gluten free

Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Tropical Quinoa Smoothie

Happy Friday!

Last night I made another batch of Mediterranean Lentils and refrigerated them overnight for a quick pre-made lunch for my busy day today, and it was sooo good cold! It tasted like a completely different dish. I’m never a huge fan of refrigerated leftovers or meals, they just never taste the same to me… but this one was perfect.

This morning a threw a smoothie together with what I had on hand in the refrigerator and freezer and it turned out pretty good! I had some leftover cooked quinoa that needed to be eaten, along with some miscellaneous frozen fruit, so into the blender it went. I have been loving putting cooked quinoa in my smoothies (a nice break from rolled oats) because it gives a slightly nutty flavor and is also a complete protein. With the addition of some milk and coconut, a filling tropical morning smoothie was born!


Tropical Quinoa Smoothie
Serves 1

1 cup milk of your choice
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 cup mango
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
2 Tbsp shredded coconut
1/2 tsp vanilla

Precook and chill quinoa. Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend thoroughly. Enjoy chilled.
Note: If your blender is not very powerful, blend the milk and quinoa first until it is completely smooth and then add the other ingredients.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: pineapple and mango
Whole Grain: quinoa
Protein: milk
Plant Based Fat: coconut

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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.

| 317 Comments
Lunch, Raw, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Summer Salad

I hope that everyone had a nice holiday weekend! It is getting hot hot hot in Los Angeles, and I couldn’t think of anything more refreshing than a cold fruit salad with a twist! Instead of the usual all-fruit salad, how about combining some other plant based components of protein, whole-grain, and fat to complete your meal!

Hold the dressing… This salad consists of 4 different flavors that perfectly compliment each other to make a tart yet sweet and refreshing dish, so there is no need for anything else. I’m so hooked, I could probably have this every single day!

P.S. If you are trying to incorporate vegetarian or vegan meals into your diet, this is a great easy option for meatless mondays. On a high note, this salad is boyfriend approved and my sister went back for seconds haha

Summer Salad
Serves 1

1 medium grapefruit
1/2 cup chilled unshelled edamame
1/2 cup chilled corn
1/4 medium avocado

Remove the skin of the grapefruit by cutting with a knife between the rind and flesh. Once the outer skin and pith has been removed, separate segments of the grapefruit and remove all of the membrane, pulp, and seeds so only the grapefruit flesh remains exposed. Chop the segments into smaller cubed pieces. Remove 1/4 avocado meat from it’s skin and cut into cubes. Add the chilled corn (rinsed and strained) and edamame  to the grapefruit and avocado and gently toss. Serve chilled.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: grapefruit
Whole Grain: corn
Protein: edamame
Plant Based Fat: avocado

| 37 Comments
Recipes, Snacks, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ch Ch Ch Chia Pudding

Ch ch ch chia!
I loveeee Chia Seeds! My sister and I just finished off this entire jar of Ch Ch Ch Chia Pudding! And I can’t stop saying CH CH CH CHIA! Somebody, make it stop!

There is much more to these seeds, than the power to grow a pet out of a terra cotta pot! Chia seeds are the latest craze in superfoods and healthy plant-based fat. Do you think that Joe Pedott, the creator of the famous Chia Pet had any idea that these would later be considered a superfood?

What is a Chia seed?
The Chia plant (Salvia hispanica) is a member of the mint family that’s native to Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seeds are often eaten raw, but can also be soaked in liquid to form a gelatinous mixture. Chia seeds can also be ground into a powder for baking.

What do they taste like?
Chia seeds don’t really taste like anything. Their flavor is practically non-existent, but he magic is in the texture. When combined with water or liquid, they absorb 9 times their weight in water, forming a gel-like consistency. They are great in smoothies and oatmeal because they add texture and a thicker consistency. The proof is in the pudding… ha ha ha

Why Chia?
Chia seeds are an amazing source of plant-based fat, and are especially high in Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. They also contain a large amount of Fiber, which aids with weight loss by keeping your stomach feeling full. Last but not least, these tiny little seeds are filled with powerful antioxidants to help rid our bodies of free radicals, and Magnesium and Potassium. Talk about big things in small packages!

Depending on the brand, 1 Tablespoon of dry Chia seeds tallies up to about 55 calories, 5g of Fat, 5g of Carbohydrate, 6g of Fiber, 3g of Protein.

Below is an example of dry chia seeds before they have swelled, and after they have been left in liquid for 10 minutes.

Ch Ch Ch Chia Pudding
serves 2

¼ cup whole chia seeds
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (I love Almond Breeze by Blue Diamond!)
½ ripe banana
1 Tbsp rolled oats
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
4-6  drops of liquid stevia or other natural sweetener to taste

Set the dry Chia seeds aside in their own bowl – they will be added last. In a blender, combine almond milk, banana, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, and sweetener. Blend until smooth. Pour mixture and whole chia seeds into a jar and stir. Refrigerate for 10 minutes and stir again. Let the pudding stand in the refrigerator for 10 more minutes until the chia seeds have expanded. Enjoy cold. Or prepare them and leave in the refrigerator overnight like overnight oats.
Note: I use unsweetened almond milk and add my own vanilla and stevia, but you could use sweetened vanilla almond milk if you would like. If so, omit the vanilla extract and sweetener from the recipe.

Adapted from Eating Bird Food 

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