Coconut and Hemp Milk Chai

Here's a quickie for today. I seriously just saw the idea for Raw Hemp Chai this afternoon and decided to give it a try (with a few modifications of course!). The result is sinfully delicious and slightly reminiscent of holiday eggnog. (photo coming soon)

8oz Water (warm or cold, depending on what you're in the mood for)
1TBS Hemp Seeds
1TBS Coconut Shreds, unsweetened
1/4tsp Cinnamon
Dash each of Nutmeg, Allspice, Stevia and Vanilla extract (all organic of course!)


Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend well. Serve. Enjoy!

If you prefer a creamier beverage just strain through a cheesecloth, nut-milk bag or fine mesh strainer. Personally I like the added fiber of the coconut!

There you have it. A rich creamy dessert like drink that is guilt-free and packed full of healthy fats (EFAs and MCFAs) and protein!

Nutrition Facts: 94 calories, 2g Carbs, 8g Fat, 4g Protein, 1g Fiber

*Blueberry Pecan Mini Muffins*

I am very excited to have this new little snack for my family. My oldest son has been on a predominantly gluten-free diet for almost a year, and while the rest of us have limited our gluten intake we hadn't completely cut it out. A few months ago we decided that our youngest son would also benefit from a gluten-free diet. Then about two weeks ago out of the blue my sweet husband said to me that he was going to give it a try. At first I was in shock, and then I was excited. He already eats healthfully, but loves breads/carby foods. His decision was two-fold; partly to be an example for the kiddos and partly to see if it would alleviate his chronic sinuses issues. We all know that children learn by example. How could we expect our children to want to make healthy choices (and gluten-free choices) if mom and dad weren't doing it too? For me, I'd like to say that I can take it or leave it as we've found many great gluten-free alternatives over the last 10 months, but sometimes it's a challenge. Wait... a challenge? I LOVE a good challenge! Those are the times I learn the most about myself and feel I grow as whole person. My challenge has many facets, the two most obvious being my own internal struggles and supporting my family through this dietary change. 

I always approach a new GF (gluten-free) recipe with a bit of hesitation as many are dry, boring or require way too much sweetener. Although, I have taken a liking to Coconut flour especially after my experiment with the Coconut Cake. The flavor is mild so you can really make into anything you like without having a strong coconuty taste. I made two batches of this recipe the first day we tried it (the first batch disappeared rather quickly!). This recipe has been given the seal of approval by my guys (all 3 of them), myself, and 3 of my fearless co-workers who don't mind letting me test my new experiments on them. You all are the best! 

This base for the recipe is simple. The blueberries and pecans can be substituted or omitted. 

1/4c Coconut Flour

3 Eggs (preferably Organic or Pastured) 

2-3TBS Raw Organic Honey

3TBS Butter or Coconut Oil

1-2tsp Cinnamon

1tsp Almond Extract

1/2tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4tsp Baking Powder (GF/Aluminum Free)

1/3c Blueberries (Fresh or Frozen- I used frozen with no issues)

1/8c Pecans

Combine ingredients until smooth batter forms. Place in lightly greased (coconut oil is a choice for this) mini muffin tin. Bake at 400F for approx 13 minutes. 

Makes 18 high fiber nutrient dense yummy muffins

I think a double batch of these may become a weekly standard in our house! IN-JOY! 

*Brownies!*

You might be thinking "Brownies?! Did she say brownies?!" Yep! Since most standard desserts no longer fit into our way of eating I've done lots of searching for "guilt-free" healthy desserts (like the Coconut Cake); mostly raw, gluten-free and always nutrient dense. Recently I came across a recipe for  raw brownies that looked amazing and even better there were only 5 ingredients for both the brownies and the frosting!

Here's what you'll need:

15 mins

Brownies:

1c Walnuts

1c Dates

4Tbs Raw Cacao powder

Frosting:

2Tbs Coconut Butter

1Tbs Raw Honey

1/2Tbs Raw Cacao powder

Raspberries, strawberries or other fruit of choice to top.

Using a blender (Blendtec/ Vitamix) or food processor, grind walnuts until they form a "flour." Add dates and cacao until mixture sticks together and there are no large chunks. Remove and press into a pie dish or small shallow pan. Place coconut butter, honey and cacao into blender/ processor and mix until smooth. Spread on top of brownies. Refrigerate for 10 minutes and enjoy!

The first batch I made was fabulous and disappeared rather quickly. Second time I decided to double the recipe. YUM! Definitely enough to share with friends and family so this time I didn't have to feel so greedy ;) Even "guilt-free" desserts have to be enjoyed in moderation (waaaa!), but I definitely don't mind my kiddos having these for dessert or afternoon snack or even a morning snack! These little brownies pack a punch with healthy fats and loads of minerals essential to growing a strong mind and healthy immune system.

*Weekend of Cravings!*

Okay, so actually I've been wanting sweets all week. As much as I avoid standard desserts (ie. non-organic, sugar laden, etc) I gave into a cookie at our SuperBowl potluck on Friday. EW! YUK! What was I thinking?! I would never let my kids near those things so why would I even consider it?! One bite and it went in the trash. Ok, time to get control over the "emotional" eating. I will say I'm glad I have come far enough in my nutritional journey that my body, my tastes buds, immediately reject anything that is not nourishing.

I decided I HAD to make some fabulous nourishing guilt-free treats this weekend. I started with a Coconut Cake with Coconut- Honey Frosting! Delish! My inspiration came from this recipe over at Nourished Kitchen. Although I opted for a single layer cake and cut the recipe in half. I even added some shredded coconut on top for decoration. After about an hour in the kitchen I had created a wonderfully yummy treat that was completely gluten-free, sugar-free, and guilt-free!

My boys (all 3 of them) really enjoyed this special treat. I don't bake much and we rarely have dessert; unless of course it is raw ice cream! But this was a treat I didn't feel bad serving them. I knew they wouldn't be bouncing of the walls in five minutes. They even had a tiny bit with breakfast! Kids need fat in their diet. Good nourishing fats, and this treat has just that!

This recipe is high in fiber thanks to the coconut flour, protein rich and just sweet enough. The frosting is higher in fat due to the coconut butter, but it is "good" fat. You know those medium chain fatty acids that are hard to find in other "fatty" foods? ;)

Today I'm off to make some raw vegan brownies. This last year I made raw vegan chocolate cupcakes with coconut frosting for both boy's birthdays and they were a hit. The recipe I'm trying today will be a little different and has a chocolate frosting, but still looks totally delectable!