superfood hot chocolate

Yesterday the weather was relentless and we got close to another foot of snow!  I’m worried it’s going to be June before we see the ground again.  What to do on a snowy day?  Make mugs of Superfood Hot Chocolate to warm you up!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

In addition to using raw cacao powder, I added ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and coconut oil, which are all immune boosting and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Check it out!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Cacao:  Contains high amounts of magnesium and high levels of  flavonoids, an antioxidant responsible for decreasing inflammation and ridding the body of free-radicals.  If possible, buy raw cacao powder instead processed cocoa powder.  Cocoa powder is heated to high temperatures, which destroys some of its healing qualities.

Ginger:  A reliever to GI upset, but also a potent anti-inflammatory.  Gingerols, a substance found in ginger is responsible for decreasing pain and inflammation in people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cinnamon:  Similar to ginger, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties.  Some studies even suggest that cinnamon helps with insulin resistance.

Turmeric:  A very potent anti-inflammatory agent due to curcurmin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow color.  In addition to decreasing inflammation and pain in those suffering from arthritis, turmeric protects cells from oxidative stress.

Coconut Oil:  Contains lauric acid, which may fight off bacteria, fungus and viruses.  Also, a good source of medium chain triglycerides that contain anti-aging properties.

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

superfood hot chocolate
 
Print
Makes 2 large portions
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 cups of milk of your choice (hemp, soy, almond, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder if you don't have cacao!)
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust according to your taste)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • pinch sea salt
Instructions
  1. Warm all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally.
  2. Transfer to a blender and pulse until frothy. (optional step)
  3. Top with coconut, soy or rice whip for fun!
  4. Enjoy!

 I am NOT a winter person.  I turn purple when I go outside, seriously.  I am so ready for winter to be over!  However, each storm we get continues to amaze me.  It is so beautiful out there!  Plus, Al Roker promised me this morning that the worst of the winter chill is over…I hope he’s right!!!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

 Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Stay warm :)

almond joy superfood smoothie bowl

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl ~vegan, gluten free~

Can you tell I’m on a superfood kick these days?!?  Smoothies are a great way to incorporate superfoods into your day!  This smoothie is loaded with antioxidant, vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber (13 grams protein and 12 grams fiber to be exact!)…plus it tastes like a bowl of almond joy ice cream!  Less liquid is added, so the consistency of this smoothie is more like a thick milk shake and requires a spoon!  However, you can add a little more milk for a drinkable smoothie!  We all agreed that this smoothie was sweet enough as is, but if you need a little more sweetness add a few pitted dates.

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl ~vegan, gluten free~

A whole tablespoon of cacao is added, which will give you a jolt!  Cacao contains the stimulant theobromine, so use with caution!  I don’t recommend large doses of cacao for toddlers, especially while snowed in during winter storm Juno!  Also, use in moderation if pregnant…needless to say, we shared this smoothie bowl three ways!

I swear my kid wears clothes other than pajamas...but not often :)

I swear my kid wears clothes other than pajamas…but not often :)

almond joy superfood smoothie bowl
 
Print
Makes 1 portion (nutrition facts calculated using soy milk)
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 frozen banana (slice before freezing for easier blending!)
  • ¼ cup old fashioned oats (add nuts if going grain free!)
  • ½ cup milk of your choice (hemp, soy, almond, etc.)
  • ½ tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon raw cacao or cocoa powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
  • Toppings:
  • shredded coconut
  • hemp seeds
  • cacao nibs
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients (except the toppings) in a high speed blender and blend until creamy. Transfer to a bowl, add toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 305 Fat: 8 Carbohydrates: 51 Sugar: 13 Fiber: 12 Protein: 13

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl ~vegan, gluten free~

flourless dark chocolate chunk cookies

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies for the chocoholics out there!  

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

However, these aren’t your typical chocolate chunk cookies!  These cookies are gluten free, vegan and good for you!  Yes, good for you!  Made with avocado, one of my favorite superfoods…see post from yesterday!  They also include banana, cocoa, dark chocolate chunks and coconut sugar.

I absolutely fell in love with these cake-like cookies!  My little helper loved them too!  However, these were not my husband’s favorite cookies…we agreed to disagree on this recipe!

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

Not only are they super chocolatey, but they are made with wholesome ingredients!  What’s not to love???  Speaking about love, whip these up for a healthy and decadent Valentine’s Day Treat!

Recipe adapted from Laurenda Marie

flourless dark chocolate chunk cookies
 
Print
makes 10 cookies, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon flax meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup ripe avocado, mashed (about ½ an avocado)
  • ½ cup ripe banana, mashed (about 1 medium banana)
  • ¼ cup non-alkalized cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or white sugar)
  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chunks (I use Enjoy Life)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil.
  2. To make flax egg, stir together flax meal and water in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes or until a gel is formed.
  3. Add mashed banana and mashed avocado to a food processor and blend until creamy. Add flax egg, cocoa powder, baking soda and coconut sugar and blend until well combined.
  4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in chocolate chunks.
  5. Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto lined or greased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake on 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes until lightly crispy on the edges. Let cool and enjoy!
  7. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
  8. ~These cookies are a bit on the sticky side, so make sure to line or grease a cookie sheet!~

Flourless Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies ~vegan, gluten free~ Made with avocados!

Don’t forget to lick the spoon :)