The classic brownie gets a new and improved makeover with hints of spice, energizing super-foods and creamy avocado frosting! Feed that chocolate craving with these tasty treats just loaded with healthy fats! My favorite (baked) brownies, second only to this recipe! 
  
Cayenne might not come to mind while making chocolate brownies, but believe me, they were made for each other. Sweet chocolate is beautifully complemented by the hint of spice and zing. Cayenne has been used for centuries in therapeutic medicine. This powerful spice helps supercharge your metabolism and stabilize blood sugar, especially when eating sweets. Cayenne also helps to prevent headaches, blood clots, heart attacks and the cold related allergens. Cayenne has also been used as detox support because of its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. Talk about a superfood! 

Spirulina is a natural algae consisting of about 65% protein and amino acids, making it an excellent addition to any diet. Do not let the smell fool you, this revolutionary superfood is packed with vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is an excellent source of vitamins B-1 (thiamine), B-3 (riboflavin), B-6 (nicotinamide), B-9 (pyridoxine), C, D, A and E, in addition to calcium, iron and phosphorus. This blue-green algae can also bind to heavy metals within the body, making it an excellent detoxifier! There is one catch though, the taste. Fortunately, the uniquely disgusting taste of spirulina can fully be masked by chocolate. The taste of pond scum CAN be transformed into something delicious! 

Avocados are one of my favorite fruits, they make this dessert a step above. Delicious frosting made from the purest of ingredients, a healthier version does not exist. You might not indulge in these beauties often but, I strongly encourage you to do so. Despite avocados fat content they are super healthy. Studies have shown that eating avocado helps the body efficiently absorb lycopene and beta carotene. Do not be fooled by the high fat content, these heart-healthy fats are like none other. The fats within avocados mostly consist of oleic acid, alike olive oil, which helps the digestive system breakdown fat-soluble nutrients such as beta carotene or B vitamins. The other remaining fat consists of phytosterols, which are key supporters of the inflammatory system. So feel free to enjoy every bite! 

Gluten Free, Vegan 

Ingredients: 

For the Brownies: 

1 tbs flax meal + 3 tbs water 

1 and 1/2 cup finely ground almond flour/meal 

1/2 cup GF sorghum flour 

2 tbs cornstarch or arrowroot powder 

1/3 cup unsw cocoa powder

1/4 tsp baking soda 

2 tbs maca powder

1/4 - 1 tsp spirulina powder (optional)* 

1 tsp ginger

2 - 3 pinches cayenne 

1 tsp cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

1/2 cup + 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips or chunks, divided

1/4 cup + 3 tbs coconut oil or ghee 

1/4 cup + 4 tbs unsw almond milk 

1/4 cup coconut sugar 

1/4 cup raw honey 

1/2 tsp real vanilla extract 

1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

For the Avocado Frosting:

2 medium avocados 

4 - 6 tbs raw honey

3 tbs cocoa powder (optional if you want a pretty green frosting) 

1 tbs olive oil

fresh mint, course sea salt and raw cacao nibs (for garnish) 

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F degrees and line a 9 by 9in baking dish with parchment. Prepare the flax egg and set aside. 

For the brownies, combine all dry ingredients and spices, except for the sugar, in large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Next, slowly melt 1/2 cup chocolate with the coconut oil or ghee. Stir in the sugar, mashed avocado, honey, almond milk, vanilla and flax egg to the melted mixture. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts and remaining chocolate pieces. 

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 35 minutes. While it is baking prepare your avocado frosting. Once baked, wait at least 2 hours before cutting (I have to admit, I did sample some off the side!) 

For the avocado frosting, add the avocado, olive oil, cocoa powder and honey to a high speed blender and blend until extra smooth. Add more honey if needed. Store extra in an air tight container for up to 3 days. If you choose to omit the cocoa powder, use immediately. 

To assemble, top the brownies with avocado frosting, cut and garnish. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, let warm to room temperature before eating*. Enjoy! 

*After you get used to the taste of spirulina, you can add more to your baked goods without even knowing it is there, but at first I would recommend going light. 

Post by: Rebecca

Tis' the season of citrus! Goodbye winter cold and hello liquid power boost! Bitter grapefruit, sweet oranges and spicy ginger are what make this vibrant winter juice a favorite of mine. Relax with a sip, a good book and a warm blanket. 

Grapefruit is an awesome detoxifier. Not only does it aid digestion, but it also can help the body rid itself of unwanted toxins. Alike other citrus fruits grapefruit contains a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, making it a perfect way to fight off those winter blues. Recent studies have shown that grapefruit juice ranks among the highest in antioxidant activity, even similar to cranberry juice. Additionally, grapefruit contains phytonutrients called limonoids, which can help inhibit tumor formations, thus fighting early forms of cancer. 

Ginger is one of my favorite ingredients, it can add a punch to almost anything sweet or savory. For decades ginger has been used to prevent motion sickness, stomach aches, vomiting, dizziness and morning sickness during pregnancy. Furthermore, ginger's anti-inflammatory benefits might just be the most important. Studies involving arthritis patients have found that 75% of patients experienced relief from both pain and swelling. I can also vouch for this remarkable characteristic of ginger. After the removal of my wisdom teeth, I experienced prolonged pain and swelling near my jaw. Fortunately I found that a ginger paste (made by mashing fresh ginger in a mortar and pestle) worked better than any chemical medicine I had previously taken. 

Gluten Free, Vegan, Nut Free, Raw

Ingredients:

2 - 3 lemons (I used meyer lemons)

3 large red or pink grapefruit

2 navel oranges

3 blood oranges 

1 inch peeled fresh ginger (more or less to taste) 

Instructions:

Peel and seed all fruits, then toss them in a blender (or juicer) along with the ginger. I usually try to get as much white peel off as possible, but it is okay if you do not. Blend on high for about 3 seconds. Be careful not to over blend or your juice will become very bitter due to the excess pulp. 

Next, pour the juice through a cheese cloth or a nut milk bag (over a large bowl) in order to remove all the bitter pulp. You can skip this step if you choose to use a juicer.

Store the juice in a glass bottle for about 2 days. To serve, garnish with fresh rosemary and bee pollen. Enjoy the power boost!

Post by: Rebecca 

Polenta is one of my go to weekday meals! It is fast, it is easy and it fills you up. If you have never tried this delicious grain before imagine a smoother, creamier version of the southern favorite, corn grits. In this recipe creamy polenta is combined with rich cashew cream, smoky mushrooms and succulent caramelized onions to form a simply delicious weeknight meal! 

Since ancient times mushrooms have been consumed for both their delicate taste and their believed "special powers". The Egyptians thought they gave immortality while the Romans deemed mushrooms as a food for the gods. It is no secret today that mushrooms are awesome when it comes to heath benefits! These unique fungi are loaded with immune building compounds which in turn have been found to prevent all kinds of cancerous diseases (including breast cancer). Not only are they packed with cancer fighting properties but they also contain antioxidant support which prevents oxidative damage to our DNA. 

Onions are one of those wonder veggies that can be transformed from burn-your-tongue spicy to savory sweet in just a few minutes! When sauteing onions I always add a pinch of sea salt in order to help the onions breakdown and show off their inner sweetness. Not only do onions give recipes a nice flavor, but they also can also provide a number of health benefits. Recent studies have shown that onions may help bone density which may come in handy during our older years. Onions have also shown to be very beneficial when battling a bacterial infection due to its sulfur compounds. Be careful when cooking these beauties though! Too much heat or too much storage time will lessen the health benefits found within the onions. 

Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients:

1/2 cup instant polenta 

1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours

2 cups fresh mushrooms of your choice, sliced (I used baby portobellos)

1 large onion

1 1/4 tsp smoked sea salt, divided 

fresh herbs and sesame seeds for garnish 

Instructions:

To prepare the cashew cream add your soaked cashews to a high speed blender along with about 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp agave nectar and 1/3 cup filtered water. Blend until very very smooth. Add more water if needed.

For the polenta, bring about 1 1/2 cups filtered water to a boil (or you can follow the package instructions). Next, add in the instant polenta and remove the pot from the heat. Continuously stir the polenta until all the water is absorbed. Next, stir in about 1/3 - 1/2 cup cashew cream and set the pot aside for later. 

For the topping, add the sliced onions to a large nonstick skillet along with the remaining smoked sea salt. Once the onions begin to sizzle add in about 1/4 cup filtered water, followed by the sliced mushrooms. Add more water as needed until the onions begin to brown and the mushrooms are soft. I usually taste a bit of onion to make sure it is nice and sweet. If you like your onions a little sweeter, continue to saute and add a bit more salt until the desired taste is achieved. 

To assemble, divide the polenta into two servings and top with the mushrooms and onions, serve alongside some winter herbs, sesame seeds and extra cashew cream if desired. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca 

I could eat kale chips for breakfast! It is truly amazing how kale can change from a tough bitter mess to a delicious and crispy snack overnight. Delicious food should make you feel good not only while you are eating it, but afterwards as well. I know many people think of unhealthy treats as comfort food, but my comfort food is kale! Weather it is slightly wilted, dry and crispy or bold and raw, I love it all. Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals which help empower us with energy. This powerful superfood is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, which are very important to the body when fighting off that winter cold. Not only does kale provide both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but it also helps reduce the risk of some cancers. Kale contains at least four glucosinolates, or cancer preventing compounds, which have been found to help the body fight against some cancers including breast, colon, ovary, prostate and bladder. 

Why lemons? Lemons help break down the bitter after tones of kale in addition to their delicious zesty flavor. Lemons are an excellent element of detox to the body. In addition to their vitamin C content, many citrus fruits have been found helpful in reducing the risk of some chronic diseases such as arthritis. Out of lemons? Simply omit the sweetener and try oranges instead. 

Ginger has been used for centuries for it unique taste and health benefits. This powerful spice has been proven very effective in soothing the digestive tract which in turn helps fight that annoying bloated feeling. Studies have also shown that ginger is far superior to over the counter medicine in reducing the symptoms of motion sickness. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger are believed to help reduce the pain of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Food should help you thrive, not constrain you to death. 

Gluten Free, Vegan, Low Carb, Nut Free, Raw

Ingredients:

1 large bunch organic kale, washed and torn

juice of two large lemons

1 tbs raw agave or honey

1 tsp olive oil 

2 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated

1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Combine all the flavor ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the dressing over the kale then toss and massage to combine. ( I tasted one to make sure I do not need more agave or ginger.) Leave the kale in the refrigerator to marinate for about 1 - 5 hours (this is optional, but recommended.)  

Arrange the kale on lined dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 115F degrees for about 8 hours or until crisp. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca

Happy New Year! Kick off your new year with this classic yet unique dessert. I know this is another dessert recipe, but I just could not resist sharing this scrumptious treat. Moist chocolate cake coupled with warm winter spices and creamy vegan cashew frosting, what's not to love? 

Overall I would say 2013 turned out to be a pretty good year, my first full year of running a blog! But there is will always be room to improve. Now is the time to make those New Years resolutions, some of which will be abandoned a month or even a week into the year. Over 75% of New Years resolutions will be health or fitness related, most based on dieting. In order to truly keep those health resolutions this year, dieting should be out of the picture. Instead focus on eating only fresh and wholesome foods. When I think diet, my mind instantly starts to worry about what I can or cannot eat. Healthy eating does not have to be a constrictive diet, it is a way of life. A slow transition is also beneficial when working to convert your eating habits. When you stop cold turkey, your body will inevitably crave those same foods you were trying to get away from. Do not be hard on yourself. Start by lowering your intake of those unhealthy foods and supplementing them with similar versions. Say you enjoy a couple handfuls of chips everyday, instead of eating two handfuls, eat only one and supplement the other half with some healthy kale chips. Eventually you will not even miss the chips at all!

Gluten Free

Ingredients:

For the Cake: 

1 1/2 cups GF oat flour

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup sorghum flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup coconut sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp cardamom

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

4 large organic or local eggs 

1/2 cup apple sauce

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 

3 tbs raw honey

1 tbs blackstrap molasses 

1/4 cup coconut oil, slightly warmed 

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

1 3/4 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours

1/2 cup + 2 tbs filtered water

3 tbs raw honey (or more to taste)

1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F degrees. 

Grind all flours if needed. Combine all the dry ingredients, including the spices, in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Next, whisk together the wet ingredients in a small mixing bowl and add the wet to the dry. Continue to fold and combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. 

Pour the batter into two parchment (or flour) lined baking pans and bake for 23 - 25 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pans. 

To make the frosting, add all the soaked cashews, honey, filtered water and sea salt to a high speed blender or food processor and blend/ process until very very smooth and creamy. Add more honey if desired. 

To assemble, simple sandwich the cashew frosting between the cake layers. This recipe makes a two layer cake. If you would like a four layer cake (as shown in the pictures) double the recipe. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder and fresh rosemary. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca
Happy New Year! 

To me, nothing says Christmas more than the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls. Around the holidays everyone seems to eat more than their fill, but who says it cannot be healthy stuff? This recipe combines a sweet and gooey cinnamon filling with decadent pecans and sweet dates to create one beautiful holiday treat with 1000 times more nutrition than any commercial cinnamon roll! Not to mention the festive wreath presentation. 

Dates, nature's sweetest gift. Dates are what make this scrumptious treat stand out in both taste and nutrition! These energy dense fruits make for an excellent pre or post-workout snack due to their carbohydrate and potassium content. Dates also provide a generous amount of copper, which aids in the formation of red blood cells and energy production. 

Wreaths have been around for centuries, originating all the way back to the persian empire. They were traditionally made of evergreen branches which symbolize strength. Whereas the circular shape represents eternal life, for it has no end. While wreaths have personified many different meanings throughout history, they still find a place in many countries across the globe today. 

Vegan, Gluten Free 

Ingredients:

For the dough: 

2 cups spelt flour or 1 cup GF oat flour and 1 cup GF sorghum flour 

1 tbs dry active yeast

3/4 cups organic unsweetened apple sauce 

3 tbs coconut oil 

For the filling: 

1/2 cup chopped tart apple (such as granny smith or jonagold) 

1 1/4 cups medjool dates, pitted and chopped 

3/4 cup filtered water 

3/4 cups finely chopped pecans

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cardamom

1 pinch cloves

For the frosting: *

1 cup organic greek yogurt

juice of 2 lemons

1 - 2 tbs maple syrup

Instructions:

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, slowly heat the coconut oil (be careful not to heat it too much or it will kill the yeast) until melted then add in the rest of the wet ingredients. Add the wet mixture to the dry and fold until a dough begins to form. Dump the dough out on a floured surface and knead for about 2 - 3 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean tea towel, then leave it to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising prepare the date filling. In a small saucepan add the chopped dates, chopped apple and spices along with about 3/4 cup filtered water. Heat the filling over medium heat until the water is almost gone and the dates form a paste. 

Next, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a heavily floured surface. You want the rectangle to be about 2 feet long by 10 inches wide with a thickness of about 1/4 inch. 

Evenly spread on the date mixture with a wooden spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edge, and top it off with the chopped pecans. 

Begin by rolling up the dough lengthwise into one giant log. Slice the log lengthwise. Grab the two halves and continue to spiral them around each other to create the illusion of an intricate braid. Connect the ends to form a wreath, transfer to a baking sheet (I used a pizza stone) and cover to rise again for about 30 more minutes. 

Pre-heat your oven to 370F degrees ( 190C). Bake the wreath for about 30 - 35 minutes, until lightly golden brown. 

To prepare the lemon frosting, add the greek yogurt, maple syrup and lemon juice to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Chill until ready to serve. 

To serve, add a dollop of lemon yogurt, a sprinkling of chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy! Serves 8 - 12. 

*To make a vegan frosting try: adding about 1/2 tsp lemon zest to 1 cup whipped coconut cream or 1/4 cup lemon juice to 1 cup cashew cream . 

Post by: Rebecca 
Merry Christmas! 

I am proud to say all of these recipes have been party approved! My friends remarked that they tasted oh so delicious while also making them feel healthy. When you find yourself running around like a chicken with your head cut off, right before a party, you really need some simple recipes you can mindlessly toss together for your guests. Whether you need an appetizer, a snack or a side dish, these easy recipes can come to your rescue! Several different serving suggestions are written before each recipe, but feel free to customize the pairings to your palate. 

I love incorporating herbs into my winter cooking. Not only do they provide excellent flavor, but they also introduce many health benefits. Rosemary originated in the Mediterranean and has been used for therapeutic purposes for many decades. Today rosemary is enjoyed for both it's fragrance and it's aid in wellness. Rosemary contains anti-inflammatory, circulation and immune building compounds making it an excellent digestive aid. Rosemary is also known to help memory and concentration as well as overall neurological health. 

Ingredients:

2 cups raw shelled pecans (473g)

2 tbs coconut oil

2 tbs dried rosemary

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tbs raw honey or agave 

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 325F degrees (163C). Spread the raw pecans out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add the coconut oil, rosemary and sea salt to a mortar and pestle and mash until a paste has formed. Add the paste to the pecans and massage it together with your hands. Next, evenly drizzle on the honey and continue to toss the pecans with your hands. (I usually taste one before roasting to make sure they do not need more honey or salt.) 

Roast the pecans for about 15 minutes (on a convection oven) or 18 minutes (on a normal setting). Once they have roasted, let them cool before breaking apart to serve. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup rye flour (170g)

1/2 cup spelt flour (120g)

1 cup slightly warm water (230g) 

2 tbs coconut sugar

1 tsp instant yeast

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tbs ground flax seed

3 tbs pumpkinseeds

3 tbs seseame seeds

3 tbs whole flax seeds

2 tbs poppy seeds

Insructions:

Mix together all the dry ingredients, except the seeds. Next, slowly add the wet to the dry to form a dough. Add about 1 tbs flour if the dough seems to wet or 1 tbs water if too dry. 

Fold in about 1 tbs each of poppy seeds and sesame seeds. 

Add the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a tea towel to rise for about an hour to an hour and a half. 

Once the dough has risen, divide it in half and roll one piece out into a rectangle on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. 

Cut the dough into rectangles using a floured pizza slicer. Pull the pieces apart and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. 

Next, using wet fingers, rub the top of each cracker so that the seeds will stick. Finally top them off with the remaining seeds. Leave the crackers to rise again for about 30 minutes. 

Pre-heat your oven to 350F degrees (178C). 

Bake for about 20 - 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Store in an air-tight container. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

1 8oz block feta cheese

2 - 3 tbs fig jam (I used this recipe)

1 tbs dried rosemary (or 2 tbs fresh, chopped) 

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F degrees (178C).

Add the feta to a casserole dish and top with the fig jam and rosemary.

Bake for about 8 - 10 minutes or until soft. Serve immediately, while warm, alongside some seeded crackers. Enjoy! 

*Don't like feta? Try this recipe with brie instead. 

Post by: Rebecca 

My favorite time of the year has finally arrived! Not only is my birthday during the end of the year, but also it is Christmas time. A time of cookies and tea cakes, warm apple cider, comfort foods and fragrant candles. Speaking of comfort food, I have finally made a successful batch of ravioli. The trick is to roll it out as thin as possible (without it tearing) or of course, use a pasta machine. For this recipe, I decided to combine the flavors of sweet pumpkin, peppery arugula and creamy cashews (all winter favorites of mine). So when that cold weather gets you down, feel free to whip up a batch of these delicious ravioli! 

Do not let arugula scare you. True it is not the best green for smoothies or raw salads, but it does provide an excellent contrast to both sweet and tangy flavors. Arugula's unique combination of phytochemicals has been linked to cancer prevention in some individuals including breast, cervical, colon, ovarian and prostate. This awesome little green also provides a healthy dose of vitamins C, A and K! 

Vegetarian, Dairy Free 

Ingredients:

Pasta

1 cup rye or spelt flour (GF oat flour might also work)

3 eggs

Cashew Cream

1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours 

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp maple syrup

1 tbs nutritional yeast 

1/2 tsp smoked sea salt

Filling

1 medium squash, halved and seeds removed

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Plate

2 handfuls fresh arugula or 

your favorite hard cheese, for garnish (optional) 

pepper 

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400F degrees. 

Start by roasting the squash. Fill a large baking dish with about 1 inch of water and place the halved squash in the center. Roast the squash for about 30 minutes, or until soft. 

To make the cashew cream, add the soaked cashews to a high-speed blender along with the vinegar, salt, maple syrup, nutritional yeast and about 1/4 cup water. Blend until extra creamy, add more water if needed. 

To make the filling, add about 2 cups roasted squash to a blender and add the smoked paprika, and about 2 tbs cashew cream. Blend until smooth and set aside. 

For the pasta, add all the flour to a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Next, whisk together the eggs and add them to the flour well. Fold together the dough until it is the same throughout. Place the dough on a heavily floured surface and continue to knead for another minute or so. Break the dough into about 3 sections. Roll one section out over a generously floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Once you have it rolled out, cut the dough into squares about 2 inches in size. 

To assemble, drop about 1 tsp of the pumpkin puree mixture onto half of the squares. Next, top each square with another piece and use a floured fork to press the edges together (you might also want to wet the edges between layers to help the pieces stick together). 

To cook the ravioli, fill a large stock pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Drop about 4 raviolis in at a time and cook them for about 2 - 3 minutes on each side (I usually taste one to make sure they are done). Place the cooked ravioli on a towel or in a strainer to get rid of excess water. 

Before serving, lightly arrange the arugula on a plate and top with the warm ravioli. Add the cheese shavings and pepper for garnish and serve alongside cashew cream, enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca 

A time of thankfulness, of joy and of laughter has arrived. While we come together to give thanks for the things we do have, we must always remember there is someone out there that has even less. It has always annoyed me how the media tends to completely skip Thanksgiving, it is one of my favorite holidays! Now, let us talk food. 

Face it, Thanksgiving is nothing without pie. It is what everyone cleans their plate for; dessert. Not just any dessert either, this recipe is so good no one will ever know it is vegan. I served this classic pecan pie to Thanksgiving guests last year and no one even suspected a thing!

Pecans are a winter staple around here. Not only do pecans help battle high cholesterol but they are also known to fight against some cancers and infections. These hearty nuts are also rich in vitamins B-6 and E, as well as minerals beta carotene, lutein and ellagic acid (an important antioxidant).  In some cases, pecans have even been found to help reduce the risk of heart disease by supporting a healthy blood profile. 

I knew this post would never be complete without a Thanksgiving recipe roundup! So here it is! Listed in order: appetizers, sides and desserts. 

Herb Roasted Chickpeas

Orange Scented Fig Jam

Classic Garlic Hummus

Cheezy Hummus

Balsamic Roasted Brussels with Pecans and Raisins

Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Corn Biscuits

The Ultimate Raw Brownie

Pumpkin Cardamom Donuts with Chocolate Frosting

Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients 

Crust:

1 cup GF oat flour

1 cup buckwheat flour (or rye)

3 tbs organic sugar

2 tbs flax meal

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp sea salt 

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

Filling:

3/4 cup extra firm tofu

2 tbs GF oat flour (or another GF flour)

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 - 2 tbs good quality bourbon 

1/2 cup maple syrup

3/4 cup organic sugar

2 tsp molasses

1/4 cup coconut oil 

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400F degrees.

For the crust, combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the melted coconut oil and almond milk, stir until a dough begins to form. Now, mold the dough into a ball and roll it out to about 1/4 inch in thickness. Drape the rolled dough over a greased pie pan, press it down into the corners and trim the edges. Lightly poke the bottom of the crust with a fork and pre-bake for about 7 minutes. Let the crust cool for about 10 minutes before filling. 

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. 

For the filling start by adding the tofu, almond milk, 2 tbs GF oat flour, vanilla and bourbon to a blender. Blend until very smooth and set aside. Next, add the maple syrup, sugar and molasses to a small pot and heat over medium heat until bubbles start to form. Reduce the heat and continue to stir for about 10 minutes, until all the sugar is dissolved. Now, add in the coconut oil and the tofu mixture along with about 1  1/4 cups pecans (halved or chopped) to the stove pot. 

To assemble, pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust and decorate with more pecans if desired. Cover the crust with foil and bake for about 1 hour, allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into, enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca 

I am sorry if you were waiting on a traditional Thanksgiving recipe, but I could not resist sharing this scrumptious breakfast item! I promise a delicious Thanksgiving recipe is coming soon (spoiler alert, it involves pecans), but the holidays have just crept up on me (like every year). 

Scones are a cross between an English and American biscuit, slightly crumbly, very flavorsome, not too sweet, not too dry, the perfect winter breakfast. While no one can be sure about where scones truly originated, they are traditionally connected with Scotland, Ireland and England. Needless to say, when it comes to cold weather foods, I think of warm baked fruits and rich hearty breads. Mornings filled with warm blankets and nights in front of the fire. I am not gonna lie, these are the best scones I have ever had! They even smell like winter, like the aroma of fresh herbs and spices. Perfectly paired with coffee and warm apple butter, these scones are sure to bring on the holiday cheer. 

I love slow-cooker recipes! You throw it together, leave it on low and slow, wait and enjoy the creamy goodness. Fruit butters are exceptionally easy to make in a slow cooker. They require little ingredients and little preparation, which is exceptionally important during the busy holiday season. 

Walnuts are packed with so many health benefits. As I know you have probably heard before, walnuts are excellent heart healthy snacks, but did you know that these common nuts also help to boost the metabolism? Walnuts have also been found to help prevent certain types of cancer as well as fight inflammation. 

Vegan, Low Carb

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups + 3 tbs spelt flour

1/2 cup walnut meal* 

1 tbs baking powder 

1 1/2 tbs flax meal 

1/2 tsp sea salt 

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3 tbs maple syrup

1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, chilled and cut into pieces 

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar 

1 tsp vanilla

4 - 6 tbs unsweetened almond milk 

Instructions:

First, make your walnut meal (below) and preheat your oven to 350F degrees. (If you are using a baking stone, be sure to leave it in the oven to preheat as well.) 

Next, add all the dry ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor and pulse until well incorporated. Add in the cubed coconut oil and continue to pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Remove this mixture from the blender/food processor and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

Now, whisk together the wet ingredients, including the vanilla and apple cider vinegar, in a separate mixing bowl. Add the wet to the sand-like mixture and continue to stir and combine. The batter should be thick, moist and easy to shape. Add more spelt flour if it looks too wet  and 2 tbs almond milk if it looks too dry. Once the mixture is well incorporated, fold in the chopped walnuts. Transfer the dough to a baking stone or a parchment lined baking sheet. 

Divide the dough into two sections, and shape each into a large disc about 5 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches thick. Cut each disc into 4 wedges and sprinkle with leftover chopped walnuts. Bake for about 23 - 25 minutes or until golden (they're kind of hard to tell when they're done cooking so I just broke one in half to check). Serve with rosemary sprigs, slow-cooker apple butter and your favorite hot tea, enjoy! 

*To prepare the walnut meal, add 1/2 cup walnut halves to a high speed blender or food processor and pulse until a fine meal is created. 
*These would also be delicious with my Simple Orange Scented Fig Jam

Gluten Free, Vegan, Nut Free

Ingredients:

about 4 cups peeled and cubed apples (a variety of types works best, I used gala, golden delicious and wine sap)

2 whole cinnamon sticks

1/2 tsp nutmeg 

1 pinch cloves

1/3 cup filtered water 

Instructions:

Add all the ingredients to a slow-cooker and stir to combine. Set it on low and close the lid. Let it cook low and slow for about 10 - 12 hours. Checking to stir it ever so often. Once your apple butter is done, it should smell divine and look dark and creamy. You can also blend the apple butter, like I did, to make it extra smooth! Enjoy it on top of a warm scone. 

*If you are looking for a quick apple butter, check out my Homemade Naked Apple Butter! 

Post by: Rebecca