Easy, Nourishing & Delish Recipes

healthy, easy, simple and tasty recipes for busy people

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Raw Chocolate Fruit and Nut Balls

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 So after practice I was craving something chocolatey, but did want to ruin my clean diet with a bar of preservatives and empty calories.  There happened to be a Snickers candy bar in the cupboard and I was curious to see the ingredients listed on it.  Well it looked kinda like this: sugar, sugar ,more sugar, artificial ingredients, trans fats, empty calories yada yada yada.   Looking at it made me sick so I decided to make some clean healthy treats using ingredients that my body can benefit from.  And TADA!!! a nice and healthy chocolatey treat that will give you satisfaction after one bite!!

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Raw Chocolate Fruit and Nut Balls

  • 4 prunes
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 Tbsp.  ground flaxseeds
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 2 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup mixed nuts
  • 2 Tbsp. cocoa nibs

Chocolate Coating

  • 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
  1. Put all ingredients (except chocolate coating) in a food processor and pulse until mixture is smooth (about 1 minute).
  2. Roll up mixture into little balls and place on parchment paper.
  3. For the chocolate, melt the coconut oil in microwave for about 30 seconds (or until fully melted).
  4. Add the cocoa powder and maple syrup and mix thoroughly.
  5. Dip the fruit and nut balls into the chocolate and coat well.
  6. Place in fridge for about 30 minutes to harden.
  7. Enjoy!!

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Raw Hazelnut Chocolate Tarts

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I think all I need to say here is CHOCOLATE! Everyone loves it, everyone craves it, but you are all in for a special treat, HEALTHY CHOCOLATE! This is like any chocolate in the stores, it’s not made of excess sugar or preservatives. This amazingly simple is all natural, no added sugar, just pure deliciousness, not to mention, raw vegan. Plenty of vitamins and antioxidants in chocolate, need I say more, lets just get to the recipe!!!

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Raw Hazelnut Chocolate Tarts

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 3 tbsp crushed hazelnuts
  • Cocoa nibs

1. Combine Coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup in a small bowl

2. Divide chocolate mixture into mini muffin cups, then divide crushed hazelnuts to the muffin cups

3. Sprinkle with cocoa nibs and place in the freezer for about 1 hour, store in the fridge.

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Health Benefits

  • Gluten and dairy free
  • Raw vegan
  • No added sugar
  • No preservatives
  • All natural
  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Protein
  • Healthy fats

What’s your favorite kind of chocolate?

Vanilla Almond Nectarine Oatmeal

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My Mom just bought a surplus of fresh summer fruit at the market, delicious. Especially the fruits that are in their peak season, watermelon, blueberries and plump, juicy NECTARINES! Nectarines are pretty much like naked peaches, except a bit sweeter. I couldn’t resist putting them in a new concoction of oatmeal. They really taste nice with cinnamon, which makes their sweetness come out, and vanilla as well. I also added Chia seeds into the oats to give them a bit more volume, and almonds for crunch. I topped it off with some big, fat blueberries to give it an edge. This oatmeal is defiantly a great way to use up your ripe summer fruit, and to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast!

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Vanilla Almond Nectarine Oatmeal

  • 1/2 cup dry oats
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tsp Chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 nectarine, chopped (use 1/2 for oatmeal and 1/2 for topping)
  • Blueberries
  • Almonds
  • Dash of cinnamon

1. Microwave oats with water, Chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla and 1/2 of the nectarine for about 2 minutes

2. Top off oatmeal with other 1/2 nectarine, blueberries, almonds and a dash of cinnamon, if desired

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Health Benefits

  • Fiber from oats
  • Protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants from Chia seeds
  • Vitamin A,  magnesium, potassium and phosoprous from nectarines
  • Vitamins E,A,K and folate as well as protein from almonds
  • Blood sugar regulation from cinnamon
  • Vitamins K, A, and C, as well as omega 6 fatty acids from blubs

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What’s your favorite summer fruit?

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Oatmeal

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Got a request by a lovely follower by the name of Darcydoo! She wanted to know if I could make a  strawberry-rhubarb pie version of oatmeal, and I happily took on the challenge! My Dad LOVES strawberry-rhubarb pie, like I mean, If there was a whole pie in front of him, he would gladly eat it all.  I think he is going to appreciate this healthy version of his favorite dessert for breakfast! No added sugar and no preservatives, as well as low fat and low calorie, this oatmeal is a tasty start to your day.

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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Oatmeal

  • 1/4 cup frozen rhubarb
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 tsp. Coconut oil
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Honey
  • 1/2 cup oats
  1. In a small saucepan on medium-low heat, add rhubarb, strawberries and coconut oil and stir constantly until melted (about 5 minutes).
  2. Lower the heat to low and add cinnamon and honey and mix well.
  3. While mixture is  cooling, microwave oats with water for about 2 minutes.
  4. When oats are finished, add strawberry rhubarb mixture and mix well.
  5. Add strawberries and crushed pecans and ENJOY!

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Health Benefits

  • Fiber from the oats and fruit!
  • Calcium and vitamins K,A,C and E from Rhubarb
  • Vitamins A,C,E and Folate from strawberries
  • No added sugar
  • No preservatives
  • All natural

If anyone would like to request a certain flavor, please comment below!

Thank you! 🙂

THE BEST OATMEAL EVER!!!

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No themed oatmeal today folks, well, no regular themed oats. Today is my own version of the BEST OATMEAL EVER. Yup, you heard right, the BEST OATMEAL EVER. My very own concoction of everything in my kitchen (literally). This oatmeal is probably nothing like you have ever tasted before, it’s got its own special flavor.  Healthy, filling and satisfying, these oats are the perfect way to start your day! Move-over themed oats, it’s time for this guy to shine, and he will do nothing less than impressed!

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THE BEST OATMEAL EVER!!!

  • 1/2 cup dry oats
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 4 black cherries
  • 3 strawberries
  • 10 blueberries
  • 1/2 apple
  • 2 tbsp crushed pistachios

1.  In a small pot, bring water to a boil, then add oatmeal and stir continuously until water is absorbed

2. Take off from heat and transfer oats into a bowl and add cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla

3. On a cutting board, chop up fruit into small pieces and then add to oats along with pistachios

4. Mix well and enjoy!!! 🙂

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetHealth Benefits

  • Fiber
  • No added Sugar
  • No preservatives
  • 100% clean
  • Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
  • Fruit servings

This may or may not be the most delicious version of oats I have ever tasted, but don’t just go by my opinion, go ahead and try for yourself 🙂

 

 

Rosemary and Nectarine Salsa

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Tomato’s pair well with anything (well at least in my opinion), they are sweet juicy and perfect for summer, not to mention in FRESH salsa! I actually despised tomatoes until earlier this year, I can’t believe what i’ve been missing! I was decided forced to eat a slice against my will, but I’m glad I did. I mean I have always loved ketchup and marinara sauce, but a raw tomato just didn’t appeal to me for some reason. Thank God that phase ended, because now I literally can’t stop (won’t stop) eating them!

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Rosemary and Nectarine Salsa

  • 4 small tomatoes
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1 nectarine
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped rosemary
  • salt and pepper
  1. Chop up the tomatoes, onion, nectarine into very small pieces.
  2. Place chopped ingredients in a jar and add rosemary and salt and pepper.
  3. Stir ingredients until thoroughly  mixed.
  4. Enjoy!

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Health Benefits:

  • Plenty of Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals
  • Fiber
  • No added sugar
  • healthier and tastier than jarred salsa!

What is YOUR go-to condiment?

 

Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats

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Every time I think of Peanut butter and Jelly, I am always reminded of my elementary school lunch days. Those days were filled with happiness, and especially because recess was after lunch! This classic combo is perfect for all kids and adults alike! A traditional PB&J is made on highly processed white bread with sugar-filled grape or strawberry jelly and peanut butter, which makes for a pretty unhealthy intention. Sometimes, even the peanut butter is filled with sugar! This sad truth about a childhood favorite really brought to my attention and influenced me to create a healthy version, for breakfast! Mashed strawberries and a touch of honey replace the jelly(without tasting any different really), natural peanut butter replaces the sugary kind and oats take the place of bread. It’s kinda like myself, a grown of version, but still a kid at heart, perfect for every “kid” of any age! Not to mention healthy and amazingly filling and tasteful 🙂


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Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats

  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 5 fresh or frozen strawberries (microwave them so they get mushy)
  • 1/2 tbsp peanut flour (or natural pb)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp all natural crunchy peanut butter

1. Mix oats with almond milk in a bowl

2. Mash Strawberries into oat mixture and add peanut flour and honey

3. Place 1/2 oat mixture into a ramekin, then place crunchy peanut butter in the center, then the rest of the oats on top

4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden

5. Top with peanuts, if desired

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Health Benefits

  • Fiber
  • Protein
  • Vitamins 
  • No added sugar
  • Low glycemic carbs
  • Calcium
  • No preservatives

Guaranteed to fill you up with wholesome goodness, plus, a layer of melted peanut butter doesn’t hurt either!

 

Red Velvet and “Cream Cheese” Layered Oats

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If you didn’t know, red velvet cake is a mix of vanilla and chocolate, with red food coloring. Red food coloring is made with artificial ingredients and therefore is not healthy. To continue on with my “oatmeal obsession,” I decided to challenge myself into making red velvet cake with all-natural ingredients, and the same great taste. I had some freshly roasted beets in the fridge and used them for the deep red color. The beets also add a nice level of sweetness to the dish, without over powereing. Next came the pure vanilla extract and the real cocoa powder to really replicate the richness of the actual cake. And for the Cream cheese “frosting”, I  didn’t use an ounce of cream cheese, since it is highly processed. I used some vanilla greek yogurt with a touch of lemon to give it some tang, just like cream cheese, and voila, a tasty, yet healthy version of red velvet cake, you can have your cake and eat it too!

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Red Velvet Cake and “Cream Cheese” Layered Oats

  • 1/2 cup dry oats
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 of a small roasted beet, or a few canned beet slices (skin removed)
  • 1 1/2 heaping tbsp of cocoa powder
  • 1  tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp honey

1. Cook oats with water in microwave for about 1 1/2- 2 minutes

2. In a food processor add beets, cocoa, vanilla and honey

3. Mix beet mixture and oats in a bowl

4. Layer oats in a jar/bowl with “cream cheese” layer

“Cream Cheese” Layer

  • 1/3 cup plain or vanilla greek yogurt(add 1 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract if using plain)
  • 1tsp lemon juice

1. Combine yogurt with lemon juice and layer with oats

2. Top everything off with crushed pecans and white chocolate chips, if desired

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Health Benefits 

  • Fiber 
  • Antioxidants
  • Calcium
  • No added sugar
  • No preservatives
  • Serving of veggies
  • Low glycemic carbs

 

I’m sure you never would have guessed to add beets for flavor and color, pretty cool huh? Trust me, it may seem weird to add beets, but it’s well worth it.

 

 

 

 

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pie Oats

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Peanut butter and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations for breakfast…. and lunch, and maybe dinner. You can never go wrong. If I could just have one thing for the rest of my life, it would be peanut butter and chocolate everything, I would never get tired of that. Peanut butter pie is among the favorites of my pie palate (I’m a pie critic). Too bad peanut butter and chocolate pie is loaded with sugar, fat, preservatives, you name it. Not to mention extremely high in calories too. So I put my thinking cap to the test, and created a delicious version of my all-time favorite combo. No added sugar, preservatives and all natural ingredients, you may fool your taste buds into thinking that you are actually eating a sugar-filled, bad-for-you pie, but your body knows the truth, wholesome and healthy goodness.

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pie Oats

  • 1/2 cup dry oats
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp powdered peanut butter
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp honey

1. In a bowl, microwave oats and water

2.  Divide cooked oats into two bowls

3. In one bowl of oats, add powdered peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix

4. In other bowl of oats, add cocoa powder and honey and mix

5. Combine the peanut butter and chocolate oats in one bowl, but place each mixture on one side of the bowl, do not mix (should be half pb oats and half chocolate oats)

6. Top with chocolate sauce and peanuts, if desired

 Peanut Chocolate Sauce

  • 2 tbsp almond milk
  • 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tbsp powdered peanut butter

1. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined

2. Spread sauce down the middle of where the two flavors meet (or wherever you like)

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetHealth Benefits

  • Fiber
  • Protein
  • No added sugar
  • No preservatives
  • Calcium
  • Antioxidants
  • Low-fat

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What’s your favorite flavor combination???

Apple Pie Layered Oats

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Apple pie is the unofficial, official pie of America, according to me. Every holiday, every cookout, it’s always there, waiting to be eaten. Those plump, sugary, cinnonaminy, apples with that sweet, buttery and crumbly crust. Nothing can beat the taste of fresh made apple pie, it’s pure bliss. Apple pie is loaded with sugar, way too much since apples are sweet enough, not to mention the high calorie and fat content in a small slice. Plus, we all know that no one eats 1/12 of a pie, more like 1/4. This recipe contains no added sugar what so ever, just a touch of honey.  You can’t beat the taste of cinnamon baked apples with an oat “crust” and Greek yogurt “whipped cream.” Take one bite of these oats and you’ll experience a pleasant sensation happening in your mouth, I promise you.

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Apple Pie Layered Oats

  • 1/3 cup oats
  • 1/2 large apple, cut up into small pieces
  • 2 tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup vanilla or plain greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp. honey

1. Cook oats and honey with 1/2 cup water and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or until fully cooked

2. In a separate bowl, microwave apple pieces and cinnamon

3. In a bowl or glass jar, place 1/2 of oatmeal on bottom

4. Top with 1/2 the baked apples

5. Place 1/2 yogurt on top apples

6. Place rest of oats on top yogurt

7. Place rest of apples on top of oats

8. Put rest of yogurt on top.

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Health Benefits

  • Fiber
  • Vitamins, mineral, antioxidants
  • Calcium 
  • Protein
  • No added sugar
  • No preservatives
  • Low fat

Apple pie flavor and none of the fat, sugar and preservatives? I’m in! 

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