Desserts

Black Bean Hemp Brownies

Be warned, these gluten free black bean brownies, will have you going back for seconds, maybe thirds! You can whip these bad boys up in a matter of 10 minutes + 30 minutes bake time. I’ve filled you on the benefits of black beans, now let’s look at the perks of our beloved Hemp Hearts.

  • complete protein
  • contain essential fatty acids omega 6 and omega 3
  • good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber
  • packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E
  • loaded with calcium and iron
  • provide long lasting energy
  • curb hunger
  • aid in digestion

This black bean brownie recipe is a real treat, that I think all of you will enjoy. I have switched out cocoa powder for carob powder, due to what I had on hand. Carob is naturally sweet, low in fat, high in fiber, caffeine free, and has three times as much calcium as cocoa powder. Now that you have all the reasons to indulge in these delicious brownies, get baking and see if you can taste the difference.

Black Bean Hemp Brownies

  • 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup carob powder
  • 2 tsp natural vanilla extract
  • 1 scoop hemp protein powder
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup Hemp Hearts
  • 1/4 cup dairy-free semi- sweet or dark chocolate chips, if desired

Ingredients

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Place the black beans, eggs, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, protein, and honey in a food processor. Blend until smooth
  3. Remove the blade and gently stir in the Hemp Hearts and chocolate chips
  4. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan 9×9 or 9 x 13 inch pan
  5. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes, or until just set in the center. Cool before cutting into squares

xo!

No-bake Berry Cheesecake

With the holiday season being so busy, I pull out my favourite no fail recipes that are easy and quick yet still fancy and delicious. This quick no-bake cheesecake recipe comes together in a snap and will surely impress your guests. The perfect go to for your next gathering.

No-bake Berry Cheesecake (yields 8-12 servings)

  • 500 g mixed berries
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups graham wafer crumbs
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 450 g mascarpone cheese
  • 200 ml heavy whipping cream
  • 2-4 tbsp powdered sugar, to taste
  1. Put 2/3 of the berries (the rest are used as they are), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer 2-3 minutes stirring every now and then. Let cool.
  2. Mix the graham crumbs with melted butter.
  3. Mix mascarpone, cream and powdered sugar until creamy.
  4. Layer graham crumb mix, fresh berries, mascarpone cream and cooked berries into serving glasses.
  5. Best served chilled.

IMG_4209Indulge! xx

 

Chia Pudding

The tiny chia seed is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s loaded with fiber, calcium, maganese, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and various antioxidants. All of which offer benefits to our heart, brain, digestive, bone and oral health. No wonder it’s a superfood!

You can easily add the chia seed into your daily diet due to its tasteless nature.  I find it easiest to sprinkle on salads, add it to smoothies, or most favourably- chia pudding!

This recipe comes together easily and you can top it however you like.  Interchangeably chia pudding makes a great breakfast or dessert. And an added bonus, this recipe is vegan, raw, and gluten-free.

Chia Pudding (2 servings)

  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 4 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract or maple syrup
  • 1-2 tbsp of unsweetened coconut
  • any toppings of your choice – fresh fruit, raw nuts, coconut are my go-to
  1. Combine almond milk, vanilla extract, chia seeds in a jar and shake until combined
  2. Chill in refrigerator for 4 hours or leave overnight
  3. Remove from fridge, stir in coconut and mix until smooth
  4. Serve with your favourite toppings

Chia Pudding

 Enjoy. xx

No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spiced Energy Bites

Every fall I totally jump on the bandwagon of all things pumpkin. There’s pumpkin spice this and pumpkin spice that, all of which don’t offer much nutritional value. While it’s nice to treat yourself, it’s a bonus if there is some goodness to what you are indulging in. I came across these vegan pumpkin spice energy bites and knew I had to try them.

These bites are super easy to throw together, very filling, packed with energy, and satisfy that sweet craving. They can double up as breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Check out the recipe linked here, or below with a few of my own modifications.

No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spiced Energy Bites

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 8 pitted medjool dates
  • ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2 cups of oats
  • ½ cup of hemp seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp almond butter
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened coconut
  • 1/3 cup mini cacao chipsIMG_4032
  1. Combine dates, almond butter and half of the oats in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
  2. Transfer to a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix well.
  3. Refrigerate for an hour (easier to then roll).
  4. Roll mixture into balls and store in refrigerator in airtight container. Makes 20-30 balls.IMG_4036

 Keep Calm & Pumpkin On. xx

For the Love of Watermelon

Few things are more refreshing than some sweet watermelon on a hot summer day. Watermelon is rich in water, up to 92%, which makes it a great alternative to aid with hydration. It is the perfect snack right off the rind, but if you are looking to add an extra punch, here are two great ways to make watermelon more interesting.

If you are looking for an interesting way to dress up this snack and one that will impress your guests at a summer BBQ. Take three simple ingredients for this tasty treat!

  • 2 cups watermelon
  • 1 lime
  • handful of mint

Cube watermelon, muddle the mint and lime together, and then drizzle the mint/lime mixture over your cubes.

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Now, if you prefer something to sip on, Watermelonade is perfect to refresh and rehydrate. Simply add chunks of watermelon, lime juice and mint in your blender and voila-the perfect summer sipper!

  • 2 cups watermelon
  • 2 limes
  • handful of mint
  • handful of ice

photo 1(1) photo 2(1)

Not only are these both refreshing and delicious, but there are some added health benefits that come along with watermelon:

  • Vitamin A: Benefits eye health and boosts immunity. Also helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, and skeletal and soft tissue.
  • Vitamin B6: Helps build antibodies needed to fight disease. The body uses B6 to help break down protein and converts it to energy.
  • Vitamin C: Strengthens immunity, to defend against infections and harmful free radicals. Heals wounds, prevents cell damage, promotes healthy teeth and gums.
  • Potassium: Benefits muscle and nerve support. Necessary for water balance which helps with muscle cramps.
  • Lycopene: Benefits Cardiovascular and Bone Health. Aids in disease prevention and lowers the risk of developing heart disease

Refresh Yourself & Enjoy! xx