And yes, this really is my idea of fun

How it works is, you will progress through the workout just like you do when you sing that much loved Christmas classic . . .

For example –

Round 1 – We start simply by doing the first exercise;

1 x burpee

Then round 2 we add on the second exercise ;

1 x burpee + 2 x  push ups

Then round 3 –  1 x burpee, 2 x push ups and 3 x V-Ups

And keep going, starting at the beginning and adding in the next exercise until you get to the 12th and final one.

Oh and FYI – all uni-lateral/single leg movements like rear leg raises, mountain climbers, step ups, twists and lunges count reps per leg, you’re welcome

I know it looks pretty innocent on paper, especially when you have it in mind that you’re “just” using your body weight as resistance but, trust me, this workout is no joke!

It may be only 20 minutes but, you will be one hot, sweaty mess once this workout is complete.

Hot sweaty mess = yes but, you will also feel like a million bucks, energized, recharged and focused and ready to take on the rest of your day. Promise!

What do you say, are you in?

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective total body workout.

We will move from one exercise to the next with minimal/no rest in between – I’m not allocating any specific rest breaks in today’s workout but I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and rest as needed.

Anytime you feel like you need to take a break to catch your breath and grab a little drink then by all means please do so, and take all the time you need. However, if possible try to wait until you get to the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

12 Days of Christmas
– No Equipment –
Total Body Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now onto our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, secretly healthy, perfectly spiced, espresso infused, iced gingerbread latte?!

You guys, this smoothie . . .

It’s all of my holiday faves served up in one delicious little cup and I know you are going to just love, love, LOVE it!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self while you re-fuel and re-energize yourself on this fabulous Friday.

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, fun and festive smoothie taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be vegan, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, BANANA FREE, keto and paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you  and love it you will !

Iced Chai Spiced Gingerbread Latte
{Refined Sugar Free. Vegan. Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Keto & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 1 all natural, light, fresh, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, espresso infused, iced gingerbread latte.

Ingredients –

1/4 cup Vanilla coconut or Greek style

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice – I Ulu Hye Plant Based Mylk’s )

1 (or 2) shots of your fave espresso – or 1 teaspoon of instant coffee

1/2 teaspoon of healthy, homemade chai spice

1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 teaspoon of maple syrup – sub honey or a medjool date, – more or less to taste

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 Tablespoon of almond butter

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency.

Optional add in’s;

1 teaspoon of maca –  for hormone balance

1-2 scoops of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – for an extra boost of protein and gut healing goodness

1 scp protein powder – for extra protein – I use Proganics Vanilla whey – you can use EMS10 to get 10% off

1 scp Locako natural keto creamer – healthy fats / brain function & extra luscious creaminess – Use EMS10 to get 10% off

Method –

1 – Place all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth and creamy.

2 – To serve, pour into a chilled glass/mason jar or bowl and top with toppings of choice.

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go,

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

_________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite Christmas song?!

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this smoothie (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post 12 Days of Christmas {No Equipment} Total Body Workout + Iced Chai Spiced Gingerbread Latte first appeared on Better with Cake.

Now that December is well and truly upon us and Christmas is just a few days away I thought it would be fitting that we have ourselves a fun and festive holiday themed workout, that you can do anytime, anywhere in around 20 minutes!

And yes, this really is my idea of fun

So, what do you say, are you in?!

How it works is, you will progress through the workout just like you do when you sing that much loved Christmas classic . . .

For example –

Round 1 – We start simply by doing the first exercise;

1 x burpee

Then round 2 we add on the second exercise ;

1 x burpee + 2 x  push ups

Then round 3 –  1 x burpee, 2 x push ups and 3 x knee to elbow planks

And keep going, starting at the beginning and adding in the next exercise until you get to the 12th and final one.

Oh and FYI – all single leg movements like rear leg raises, mountain climbers, knee to elbow planks, step ups and lunges if you’re feeling up to it, go ahead and count reps per leg, you’re welcome

I know it looks pretty innocent on paper, especially when you have it in mind that you’re “just” using your body weight as resistance but, trust me, this workout is no joke!

It may be only 20 minutes but, you will be one hot, sweaty mess once this workout is complete.

Hot sweaty mess = yes but, you will also feel like a million bucks, energized, recharged and focused and ready to take on the rest of your day. Promise!

What do you say, are you in?

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective total body workout.

We will move from one exercise to the next with minimal/no rest in between – I’m not allocating any specific rest breaks in today’s workout but I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and rest as needed.

Anytime you feel like you need to take a break to catch your breath and grab a little drink then by all means please do so, and take all the time you need. However, if possible try to wait until you get to the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

12 Days of Christmas
– No Equipment –
Total Body Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now onto our bonus smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, light, fresh, creamy, dreamy, tropical inspired, cranberry cocktail sound?

Oh. My. Word . . . You guys this smoothie is straight up heaven in a cup!

Those slightly tart cranberries blended with some creamy, dreamy yoghurt (coconut or Greek style works) along with some frozen banana, moorish mango and juicy pineapple really is truly incredible!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self and have yourself a quiet little tropical getaway amid the festive madness that’s happening on this fun, festive and  fabulous Friday.

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our creamy, dreamy, tropical inspired “cocktail” taste like an absolute dream and magically transport you to your own private paradise but, it also happens to be vegan, dairy free, sugar free, keto and paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you

 

Creamy Tropical Cranberry Cocktail
{Refined Sugar Free. Vegan. Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Keto & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 1 all natural, light, fresh, creamy, dreamy, tropical inspired “cocktail”.

Ingredients –

1/3 cup coconut or Greek style yogurt

2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 an overripe banana (preferably pre-frozen)

1 medjool date, pitted or 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup

1 Tablespoon of coconut butter or coconut oil

1/2 cup of frozen cranberries

1/3 cup frozen mango chunks

1/4 cup frozen pineapple pieces

4-6 drops of Vanilla Cream Stevia – I use Sweet Leaf Stevia  (could sub 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

1/2 tsp of coconut extract (or 2 drops of Coconut Stevia – I use Sweet Leaf Stevia

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency.

For serving –

Coconut Flakes

A sprig or two of fresh mint

Method –

1 – Place all smoothie ingredients into a blender and process until smooth and creamy.

2 – To serve, pour into a chilled glass/mason jar or bowl and top with shredded coconut and fresh mint if desired.

NOTE – You could also add in a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavoured,  would work well in this recipe ) and some some vital proteins collagen peptides (use the code NHN329 to get 10% off ) for an extra boost of protein if you’re into that kinda thing – do what you feel baby

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go,

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

_________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite Christmas song?!

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this smoothie (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post “12 Days of Christmas” {No Equipment} Total Body Workout + A Creamy, Tropical, Cranberry Cocktail first appeared on Better with Cake.

Well hey you, how’s things?

Are you having a good week so far?

All ready and raring to go for Christmas?

Me?

I’m getting there . . . I think . . .

Just a few bits and pieces left to finish up, mostly just food related stuff . . . nothing major though . . . I mean it’s just little things like . . . making the Christmas pudding, fruit mince pies, cookies for Santa oh and we can’t forget about our homemade peanut butter cups!

So much deliciousness to be had my friends!

Which brings me to today’s “recipe”

Today, I thought I would share a delicious little twist on another of our families favorite, traditional Christmas foods.

Allow me to introduce you to my DIY – Salted Dark Chocolate Coated Brazil Nuts.

Usually we do chocolate coated almonds which I absolutely adore but, this year I felt like I wanted something a little more.

Enter, Brazil nuts.

I luuurrrvvvveeee me some Brazil nuts and often just eat them by the handful as a tasty, tasty snack (you know how I love my snacks )!

They are so rich, smooth and deliciously buttery I knew that would be all kinds of wonderful smothered in chocolate.

Who am I kidding, just about anything is wonderful if it’s smothered in chocolate.

But, you guys . . . these dark chocolate coated Brazil nuts taste like an absolute dream!

Crisp and crunchy, buttery, smooth, lightly toasted Brazil nuts with a decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent dark chocolate coating, finished with a sprinkling of sea salt . . .

Get. In. My. Belly!

The rich, buttery, melt in your mouth, Brazil nuts balance out the sweetness of our dark chocolate just so perfectly, and that sprinkling of sea salt really just takes it over the top!

Seriously you guys, forget the chocolate coated almonds, they are so 2015   – chocolate coated Brazil nuts is where it’s at!

Fun to make, fun to eat, fun to share with the ones you love.

Crisp, crunchy, buttery, smooth, lightly toasted Brazil nuts encased in decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent dark chocolate coating, finished with a sprinkling of sea salt;

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

DIY – Salted Dark Chocolate Coated Brazil Nuts
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 2 cups of all natural, crisp and crunchy, dark and delicious, chocolate coated oven roasted Brazil nuts.

Ingredients –

2 cups raw Brazil nuts

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips – if Vegan make sure you choose a vegan/dairy free alternative

1 Tablespoon of flakey sea salt

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175’C (350’F)

2 – Place your Brazil nuts on a lined baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.

3 – While your nuts are roasting, melt your chocolate. I like to do mine broiler style on a plate over a pot of simmering water.

4 – Once your chocolate is melted, add your roasted Brazil nuts to the melted chocolate and stir to combine.

5 – Pour chocolate coated Brazil nuts back onto your lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. If you have any left over chocolate feel free to drizzle it over your already coated Brazil nuts.

6 – Place in the fridge (or freezer) to set.

7 – Once set gently break apart any clusters, sprinkle with some salt flakes and store in an airtight container in the fridge (or freezer).

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What tasty treat are you cooking up this holiday season?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these chocolate coated Brazil nuts (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post DIY – Salted Dark Chocolate Coated Brazil Nuts {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

So um, Christmas is just a few short weeks away . . .

Did you know?

Are you ready?

I’m really not.

Not even close!

I blame the jet-lag . . . also the fact that I lost an entire day somewhere above the Atlantic while I was living it up in business class  . . .

Anyways, Christmas is here, I am completely unprepared but I am determined to get myself organized and into the holiday spirit ASAP!

Say hello to Santa’s little helper . . .

All natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, seriously chocolaty, delicious, nutritious, date free, peppermint mocha bliss bites!

Because to me, nothing says Merry Christmas quite like a peppermint mocha.

I really think you guys are going to love, love, love these babies!

Not only are they super quick and easy to prepare made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already but they come together in 1 bowl in a matter of minutes!

No food processor or blender required!

Simply throw your ingredients into a bowl, give it a stir then you are ready to rock and roll and of course devour enjoy and enjoy you most certainly will!

Our quick and easy, secretly healthy peppermint mocha bliss bites are seriously fudgey, decadent and rich without being overly sweet.

They are intensely chocolaty with a nice little hum of espresso and subtle hint of minty freshness and, just when you think they couldn’t get any better, because coffee + chocolate = absolute awesomeness, wait for it, wait for it – they also happen to be secretly healthy and loaded with nutritional value.

Our dark and delicious, chocolate-mint, espresso infused bites of delicious are high in calcium, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. They are rich in antioxidants, packed with protein, heart healthy fats, amino acids and those all important omega 3’s.

They also happen to be vegan and gluten free! But, most importantly they are insanely (and I mean insanely) delicious!

Now, you could serve them simply, straight up, just as they are or, if you’re really wanting to treat-yo-self could toss those delicious, nutritious, choc-mint-espresso infused blissful bites of deliciousness in a little cacao,

or some coconut which will add a crazy cool textural element to our soft and chewy, super fudgey, seriously moorish bliss bites, or . . .

If you’re feeling extra festive you could crush up a candy cane or two and add an extra crispy, crunchy, seriously festive sparking burst of minty freshness  just because you can.

I’m thinking you might want to go ahead and make a double/triple batch to keep on hand not only for your own enjoyment, but to make sure you’re stocked and ready for any unexpected visitors that may land on your door step in the coming weeks,

You could also pop them in a cute little jar, throw on some ribbon and you have yourself a pretty sweet little homemade gift. Something you could get the kids involved in too.

Seriously winning on so many levels!

I feel like I should mention that when I make my bliss bites I tend to make them way smaller than the ones you see in stores or cafes. I prefer to make them on the smaller side because I like being able to just pop one in my mouth on the down low so I don’t have to share I can go about my business. I would say you would probably need 3 of my bliss bites to make up the size of one of those store bought/cafe size bites. Feel free make them whatever size that tickles your fancy, just wanted to put that out there

Anyways . . .

All natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, secretly healthy, delicious, nutritious, super fudgey, intensely chocolaty, espresso infused, seriously festive, minty fresh, date free bites of deliciousness – 

Because for me Christmas isn’t Christmas without a peppermint mocha or two!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

{Date Free} Peppermint Mocha Bliss Bites
Makes approx 15 – All natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, secretly healthy, delicious, nutritious, super fudgey, intensely chocolaty, espresso infused, seriously festive, minty fresh, date free bites of deliciousness
Ingredients –

1/4 cup of Tahini
2 Tablespoons of maple syrup
1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract (or 4-6 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia ) *
1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract (or 1 drop of peppermint stevia I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia ) *
1 teaspoon of instant espresso
1/4 cup of finely shredded, Desiccated Coconut
1/4 cup of almond meal
1/4 cup of quinoa flakes (paleo friend sub in 2 extra Tbsp of almond meal + 2 Tbsp of  coconut – Non paleo friends you could also probably sub 1/4 cup of instant oats if you prefer)
2 Tablespoons cacao
1 Tablespoon Chia seeds
1 scoop of vital proteins collagen peptides – optional *

Optional for serving –

Cacao
Finely shredded coconut
Candy Canes, crushed.

Method –

1 – Place all ingredients into a medium size bowl and stir to combine.

2 – If the mixture is a little dry add some extra water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it sticks together to form a sticky “dough”

3 – Scoop a small section of dough and shape roll in the palm of your hand to shape into bite size balls, repeat until all the mixture has been used. FYI – I use approx 1 heaping teaspoon per bite which makes them the perfect size for popping into your mouth on the down low so you don’t have to share

4 – If you are going to coat your bliss bites in cacao, coconut or crushed candy canes simply place your cacao, coconut and/or candy canes into a small bowl or zip lock bag and gentle press/shake until nicely coated. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy xo

I order mine online from iherb.com – you can use the code NHN329 to get 10% off  your first order or 5 % off if you’ve ordered through them before

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your fave holiday treat? Store bought, homemade – it’s all good

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post {Date Free} Peppermint Mocha Bliss Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.

So tell me, how was your Christmas?

Was Santa good to you?

Oh I hope he was. And, I hope you had an amazing day with your friends, family and loved ones.

We had a wonderful Christmas (and yes, Santa was very good to me ). We really had an awesome day. It was a pretty chilled out here, good food, good company, good times had by all.

And just like that it’s all over. The tree has been packed away, and we are moving on to our next, and final celebration for 2014 . . . New Years Eve!

Can you believe we are here already?! I really can’t! This year has just flown by don’t you think?

Tell me, what are your plans for NYE? Staying in? Going out?

Me?!

I am such a homebody, I will be here, in my pi’s happily watching some cheesy TV/movies munchin’ on some yummy snacks and just hangin’ out.

I’ll head out onto my balcony to watch the fire works and then I’ll probably head off to bed. Do I know how to party or what?!

Whatever it is that you are planning for New Years Eve I have your pre-party snack or party appetiser sorted.

Spicy, roasted garlic white bean hummus.

I know hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas but after hearing Jessica from How Sweet it is talk about how silky smooth and super creamy her white bean dip is (in her book Seriously Delish) I knew I had to give it a try.

And um, wow!

Girlfriend was 100% right! Not that I was at all surprised, but still, she was totally right! (And for future reference Jessica, now you have that in writing – you’re welcome )

You guys, this spicy roasted garlic white bean hummus is insanely delicious!

It’s light, creamy and silky smooth and packed with so much flavour!

It’s decadent and rich with a smoky depth of flavour thanks to our deliciously caramelised, oven roasted garlic and it also has a cheeky, spicy little kick of heat from our chilli.

Light, creamy, silky smooth, smoky and rich with hint of heat . . . and it’s just so, so good!

And you know what makes it even better?! The fact it’s all natural, made with just 4 simple, ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and it could not be easier to make.

Simply throw your ingredients into your blender or food processor and you are done! Minimum work, maximum flavour, what’s not to love?!

Using white beans guarantees a super smooth and creamy hummus without the tedious task of peeling those beans baby! Not like with the more traditional chickpeas. Don’t get me wrong I love me some chickpeas and my traditional hummus but, peeling those badboys, although totally worth it in the end, is sooooo tedious.

Therefore white beans to make hummus = genius!

Less time spent prepping, more time eating or enjoying the party. Love, love, love it!

Now, I added just 1 little teaspoon of coconut oil to my hummus because I prefer it to be thick and creamy, feel free to add a little more (or even just a splash of water) if you prefer a thinner consistency. Oh and of course feel free to throw in as much chilli as your pretty little heart desires

Do what you feel baby, make it your own just promise me you will make it ok!

I know it may not look like much but trust me, it is absolutely divine!

Eat it straight up by the spoonful, spread it on your lunch, serve it with your dinner.

Or, keep it traditional/snack style and serve it with your fave veggie sticks or along side some fancy cheese and crackers at your New Years Eve celebration. Total snack time winning people.

Oh and FYI – it also happens to be low in fat, high in fibre as well as both vegan and dairy free!

All natural, super simple, seriously healthy, light and creamy spicy roasted garlic white bean hummus – eat it on all of the things!!!!!!!!

Make it. Eat it. Love, love, love it!

Spicy Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus
Makes approx 1 cup of creamy, dreamy, smoky roasted garlic white bean dip with a cheeky little kick

Ingredients –

1 x 420g can of cannellini beans drained and rinsed (apprx 1 1/2 cups)

6 cloves of roasted garlic (If you’ve never roasted garlic before click here to see a step by step tutorial of exactly how I roast mine – which I do all of the time addicted much?! I think yes!)

1 small red chilli, finely chopped (with or without seeds/more or less depending on how fiery you like things)

1 teaspoon of coconut oil, melted and cooled

Salt and pepper to taste

Method –

1 – Place all ingredients into your food processor or blender and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Have a little taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Also feel free to add a little extra coconut oil (or even just a splash of water) to reach your preferred consistency.

3 – Eat it on al of the things!!!!!

Enjoy xoxo

_________________________________________________

Question of the day –

How are you planning to ring in the New Year?

_________________________________________________

The post Spicy Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus first appeared on Better with Cake.

Ok so, Christmas flavour numero 2 = Rum balls!

Although this is not one from my childhood this came much (much) later in life and is in honour of my mother in law.

Girlfriend is cuckoo for a Christmas rum ball!

As in, she gets all giddy like an excited little school girl as soon as she sees them appear in stores . . . in October!

The rest of us be like “umm seriously way to soon for Christmas stuff in stores?!” And girlfriend be all happy dancing and high five-ing strangers about the appearance of the rum balls!

I personally was never a fan, they were always way to boozy for me!

Just sitting next to my mother in law when she cracked the lid on that box of rum balls was enough to make my head spin.

But, I do love the idea of them.

They remind me of a grown up version of my double chocolate bliss/energy bites and I think it’s safe to say we all know how obsessed I am with those bad boys (evidence → here, → here, → here, → here and → here).

So, with mother in law coming to our house for Christmas this year I thought I would make her a healthier, family friendly version of those dearly loved rum balls.

Basically, I made a batch of my double chocolate bliss/energy bites and added in a splash of rum extract. Boomshakalocka = done!

A handful of all natural ingredients, a few minutes in your blender and you have yourself one seriously tasty, nostalgic little treat.

Sweetened naturally with those magical, juicy, chewy little medjool dates, and a splash of vanilla.

They are packed with protein, calcium and healthy fats thanks to those raw almonds. You also get a double dose antioxidants thanks to the addition of a little dark cacao as well as those dark chocolate chips.

You’re welcome

All natural, secretly healthy, decadent, rich and studded with dark chocolate, what’s not to love?!

Our all natural, clean eating {non-alcoholic} double chocolate rum balls are fudgey and rich, studded with dark chocolate chips and they have a subtle, belly warming hint of liquor.

Feel free to use real rum if you prefer and to kick up the quantity of you want a stronger flavour but, for me this tiny amount of rum extract (just 1/2 a teaspoon) was just perfect. It was subtle, not at all in your face or over powering – just delicious.

Today we use almonds to build our bliss bite base, the neutral flavour really allows the dark and delicious, decadent, dark chocolate flavours to take centre stage and shine on through.

These all natural, clean eating {non-alcoholic} double chocolate rum balls are the perfect little last minute addition to your Christmas snack table or, a great little, secretly healthy, double chocolate, holiday treat to make and give to friends, family, teachers, co-workers, you name it!

Simply throw your ingredients into your trusty old bender or food processor and you are ready to rock and roll my friend. No muss, no fuss baby! Just what you need when it’s all systems go right?!

Theses babies also happen to be both vegan and paleo friendly and, depending on the kind of chocolate chips you use they could totally be dairy free too! Winning!!!!

Decadent, rich, fudgey little bites of secretly healthy, double chocolate deliciousness that are infused with a subtle, belly warming hint of “rum”.

Gotta keep the mother in law happy right

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

______________________________________________________

Question of the day –

What holiday treats are you snacking on this year?

______________________________________________________

The post All natural, Clean Eating {Non-Alcoholic} Double Chocolate Rum Balls first appeared on Better with Cake.

Do you have specific flavours that come to mind when you think of Christmas?

I asked this question on the Facebook page a couple of days ago because, I was putting together a list of recipes that I want to make and share with you guys in the lead up to Christmas. I just wanted to check in and make sure we were on the same page . . . and of course we totally are.

You know what they say, great minds think a like

So . . . holiday/Christmas flavours . . .

A huge one is of course peppermint.

And for me, it comes in the form of creamy, dreamy, caffeine infused, minty fresh peppermint mocha! You may remember we made those delicious little no-bake peppermint mocha energy bites in the lead up tot Christmas last year . . .

This year we are getting our peppermint mocha fix by whipping ourselves up a decadent, rich, smooth and creamy, espresso infused peppermint mocha pudding cup.

Oh how I love, love, love to get my peppermint mocha on!

And come on now, who doesn’t love a pudding cup?!

And, this pudding . . . is not just any ol’ pudding . . .

This pudding holds a cheeky (seriously healthy) little secret . . .

Ch-chi-chia baby!!!!!

You know I have a texture issue with straight up chia pudding but I am kinda addicted to blending it up. It gets super smooth, thick and creamy and all kinds of delicious!

Texture issue be gone!

And let me just tell you . . . this whipped peppermint mocha chia pudding is in a world of it’s own. It is insanely, I-N-S-A–N-E-L-Y delicious!!!!

It’s thick and rich, light, creamy, oh so chocolatey, infused with espresso and has the perfect little hint of minty freshness.

Oh.

My.

Word!

You guys,

I can’t even!

Not only does this creamy, dreamy whipped peppermint mocha chia pudding totally satisfy my festive peppermint mocha cravings it does so in a seriously healthy way!

Like seriously healthy . . .

Let me tell you why –

Our pretty little pudding cups are all natural, made with no refined flours or sugars, sweetened naturally with a drizzle of maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla.

It also happens to be loaded with health benefits thanks to those cheeky little chia seeds. One serve of this insanely delicious peppermint mocha pudding will give you a mega hit of omega 3’s, protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium as well as a good dose of antioxidants.

It also happens to be vegan, dairy free and paleo friendly.

Everybody wins!!!!!!!!!

These creamy, dreamy, delicious little whipped, peppermint mocha chia pudding’s would be the perfect way to finish off your christmas feast. It’s like a healthy little, espresso infused, decadent after dinner mint.

Oh but it’s so much more than that, it really is the perfect treat for anytime of day . . .

Um hello, healthy, minty fresh, espresso infused chocolate pudding for breakfast = Yes please!

It would also makes a killer pre/post workout (or anytime) snack.

For me it’s serious Christmas comfort all served up in one delicious little, decadent, rich, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, dairy free, seriously chocolatey, espresso infused, minty fresh, vegan and paleo friendly little pudding cup.

Something you can feel really good about eating and sharing with the ones you love.

Plus it’s just all kinds of festive . . .

What are you waiting for? Time to get your peppermint mocha on baby . . .

Make it. Eat it. Love, love, love it!

Whipped Peppermint Mocha Chia Pudding {Vegan, Dairy Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 1 cup of thick and rich, smooth and creamy, decadent, espresso infused, minty fresh whipped chocolate ch-ch-chia pudding

Ingredients –

1/4 cup of coconut yogurt or Greek style

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1  teaspoon of instant espresso granules

3 Tablespoons of  chia seeds

1 tablespoon of extra dark cacao

1 tablespoons maple syrup

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract

A pinch of salt

1 teaspoon of dark chocolate chips, roughly chopped

Optional but recommended for serving –

A few extra cheeky ch-ch-chia seeds

Festive sprinkles because #sprinklesforlife

Method –

1 – Place all pudding ingredients except for your chocolate chips into a small bowl or jug and whisk to combine.

2 – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, (overnight is best). Make sure you go and give it a little stir every now and again to remove any lumps and just to make sure those cheeky little chia seeds haven’t settled at the bottom of the bowl.

3 – Once your pudding is nice and thick, place the mixture into your food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy!

4 – Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

5 – Pour into cute little cups or bowls and place it back in the fridge for an hour or so to re-set and chill (it gets a little warm and the consistency thins out thanks to the warmth and friction created while your blending it).

6 – To serve, add a few extra roughly chopped chocolate chips, sprinkle over a few more cheeky chia seeds and voila’ – it’s pudding’ time baby

Enjoy xoxo
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Question of the day –

What is your favourite Christmas flavour combination?
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The post Whipped Peppermint Mocha Chia Pudding {Vegan, Dairy Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.