very well! I definitely recommend using the safety produce gripper that it comes with haaha Safe slicing, little bunnies!



Six Minute Sweet Potato Chips
1 sweet potato

Rinse and dry sweet potato. Slice carefully with mandolin slicer. Place sweet potato slices on the Topchips microwavable tray. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Flip chips and microwave for an additional 3 minutes or until crisp.

Question: Have you ever read the ingredients and nutritional value for regular potato or veggie chips?! Some of them aren’t even made of the actual “veggies!” Ahhh!

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Breakfast, Desserts, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian

Cherry Chia Parfait

Sooo I’ve been super obsessed with my Cherry Chia Jam over the past few days. So obsessed that I have been eating it plain as a Jell-o-ish snack after my workout, on my toast, and now in a parfait! Since my one serving of fruit (1 cup of cherries), and one serving of plant based fat (1 Tbsp of chia seeds) have been taken care of, all I needed to complete my breakfast was a serving of whole-grain and protein, so I opted for some oats and plain Greek yogurt! I enjoyed the flavor combination of ripe cherries & tart Greek yogurt and the chewy texture of the oats. It was both refreshing and filling and just what I needed on this hot day! I will definitely be making this more often! Maybe with some mango Chia Jam? I’m sure that will be happening sometime soon!

As I was in the checkout line at Sprout’s Farmers Market the other day, a woman behind me was trying to convince her friend to buy chia seeds and I could’t help but eavesdrop and awkwardly join their conversation with some chia recipes haha She told me that she puts chia seeds in her tea as a tapioca/boba substitute! GENIUS! So happy I talk to strangers in grocery store lines! I need to try that!

I just love those little seeds! Aren’t they so much fun?


Cherry Chia Parfait
Serves 1

1 cup Cherry Chia Jam
1/4 cup rolled oats
6oz plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Prepare the Cherry Chia Jam to original instructions and refrigerate for at least one hour before adding to the parfait. In a glass jar or cup, layer half of the yogurt along the bottom, followed by half of the oats, and half of the Cherry Chia Jam. Repeat until all of your ingredients have been layered in the jar. Enjoy cold.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: cherries (from jam)
Whole Grain: rolled oats
Protein: plain nonfat Greek Yogurt
Plant Based Fat: chia seeds (from jam)

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Breakfast, Recipes, Vegetarian

Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal

Mmmm oatmeal time! Today’s recipe is for a very filling and scrumptious Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal! I am highly allergic to blueberries, so I made this flavor for my sister, and raspberry for myself! Since I don’t get to share very many berry (besides raspberry) recipes with you guys, I wanted to showcase this version for you. Of course you could make any berry flavored Cheesecake Oatmeal of your choosing! A different berry Cheesecake Oatmeal flavor for every day of the week? I think yes!


Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal
Serves 1

1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup rolled oats + 1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp oat bran
1/4 cup nonfat cream cheese
2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

In a pot over medium high heat, bring the water oats, and oat bran to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and blueberries. Serve hot.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: blueberries
Whole Grain: rolled oats & oat bran
Protein: nonfat cream cheese
Plant Based Fat: walnuts

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Raw, Recipes, Snacks, Toast Tuesdays, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Cherry Chia Jam

Happy Toast Tuesday!
I decided to change things up a weeee bit for this week’s Toast Tuesday by posting a toast related recipe! This recipe if from one of my favorite blogs: Eating Bird Food! Brittany has some really fantastic healthy recipes and she is basically a chia genius. She is super creative with her recipes & ingredients and gives the term “bird food” a whole need meaning!

Brittany’s Easy Chia Seed Jam used strawberries, but since I am allergic to berries (with the exception of raspberries), I decided to go for cherries. It can be really tricky to find yummy jams and jellies other than orange marmalade and grape, so once I saw Brittany’s super simple recipe I was pumped to make my own! You will not believe how easy this recipe is. Only three steps stand between you and some fresh homemade jam! It is so delish, you could actually enjoy this jam as a vegan Jello-O snack which counts as 1 serving of fruit, and one serving of plant based fat!


Cherry Chia Jam
Makes about 1 cup of jam

1 cup black cherries (I used frozen pitted)
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp water

Defrost the cherries under warm water until thawed and remove pits if necessary. Place the cherries and 1 Tbsp of water in a blender and pulse until cherries are mashed, but not completely pureéd. Transfer the mashed cherries to a jar and stir in the chia seeds. Refrigerate for about 60 minutes until chia seeds expand and turn the content into a thick jam.

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Contests & Giveaways, Desserts, Raw, Recipes, Snacks, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Raw Brownie Bites + Natural Delights Medjool Dates Giveaway

A few weeks ago, I was sent a a 12 pound package from Bard Valley Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates! Inside this delightful box (no pun intended) was a combination of twelve packages of delicious Medjool Dates and Date Rolls from Bard Valley! Natural delights sent me some of their amazing Date Rolls, which included 3 different flavors: almond, pistachio, and coconut. I had never tried date rolls before, but they are pretty addicting! Coconut was my favorite, so much sweet chewy goodness in one bite! Along with a generous amount of date rolls, they also sent me some whole Medjool dates which were fantastic. I go through tons of dates in my kitchen because I love using them in place of refined sugar for baked goods & desserts, and love nibbling on them when I am craving something sweet.


I saw this quote on the Natural Delights website and had to share it with you guys! It’s perfect haha
“Once the fruit of kings. Now the king of fruits. The mighty, majestic Medjool.”

“Known as the “Fruit of the Kings,” caramel-like Natural Delights Medjool Dates are considered the best-tasting, most luscious dates in the world. In addition to being a good source of fiber, they contain no added sugar, are high in antioxidants and offer important vitamins and minerals including Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin K.” -Natural Delights

Natural Delights also sent me some excellent information explaining why Bard Valley Natural Delights Medjool Dates are a nutritional powerhouse!

  • They are naturally sweet Medjool dates are naturally sweet and contain no added sugar, making them an ideal alternative to artificial and processed sweeteners.
  • They help protect against cancer Medjool dates are filled with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against the oxidation and inflammation of cells that can lead to cancer. Medjool dates contain more antioxidants than blackberries, plums and apples.
  • They help stabilize blood sugar levels Medjool dates rate low to low/medium on the Glycemic Index (GI). A low-GI carb diet keeps glucose and insulin levels stable, helping maintain sustained energy and a healthy weight.
  • They make you feel fuller for longer Medjool dates are loaded with dietary fiber. Just one-quarter cup of Medjools provides 12 percent of the daily requirement of fiber and helps satisfy between-meal cravings.
  • They can reenergize Rich in potassium, manganese and other important minerals, Medjools help balance blood sodium levels and release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
  • They are a healthy snack Medjool dates are a no-fat and no-cholesterol treat, making them ideal for snacking.
  • They help fight against “bad” cholesterol Medjool dates help lower LDL cholesterol levels, which decreases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
  • They can ease labor and deliveries in pregnant women A study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicated that pregnant women who consumed six Medjool dates for four weeks prior to their estimated delivery date had easier labors with fewer complications.
  • They help lower blood pressure Medjool dates are also dense in copper, Vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, iron and Vitamin K, making it the perfect addition to the DASH diet, which is proven to lower blood pressure.
  • They have a long shelf life Medjool dates have a shelf life of 30 days when stored at room temperature – making them ideal for travel and enjoying at work, home or play.

With an abundance of fresh dates, I knew it was time for a new dessert recipe! Mmmm my fav! This is an adaptation of my favorite Vegan Chef, Chef AJ’s Raw Brownies!


Raw Brownie Bites
Makes 12 servings

1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup walnuts
3 Tbsp raw cacao powder (or 4 Tbsp cocoa powder)
1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Blend the sunflower seeds and walnuts in a food processor or high powered blender until finely ground but not a nut butter consistency. Add the cacao powder and vanilla extract and blend again until mixed evenly. Remove pits from dates. Add the the dates and process until a dough like mixture is formed. You should be able to sculpt the dough without crumbling. Using a 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, scoop the dough and roll into 12 balls. Keep in the refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for a post workout snack or a healthy dessert, turn your Raw Brownie Bites into a Brownie Batter Milkshake with this super simple recipe: 



Brownie Batter Milkshake
serves1

2 Raw Brownie Bites
1 frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)

Combine almond milk, banana, and 2 Raw Brownie Bites in a blender and blend until smooth.

In collaboration with Bard Valley Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates, I am hosting a giveaway! One lucky RFFMBT winner will receive: 3 packages of Fresh Medjool Dates, 3 packages of Almond Date Rolls, 3 packages of Pistachio Date Rolls, and 3 packages of Coconut Date Rolls!

For your chance to win:
  • Leave a comment on this post “Raw Brownie Bites + Natural Delights Medjool Dates Giveaway” saying what you would do with your Medjool dates!
  • All entries must use a valid email address.
  • Open to U.S. residents only.
  • All comments must be posted by Thursday, July 19th at 11:59pm (PST).
  • 1 winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, July 20th.

I have complied a list of some RFFMBT recipes that also include Medjool Dates:

Chocomole 
Raw Bites
Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies
Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip
Healthy Vegan Banana Bread
Black Bean and Spinach Brownies
Hail To the Kale Salad Dressing

For more information about Bard Valley Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates visit their website and Facebook!

* The giveaway has ended, and the winner will be announced on Friday, July 20.
** Congratulations to the winner: Kristi E. from CO.

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