Recipe: Homemade Raw Cacao Almond Butter

Apples dipped in almond butter are probably one of my favorite snacks of all time! I also love to add almond butter to my morning oatmeal. It’s delicious! The problem is that raw almond butter in grocery stores can be a bit expensive. That’s why I wanted to share this recipe with you! Not only is this fun and easy to make, it’s a great way to save money! It tastes super yummy and is loaded with nutrients to help you look and feel your best. The beauty of making it yourself is that you can easily adjust the ingredients to make it taste how you like it. Sometimes I add more cacao powder and sometimes I will double up on the cinnamon. If you are vegan, swap out the honey for maple syrup. Enjoy!

Homemade Raw Almond Butter

• 2 cups raw, unsalted almonds (you can find these at the bulk bin of most natural health food stores)
• About 1 Tbsp raw, cold-pressed coconut oil (melted but not hot)
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp cacao powder
• 2 tsp raw honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Using your food processor or high-speed blender, process the almonds until they are in tiny bits. This can take up to four minutes depending on your equipment. Once the almonds are processed add the other ingredients and process until smooth. Store the almond butter in a small mason jar with a tight lid. Spread it on toast, fruit, celery, or even add it to smoothies!

10 Reasons to Love Ginger

Are you a fan of ginger? If not, you should be! Not only is it a zesty addition to a variety of recipes, it has a lot of healing properties that can benefit your entire body. Check out these 10 reasons why you might want to start including ginger into your daily diet.

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Recipe: Coconut Apple Chips

Got the munchies? Skip the potato chips and try this recipe for Coconut Apple Chips! Not only are they delicious and easy to make, they are packed with nutrients to help you look and feel your best. You can use whatever type of apples you wish…Granny Smith apples are really delicious in this recipe!

Coconut Apple Chips

• 4 or 5 organic apples, thinly sliced (no seeds)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 or 2 tsp cinnamon powder

Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place apple slices in a large bowl. Drizzle in the coconut oil and cinnamon. Using your hands, gently mix the apples in with the oil and cinnamon powder until they are well coated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay apple slices across it. Bake for 1 to 1/2 hours or until the apples are crispy. Make sure you flip the apples over every 30 minutes or so. Remove from oven and let cool. Enjoy them plain or dipped in almond butter!

Authentic Product Pick: Amazing Foods for Health

Moist. Soft. Chewy. Typically, these are not the words you would use to describe gluten-free baked goods…until now! I recently had the pleasure of trying out the products from Amazing Foods for Health and I was hooked. Not only are their baking mixes gluten-free, they are vegan, allergy-friendly, and USDA organic. But don’t let this fool you! These products are so good that you wouldn’t even know it!

The first product I tried was the Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix. Holy moly were these little muffins good! All you have to do is add bananas and coconut oil to the pre-packaged bake mix, mix everything on up, pour the mixture into a muffin tin, and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes. That’s it! The result is soft and moist muffins that your whole family will love. I also tried out their Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix. I have to be honest…I am not a fan of raisin cookies. However, these cookies were so delicious that I didn’t even notice the raisins were in there! I set out a plate for my family to enjoy and all of the cookies must have been gone within a few hours. They were that good! Amazing Foods for Healthy also sells a variety of other products including a chocolate chip mix, a pizza crust mix, and a pancake mix. Yum!

Learn more about Amazing Foods for Health by visiting their website at www.amazingfoodsforhealth.com. I also recommend that you check them out on Facebook and like their page. Once you give these products a try, you will be baking up a storm every day!

Recipe: Crunchy Coconut Curry Chickpeas

In the mood for a crunchy and satisfying snack? Stay clear of the potato chips and processed crackers by making this delicious and nourishing treat! Chickpeas are a wonderful source of folate, fiber, protein, iron, and zinc. The sea salt gives this snack some added flavor and a boost of trace minerals. Enjoy!

Crunchy Curry Chickpeas

• 2 cans low-sodium, organic chickpeas
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp curry powder
• Sea salt to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the chickpeas off with water and let them dry. In a large bowl, mix the melted coconut oil and curry powder together. Add the chickpeas to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix them around to make sure they are all coated in the oil and spice. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for about 30 – 40 minutes or until the chickpeas are lightly brown and crispy. These snacks taste the best if you eat them within a day or two of making them.

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Recipe: Gluten-Free Coconut Pancakes

Don’t let breakfast bore you….give this recipe for Gluten-Free Coconut Pancakes a try! Not only are they delicious, they contain ingredients that are loaded with valuable nutrients. You can get creative with the toppings by adding blueberries, bananas, or even shredded coconut. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Coconut Pancakes (serves three to four people)

• 3 large, cage-free eggs
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup coconut milk (you can find this in the milk section at most grocery stores)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut flour or all-purpose gluten-free flour (use a bit more if you need to thicken up the pancake mix)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3 – 4 Tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil (plus a dollop or two for cooking)
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar or honey
• Shredded coconut and maple syrup for serving

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the eggs, baking powder, coconut sugar (if using), and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, coconut milk, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and honey (if using). Combine the wet and the dry ingredients. Mix until there are no lumps in the mixture. Grease your griddle or saute pan with some extra coconut oil. Heat it up and spoon about one tablespoon of the mixture to make one pancake. Cook for two to three minutes on one side. When it is golden-brown, it is time to flip the pancake. Cook the remaining side for about two minutes. Transfer pancake to plate and repeat these steps with the remaining mixture. Top the pancakes with syrup and your favorite berries.

 

Quick Tip: The Healing Power of Nutmeg

Not only is nutmeg delicious, it is loaded with amazing health benefits! Try adding nutmeg to your morning smoothies or oatmeal. You can also add it to a variety of baked goods, soups, and even salad dressings!