Bunny Bark {Only 2-Ingredients}

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

Easter is almost here and the Easter candy is out in full force everywhere I look! Cadbury Eggs, chocolate bunnies, peeps of all colors and shapes, speckled chocolate eggs, peanut butter eggs, and of course those ever popular colorful jelly beans! Do you have a favorite Easter candy??

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

I don’t know if I could pick just one. I definitely had a Cadbury Egg phase where I would try (usually unsuccessfully) to eat the yellow part of the sugary yolk last. I was convinced it tasted different and better than the rest, but now that I am older and wiser, I’m not so sure that is the case… Anyway, let’s just say it was a super messy endeavor!

I also loved those big fat jellybeans- the super-sized ones. I would eat all the red ones and leave the yellow and orange ones for my sisters lol.

I also was the oldest of 3 girls (sorry dad!) and my stride length and height gave me a definite advantage on the playing field of Easter egg hunting. Usually my parents would make me fork over the extra eggs in an effort “to be fair,” which I never understood, I mean, wasn’t it a contest? It is called an Easter Egg HUNT after all.

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

Now, this year, I am the one doing the Easter egg hiding, and I am looking forward to watching my lo run around and find all the eggs. I even bought a few eggs early to start his training. I want him to be in tip top Easter egg hunting shape. haha just kidding. (kind of)

But what I will do is fill the eggs with fun things like stickers, healthy fruit snacks, and toys. I am trying my best to keep an overload of sugar out of our diets, and that is so hard to avoid these days if you don’t pay attention. Easter can still be just as much fun, and can bring you and your children joy, without the sugar overload!

This Bunny Bark will be a great way to satisfy that Easter candy craving without producing a serious sugar coma. Don’t be intimidated, because it is seriously the easiest to make with only 2 ingredients!

 

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

And its so colorful and festive! Indulge with no guilt!

Bunny Bark

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

  • 1 cup coconut butter
  • 1/4 cup creamed honey ((regular honey will work, but the bark will have more of a yellow hue))
  • natural food coloring ((optional))
  1. Combine and melt the coconut butter and honey in a saucepan over low heat. Stir vigorously until smooth.

  2. If using food coloring (or a teaspoon of fruit juice is another option), separate the melted mixture into several bowl, add food coloring of choice and mix.

  3. Pour the colored mixture onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and spread with a rubber spatula.

  4. Let it cool in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes then break into pieces with a knife or your hands. Store in the fridge.

Dessert

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

 

Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

I Heart Chocolate. Dark Chocolate. Milk Chocolate. Chocolate-Covered/Smothered Anything! Chocolate is my true love:)

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

I also love almonds, but chocolate and almonds is truly a heavenly match. Have you tried the Cocoa-Dusted Almonds from Trader Joe’s? Um, well, they are AMAZING! I had a slight addiction to them, and found myself polishing off the entire bag in a day! Oops.

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

(Glazed with Agave)

I decided since I was going to single-handedly put Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almonds out of stock, I decided to make my very own. It would also save me some trips to the store to stock up on these addictive chocolatey nuts.

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

Almonds are a great source of energy, and they are of my favorite snacks. I always have a stash of almonds hanging around the house, and grab a handful when I am feeling hungry or need a bump of energy. But plain ole’ almonds can get a little boring.

If you are in an almond snacking slump you must try this recipe. It adds a little dash of sweetness and burst of chocolatey goodness. You will be impressed!

You can whip these babies up in under 10 minutes, and it only takes 3 ingredients. That’s it!

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

(HOT out of the oven!)

 

Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds

These addictive sweet and chocolate roasted almonds will be your new favorite snack.

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1/4 cup agave
  • 1 package hot chocolate mix (or cocoa power)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional- to make them extra chocolatey)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.

  2. Toss the almonds into a bowl and mix in the agave. Stop to coat all the almonds evenly.

  3. Transfer the coated almonds to a parchment-lined cookie sheet and spread them out.

  4. Last them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes. Check them every few minutes to make sure they do not burn.

  5. Remove the almonds, and transfer them back to the bowl. While they are hot mix in the hot chocolate powder and cocoa (or just cocoa). Stir to ensure they are all coated evenly.

  6. You can leave them in the bowl to cool (some may stick together), or spread them back out on the parchment to cool.

  7. Wait a few minutes, them snack away!

Snack
American

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

 

 

Ready Made Paleo Snacks and Meals

You all may think that because I have a food blog that I must be cooking from scratch everyday…. Well, not quite. Actually, not even close!
As a single mom of a super active toddler, I do not have the opportunity to cook and bake as much as I used to. There just simply isn’t enough time in the day. From laundry, cleaning, running errands, work, toddler-friendly activities, bath time, story time, and on and on. I’m sure your day look similar, right!?
I have had to adapt and make compromises where I can. I still want to eat healthy, but now I buy more ready-made snacks and meals so I have healthy options available when I am starving and apt to reach for the nearest candy bar!
I have found some really tasty treats that either can be bought at your local Whole Foods, or that can be shipped right to your front door. I am quite picky, so you can be sure the stuff I am sharing with you today is really really good!
I found a sweet treat to curb your dessert cravings, a salty nosh to knock out that snack attack, and a super tasty and filling meal delivery option that is just “heat and eat!” Here we go!
CoCo-Roons
These tasty little bit-sized cookies made from coconut, almond flour and maple syrup.  All the ingredients are organic too! They are soft and chewy, just like a cookie should be! They have the perfect amount of sweetness and they come in a variety of flavors including Brownie, Strawberry Almond, Lemon Pie, Vanilla Maple, Cacao Nib and Orange Dreamsicle. My favorites were the Brownie and Vanilla Maple! They are available at Whole Foods.

Brussel Bites

These savory bites are made from brussel sprouts, and they remind me of kale chips. They are loaded with vitamin C, folate, vitamin B, potassium and omega-3’s, so no guilt with this snack! Chomp away! My fav flavor was the Chili Pumpkin, although Cheezy Herb was also yummy! Find them at Whole Foods.

Paleo On The Go: Cajun Kielbasa Alfredo Over Kelp Noodles

Paleo on the Go is a fantastic ready-made meal delivery service. They have so many options it’s hard to choose! I decided to go with the Cajun Kielbasa Alfredo Over Kelp Noodles as I was craving a carb-y pasta dish. The meal arrived at my door, and all I had to do was heat it up. The kelp noodles were drenched in a flavorful creamy sauce and topped with slightly spicy kielbasa. It was delicious and filled me up! I may have even licked the plate, the sauce was that good!

Try them all out and let me know what you think!

Cricket’s Birthday Celebration with Natural Balance Delectable Delights

Big thanks to Natural Balance for sponsoring today’s post! The opinions expressed are, as always, my very own 🙂Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]Cricket recently turned 11 years young and she’s never looked or felt better! Geez, what is that in dog years- 77? Well this pup is one spunky granny! She’s still running, and easily clocks 8 miles on the beach with my mom (because I don’t run that far, haha!). Her coat is shiny and soft, her eyes are bright and full of youthful life, and her athletic slender shape would be the envy of all the other dogs at the park!

I came across Cricket over a decade ago at a horse show. She was a 8 week old fluffy black and white fur ball up for adoption, and I just couldn’t resist her. Her wet pink tongue licked my hand, her little milk teeth nibbled my fingers, and she stole my heart. I proudly brought her home and my life was forever changed for the better.

Cricket has been by my side ever since. We are best friends, truly. She comes everywhere with me, has lived in 6 different states and has moved with me all the way across the entire country…not once, but TWICE!

Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]So this year I wanted to make her birthday extra special to show her how much I love her and appreciate her. I thought of all the things she loves to do and planned a very special day for my loyal and lovable pup.

We started off the morning with some bacon, of course! She did her usual beggin’ dance while I was cooking up the crispy bacon. It’s pretty hilarious to watch. She paws the air with her left, then shifts her weight, and waves with her right paw, and back and forth she goes, all the while moaning and groaning like she can’t wait another second for that juicy bite. I mixed in her bacon with a cup of Natural Balance Surf n’ Turf Delectable Delights, which is her favorite wet food!

Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]We went out for our daily walk, and we took her favorite route to the park. Cricket adores this park. It’s large expansive green grass fields stretch as far as the eye can see. As we approached her tail started waging with extreme velocity and her excitement was palpable. As I unclipped her leash she darted to the nearest tree to check for squirrels and have a sniff. (She is part Beagle, so she smells EVERYTHING!) Once she checked out all the park’s various aromas she had a quick roll in the grass, and then off she went! Cricket is lightening fast, quick and agile. We played her favorite game of chase. She runs at me full speed and I’m suppose to guess if she is going to fake left, or fake right, and I’m usually wrong. Well today was no exception. I made a move to the left to attempt and interception, and she leans left to lead me on, and THEN GOES RIGHT at the very last second. She flies by me just out of reach and I then proceed to trip and fall flat on my face. Before I know she’s on me attacking me with exurbant wet kisses, so fast and furious I can barely breathe.

Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]After Cricket was well tuckered out we headed home to have our afternoon snack of her favorite grain-free wet food, Natural Balance Delectable Delights. If you have read my other posts about Cricket, then I am sure you know how picky she is, right? She is not your average dog that eats everything in sight. NO. NO. This girl likes her bacon, fresh grilled chicken, savory steak, and she loves Delectable Delights! She goes bonkers the minute I peel back the lid and she can smell the deliciousness.

Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]I am very picky about what I feed Cricket because I believe food and nutrition are one of the key elements of health and longevity. Natural Balance Delectable Delights are made with the highest quality ingredients, and it’s grain-free, so it’s my first choice in prepared dog food! You guys should definitely check it our for your furry four legged family members. They will love it too, birthday celebration or any day! Here is the link to the Natural Balance Facebook Page.

Be sure to check out the Natural Balance Instagram Page for absolutely adorable doggie pics! They will make your heart smile 🙂

Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]

Cricket recently celebrated her 11th birthday but many people still think she's just a young pup, thanks to her grain-free diet. She is a picky eater but loves @NaturalBalance Delectable Delights! Sponsored by @NaturalBalance [https://ooh.li/668fb0c]

What’s in my coffee that may be the FOUNTAIN of YOUTH!

This coffee tastes just like regular joe, but it's hiding something very special. You can't see it, you can't taste it, and you can't smell it, but the special ingredient to THIS coffee helps reduce wrinkles, makes your hair shine, your nails grow strong and long, and also can help keep the weight off! Any guesses on what this magical addition is? Keep reading to find out!

This coffee tastes just like regular joe, but it’s hiding something very special. You can’t see it, you can’t taste it, and you can’t smell it, but the special ingredient to THIS coffee helps reduce wrinkles, makes your hair shine, your nails grow strong and long, and also can help keep the weight off! Any guesses on what this magical addition is?  Keep reading to find out!

I’m not the kind of person who takes a lot of supplements. It’s not because I don’t want to, or that I don’t believe in the efficacy of certain supplements, but simply because I forget. I just can’t remember to take herbs, vitamins, powders, etc. I’m just not wired that way.  BUT there is one exception- COLLAGEN PEPTIDES. I add a scoop of this fine powder to my coffee every single morning. I remember to do so because I have seen the benefits first hand in my body and how I feel. Second, you can’t taste that it’s in there, not one bit. I PROMISE 😉

So what is the deal with collagen peptides, you ask? No worry, I am hear to give you the quick and dirty low down on why this stuff is so great. There are so many reasons you should add it to your morning coffee…. or tea, or shake…..

This coffee tastes just like regular joe, but it's hiding something very special. You can't see it, you can't taste it, and you can't smell it, but the special ingredient to THIS coffee helps reduce wrinkles, makes your hair shine, your nails grow strong and long, and also can help keep the weight off! Any guesses on what this magical addition is? Keep reading to find out!

Collagen is an vital building block for our bodies’ skin, hair, cartilage, bones, and joints. It is quickly becoming the star of the multi-million dollar anti-aging industry. Collagen is what makes our skin look full, plump, elastic, and wrinkle-free. If you are a believer that healthy and beauty starts with what you eat, then ingesting collagen would be a great foundation to your beauty regime.

The benefits aren’t just superficial. Collagen is also a super source of easily digestible protein. It’s high levels of the amino acids glycine, lysine, and proline generate cell growth, support cynical fluid, and connective tissue repair to keep our joints healthy and well lubricated.

Gelatin is basically the cooked form of collagen. You know the jelly stuff left in the bottom of the pan after you have cooked a while chicken or turkey? Well that’s it! Collagen Peptides (or collagen hydrolysate) has the same amino acids as gelatin, but it has been processed/ broken up into smaller segments that allow it to not form a gel and dissolve completely in cold or hot liquids. It’s also easier for our bodies to digest.

I do try to consume a decent amount of gelatin and collagen via bone broth in homemade soups and stews, and whole roasted chicken, but sometimes in my busy life I just can’t find the time to cook.

This coffee tastes just like regular joe, but it's hiding something very special. You can't see it, you can't taste it, and you can't smell it, but the special ingredient to THIS coffee helps reduce wrinkles, makes your hair shine, your nails grow strong and long, and also can help keep the weight off! Any guesses on what this magical addition is? Keep reading to find out!

Enter collagen peptides! To ensure my body is getting these essential amino acids to support my health I start every single day with a collagen coffee! I stir in a heaping scoop of these collagen peptides into my morning caffeine. One scoop provides with with 9 grams of protein which helps me feel satiated and provides me with energy for the day. It helps me control my hunger, and therefore helps to keep me at a healthy weight.

It also plays a big role in the health of our gut. I am sure you have heard the buzz about bone broth and all it’s benefits, right? This is why chicken soup is prescribed by moms everywhere when their loved ones come down with a nasty flu or cold. If the broth is made from bones (preferably from grass-fed animals), it will give our immune system a boost (immunity starts in the GI tract) and decreases inflammation. HERE is a medical journal abstract that studied chicken soup’s effect on inflammation.

Bone broth takes all day and then some to make in your slow cooker or on the stove top. If you have a pressure cooker, it’s under 2 hours, but still that’s a long time, right? So save yourself some time, and a mess that you;d have to clean up, and get yourself some Collagen Peptides. I recommend the brand Vital Proteins. They offer high quality collagen and gelatin from grass-fed animals. You can find Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides by clicking HERE to go to “MY PANTRY” page.

FOUNTAIN of YOUTH Coffee

  • 1 cup of organic coffee
  • 1 scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
  • coffee creamer (almond/coconut/dairy milk of choice)
  1. Simply stir the collagen peptides into your morning cup of coffee, stir, and enjoy! Add coffee creamer of choice if you’d like.

This coffee tastes just like regular joe, but it's hiding something very special. You can't see it, you can't taste it, and you can't smell it, but the special ingredient to THIS coffee helps reduce wrinkles, makes your hair shine, your nails grow strong and long, and also can help keep the weight off! Any guesses on what this magical addition is? Keep reading to find out!

Green Bean Casserole {Grain Free, Dairy Free, Paleo}

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You’ll never guess it’s gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You'll never guess it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)

My absolute FAVORITE dish of the Thanksgiving Day feast is the Green Bean Casserole. I wait in anticipation all year for this dish and then eat the leftovers for the entire month of December then make it AGAIN for Christmas! That is how much I love it. Really.

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You'll never guess it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)When I decided to clean up my diet I knew this was one dish I’d have to sacrifice. It’s made with canned cream of mushroom soup and french fried onions that have a buttery and crisp bread coating (yum.. mouth watering!), and the only “healthy” ingredient is the green beans. Truly, the veggies are just a way to get more creamy and crunchy goodness in every bite.

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You'll never guess it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)I decided that there was no way I couldn’t at least try to replicate this dish in a healthy way, and I set out with great determination and resolve.

Cricket put on her new chef’s hat too and accompanied me in the kitchen for all the trials and tribulations. I offered her a few green beans to show my gratitude but she turned up her nose and looked at me as to say “Um, no… I’m waiting on the turkey!”

Cricket Hat

And guess what- it was a huge success! This dish has all the creaminess, thanks to the cashew cream, and crunchiness, from the grain-free coating on the fried onions. And yes, I have been eating the leftovers EVERYDAY since, and plan to make it again for Christmas 🙂

Green Bean Casserole2

 

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You'll never guess it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE CREAMY MUSHROOM SOUP (DAIRY-FREE): CREAMY MUSHROOM SOUP

Green Bean Casserole (Dairy free, Grain Free, Paleo, Vegan)

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You’ll never guess it’s gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, and paleo!

  • 1.5 lbs french green beans ((1 bag, cut them into 1/2))
  • 3 cups Creamy Mushroom Soup ((only use 1 cup of broth to make a thick condensed soup))
  • 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos ((or Worcestershire sauce))
  • 1 cup French Fried Onions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Heat water in a large sauce pan over high until it reaches a simmer.
  3. Add trimmed and cut green beans to the water and cook a few minutes just until they turn bright green, but still crisp.
  4. Remove the green beans immediately and drain.

  5. In a large bowl combine and mix 3 cups of creamy mushroom soup, the blanched green beans, coconut aminos, salt and pepper, and ½ cup of french fried onion. 
  6. I recommend letting the green bean mixture sit for about 10 minutes, and some water may separate out. Simply pour it out of the bowl.

  7. Next, pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover with foil.
  8. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until green beans reach desired tenderness. (I prefer them on the crispier side.)
  9. Remove foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of french fried onions on top, increase oven temperature to 425 degrees and move to a high rack in the oven for a few (3-5 minutes), or just until the top is golden brown and crisp.

 

This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You'll never guess it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)
This Green Bean Casserole is so creamy and crunchy (thanks to the homemade French Fried Onions) and better than the original! You’ll never guess it’s gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo! (Yes, the Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is Dairy Free!)

Gingerbread Hot Cocoa {Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegan}

This Gingerbread Hot Cocoa is the perfect sweet treat on a cold winter’s day! This rich and chocolatey beverage, with hints of warm gingerbread spice, will surely get you in the holiday spirit. Best of all, it’s guilt free. (Dairy free, Paleo, Gluten free, Vegan)Gingerbread Hot Chocolate1

Who loves chocolate out there?? This one is for you guys!

Ok….and for me too….

I love my chocolate in all forms- dark chocolate, milk chocolate, silky chocolate mouse, chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, chocolate covered-anything, and I could go on and on. But one of the best ways to enjoy chocolate is to DRINK IT!

When I say hot cocoa I don’t mean that powder stuff that you mix with water for milk to get some sort of chocolate flavored water. I want my hot chocolate to be like molten liquid chocolate- rich, creamy and chocolatey.

Like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate River! I still have dreams about swimming in that river.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate3

This luxury beverage gets its creaminess thanks to two special ingredients- cashew milk and coconut oil. The cashew milk is much more creamy than almond milk, and now I can find it at all my favorite stores (so I don’t have to make it at home), and it has become one of my staples!

The second special ingredient is a touch of coconut oil that gets emulsified and it adds a richness and frothy texture. The coconut oil also adds a great nutritional punch with its medium-chain triglycerides that will provide you with energy as you power through that late night gift wrapping! You can read more about the awesome benefits of coconut oil HERE.

If you can’t find gingerbread spice pre-made just make your own- it’s very simple!

How to make Gingerbread Spice:

Combine: 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 2 tablespoons allspice, 1 tablespoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon cloves.

You can thank me later 😉

Gingerbread Hot Cocoa

This decadent and creamy hot cocoa has the rich flavor combination of gingerbread and chocolate. You’ll never guess it’s actually dairy free thanks to a special ingredient that adds to its silky and creamy texture!

  • 1 1/2 cups cashew milk (or almond milk)
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips ((Enjoy Life brand))
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon gingerbread spice ((see blog post for how to make gingerbread spice))
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

    Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and hot.

    Pour the heated mixture into your blender and carefully blend on high to emulsify the coconut oil.

    Serve immediately!

Gingerbread Hot Cocoa Collage

 

Peppermint Crunch Cups{Gluten, Dairy & Refined Sugar Free!}

Peppermint Crunch Cups2

These Peppermint Crunch Cups are filled with creamy minty coconut, sandwiched between two dark chocolate layers. They are so easy to make (15 minutes and a saucepan is all you need) and happen to be gluten, dairy and refined sugar free, paleo and pegan friendly as well!

These delectable treats are so addictive- you have been officially warned! I made a tray yesterday- 24 mini cupcake sized treats- and they are all gone. Every. Last. One.

It wasn’t entirely all my doing-I had some help 🙂

The holiday season is my favorite time of year. I love to dress up the house with garland and lights, tie up everything in big red bows, and place perfectly wrapped gifts with coordinating gift wrap under the tree. Yes, sometimes I can be a bit type A…..

And I also love dressing up Cricket in her holiday best!

Cricket Xmas 2015 1

So back to those Peppermint Crunch Cups. Seriously you must make these! They are simple, only 6 ingredients, you don’t need the oven, and can be made in under 15 minutes. They would make a great addition to a festive holiday party. Just store them in the freezer if you plan on leaving them out on the table for a bit, as the chocolate can melt a bit in a warm room. If you’d like you can omit the coconut oil from the melted chocolate and just use straight up dark chocolate. They may not be a smooth looking but they will not melt as easily.

Just be sure to make enough!

**I also provided links in the ingredient section of the recipe to several of the ingredients that you may not find at your local grocery store such as the coconut butter and the organic/gluten free/vegan candy canes I used. These are affiliate links 🙂 and they can be easily ordered from Amazon.

Peppermint Crunch Cups3

Love this photo with the light refraction. Don’t know how this happened-maybe it’s the Christmas Spirit.

Peppermint Crunch Cups{Gluten, Dairy & Refined Sugar Free!}

These Peppermint Crunch Cups are filled with creamy minty coconut, sandwiched between two dark chocolate layers. They are so easy to make (15 minutes and a saucepan is all you need) and happen to be gluten, dairy and refined sugar free, paleo and pegan friendly as well!

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life brand)
  • 3 + tablespoons coconut oil
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup [coconut butter|Artisana Coconut Butter 8 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (more or less depending upon sweetness desired)
  • ¼ teaspoon mint extract
  • 4 tablespoons of crushed candy cane (I used [TruJoy Organic/Gluten Free/Vegan Candy Canes|Organic Candy Canes by Trujoy. 2 Packages with 10 each. Vegan. Certified No Nuts Or Gluten. (optional- omit for paleo)
  1. Melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips along with 1 tablespoons of coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat., stir until smooth. Add an additional tablespoon of coconut oil if chocolate is too thick, but careful to not add too much oil as they will melt more quickly at room temperature.
  2. Liberally grease a mini cupcake tin with coconut oil.
  3. Pour a teaspoon of chocolate into the bottom of each muffin tin (this will use about half the melted chocolate), and pop the tin into the freezer so the chocolate sets.
  4. While the chocolate is setting combine the coconut flakes, coconut butter (softened slightly- a few seconds in the microwave), mint extract and maple syrup.
  5. Add the crushed candy cane, if using, and mix well.
  6. Remove the tray from the freezer and add about 1 heaping teaspoon of coconut mint cream mixture on top of each chocolate bottom. Push down with your fingers to compact the coconut.
  7. Next pour a teaspoon of chocolate on top of each coconut layer (using up the remaining chocolate). Dust with excess crushed candy cane.
  8. Place tray in the freezer to 15 minute to allow the cups to set.
  9. To remove the cups from the tray use a knife to carefully dislodge the cups from the tray. They should be fairly easy to remove.
  10. Store in the freezer or refrigerator.

Peppermint Crunch Cups Collage

 

Pineapple Rise & Shine Smoothie Bowl

Pineapple Smoothie Bowl1

When I think of summertime I think of laying in the sun at the beach, windows rolled down in the car, the smell of flowers and fresh cut grass, and fresh tropical fruit- like watermelon and PINEAPPLE! I love fresh fruit- how sweet and juicy it is when it’s in season, and it’s so good for you too! Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, manganese, thiamin (vitamin b-1), and bromelain which aids in digestion of protein.

For more information on the health benefits of pineapple click HERE. HealthAmbition.com has an excellent article about pineapple’s health benefits and you can read that HERE.

I love to freeze fresh pineapple chunks to use in smoothies during the hot summer months. The result from using fresh frozen fruit to replace much of the ice is a more flavorful, less icey, more smooth, smoothie!

I made this smoothie extra thick, so you can eat it with a spoon and it feels more like a meal than a drink.

Everyone in your family, kids included with love this smoothie! It tastes much like the Pina Colada Julius from Orange Julius- creamy, smooth and sweet, but made with healthy and simple ingredients!

Pinapple Smoothie Bowl2

Pineapple Smoothie Collage

Pineapple Rise & Shine Smoothie Bowl

Healthy pineapple smoothie bowl- vegan, gluten free, paleo

  • ¾ cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice (you can reserve this much juice when cutting up your pineapple or use canned pineapple juice)
  • 1/2 cup of almond milk
  • ¼ cup of full fat coconut milk (the canned kind)
  • 5 + ice cubes
  • a few drops of stevia or maple syrup if needed for sweetness
  • optional- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey, or soy/veggie-based, chia, hemp, coconut flakes on top)
  1. Blend all the ingredients in a high speed blender. I use my Vitamix. It has a super high powered motor that blends thick smoothies exceptionally well!

Welcome to Kelley and Cricket

Hello! Welcome to my blog! Cricket, my trusty canine sidekick, is happy you are here too! I started this blog to share my love of cooking and crafting with the world.  I love the challenge of creating healthy, nutritious dishes that are super yummy! I also deeply enjoy making things for my home and family that make our apartment special and unique. Lately I’m really into succulents, living walls, and anything green to bring the outdoors in.

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