dessert

Breakfast, Desserts, Lunch, Recipes, Snacks, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Gargantuan Green Giant

Prepare yourselves for the greenest green smoothie ever:
THE GARGANTUAN GREEN GIANT!

I was really craving ice cream the other night so instead of giving in, I started experimenting in the kitchen. I pulled out all of my favorite ingredients at the moment and decided to combine them into a smoothie. It turned out soooo creamy and actually tasted like a sugar cookie. Strange how those things work, right? Use healthy ingredients… end up with a creamy melty sweet treat! I love when that happens! Although I had this for dessert, I would probably have it for a meal because it has a great balance of whole grains, produce, and healthy fat. All you need is some protein powder and you would be good to go! The smoothie ended up being pretty big, so I told myself that I would only have half and save the rest for later. Well, that didn’t happen… and then I ended up wide awake pinning things on Pinterest! You guys are going to love this one! It’s a huge energy booster and so healthy, yet extremely delicious! Plus it is really hearty and filling, you won’t be hungry again for hours.

The ingredient list may look overwhelming and long, but everything can be found at Whole Foods or your local health food store. To get more organized and make the process faster, get out all of the measuring cups and ingredients and put them on the counter before you begin. This way everything will be easily accessible and ready to scoop and blend!

Gargantuan Green Giant
Serves 1

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 cups fresh spinach
1 frozen banana
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 Tbsp almonds
2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp Spirulina powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 drops liquid stevia or other natural sweetener
6 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy cold.
Note: If you do not have a high powered blender such as Vitamix or Blendtec, start by blending the hard ingredients (i.e. almonds, oats, and spinach) with the almond milk to ensure they are thoroughly blended. Then gradually add the other ingredients. You could use a Tbsp more of almond milk or water to get the blender running smoothly because this smoothie is rather thick.
Side Note: If your blender cannot handle almonds at all, substitute for 1 Tbsp of unsalted almond butter.

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Desserts, Recipes, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Banana Nicecream

Konichiwa bunnies!
I am finally back from Japan! I cannot believe I’m still awake right now because I am still on Japan time, which means it’s about noon on Thursday! I’ve been traveling by planes, trains, and automobiles since yesterday at 10am, and am desperately trying to stay awake until a decent hour to get back to CA time! In the meantime, I have been missing froyo like crazy!

I have the biggest sweet tooth. No, actually I think that my mom wins for biggest sweet tooth! We loveee our sweet treats! Yogurt (yogi as I say) and ice cream are two of my favorite desserts, but even the fat-free and lactose-free, versions can be loaded with added sugars.

Now, my favorite nighttime treat is the potassium rich, Banana Nicecream!
One ingredient. One perfect dessert.

Banana Nicecream
Serves 1

1 frozen banana – yup, that’s it!

Peel, chop, and freeze banana. After banana is frozen, throw it in a food processor and blend until smooth and fluffy. Enjoy with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top if desired!
Note: I always make sure that I have frozen bananas on hand for when an ice cream craving strikes!

There is an awesome ice cream maker called Yonanas that turns frozen bananas into a perfectly creamy soft serve! Any Yonanas fans out there?! Definitely worth the investment if you are a fan of Banana Nicecream! I need one pronto!

I cannot wait to share some recipes that I learned during a cooking class while I was in Japan! So manny goodies for you guys!

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Desserts, Recipes, Snacks, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Chocomole

Since it’s a holiday weekend and I know you worked out extra hard this week, you deserve a little treat! Can you guess what the superstar ingredient of this decadent chocolate dessert is? I’ll give you a hint… it’s loaded with 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid.

Avocado!

Yes, this indulgent chocolates creation is made from heart healthy avocado, antioxidant rich cocoa, sweet fiber dense dates, and creamy almond milk! This is the perfect afternoon pick me up to give your body the boost it needs.

Chocomole is so much fun, and so versatile, the possibilities are endless!
Use as:
pudding
spread on a slice of whole grain toast
dip for whole grain pretzels or strawberries
mousse or filling
vegan frosting


Chocomole
makes 4 servings

1 large ripe Hass avocado
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup pitted medjool dates
4 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

Remove pits from dates. Slice avocado and remove the pit. Using a spoon, scoop the green flesh from the skin. Combine the avocado, dates, and all other ingredients in a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour and serve.
Note: I like to refrigerate my avocado beforehand.

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