Tag Archives: vegan

Chocolate Zucchini Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

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Chocolate Zucchini Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredients

1/2 cup pitted and chopped dates
3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup organic light spelt flour, or buckwheat for gluten free option.
1/3 cup raw cocao powder
1/4 cup organic coconut sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt
1 cup finely shredded zucchini, by hand or with a food processor
1/4 cup walnut pieces or pumpkin seeds for a nut free version

FROSTING:

1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
3 tablespoons almond milk
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

Instructions

Place the dates in a small bowl and pour the hot water over them. Allow to soak until the dates are soft, about 1/2 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or oiling lightly.
Put the dates and the soaking water in the blender with the applesauce and vanilla. Blend at high speed until completely smooth. Set aside.
Combine the flour, cacao, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the zucchini and walnuts, if using. Add the blended date mixture and stir until all the flour is moistened. The batter will be thick. Spoon it into the prepared pan and smooth over the top.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until brownies are no longer liquid in the middle and edges are firm but not drying out. Allow to cool.
You can eat them plain or add the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting:
Combine the chocolate chips, non-dairy milk, and nut butter in a double boiler, cook and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Frost brownies immediately. Allow to stand about 20 minutes to firm up. Enjoy!

Inspired by Fat Free Vegan.com

Vegan Chocolate Pudding for Dinner! {made with sweet potato and black beans} {free of refined sugars}

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…So this started off as making sweet potato brownies, but didn’t end that way! After trying what was supposed to be my batter, I turned off the oven and decided this was absolutely amazing as it was… no need to turn it into anything else. So here you are, a healthy, nutrient dense, chocolate pudding that is filled with plant based protein, fibre, and antioxidants, magnesium rich raw cacao, and healthy fats like almond butter and coconut oil. This recipe is free of refined sugars and only sweetened with local maple syrup. Enjoy!

This recipe makes about 4 portions, depending on who is making it and doing the “quality control” 🙂 🙂 🙂

Ingredients

1 medium sized sweet potato, peeled and cubed.

1/2 cup black beans, cooked or canned (I like Eden Organics)

3 T organic coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup raw cacao powder

1/4 maple syrup (you could also use Medjool dates, but would have to add more water)

1 Tbsp almond butter, smooth or crunchy

1-2 Tbsp filtered water

Pinch of Himalayan sea salt

Dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of powder

Your favourite berries and superfoods for topping

1/2 cup almonds, ground, or nuts of choice (optional…add for crunch!)

Method

This recipe can be prepared in a blender or food processor. For a Vitamix use the damper stick, for any other blender (and perhaps the food pro), continue to stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a baking spatula, as you add more ingredients.

Steam cubed sweet potatoes until soft, about 20 minutes. I like to use a bamboo steamer. In the mean time, take out the other ingredients, melt the coconut oil, grind the almonds, etc.
To your blender or food processor, add sweet potatoes, black beans and coconut oil. Pulse/blend until they start to combine well.
Add cacao powder, maple syrup, almond butter, salt, vanilla and 1 tbsp of water. Blend well.
Add additional water until desired consistency is reached.
Remove the pudding from your blender, place in a bowl and stir in the ground almonds or nuts of choice.
When ready to serve, you can top the pudding with fresh berries, additional almonds or any of your superfood toppings like bee pollen, chia, cacao nibs, spirulina or goji berries.

Looking for something lighter? Replace the sweet potato and black beans with 1/2 a papaya.

All in One: Women’s SUPERfood Elixir RECIPE

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Hail to being a woman… to fully feeling, embracing and honouring our emotions… ..to celebrating our ecstatic highs and witnessing our lows. Let’s set a collective intuition to thrive, rejoice and feel optimal and balanced in our body, mind, heart and spirit.

This drink is inspired by:

❤ the gratitude I feel for being a woman

❤ my love for superfoods (especially chocolate) and super health!

❤ my intention to live with a wide open heart

❤ my yearning feel fully alive and to thrive

❤ the inherent place of joy, stillness, love and freedom that dwells within my heart.

It is so easy to collect a cupboard full of superfoods and not know how or why to use them, so I decided to make one drink withe everything in…that actually tastes amazing!

This drink has everything in one heart opening-balancing-nourishing-calming,-immunity strengthening- revitalising- detoxifying – chocolate bursting- delicious ELIXIR (a.k.a tonic, superfood tea, glorified hot chocolate, hot beverage).

Ingredients

2 cups brewed tea of choice. I like to use Tulsi (holy basil) Chai, lemongrass-ginger, chaga or gynostemma tea for the medicinal properties.

2 heaping Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder

1/4 tsp (up to 1t) Ashwagandha

1/2 tsp (up to 1t) Maca powder

1/4 tsp (up to 1/2 t) Spirulina

1 ml reishi tincture (or your favourite mushroom tinctures/powders)

1 Tbsp Coconut or MCT oil

1 Tbsp Hemp seeds

2-3 tsp Maple syrup or local honey

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Pinch of Cayenne

Toppings: Bee Pollen, Goji Berries, cacao nibs, additional hemp seeds and cinnamon

Blend all ingredients together in blender. Makes one very enjoyable serving!

Read more about these superfoods in the article top-10-superfoods, also featuring aloe vera, camu camu, chlorella, fo-ti and more!

More superfood recipes you may like to try:

Raw Cacao Superfood Truffles

Maca Cacao SuperMylk

Bullet Proof Coffee and Tea + My E-Book Superfood Teas

Raw Hemp Seed Halvah

Chewy Chocolate MACAroons (ps. you can bake with maca … I did the research!)

The Essentials: Your Morning Coffee

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The Essentials is a series of recipes and tips that will inspire you to stay sugar free without changing your daily routine. Ok, you have decided to take on the challenge of going sugar free for the month of September. You committed to yourself that you could 1) avoid store bought sugary baked goods, 2) that you are going to replace soda pop with hydrating herb and fruit infused water and 3) you are going to attempt making your own sauces, condiments and dressings at home…

BUT.. then you remember… you favourite morning ritual… your coffee (w/sugar!) No need to worry, I got you covered with this creamy, silky and sweet morning brew… I can assure you, you will not be missing your double double!

Directions

After brewing your morning cup (or 2) of coffee, add it to your blender with 1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and optional 1 tsp of cacao. Blending the coffee with coconut oil turns it into a creamy latte, while giving you a dose of your healthy fats. The added cinnamon helps to balance blood sugar levels and the cacao is a great magnesium and energy boost.

Not a coffee drinker? Try one of my Superfood Latte Teas (click for free e-book with 5 recipes!) for a morning boost like Maple Chaga, Matcha-Maca, or Turmeric Chai! They are all dairy free and prepared with your choice of coconut or almond milk. You could also experiment with using an all natural coffee replacement such as Dandy Blend.

Turmeric Chai Superfood Tea

Easy Overnight Chai Oats

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Ingredients:

1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

2 cups almond milk or fresh homemade coconut milk *

1/4 cup raisins

1 inch piece fresh ginger root, grated

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cardamom

freshly grated nutmeg, to taste (less than 1/4 tsp)

2 tsp cinnamon

ground clove and star anise (optional)

1/2 cup almonds or pecans, sliced

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

*for canned coconut milk, add 1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup water.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a glass tupperware container and stir until well combined. Let sit overnight in the fridge.

Optional garnishes: fresh fruit like sliced banana or cubed apple. Add additional almond or coconut milk the next day before eating if needed.

Tip: Soaking the oats over night improves digestion and assimilation of the oats!

Makes 3-4 servings

Goin’ Seasonal Week 4: Heirloom Potato Salad with Caesar Dressing & Garlic Scape Pesto

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Last year, I had the honour of being a part of the Dare 2 Dream Sandy Loam Produce first ever Community Support Agriculture (CSA) program in Espanola, Ontario. On a weekly basis, CSA members as well as those of you signed up for the Holistic Lacey newsletter received a flyer filled with delicious recipes, tips and nutritional facts. I have decided to share this deliciousness to inspire, educate and encourage everyone to enjoy eating locally and seasonally, and to feel the difference for yourself.

Week 4: Adirondack Red Potatoes

Red, on the inside and out!

Adirondack Red Potatoes are an oblong, slightly flattened tuber with purplish-red skin and pink-red flesh. They are flavourful and moist and can be enjoyed boiled and roasted.

Colourful Potato Salad with Green Beans

Ingredients

– 6 cups potatoes, washed and cut into 1″ chunks, skin-on

– 2 large shallots, diced, or spring onion
– 1⁄2 cup celery, diced
– 1⁄2 cup fresh parsley or dill, roughly chopped – 3 cups green beans or asparagus, trimmed,

washed and cut into 1/2″ pieces
– 1⁄4 cup fresh chives, chopped (about 20) – 3-4 Free range eggs, boiled, sliced

(optional)

For the dressing: Choose from my favourite simple dressing included last week or for a creamy version, choose my ultimate dairy free creamy cashew Caesar salad dressing.

What in the world is a garlic scape?

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I still remember the first time I saw these beautiful wispy spirals that began to grow out from my garlic plants, planted the previous fall. I immediately did some research to learn more and was amazed (and excited!) about what I could do with them in the kitchen. I will also never forget the moment I harvested it and ate it raw…weooo…hello garlic!

Click Here to read more about garlic scapes and how to enjoy them grilled or in hummus + a delicious Arugula Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto recipe!

For your Health….scapes can

oxygenate blood
Reduce inflammation
Boosts immunity; high in antioxidant glutathione
lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
garlic scapes, like cloves, and other alliums are known for their anti cancer qualities
rich in sulfur; important for health and strength of hair, nails, skin and important for synthesis of amino acids.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream {dairy-free}

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Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Serves 2

4 tbsp or 1/4 cup fresh coconut milk or other milk substitute

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

1 cup baby spinach or curly kale

3 to 5 drops of food grade peppermint oil or mint extract

4 bananas, frozen

3 tablespoons raw cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips.

handful Fresh mint leaves, optional

Instructions

Add coconut milk and spinach to blender and blend until as smooth as possible. Add maple syrup, bananas, peppermint oil and leaves. Start on low and slowly turn blender up to high, using the damper stick of the vitamix. Use the damper to mix well in all four corners, for about 1 minute. Add cacao nibs or chocolate chips and pulse 3 times. Enjoy immediately or allow to set for one hour in the freezer.

Inspiration and photo by @anna_bananas__

Avocado Lover’s Pesto {family size} {oil-free}

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Summer sunshine and warm days are here. You’ll want to add this simple pesto to your weekly repertoire, especially if you 1) love avocados, 2) have a lot of ripe ones on hand or 3) are looking for ways to include more healthy fats into your diet. Enjoy with veggie sticks, raw crackers, on pasta (cooked brown rice pasta or raw, spiralized zucchini noodles), on toast with your favourite sandwich or with corn chips.

I created this recipe for a food demo I offered at Farm of Life in April, and guests were so surprised that there was no oil! I usually add oil to my pestos but with a lot of avocados to use, I had an idea to completely replace the oil with the avos. This pesto is rich, yet still light, creamy and fluffy. Add as much or as little garlic as you like. You can also add a handful or fresh greens like spinach or kale for extra leafy green action!

What you’ll need:

4 avocados

2 bunches of basil

1 cup walnuts or nuts of choice like macadamia, pecans, brazil nuts, cashews

1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

4-6 medium garlic cloves

1 tsp Himalayan pink salt

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/4 – 1/2 cup water, to reach desired consistency

1 cup spinach (optional)

In a food processor, add all ingredients, except water and spinach and pulse until well combined. Slowly add water until you reach your desired consistency. Pulse in spinach and combine until smooth or leave slightly chunky. Store in an airtight container or sealed mason jar and refrigerate. Pesto is best if used within a few days, otherwise you can freeze it for several months.

Trusting this will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart!

3 Layer stRAWberry Chesse Cake {dairy-free, gluten-free, raw)

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StRAWberry Cheese Cake (or fruit of choice!) by Holistic Lacey

This cheesecake is the result of an afternoon in my test kitchen! I played around with a variety of recipes to create the perfect, dairy free cheesecake. This recipe is a nutrient dense powerhouse thanks to the collection of so many amazing ingredients :

Brazil nuts – Just 5 offers your daily dose of selenium, an important mineral.

Walnuts, nut butter and coconut oil – rich sources of healthy fats.

Cashews – very high in the amino acid L-Tryptophan which is made into serotonin in the body. Two handfuls of cashew is the therapeutic equivalent to a dose of anti depressant prescription drugs.

Maple syrup – high in antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

3 layer StRAWberry Chesse Cake

What you’ll need… Shopping list

Walnuts & pecans (or nuts of choice), shredded coconut, nut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, pink himalayan salt, cashews, coconut or nut milk, pure vanilla extract, pitted dates, lemon, fresh strawberries.

Holistic Tip: Use organic ingredients when possible for optimal taste and nutrition!

Ingredients

CocoNUT Crust

1/2 cup walnuts or Brazil nuts

1/2 cup pecans

1 cup shredded coconut

2 tbsp almond or nut/seed butter

2 tbsp unrefined virgin coconut oil

1/2 tsp pink Himalayan salt

Optional to double ingredients for a thicker crust

Lemon Vanilla Filling

2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours, drained and rinsed

6 tbsp unrefined virgin coconut oil

1 cup homemade banana coconut milk (get the recipe here!) or nut milk of choice.

1 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling

1/2 the lemon vanilla filling

3/4 cups fresh strawberries

Strawberry Glaze

1.5 cups fresh strawberries

1 cup dates, soaked, pits removed

1 lemon with zest

1 tbsp maple syrup

pinch of Himalayan salt

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Line a 9inch circular spring form pan with parchment paper.

To prepare crust, place all ingredients in a food processor or Vitamix and pulse until a sticky, crumble crust mixture is achieved. If processed too long, the mixture can turn into a nut butter! Press crust firmly into pan with fingers, and place in freezer to set.

To prepare the lemon vanilla filling, drain and rinse cashews. Blend cashews, oil, milk, lemon, maple syrup and vanilla until a smooth creamy texture is formed. Use the damper stick or stop the blender to scrape down the sides with a spatula.

When desired consistency is reached, remove half of the filling lemon vanilla filling and place aside.

Add the strawberries (3/4 cup) to the filling in the blender and blend until well combined.

Remove the pan from the freezer and add the strawberry mix from the blender. Spread evenly with a spoon or spatula. Use a large soup spoon to add the lemon vanilla layer on top into small dollops. Use the back of the spoon to spread the lemon vanilla layer evenly without mixing the two layers.

Or, if you like you can swirl the layers together by placing dollops of the white cream around the pan and then use a tooth pick or butter knife and get creative with your swirling. Set in the freezer for at least 1 hour, preferably 2.

Remove cake from freezer, top with strawberry glaze and set for 5 hours, or overnight.

The next morning, I like to remove the size of the pan, let the cake sit for 5 minutes and then slice it evenly into slices which I then keep in a tupperware container in the freezer for easy access!

When serving, for a soft-creamy cheesecake, remove from freezer and let sit 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Enjoy and be sure to comment below or add pictures of your own creations!

Homemade Coconut Milk {fresh & delicious}

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Once you experience the ease, simplicity, creaminess and deliciousness of your very own homemade non-dairy milk, there is no turning back! When making healthy lifestyle shifts, especially if you are using mylk on a daily basis for smoothies, elixirs or granola, I highly recommend preparing your own. Most of the packaged milks contain no nuts at all, and unfortunately only guarantee added synthentic vitamins, fillers, binding agents and artificial flavours.

Holistic Tip: Use your fresh coconut milk to prepare one of my Superfood Elixirs. Get the Free E-Book: Superfood Teas or use this for making the filling of my dairy free StRAWberry Cheese Cake.

Fresh Coconut Milk

2 cups coconut meat

4 cups of coconut water or purified water

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp of pink Himalayan salt

1 tbsp maple syrup (honey or 2 medjool dates, pitted )

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or bean/powder)

Fill blender with fresh coconut meat and cover with coconut water. Blend on high speed until smooth and all pieces are broken up.

To drain coconut milk, place a nut milk bag over a large bowl and squeeze it through. If you like, save the meat (pulp), dehydrate and use to make homemade coconut flour.

Rinse the blender. Return milk to blender. Add cinnamon, salt, vanilla and sweetener of choice. Keep refrigerated and drink within 3-5 days.