Saturday, November 15, 2014

Baked Pancakes

Makin' pancakes, makin' baked pancakes, bakin' batter and makin' a stack of pancakes!

Can any one guess what song that is a parody of?

Hint: What time is it?



Derp a derp derp.

I just made some of my bean fudge with utensils from the dish washer . . .

WHICH APPARENTLY WASN'T CLEAN!!!

The dishes had the "just washed" smell though, and there was warm air coming out of the dish washer WHAT HAS THE WORLD COME TO!!!!

*sigh*

Yeah. That's about as exciting as my week gets.



I've become obsessed with bands recently though. :0) Which is always a good thing. ^-^



Basic Baked Pancakes
-1/3 c oats (ground into flour)
-1 tbsp coconut flour
-1 tbsp ground flax
-1/2 c + 1 tbsp milk of choice
-1 tbsp honey/maple syrup/liquid sweetener of choice
-1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
-pinch baking powder and baking soda
-2 tbsp mashed banana
-other spices/flavors of choice

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F., and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the oat "flour", coconut flour, ground flax, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. Stir in your milk of choice, maple syrup/honey, vanilla, and mashed banana. Be careful not to over-mix!
Place dollops of the batter onto the parchment paper covered baking sheet, and spread into pancake shaped circles.
Once the oven is done preheating, put the pancakes in and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pancakes are firm.
Transfer to a plate and add toppings of choice.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Vanilla Pudd'

This recipe was quite the accident.

I was experimenting with making vanilla pudding . . . and out came vanilla pudding!!! Shocker huh? But this stuff, this stuff is legit. Like I'm talking old school Vanilla Snak Pack Pudding Cups legit. It's kind of creepy. But in a nummy creepy way, y'know?

So that happened.

I've also decided to insert random doodles of mine into my posts, because it gives me something to talk about. They're not particularly good, but the more pictures the better I guess right?

Here's my most recently finished one:




It's called "Floating In a Shiitake Sea". Or something. That was an on-the-spot name. Sorry.

Now enough about weird drawings!

ONTO THE RECIPE!!!




Vanilla Pudd'
-~1/2 standard package of tofu (7 oz)
-1-2 frozen bananas (depending on how many you want to use)
-3 soft medjool dates
-1/4 tsp vanilla extract
-milk of choice

Directions:
Let banana(s) defrost for 5-10 minutes, then blend everything up in your food processor until smooth. Add toppings of choice and enjoy!








Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Minty Chocolate Pancakes

School has basically became life consuming. I literally have 5 tests this week. I can't even right now. So I decided to take a break from furiously watching crash courses as a way to study for the bio test (*cough cough* helpful hint), and write up a post on my 10 days neglected blog.

*pats blog on the head* Sorry bubby.

I don't really know what to write about . . . .



*searching for a topic*

Chocolate? That's a good one.

I had to go A WHOLE WEEK WITHOUT CHOCOLATE. IT WAS TERRIBLE!!!

No chocolate chips, no chocolate chunks, no cacao nibs, no cocoa, no cacao, NOTHING I TELL YOU NOTHING!!!!

But I got a new container a couple days ago so s'all good.

Talk about first world problems.


Minty Chocolate Pancakes
-1/3 c oats, ground into flour
-1 tbsp coconut flour
-1-2 tbsp coconut sugar
-1/4 baking powder
-1/4 tsp baking soda
-1 heaping tbsp cocoa/cacao powder
-1/4 tsp vanilla extract
-1/2 tsp peppermint extract
-1/2 c + 1 tbsp milk of choice
-1 egg
-coconut oil/oil of choice for cooking

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine your oat flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, cacao/cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk together your milk, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until everything has been combined. Be careful not to over mix.

Start heating up a pan on the stove. Test to see if your pan is ready by dripping a drop of water onto the surface. If it sizzles/jumps it is ready, if not it still needs to heat up more. Once the pan has been heated up, drop a small amount of oil onto it and spread around with a napkin. You may need more oil depending on your pan. Using about 2 tablespoons at a time, drop the batter onto your pan then wait for bubbles to appear at the top before flipping. The pancakes should flip easily. If you do not see bubbles after a couple of minutes, check the bottom of the pancake. If the bottom is slightly  browned and lifts fairly easily, you may have just missed the bubbles, so you can go ahead and flip. Cook for a couple more minutes on this side, then press on the top and sides with a finger. They should be firm. Set aside the pancake and spread some more oil. Repeat until all the batter has been used up. 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Minute Chocolate (Lava) Cake + Chocolate Pudd' + Parfait

Yeah, triple recipe, pretty bad-ass huh?

Per request from a special viewer (HIIIIIIIII!!!!!), I have created a HEALTHY  MICROWAVEABLE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH THE OPTION TO INCLUDE LAVA (made of chocolate)!!!   

Friday, October 10, 2014

Cookie Dough Bean Fudge

Don't let the word "bean" in the title of this post deter you from this recipe!!! Although it does leave a slightly distinct taste, it is in no way bad. Like I'm not talking Mexican re-fried beans mixed with chocolate chips here. It's more reminiscent of a sweet bean paste? If you've ever been to an Asian/Korean market and bought a red bean bun from the bakery section, then you know what I'm taking about. Nums. But it is SERIOUSLY addictive, just to warn you. So yeah, just to be clear IT DOES NOT TASTE LIKE FARTIN' BEANS! Oh here, for those of you who have worked with garbanzo bean flour before, it has a taste similar to that. :0) And for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about . . . Sorry dudes, y'all are on your own. I'm sure you'll like it though. ^-^

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Chocolate Hazelnut (Nutella) Bliss Balls

Yes I know. In most people's minds, chocolate + hazelnuts = Nutella, but you know Nutella is filled with nast-ay poop so I didn't really want to associate these little balls of delicious heaven with it. However I know that they taste exactly (in an almost creepy way) like Nutella (except better and in ball form), so there will be associations anyway. Hence the parentheses added to the title.

GRACEFUL SUBJECT CHANGE THAT YOU TOTALLY DIDN'T NOTICE!

Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Balls

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes you read the title right. I made me some cookies.

And they were good.

Very good. *strokes mustache thoughtfully*

Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Double Cacao Coconut Overnight Oats

I've said it quite a few times now, but I'll say it again.

I'M SO SORRY FOR MY LACK OF RECIPES AND POSTS LATELY!!!

I've just been really busy with school and homework, not to mention quizzes after quizzes after tests after projects (and it's only the second week of school!!!) By the end of the day I can barely stop myself from falling asleep on the spot, so there isn't really time to squeeze a post on in.

Obviously I made time since you are currently reading this though, so no worries.

 Double Cacao Coconut Overnight Oats topped with dried berries and seeds, maple vanilla coconut chips, hemp seeds, peanut butter, and a coconut macaroon.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

A Guest Post

Me: Okay, so this is a guest post by some friends of mine, and it's supposed to let you know a bit more about  your's truly. However it turned out to be more of a giant post praising me like I'm a king. Although I am super duper flattered, and appreciate it, I'd just like to say that no, I did not ask them to write this amazingly heartfelt like, essay about all my good qualities. ^-^ Peace out.



Hello Readers of Taylor’s Blog! We are some of Taylor’s friends. Our names our: Katy, Elodie, Emelie, and Athya. We’d like to give you an inside look at the writer of Chocolate Soup for the Soul. Taylor is a really awesome person, and we hope our little anecdotes display said awesomeness. Enjoy, and don’t forget to eat healthy :)

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Coconut Banana Granola

Granola = the most addictive thing in the world. Besides maybe chocolate, nut butter, bliss balls, healthy cookie dough, and the coconut chips I am currently eating (why you so deelicious?????!?!?!) I literally eat it by the handful. And then it's gone. And I'm sad. Until the next time when the process starts aaaaallllll over again. I used to by store-bought granola, but it tends to be a bit pricey, especially when you don't want to eat refined sugars and oils, like moi. So one amazingly boring day, an idea popped into my noggin.

Coconut Banana Granola

Friday, September 5, 2014

Basic Pancake Pizza (for one)

My first day of high school came and went (hence the gap in posts. I'm really sorry 'bout that.). It was definitely not as terrifying and horrendous as I expected it to be, and I didn't even get lost (although I did have to back track a couple of times)! Plus there was no into-locker-shoving (at least not that I was aware of . . . ) and all my teachers are really nice. I was nervous for biology because I'm taking honors this year, but the teacher is awesome (and super pretty), and from what we have done so far I totally  think that I'm going to enjoy it. We've started an experiment with mustard seeds . . . I literally can not wait to get back to class. And this is saying something because I am the type of person that really enjoys weekends.

I was also fortunate enough to get into metal works and drawing. They are both such amazing classes, taught by such sweet and kind teachers. I can't believe my luck!

 Basic Pancake Pizza topped with my Peanutty Cookie Dough Butter, banana slices, chocolate chips, and sliced almonds.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Peanutty Cookie Dough Nut Butter

I want a kitten. Really reaaallly bad. So bad I think I might explode. Why don't I have a kitten yet? A fluffy adorable kitten? A gorgeous amazing fantastical kitten that I'll take care of and love forever and ever? One word.

Parents.

More specifically:

Mom.

 Peanutty Cookie Dough Nut Butter

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Mocha Chip Pancakes + Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce

As I write this I be eating some fried (brown) rice (cooked in the oil of squished (pressed whatever) olives of course). Num num. I wish I could bring this stuff to school with me . .  . but if I ate this while in a populated area I'd probably kill everyone with my kimchi breath. If you don't know what kimchi is, click the clicky link. Cllliiiccck it. Then you'll know and we can all be happy.

Mocha Chip Pancakes topped with Peanut Butter Chocolate Souwce (sauce), sliced almonds, chocolate chips, and granola.

Or maybe it will make you wary every time you come near me (mentally that is. Unless you happen to actually know me of course). Don't worry, you're safe. I don't eat kimchi before going out to "socialize" (meaning talk with a close group of friends and shying away from everyone else. Yeah, I'm a pro.). Afterwards however, I ain't makin' no promises.

Ooh . . . I just got a piece of celery.

The top of my pancakes, because the top is just as important as the sides.

As I sit here eatin' my fried rice, I'm realizing that it's kind of weird to be telling people about my food.

But then I had another realization.

I'm writing on a blog. About food. So it's actually not weird at all. Or is it?

Mocha Chip Pancakes topped with Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce, sliced almonds, chocolate chips, and some homemade granola (because pancakes+granola=awesomness).

Is it acceptable to talk about the food that you are currently eating and have no intention of sharing, or is it only okay to talk about the food in recipes? What crosses the too-much-information line?



Does dee-licious food even have a too-much-information line?

My brain's hurting from all this deep-food-thinking. I think I'm just going to go back to my lunch now.

Oh yeah. There's a recipe too. Not fried rice (unfortunately), but pancakes. Some of the most amazeballs pancakes I've ever eaten in fact. Plus they come with sauce. Which always makes everything fancier.( Did the fried-rice-talk and the pancake pictures confuse you? Sorry 'bout that. I'll make it up to you with these pancakes.) Bon appetit!


 Mocha Chip Pancakes topped with Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce, chocolate chips, sliced almonds, and some homemade granola.

 Dang . . . Check out them chips!


Mocha Chip Pancakes
-1/3 c old fashioned oats
-2 tbsp coconut flour
-1-2 tbsp coconut sugar (1 leaves pancakes very lightly sweetened, so use 2 if you want them sweeter)
-1 heaping tsp instant coffee
-1 heaping tsp cacao/cocoa powder
-1/2 tsp baking powder
-pinch baking soda
-pinch ground cinnamon
-1-2 tbsp chocolate chips
-1/2 c milk of choice
-1 egg
-1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-oil of choice for cooking (I used coconut oil)

Directions:
In a small blender/food processor, grind your oats into a flour. Transfer the oat flour to a bowl, and add the coconut flour, coconut sugar, instant coffee, cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and the apple cider vinegar, and let them sit together for a couple of minutes. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla.

Now would be a good time to start heating up your pan. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then slowly pour the wet mixture into the well while mixing with your other hand. Stir only until everything is combined, and make sure not to over mix. Fold in your chocolate chips.


Test to see if your pan is ready by dripping a drop of water onto the surface. If it sizzles/jumps it is ready, if not it still needs to heat up more. Once the pan has been heated up, drop a small amount of oil onto it and spread around with a napkin. You may need more oil depending on your pan. I have a non-stick pan so I need very little. Using about 2 tablespoons at a time, drop the batter onto your pan then wait for bubbles to appear at the top before flipping. The pancakes should flip easily, so that is when you know they're ready. If you do not see bubbles after a couple of minutes, check the bottom of the pancake. If it is browned and lifts fairly easily, you may have just missed the bubbles, so you can go ahead and flip. Cook for a couple more minutes on this side, then press on the top and sides with a finger. They should be firm. Set aside the pancake and spread some more oil. Repeat until all the batter has been used up.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce
-1 tsp coconut oil
-1 heaping tsp peanut butter
-1 heaping tsp cacao/cocoa powder
-1 tsp maple syrup (or to taste)

Directions:
In a small bowl combine all the ingredients and the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Briskly stir everything together with a fork, then drizzle over pancakes, nice cream or whatever you wish. The sauce firms up a bit once it cools, so if you let it sit for a while before using it just microwave it again for about 5 seconds to regain the drizzly- ness.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

Cookies!
Cookies!!
COOKIES!!!
Did anyone else use to love the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies? I know I did. Give me a choice between regular old chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia and I'd choose the macadamia version any day. We used to buy those big triple flavor cookie packs from Costco, and guess what flavor I ate? White Chocolate Macadamia Nut! Those poor old Oatmeal Raisin Cookies . . . no one ever really ate them, and they were always the last ones in the box. I have come to appreciate them a lot more now, and am planning on making a healthy version soon (*gasp* a sneak peak into the future?!).

Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Mint Chocolate Chip Bliss Balls

Hello peoples! So sorry for the absence, I hope y'all weren't too horribly sad and lonely without my wonderful self around. I didn't have a choice, my family was going on vacation, and apparently it wasn't optional. *shrugs* But I'm here now, your knight in shining armor, your in-the-kick-of-time savior, your special nerd with a huge ego when writing blog posts . . . so all shall be well.

Mint Chocolate Chip Bliss Balls

Friday, August 22, 2014

Basic Overnight Oats & A Chocolate Variation

I joined cross country! This was my first time ever doing a school sport, so I was pretty nervous. After I had signed up, I looked back at my school webpage and noticed that the cross country had only Varsity under it, which I took to mean that I had just accidentally joined the Varsity team. My mouth hung open, my fingers froze on the keyboard and my thoughts raced. WHAT!? I CAN'T JOIN VARSITY! THAT'S FOR THE SUPER SPEEDY, ELITE, CRAZY GOOD PEOPLE!!!! WAAHHHH! I'M GOING TO BE KICKED OFF THE TEAM BECAUSE I FAILED SO BAD AND IT'S GOING TO BE SO EMBARRASSING AND IF FOR SOME REASON THEY ARE SO SORRY FOR ME THAT THEY DON'T KICK ME OFF THE TEAM I'LL BE THE WORST AND WILL MOST LIKELY LITERALLY EAT THEIR DUST!!! I looked everywhere for the cancel button, but there was none, and try-outs were tomorrow too! Eventually I contacted a friend, miserably explaining everything, but she wrote back and said that it only said Varsity because it wasn't split into 3 teams! I was incredibly relieved, but I couldn't help myself from contacting the coach anyways. The coach's reply really cinched it for me, he explained everything, plus there were no cuts! I was like "I shall do it! I shall join-eth cross country, I shall rrrrrrun!". Or something like that . . .

Basic Overnight Oats and Chocolate Overnight Oats, with a blackberry banana layer in the middle, and cacao nibs on top.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes With Gooey "Fried" Banana

No, the bananas aren't actually fried. Well, not in the deep fried horrible for you sense. They're just cooked in a little bit of coconut oil, until they reach browned, gooey perfection. Yum. And the pancakes? A hint of peanut butter with melting chocolate chips in every bite. Who wouldn't want to shove their face into a stack of 'em? I mean, when you were little, didn't you eyeball the chocolate chip pancakes whenever you went out for breakfast? Or was that just me . . . But these are not restaurant chocolate chip pancakes, because these have peanut butter, which make them about 235708935035082 times better. Not to forget the banana slices  layered throughout. Poor old blueberry pancakes . . . I was never really interested in them as a kid. I have come to appreciate the blueberry side of things much more, and they will make it into equally delicious pancakes, but this post is not about blueberries. It's about peanut butter. And chocolate chips. And melt-in-your-mouth slices of banana. And the fact that homemade pancakes can be decadent and perfectly healthy at exactly the same time. No joke.

On the topic of pancakes, I was very happy with my flipping skillz. I shoved my spatula under the pancake with a swish *thrusts arm out in spearing motion*, then I easily flipped it over onto it's other side, no silly flopping around and broken pancake dreams. I did a dance too. And it comes with a song. Which goes something like this:
*miraculously flips pancake.* I FLIPPED A PAAANNNCAKE, A PERFECT PAAAANCAKE. *waves spatula around crazily* A PANCAKE PAAANNNCAAAKE A PERRRRFECT PAAAANCAKE! *does the moon walk to the best of abilities* *fails, but does it again anyways* I FLIPPED MY FIRST PAAANCAKE, MY FIRST PERFECT PAAANCAKE. AND IT'S RROOUUUNND. IT'S ALMOST PER-FECT-LY ROOUUNNNDD. *throws hands in the air* *does a small jig* *realizes that pancakes will start to burn if I sing anymore so I get down to business*

And that was that. You may be wondering why I was so pleased about being able to FINALLY FLIP A PANCAKE WITHOUT SUFFERING FROM MINOR HEART ATTACKS WHEN IT DOESN'T GO ONTO THE SPATULA PROPERLY AND STARTS TO BEND. Yes, well, all my life, or at least my pancake life, my pancake flipping abilities = nonexistent. Even as recently as the last time I made pancakes (which was about a week ago), I had trouble getting the spatula fully under it. But now I have mastered the skill, so I SHALL BECOME THE GREATEST PANCAKE FLIPPER IN THE WORLD!!!! MWAHAHAHAHA! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA-*sputters* Okay then. Onto the recipe!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes layered with gooey "fried" bananas slices and regular banana slices, and topped with walnuts, blueberries, more peanut butter, more "fried" banana and cacao nibs.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Citrus Fig Bliss Balls

I got some bliss balls, balls, balls fooooor yoouuuuuu! Yeah! *cymbals crash* Now that's my kind of song!!! I was listening to the radio the other day, and a commercial (urgh) came on. It was about breakfast being important! I immediately tuned in, with me being ever so slightly obsessed with breakfast, I couldn't resist. My unsuspecting mind was expecting some type of notice about however many Americans that don't eat breakfast, and how it's the most important meal of the day, probably some sort of government funded ad. But no. It was nothing like that. I still have nightmares about it to this day . . . (not really but it was horrid)
It went like this:
Radio: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many people struggle to find time to fit a healthy and delicious meal into their busy mornings . . . (or something like that)
Me: Yes! *pumps fist in the air* You tell them radio guy! This is what I'm talking about! Gooooo breakfast! *gets cheerleader pom-poms out and does a front flip while simultaneously sitting in the front seat*
Radio: Stop by Burger King today and get our breakfast sandwich to help fuel your morning!
Me: *jaw drops* *purses lips* *silently changes the station*

Yeah, it was definitely not my idea of a breakfast commercial that promotes healthy food, but to each his own I guess. Now, off the topic of sneaky Burger King advertisements, and on to bliss balls! These are definitely a new direction for me, I usually lean towards the chocolate, peanut buttery and decadent, but these citrus fig bliss balls a cheerful, every so slightly tangy, and a refreshing change from my usual route. I'll definitely be experimenting with more fruity flavors, so keep an eyeball peeled if you enjoy these type of things!


 Citrus Fig Bliss Balls. Half are coated in coconut and half in a peanut butter chocolate ganache type thing. 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Coco-Maca Raisin Muffins

I had a hard time deciding what to name there. Maca-Nut Raisin Muffins? Coco-Raisin Maca Muffins? Muffin shaped coconut raisin maca deliciousness? Eventually I settled for Coco-Maca Raisin Muffins. Still a bit long, but how else could I squeeze every aspect of yumminess into the name? I suppose I could call them C.M.R. Muffins, but nobody would know what the heck those are supposed to be, so they would either a) click the recipe to read more because they are intrigued, b) back away slowly and never return, c) run around screaming. Okay, maybe that last one was a little far fetched but you get my point. Mysterious and slightly foreboding title? Not the best way to attract people.

Now that I have discussed the name, on to the muffins themselves. Hmmm. Just thinking about them makes me want one. Coconutty with plump little raisins, and filled with nutrients from the maca powder, buckwheat flour, oatmeal, and coconut oil. Plus, there's none of that yucky oils and refined sugar and flour nonsense in muffins that you can buy in the store. These are a perfect way to start the day, or are great as a snack. I would even eat them for dessert! With a little nut butter slapped on top? Oh yeah. Move over cupcakes! There's a new small cake thing in town!

 Coco-Maca Raisin Muffins.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Mint Cacao Chip & Berry Nice Cream Jar

*skips in throwing flower petals in every direction* Ladida! Do I know why I'm in a good mood? NO! Does it matter? No! Am I excited to start school? NO! Do I like nice cream? YES! Yay nice cream! It's so fun to make different colored nana ice creams, and then layering them into jars, isn't it? Plus, it always makes it look so fanc-ay and pret-tay. Todays colors are . . . *drum roll* Green and Purple-y Pink-ish!!! What a lovely combination! I would like to say a few words about our friend Mint Cacao Chip Nice Cream over here before we (or rather, you) begin the making process. Ahem. S/he/it (?) tastes like CHILDHOOD! Seriously! Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, move over, there's a new nice cream in town! I was never really much of a berry ice cream person as a young 'un, so I can't say much about Berry Nice Cream, besides the fact that it is extremely scrumptious, and that I highly recommend giving it a go. Sorry 'bout that. ^-^  Yup. Oh yeah, would you call layering two different kinds of nice creams a parfait, or a jar? Or maybe something else? I didn't really know. I was going to call it a parfait initially, but don't parfaits usually have like, several different things in them (granola, berries, yogurt, stuff . . . )? So I ended up going with jar instead. Oh well. *shrugs* Whether it's a jar or if it's a parfait, this thing was yumyumyum. :0)

 Mint Cacao Chip & Berry Nice Cream Jar topped with cacao nibs. 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Green Mango Overnight Oats Parfait

The other day, every fire alarm in the house went off! I was making nana ice cream for lunch, and all of a sudden *wwaaahhhh waaahhh wwwahhhhhh* "Evacuate! Evacuate! Evacuate the building immediately!" *wwaaahhhhh waahhh waaahhh* Over and over again, it was absolutely ear splitting, I thought I was going to become deaf my ears were ringing so much! My mom was at the store while this happened, so I called her and told her that everything was ringing! I hadn't been cooking anything hot, the stove wasn't on, and I ran around to the different rooms, but there was no fire!!! Eventually I was forced to wait outside, it was way too loud for me to stay in the house. When my mom came she tried to silence the alarm by pushing the buttons, but that didn't work, so we grabbed the step ladder and took out all the alarms. I was absolutely bewildered, what on earth had just happened? Then we looked at the alarms more closely, and found that they were carbon monoxide alarms as well. So I got my mom the little carbon monoxide tester thing-a-mabob, and we tested the air. The reading? 400 ppm! *gasp of horror* I looked online and apparently that was super high, so we went outside to think. Information sites online said to call the fire department if that happens, so that's what my mom did. The fire truck came (it was quite impressive), and two police men fire fighter guys came and the conversation my mom had with them went a bit like this:
Police Fire Fighter Guy: Hi there.
Mom: Hi. *explains what happened*
Police Fire Fighter Guy: I see you've opened all the windows.
Mom: Yes . . .
Police Fire Fighter Guy: We don't usually do that because we try to find the source of the problem.
Mom: Oh! I'm sorry.
Police Fire Fighter Guy: Oh it's okay, don't worry about it. So the ringing just stopped?
Mom: No we unplugged all the fire alarms.
Police Fire Fighter Guy: Yeah  . . . Never do that.
Mom: Oh . . .
*they all go inside*

Essentially what I'm trying to tell you is that we did everything wrong. -_-'  Oh well. The police fire fighter guys were nice about it, and they tested our house. No carbon monoxide! Apparently there was a malfunction in one of them, which set them all off. Very annoying. After hearing the ones in my house screeching for what felt like ages, I don't ever want to hear another alarm again . . . *alarm clock goes off*


Green Mango Overnight Oat Parfait topped with cacao nibs and mulberries.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Walnut Brownie Oatmeal Pancakes

*fancy announcer's voice* Welcome to The Chocolate Soup Show! I'm your host, Nanner P.B. Oatie, and joining us on the show here today is the lovely Mrs.Walnut Brownie Pancake Stack! Quite a long name you have there Ma'am, but anyways, welcome to the show! To get us started, I'd just like to ask you a few questions about your life as a stack of pancakes. If you don't mind of course?
Mrs. Walnut Brownie Pancake Stack: . . .
Nanner P.B. Oatie: I'm assuming that that's a green light then! So here's my first question: You are well known all over the foodie world for your extravagant style and toppings. How do you choose what you wear for the day? Is it depending on your mood, or what the weather is like outside? Or does it have something to do with your consumer? I see your wearing a gorgeous drippy peanut butter dress today, and I especially love the walnut hat! Really ties everything together.
Mrs. Walnut Brownie Pancake Stack: . . .
Nanner P.B. Oatie: Okay then, I guess we'll just move on to the next question! So, being a type of food, I'm sure you must hear about your relatives being eaten all the time. Does that affect you in any way?
Mrs. Walnut Brownie Pancake Stack: . . .
Nanner P.B. Oatie: Your're not going to answer any of my questions, are you?
Mrs. Walnut Brownie Pancake Stack: . . .
Nanner P.B. Oatie: Can you even talk?
Mrs. Walnut Brownie Pancake Stack: Of course I can talk you nut head! I just choose not to answer any of your irrelevant questions, which is to say, all of them!
Nanner P.B. Oatie: *looking very flustered* Well, that was rather unexpected. *turns to audience with a smile* That's about it for today's show folks! Tune in next week for our next guest! Bye!

Walnut Brownie Oatmeal Pancakes layered with kiwi, fresh figs, and Peanut Butter Date Spread, and topped with peanut butter drizzle, walnuts, and a fig. 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oat Parfait

Oh peanut butter and chocolate, a classic combination, and one of my favorites. I seem to have a mild addiction to peanut butter (and when I say mild I mean somebody help me. Actually never mind, I'm happy sitting in the corner in a Gollum-like fashion clutching my peanut butter jar and crooning "Prrreeecciooouuss".), and seeing as how I am a die hard chocolate fan, combining the two makes magic.
Seriously, any more magical-ness and I'll be pooping out rainbows over here. To make it even better, I combined my two favorite foods, oatmeal and nana ice cream, to form a ginormous, amazing, rainbow-poop inducing parfait. Seriously people, it has peanut butter, chocolate, and it makes people excrete rainbows, how can you resist? To top it all off, it's super easy to prepare. All you have to do is make your peanut butter nana ice cream in the morning, layer it in a jar with the already finished overnight oats, and voila! It's stuff your face time.  :0)


Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oat Parfait with a layer of fresh figs (that dark stuff in the middle), and topped with Raw Walnut Brownie Bites. 

Friday, August 8, 2014

Black Forest Baked Oatmeal

Today was, to put it frankly, poopy. I woke up early this morning because I was volunteering at a food pantry, so I got ready and started making my oatmeal. I was trying out a new recipe for baked oatmeal, and I was excited to eat it (as usual). While it baked in the oven, I went around and tidied up my dishes, set out toppings, etc. , all while anticipating the oatmeal coming out of the oven. When the timer reached 0 , I quickly opened the oven, expecting to see a ramekin full of breakfast goodness, and instead I was met by a oddly shaped lump of goo, with a large dent in the middle. *cue gasp of horror* I tried baking it for a few more minutes, to see if it would rise, cook, or anything, yet 'twas to no avail. It stayed exactly the same, and emitted a faint corn smell for some reason . . . I had to leave in less than 20 minutes, so I quickly disposed of the hot mess otherwise known as my would be breakfast , and looked around wildly for something else to eat, for I am not one to skip a meal, and I wouldn't be coming back until around lunch time. The thought about making regular stove top oatmeal occurred to me, but there was not enough time, and the clock was ticking. Nana ice cream wasn't an option either, for there were no ripe bananas, let alone any frozen ones. Finally, I was forced to settle for . . . toast. *cue screams of disbelief* I was mortified (not that I have anything against toast, I eat it for lunch sometimes but for breakfast I tend to lean towards the elaborate and fancy, so this was definitely not very satisfying.), I couldn't believe it. And to make it worse, after I had bolted down that sad breakfast of mine, I went straight to the food pantry. It was silent as I was sitting down with some others, about to start work. And when I mean silent, I mean you could hear a pin drop. Of course, my stomach made the loudest possible dying whale noise it could possibly have done in the situation. *cue groan of sympathy*

 So, obviously, this recipe is not from today, but is is very yummy, not to mention chocolaty. If you love chocolate and cherries (like me), then having this would most definitely make a bad day seem brighter.  ^-^



Black Forest Baked Oatmeal with a fresh fig, coconut butter, cherries, and chocolate chips.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Raw Walnut Brownie Bites

I got 4 words for ya. Raw. Walnut. Brownie. Bites. Also known as little bundles of happiness. I was originally going to call them Cacao Walnut Bliss Balls, but the moment I tasted them, I knew. These were not Bliss Balls (although I did stand for a moment in pure bliss), they were brownies. Raw brownies, but brownies none the less. Fudge-y, chocolaty, slightly nutty heaven. Unless, of course, you don't like chocolate. But these things are so good, you might just want to convert, at least for a moment. Sorry, I'm trying not to sound too inflated right now, but I can't help myself. :0P

Oh! I just had a thought. Brownie Chunk Nice Cream . . .  *passes out from pure awesomeness overload*

Raw Walnut Brownie Bites.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Peanut Butter Caramel Spread

Yes, you read the title right, a healthy caramel spread. But this caramel isn't made with the usual suspects, milk and sugar, it's actually made with . . .  wait for it . . . just a few more seconds to let the suspension build up . . .  almost . . . are you ready for it? . . . . . DATES!!! Dates have a wonderful caramel-y taste, and accompanied by peanut butter-y goodness, this spread is impossible to resist! Plus, it's so easy to whip up, just throw everything in a blender and your all set. And if you happen to be in a peanut butter crisis, meaning that you only have a tablespoon of two left and you don't feel like (or can't) go to the store, this is the perfect way to prolong your peanut butter sanity. I hope you enjoy! Oh, and don't be ashamed if you happen to "miss" a few spots in your blender while scooping this stuff out, I did it too. ;0)


Peanut Butter Caramel Spread.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Coconut Cookie Dough Bliss Balls

I've jumped onto the bliss ball bandwagon. I couldn't resist, but then again, who could? With all those pictures of little balls of amazing looking deliciousness spamming my face on Instagram, I didn't stand a chance. I know that bliss balls are usually made of nuts and dried fruits, however my main ingredient is good ol' oats, but don't worry, these babies still taste heavenly.

Trust me, I did a lot of "professional and completely necessary" taste testing. And then of course, I dug my finger around the bowl of my food processor for any bits that got left behind but no one else needs to know that, okay?


Coconut Cookie Dough Bliss Balls.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Strawberry Maca (Protein) Nice Cream

Well, I have some more nice cream for you, I hope you don't mind? 

As I was making my usual nice cream the other day, and pondering what flavor I should use, it hit me that I had neglected to try one of the founding flavors, one of the originals, one of the most basic and well known variations of ice cream there is...strawberry!!! But I couldn't just make strawberry you see, I decided to throw in some maca as well, and why not add some more protein with tofu? So I waited as my little Nutribullet whirled away (happily back from the dead), evilly tapping my fingers together, with a very suspicious look on my face. I did this for absolutely no reason at all, and afterwards I felt a bit silly. But the nice cream made up for it, for it was like revisiting my childhood bowl of strawberry ice cream, minus all the sugar and gunk . . .*sigh*  Good times, goooood times .   *falls into a glazed eye stupor while reminiscing about past*  *random person clears throat* *jumps* Woah, what was I talking about again . . . nice cream, right. Do yourself a favor and make some. You might even get lost in thought like I did! :0D


Strawberry Maca Protein Nice Cream with coconut, mulberries, cacao nibs, and sliced almonds, accompanied by one of my many sock monkeys.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Basic Oatmeal Pancakes

Sorry for my absence, I've been busy the last couple o' days, and I haven't had time to sit down at my computer at all, let alone write a post. But I'm back now, so s'all good, right?

Anyhow, I'd just like to say that I HAVE FINALLY PERFECTED MY OATMEAL PANCAKE RECIPE!!!! *maniacal evil laugh while raising clawed hand slowly in the air* *chokes on own spittle and coughs* Ahem. Well, as I was saying, the pancake recipe? Definitely a success. Sometimes when I have tried making pancakes in the past, they left me feeling all greasy and slightly nauseated (ever get that feeling???), but these ones just made me feel bouncy and nicely full (not super stuffed and gross). Plus they are made out of oatmeal, so they are healthy as can be, yet they have a fluffy buttermilk pancake-esque texture. Yup, Pancake Sunday is definitely going to become a tradition now that I have the recipe down pat, so expect variations coming soon!!! ^-^

Basic Oatmeal Pancakes with layered with sliced banana, and topped with a healthy chocolate sauce, strawberries, mulberries, and cacao nibs.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Mint Cacao Chip Oatmeal

It feels like so long since I have eaten (and posted!) regular stove top oatmeal!!! I guess I've been on a bit of a baked oatmeal kick lately. . .  ^-^

Anyways, I've been making an effort to eat more veggis. I realized that I eat a TON of fruit, but not so much greens, beans, sweet potatoes, etc. This oatmeal is a great way to start your day deliciously, but with an extra nutritional boost. All thanks to the secret ingredient. . . SPINACH!!! Trust me, the spinach is completely unnoticeable (unless you don't blend it well, and leave chunks. I learned this the hard way), and it lends such a unique and vibrant green color! I am absolutely, positively going to be incorporating spinach into many recipes to come!


Mint Cacao Chip Oatmeal with homemade coconut cashew butter, strawberries, coconut, walnuts, and mulberries. 


Mint Cacao Chip Oatmeal
-1/2 c oats
-1 c milk of choice
-large handful of spinach
-1 banana
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-1/4 - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (depending on how strong you want the peppermint flavor to be.)
-1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, but really helps soak up the liquid.)
-1 tbsp cacao nibs (chocolate chips would work too, you just wouldn't be able to stir them in)

Directions:
In a blender, blend the milk, spinach, banana, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract together very, very, very well. There should be no chunks of spinach left. Pour the smoothie into a small saucepan, and bring it to a boil. This will take a little bit longer than regular (almond) milk, so be patient. Once it starts to bubble (there won't be a lot of bubbles, so keep your eyeball peeled) add the chia seeds and oats. Reduce the heat to medium low. Stir, then let the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid. Once the oatmeal has reached your desired consistency, stir in the cacao nibs, then transfer to a bowl and add your toppings of choice. If you are using chocolate chips, do not stir them in, and just sprinkle them on top.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Sticky Date Overnight Oats

Does it ever frustrate you when you're reading a book, and a character does something that is so obviously stupid and wrong that you want to start shouting at him/her? Or maybe when they are so close to reaching their goal, and then they go and turn the other way, or run off somewhere else?

Yeah, that happens to me a lot. Especially when I know that they are that close to finding whatever they were looking for. *sigh* I guess it shows that the author is either a very good writer, and can keep everyone in suspense and on their toes, or they are really, reaaaalllly bad. But it's probably the former. I mean, they can't just let the main character solve their problem like *that* right? 

Humph.

Sticky Date Overnight Oats with sliced banana, cacao nibs, a baby orange, mulberries, and homemade healthy caramel.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for. . . . NICE CREAM! <3

"Nice cream" has definitely become staple food in my life, I have it almost every day! And it just tastes that much better when it is hot and summery outside. Speaking of summer, I can't believe that it's already the end of July! Where have the weeks gone? Oh well, I still have a month left before school starts again...*shudder* Not that I hate school or anything, but it keeps me so busy, I feel like I'm going to have less time to write and take {acceptable} pictures. Especially in the winter, when the sun rises late and I have to get up uber early to catch the bus, the lighting is horrible. -_-  Oh well, I shall find a way, even if it means that I have to eat breakfast for lunch (which isn't actually so bad...)!!!

Now off the topic of school, and on too the amazing combination of chocolate and cherries!!! The creamy coolness of the chocolate and the slight tartness of the cherries meld perfectly into one heaping bowl of deliciousness. Topped with some coconut and cacao nibs, this is the perfect healthy summer time treat.


Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream with shredded coconut, cacao nibs, and walnuts. 

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Raspberry Fudge Baked Oatmeal

I have good news!!!! My Nutribullet, IT'S ALLLIIIVVVEEEE!!! I guess it needed a little break or something. *phew* That was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced in my life (shows how interesting I am, huh?). To celebrate I made myself a huge bowl of Pineapple Protein Nice Cream (a hint of what's to come?), but that's going off topic....Let's talk warm gooey chocolate-y raspberry heaven. I don't know why I was so surprised at how yummazing (yes, it's so good that I had to make up a word to describe it...) it was, because chocolate + berries generally equals happiness, but this was next level good. I'm talking it barely even qualifies as breakfast anymore, even though it was 100% healthy. Have I convinced you yet? How about if I mention that there were little bubbles of melted chocolate chips inside, and that the raspberries got all warm and juicy, and that the oatmeal itself was positively cake like? And if you happen to add a glob of your favorite nut butter on top . . . . your going to have to use your imagination for that one. Or better yet, head to your kitchen right now and get cracka lackin on some amazeballs breakfast food.

Raspberry Fudge Baked Oatmeal topped with sliced banana, pistachios, maple vanilla macadamia nut butter, cacao nibs, and chia seeds. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Maca Protein Nice Cream + The Death of My Nutribullet

As I write this, I wallow in mourning. While making this nice cream, my faithful little Nutribullet suddenly became ominously silent. When I heard the sudden and unexpected silence, I slowly lifted the cup out of the machine, and a wisp of smoke curled out. It didn't look good. I tried turning my Nutribullet on again, but the motor refused to begin. My stomach turned cold, and I slowly pulled the grey plug from the socket. I could not leave my nice cream half blended, so I used my food processor instead. It just didn't seem right, and I could find no joy in the loud whirling. I shall miss the glee found in hearing the blades catch just right, and the happy little whirlpool that is created when the nice cream has become smooth. You will never be forgotten o' Nutirbullet. I will always have you in my heart.

R.I.P. NUTRIBULLET

Well in a slightly more cheerful tone, this nice cream turned out great. As in my other protein powder-less nice cream, I used tofu to add protein. The result was super creamy and thick, with a hint of maca in every spoonful. This is definitely going to become one of my go-to recipes for when I'm in the nice cream mood. :0)

Maca Protein Nice Cream with cacao nibs, chia seeds, and sliced almonds.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Apple Pie Oatmeal

I like apples. I eat them almost every day. But whenever I try to add them to my oatmeal, like I see so many people do, it just seems to turn out....bleck. I don't know what it is that turns me off of it, maybe it's the big chunks of apple interspersed that makes eating seem awkward, or the lack of flavor my apple chunks have. Whatever it is, I vowed never to add apples into my oats again. And then today I broke that vow, because my "apple problem" kept on nagging at the back of my mind. I decided to go with a basic Apple Pie, and after much contemplating and "hmm"-ing, I thought that I spotted where my problem was. In all my previous failed attempts at apple filled oatmeal, my chunks were rather large. So I steeled myself, and commenced chopping (Ha. I just accidentally wrote chooping. That's an awesome word.). I made sure to chop the apple into really really tiny pieces, and thankfully it turned out much better then any of my others. The apple bits were small enough that they softened up nicely, and weren't hard to eat, and the addition of a little maple syrup and some spices helped keep the flavors up n' running. And now the question of "WHY CAN'T I ADD YOU INTO MY OATMEAL YOU EVIL MOSTLY-RED BALLS OF FRUIT?!?!?!" has been answered, and I can make oatmeal in peace once more . . . . *dramatic music*

 Apple Pie Oatmeal with blueberries, granola, coconut, walnuts, peanut butter, and sliced apple.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Maca Blueberry Overnight Oats

I realized that I hadn't posted an overnight oats recipe to accompany my poor lonely Mango Sorbet Overnight Oats  in the Overnight Oats section of my recipe index. So I set out to create a new recipe at once. Now I do have my reasons for letting this section gather cobwebs, the most important one being that I am the type of person who prefers a nice warm bowl of oatmeal (or baked oatmeal <3) in the morning. However I must admit, being able to grab a bowl (or jar) of already made oatmeal and then heading out the door is extremely helpful, especially when there is somewhere you need to be and you woke up a tad late. Not that I've ever done that or anything. *cough*


Maca Blueberry Overnight Oats topped with sliced pear, banana, walnuts, coconut, and sunflower seeds. 

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Chocolate (Protein) Nice Cream

I can't believe I never thought about trying this before. I've had nice cream plenty of times (actually I eat it basically every day...), but I've never thought about adding tofu to it! I actually got the idea from Casey's Wholesome Kitchen. She has posted many recipes for Tofu Soft Serve, and they all looked amazing, but I've never come around to trying it out for myself. I'd like to say that it was me being to preoccupied to try it, or that I couldn't access tofu, but that would pretty much be a lie. Truth is, whenever I happened to remember that I wanted to try adding tofu, I ended up putting it off because I was too lazy. -_-' Opening a package of tofu, then draining the water, then measuring out how much I need, then getting a container, then putting back in the fridge, phew, I'm getting tired just thinking about it . . . .  But now that I have tried it, I'm never going back!!!! The tofu makes it so creamy, and don't worry, you can't taste it! You just get all the added protein and nutrients, and a lot of extra yumminess. <3 Of course, if you don't have any tofu, you can make regular Chocolate Nice Cream too, which is just as scrumdiddlyumptious.



Chocolate Protein Nice Cream topped with chia seeds, goji berries, and pepitas. 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Mocha (Choffee) Oatmeal

I must admit, I've never actually had a mocha before. I don't even drink coffee. But chocolate and coffee sounded like a really good combination, so I went along and tried it. While I was planning and eating this bowl of oatmeal, I didn't know what a mocha was, so I was thinking about calling this Choffee Oatmeal....Even after learning the "correct" term, I was still thinking about calling it Choffee, because c'mon, Choffee? How adorable is that? Plus it's really fun to say too. Choffee. Choffee. Chhhoooffffeeeeee. Ok I'll stop now. Sorry. Anyways, I finally decided to call it Mocha Oatmeal because I felt like if I call it Choffee, everyone would be telling me that it's actually mocha. But that didn't stop me from adding Choffee in parentheses. :0)

As for taste, all I can say is mmmmm. Coffee and chocolate go so well together, and it smells absolutely divine. Ha. I just used the word divine. ^-^ Ahem. As I was saying, please do yourself a favor and make this for yourself on some miserably cold day when you could use cheering up, on a joyful day when you feel you should celebrate something, or on a random day when you want a new breakfast idea. Whatever day you choose, I'm sure you'll enjoy this bowl of Choffee goodness. :0)



Mocha Oatmeal with raspberries, blueberries, coconut, peanut butter, and a chocolate chip. 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

I finally did it! The perfect(ish) Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal!! Sheesh, took long enough. Not that it was ever bad or anything, I just really wanted it to be juuuusst right. As I glared at this bowl (actually ramekin) of baked oatmeal, I had a good feeling about it. I could just tell, deep down in my stomach, that it was going to work out. And it did! Which makes me very happy. :0) I definitely recommend adding a big honking glob of your favorite nut butter on this one. I used peanut butter and it complemented the slightly spiced sweetness of the oatmeal perfectly. <3

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal topped with baked bananas, blueberries, and  peanut butter. 

Monday, July 14, 2014

Blackberry Banana Oatmeal

I seem to have a bowl obsession. I don't know why, but I just really like bowls. I guess it's fun having different bowls to eat oatmeal from, and I could be obsessed with worse things right? Compulsively going to the bowl section in very store I go to, that's not weird at all! :0D

On the topic of oatmeal, I was surprised at how yummy this was! I guess blackberries and bananas are just meant to be... And isn't that color so pretty? Who needs food coloring when you can have blackberries?

Fun Fact: Some good friends of mine bought me the bowl I used in the picture below. You can't really see it, but there is a lemon panted on the side. <3


Blackberry Banana Oatmeal topped with more banana, blackberries, peanut butter, and mango accompanied by my little Forest Ghost. :0)

Sunday, July 13, 2014

The Liebster Award!!!

I have seen mentions of the Liebster Award all around the food blogging world, and on many of my favorite blogs, but never did I imagine that I would be nominated for it!!! Claudia and her amazing blog The Breakfast Drama Queen which features many creative, delicious, and healthy oatmeal recipes, nominated me, and I would like to give her my heartfelt thanks to her. I would also like to happily accept the award.
^-^

From what I have read on other blogs that have been given this award, the Liebster Award is something passed around from blogger to blogger to show appreciation for what they do. :0) Apparently there are also rules when accepting the award:
~You have to link back to the blog that nominated you 
~You have to share 11 facts about yourself
~You have to answer 11 questions asked by the nominator
~You have to nominate 11 other people and notify them of their nomination
Sounds fun! :0D

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Carrot Banana Oatmeal

To be completely honest,  I was trying to make carrot cake oatmeal. Unfortunately, it just didn't seem quite right. Now, I don't actually have much experience with carrot cake, but from what I remember, it was spicy (as in lots of spices, not heat) and sweet. This oatmeal didn't quite fit that description, but it was actually really tasty, so I decided to share it anyways. But never fear! I will make a successful carrot cake oatmeal, even if it is the last bowl of oatmeal I make! Actually, I take that back. If I knew I was making my last bowl of oatmeal ever, it would probably have something to do with chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. ;0)

Carrot Banana Oatmeal topped with more banana, blueberries, peanut butter, and coconut.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Double Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Okay, I admit it. I have a ginormous sweet tooth, and am also quite the chocolate lover. Oh who am I kidding, I adore chocolate. And sometimes, I just feel like . . . delving into warm chocolate-y baked goodness for breakfast. Which is actually most days. But never fear! Chocolate, or more specifically unsweetened cacao powder, is actually good for you! *cue gasp*
These are just some of the benefits of cacao powder:
-It is very high in antioxidants (even more then blueberries and green tea!), which benefits cardiovascular health (well, really whole body health) and helps fight disease.
-High in magnesium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and helps build strong bones, among other things.
-High in sulfur, which helps to build strong nails and hair.
-It is also high in iron and chromium (as well as many other minerals), which are both important minerals that our bodies need.

So if anyone ever tries to tell you that you can't have chocolate for breakfast, I give you leave to go "Pfffft" at them. ^-^

More on cacao:
Healthy Eating - Antioxidant Benefits of Raw Cacao
Secrets Of Longevity In Humans - Raw Cacao Benefits

More on Antioxidants:



Double Chocolate Baked Oatmeal topped with banana, raspberries, peanut butter, and desiccated coconut.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Banana Walnut Bread Baked Oatmeal

Banana bread brings back a lot of memories for me. Going to the farmer's market, getting a loaf or two, then enjoying generous slices at home. That was the life. Unfortunately banana bread ain't that great for you, with all the added refined sugars, oil,  n' such. However, there is a way you can enjoy delicious banana bready-ness, with out all the added nasties... In the form of a warm, cake-y bowl of baked oatmeal, fresh out of the oven. No added sugars, and the perfect size for one. And let's not forget the walnuts interspersed throughout, lending a crunch to every bite. It's perfect for those days when you want to reminisce about the good old days, or, of course, when you just feel like banana bread.

Banana Walnut Bread Baked Oatmeal topped with sliced banana, blackberries, mulberries, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. 

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Crunchy Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal

Calling all peanut butter and banana lovers! This is definitely the oatmeal for you!!! I guess I knew that it would be yummy, because peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chips (which are optional but highly recommended)? What could go wrong? But when I dug in and took my first bite, I slowly floated my way up to heaven. This must be one of the best baked oatmeals I have ever had, and trust me, I've definitely had my fair share of them. The inside was all cake-y, with peanuty-ness and banana in every bite. And the chocolate chips, they really sealed the deal. I love how they get all melt-y and warm, yet still retain their cute little shapes when baked in the oven. And if you're like me, and adore peanut butter (actually, I really love nut butters of any kind), then there will probably be another dollop put on top, because there is no such thing as too much peanut butter!!!


Crunchy Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal with chocolate chips and sliced banana.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Pineapple Nice Cream

Is it just me, or has anyone else ever bought a bunch of wacky bananas? And when I say wacky I am talking seriously messed up. I'm talking banana asylum here. The bananas were green on the outside, yet all brown and mushy on the inside! I think the world has finally gone mad. Or at least the world's banana supply??? Or maybe I just happened to pick mutant bananas. Or maybe it was a sign from the banana god(dess?) telling me to MAKE SOME NICE CREAM ALREADY IT'S BEEN A DAY AND YOU HAVEN'T FROZEN ANY BANANAS YET WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU WOMAN?! Yeah, I think that might have been it.

By the way, if you haven't tried nice cream yet, I think the banana god might send you a message soon. It tastes weirdly similar (in an amazingly good way) to ice cream, but is way healthier and easily customizable, without all the added sugar and nasties in the regular stuff. Yup, nice cream is amazing, and I recommend you go freeze some nanners. Like right now.


Pineapple Nice Cream layered with blueberries and homemade everything granola.