Cocoa

This recipe goes hand-in-hand with my “junk food” craving for occasional sweets. I know that you might be thinking that it is impossible to make vegan cocoa… but it is. This recipe is easy—nothing hard or special. Cocoa will taste very rich and chocolaty.

HOT COCOA

Ingredients
● 1 ½ cup soy milk
● ½ cup water
● 4 tablespoons pure cocoa
● 2 tablespoons unbleached sugar (or maple syrup)

Preparation
● Warm up milk and water.
● Slowly mix in cocoa (I normally mix cocoa it in a small bowl with a small amount of soy milk or water until it becomes even creamy mixture), so no clumps are formed.
● Reduce heat to medium low (I actually never let it boil).
● Stir constantly as soy milk has a tendency to stick to the bottom.
● Mix in sugar.
● Serve hot or cold.

ENJOY!!!

Rhubarb Tart

I am a big proponent of RAW foods, but once in a while I still get a craving for baked sweets, although on a regular day I prefer a salad over dessert any time. To satisfy these cravings I come up with healthier and tastier alternatives. Recently I came across a recipe that looked super delicious. With a couple of tweaks it is now in my absolute favorite category. I guarantee that it will be your favorite as well.

This was my first time making this dessert. Next time, instead of making it in a big dish, I am planning to make it in individual serving sizes.

RHUBARB TART

Ingredients
Filling
● 6 cups chopped rhubarb, 1/4 inch or so
● 1 cup berries of your choice*
● Zest of 1 orange, grated
● 1 tsp. cinnamon
● ½ tsp. ground cardamom
● 1/3 cup wheat flour
● ¾ cup unbleached cane sugar
*optional

Topping
● 1 cup flour (white or wheat, or half and half)
● ½ cup oats
● ½ cup sliced and crumbled pecans
● 3/4 cup brown sugar
● pinch of salt
● 1/4 cup+ olive oil

Preparation
● Preheat oven to 375º.
● Oil a large baking dish or several individual dishes.
● In a bowl toss together filling ingredients until well coated.
● Transfer to prepared baking dish.
● In same mixing bowl toss together topping ingredients until well combined.
● The topping should hold together when firmly squeezed; if not, add a bit more oil. Sprinkle topping on fruit and press down to completely cover.
● Bake 30 minutes.
● Serve warm.
ENJOY!!!

Potatoes

This is one of my favorite quick dishes that requires little prep work. I make it when I am either pressed for time or out of ideas. It is great when served with tomato salad or bell pepper salad.

POTATOES WITH ONION

Ingredients
● 5 large potatoes
● Water
● Sea salt to taste
● 1 medium onion
● ¼ cup olive oil
● Favorite all-purpose seasoning or Mr. Dash to taste

Preparation
● Chop Potatoes in medium size chunks.
● Place in a pot and cover with water.
● Add salt.
● Boil until potatoes are tender.
● Meanwhile sauté chopped onions in olive oil for 4-5 minute on medium-low heat.
● When potatoes are ready, drain of all water; mix in onion mixture.
● Season with favorite seasoning.
GOOD EATINGS!!!

Bell Pepper Salad

This salad is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It is very refreshing and takes only moments to make. It is full of delicious nutrients, and loaded with Vitamin C.

BELL PEPPER SALAD

Ingredients
● ½ red bell pepper, cubed
● ½ yellow bell pepper, cubed
● 1 small zucchini, cubed
● 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
● 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
● Sea salt to taste
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon

Preparation
● Mix all ingredients until coated with oil and lemon juice.
● Serve chilled.

ENJOY!!!

Snacking Carrots

I had some baby carrots left over and really did not want to let them go to waste, so, while cooking last night I quickly made a new delicious recipe. This is a variation of Zesty Carrots I posted a couple of weeks ago. I like this one even better, since you get to keep all of the goodness of raw carrots.

SNACKING CARROTS

Ingredients
● 2 cups baby carrots
● 3 tablespoons olive oil or extra virgin olive oil
● 2 tablespoons chopped dill
● 1 tablespoon vinegar
● Sea salt to taste
● 1 clove crashed garlic*
*optional

Preparation
● Mix all ingredients until carrots are well coated.
● Marinate overnight in a refrigerator.

EAT HEALTHY!!! BE HAPPY!!!