White Chocolate Mint Tea Latte (Vegan)

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Smoothies & Beverages, Vegan, Vegetarian by naturalnoshing

Cool fall mornings are my favorite…when my cozy bed tries to lure me back in, yet I slip on sweats and slippers and head to the kitchen to brew a warm cup of tea. I find it energizing and invigorating! While I love my morning smoothies, I need to heat up first with something hot when it’s chilly in the house.

Why not make something nourishing and comforting at the same time? This minty latte has healthy fats from the hemp and cacao butter, peppermint that is soothing for your tummy and digestion, and contains a little protein and fiber from the hemp hearts. This latte is also caffeine-free (unless you use a green or black tea) so you can enjoy a cuppa as a treat after dinner if you’d like!

This quick and easy drink is ideal for sipping while you’re curled up on the couch reading a book, watching tv or having some downtime. If you aren’t a fan of white chocolate, feel substitute carob powder (for AIP) or raw cacao powder for a darker chocolate version and add a touch of coconut cream for richness.

White Chocolate Mint Tea Latte
Gluten-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Caffeine-free option, Paleo-friendly, AIP-friendly option, Soy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free, Egg-free, Vegetarian, Vegan

Ingredients

16 oz boiling water
2-3 bags of herbal peppermint tea (I have some brands of mint tea that are stronger than others, if you prefer a more prominent flavor, use 3)
pinch of sea salt
1 1/2 Tbsp raw cacao butter*
2 Tbsp hemp hearts (omit for AIP, and substitute 2-3 Tbsp coconut cream)
2 tsp agave, coconut nectar, honey (don’t use if vegan) or a pinch of stevia (adjust sweetener to taste)

Directions
1. Steep tea bags in boiling water until desired strength, usually 3-5 minutes for herbal tea.
2. Add prepared tea along with the remaining ingredients in a blender (I use a high-powered blender such as Vitamix) and blend until smooth. Enjoy while hot or warm!

*For a chocolately version, use raw cacao powder or carob (for AIP and caffeine-free). For a thicker, creamier result add a couple tablespoons of coconut cream.

23Aug2015

Frozen Hot Chocolate (SRC)

Posted in Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Smoothies & Beverages, Vegan, Vegetarian by naturalnoshing

Summer is almost over…gasp! I say this every August, but seriously how did it go by so fast? Then, I remember all the fun things I packed in over this summer …yep, three months is about right 🙂

I got a taste of Fall over the weekend after a little rain and wind blew through, leaving crisp cooler weather….not only was I pumped to break out a long-sleeve t-shirt but it spurred a hankering for comfort food. Is it a surprise that chocolate was my go-to?
When I found Kate’s Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe on the The Colbert Clan for this month’s Secret Recipe Club assignment, I thought it was the perfect bridge between summer and fall to satisfy my chocolate craving. This chocolate treat hit the spot! I’m one of those people that eats chilled or frozen foods despite the weather, so I enjoyed sipping this drink while being bundled up on the couch under a blanket.

Kate is a full-time mom of three cute kiddos that has a knack for all things DIY, inspiring me to make a list of handmade projects and new recipes to try. I’ve put her Slow-Cooker Applesauce and Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup on my Fall to-make list along with her Apple Balsamic Pork Roast for a easy mid-week dinner!

I made a few changes to make the recipe dairy free and refined sugar free; I used canned coconut milk, stevia for the sugar and used a non-dairy chocolate bar that was sweetened with coconut nectar. I also threw in a tiny pinch of sea salt for good measure and highlight the sweetness. I wound up heating the milk in a small saucepan to melt the chocolate a bit first, then chilled it in the fridge before blending to help incorporate the mixture.

This drink was rich and decadent and packed with chocolate flavor…and now I keep thinking of different varieties to play with; Chocolate mint…Chocolate coconut…caramel…chocolate covered cherry…peanut butter…mmmmm. Kate was right when she said the possibilities are endless!

Frozen Hot Chocolate (Lightly adapted from The Colbert Clan)
Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Paleo-friendly, Egg-free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan, Nut-free

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces of dairy-free chocolate bar (chopped, I used a 85% dark bar) or chocolate chips
1 Tbsp of raw cacao or cocoa powder
1 Tbsp sweetener of choice (or a pinch of stevia) or more to taste
2 1/2 cups of non-dairy milk of choice (I used canned coconut milk for a thicker texture)
a tiny pinch of sea salt
2 cups of ice

For serving (optional but delicious!)
whipped coconut cream (or your favorite whipped topping)
chocolate shavings or raw cacao nibs
cherries

Directions

*In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts and is incorporated. Remove from heat, pour into the blender and refrigerate until chilled for a couple hours (or the ice will melt this immediately).
Put remaining ingredients into the blender (ice, salt, cocoa powder, sweetener) and mix until smooth. Adjust the sweetener if needed.
Pour into a glass, garnish as desired and enjoy!

Serves 1 larger portion or 2 small

*If you don’t want to heat up the milk first, go ahead and blend all of the ingredients together – this will work just fine but you might have chunks of chocolate depending on your blender.

Notes: If you prefer a sweeter treat, choose a chocolate that is semi-sweet instead of a darker chocolate and adjust the sweetener to taste. Choose your favorite sweetener — maple syrup, coconut nectar, sucanat, stevia, honey etc. Also, feel free to add your favorite flavors or add-ins to make your own version!

frozen hot chocolate1 For other recipes from this month’s reveal, click the link below!

3Aug2015

Tropical Green Monster Smoothie Bowl

Posted in Breakfast, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Sides and Snacks, Smoothies & Beverages, Vegan, Vegetarian by naturalnoshing

Tropical green monster smoothie…transporting me to an island far far away…aka summer vacation in a bowl! This quick recipe is bright and tangy from the pineapple and mango, with a creamy base from the avocado (or banana) and packed with green goodness from the kale.

tropical green smoothie bowl2

I put this bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes and the sides started to get frosty – mmmm. With the summer heat and no air-conditioning, this chilled smoothie bowl makes for a refreshing afternoon snack or a pumped up breakfast with flavor AND nutrition! If you prefer a protein boost, add 1/2 to 1 scoop of your favorite protein (vanilla would be best in this) and blend away 🙂

Tropical Green Monster Smoothie Bowl
Gluten-free, Grain-free, Soy-free, Nut-free, Dairy-free, AIP & Paleo-Friendly, Nightshade free, Egg-free, Refined Sugar-free, Vegan option

Ingredients

1/2 ripe avocado, pit removed (if you want a sweeter smoothie, sub or add 1/2 banana)
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or coconut water (or other dairy-free milk or orange juice can be substituted for a sweeter drink)
1-2 cups baby kale leaves (or spinach)
1-2 cups baby chard (or spinach or more kale)
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks

For a protein boost add 1/2-1 scoop of your favorite protein powder

Options For Serving
chopped fruit (I used a chopped fig)
shredded coconut
hemp hearts (not AIP-friendly)

Directions

1. Add ingredients in the order listed above (avocado through mango) to a high powered blender, and blend for 1 minute until smooth. Pour into a bowl, top with chopped fruit, coconut, hemp hearts etc and enjoy!

Serves 1 large or 2 small

tropical green smoothie bowl1

5Jun2015

Frosty Vanilla Fig Smoothie

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Sides and Snacks, Smoothies & Beverages, Vegan, Vegetarian by naturalnoshing

I forget how much I LOVE summer! Sunny mornings and brisk afternoon showers…the grass is bright green and flowers are in full bloom. I sleep with my windows open, and I wake up to the sun peaking in my window and sound of birds chirping…so flippin’ cool. Does that almost sound like an opening to a Disney movie?! Let’s not forget all the fresh produce as well – juicy melons, spicy crisp radishes, sweet cherries and loads of zucchini just to name a few – YUM.

I have really been craving fresh foods and cold, refreshing dishes, especially after sitting out in the sun to soak up some Vitamin D for a bit. I’ve also recently discovered my love of frozen figs…yep, frozen ones. They were selling a huge bag of organic green figs at Costco, and I’ve had them stashed in the freezer for a couple months since limiting my fruit intake on my elimination diet. I was craving something sweet and cold the other night, and I thought I’d give these a try on my stomach. Tummy approved and WOW, are they delicious!

I let a couple figs sit out on the counter for a few minutes, then nibbled at a frozen one…a little bite of heaven! Ever since, I’ve been incorporating them in a variety of recipes (and trying to eat them in moderation as I am reintroducing fruits). First up, this frosty fig and vanilla smoothie is one of my favorites…I’ve had it for dessert a couple times too! This smoothie is perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick breakfast to start your day with loads of energy 🙂

Fig smoothie

Frosty Vanilla Fig Smoothie
Grain-free, Gluten-free, Paleo & AIP-friendly, Nut-free, Vegan, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Refined Sugar Free, Nightshade-free

Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk (I used from a can, but any milk would work based on preference/allergy)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract (alcohol free for AIP) or vanilla powder
a couple shakes of ground cinnamon
2-3 medium green figs, frozen and rough chopped (can use other color and varieties)
*If you’re sensitive to sugars, add 1/4 avocado for creaminess and use 1-2 figs, but will be less sweet

Optional add-ins:
handful of leafy greens (baby spinach, chard, kale)
1/2 cup of frozen banana, your favorite berry or mango for a different flavor

Directions

1. Add ingredients in order as they are listed to a high-powered blender (such as a Vitamix). Blend on high until smooth.

Notes: If you do not have a high-powered blender, you might need to let your figs de-frost for 15 minutes or so and chop them smaller OR add more liquid.