Chocolate Covered Trailmix Bites

A SUPER HEART HEALTHY SNACK

A wonderful recipe adapted from the Whole Foods recipe website

                       Great Snack Option For Packing Along On Long Saturday Morning Hikes

 

 

Chocolate Covered Trailmix Bites

Ingredients:

1 Cup Nuts of Choice
1 Cup Dried Berries
Optional add ins:
      1/4 Cup Shredded Coconut
      1/4 Cup Seeds
      1/2 Pretzels
    or buy a prepackaged (1lb) Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Assortment--try and find berries in the mix
1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips- Try Giradelle 62% Cacoa

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchement paper and set to side

Combine all your ingredients excluding Chocolate Chips in a large bowl and mix well.

Gently melt the chocolate in a sauce pan on medium to low heat about 2 minutes.

Stir in all but 1/4 cup of trailmix

Spoon out balls onto the baking sheet

Sprinkle remaining trailmix on top and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes

Pack these delicious babies along with you on your next outdoor adventure.

Summer Coconut Carrot Salad

I am still on my coconut and carrot kick. Ever since Easter I have been drooling over the combination of  coconut and carrots. They complement each other so well that I can't stop myself from coming up with ways to pair them.

I hope you enjoy my summer salad as much as I do!

SUMMER COCONUT CARROT SALAD

Ingredients:

4 Large Carrots
1 Tbls Plain Non Fat Greek Yogurt or 1 Tbls Olive Oil Mayo
1 Tbls Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Chunked Pineapples
2 Tbls Almonds
1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro
3 Tbls Shredded Coconut
1/4 Cup Raisins
Optional Add In: 2 Tbls Sunflower Seeds

Directions:

1. Place your carrots in a food processor and give quick pulses to chop into small pieces, being mindful not to puree the carrots.

2. Add Yogurt/Mayo, Olive Oil, Pineapple, Almonds, and Cilantro to the food processor.
    Give 3-4 quick pulses to combine all the ingredients. Again being mindful not to puree.

3. Transfer to a bowl and stir in Coconut, Raisins, and the optional Sunflower Seeds.

4. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill.

This is a great fresh side dish for your summer picnics and barbeques.

Happy Summer Friends!
~K

A Yummy Salad

 A Yummy Salad 

3 Carrots, shredded
1 Sweet Potato, shredded
1 Beet, shredded
1 Cup Kale, shredded
1/2 Cup Goji Berries
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon Raw Honey
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 juice lemon
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Combine carrots, sweet potato, kale and goji berries in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, lemon, and sesame seeds. Add mixture to the large bowl.

(Note: If you have a shredder blade on your food processor use it! This salad takes less than 5 minutes by using the shredded blade)

Enjoy
~D

Fresh and Free Orange Julius

One of my favorite desserts my mom would make my sister and I when we were younger was her famous Orange Julius's. They were creamy and scrumptious! She would use creamy vanilla ice cream and can of frozen orange juice! Put a little whipped cream on the top, throw in a little love, and it was an amazing treat!!!

But now that I am health conscience and food seems to stick to my thighs and belly a little more than when I was younger, I opt to skip the Orange Julius frozen treats. TOTAL BUMMER! But by combining some fresh ingredients I can still get that same great flavor an Orange Julius brings to the table.




FRESH AND FREE ORANGE JULIUS

Ingredients:

1 Medium Seedless Orange- Peeled
1 Frozen Banana - Peeled
1 Cup Dairy Free Vanilla Milk- Soy or Almond
          Or Plain Dairy Free Milk with 1 TBLS Vanilla Extract
Zest from the Orange
1 Packet Stevia
Optional: 1 Scoop Protein Powder Mix
Optional: 1/2 Cup Ice for more of an icey frozen drink


Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender or high powered drink mixer and combine until smooth and creamy

Pour into a cup and consume!!

Whipped Greek Cheese Frosting

Brodie's just celebrated his 4th Birthday. He informed me he wanted a Pirate Cake. So with my task in hand, I was on the verge to create an amazing and healthy frosting for his cake. And I am pretty sure I succeeded!

Whipped Greek Cheese Frosting

Prep time: 12 hrs

Ingredients:
10 oz Plain Fat Free Greek Yogurt
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Lemon Juice
2 packets Stevia
2 Cheese Cloths
1 tub TruWhip or 1 tub Cool Whip Sugar Free


Directions:
In a bowl add yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, and stevia. Stir well to mix.

In a clean bowl fold a cheese cloth in half two times and lay open in a bowl.
Pour the yogurt mixture on top of the cheese cloth.
Fold your second cheese cloth in half two times and place on top of the yogurt.
Place your yogurt in the fridge for 12 hrs.

After your yogurt is firm, place in a large bowl.
Mash the yogurt cheese with a fork to break up.
Add half of the tub of Whipped Topping to bowl and mix with an electric mixer.
Add second half of Whipped Topping and mix for 1 minute.

Your frosting should be thick and creamy.

Keep in the fridge until you are going to serve to keep frosting firm.

Top on Cupcakes, Cakes, inbetween Cookies or Waffles, or use as a nice fruit dip.



Try subing different extracts or juices to your yogurt before placing in the fridge for new icing flavors:
1 tsp Coconut Extract
1 tsp Orange Extract (Orange Meringue)
2 tbls Cocoa Powder and 1 tsp Mint Extract (Mint Chocolate)
1 tbls Lime Extract (Key Lime)
1 tbls pineapple juice and 1 tsp coconut extract (Island Frosting)


Or try Flavored Greek Yogurts (tip: there is a lot of sugar in pre-flavored yogurts, so sometimes it's best to create your own flavor)

Coconut Carrot-Cake Dairy Free Milkshake

  

  "  My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard..and they're like, it's better than yours....."

I can't make a milkshake without busting out this song and jumping around the kitchen; and then my 4 year old starts singing it, which let me assure you he has never heard the radio version!

"My milkshake" is a bit classier than this song and it is the perfect indulgence on a warm spring day for enjoying out in the yard...LOL

It must be that Easter was recently in the air, but I have been digging carrots and coconut lately. So I whipped up this super yummy dairy free milkshake. I love that I can enjoy this without calorie and fat consumption guilt.

Coconut Carrot Cake Milkshake

Ingredients:

1 Large Frozen Banana

3/4 Cup Almond Breeze "Coconut Almond Blend Milk"

1 Medium Raw Carrot

1/8 tsp Coconut Extract or 1 Tbls Shredded Coconut or BOTH

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Allspice

1/8 tsp Ground Ginger

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 packet Stevia

Great Optional Add Ins:

1 Scoop Protein Powder (add 1/4 Cup additional milk if powder makes your milkshake too thick)

1 Tbls Pumpkin Puree

Combine all your ingredients in blender or drink mixer. Blend until carrot and banana are well blended.

Pour into a cup and  .......    Get Your Milkshake On!!

RAW Thai Cashew Curry

RAW Thai Cashew Curry

3 Carrots, peeled
2 medium Parsnips, peeled
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon Raw Honey
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
2 teaspoon Curry Powder
1 teaspoon Ginger Powder
1 juice of lemon
1/2 cup cashews

Chop carrots and parsnips in food processor. Add carrots, parsnips, and cumber in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, curry powder, ginger powder, and lemon. Add to large bowl along with cashews. Stir ingredients together and enjoy!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "COFFEE COFFEE BUZZ BUZZ"

FRO-YO
MOCK BEN AND JERRY'S "COFFEE COFFEE BUZZ BUZZ"


INGREDIENTS:

1 FROZEN BANANA
1 TBLS INSTANT COFFEE (MIXED WITH 1 TBLS WATER)
1 PACKET STEVIA

ADD INS:
HANDFUL OF CHOCOLATE COVERED EXPRESSO BEANS


DIRECTIONS:

TO CREATE YOUR COFFEE BUZZ BEGIN TO BLEND YOUR BANANA, COFFEE, AND STEVIA IN A FOOD PROCESSOR. BLEND UNTIL YOUR BASE BECOMES CREAMY AND SMOOTH.

THROW IN YOUR CHOCOLATE COVERED EXPRESSO BEANS AND GIVE YOUR FOOD PROCESSOR 1 QUICK PULSE TO MIX INGREDIENTS.

PLACE IN A BOWL AND GET A BUZZ!!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE"

FRO-YO
MOCK BEN AND JERRY'S "STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE"


INGREDIENTS:

1 FROZEN BANANA
1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT
1/2 CUP FROZEN STRAWBERRIES

ADD INS:

1 TBLS WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE


DIRECTIONS:

PLACE FROZEN BANANA, EXTRACT, AND FROZEN STRAWBERRIES IN A FOOD  PROCESSOR. BLEND YOUR INGREDIENTS UNTIL THEY BECOME SMOOTH AND CREAMY.
YOU WILL NEED TO SCRAPE DOWN YOUR SIDES OCCASIONALLY.

ONCE YOUR BASE IS CREAMY ADD IN YOUR CREAM CHEESE AND GIVE 1 QUICK PULSE.

TRANSFER TO A BOWL AND INDULGE IN A YUMMY TREAT.

If you prefer a firmer ice cream rather than soft and creamy, place in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "MILK & COOKIES"

Dairy Free Fro-Yo
Ben and Jerry's Mock "Milk and Cookies"


INGREDIENTS
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Add Ins:
1/2 tsp Brown Sugar Splenda Blend
2 Tbls Chocolate Chips


DIRECTIONS:
Create your vanilla base by adding your base ingredients to a food processor and blending until creamy. This will take about 1 minute.

Add in your brown sugar and chocolate chips and give your food processor a quick pulse to blend.

Transfer to a bowl or cone.

ENJOY!!

If you find your ice cream too soft place in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "CINNAMON BUNS"

DAIRY FREE FRO-YO
MOCK BEN AND JERRY'S "CINNAMON BUNS"


INGREDIENTS:
1 Frozen Banana
2 Soaked Pitted Dates (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
1 tsp Cinnamon

Add Ins:
Sprinkle Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Maple Syrup

DIRECTIONS:
In a food processor add your base ingredients and blend for a minute or until creamy.

Add in Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup. Give a quick pulse to blend.

Transfer to a bowl and ENJOY!!!

If you prefer your ice cream to be a bit firmer, place in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock BJ's "CHERRY GARCIA"

DAIRY FREE FRO-YO
BEN AND JERRY'S MOCK "CHERRY GARCIA"

INGREDIENTS
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp Vanilla Extract


Add Ins:
1/4 Cup Frozen Cherries
2 Tbls Chocolate Chips-Use Vegan Chips for Dairy Free Option

DIRECTIONS:
Add frozen banana and vanilla to a food processor and blend until creamy. About 1 minute.

When you banana is creamy add your cherries and chocolate chips and blend for about 15 seconds.

Place in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up or scoop and eat now!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIE"

MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIE

BASE:
1 Frozen Banana
2 tsp Cocoa Powder
1 Drop Mint Extract

Add Ins:
1 Tbls Chocolate Chips- Use Vegan Chips for a Dairy Free option

Blend your base ingredients in a food processor until creamy, this should take about 1 minute.

Add in your chocolate chips and give 1 quick pulse for a quick mix.

Enjoy!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "MUD PIE"

Dairy Free Fro-Yo
Mock Ben & Jerry's "Mud Pie"

Base:
1 Banana
1 Tsp Cocoa Powder
1 Tbls Instant Coffee  (mixed with 1 Tbls Water)
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract


Blend your ingredients in a food processor for about a minute or until smooth and creamy.


Place in freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up or eat up now!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock BJ's "PEANUT BUTTER CUP"

Mock
Ben & Jerry's
 Peanut Butter Cup

Base: 1 Frozen Banana; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 Tbls Peanut Butter

Add In's: 1 Tbls Chocolate Chips

Add base ingredients to a food processor and begin to whip until all ingredients are creamy.

Transfer ice cream to a bowl.

Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl and heat in microwave to 15 seconds.

Stir into ice cream.

SUPER YUMMY!!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock BJ's "BROWNIE BATTER"

Mock
Ben & Jerry's
Brownie Batter

Base:

1 Frozen Banana

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1-2 Soft Pitted Dates

Add In:

1 Tbls Walnuts

Top on a Vita Brownie or Muffin

Add all your ingredients to a food processor and blend to a creamy consistancy for about 1-2 minutes.

When all ingredients are well blended top on a warm brownie and

ENJOY!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock BJ's "CHUBBY HUBBY"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby

Base: 1 Frozen Banana; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 Tbls Peanut Butter

Add Ins: 1 Tbls Chocolate Chips (Vegan Chips for a dairy free option); 5 Small Pretzels

Create your base by adding the ingredients in a food processor. Blend for about 1 minute until creamy.

Add in Chocolate chips and pretzels. Give a couple quick pulses to mix.

Transfer to a bowl and enjoy!

If you would like a firmer ice cream place in freezer for about 15 minutes.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock BJ's "FAIR GOODNESS CAKE"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Fair Goodness Cake

Base:
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Cocoa Powder
1-2 Soft Pitted Dates

Add in:

1 Tbls Coconut Flakes

Place all your base ingredients in a food processor and blend to a creamy consistancy for about 1 minute.

Add your coconut flakes and give your food processor a whirl again for about 15 seconds.

Eat up now or place in freezer to firm up a bit. About 15 minutes.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock BJ's 'BONNAROO BUZZ"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Bonnaroo Buzz
Base:
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp Vanilla Extract;
1 Tbls Instant Coffee mixed with 1 tbls water
1-2 Soft Pitted Dates

Add In:
4 Malt Balls

Create your base by blending all ingredients in a food processor until creamy for about 1 minute.
Throw in Malt balls and give a couple quick pulses.
Get your ROCK on NOW or place in freezer to firm for about 15 minutes.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo "CHOCOLATE"

Chocolate Dairy Free Fro-Yo

Ingredients:
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Cocoa Powder

Directions:

Blend Banana, Vanilla, and Cocoa Powder in Food Processor for about 1 minute until creamy.


Enjoy now or freeze for an additional 15 minutes to create a firmer ice cream.

Enjoy!

Fro-Yo "NUT' TELL'N YA"

NUT' TELL'N YA   FRO-YO
1 Frozen Banana
2 tbls cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbls Nutella or Chocolate Peanut Butter

Blend banana, cocoa powder, and vanilla in a food processor to a chunky consistency. Add in nutella and continue to blend until creamy.

Transfer to a cone or a bowl and enjoy this creamy dessert.

Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "DUBLIN MUDSLIDE"

NOT KID FRIENDLY!!!!!!!

THIS HAS ALCOHOL IN IT!!!!

 Mock Ben & Jerry's Dublin Mudslide

Chocolate Base:
1 Large Frozen Banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 Tbls Instant Coffee (mixed with 1 Tbls water)
1 Tbls Irish Cream


Add Ins:
1 Tbls Chocolate Chips

Create your base by blending all ingredients in a food processor. Blend for about a minute until creamy.
Add in Chocolate Chips and give a few quick pulses to mix.

Transfer to a bowl and either INDULGE now or freeze for about 15 minutes to firm up.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's 'SCHWEDDY BALLS"

 Mock Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls Fro-Yo

Vanilla Base:
1 Frozen Banana
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Rum Extract

Add Ins:
About 4 Malt Balls

Create your base by blending all ingredients in a food processor for about 1 minute or until creamy.
Add in malt balls and give a couple quick pulses to blend.

Transfer to a bowl and either freeze for about 15 minutes to firm up or enjoy this creamy snack now!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo 'STRAWBERRY VANILLA"

 Strawberry-Vanilla Dairy Free Fro-Yo

Ingredients:

1 Frozen Banana

1/2 Cup Frozen Strawberries

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Blend all three ingredients in a food processor for about a minute or until creamy.

Transfer to a bowl and indulge!

This tastes like sorbet! ENJOY!!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo "PECAN PIE"

Fro-Yo Pecan Pie


Vanilla Base:
1 Frozen Banana
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Add Ins:
1 Tbls Pecans halved
1 tsp WARM Agave Syrup
1 Graham Cracker
Create your vanilla base by blending your banana and vanilla extract in a food processor for about 1 minute.
Add in  Pecans, Agave Syrup, and Graham Cracker. Give 3 quick pulses for a chunky mix.

Transfer to a bowl and Enjoy!

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "BERRIED TREASURE"

 Mock Ben & Jerry's Berried Treasure

1 Frozen Banana

1 tspVanilla Extract 

1 tsp Lemon Juice 

1/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries 

1/4 Cup Frozen Blackberries

Combine all your ingredients in a food processor and blend for about 1 minute until creamy.

Top over fresh fruit and ENJOY!

This one tastes like sorbet! SO YUMMY!

Banana Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "PHISH FOOD"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Phish Food

Chocolate Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

1 Soft Pitted Date

Add Ins:

1 Tbls Whipped Cream Cheese

1 Tbls Chocolate Chips Melted

Create your base by adding all your ingredients in a food processor and blend for about a minute.

Place you Chocolate Chips in a bowl and heat in microwave for 15 seconds.
When your base is creamy add in cream cheese and melted chocolate chips. Give 2 quick pulses for a quick mix.

Transfer to a bowl and either freeze for 15 minutes or enjoy now!

Banana Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "CHEESE CAKE BROWNIE"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Cheese Cake Brownie

Chocolate Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

Add Ins:

1 tbls Whipped Cream Cheese

1 Chocolate Vita Brownie or Vita Muffin

Create your chocolate base by blending your banana, vanilla, and coco powder for about a minute.

Add in cream cheese and give a couple quick pulses.

Transfer to a bowl.

Cut your Vita Brownie in chunks and top on your ice cream.

Enjoy!

Tip: for a firmer ice cream place in freezer for 15 minutes

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "MAGIC BROWNIES"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Magic Brownies

Berry Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1/2 Frozen Raspberries

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Additional ingredients:

Chocolate Chip Vita Muffin or Vita Brownie

Create your base by blending banana, raspberries, and vanilla extract in a  food processor for about 1 minute or until well blended.

Warm your Vita Muffin or Brownie in the microwave for about 1 minute.

Top your warm brownie with the ice cream and enjoy a nice satisfying dessert.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "KARMEL SUTRA"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Karmel Sutra

Chocolate Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

2 Soft Pitted Dates  (soak dates in water for 30 minutes to make soft)

Add ins:

1 Tbls Chocolate Chips-Use Vegan Chips for a dairy free option

Create your base by blending banana, vanilla, soft pitted dates, and cocoa powder in a food processor for about 1 minute or until it becomes creamy and well blended.

Add Chocolate Chips to the blender and give a few quick pulses.

Transfer to a bowl or cone and Enjoy!!

The dates in this recipe help give the caramel flavor.

Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "ROCKY ROADISH"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Rocky Roadish

Chocolate Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

Add ins:

1 Tbls Whipped Cream Cheese

1 Chocolate Chips

1 Tbls Almonds

Create your chocolate base by blending banana, vanilla, and cocoa powder in a food processor for about 1 minute or until it becomes creamy.

Add to the food processor almonds and chocolate chips. Give 3-4 quick pulses to chop.

Add in cream cheese and give another quick pulse for a quick blend.

Enjoy!

For a more firmer dessert place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo "BANANA SPLIT"

Banana Split

Vanilla Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Add ins:

Chopped Strawberries

1 Tbls Nuts

1 Tbls Chocolate Chips -Use Vegan Chips for a Dairy Free Dessert

Create your vanilla base by blending the banana and vanilla in a food processor for about 1 minute.

Add in Strawberries, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips to the food processor. Give 3-4 quick pulses to chop up. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy!

For a more firmer dessert place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Dairy Free Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "COCONUT SEVEN LAYER"

Mock Ben & Jerry's Coconut Seven Layer

Chocolate Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

Add Ins:

2 tsp Coconut 

1 Tbls Walnuts

1 Graham Cracker

Create your chocolate base by blending banana, vanilla, and coco powder in a food processor for about 1 minute. 

Add to the food processor the coconut and walnuts. Pulse 3 quick pulses.

Add graham crackers to food processor and give 2 quick pulses. Enough that they break into large crumbles.

Transfer to a bowl, cone, or both and EAT UP!!!

Enjoy now or place in freezer for 15 minutes for a firmer dessert.

Fro-Yo Mock B&J's "S'MORES"

Mock Ben & Jerry's S'mores

Chocolate Base:

1 Frozen Banana

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cocoa Powder

Add Ins:

1 Tbls Whipped Cream Cheese

1 Graham Cracker

Optional: 1 Tbls Melted Chocolate Chips (place in bowl and microwave for 15 seconds)

Create your base by blending your banana, vanilla, and cocoa powder in a food processor for about a minute.

Add in cream cheese and graham crackers and give 2 quick pulses for quick mix. I like my graham crackers to be chunky. You can always let the food processor whirl for about 15 seconds to completely blend in.

Transfer to a bowl. If you want a really chocolatey dessert, drizzle with melted chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

If you like your ice cream firmer rather than soft and creamy, place in the freezer for 15 minutes.