Tag Archives: cocoa

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!

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Filed under Healthy Recipes, Sweet Recipes, Vegan MOFO!

Raw Banana Cacao Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Dip

I’m so excited that I’ve finally and the time (and patience) to make a yummy raw dish that’s not just a juice or a smoothie. So, happy Raw Wednesday everyone, and I hope that your week has been great so far, it’s almost the weekend! ;) This delicious dessert could also be a great snack platter for guests and family.

The cookies are soft, and reminiscent of brownies with a hint of banana, while the cinnamon spread is cool and creamy. Unlike unhealthy treats of the same name, these raw cookies are filling and will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but, also keep you satisfied for much longer.

Cinnamon Cream Dip

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 Cups Raw Cashews, Soaked in Water for 2-6 hours
  • 2 Tbsp. Raw Agave Nectar
  • 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
  • 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • A Pinch of Sea Salt

Directions:

  1. Drain the soaked cashews and place all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender and puree until it is completely smooth, or as smooth as your appliance can make it.
  2. Refrigerate for a few hours so that it can thicken up into a spread.

Cookie Batter Before Dehydrator

Dehydrated Cookies

Raw Banana Cacao Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Sliced Banana
  • 1 Cup Ground Flaxseed
  • 1/2 Cup + 2 Tbsp. Water
  • 4 Tbsp. Raw Cacao Powder
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Raw Agave Nectar

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients into a food processor and mix until combined, scrape the walls of the processor and mix again so that everything is incorporated. The mix will be thick and a little spongy.
  2. Take the batter and spread it onto a paraflexx sheet, for your dehydrator, so that it’s about 1/4-3/8″ thick. Place it in your dehydrator and dehydrate for 7 hours at 110°, until you can peel the cookie batter off of the paraflexx sheet and flip it over.
  3. Dehydrate for another 8-9 hours and slice into rectangles, or any other shape you’d like!

The cookies are great by themselves, but I STRONGLY suggest that you eat them with the dip. They compliment each other so well, and it already gives me another idea for a recipe that could be even better!

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Filed under Healthy Recipes, Raw Recipes, Sweet Recipes

Mocha Oatmeal!

Mocha Oatmeal!<br />
Need an extra boost this morning? Maybe you&#8217;re hungover and have a busy day ahead of you? (Guilty as charged) This oatmeal has the nutrients to start your day off right, but with an lil&#8217; kick of caffeine from coffee and cocoa! Oatmeal is one of my favorite dishes to make because you can so easily customize it and make it super delicious.<br />
Ingredients (1 Serving)<br />
1/2 Cup Rolled Oats<br />
6 oz. Hot Brewed Coffee<br />
1&#160;1/2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder<br />
1&#160;1/2 Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup<br />
1 Tbsp. Ground Flaxseed Meal<br />
Directions:<br />
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add hot coffee and sweetener, stir together and let it set for 2-3 minutes. If you want the oatmeal to have a little bit thicker of a consistency microwave it for 30 seconds. And obviously, enjoy!

Need an extra boost this morning? Maybe you’re hungover and have a busy day ahead of you? (Guilty as charged) This oatmeal has the nutrients to start your day off right, but with an lil’ kick of caffeine from coffee and cocoa! Oatmeal is one of my favorite dishes to make because you can so easily customize it and make it super delicious.

Edit: Cocoa has theobromine not caffeine, but they have similar chemical compositions. -Thanks BatesNursery!

Ingredients (1 Serving)

  • 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
  • 6 oz. Hot Brewed Coffee
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
  • 1 1/2 Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. Ground Flaxseed Meal

Directions:

  1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add hot coffee and sweetener, stir together and let it set for 2-3 minutes. If you want the oatmeal to have a little thicker of a consistency microwave it for 30 seconds. And obviously, enjoy!

Spoonful

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Filed under Healthy Recipes, Sweet Recipes

Protein-Packed Dessert for Breakfast Smoothie!

Protein-Packed Dessert for Breakfast Smoothie! When you don&#8217;t have time to make elaborate breakfast recipes, and want to be a little more on the healthy side, a great smoothie recipe is the way to go. Frozen banana chunks balance out the bitter cocoa with their natural sweetness and creamy peanut butter adds some body to this breakfast, while chia seeds offer even more nutritional benefits. Ingredients: 1 Large Frozen Banana 1 Heaping Tbsp. of Cocoa Powder 1&#160;1/2 Tbsp. Creamy Peanut Butter (I used Justin&#8217;s Organic Peanut Butter) 1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds 1/4-1/2 Cup Water or Non-Dairy Milk Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender, add more liquid if needed, and puree until smooth. Let still for 3-5 minutes so that the chia seeds are easier for your body to digest and so that you absorb their nutrients better.

When you don’t have time to make elaborate breakfast recipes, and want to be a little more on the healthy side, a great smoothie recipe is the way to go. Frozen banana chunks balance out the bitter cocoa with their natural sweetness and creamy peanut butter adds some body to this breakfast, while chia seeds offer even more nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:

1 Large Frozen Banana

1 Heaping Tbsp. of Cocoa Powder

1 1/2 Tbsp. Creamy Peanut Butter (I used Justin’s Organic Peanut Butter)

1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds

1/4-1/2 Cup Water or Non-Dairy Milk

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender, add more liquid if needed, and puree until smooth. Let still for 3-5 minutes so that the chia seeds are easier for your body to digest and so that you absorb their nutrients better.

Smoothie Ingredients

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Filed under Healthy Recipes, Sweet Recipes