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Orange Zest Brownie Bites

March 6, 2017 by Laura Leave a Comment

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!
  • CourseDesserts
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!
  • CourseDesserts
Servings Prep Time
12 balls 8 minutes
Servings Prep Time
12 balls 8 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 4 tablespoons cacao powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 orange juice fresh squeezed
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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Filed Under: Raw Recipes Tagged With: chocolate, dairy-free, dessert, gluten-free, healthy dessert, healthy eating, laura marquis, low glycemic, naturally healthy, paleo, raw desserts, San Diego Chef, sweets in the raw, vegan desserts

Fig Bars

February 20, 2017 by Laura Leave a Comment

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!
  • CourseDesserts
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!
  • CourseDesserts
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
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
Filling
  • 2 cups turkish figs (soaked 2 hours)
  • 1/2 cup date paste (see essential recipes)
  • 4 tsp orange zest
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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Filed Under: Raw Recipes Tagged With: dairy-free, fig bars, gluten-free, healthy eating, laura marquis, low glycemic, naturally healthy, naturally healthy desserts, paleo, raw dessert, sweets in the raw, vegan, vegan dessert, vegan desserts

KPBS: Talking Food: How To Prepare Healthy, Holiday Desserts

December 23, 2016 by Laura

Join Laura Marquis as she talks about her new book and puts a healthy twist on your favorite desserts.

Click here for interview.

 

Tagged With: book tour, dairy-free, diet myths, dieting, eating healthy, gluten-free, healthy dessert, healthy eating, KPBS, laura marquis, radio interview, San Diego Chef, San Diego Events, sweets in the raw, vegan, vegan desserts

Holiday Peanut Butter Cups

December 12, 2016 by Laura 2 Comments

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
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (refined)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbs yacon syrup
  • 1/4 cup cacao powder
Peanut Butter Filling
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tbs coconut oil (refined)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbs date paste
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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Filed Under: Raw Recipes Tagged With: chocolate, dairy-free, dieting, gluten-free, healthy, healthy dessert, healthy eating, kid friendly desserts, laura marquis, low glycemic, naturally healthy, raw desserts, sweets in the raw, vegan desserts

Chocolate Hazelnut Milk

December 8, 2016 by Laura Leave a Comment

Sometimes, being dairy-free can feel limiting. I grew up drinking milk with every meal, and drinking chocolate milk with my school lunches was always my favorite. Once I realized dairy was one of the main reasons my stomach hurt, I simply had to cut it out. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss it! Lucky for me, playing in the kitchen is literally my favorite thing in the whole world. It makes me happy, destresses me when I have a bad day and feels super rewarding when someone enjoys my one of my treats. In any case, this Chocolate Hazelnut Milk was created out of nessesity. I was craving something chocolaty, rich and smooth and, after 3 attempts, I nailed this recipe!

Check out how easy it is to make this recipe on your own.


Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
2 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours
Servings Prep Time
2 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours
Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
2 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours
Servings Prep Time
2 servings 5 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup hazelnuts (soaked for 2 hours)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon cacao powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
  • 5 medjool dates (pitted)
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 60-90 seconds. Strain through a nut milk bag. Store in airtight mason jar.
Recipe Notes

Helpful Hints:

Add an additional teaspoon on cacao powder if you really love chocolate.

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Filed Under: Raw Recipes Tagged With: blendtec, chocolate, dairy-free, dates, diet myths, gluten-free, healthy eating, healthy kids drink, low glycemic, naturally healthy, vegan

Pecan Pie Energy Balls

November 20, 2016 by Laura Leave a Comment

Pecan Pie Energy BallsI love this time of the year! The holidays are here, which means the most flavorful and delicious desserts of the year! I have so many yummy desserts that I will be sharing this holiday season, but I wanted to start with the most simple and easiest recipe of them all…Pecan Pie Energy Balls! These little bites are just something I put together because I needed a good snack for my lunches. They were so good I have a batch ready at all times.

Check out my youtube video here.

Pecan Pie Energy Balls
Print Recipe
The holidays are here, which means the most flavorful and delicious desserts of the year! These little bites are just something I put together as a quick snack for my lunches.
  • CourseDesserts
Servings Prep Time
15-20 balls 5 minutes
Servings Prep Time
15-20 balls 5 minutes
Pecan Pie Energy Balls
Print Recipe
The holidays are here, which means the most flavorful and delicious desserts of the year! These little bites are just something I put together as a quick snack for my lunches.
  • CourseDesserts
Servings Prep Time
15-20 balls 5 minutes
Servings Prep Time
15-20 balls 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup pecans
  • 12 medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings: balls
Instructions
  1. Process all ingredients in food processor for about 60 seconds or until graham cracker–like consistency. Crumble should hold together when squeezed. Form into 1 inch balls.
Recipe Notes

These balls can be stored in the refrigerator for one week or in freezer for up to one month.

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Filed Under: Raw Recipes Tagged With: dairy-free, energy balls, gluten-free, healthy dessert, healthy eating, laura marquis, low glycemic, naturally healthy desserts, paleo, pecan balls, raw desserts, sweets in the raw, vegan desserts

Carrot Cake

October 4, 2016 by Laura Leave a Comment

Fall is coming! Well, it is for most of you in America! For us here in San Diego, I think we have a few more Santa Ana’s and warm beach days before we feel the cool nights and brisk days… But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to make delicious goodies with more cinnamon and nutmeg to get me in the mood! This week, I am finally sharing my recipe for raw carrot cake.
vegan-carrot-cake
This is a very special recipe to me. I developed this cake over a year and a half ago, and it was so good, it almost made it into my cookbook, Sweets in the Raw: Naturally Healthy Desserts. However, something wasn’t 100% with it. I mean, it was a solid 97%, which is way more than a passing grade, but I knew I could make it better with a little time. Now I should mention, the previous “final recipe” took six attempts to get it right. This new recipe took an addition two more attempts, and I have finally nailed it! I really love this dessert, and you’re going to love it too.
Vegan Carrot Cake
Print Recipe
Calling all carrot cake lovers! Living healthy no longer means living without your favorite cake! Enjoy this healthy spin on an old time favorite.
  • CuisineDesserts
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Passive Time
Let Set Over Night
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Passive Time
Let Set Over Night
Vegan Carrot Cake
Print Recipe
Calling all carrot cake lovers! Living healthy no longer means living without your favorite cake! Enjoy this healthy spin on an old time favorite.
  • CuisineDesserts
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Passive Time
Let Set Over Night
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Passive Time
Let Set Over Night
Ingredients
Cake
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 10 medjool dates pitted
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup carrot pulp
  • 1/8 cup coconut oil refined
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 cup walnut additional
  • 1/2 cup raisins additional
Vanilla Cashew Frosting
  • 1 cup cashews soaked for 2 hours
  • 4 medjool dates pitted
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil refined
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon water or nut milk if needed
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Directions For Carrot Cake: Process all ingredients except for additional ingredients in food processor until process until even consistency. Sprinkle in remaining ingredients and pulse until evenly blended. Firmly press crust into silicone mold and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  2. Directions For Vanilla Cashew Frosting: Blend all ingredients until smooth even consistency in blender. Remove cake from silicone mold. Evenly spread frosting onto cake. Set aside in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Recipe Notes

Helpful Hint

The flavors of this cake get deeper and more powerful with each hour it sets. I suggest making these one day before you plan on serving for the perfect flavors.

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Filed Under: Raw Recipes Tagged With: carrot cake, dairy-free, dieting, eating healthy, gluten-free, healthy dessert, kid friendly desserts, laura marquis, low glycemic, naturally healthy, no refined, recipe, refined sugar free, San Diego Chef, sweets in the raw, vegan, vegan carrot cake, vegan recipe

Sweets In The Raw: Naturally Healthy Book Launch Party

September 22, 2016 by Laura Leave a Comment

raw book launch party

Earlier this month, I had my official launch party for my cookbook, Sweets In The Raw: Naturally Healthy Desserts, at True Food Kitchen Fashion Valley.  I pulled out all the stops to make it truly amazing! I figure you only have one big launch party for your first cookbook ever, right?!?

raw book launch party food

I was so happy to see everyone who came to support and celebrate the book, despite it being a Thursday night, the official start of the football season (Go Chargers!).

raw book launch party group shot

To see so many loving and familiar faces was truly humbling, but to see so many new people who have been following me through my blog, social media and TV appearances was incredibly flattering. Thank you ALL for being so supportive. I really hope you love this book and the desserts inside it as much as I loved creating it! With that being said, there were so many different things that came together to create this event, so I wanted to take a minute to share some images and thank some important people who made it all possible.

raw book launch party book display

vegan lemon cookies
vegan chocolate truffles                 sunfoods launch party
raw book launch party samplingraw book launch party 3

A massive thank you to Sunfood, True Food Kitchen (Lea, the restaurant manager there is the best) and BROOKE LIMPERIS PHOTOGRAPHY for sponsoring my event. Not to mention everyone who has made this cookbook a reality: Mike Carpenter (photographer), Stacey Uy (graphic designer for cookbook), Danielle Grady (editor), Lisa Dibbell (editor), Jeniffer Thomas (book consultant), Samantha Murphy (social media graphic designer), Kristi Dosh (national pr), Tricia van Dockum (local pr), Paulina LaScola (photographer) and of course my #1 supporter, Dan Marquis (test taster & husband).

raw book launch party people raw book launch party event                              raw book launch party book signing

Long before before creating this cookbook, I dreamed of how it could impact individual people’s lives and then hopefully, the world. At the event, I was able to hear everyone’s specific stories as to why they came, and those stories were truly inspiring.  To see the impact this project has already started to create is incredible. Without you, I would’ve never thought about making a cookbook.

raw book launch party group shot true food raw book launch party family pic

Filed Under: Naturally Healthy Blog Tagged With: book signing, book tour, CW6 San Diego, dairy-free, dessert, dieting, eating healthy, gluten-free, healthy, healthy dessert, healthy eating, laura marquis, low glycemic, naturally healthy, paleo, raw desserts, San Diego Chef, San Diego Events, sweets in the raw, vegan, vegan desserts

WCAX: Burlington Vermont Cooking Segment: Part 2

September 15, 2016 by Laura

Click here to view the video.

Tagged With: book tour, cooking demo, Cooking Segment, dairy-free, gluten-free, low glycemic, naturally healthy, vegan desserts, vegan in vermont, vermont tv, WCAX

Private Event: Spouses Night Out

September 6, 2016 by Laura

Laura Marquis, author of Sweets In The Raw: Naturally Healthy Desserts and owner of Marquis Pilates will be hosting a raw dessert demo where she’ll introduce techniques in making healthy sweet treats! These raw dessert recipes are quick and simple to make and provide your body with a ton of nutrients while you indulge!

Menu includes:

Chocolate Truffles
Pumpkin Bars
Eggnog

Tagged With: cooking demo, gluten-free, healthy eating, private event, San Diego Chef, San Diego Events, vegan dessert workshop

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Hi! I am originally a small town girl from Vermont who grew up playing in the kitchen with my mom and sisters. What started as a love of baking and a passion for health and fitness turned into a personal challenge - to merge my love for making sweet treats and living a Naturally Healthy Lifestyle into one world. Learn More About Me…

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"Love what you do and you'll never work a day in y "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life." Making healthy food look and taste gourmet is what I love doing! These are my Coconut Yogurt Parfaits and Keylime Mousse featured in @alfresko_events latest event! #naturallyhealthydesserts #rawdessert
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On a hot day like this a popsicle just makes your On a hot day like this a popsicle just makes your day better! To make these I just lightly blended 1 cup of pineapple and froze into the cutest pineapple mold ever! Hope you all enjoy! #healthymadeeasy #naturallyhealthydesserts
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So I created this today... Pistachio Rosewater Mil So I created this today... Pistachio Rosewater Milk! I have a girlfriend who is in love with the idea of rosewater but just hadn't found anything that tasted quite right... so I took it as a personal challenge. After just a few tries I've nailed it! Shooting a video for today! Recipe coming soon. #naturallyhealthydesserts
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