Tag Archives: cacao

Cocoa-nut Quinoa Bites

By now, a lot of people know of Quinoa, even if they have no idea how to pronounce it. But, do we all know about the origins and benefits of it? The plant is grown for its grain-like seeds and it is actually a relative of beets, spinach and tumbleweeds. It is from the Andes region of South America and was successfully domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The Incas held quinoa in high regard, even referring to it as the “Mother of all grains”, but when Spanish Conquistadors found the Incas, they dismissed the grain as “food for Indians” and suppressed its cultivation. But, now, quinoa is having its heyday and the UN has even declared 2013 as the year of Quinoa. Clearly, they are a little late to the party. ;)

As far as how good it is for you, the facts speak for themselves. Quinoa is a complete protein, containing 9 essential amino acids; the grain is also rich in iron, fiber, magnesium, manganese and Riboflavin (B2). It is really no wonder this “super food” has become immensely popular! Quinoa is also naturally Gluten-free, so it is a great addition to any Celiac’s diet, or anyone else for that matter.

So, now that you know a little more about quinoa, let’s get on to the recipe! I’ve made plenty of savory recipes with it before, so I figured now would be a great time to try out a sweeter one. Especially after that review on those Keen-Wah Decadence bars, Mmmm.. And the giveaway is still going on! Enter for your chance to win one of three Multi-packs from YogaEarth. Anyway, these little quinoa bites are filled with deliciousness, it’s a main ingredient. :P They are perfect for curbing your sweet tooth cravings!

Continue reading

20 Comments

Filed under Healthy Recipes, Sweet Recipes, Vegan MOFO!

Chocolatelove: Banana Cacao Chia Pudding

I feel as though it’s been quite some time since I last made a chia pudding, I had almost forgotten about how yummy these simple dishes can be! It’s especially easy to wake up to a delicious pudding for breakfast after taking mere minutes to put it together the night before.

These types of dishes are so easily customizable, they’re a lot like having oatmeal for breakfast; you can make it with any ingredients that you like. For this one in particular, I choose to use a perfectly ripe banana for a little natural sweetness, some tart goji berries, and raw cacao powder to accompany the gooey chia seeds.

Completely nutritious and full of vitamins, this raw recipe could easily be eaten as breakfast, a snack or a healthy dessert.

Continue reading

7 Comments

Filed under Healthy Recipes, Raw Recipes, Sweet Recipes

Chocolatelove: Raw Cacao Green Smoothie!

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day and I hope that each and every one of you had a good, if not great, day. Mine was filled with some yummy vegan food, more importantly, desserts! But, now, it’s back to being good and that’s why I have this delicious (but ugly) concoction of a smoothie for you!

This is the perfect smoothie to help you transition from decadent Valentine’s Day foods, back to healthier eating habits. It has luxurious, raw Cacao Powder that’s full of antioxidants, a banana for potassium and to use as a natural sweetener, chia seeds for fiber and protein, and kale which is a nutritional powerhouse in its own right; you can’t forget the orange for that boost of vitamin C. Overall, this smoothie has a lot going on and is great for you.
Continue reading

13 Comments

Filed under Healthy Recipes, Raw Recipes, Sweet Recipes

Chocolatelove: Raw Red Velvet Cookies with Cashew Icing

When I was brainstorming for this month’s #chocolatelove bloghop, I knew that I’d have to incorporate some raw treats into my posts. Today is Raw Wednesday, and I have this intriguing and awesome cookie recipe for you! Red Velvet is the quintessential Valentine’s Day dessert, so why not change it up a bit? This delicious cookie is soft, moist, full of flavor and nutrients, and of course, eye-catching.

Who would have thought that with such simple ingredients you could get such a stunning and delicious recipe? Just make sure you have some level of patience, that way you don’t eat the cookies right out of the dehydrator before they’re ready! I find that I have a “problem” with doing that, but I just tell myself it’s for quality assurance. ;)


Continue reading

13 Comments

Filed under Healthy Recipes, Raw Recipes, Sweet Recipes