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Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies

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These Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies are so delicious… nobody will guess that they are grain-free and dairy-free!
flourless chocolate walnut cookies

I was never one of those people who had real true chocolate cravings. Honestly, I never understood it when people said they needed chocolate and they needed it fast. And then, last week, I had a chocolate craving… hmm. It wasn’t all-encompassing, but it was a definite strong desire for something chocolate. And nothing else would do. So, I looked through my recipes. What could I make that I had all of the ingredients on hand for? What could I make that was simple. I didn’t want to mess around with cake pans and pie tins.

I have a few cookies recipes on this site that I know will come out great every time I make them. My Flourless Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are my usual go-tos when I’m in a cookie mood. And I know my Grain-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are awesome too. And then there’s my Grain-Free Peanut Butter Cookies… yum.

But nothing was chocolatey enough.

So, these Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies were born. Out of a chocolate need.

You should know, baking does not come naturally to me. It’s not like I have it in my skillset to just start creating a cookie recipe. I am not equipped with enough baking knowledge to know the ratios of flours to sugars to everything else. So, I started perusing my favorite food blogs to get some ideas.  I want to give thanks to Arman at The Big Mans World — I worked off of his ratios in his awesome recipe for Paleo Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to experiment with cookie baking independently, but for now I’ll save the complete and total experimenting to my cooking and I’ll look to the experts for the baking… it certainly worked out well here in this recipe for Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies.

flourless chocolate walnut cookies

I learned long ago that my digestion runs so much better without any grains at all. If you think you are one of these people, I urge you to remove grains from your diet and see how you feel. Digestion is my baby — it’s what got me into this work. I wrote an ebook on it… you can download it below for free now.

Free healthy digestion ebookDownload my free ebook: Healthy Digestion Food Plan.

flourless chocolate walnut cookies

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this recipe for Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies:

I used almond flour in this recipe. In Chinese medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten free and make the best grain free flour! Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation.

Raw cacao is a superfood. It is packed with magnesium, iron, zinc and other minerals. Not only is it packed with health benefits, but it actually has properties that help the body absorb nutrients better and it’s filled with antioxidants. Cacao can actually be translated as “food of the gods”… Raw cacao can help lower blood pressure, promote healthy heart function, improve digestion, and may even help increase the libido.

Sesame seeds have many great nutritional benefits. This recipe calls for tahini (sesame paste). These seeds are an anti-aging food. If you have backaches, hair thats graying way too fast, ringing in the ears, weak knees, blurry vision or general weakness, go for the sesame seeds; just sprinkle them on everything. Long ago in China, sesame seeds were ground into honey to form a paste and was taken as a medicine to counter old-age and weakness. Black sesame seeds are a Chinese herb (Hei Zhi Ma). Black foods, in Chinese medicine, are knows as longevity foods. This recipe uses tahini, which is a paste made from sesame seeds and oil (I buy this ready-made in a can or a jar).

Peanuts, contrary to what some believe, are actually good for many things in your body. I don’t often let myself eat them because they sometimes contain mold and it’s really hard to find reasonably priced organic healthy peanuts. But, these popular nuts are great for lessening edema; they act like a diuretic. They can also help you if you have insomnia or if you are breast feeding. An old-time remedy is to made peanut tea and drink it for bed to promote sleep. And, peanut shells used to be used to help with high blood pressure.

In Chinese medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. These cookies contain coconut flour, coconut oil, and coconut sugar.

flourless chocolate walnut cookies

Paleo Chocolate Walnut Cookies
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Recipe type: cookies, dessert, chocolate
Cuisine: grain free, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 13
These Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies are the perfect grain-free dessert. They are delicious and they are good for you.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 2 Tbsraw cacao powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ cuptahini
  • ¼ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 5 Tbs non-dairy milk (I used oat milk, but be aware that oats are a grain so if you want to keep these cookies completely grain-free, use almond milk, or hemp milk.)
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup plus 2 Tbs dark chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, cacao powder, and baking soda and whisk until well mixed.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the tahini, peanut butter (I melted mine a bit in the microwave to make it easier), coconut oil, egg, and oat milk.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  6. Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips.
  7. Form the dough into golf-ball-size balls (I got 13 balls out of mine) and arrange them on the lined baking sheet, leaving as much space between them as possible. Gently press down to form cookies -- I used my fingers, but you can use the bottom of a glass or a fork.
  8. Bake 15 mins or until the edges are starting to crisp up a bit. Remove the pan to a rack to cool for a bit. Then, when the cookies are mostly cooked, use a spatula to place the individual cookies on the rack to cool. Eat some now and store the rest in a container in the fridge for later. Enjoy!

flourless chocolate walnut cookies

The Healthy Cooking Oils You Should Be Using

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When it comes to your health, there are strict dos and don’ts when it comes to cooking oils. Read ahead to learn about the healthy cooking oils you should be using.

the healthy cooking oils you should be using

 

If you knew that just by adding a few healthy everyday ingredients to your diet, you could substantially boost your heart health and your brain health, would you try it? Of course you would. Well, these healthy cooking oils you should be using are all readily accessible, fairy inexpensive, and will do just that.

My favorite conference of the year is David Wolfe’s Longevity Conference. Each year, I come away with so much information, but there always seems to be a few take-aways that all of the experts at the conference agree on. This year, one of those things was the amazing benefits of olive oil and other healthy cooking oils. So, I’ve taken the research and whittled it down for you. Keep reading to learn about the healthy cooking oils you should be using now.

My passion is helping you heal yourself with food and herbs. It’s truly my calling. When I was studying for my Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine, I knew that all of these amazing tenets of Eastern Medicine could be applied to food and used as everyday healing agents for so many people. I knew that if I combined what I was learning about the properties of food and herbs with what I already knew from my chef’s training, it would be life-changing.

And it is. My training in both Eastern and Western medicine, combined with my obsession with food and cooking, has given me a unique skillset that has helped so many people. And I want to help you. Nothing aggravates me more than knowing that these tools exist but that so many of you have not been taught them. Especially when the benefits are so easily accessible to everyone — like in these healthy cooking oils you should be using.

Everyone should know how to heal themselves with food and herbs. This should not be a secret.

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Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

If you eat the right foods for your unique body and circumstances, you can heal yourself. All you need is the correct information. And I’m here to give it to you. So, read on and learn how you can easily start to heal yourself with ingredients are easy to get and easy to use. And, if you want me to create a healthy lifestyle plan specifically for your unique needs, sign up for a free phone consultation and we can chat about it.

Food really is medicine!

Why Is It Important To Use Healthy Food Oils?

First let me just say that it is so important that you make sure you have healthy fats in your diet. And, NO, fat does not make you fat. In fact, low-fat diets do not help you lose weight. Current research is also clear that healthy fats do not increase your risk of disease or heart problems.

One of the simplest ways to get healthy fats into your diet, is with cooking oils. You can saute your food in them, make salad dressings and sauces with them, add them to smoothies, and drizzle some of them on top of whatever you are eating.

Below, you can see some basic reasons why you need healthy fats in your diet. Then, keep scrolling, and you’ll see the list of healthy cooking oils you should be using. Go out, buy one or two…

Here’s how healthy fats work for you, not against you:

1. Youthful Skin

Yup, fewer wrinkles, better elasticity, and a healthy complexion are yours for the asking… all you need to do is consume a good amount of healthy fats. You are what you eat, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the look and quality of your skin. Our cell walls are made up of fats and it’s these fats that keep our skin looking youthful and glowing. By the way, this is true for your hair too…

2. Boosted Immune System

I know that traditionally, when we talk about immune-boosting foods, we talk about things like ginger, turmeric, and the like. But, healthy fats play an important role in keeping your immune system at a high level. To keep you healthy, your white blood cells need to be able to fight bacteria and viruses. When you deprive your white blood cells of healthy fats, they cannot do their job properly. So, feed them. With healthy fats. You’ll have a much better chance of boosting your immune system enough to stay healthy even when people around you are sick.

3. Brain Health

Your brain needs healthy fats.  Because your brain is made up of about 60% fat, it needs fat to feed on. When you deprive your brain of fats, it’s impossible for this organ to perform at the high level it is capable of. Think: memory, focus, concentration… if you are having some issues in this area, perhaps you are not giving your brain the healthy fat it craves.

4. Heart Health

Yes, fat is good for your heart. There is no evidence that saturated fats increases the risk of heart disease. In fact, evidence is to the contrary. Healthy fats can raise your good/protective cholesterol levels way up, thereby protecting your heart and arteries. Some of these healthy fats can even help to lower your bad cholesterol.

5. Boosted Energy Level

Fats provide your body with more energy than carbohydrates. I’d rather eat a meal with healthy fats than a traditional carbohydrate-loading meal before physical activity. Healthy fats keep you full and satisfied and they keep your energized.

6. Weight Loss

The start of the obesity epidemic in the United States coincided with the introduction of low fat-and non-fat foods in the marketplace. These foods upped the sugar content to make up for their lack of fats. I tell my clients all the time that if you want to lose weight you have to add healthy fats into your diet. This is a hard concept to embrace for lifetime yo-yo dieters who have been calorie-counting forever. But the results don’t lie. And I’m telling you, you will lose weight if you cut out sugar and embrace the correct healthy fats for your body’s needs.

Add These Oils To Your Pantry:

1. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a mild taste and is a perfect multi-purpose oil. You can use it to cook with, to make dressings with, and to drizzle on top of your salads, vegetables, and everything on your plate. Avocados raise good cholesterol while simultaneously lowering bad cholesterol.  They also contain vitamin E and are great for your skin.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has gotten a bad rap in terms of raising cholesterol, but it raises the good kind of heart-protective cholesterol, not the bad kind. This oil can be used to cook with and  you can add a spoonful to your shakes, smoothies, and soups. Coconut oil will boost your energy level very quickly, so add it to whatever you are eating or drinking whenever you need a boost. This oil is not a neutral flavored oil; it sometimes has a distinct coconut taste, so it may not be good for all of your recipes.  I like to bake with it, and I find it especially good when cooking Asian food — Thai curry… yum…

One thing to keep in mind about coconut oil is that it is  solid unless heated. So, if you need it in a liquid form, you’ll have to melt it… which is a very quick process.

3. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is amazing. It is good for just about everything. It is great for your heart and has even been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks when added into a healthy diet. It’s also good for your brain, and can reduce some of the inflammation in your body. I recommend buying extra-virgin olive oil because it is less processed than some other olive oils. Also, with olive oils, sometimes you get what you pay for, so if you are able to taste the oils before you buy, that’s a great thing to do.

One of the important messages I came home from the Longevity Conference with, is to drizzle a hefty amount of olive oil on everything. Really. If you cook a plate of food, before you eat it, drizzle a good quality extra-virgin olive oil all over the top of the food. We’ve been going through a lot of olive oil in my house…

Use extra-virgin olive oil primarily for salad dressings, drizzling on top of foods, and for cooking things that don’t require a very high heat.  I cook with extra-virgin olive oil all the time, but I switch to a different fat if I need to cook on extremely high heat for a lengthy period of time — this is because extra-virgin olive oil does not have a high smoking point and can burn.

4. Nut Oils

There are many types of healthy and delicious nut oils available. Try out some walnut oil, hazelnut oil, or macadamia nut oil. These oils are best used in non-cooked foods. These nut oils can be the base of delicious salad dressings and adding a healthy drizzle of a delicious nut oil to the top of your cooked foods can really make the taste pop.

Nuts have the ability to lower bad cholesterol and enhance brain performance, and nut oils are an easy way to reap these benefits.

5. Ghee

Ghee is not technically an oil, but I’m including it in this list because it’s one of the best fats to cook with. Ghee is a clarified butter that has had the milk solids removed and it is lactose free. And, it has the delicious taste of butter.  It has a high smoking point, and it doesn’t have to be refrigerated. I recommend buying organic ghee if possible.

Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.

I love to add a spoonful of ghee to my coffee or tea, blend it up, and drink it for a great energy boost in the morning.

Try Some Of These Recipes With Healthy Oils:

Seafood Salad With Garlic And Oil

the healthy cooking oils you should be using

 

Bulletproof Coffee

bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates

 

The World’s Best Nut Butter Recipe

world's best nut butter recipe

The healthy benefits in healthy fats and healthy oils can be truly amazing.  And, if you combine these fats/oils with the right foods and supplements, you really have a powerful healing protocol. One of my favorite things to do is to introduce my clients to the healing powers of everyday ingredients because the results can be so amazing. If you’d like a free phone consultation, please go to my calendar now and pick a time slot that works for you. We can discuss herbs and food that will help whatever your concerns are. It’s only food — it’s not rocket science — together we can help you live your best life.

Another article you may be interested in is:  5 Ways Coconut Water Can Improve Your Life.

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

Raw Chocolate Pomegranate Tart

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raw chocolate pomegranate tart

I was going to a friend’s house for dinner the other night and I wanted to bring a dessert. If you know me, you know that while I can cook just about anything, I am not a great baker. And that’s saying it very kindly… I’ve been known to burn slice and bake cookies. So, when I tell you that this raw chocolate pomegranate tart is the best dessert I ever made, that’s another way for saying this recipe is idiot-proof.

One of the reasons — and I can’t stress how important this reason is — that I was able to achieve such perfection with this dessert is because the original recipe is just genius. All of that genius-credit goes to Joscelyn at Wife Mama Foodie. I just love when I can take an existing recipe and have it come out perfect the first time, so a big thanks to you Jos!

Some people are fruity-dessert people. And some people are nutty-dessert people. I am a chocolate-dessert person. And if it’s a flourless, dense, rich, creamy, velvety chocolate dessert like this one… I’m all in.

The only downside to this tart is that because it’s healthy, I’m easily able to rationalize why I can and should eat WAY too much. I think it took me a maximum of 15 seconds to scarf down a good size slice… ugh.

Back to my friend’s dinner party — I brought this dessert. And it looked beautiful. Everyone expects whatever I bring to be delicious, so I was a little nervous because this was not something I could taste before I brought it there. Can I just say that this raw chocolate pomegranate tart is unbelievable! The chocolate filling is so creamy and fudgy and the pomegranate seeds are mixed into the filling AND they are shining pretty on top… it’s the perfect taste and texture, and it’s just so pretty!

I will be making this dessert for Thanksgiving too! Which is actually kind of laughable since my brother-in-law owns a bakery and always brings a ton of desserts… but, I rationalize that I can bring this because a) it’s a healthy option and b) he’s not a chocolate-dessert guy, so someone’s gotta bring it…

Anyway, if I haven’t convinced you to make this dessert yet, just trust me… please…

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now (okay… always…), so let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a dessert recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

And, if you are more of a fruity-dessert person, you should try my recipe for Paleo Blueberry Cobbler.

raw chocolate pomegranate tart

raw chocolate pomegranate tart

Here are some of the ingredients that make this raw chocolate pomegranate tart a healthy dessert:

Raw cacao is a superfood. It is packed with magnesium, iron, zinc and other minerals. Not only is it packed with health benefits, but it actually has properties that help the body absorb nutrients better and it’s filled with antioxidants. Cacao can actually be translated as “food of the gods”… Raw cacao can help lower blood pressure, promote healthy heart function, improve digestion, and may even help increase the libido.

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. The filling of this tart is made with coconut oil.

Dates are rich in potassium, dietary fiber and tannins. Fiber is good for your gut and tannins help the body fight inflammation and infection. Dates are also rich in vitamin A and iron. The most amazing thing about dates is that they can be used to replace sugar in almost anything. I stopped using sweetened protein powders in my smoothies and now I use unsweetened ones but I add a few dates.

Walnuts are actually a Chinese herb (He Tao Ren). They are used for some knee and back pain, some chronic coughs and for chronic constipation. These nuts are also good for infertility and sexual dysfunctions, and they have been used to help people with kidney stones.

Pomegranate seeds nourish the blood. In Chinese medicine, we know that many illnesses and conditions are caused by the body making poor quality blood. Pomegranate seeds are great at helping the body make good quality blood. They are also good to combat diarrhea, anemia and incontinence.

Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body (think inflammatory bowel syndrome or heart disease). It also contains zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It’s much lower on the glycemic scale than traditional sugar. Whenever possible, use a darker (grade B) syrup because the nutritional composition is better than that of lighter syrups.

raw chocolate pomegranate tart

If you make this Raw Chocolate Pomegranate Tart recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Raw Chocolate Pomegranate Tart
4.0 from 1 reviews
Print
Recipe type: dessert, chocolate, paleo, simple, tart
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Wife Mama Foodie
Author:
Serves: 8
This is the creamiest, richest, most decadent simple chocolate dessert around. And it's raw. And it's idiot-proof. And everyone loves it! Oh, and it's healthy!
Ingredients
  • For crust:
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • pinch of sea salt
  • For filling:
  • 1-1/2 cups raw cacao powder
  • 1 cup plus 2-Tbs pure maple syrup
  • ¾ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt
  • ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds
  • For topping: an additional ¼ to ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
  1. Make crust:
  2. Place dates, walnuts and salt in a food processor and process until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
  3. Press the mixture into a tart pan with a removable bottom. (I used a 9-in. round pan.)
  4. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  5. Make filling:
  6. Combine all filling ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
  7. Pour the filling into the crust and smooth it out.
  8. Sprinkle the top with pomegranate seeds.
  9. Place the tart in the refrigerator to set, and keep it there until you are ready to serve it.
  10. Slice and enjoy!

raw chocolate pomegranate tart

 

Grain Free Banana Bread

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grain free banana bread

The other day I was on a hunt for grain-free, unsweetened desserts. I know, sounds pretty unappetizing. That’s why I needed to hunt. When I came across this recipe for grain free banana bread, my expectations were fairly low. But, I must give kudos to Michele at Paleo Running Mamma because that’s where I found the original recipe, and it’s genius.

I’ve made grain free cakes and breads before and more often than not, they don’t rise enough or they are really dense. But not this recipe. This grain free banana bread is delicious. And it rose. And it turned golden on the outside. And it tastes unbelievable — it’s sweet with no added sweeteners.

This month, I’ve been on an elimination diet. I’ve been indulging a tad too much since I moved into Manhattan. I mean, it’s just so easy to eat and drink way too much here. I really deluded myself into thinking that because there are so many healthy places to eat here that I would be in tip top shape. Haha — turns out even though I eat really healthy, I eat way too much. And don’t even get me started on happy hours and brunches…

This grain-free banana bread is sitting in my kitchen now and it’s making me smile because I know I can grab a slice of it later and have it with a great cuppa something. Yum.

And, if you are looking for another healthy baked goods recipe, try my Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies.

grain free banana bread

grain free banana bread

This grain free banana bread has some great healing ingredients:

Bananas are good for your intestines (an old Asian remedy was to eat a banana every day to relieve hemorrhoids) and your lungs, and they even help relieve the effects of overindulging in alcohol.

I am a big proponent of eating the whole egg. So many of the nutrients and the taste are in the yolk; I’ll never understand separating nature’s perfect food. Eggs help with many types of dryness in the body. If you have a dry cough or a frog-in-your-throat, try eating some eggs. They have also been shown to help women with various conditions during and after pregnancy. Some people consider eggs to be a superfood. They contain a large amount of vitamins A and B and are a great source of protein. Eggs sometimes get a bad rap because of cholesterol, but it’s been shown that in 70% of people, eggs do not raise cholesterol, so don’t assume they are bad for you. Buy organic eggs and you are really doing the right thing.

In eastern medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation. This recipe uses almond flour.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Cinnamon is one of the best herbs to warm the body. It’s great if you have a cold. If you are nauseous or have diarrhea, go for the cinnamon. It also gives you energy and helps with menstrual pain. Cinnamon is a Chinese herb: “gui zhi” is the cinnamon twig and “rou gui” is the cinnamon bark. Both are warming and are used for a variety of ailments. In the winter I add cinnamon to all sorts of foods. It helps with the common cold, swelling, various menstrual issues and some aches and pains. Be careful with it if you have a fever because it is so warming. Here’s an article about the benefits of cinnamon from Well-Being Secrets.

grain free banana bread

Grain Free Banana Bread
Print
Recipe type: dessert, snack, paleo, vegetarian, gluten free
Cuisine: Recipe adapted from: Paleo Running Mamma
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
All the taste of traditional banana bread, but no grains and no sweeteners! This is so easy and so delicious! Perfect with a cuppa....
Ingredients
  • 4 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1-3/4 cups almond flour
  • ½ cup tapioca flour
  • ¼ cuphemp seeds
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas and the eggs.
  4. Stir in the vanilla and the coconut oil.
  5. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the mashed banana and egg mixture.
  7. Stir to combine.
  8. Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan.
  9. Bake until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. (Mine took 65 minutes, but be sure to check yours at 45 minutes... all ovens are different.)
  10. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  11. Slice.
  12. Enjoy!

grain free banana bread

Strawberry Cauliflower Smoothie

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Are you having problems with memory loss? Try some cauliflower!

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Cauliflower in a smoothie? Yes! You can stop rolling your eyes and scrunching up your nose. This is delicious. And creamy. And healthy. And easy. It’s true, and this strawberry cauliflower smoothie is now my new favorite. But, don’t just take my word for it — after I posted a video for this smoothie on Facebook, many people felt the same need I did (to make it NOW) and the result was unanimous — it’s awesome!

The idea for this recipe came from Laney at Life Is But A Dish. As soon as I saw her post, I knew I had to try cauliflower in a smoothie. I mean I had to… I went immediately to the store and bought a bag of frozen cauliflower. I don’t think I’ve ever bought frozen cauliflower. But I bought a big bag and it’s amazing in this strawberry cauliflower smoothie.

What does it taste like? I know you are wondering… it tastes like strawberry ice cream. Yup. It does. Okay — slight disclaimer — I haven’t had real ice cream in probably about 15 years… but to me it tastes like that.

I used some of my favorite superfoods and healing ingredients in this recipe, so feel free to customize yours however you like.

I know you are going to love this one!

And, if you are looking for another great smoothie recipe, try my Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie.

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Here’s what makes this strawberry cauliflower smoothie so healing:

Strawberries help get rid of excess alcohol in your body and they are good for your heart. They even help reduce plaque in your mouth and can make you feel better if you have an annoying dry cough or if you feel bloated from eating too much. So, if you’ve overindulged, strawberries are great for you.

I use cauliflower for breads, crusts, rice… everything. It can be used in so many forms… and, it’s really good for you. In Chinese medicine we use it to aid in digestion and help with constipation. One of the things I find most amazing about this cruciferous vegetable is it’s ability to help with age-related memory loss (My menopausal friends will appreciate this benefit!). It contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation.

Collagen strengthens bones and muscles, keeps your joints healthy, improves flexibility and concentration, and helps heal your digestive system. It also keeps you looking youthful.

In eastern medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. This smoothie contains coconut oil.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. For this smoothie I used store-bought cashew milk, but sometimes I make it myself… but I lazed out a bit here.

Bee pollen is considered one of the most nutritious substances you can put in your body. It is higher in protein than anything animal-based and it contains an amazing amount of amino acids. It’s good for your energy, your skin, your breathing and your allergies. Add a spoonful to whatever you can. I know there are differing opinions as to whether bee pollen is vegan; so if you would prefer to leave it out, that’s just fine.

I love to add bananas to smoothies; they give it a great natural sweetness and a nice creamy texture. Bananas are good for your intestines (an old Asian remedy was to eat a banana every day to relieve hemorrhoids) and your lungs, and they even help relieve the effects of overindulging in alcohol.

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Strawberry Cauliflower Smoothie
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Recipe type: paleo, whole30, vegetarian, smoothie, snack, breakfast, superfoods
Cuisine: recipe inspired by: Life Is But A Dish
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
Don't let the cauliflower fool you -- this smoothie tastes like strawberry ice cream!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup frozen cauliflower
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 Tbs collagen powder
  • 1 scoop Vital Reds powder (This is optional, but I used it and it's a little sweet, so if you are not using it I would add 2 pitted dates to the blender for sweetness.)
  • ½ a banana
  • 1 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1-1/2 cups cashew milk (or non-dairy milk of your choice)
  • 2 tsp bee pollen (I use this one)
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Whiz it up til smooth.
  3. Enjoy!

strawberry cauliflower smoothie

Paleo Lemon Cookies

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Lemon peels help detoxify your body and boost your immune system!
paleo lemon cookies

These cookies are what I call a “pantry dessert”. That means that I can whip it up without having to go to the store for anything. These paleo lemon cookies are made with a bunch of ingredients found in many healthy pantries and with some fresh lemons.

Everyone who knows me knows that desserts are not my forte. I oftentimes get an A for effort, but a C for taste. I was the mom who used to burn the chocolate chip cookies that you just had to slice and bake. I attribute this lack of baking ability to the fact that I like to taste as I go and I hate to measure. My daughter is constantly slapping her hand to her forehead in frustration when she watches me bake — she’s a great baker and understands the value of the science behind it.

So, believe me when I tell you, that these paleo lemon cookies are easy. I made them and they came out great the first time. I took the original impressive recipe from a great blog, Texanerin Baking and it’s a winner — even with my not-so-standard adjustments.

These cookies taste like deliciously sweet sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. The first night, we ate a bunch of them because they were so good. The second day, the taste was the same, but the texture changed to be like moist soft macarons. The taste was still just as amazing, but we crumbled them on top of smoothie bowls and yogurt parfaits. I highly recommend that you try this too!

For another great simple cookie, try my Paleo Peanut Butter Cookies.

paleo lemon cookies

paleo lemon cookies

Here are some of the healing ingredients in these paleo lemon cookies:

Lemon peels contain calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better. Lemons are great for quenching your thirst, and, in China, many years ago, hypertension was treated by drinking tea made from lemon peels. This recipe uses zested lemon peel and lemon juice.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body (think inflammatory bowel syndrome or heart disease). It also contains zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It’s much lower on the glycemic scale than traditional sugar. Whenever possible, use a darker (grade B) syrup because the nutritional composition is better than that of lighter syrups.

In eastern medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. These cookies contain coconut oil and coconut flour.

In eastern medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation. This recipe uses almond flour.

paleo lemon cookies

Paleo Lemon Cookies
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Recipe type: dessert, cookies, paleo
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Texanerin Baking
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 13
These cookies taste like deliciously sweet sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. They are completely grain-free and dairy-free and contain healing ingredients!
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the coconut oil, maple syrup, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  3. In another bowl, combine the coconut flour, almond flour, baking soda, salt, and hemp seeds.
  4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  5. Roll the dough into golf-ball size balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them at least a few inches apart.
  6. Press down on the cookies with a fork or your hand. (I used a fork, but found it much easier when the fork was wet.)
  7. I got 13 cookies out of my dough, but whatever you get, is fine.
  8. Bake until the cookies are slightly brown on the edges and a bit on the tops too; mine took 23 minutes, but the original recipe says to check them after 12 minutes...
  9. Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing them from the tray.
  10. I stored my leftovers in a sealed container and they were awesome the next day, just a lot softer. (I highly recommend crumbling them up the next day and topping your yogurt or smoothie bowl with the crumbles...yum!)
  11. Enjoy!

paleo lemon cookies

Bulletproof Coffee Sweetened With Dates

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Bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates may be just the thing you need to start your day…

bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates

Full disclosure: I am not a coffee drinker. Well, I am not a caffeinated coffee drinker. When I was in college (a lifetime ago), I remember drinking 6 cups of coffee a day. But since I discovered that caffeine is something I don’t tolerate well (or, really, at all…), I stopped cold turkey. But I’ve always loved the taste and the smell of coffee so when I want a treat, I’ll grab a good cup of decaf.

A few years ago, when I first learned about Bulletproof Coffee from the amazingly knowledgeable Dave Asprey, all I wanted to do was try it. I started making it for Steve and for others who could actually tolerate caffeine and I found people were really reaping some great benefits.

I kept hearing about increases in energy, appetite suppression, amazing focus and clarity, and I was so envious!

So, I went on a mission to figure out if I would be able to gain some of those benefits if I made my bulletproof coffee with decaf. And, I recently found out that I can! Yay! I’ve been using Dave’s Brain Octane (see recipe below for where you can buy it) and grass-fed butter and organic decaf coffee beans. And, oh my… it’s really just awesome. It keeps me energized, focused, and feeling great until I’m ready to have a healthy lunch many hours later.

In my version of this coffee, I’ve added a few dates to the blender and let me just say, the flavor is amazing!

You probably already know that I am a smoothie fiend on most mornings, but variety is the spice of life…

I recommend jumping on the bulletproof coffee bandwagon!

For those days when you want a kickstart to your day without the coffee, try my recipe for Matcha Chia Pudding.

bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates

Here are a few great healing facts about this bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates recipe:

Coffee is a diuretic and is good for constipation. It’s also good for memory and focus.

Coconut oil is awesome. In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. Dave Asprey’s Brain Octane is pure, concentrated form of coconut oil. I have used regular organic coconut oil and I’ve used Brain Octane. I like both, but I’ve been giving Dave’s oil a try lately. According to Dave, Brain Octane helps your body burn fat more easily and is better for your brain. So, far, so good for me!

Grass-fed butter is good for you! Butter from grass-fed cows is higher in Omega-3s and vitamin K2, than butter from grain-fed cows. Grass-fed butter contains the fatty acid CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) — this has actually been shown to help with weight loss. I know many people are worried about cholesterol, but there is a lot of research now to show there is no link between cholesterol and heart disease. I’m a butter lover, in moderation, but I only eat grass-fed butter!

Dates are rich in potassium, dietary fiber and tannins. Fiber is good for your gut and tannins help the body fight inflammation and infection. Dates are also rich in vitamin A and iron. The most amazing thing about dates is that they can be used to replace sugar in almost anything. I stopped using sweetened protein powders in my smoothies and now I use unsweetened ones but I add a few dates.

bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates

Bulletproof Coffee (Sweetened With Dates)
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Recipe type: beverage, coffee
Cuisine: breakfast
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
I've officially jumped on the bulletproof coffee bandwagon! This is bulletproof coffee my way -- blended with dates. It's delicious and healing!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups freshly brewed coffee (regular or decaf)
  • 2-tsp to 2-Tbs (start small and increase) organic coconut oil or Brain Octane (here's where to get Brain Octane)
  • 2-tsp to 2-Tbs grass-fed butter or ghee (again, start small and increase)
  • 2 dates
Instructions
  1. Pour all ingredients into blender.
  2. Blend until frothy and smooth.
  3. Drink in the morning and enjoy!

bulletproof coffee sweetened with dates

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler

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This paleo blueberry cobbler is an incredibly delicious dessert!

paleo blueberry cobbler

You know when you go to the market looking for organic berries and you have to to a double-take when you see the price? Sometimes I can’t believe what I’m seeing… it’s like I’m being punked or something. But, finally, it’s that time of the year when the price of berries drops down to a reasonable level. Last week, there were blueberries everywhere! And when I checked the price, not only were these gorgeous blueberries affordable, but they were packaged in huge containers. So, I bought 2 containers. I didn’t need to, but I did. Did I tell you these containers were HUGE…

I’m sure it’s happened to you: you get home from the market, and you’re all kinds of smug because you got some great deals, and then you look at what you bought and you have no idea how you are going to use it all up…

Sooooooo, I put some of these gorgeous blueberries in the freezer. And I ate a lot of them right out of the container. And I made coconut yogurt parfaits. And a smoothie bowl. And then, I made this paleo blueberry cobbler. It’s just awesome. I made more than we could eat, so we ate half, and I froze the other half. Yesterday, I defrosted the frozen cobbler and when I ate it today, it’s just as awesome. And surprisingly, it tastes just as good cold as it did warm.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now (okay… always…), so let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a dessert recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HEREto be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

Here’s my recipe for Berry Fig Yogurt Parfait, that you can make with your extra berries.

paleo blueberry cobbler

This cobbler is so good for you:

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.”

Coconut strengthens the body, reduces swelling, and stops bleeding. It kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. There’s coconut flour, coconut oil, and coconut sugar in this recipe.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. I used cashew milk in this cobbler, but you can substitute whatever non-dairy milk you like.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava plant. It’s not really a flour in the traditional sense; it’s grain and gluten free. It’s good for your circulation and your digestion. Oftentimes I will make recipes (like this one) with tapioca flour — it crisps things up well and it works as a great thickener too.

paleo blueberry cobbler

If you make this Paleo Blueberry Cobbler recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler
5.0 from 1 reviews
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Recipe type: dessert, paleo
Cuisine: American, fruit
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This paleo blueberry cobbler is so refreshing. It also freezes well... and the ingredients are so healing... this one's a keeper... it's summer on a plate!
Ingredients
  • 3 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1-1/2 cups cashew milk (substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you prefer)
  • ⅓ cup coconut sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on the top
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • 1-1/4 cups tapioca flour
  • juice of ½ a lemon
  • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Put the coconut oil in a baking pan (mine was 9x9-in.), and put the pan in the oven to melt the oil while the oven is heating.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, cashew milk, coconut sugar, baking soda, hemp seeds, tapioca flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Stir until combined.
  4. Spread this batter into the baking dish with the melted coconut oil.
  5. Pour the blueberries over the batter and press them into the batter.
  6. Sprinkle the top with coconut sugar.
  7. Bake until golden and a bit crisp. (Mine took 1 hour and 5 minutes.)
  8. Remove from oven and let the pan cool a bit on a rack.
  9. Enjoy!

paleo blueberry cobbler

The World’s Best Nut Butter Recipe

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This truly is the world’s best nut butter recipe!

world's best nut butter recipe

I don’t think I’ve ever called any of my recipes “the world’s best”. I mean, I love a lot of my recipes, but I try not to be cocky about any of them. And it’s pretty easy not to be cocky when I have so many kitchen fails… and I do. Way too often. You just don’t see them…

But this recipe calls for some kind of special treatment when I talk about it. When I started blogging as a means of sharing my recipes with my friends and family years ago, this was one of the recipes I first posted. Everyone wants this recipe. This nut butter used to go with my daughter to camp and now it goes to college with her. It gets re-made over and over again by my friends who don’t cook. It’s a staple in my fridge at home. It truly is the world’s best nut butter recipe.

Sometimes when I make it I change up the variety of nuts, and it always comes out good. The only nuts I stay away from are peanuts. But I’ve made this with some hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts… and it has always been incredible.

Did I talk you into it?

All you need is a food processor. Really, you must try it.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now (okay… always…), so let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a great recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HERE  to be taken directly  into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

And, if you want to try another great nut-based vegan spread, try my recipe for vegan cream cheese!

world's best nut butter recipe

Here’s why this homemade nut butter is so good for you:

In Asian medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. I know some of you have a problem finding raw nuts sometimes — I’m happy to try to help you locate them if you need shopping suggestions, so just leave a comment and I will try to help. I buy then whenever and wherever I see them. I’m also lucky enough to live near a Whole Foods, so I sometimes buy them from the bulk bins here.

Pecans are good for energy and they can also help you get rid of a cough. They are also good to help combat constipation, lower back pain, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are really good for you because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Flax seeds can relieve constipation and lower cholesterol.

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. Coconut oil is my go-to for so many things and it works great in this nut butter.

world's best nut butter

If you make this World’s Best Nut Butter recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

The World's Best Nut Butter Recipe
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Recipe type: condiment, spread, nut butter
Cuisine: American
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: about 1 pint
This truly is amazing nut butter. Let your food processor do most of the work, use whatever mix of nuts and seeds makes you happy, and enjoy!
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Combine all of the nuts and seeds in a large bowl.
  4. Stir in maple syrup.
  5. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Place the tray in the oven and roast the nuts for 12 minutes, making sure they don't burn.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  8. Scrape the nut mixture into the food processor and process until the mixture in finely ground and starts to stick together a bit. This may take a little time. Be patient. You will probably need to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl a few times.
  9. Once it starts to stick together a little bit, add the coconut oil and the salt and turn the processor back on. Let it process until you get the consistence of a thick nut butter. Again, be patient -- it will happen!
  10. Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Enjoy!

 

world's best nut butter recipe

Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

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This hot chocolate smoothie bowl is my favorite breakfast of all times! It’s deliciously healing and energizing.

Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

This is my favorite breakfast of all times!!!

I know I say a lot of things are my “favorites” but I really mean it this time…

Many mornings I make a healthy superfoods packed shake for breakfast. I adjust the ingredients depending upon what my body needs on that particular day. I use herbs, superfoods, fruit, vegetables… you name it and I’ve blended it up for breakfast.

If you’re looking for a whole list of great breakfast ideas, there are some great  recipes here: 10 Breakfasts To Boost Your Energy.

Last week, on a cold windy morning, Steve wasn’t feeling great and asked me to make him a shake to make his sore throat and emerging cold feel better. Now, I’ve done this many times before so I started pulling out the cold and flu healing ingredients from the cabinets and refrigerator.

All of a sudden it was like a lightbulb went off and poof… the best idea ever!

It’ cold outside. He’s cold inside. He needs something warm and comforting. I’m going to make a hot shake! And I started putting the ingredients into a pot on the stove before I put them into the blender. When the new creation was done, I tasted it and it was incredibly delicious, but too thick for a shake in a glass. It ended up being a warm smoothie bowl, and it’s the best breakfast ever!

It tastes like hot chocolate in the consistency of a smooth and creamy chocolate mousse. Yum. And it’s got a kick of ginger and the sweetness of bananas. This Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl is truly amazing. You have to try this!

He felt better, but I made this yummy bowl 3 mornings in a row, and I rarely make the same thing more than once… but this is that good!

My favorite summer smoothie bowl is my Cherry Berry Smoothie Bowl, so if you want something cold try this one too!

Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

Look at some of the amazing things in this healing smoothie bowl:

In Asian medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation. Even if you are not on a dairy-free diet, almond milk is the way to go.  This recipe uses almond milk and almond butter.

Raw cacao is a superfood. It is packed with magnesium, iron, zinc and other minerals. Not only is it packed with health benefits, but it actually has properties that help the body absorb nutrients better and it’s filled with antioxidants. Cacao can actually be translated as “food of the gods”… Raw cacao can help lower blood pressure, promote healthy heart function, improve digestion, and may even help increase the libido.

Baobab is a superfood that is a powder made from an African fruit. This amazing superfood has tons of vitamin C to boost your immune system and it’s great for energy. Sometimes I put some in my water bottle to keep my hydrated throughout the day. It’s easy to put a scoop in anything for a pick-me-up.

Maca Root is one of the superfoods I take every day. It has many healthy benefits including increasing libido, helping menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating hormones, and increasing energy.

I add either collagen or grass-fed gelatin powder to my smoothie bowls. They are great for your bones, joints, sleep, skin, and hair. It’s a superfood and it’s a protein. (See the recipe below for the one I like and where to buy it.)

Research shows that pumpkin seeds may reduce blood sugar and increase bone density. And, because they are rich in iron, they are good if you are tired or have anemia. In Asian medicine, pumpkin seeds are sometimes used to get rid of intestinal parasites and to decrease inflammation in the body. I buy pumpkin seed protein in powder form because it’s a great easy way to add protein to my shakes and smoothies without adding any extra sugar. (See the recipe for where to buy it.)

Ginger is a Chinese herb (Gan Jiang) that warms the body. It’s especially good during cold weather and also during seasonal changes. So, when it’s winter or when winter is trying to turn into spring, and we (those of us on the east coast) get some of these cold, raw, damp days, ginger will make you feel better and will help boost your immune system. Old folklore shows that ginger was rubbed on scalps to stop baldness. And, in some circles, a ginger paste is still rubbed on arthritic joints to stop pain (don’t try this at home unless you are diagnosed with a cold-condition by an acupuncturist).

I love to add bananas to smoothie bowls; they give it a great natural sweetness and a nice thick texture. Bananas are good for your intestines (an old Asian remedy was to eat a banana every day to relieve hemorrhoids) and your lungs, and they even help relieve the effects of overindulging in alcohol.

Dates are rich in potassium, dietary fiber and tannins. Fiber is good for your gut and tannins help the body fight inflammation and infection. Dates are also rich in vitamin A and iron. The most amazing thing about dates is that they can be used to replace sugar in almost anything. I stopped using sweetened protein powders in my smoothies and now I use unsweetened ones but I add a few dates.

Chaga mushrooms are a longevity superfood. I use a chaga mushroom extract powder that makes it easy to add this immune-system-boosting mushroom to my smoothies. There’s a lot of research being done on the power of chaga right now and it’s possible ability to help fight cancer. It’s also good for your intestinal system and it can help calm your nerves. (See the recipe below for where to buy this amazing ingredient.)

Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

 

Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
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Recipe type: Breakfast, Smoothie Bowl
Cuisine: American, superfoods
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
This is a hot smoothie bowl! It tastes like hot chocolate, is filled with immune-boosting superfoods and has the texture of a creamy chocolate mousse. It's the best breakfast ever!
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Put the almond milk, almond butter, cacao, baobab, chaga, maca, coconut oil, collagen, pumpkin protein, and ginger in a medium pot. Whisk to combine.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 3 minutes.
  3. Put the banana and dates into a blender.
  4. Pour the liquid from the pot into the blender.
  5. Cover the blender tightly with a clean dish towel (using a towel instead of the blender cap will allow steam to escape so you don't burn yourself), and blend until creamy and smooth.
  6. Pour into 2 bowls.
  7. Top with chopped walnuts

 

Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl