Indulge in the Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl: A Wholesome & Delicious Banana-Free Breakfast!

Experience the rich flavors of chocolate and tart cherries in this creamy, satisfying smoothie bowl, crafted with almond milk, frozen cherries, mixed berries, chocolate protein powder, raw cacao, and a generous array of sweet, crunchy toppings!

Life can be a whirlwind, can’t it? Lately, I’ve felt a bit like a modern nomad. With our home currently on the market and showings almost daily, my kitchen time has been significantly reduced. This means creative cooking sessions are rare, and breakfast has truly become the one meal I consistently prepare and enjoy at home. I recently mentioned on Instagram how long it’s been since I last shared a breakfast recipe, and it got me thinking about the simple comforts that bring a sense of normalcy and joy to hectic days.

During these busy times, one thing that consistently makes me feel grounded and nourished is a vibrant Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl. This delightful breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s a five-minute escape, brimming with protein, dietary fiber, potent antioxidants, and essential healthy fats. It’s a complete package that energizes your day and satisfies your taste buds, all while requiring minimal effort.

My journey with variations of this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl dates back to 2017. For me, raw bananas don’t sit well in smoothie bowls, often causing digestive discomfort. This led me to explore alternatives, and that’s when frozen cherries entered the scene, offering a subtle yet satisfying sweetness. It wasn’t long before the combination of tart cherries and rich chocolate became an undeniable star, creating a flavor profile that I simply couldn’t get enough of.

The recipe shared below is a testament to this perfect pairing. It calls for a simple yet powerful blend of frozen cherries, mixed frozen berries, unsweetened almond milk, raw cacao powder, chocolate protein powder, and a touch of creamy avocado. For an extra nutritional boost and a beautifully rich color, I often include an optional frozen beet. The earthy notes of red beets beautifully complement and balance the natural sweetness of the cherries, adding a layer of complexity to the flavor that is truly unique.

The result is an exceptionally thick and creamy smoothie bowl that defies expectations – tasting like a luxurious dessert, yet delivering all the wholesome goodness you need to kickstart your morning. It’s a truly satisfying and nourishing way to begin any day, regardless of how busy it might be.

Read more

Homemade Dark Chocolate Choco-Tacos: Your Ultimate Vegan & Gluten-Free Ice Cream Dream

Discover how to make these incredible Dark Chocolate “Choco-Tacos” in under 30 minutes! Crispy baked corn tortillas are generously stuffed with rich vegan dark chocolate ice cream, dipped in a decadent chocolate shell, and finished with your favorite delightful toppings. Perfect for extending those warm summer vibes!

As the summer sun makes a glorious comeback, bringing unexpected heat to early autumn, our cravings for something refreshingly chilled surge. Picture this: a balmy September day, the mercury soaring to an unseasonable 95 degrees in Virginia. Such weather doesn’t just call for a cool drink; it demands a truly special, frosty treat to keep spirits high and the heat at bay. And what better way to celebrate than with a homemade dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also caters to dietary preferences?

Forget turning on the oven for complicated bakes. This is the season for effortless, no-fuss desserts that come together quickly. We’re talking about a sweet sensation that will transport you straight back to childhood summer days: Double Dark Chocolate “Choco-Tacos.” These aren’t just any choco-tacos; they’re a healthier, equally indulgent version of a nostalgic favorite.

Growing up, if I wasn’t grabbing a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich from the ice cream truck, my go-to was always a classic choco-taco. There’s something undeniably magical about that crunchy shell, the creamy ice cream, and the satisfying chocolate coating. I genuinely missed that iconic dessert taco, so I decided it was time to create a plant-based, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened rendition that everyone could enjoy.

These ice cream-stuffed dessert tacos are more than just a treat; they’re a declaration that summer sweetness can linger as long as you desire. They’re designed to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for a spontaneous dessert night or a fun activity with kids. Get ready to embrace the joy of a homemade, better-for-you choco-taco that effortlessly extends the season’s sweetest moments.

Read more

Indulge Guilt-Free: Healthy Vegan Date-Sweetened Donuts with Rich Dark Chocolate Frosting

Discover how to make incredibly delicious and healthy vegan cake donuts, crafted with wholesome oat flour and naturally sweetened with succulent Medjool dates. Topped with a luscious, two-ingredient dark chocolate frosting, these donuts are the perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion.

Hello, wonderful friends!

It feels like a lifetime since we last connected, and what a whirlwind June has been! Life has thrown some exciting changes my way, and I’m still trying to catch my breath from just *how much* has shifted in the last couple of weeks. For starters, I’m officially relocating! I’m currently knee-deep in packing boxes, making plans for a big move to Maryland with M. It’s an exhilarating chapter, filled with anticipation and the promise of new adventures.

Beyond the move, I’ve also been dedicating significant time to reconnecting with beloved friends and family. My calendar is happily filled with dinners, invigorating hikes, and lots of much-needed hugs. After what felt like a truly challenging and isolating 2020, all of these positive shifts feel like a breath of fresh air—a genuine new beginning, a clean slate, and a vibrant fresh start.

Amidst all these personal milestones and joyful reunions, summer continues its delightful run, with its characteristic hot days gracefully giving way to refreshingly cool mornings. And speaking of delightful, can you believe this weekend is dedicated to celebrating dads? It’s the perfect opportunity to set aside all the busy-ness, even just for a moment, and honor the special men in our lives. And what better way to do that than with a truly exceptional treat?

These Vegan Date-Sweetened Donuts with Chocolate Frosting are precisely the kind of thoughtful, delicious gesture any dad (or anyone, for that matter!) would adore this Father’s Day. They offer a wonderfully cake-like interior, boast a rich, smooth two-ingredient chocolate ganache, and are entirely vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free. It’s a healthy dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or indulgence, making it ideal for those seeking a mindful yet decadent treat.

Read more

Delicious Oil-Free Root Vegetable Mash: Your Healthy Holiday Side Dish

Transform your holiday table with this vibrant, oil-free root vegetable mash. Crafted with an array of colorful root veggies, creamy tahini, and a savory garlic herb seasoning, it’s a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for festive gatherings or a wholesome weeknight meal!

Before we dive into this utterly smashing recipe, let me share a little confession. Have you ever gotten lost in a game of Among Us? I first played this quirky murder mystery game with friends from high school a few weeks back. I remember tracing my finger frantically around the space map, tap-tap-tapping on doors and tasks, utterly clueless about how to, well, *eliminate* fellow crewmates or sabotage anything. Fast forward to now, and I’m still not much better!

Just last night, I joined a big virtual group – friends, family, and friends of friends. As the imposter, I made my first kill with surprising ease, only to then immediately self-report the death without realizing what I’d done. My alibi quickly crumbled as I stumbled to fabricate a story on the spot, leading to my swift ejection. Doh! Perhaps I should have just claimed I was too busy smashing root vegetables for this blog post. That would have been a more convincing story, don’t you think?

Speaking of smashing, Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and I’m thrilled to share a truly delicious and beautifully vibrant plant-based side dish with you. This unique **Oil-Free Root Vegetable Mash** is a game-changer for your holiday spread. It’s completely free of added oils and bursting with the natural goodness of my favorite colorful root vegetables. You’re going to adore the rich texture and incredible flavor of these humble roots, mashed and seasoned to perfection with an easy yet sophisticated garlic herb tahini twist. It’s not just smashing; it’s absolutely unforgettable!

Read more