Vegan Raw Desserts

healthy eating

Orange Zest Brownie Bites

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I am making Orange Zest Brownie Bites today! This is one of my favorite on-the-go treats. They are so easy to make and perfect for your bagged lunch or even plane trips. The orange zest takes these brownies to the next level! I hope you all enjoy these as much as I do!

Check out my youtube video below to watch just how simple it is to make these yummy balls!


Raw Vegan Orange Zest Brownie Bites
Print Recipe
These bites of yumminess are so good that they never last in my home for over 24 hours! They will become your NEW obsession!
Servings Prep Time
12 balls 8 minutes
Servings Prep Time
12 balls 8 minutes
Raw Vegan Orange Zest Brownie Bites
Print Recipe
These bites of yumminess are so good that they never last in my home for over 24 hours! They will become your NEW obsession!
Servings Prep Time
12 balls 8 minutes
Servings Prep Time
12 balls 8 minutes
Ingredients
Servings: balls
Instructions
  1. Process all dry ingredients into food processor until finally ground. Add remaining ingredients (excluding orange juice) and process until well blended. Add orange juice and process until evenly blended. Roll into inch round balls.
Recipe Notes

Helpful Hints:

To make shaping these brownie bites into balls a simpler, allow dough to sit in refrigerator for 15 minutes after blending.

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Fig Bars

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I am making Fig Bars today! This is a family favorite that I just can’t make often enough.

I was inspired to create a healthier version of fig newtons because my dad loved them so much.  The only down side with traditional fig newtons is that they are loaded with unnecessary refined ingredients like flours and sugar.  But guess what…mine don’t! The best part is that my dad loves this version so much that I have to ship my mom large bags of figs monthly so they can enjoy them for their daily lunch time snack.

Check out my youtube video below to watch just how simple it is to make these bars!


Fig Bars
Print Recipe
If you like Fig Newtons, then meet you healthy no-guilt option! The filling is a perfect blend of orange citrus and sweet fig, paired with a cake-like base and light crumble topping...it really doesn't get much better than this!
Servings Prep Time
12 15 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours (soak)
Servings Prep Time
12 15 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours (soak)
Fig Bars
Print Recipe
If you like Fig Newtons, then meet you healthy no-guilt option! The filling is a perfect blend of orange citrus and sweet fig, paired with a cake-like base and light crumble topping...it really doesn't get much better than this!
Servings Prep Time
12 15 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours (soak)
Servings Prep Time
12 15 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours (soak)
Ingredients
Base & Crumble
Filling
Servings:
Instructions
Base & Crumble Layer
  1. Process all ingredients into food processor until well combined. Press 3/4 of the mixture into a parchment-lined 8x8 pan. Set aside remaining mixture to sprinkle in top of filling.
Filling Layer
  1. Process all ingredients into food processor until well combined. Spread filling evenly onto crust. Sprinkle remaining crumble to fully cover cover filling. Place in the freezer for 2 hours. Cut, serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes

Helpful Hints:
To make serving these bars easier, cut while still frozen.

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Lavender Almond Milk

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Happy New Year Everyone! I don’t know about you, but 2017 already feels like a fresh spring morning. (Disclaimer: I live in San Diego, and the weather is currently a constant 60-70 degrees!) I am so excited for all the things my team and I have planned for this year. There will be more recipes, videos, workshops, and we are going NATIONAL! That’s right! If you followed me throughout last year, you know we launched the cookbook, Sweets In The Raw: Naturally Healthy Desserts, we hosted events at True Food Kitchen and  Williams-Sonoma, had over a dozen TV segments and had a nation radio interview. But I am hear to say, that was just the warm up! This year, you will be seeing Naturally Healthy Desserts in Thrive and Clean Eating Magazine, I will be on big time TV shows and we are bringing in some amazing people to bring you guys more amazing content!

Thank you all for the support through last year and let me know what you would love to see! I love what I do and want to bring it all to you! I hope you enjoy this new lavender almond milk recipe I created to help relax and unwind.

PS: I am looking for interns for social media, photography and video. If you know anyone who maybe interested, please have them send me their application.

 

Lavender Almond Milk
Print Recipe
Homemade almond milk is so yummy and much healthier than the store bought options. By making a fresh batch for yourself you can ensure there is no processed sugars, preservatives or additives. My basic almond milk recipe is AMAZING, but now we are taking it up a notch.
Servings Prep Time
4-5 cups 10 minutes
Passive Time
12-24 hours
Servings Prep Time
4-5 cups 10 minutes
Passive Time
12-24 hours
Lavender Almond Milk
Print Recipe
Homemade almond milk is so yummy and much healthier than the store bought options. By making a fresh batch for yourself you can ensure there is no processed sugars, preservatives or additives. My basic almond milk recipe is AMAZING, but now we are taking it up a notch.
Servings Prep Time
4-5 cups 10 minutes
Passive Time
12-24 hours
Servings Prep Time
4-5 cups 10 minutes
Passive Time
12-24 hours
Ingredients
Servings: cups
Instructions
  1. Soak almonds overnight. Drain and rinse almonds. Add all ingredients into blender and blend for 2 minutes. Strain through a nut milk bag.
Recipe Notes

Be sure to squeeze out all of remaining liquid from the nut bag to make the cleaning process easier.

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3 Nutrition Trends to Follow in 2017

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Jumping on the plant-based bandwagon has never tasted so good. More and more chefs are putting their time and energy into creating delicious healthy options. Here are my favorite trends!

Soup Cleanses:

Juice cleansing has been popular for several years but 2017 is all about the soup cleanse! Why? Because soup cleansing is full of more nutrients, vitamins and, most importantly, fiber, which means it has all of the benefits of eating veggies in their whole form. The best part is it is also more filling than basic juice cleansing!

soup-blog-image

Golden Lattes:

Anti-inflammatory food have already made their impression on 2016, and it will make it mark in 2017! Golden lattes are drinks made with turmeric, coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon and unsweetened plant-based milk. It’s delicious!

golden latte

http://nutritionstripped.com

Zoodles:

Spiraled vegetables — yes please!  2017 is all about the Zoodle! They are incredibly nutritious and a healthy alternative to highly processed pasta. Zoodles are a fun way to increase the amount of vegetables we eat and are the perfect low carb option.

zoodles

Jumping on board the plant-based bandwagon has never tasted so good. More and more chef are putting their time and energy into creating delicious healthy options. Here are my favorite trends!

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

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Chocolate Mousse, this is probably one of the most loved desserts of all time! The smooth, creamy, silky texture, combined with a rich dark chocolate flavor is irreplaceable!

vegan-chocolate-puuding

This recipe took me almost two full years to develop because I am such a mousse snob. I grew up enjoying the original homemade version loaded with lots of sugar and milk of course and I refused to settle for anything less! Finally I have created a dairy-free, gluten-free and most importantly refined-sugar free mousse that you can feel good about enjoying!

Check out my latest cooking segment on CW6 San Diego Living.
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Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Print Recipe
Chocolate Mousse is one of the most loved desserts of all time! The smooth, creamy, silky texture, combined with a rich dark chocolate flavor is irreplaceable!
Servings Prep Time
8 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
4 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
4 hours
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Print Recipe
Chocolate Mousse is one of the most loved desserts of all time! The smooth, creamy, silky texture, combined with a rich dark chocolate flavor is irreplaceable!
Servings Prep Time
8 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
4 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
4 hours
Ingredients
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients into blender. Blend until silky and smooth consistency. (About 1 minute)
  2. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes

Helpful Hint:

I love topping my mousse with a fresh batch of coconut whipped cream. It really compliments the dark rich filling.

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How to Lock in Your New Years Resolution!

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resolutions-2017
2017 is almost here! Another year is in the books, and we all have the best of intentions to take the best of 2016 and make 2017 even better. But like many of you, sometimes setting a New Years resolution and keeping it seems impossible by January 2nd! Here are my top 4 tricks to keeping my New Years resolutions.

#1 I don’t call it a resolution! That’s right, I feel like the word itself means we are gonna make our best attempt, but, if we fail… Well, we tried. The word resolution has been so watered down, there is no commitment behind the word anymore. Instead, I call it my goal for the new year. A goal gives you a different head space and a way to easily break down what you will need to do it.

#2 Be Specific.Whatever your goal is for the New Year, be specific. If it is weight loss, give yourself a specific number and a realistic date to accomplish it. If it is eating healthier, what does that mean to you? Cutting a specific food group? Not eating processed food for so many days? Be as detailed as possible.

#3 Find someone to hold you accountable.This one is pretty self explainable, but having an accountability buddy really goes a long way! Don’t feel like working out today? Well your workout buddy is already waiting for you at the gym. 🙂

#4 Be patient with yourself! Good habits take time. Don’t expect too much too soon and then just give up the first time the opportunity appears. Instead, remember tip 1, 2 and 3 and they will get you back on track.

I would love to know what your New Years Goal is! Share below.

Holiday Peanut Butter Cups

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Happy Holidays Everyone! Today I am putting a holiday twist on an all time favorite, Peanut Butter Cups. These healthy vegan treats have all  the fun, but none of the guilt or refined sugar. I have this chocolate in my freezer at all times.

Check out the video below to see how easy it is to make these little guys.


Vegan Holiday Peanut Butter Cups
Print Recipe
Healthy, vegan holiday themed peanut butter cups.
Servings Prep Time
24 candies 10 minutes
Passive Time
1 hours
Servings Prep Time
24 candies 10 minutes
Passive Time
1 hours
Vegan Holiday Peanut Butter Cups
Print Recipe
Healthy, vegan holiday themed peanut butter cups.
Servings Prep Time
24 candies 10 minutes
Passive Time
1 hours
Servings Prep Time
24 candies 10 minutes
Passive Time
1 hours
Ingredients
Chocolate
Peanut Butter Filling
Servings: candies
Instructions
Chocolate
  1. Mix all wet ingredients together in a small bowl. Add cacao powder and whisk until well blended. Use about 1/2 teaspoon to distribute chocolate into holiday tree mold. Transport to freezer to set while making peanut butter filling.
Peanut Butter Filling
  1. Mix all ingredients together in small mixing bowl. Place filling into piping bag. Fill remainder of tree mold with peanut butter mixture. Let freeze for one hour.
Recipe Notes

Helpful Hint:

A little goes a long way with the chocolate sauce. Remember that the peanut butter is the superstar and let it shine. Also note peanut butter trees should be enjoyed straight out of the freezer.

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2016 Gift Guide!

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2016 Gift Giving Guide

I love, love, love this time of the year! I have spent the last 11 months taking mental notes to make sure I get my family and loved ones the perfect gift! Today, I am gonna share with you some of the gifts on my list and gifts that you can get any naturally healthy foodie this holiday season.

1. CreativeLive– This website is perfect for anyone who loves to learn! It is a video-based online school that teaches you anything from photography, lighting, food styling, blogging and even creating a business plan if you want to take your hobby to the next level. With thousands of tutorials, this is the perfect gift for any aspiring food blogger or photographer!

2. Canon EOS 80D – Who doesn’t need a good camera? Whether you just love taking pictures or you are trying to step up your food photography game, this camera makes it easier. This is the camera I use and love.

3. Sweets In The Raw: Naturally Healthy Desserts Cookbook – Yes, a little shameless plug! My team and I spent over 2 years creating this one of a kind cookbook. It is the first and only cookbook to offer a truly healthy dessert experience that tastes simply amazing. Every dessert is vegan, plant-based, gluten free, refined sugar free and, most important, is easy to make because there is no baking involved. It is perfect for anyone who lives a plant-based diet, someone trying to eat healthy but has a sweet tooth, or for someone who loves eating healthy but hates “cooking”.

4. Blendtec – When you love playing in the kitchen, you need to have the best of the best. I have tried other blenders, but one is the best all around.

5. Breville Sous Chef – It can sometimes be tricky to find the best food processor so I have done the work for you. After 8 different models/brands, this was the winner and is streamline enough to keep right on your counter.

6. HomeGoods Giftcard – Ok, this is literally the perfect gift for anyone really, but more specifically, for people who love their homes and cooking. This store has everything from aprons to cupcake wrappers, mixing bowls and high quality cutting knifes and boards. I think it is nearly impossible to not find something you love here.

Hope this helps! Thanks for being a part of this community. Happy Holidays!