5 Ingredient Cranberry Bliss Bars

1/3/2016 0 Comments

It is a brand new year, Happy New Year!!! I hope you are all off to a bright start. I have a new recipe for you that is delightful, light, satisfying, creamy and totally guilt-free. I didn't use any sugar, oil, dairy, syrups and you don't even have to bake it. Soak, blend, top, refrigerate or freeze and you can be enjoying your very own Cranberry Bliss Bars. Cranberries are glowing on top of an orange cream center that lays slathered on a sweet oat and date crust. Light, healthy and naturally sweetened with dates and cranberries so you can enjoy a slice or two and still feel and look great!

Crust:

3/4 Cup Dates - Soaked for 1+ hours until soft
3/4 Cup Gluten-Free Oats - ground lightly
Opt: Pinch Sea Salt

Process together in a food processor until combined and sticky, press into a bread pan lined with parchment or wax paper.
Filling:

3/4 Cup Cashews Soaked 4hrs+
1/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp Orange Juice (*Fresh Squeezed preferred)

Blend until smooth, scraping down sides, repeating as necessary until completely smooth. Spread on top of the crust. (This can also be used as a frosting!)
Topping:

1/2 Cup Cranberries

Sprinkle on top of the dessert. Place in the fridge or freezer for 2-4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve. I found it was great both ways yet preferred frozen!

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Mandarin Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

12/20/2015 0 Comments

Mandarin oranges are juiced creating a tangy base full of vitamin C, an entire cup of raspberries brighten the bowl and are blended with bananas for added creaminess. I added a tsp of moringa for a natural source of vitamins for the day. If that weren't enough it is then topped with fresh banana slices, raspberry chia jam and fresh raspberries creating one irresistible breakfast, snack or dessert. My husband said he should feel guilty for having ice cream for breakfast yet since it is created with smoothie ingredients of bananas, berries and moringa it creates one guilt-free delicious meal. Why did I used Moringa? Moringa is rich in minerals and vitamins boasting 25 times for Iron than Spinach, 15 times the potassium of bananas and 17 times more calcium than milk. It has vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, C, D, E and K with calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc to name of a few reasons why I think it is a great edition to your kitchen! The benefits go on and on, read more here if you are interested in learning more.

Total Time: 10 Minutes | Servings: 2 Smoothie Bowls

Ingredients:

2 Frozen Bananas - in 1" pieces
1 Cup Frozen Raspberries
3 Mandarin Oranges - Juiced
1 tsp Moringa

Top With:

1 Banana - Sliced in coins
A couple spoonfuls of Raspberry Jam
8 Fresh Raspberries

Peaceful Preparation:

Blend the smoothie ingredients together. Top with banana slices around the edge, drizzle jam on the sides and place raspberries in the center. Dig in!! Makes 2 bowls.

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Transcendent Raspberry Cream Bars [Raw + Vegan]

12/17/2015 0 Comments

Take your senses to their maximum with layers of divine flavors for a must have experience. Transcendent Raspberry Cream Bars have a base made of amaranth that is mixed with dates, agave, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt for a grounding, earthy, sweet yet salty base. Topped with homemade raspberry chia jam, sweet cashew frosting and fresh raspberries it creates an exceptionally beautiful dessert and protein bar in one! These are sweet, creamy, delicious, fantastic, light and layered with flavors bursting in each bite you take. Enjoy these positively delightful dessert bars!

Servings: 6 Bars

Amaranth Base

1 1/2 Cups Puffed Amaranth
1 Cup Medjool Dates - Pitted
3 Tbsp Agave
1 tsp Vanilla
Pinch of Sea Salt

Raspberry Jam

1 Cup Raspberries
1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
Opt: 1/2 Tbsp Agave
Opt: Dash of Apple Cider Vinegar

Combine the ingredients together in a food processor, taste, adjust as needed. Create the night before so the chia seeds thicken the jam.

Sweet Cashew Frosting:

1/2 Cup Cashews (Soaked 4 + hrs, drained and rinsed)
2 Tbsp. Agave
1/4 Cup Cashew Milk (Coconut or creamy dairy-free milk)
Pinch Sea Salt

Top With:

18 Fresh Raspberries

Loving Preparation:

Combine the amaranth base ingredients together in a food processor. Pulse, press down, and process until combined and sticks together when pressed.
Spread 1/2 Cup raspberry jam on top.
Combine the sweet cashew frosting ingredients in a food processor. Pour on top of the jam, lightly spread.
Top with fresh raspberries, three in a row for maximum raspberries per slice.
Refrigerate overnight, covered. Cut into 6 bars and serve!

Notes:

Use your favorite berry or jam.

Happy Holidays!

Love,
Christa

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Cosmic Chocolate Balls [Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free]

12/11/2015 0 Comments

Have you ever had that chocolate craving sneak up on you, yet you don't have anything prepared and are not really in the mood to bake or make something glorious? If you do, this recipe may be just for you. It was created in such a moment of intense desire for chocolate with no desire for baking. A raw, no-bake, healthy dessert was ours in no time. Blend, Pulse, Scrape, Roll, Freeze and in 30 minutes eat. Okay, sold! Plus the flavors of nut butter, dates, agave, cacao and a dash of salt had my craving scratched especially with the fun outer coating with hints of cacao nibs. This is a great recipe for any time of the year during any time of the day.

Total Time: 45 Minutes | Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Freeze Time: 30 Minutes +

Cosmic Chocolate Balls:

1/2 Cup Oat Flour (Gluten-Free Oats blended/ground into a flour)
1/4 Cup Nut Butter of Choice (Peanut, Almond, Pecan, Cashew, Sunflower for nut-free!)
4 Large Medjool Dates
2 Tbsp. + 1 tsp Agave Syrup (or favorite syrup)
Pinch of Sea Salt
2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder

Righteous toppings:

2 Tbsp. Coconut Flakes
2 Tbsp. Cacao Nibs
2 Tbsp. Pecan Pieces
2 Tbsp. Puffed Amaranth

*I used a small handful of each, I'd say 2 Tbsp. up to 1/4 cup of each.

Peaceful Preparation:

Blend the cosmic chocolate ball ingredients together in a food processor.
Scrape the sides down, continue to process until sticky and combined.
Mix the righteous toppings together in a small bowl.
Roll into balls and roll the balls in the toppings. Place on place to freeze. Continue until done. May also press into a cookie shape and press with a fork, sprinkle with toppings. Freeze for 30 minutes and enjoy. Store balance in freezer. I love them the next day.

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Sparkling Autumn Salad

10/28/2015 0 Comments

Cool autumn weather brings crisp greens and beautiful bouquets of spinach, romaine, bok choy and lots of fresh beautiful berries! Combine the two together and you get one heck of a salad. This salad is a delightful array of colors and textures. Each bite is exciting bursting with flavor with a new dimension of crunch, crisp, sweet, spicy with a little tang. Add balsamic vinaigrette and stand back as flavors unite harmoniously! I made us this salad early on this month and keep going back for more as it's so delicious and it makes you feel fantastic! Light yet filling to make you feel bright, light, refreshed and ready for the next part of your day. Harmonize your body, mind and pH levels as you eat to your vibrant health so you may shine forth and sparkle from the inside out!

Total Time: 15 Minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients:

3 Cups Dark Leafy Greens - Chopped
2 Button Mushrooms
1/4 Cup Diced Onion
1/4 Cup Diced Bell Pepper (color of choice)
1/4 Cup Diced Carrot
1/2 Jalapeno - Sliced or diced
6 Tbsp Diced Cucumber
1 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro - Chopped Fine
1/4 Cup Cranberries
4 Strawberries - Sliced
Opt to add extra blueberries, blackberries, stuffed green olives, and nuts or seeds!

Peaceful Preparation:

Chop the vegetables and place in the bowl one at a time in the order listed.
Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette or your favorite dressing.

Modifications:

Use what you have on hand. Tomatoes, figs, apples, orange slices are also delicious! Each time I make it slightly different. :)
Add chia seeds and/or puffed amaranth for added protein and health!
Sometimes I add fresh oregano or other herbs, very tasty!

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Blackberry Mango Smoothie Bowl - Raw + Vegan + Video!

10/4/2015 0 Comments

Make a beautiful smoothie bowl in 5 minutes! Mangoes, blackberries and medjool dates are blended to create a rich and creamy base. Top with irresistible toppings and you have a very yummy start to the day. Get the recipe below & see a short video demonstrating how to make it. Have a wonderful new week!!

Total Time: 5 Minutes | Servings: 2 Bowls

Ingredients:

2 Cups Fresh Mango
1 Heaping Cup Frozen Blackberries
1 Cup Dairy Free Milk
4 Medjool Dates, Divided
1 Tbsp Coconut Flakes
1 Tbsp Cacao Nibs
8 Raspberries - Fresh
2 Blueberries - Fresh

Peaceful Preparation:

Blend 2 Cups Fresh Mango, 1 Cup Dairy Free Milk, 2 Dates and 1 Heaping Cup Blackberries until smooth.
Pour into two bowls. Top with 2 Dates, seed removed / sliced in half, sprinkle with coconut flakes and cacao nibs. Place fresh berries on top, yum!

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How to make homemade nut milk! 2 Ingredients

10/2/2015 0 Comments

Homemade nut milk is as easy as 1, 2, 3! I made a short 1 minute video showing how to make nut milk. Watch and learn how to make yours! We've been making our own for about 4-5 years now and love the varieties you can make. One of our favorites is cashew milk (demonstrated) as there is little to none to filter out making it that much easier. We use homemade milk in coffee, smoothies, soups, baking and as called for or needed. Learning how to make our own has changed our lives. 2 ingredients vs. a small paragraph makes me happy knowing exactly what goes in it.

Ingredients:

1/3 Cup Cashews
3 1/2 Cups Filtered Water

Peaceful Preparation:

Blend on Juice setting or high for 50 seconds.
Filter, pour into an air tight container and refrigerate. Use as you'd like!

Feel free to try a variety of nuts or even oats, flax seeds, coconut meat, soy beans or rice! Add vanilla, sweeten with stevia or as preferred if you like yours sweet, add chocolate, fruit and most of all have fun! You can even add more nuts for a thicker milk, I've used up to 1 cup with 4 cups of water. Soaking raw cashews (almonds etc) overnight makes it even creamier and easier to blend, plus it is healthier too!

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2 Ingredient Blackberry Soft Serve Ice Cream that is good for you! + Video How To

9/27/2015 0 Comments

We went on a drive this weekend to a cute mountain town and found berries for sale on the side of the road! They were fresh and tasted like they were just picked and washed that morning and the price was incredibly affordable. Neither of us had seen such huge, sweet berries and were so pleased we picked up a little extra on our way back home. I offered a list of dessert ideas to my husband and he picked ice cream! I thought I'd make a quick video so you can see how I make it. Now you can enjoy healthy, vegan, raw, refined sugar & gluten-free ice cream too!

A few pictures of our drive...

We went out to eat a Chinese Restaurant and were able to get a big arrangement of vegan food with some to take home. It goes to show you can be vegan on the road!

Back to the ice cream, watch this video to see how to make it or see below!

Ingredients

3 Cups Frozen Banana Slices (1/2 - 1" pieces)
1 Heaping Cup Frozen Blackberries

Peaceful Preparation

Pulse, scrape, pulse, scrape, pulse, pulse, pulse, scrape.
Blend on level 1, scrape, repeat until it swirls together. Scoop and serve! Opt to top with extra berries!

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Pineapple Paradise Cups - 4 Ingredients

8/14/2015 0 Comments

I love getting a fresh sweet smelling pineapple from the market. I don't know why I don't get more than 1 or 2 as it seems they disappear all too quickly. This last week I made healthy frozen desserts using only four healthy ingredients for one sweet treat. Pineapple, bananas, cranberries and pecans are alchemically combined for bliss in each bite. The crust is made with pecans and cranberries, topped with banana slices, pureed pineapple, more banana slices and cranberry gems for a beautiful dessert. With no refined sugars, dairy or gluten you can have more than one and still feel great!

Total Time: 4+ Hours Freeze | Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Pecan Meal
1/2 Cup Cranberries, Divided
1 1/2-2 Ripe Bananas, Divided
3/4 Cup Pureed Pineapple

Peaceful Preparation:

Process pecans in a food processor to create pecan meal. Add 1/4 cup of the cranberries and process until the mixture is sticky. Divide evenly in 6 cupcake liners. I prefer silicone for non-stick.
Slice 1 banana and place banana slices on top of the crust, creating a banana layer.
Pour the 3/4 cup pureed pineapple on top of the banana layer, spreading evenly over the 6 treats.
Decorate with remaining cranberries and banana slices. Freeze for 4+ hours, until solid. Remove from freezer, allow to thaw for 5 minutes, or until you can enjoy easily.

Tips:

Use your favorite nut or seed to create the meal.
Use raisins or your favorite dried fruit.
Use your favorite fruit puree.

P.S. - The Artistic Vegan Cookbook is available for pre-sale! The book is complete with over 150 vegan + gluten-free recipes, a meal plan and it even includes my vegan story. It is over 400 pages and will be ready for you by the end of this month! I'm making the final adjustments now. I was hoping to have it out in July but as the Rolling Stones song goes "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you might find, you get what you need..."
Have a wonderful weekend ~ Love, Christa

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Liver & Blood Detox Elixir

8/13/2015 0 Comments

We recently enjoyed a Liver & Blood Cleanse that tastes surprisingly good. My goal was taste with full cleansing efforts. Cleansing your liver can relieve fatigue, body aches and nausea. It also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, relieve allergies, increases the amount of amino acids that reach your cells and so much more. Once your liver is working optimally it can increase your overall energy levels. Read more about the benefits and side effects here. With all of the taxing duties we impose on our liver, even just through the environment, it is important to give it a little care. Give this smoothie a try and see how you feel!

Servings: 2 Elixirs

Smoothie:

1 Small Carrot - Chopped in chunks
1 Tbsp. - Dehydrated Greens (or 1-2 cups fresh)
1 Organic Key Lime - Quartered
1/2 Cup - Frozen Papaya
1 Cup - Frozen Bananas
2 Tbsp. - Chia Seeds
2 tsp - Dehydrated Beet Powder
1 Cantaloupe - Divided
Water
OPT BOOSTERS: 1/2 tsp Reishi Mushroom Powder, 1 tsp Chaga Mushroom powder, 1 tsp Moringa Powder, 1/8 tsp Resveratrol

Peaceful Preparation

Cut the cantaloupe in half. Remove the seeds, create a bowl for the smoothie. Scoop 1/2 cup of the cantaloupe and put it in the blender, place extras in the freezer, fridge, in the smoothie or enjoy as is.
Combine the carrot, greens, lime (including skin),papaya, bananas, chia seeds, beet powder and optional boosters in the blender. Fill the blender with water over the ingredients, up until the 4 cup fill line.
Blend until completely smooth. Pour in the prepared cantaloupe bowl. Opt to top with chia seeds, puffed amaranth and desiccated coconut or as desired.