Chocolate • Peanut Butter Cups

I used to be a chronic Reese Peanut Butter Cup Junkie! Even though they tasted great to me, they were not the best option health wise.

Let's be honest, we all have our secret junk food addictions. I think the best thing is to learn how to make a healthier version of it and this way you won't cheat yourself of that past indulgence. After making these I am more conscious of the intake because I am aware of all the ingredients. This version only has 5 ingredients: Raw Cacao, Organic Maple Syrup, Coconut Oil, and Natural Peanut Butter.  This is a yummy, protein, essential fatty acid, and anti-depressant treat.

For the Peanut Butter
3/4 C Organic Peanut Butter
1 tbsp Organic Grade B Maple Syrup
2 tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)

For the Chocolate
1/4 C Raw Cacao Powder
1 tbsp Organic Grade B Maple Syrup
2.5 Tbsp Coconut Oil Melted

I used a silicone Mold, so I had to assemble the cup backwards. If you use a paper cup or silicone cup prepare the peanut butter first then the Chocolate top.  This Recipe yield 12 servings.

First for the Chocolate:
Combine the Raw Cacao, Maple Syrup, and melted Coconut oil in medium size bowl. Mix everything until you get a chocolate sauce consistency.  Drop one spoonful of the mixture in the molds and then set aside.

Next for the Peanut Butter:
Combine the Peanut Butter (of your choice). Maple Syrup, and Melted Coconut oil in a bowl until you have a super smooth consistency. With a spoon drop onto the chocolate and smooth the surface. Place in  your freezer for 30 minutes and then enjoy. 

*Remember if you use paper baking cups your will resemble the opposite way. 

Each candy is 135.8 Calories, 5 g Carbs, 12g healthy Fat, 2g Protein, 3g Sugar. Reese's Can't Beat that. 

ENJOY

Delicious Vegan ♦ Carrot Oat Cookies

Lately I have been craving carrots. Last night after making a double batch of Carrot OIAJ, I had extra shredded carrots and wanted to experiment. After much pondering I decided to go with cookies, but ones that I wouldn't feel bad about eating. Trust me don't let the Vegan title fool you, these are DELICIOUS, and you won't miss the egg, flour, dairy or butter. This recipe makes 24 cookies at only 68 calories, 2.6 grams of fat 11 carbs, 4.6g sugar, 1.8g protein

You will need:

1.5 Cups of Oats

3 Ripe Bananas

3/4  Cup of Carrots

2 tbsp Shredded Coconut (unsweetened)

1 tsp Almond Butter

1/4 Cup Raisins

1/4 Cup Walnuts

1 tbsp Ground Flax seed

1 tsp Cinnamon

24 Annie's Honey Grahams

1/4 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips( I get these from my local Health food store)

1 tbsp Agave

Grind Oats in food processor until a meal like texture. Place in large bowl with all dry ingredients, except for the Honey Grahams, Agave, and Dark Chocolate ( keep these aside for toppings).

Then add your carrots and Banana and fold together with a spatula or clean hands. I like using my hands, it's a bit of a stress reliever.  When you are done you will have a sticky mixture, just begging to be baked. 

Pre-Heat your Oven 350 Degrees Fahrenheit. and lay parchment paper on your cookie sheet. Use a tablespoon to dollop out the 24 cookies, I promise this will measure the right amount. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, and then remove. Drizzle Agave and dark chocolate on top of cookies while they are still warm. Then place one bunny on top for a cute factor. Pop back in oven for 3 minutes, remove and set aside to cool.

Bite into your delicious morsel and then Enjoy! These are great as mini snacks around the house. You can freeze the remainder, or just bring them into work and share with your co-workers.

Caramel Casein Pudding

Do you ever feel in the need for something filling at night that won't derail your health efforts? I know this feeling over comes me, especially after an intense work-out. The hunger monster was calling my name the other day and I decided to make a  protein packed pudding that would shut my stomach up.

Casein: is a protein found in milk and is used as a binding agent. This protein is slow-digesting and can help with muscle breakdown while you sleep. If you don't have any milk allergies, this is a great source of protein first thing in the morning or right before bed. The slow digestion helps curb the feeling of hunger.

You'll Need:
1 scoop Casein Powder (I use Gold Standard)
1/2 Cup Almond or Soy Milk
1/4 tsp of Caramel Extract
1tbs Nut Butter of Choice (For this recipe I used cashew...drool)
1 tbsp Unsweetened Carob Chips
8 Bunny Graham (Or any cookie for crunch)

In a bowl Mix the Casein, milk, and extract together. Then in a separate container add the nut butter and carob chips (or you can substitute for dark chocolate chips) in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Mix all ingredients together with a fork, until you get a pudding consistency. Put the ingredients in the fridge for 15 minutes. When you are ready to eat it top the pudding with your favorite crunchers.
Enjoy!