The Food Blog
Dreamy Dark Chocolate-Coconut Truffles (0 Comments)
Get ready to lose some self control with these luscious beauties. These are truly super simple to create in your kitchen along with only two ingredients and no fancy equipment involved. This method is just simply chopping some chocolate, melting coconut milk, some stirring involved and a chill out period before engulfing these tasty treats. The best part about making your own is that it has no extra added sugars and chemicals plus you may customize to your hearts desires. You may dress these beauties up with creative garnish such as chopped nuts, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, etc.
A wonderful crowd pleaser for a party, as a gift, or just for your loved ones. From time to time i enjoy making truffles around the Christmas season and especially for Valentine’s Day. These basic bites are simply creamy, dreamy and decadent deliciousness in one bite. And make sure you purchase the good quality kind, at least 70% cocoa, in reaping the benefits and taste. Below are a list of dark chocolate health benefits.
DARK CHOCOLATE HEALTH BENEFITS:
Protection against disease causing free radicals
Potential cancer prevention
Improved heart health
Better overall cholesterol profile
Healthy cognitive function
Aids in blood pressure and glucose levels
Antioxidant rich superfood
SHALL WE SCROLL DOWN TO THE RECIPE?!
SERVES: about 16- 20 depending on size
INGREDIENTS:
9 ounces dark chocolate, chopped or chip style
6-7 tbsp coconut milk, can or regular
1/8 tsp sea salt
FOR GARNISHES YOU MAY USE:
shredded coconut
chopped nuts or seeds
cocoa powder
sprinkles
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a medium bowl, place the chopped chocolate or chips and set aside. The finer the chopping the better it melts more quickly.
In a separate bowl, place coconut milk and either heat in the microwave for 15 second intervals, or over the stove with double boiler. Once heated, place the milk over the chocolate. Quickly cover and let sit for about 5 minutes. Then lift cover and gently mix until smoothly combined. Place mixture in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours until set. To be sure stick a knife in the middle and if comes out clean it is ready.
Once chilled and firm texture, get the garnish ready in bowls before shaping chocolate mixture. Next, scoop about tbsp of mixture and roll with your hands; dip in the garnishes and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat until complete. You may enjoy immediately or keep in the refrigerator until needed.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 100; total fat 6.3g; cholesterol 4mg; total carbohydrates 9.8g; sugars 8g; protein 1.4g; calcium 2%; iron 3% and potassium 2%.
Dreamy Cashew Cream (0 Comments)
Oh my! I AM in LOVE. So darn delicious.
For awhile now I’ve been wanting to make my own and it was the right day for it. What i am sharing with you is a velvety vegan style cream sauce made with cashews. Yes you heard me right….it is vegan. But if you are not vegan, it is just fine. I believe carnivores and herbivores alike will love this creamy dreamy sauce. I am not 100% vegan, but i do tend to gravitate towards more of a whole food plant based lifestyle as much as possible. When i fuel my body with the right nutrients necessary, i definitely feel much better overall in mind and body. Lately, I’ve been wanting to eliminate as much dairy in my everyday due to allergy sensitivities along with my beliefs in the conventional aspect. What i love about cashew cream is it’s unique with a lovely taste, it’s versatility and super simple to create in your own home.
This cream sauce is a blank canvas for you to create anything your heart desires and to go beyond just the garlic and sea salt. And with just one kitchen gadget like a blender or processor, you have a multi-purpose cream sauce that can be utilized for a creamy pasta, nacho cheese sauce, use with veggies or fruit dip or even made to use in ice cream as well. Below is a list of items you may incorporate into the sauce.
Pesto or herbs
Nutritional yeast
Any hot peppers or sauce
Squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or other greens like spinach
And you can replace the garlic and sea salt with peanut butter, cocoa, sweetener, vanilla or whatever your heart desires
A wonderful base sauce recipe with minimal ingredients in creating dips, pasta sauce, or other cheesy alternatives. If you happen to give it a try, i would love to know. Do tell!
Whenever most people talk about WHY they could never give up dairy, most times i hear is ” I LOVE my cheese so much to live without!” or something like ” I’ll miss my ice cream way too much!”. And i admit i was one of those people with dairy creamer for my coffee or certain cheeses for meals. These particular dairy items is what was keeping me from going dairy free. At first it may be hard to part with your conventional coffee creamer, but you will fall hopelessly in love with the new. there are so many wonderful alternatives such as coconut, almond, hazelnut, oat and cashew. Totally enjoying this homemade cashew creamer I’ve made a couple times now. Truthfully i do not know why i had waited so long to make this transition. I LOVE this and that is why i am sharing this with you. Maybe you had the same thoughts and/or ideas surrounding the dairy aspect. Do tell foodies would like to know!
So once you have the basic idea of this cashew cream process you can literally turn this into all kinds of concocted creations. It also holds up well in heating and baking with no separation as i have used in a couple of my dinner recipes. Also i would like to note that it is best to get good quality raw cashews and make sure they are unsalted. Next are just a few more tips on this method for you and a couple recipes for the sauce and coffee creamer.
TIPS:
QUICK SOAK METHOD – cover cashews with boiling water and let sit for at least one hour before processing.
SWEETENER – you may want to add more or less depending on your preferences. It’s best to go with pure maple or raw honey for nutritional purposes for the creamer.
You may also want to warm up the cooled cashew creamer due to separating in the coffee and while taking out the chillness from the creamer from being in the refrigerator. I like my coffee hot.
RECIPES:
CASHEW CREAM
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups cashews, raw and unsalted
water, filtered
INSTRUCTIONS:
Firstly, prepare cashews in allowing them to soak. In a small bowl, combine cashews and water; let soak for at least two hours. Drain and rinse; set aside.
In a food processor or blender, place the soaked cashews along with the water ( 1 cup for heavy cream or 2 cups for half and half consistency) and puree until very smooth. If too thick add in a bit of water to loosen. Remember once cooled it will thicken up so you may want to adjust. you may store this up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
Place mixture into a mason jar or airtight container into your refrigerator.
NOW for the COFFEE CREAMER
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cashews, raw and unsalted
water
1/4 cup raw honey, or maple
1 tsp vanilla extract, pure no alcohol
1/4 tsp sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place cashews in a bowl or jar; let soak overnight or at least 3-6 hours.
Drain and rinse nuts. Place in blender. Add 2 cups filtered water, the sweetener of choice, vanilla and sea salt; blend on high until super smooth about 2-3 minutes.
Store in covered container and place in the refrigerator when ready to use. This will keep up to 10 days and the cream will thicken a bit while being cooled, but you may adjust.
WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT CASHEWS!
These nuts are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which are required for normal functions in our body. Did you know, they actually belong to Brazil but the Portuguese brought them to India in the 16ht century? These kidney shaped beans are chock full of goodness.
PREVENTS CANCER due to flavonols present
HEART HEALTHY being low in fat, no cholesterol and presence of antioxidants
LOWERS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE due to containing magnesium
STRONG HAIR due to the mineral of copper
HEALTHY BONES which contains calcium and magnesium
PREVENTS GALLSTONES
AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
VITAMIN RICH in riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, etc
BETTER SLEEP
HEALTHY GUMS & TEETH
FREE RADICALS
MACULAR DEGENERATION
Now that you know more about the health benefits of cashews, consume at least a few once every week for optimal benefits. Remember to nourish your mind, body and soul for overall well-being.
No-Bake Date Energy Bites (0 Comments)
Here is a tasty and energizing snack that is super simple and requires no oven at all. A great snack for on the run and practically guilt free goodness. It is naturally sweetened, so tender, pinch of crunch with the cashews, peanut buttery and oh so tasty. One of my all time go-to snacks that are packed with nutrients and real food ingredients to keep you fueled. I’ve made these tasty bites a variety of ways with different nut butters, fruits and vegetables like pumpkin. These are so easy to create in your very own kitchen with your personalized blend.
It’s been discovered and proven for years that dates have a healing powers for our bodies. Due to trading, these dates have traveled to southwest Asia, Spain, Northern Africa and were later introduced and became popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Dates are considered a good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Below are quite a few reasons in consuming dates regularly.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATES:
IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL due to not containing any and assists in weight loss.
EXCELLENT PROTEIN source in helping you stay fit and keeing muscles strong. Most gym geeks are asked to consume at least a couple dates everyday for their daily routine.
VITAMIN RICH in B1, B2 and B5 as well as A1 and calcium. Not only will it keep you healthy, it will enhance your energy levels due to natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose and fructose. An excellent quick snack.
BONE STRENGTH these guys are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium. Great in preventing osteoporosis.
HEALTHY DIGESTION especially when soaking dates before hand in consuming these lovelies. Of course excellent for constipated individuals.
IRON RICH dates help deficiencies in low levels of iron such as anemia and great for blood purification as well.
ANTI-AGER due to the great source of vitamin C and D in keeping skin smooth and elastic. Also prevents the accumulation of melanin in your body.
The best way dates are to be eaten is by themselves. This delicious and sweet fruit is great for breakfast snacks, oatmeal, no-bake treats, smoothies and cereals. Some people even may switch to date syrup over refined sugars. Great to have a container of these guys on hand on the counter or in the refrigerator. Wonderful to add to trail mix, a date smoothie, incorporated in baked goods and toss them in salads.
Let’s move on to the recipe……………………………………………………
SERVES: about 12, depending on size
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup dates, soaked or as is
1/4 cup cashews, unsalted and chopped
1/2 tsp raw honey (optional)
1/2 cup oats, rolled or quick
2 tbsp peanut butter, organic
1-2 tbsp water, filtered
sea salt, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the dates by pitting them and soaking them in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, or hand blender, combine all ingredients including the soaked dates; process until fairly smooth.
Remove from blender and place the mixture into a bowl; let set in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes.
When ready, scoop out a small spoonful, bite size, of the mixture and use hands to roll in a ball. You may need to wet your hands just a bit due to texture from sticking. Repeat until the process is complete. Place formed mixture into an airtight container to keep in the refrigerator for long lasting freshness. you may roll the balls into crushed nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate powder or Ganache or whatever your heart desires. And that’s all. Enjoy!
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories per serving 88; total fat 2.9g; sodium 33mg; total carbohydrates 15g; dietary fiber 1.8g; sugars 10g; protein 2g; calcium 1%; iron 4% and potassium 3% type of snack.
Rosemary Infused Roasted Beets (0 Comments)
Not only are beets sweet and tasty, but provides numerous health benefits for our mind and body. Sharing with you a super simple recipe that is easy to create in your home with such versatility and flavor. Beets are wonderful to utilize in most meals such as an appetizer, salads, smoothies, baked goods, soups and just by itself. These sweet and earthy root vegetables are packed with surprising nutrients and benefits. Below is a list of why you may want to consume more beautiful beets into your healthy lifestyle.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEETS
Beets are rich in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes and dilates blood vessels in turning them into superhighways for your nutrients and oxygen rich blood, which means better circulation and improved blood pressure.
REDUCTION in heart disease risk due to rich in betaine and folate, which together helps to lower levels of homocysteine in the body.
Improved STAMINA – Researches has suggested when athletes consume beets that nitrates boost endurance performance. In one study, cyclists who drank beet juice could pedal harder longer 15% in time trail to exhaustion. So if your are racing, drink up and crush it!
BETTER BRAIN function due to nitric oxide in relaxing and dilating blood vessels, in turn increase blood flow to the brain which brings on healthy neurons in the body. Give your brain a boost with beets!
LIGHTER LIVER in consuming more beets will allow better cleansing of the unwanted toxins in your body.
CHRONIC DISEASE fighter due to a rich source of betalains, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatories that battle free radical and inflammation related chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity and possibly cancers.
PROMOTES IRREGULARITY with it’s source of high fiber with just one cup of beets contains 4 grams of dietary fiber, which helps reduce the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
PURCHASING FRESH BEETS:
Did you know, that the greens of the beets are edible and provide rich nutrients such as carotenoids and lutein/zeaxanthin? They are mostly available at farmers markets and can be used interchangeably with chards.
Although we mostly see bright purple colored tones in grocery stores, they come in many colors. Beets are widely available year round, but the peak season is normally summer (June) to fall (October). And stay clear of spotted and bruised beets where it may be bleeding from the root.
THE HEALTHIEST WAY TO EAT BEETS ARE:
RAW – they firm, crunchy and mildly sweet tasting and an excellent addition to smoothies, salads, and juices. When eaten raw you do not lose any of the nutrients as well.
COOKED – they are often paired well with goat cheese, balsamic vinegar and arugula salads. They are commonly canned and pickled and can alter the taste and nutrient profile depending on how it is prepared.
ROASTED – make sure to cook or roast lightly in retaining it nutrient qualities for overall well-being. Studies have shown that the content of phytonutrients are diminished through high heat. The healthiest way to cook them is either steaming them for 20 minutes or roasted for under an hour, which slowly cooks them. Always best to wrap them when roasting or cooking to prevent staining on hands or surfaces.
Shall we let’s scroll down to the recipe……………….
SERVES: about 2 to 3
INGREDIENTS:
3 whole beets, fresh, organic
1 tbsp olive oil
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1-2 tbsp rosemary, fresh or essential oil 1-2 drops
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven 400 degrees
Prepare the beets by scrubbing top layer or peeling and then rinse well.
Lay beets down on aluminum or parchment on a flat surface. Drizzle olive oil over the beets and rub in with gloves on or you may use a brush. Add the the rest of the seasoning and blend well. Fold foil to form a closed packet. Then place them on a baking sheet and into the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
Remove from oven and let cool. You may slice or leave as is until needed in the refrigerator.
Slow Cooked Coconut-Curry Chicken Soup (0 Comments)
This lovely meal that I am sharing with you today is quite super simple, with light prep work, and made with real food ingredients. If you LOVE spice, heat and everything nice this is for you. This was so good that my hubby and I had it for lunch the next day. Really loved the combinations of flavors, ingredients and textures in this meal. There is some prep work, but very easy. Firstly, i marinated the chicken with a few spices, a touch of olive oil and mixed thoroughly until evenly distributed. Placed in the refrigerator until i needed it for dinner. Next, i sauteed some of the veggies with the spices and heat to elevate the flavors in the dish. Then, all of the other ingredients i combined right into the crock-pot. The rest of the time let the slow cooker do it’s job. It’s pretty simple, but so darn delicious. When it’s ready, you may place in the bowl along with you preferred starch and garnish with fresh cilantro and juice of the fresh lime. Not only is it tasty, but there are so many health benefits with the combinations of flavors in which i mention down below.
CURRY BENEFITS:
Prevents cancer
Protects the heart
Improves bone health
Antibacterial activity
Liver toxicity
Relieves pain and inflammation
Prevents Alzheimer’s
CUMIN BENEFITS:
Promotes healthy digestion
Rich source of iron
contains beneficial plant compounds
May help with diabetes
May improve blood cholesterol
Fights inflammation
Helps with drug dependence
TURMERIC:
Fights inflammation
Fights free radicals
Boosts immunity
Eases joint pain
Protects the heart
Healthy digestion
Boosts your mood
May stave off neurodegenerative diseases
BELOW is the recipe………………….
SERVES: about 6-8
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium red onion, peeled and diced
1 carrot, washed, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp ginger, dried or fresh
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp curry
1/2 tsp Asian garlic chili sauce, or preferred sauce
dash, sea salt
dash, black pepper
6-8 small colored potatoes
3 cups vegetable broth, organic and low sodium
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
1 can coconut milk, lite
1 package boneless chicken tenderloin, marinated, cooked and shredded
Garnish, fresh cilantro
Limes, zest and/or juice
Starch, optional
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a medium saucepan, low to medium heat, combine the onions and carrots; let cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add in the garlic; let cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Next, add in all the spices, heat, 1/4 cup coconut milk and sea salt/black pepper to the mix. Mix to combine and let the flavors marry well together. Remove from heat and place mixture into the slow cooker. Add in the rest of ingredients of corn, peas, potatoes and the last half hour add in the chicken or preferred meat option. Add the rest of the coconut milk and mix to combine. At this point, taste to see if extra flavor is needed.
Cover and let cook on high for 4 hours, or best at 6-8 hours. When ready, place in bowls with a bed of rice or another preferred item and garnish with fresh herbs and lime. And voila! A delicious meal for just two or a crowd.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories 409; total fat 16g; total carbohydrates 49.5g; dietary fiber 9.4g; sugars 8g; protein 13.3g; calcium 4%; Iron 22% and potassium 29%.
Tomato-Basil Herb Vinaigrette Dressing (0 Comments)
What i am sharing with you today is light and refreshing vinaigrette style dressing that you can create in your own home. This dressing contains fresh ingredients of cherry tomatoes, mix of herbs avocado oil and fresh sauteed garlic. What i LOVE about making my own is the quality control and flavor versatility by utilizing real food ingredients either in your own backyard or from the market.
This recipe came alive when realizing i had quite a bit of extra fresh basil to still use before going bad. And since I’ve been craving an alkalizing energizing salad for the evening, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to make my own signature style dressing. And voila! Here it is.
So how about you, have you made your own in the past? And if so, how did it come out?
When i make my own I love that it is pure, fresh and so darn tasty. I truly believe in fresh is best. Do you agree? Although, at times, we do buy store bought. But I make sure to read those labels due to additives, extra sugars and any other preservatives. High quality is best because if you can NOT recognize an ingredients your body will not either in breaking it down. And please stay away from fat-free and low-fat labeling due to extra sugars or a chemical of crap in it. In doing so you will reap the healthy benefits in nourishing your mind, body and soul for overall well being.
Below are the many benefits of the few ingredients utilized in this recipe.
AVOCADO OIL
Rich in oleic acid
Reduces cholesterol
Very healthy fat
High in lutein
Great for eye health
Enhancement of absorbing nutrients in the body
Improves heart health
May prevent gum disease
Improves skin and enhances wound healing
Neutralizes free radicals and easy to use
Reduces symptoms of arthritis
TOMATOES
Antioxidant agent
Manage diabetes
Rich source of vitamins and minerals
Heart healthy
Counter effect of smoking cigarettes
Improves vision
Aid in digestion
Lowers hypertension
Great for skin
Prevents U.T.I.
Prevents gallstones
BASIL
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Cancer fighter
Pain reducer
Fever reducer
Liver and Blood vessel protector
Immune booster
Let’s move on to the recipe below……………………………………………………..
SERVES: about 6
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup basil, fresh
3 garlic cloves, minced and slightly pan sauteed
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, or preferred
dash, sea salt
dash, black pepper
3/4 cup avocado oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar, or white is fine
dash, dried oregano
1/2 tsp thyme, fresh
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small saucepan, over low-medium heat, place prepared garlic with oil; let saute for about 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and slightly soft. Do not burn. When cooked remove from heat and set aside.
Combine all ingredients including garlic into the food processor or a blender. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Place mixture into an airtight container or in a mason jar for storage. Keep in the refrigerator and when ready to use remove from the refrigerator and bring up to room temperature. This can also be made a day in advance as well. And voila! Homemade tasty treat to use and enjoy.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories per serving 43; total fat 3.6g; sodium 41mg;total carbohydrates 2.7g; dietary fiber 1.5g; calcium 1%; iron 2% and potassium 3%