Hemp Hearts

Glowing Green Smoothie Bowl

Despite the wicked snow storm we were having early this morning, I had a bit of extra time and was feeling inspired. Since we rang in the new year, I’m finding muse in all the social sharing that is taking place with everyone’s new healthy 2016 regime – there have been some beautiful creations posted out there. With that being said, I wanted something different than my typical blend of fruits and veggies.

I recently organized my spice/toppers/baking/coffee/tea cupboard (yes this a thing haha) so I knew I had a handful of delicious add-in ingredients. So I decided to get creative and jazz up my smoothie with something beautiful and even more filling – a smoothie bowl!

I took some of my favourite toppers/ingredients – chia seed, coconut, hemp hearts, and strawberries and topped them onto my trusted Glowing Green Smoothie recipe (limit the water part to keep it on the thicker side).

What a simple and gorgeous dish to start off the morning – it definitely brightened my day!Glowing Green Smoothie Bowl

Be creative. xx

Tropical Greens

Sweet and delicious, this tropical smoothie will have you throwing back the greens. I don’t often incorporate pineapple in my green shakes due to the higher sugar content but this combination makes for a nice change and is a welcomed option for those starting to drink more green shakes/juices. This combination is loaded with tons of nutritional properties from our beloved Kale and Hemp Hearts (as you have learned about in my previous posts or can now catch up on), but we also have some added perks from the funky pineapple.

This fruit is so deliciously sweet that we often forget how nutritious they actually are. Yes, they are higher in sugar, but they do contain high amounts of vitamin B & C, manganese, dietary fibre, thiamin, and bromelian (which in my book, offsets the negatives of sugar. And we are pairing it with Kale and Hemp Hearts here).

These vitamins and minerals make pineapple a great source of energy and a defensive antioxidant. Eating pineapple (in moderation) can help:

  • fight heart disease
  • reduce joint pain
  • strengthen bones and connective tissue
  • support digestive health
  • reduce inflammation
  • increase metabolism

Multiple reasons for you to check this one out. Here’s the dish –
Tropical Greens

Tropical Greens (yields 4 servings)

  • 3-4 cups kale
  • 1 banana
  • 1-2 cups pineapple
  • 3-4 tbsp hemp hearts
  • 2 cups water

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Add water until desired consistency.

Tropical Greens

Je suis un ananas. xx

 

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!