Case and point . . .

salted dark chocolate peanut butter (copycat Reese’s) eggs!

Lightly salted, vanilla spiked peanut butter truffles coated in a decadent, rich, cool, crisp layer of espresso-infused dark chocolate

And would you just look at how adorable they are!

So cute, right?!

And that filling . . .

hello dreamy!

Tell me you don’t want the Easter bunny to bring you a monster size bucket, I mean a sweet lil Easter basket, full of those delicious little cuties?!

Made with simple ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and can be ready to devour in less than 15 minutes!!

Honestly, I don’t know what more I need to tell you.

If you, like me, have a major soft spot for dark chocolate & nut butter (who doesn’t?!) then Easter/celebrating or not, you need these in your life like, yesterday!

Also, “eggs” + nut butter (& a cheeky hit of espresso) = totally acceptable for breakfast consumption.

You with me?! course you are, you’re cool like that!

Sugar Free – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Grain Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto & Paleo Friendly (just sub almond butter, works like a charm)

Stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen, now!

If you’re a visual learner, click here for some step-by-step video + pics/ to “cook” along with me.

Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

What’s your favorite Easter treat?

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 your peanut butter eggs  (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

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The post Healthy Homamade Copycat Reese’s {Peanut Butter} Eggs. Step by step pics/video included! first appeared on Better with Cake.

The perfect way to celebrate valentines, galentines, or just for those moments in life when you need, that’s right, I said NEED, a cookie or 2 but don’t want to bake, or can’t be trusted with ( ← we’ve all been there)  an entire batch of 12 – 24!

Soft, chewy, crispy on the edges, super, SUPER fudgy in the middle! THE PERFECT COOKIE (or should I say brookie?!) for any occasion or, simply just to help you crush those late night cookie cravings (please tell me I’m not the only one who has them pretty much every. single. night?!) but also, just because cookies/brookies are always a good idea! Am I right!? Oh, you know I am!

Just in case you’re not familiar with life-changing deliciousness that is the brookie  . . .  a brookie = soft-baked cookie meets suuuuuuper fudgy, rich chocolate brownie and yes, its just as incredible, if not more so, than you imagine. They even come complete with that signature, cosmic brownie crackle on top!!!!

This, right here, this single serve, super fudgy (secretly healthy), soft baked choc fudge lava brookie has taken my obsession with cookies, brownies and melty puddles of rich dark chocolate to a whollleeeee new level!

I mean the only thing better than a fresh from the oven, soft baked, ooey gooey brownie or choc chip cookie is a fresh from the oven, soft baked, ooey, gooey double choc fudge lava brookie! Who says you have to choose between brownies OR cookies?! I say lets have both!

You with me? of course you are, you’re cool like that!

Super simple, seriously delicious made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in one bowl, with one spoon, and can be ready to devour in a matter of minutes!

Annnndddd, they also happen to be secretly good for you!

Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Grain Free – Refined sugar free – Low Carb – Paleo – Keto – 100% Vegan friendly but most importantly they really are edible awesomeness personified and you need them in your life because, yum!

Also, primarily made with nut butter and a cheeky hit of espresso = totally acceptable for breakfast consumption + a big ol’ vat of coffee, of course.

Crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle and literally oozing with rich, chocolaty awesomeness when you bite on!

Go, go, get em!

Click here for some step-by-step pics & to cook along with me

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Question of the day –

Do you prefer crispy or soft-baked cookies?

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 your life changing choc collagen lava brookies (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

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The post Choc fudge lava brookies for two (or just you) xo first appeared on Better with Cake.

I am SO excited to share with you that I have teamed up with my friends at Queensland Strawberries to create a berry-yummy 100% FREE recipe e-book that’s full of deliciously simple , secretly healthy yet insanely delicious recipes to help spread the berry love while keeping you (& your belly) happy, nourished & thriving through the week.

Inside the book you will find all brand new, super exclusive, never before seen recipes that I know you will absolutely LOVE!

Things like – DIY Sugar free, Strawberry Vanilla Jam, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble (my Dad’s fav) , Strawberry Peach Snack Cake, Strawberry Crumble Bars , Sparkling Kombucha Strawberries (I am SO in love with these!! They will be perfect for valentines, galentines or just because, yum!!) , Strawberry Overnight Oats (my husbands current breakfast + perfect for meal prep!!), No Bake {Dairy Free} Strawberry Cheesecake (my husbands kryptonite) & last but not least, my current & your soon to be fave snack – Strawberry Dark Chocolate Bounty Bars!!!

All recipes are gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, grain free, low carb, paleo & 100% vegan friendly but most importantly they really are  I N S A N E L Y delicious & I can not wait for you to try them!

Click here for a sneak peek at all the allll the berry-yummy goodies included in the book or grab your copy here —> FREE Strawberry Recipe Book!!!

Now, lets quickly talk about these dark chocolate strawberry bounty bars . . . think —> everything you love about the good old fashioned bounty – yummy, chocolaty, coco-nutty deliciousness with a berry-licious twist that are dare I say, may just be wayyy better than the original, and I don’t just mean coz they’re made with healthier, “better for you” ingredients, I mean because they truly do taste all kinds of magical, also, espresso infused dark chocolate always wins imo

You could say they are kind of like a cherry ripe but also not really because cherries & strawberry taste veryyyy different. I waffling, I know , I’m so excited to share this recipe & FREE e-book with you that I can’t even think straight!

Although, even if I was super calm, chill & of sane mind (as if that’s something that happens often   )  I honestly still don’t think I could find the words to describe the life changing deliciousness (no , I’m not exaggerating or being dramatic at all – not me, never!!  ; ) they really are THAT good!) that is the secretly healthy, sugar free, dark chocolate strawberry bounty bar so, do yourself a favour & go make them already!!!

PS – don’t forget to grab your copy of my FREE strawberry recipe e-book – you will LOVEEEE

And please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your low carb , sugar free dark chocolate strawberry bounty bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) snap a pic , share it & tag me on Instagram (or the  Facebook page) seeing you re-create & enjoying my recipes really does make my heart all kinds of happy

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

The post Strawberry Bounty Bites + a FREE healthy recipe e-book! first appeared on Better with Cake.

Because 1, YUM!

And, 2 – Is it even the Fourth of July if we don’t have some festive treats?!

I know American Independence day is not something we celebrate here in Australia but, an excuse to make (& let’s be real, EAT) some fun and festive treats, I am here for it!

You with me?! Of course, you are, you’re cool like that!

Let me tell you, these dark chocolate peanut butter s’mores are 100% worth celebrating anytime you make them! Pleeeeaaaasssssse let it be today!

Subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, crisp and crunchy peanut butter cookies slathered with a layer of espresso-infused dark chocolate then topped with ooey, gooey, roasty, toasty marshmallows!

And yes, if you’re not into espresso you can absolutely leave it out, they will still be all kinds of incredible without that hint of espresso, just not quite as magical in my opinion but, you do you baby xo

Now, a word or warning . . . as simple as they are to make (hello just 6 basic pantry staples!! 4 to make the cookies & 2 more to put your low carb, gluten free s’mores together) they are dangerously addictive! Or is it addicting?! I can never decide?! Either way, they are super yum but the real warning I wanted to give here is that they are also, kind of messy to eat but also, very VERY #worthit

Super simple, seriously delicious they come together in 1 bowl with 1 spoon and can be ready to devour in less than 20 mins!!!

Gluten Free – Dairy free – Grain free – Refined sugar free –  Low Carb – Paleo –  Keto – Vegan friendly.

1 bowl + 6 ingredients . . . .

The only thing that’s left to decide is 1 marshmallow or 2?!

Make mine a double pls, HBU ?

Enjoy xo

*NOTE – if you want to go all in and make your own gluten-free marshmallows here are two amazing looking recipes by two of my all time fave ladies –

Steph Gaudreau has a dreamy-looking recipe for chocolate marshmallows (her recipe is actually choc mint but you could skip the mint) which she adapted from The urban poser – OG recipe here! Double choc peanut butter s’mores sound like a VERY good time to me!

And the amazing Danielle Walker @ against all grain has an incredible classic style {gluten free} marshmallow recipe here if you want to keep things more traditional.

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Question of the day –

Would you rather . . . classic- style rustic camping or are you more a glamping (aka nice cozy hotel) person?!
the reason I ask is when I think s’mores I think summertime camping (even though camping is not something I’ve ever really done, its what they do in the movies so . . . that’s where my mind goes . . . you too?

And please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your 6 ingredient {low carb – gluten free} dark chocolate peanut butter s’mores (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) don’t forget to take a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or you can just tag me on Instagram ( I’m @emsswanston ). Sharing is caring remember and it makes my heart so happy to see you re-creating and enjoying my recipes. Truly brings me so much joy!

Do it, do it You know you want to xo

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The post S’mores! first appeared on Better with Cake.

Subtly sweet, light and fluffy vanilla spiked sponge cake swirled with tart-sweet {homemade cheats} strawberry jam and frosted with lashings of lightly sweetened freshly whipped cream!  This cake is nothing short of delicious. Every bite is swirled with fresh berries, hints of vanilla and fluffy whipped cream! You are going to LOVVEEEEE it!

Truth be told, Ive been holding on to this recipe for months (but really, years) now. Ever since Eve was little, every year for her birthday without fail, she always requests one thing . . . strawberry sheet cake with alllll of the whipped cream! My girl knows what she wants and let me tell you, she has very good taste!

It’s deliciously simple, incredibly flavourful and if summer had a signature sheet cake, this would be it!

It’s light, fresh, and just downright delicious and it also happens to be secretly good for you! Made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and can be ready to devour within the hour!

Healthy enough to serve for breakfast with a big ol’ vat of coffee, of course, but indulgent enough to celebrate just about any occasion! + a champagne toast if you feel so inclined!

Gluten Free – Dairy free (if you want) – Grain free – Refined Sugar free –  Low Carb – Paleo – Keto Vegan friendly !

I hope you love as much as we do. Which is A LOT!

Just bake, frost, and enjoy! If you’re a visual learner, click here for some step-by-step video + pics/ to cook along with me.

From me and mine to you and yours, I hope you love it as much as we do which is A LOT!

ENJOY XO

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Question of the day –

What would your dream celebration cake be?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below on the Facebook page or over on Instagram and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your strawberry swirl sheet cake (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 Instagram.  Seeing you re-create and enjoy my recipes makes my heart so happy! Sharing is caring remember . . .

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post {Low Carb – Sugar Free} Swirled Strawberry Cream Sheet Cake first appeared on Better with Cake.

Eve and I made these super cute festive donuts and honestly, I had no intention of sharing the recipe but once they were finished I figured why not?! Because:

1-YUM!

2- Fun!

3-They turned out to be so cute and SO DELICIOUS I just had to share them with you!

So, if you’re looking for a super simple, insanely delicious, fun, and festive, last-minute treat to make (& LBR eat) for Christmas (or just because, yum!) then look no further friend, these choc fudge reindeer donuts are EXACTLY what you need

Even if you’re not actively looking & I don’t think it matters the question fun, festive choc fudge donuts are always the answer!

Made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand a ready & can be ready to devour in just 15 mins!

Healthified or not, I can’t think of a better way to start, end, or fill the day than with one (or 2) of these delicious little cuties!

You in?! Of course you are, you’re cool like that!

1 bowl + 15 mins (for my visual learners, click here for step-by-step pics + my fave donut making hack & to cook along with me  Let me know if you have any questions. Anytime.

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

** You can sub 1/2 teaspoon of coconut flour in place of the protein powder but the taste & nutritional boost the protein pwd adds really takes these muffins to a whole new level!

I love Macro Mike plant based almond protein powder (have not tested any other brands ). Its gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, boosted with probiotics & truly tastes all kinds of incredible. Its hands down without question the smoothest, most delicious, elite tasting protein power (plant based/dairy free or otherwise!!) I have ever tried. And I have tried A LOT!  Use AMB-EM to get a cheeky discount of you want to try it & believe me, you do!

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Question of the day –

What’s your fave flavour donut (or muffin)? Any requests or suggestions on what I should make next? LMK

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 your donuts (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

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The post Baked Choc Fudge Reindeer Donuts – Low Carb – Gluten free! first appeared on Better with Cake.

Super fudgy, flourless, salted dark chocolate rocky road brownies!!!!!!!

And yes, all the exclamation points are 100% required, plus maybe a few more!!!!!!!

My friends at Naked Harvest Supplements have just launched a new rocky road flavor of their magical moon mylk (the OG moon mylk has absolutely changed my life!) and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate them with a super fudgy, rich chocolate rocky road brownie!!

I know, I know, when you think of celebration treats you (and by you I mean, me) usually go for cake, cupcakes or even donuts which are all wonderful in their own right but IMO (today, anyway) I’m thinking brownies are >>>

And these deliciously indulgent, yet secretly healthy, rocky road brownies are greater than all!

Dare I say better than a box mix!

And I don’t just mean because they’re made with wholesome, “better for you” ingredients, I mean because they truly taste all kinds of incredible!

They are decadent, rich, perfectly sweet, and seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY chocolaty!

Crispy on the top, chewy on the edges and super, SUPER fudgy in the middle! Just as a good brownie should be!

But, they also pack a nutritional punch thanks to the magical moon mylk mix they’re boosted with:
Ashwagandha – to help calm the nervous system
Magnesium – helps ease muscle soreness & relax the mind
L-Tryptophan – an essential amino acid that helps release serotonin to promote more restful sleep
Zinc – helps the metabolism of Melatonin which is a key hormone for healthy sleep.
Passion-Flower –  can help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and certain forms of pain because it may increase levels of GABA which helps regulate your mood.

So, if you’re looking for an excuse to eat more brownies then look no further friend, I got you

And yes you can absolutely make these without the rocky road moon mylk mixture and I promise they will still be “get out of town” delicious just not quite as magical and you dont get all the nutritional benefits but either way I guarantee my secretly healthy, super fudgy, dark chocolate rocky road brownies will absolutely rock your world! But if you do want to try the rocky road moon mylk mix (and hear me when I say, you really do, its seriously delicious!) you can use XOEM to get 15% off.

It’s everything you love about a cozy cup of hot chocolate, complete with puffy pink marshmallows (because you and I both know pink is the greatest marshmallow of all time, right!) but in the form of brownies. Because why just have a traditional hot chocolate (or plain ol’ rocky road) when we can have brownies?!

Made with no refined flours or sugar using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand and can be  ready to devour in less than 30 minutes!

Crispy on the top, chewy on the edges and super, SUPER fudgy in the middle and don’t even get me started on the cheats dark chocolate ganache . . . heeellloooooooooo

Gluten Free – Dairy free – Grain free – Refined sugar free –  Low carb – Paleo –  Keto &  Vegan friendly !

1 bowl + 20 mins – you are going to LOVE them!

Click here for some step-by-step pics & to cook along with me

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

How do you like your brownies? Fudgy or cakey? Frosted or unfrosted? Tell me, tell me, details pls!

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 your secretly healthy, flourless, salted, dark chocolate, rocky road brownies (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 Instagram. Sharing is caring remember and nothing makes my heart as happy as seeing you re-create and enjoy my recipe.

Do it, do it You know you want to xo

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The post Super Fudgy {Flourless} Salted Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Brownies first appeared on Better with Cake.

It’s that time again, time for another round of fit Friday fun!!!!

And boy are we going to have some fun today!

Today I’m sharing a short, sharp lower body workout that you can do anywhere, anytime in just 20 minutes , with or without equipment, totally your call.

You guys know how how much I love, love, love my lower body workouts, The lower body is where your powerhouse muscles are (I’m looking at you quads, glutes and hamstrings) which means you get a serious bang for your workout butt, I mean buck!

So, here’s what we are going to do – click here to see exercise demos/workout with me –

Squat
Step up
Reverse lunge – or any variation you like – I do reverse because my knees prefer them
Lunge pulse
Single leg toe touch – or reach if you can’t touch your toes just yet
Single leg bench (or chair) squat
Jump squat – or pulse if you’re not into jumping

Aim to do 10 reps of each exercise (count reps per leg) then repeat the entire sequence for a total of 3 rounds (or as many rounds as pretty in 20 minutes), resting as needed. Sound good?

Nothing overly complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective total body workout that will have you feeling strong, energized, and ready to take on the rest of your day!

Now, for those of you who are just getting started or may not have access to a gym of any kind of weights you can absolutely do with workout without any added weight, and let me tell you, you will be feeling it.

Not even kidding, this was me the day my first attempt at this workout –

Just because you’re “only” using your body weight as resistance does not make this an easy workout. Your quads and glutes will be burning by the final round and you will definitely be feeling the effects of it tomorrow I assure you.

You have been warned!

For our fully functioning/more advanced lifters who might be looking to make things a little more challenging – grab yourself a weapon of choice – a set of dumbbells, a barbell, kettlebells, your EmPack, some resistance bands, or any combination you like. Make sure you choose something appropriate for your strength but, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Although, we want quality not quantity, always! Never compromise your form, ever! If your form starts to fail you’re done, got it?

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 (virtual) 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 –

– 20 minute –
At Home – Lower 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 #socialdistancing 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 for this week’s smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice, tall, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, sugar-free chocolate hazelnut chai latte sound?!

So good, right?!

Chocolate = happiness

Chai soothes my soul

Nut butter is the glue that holds my body together.

Put them all together and you get pure magic and that’s E X A C T L Y what we have here!

It’s pretty much tastes like your drinking chai while eating spoonful after spoonful of Nutella (please tell me I’m not the only one who does this?!) and I am here for it!

Made with no added sugar, packed with protein, and loaded with gut-healing goodness, not that anyone would ever know! I won’t tell if you don’t!

Subtly sweet, seriously chocolaty, perfectly spiced, and just all kinds of wonderful!

Next level deliciousness I tell you! You are going to LOVE it!

And, not only does our delicious, nutritious, smoothie taste like straight-up heaven in a cup but, it also happens to be Dairy free (if you want),  BANANA FREE, DATE FREE, sugar free, Low Carb, Vegan, Keto and Paleo friendly!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self on this fabulous Friday – or anytime because, yummmmm.

Enjoy xo

Sugar Free Chocolate Hazelnut Chai Latte

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Persons: 1
• Difficulty: Easy

• Ingredients
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk  (or milk of choice) – more or less to desired consistency
• 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt – use milk if you want to make a hot latte
• 1-2 Tablespoons of cacao – depending on how rich and chocolaty you want it
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/2-1 teaspoon chai spice mix
• 1 Tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut butter or a few drops of hazelnut stevia / extract
• 1/2-1 teaspoon of instant coffee (reg or decaf) or a shot or 2 (brewed and cooled) your fave brew – optional but HIGHLY recommended
• A pinch of pink salt
• 1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency
• If you prefer a sweeter brew add 1/2 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener (coconut sugar or sweetener of choice) – more or less to taste
• Optional add ins;
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower (I prefer to pre-steam then freeze) – for a sneaky serve of veg + makes it extra thick!
• 1/4 cup avocado (fresh or frozen) for healthy fats & also makes it super thick
• 1 Tablespoons of melted dark chocolate to swirl your glass  – pure happiness
• 1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance
• 1-2 scoops of collagen – for gut healing goodness
• 1 scoop protein powder  – I think vanilla or chocolate would be best in this recipe

1. Instructions
2. Place all ingredients into your blender and process until smooth, creamy and well combined (or heat, whisk, froth if serving hot).
3. Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar (or warmed mug if serving hot) then top with toppings of choice.
4. 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 remember always try to . . .

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

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Question of the day –

Do you prefer your chai iced or hot?

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

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The post Sugar Free Chocolate Hazelnut Chai Latte & 20 min {no equipment – at home} Lower Body Workout first appeared on Better with Cake.

Homemade banana bread is so lockdown 2020, in lockdown 2021 homemade nut butter is where it at!

Come to think of it, this slathered on a THICC slice of banana bread would be truly magical! This weekend Ima make that happen! Anyhoo . . .

Decadent & rich, but not too rich, subtly sweet, seriously chocolaty, velvety smooth, simply, divine!!

One spoonful of this epic deliciousness & the worries of the world melt away as you lose yourself in the jar of edible awesomeness that you just created!

Not even kidding!

And, not only does it taste like straight-up heaven in a jar but, it also packs a nutritional punch!

Rich in antioxidants
High Magnesium &
Heart healthy fats
If you add in the optional collagen it’s also packed with protein & loaded with gut healing goodness!

So if you, like me, are looking for an excuse to eat more nut butter then look no further friend, I got you !

Gluten free – Dairy free – Grain Free –  Sugar free – Low Carb  – Paleo – Keto –  Vegan – 100% whole 30 friendly!

4 Ingredients + 10 minutes in the making

The only thing that’s left to decide is, how will you eat yours?!

Straight up by the spoonful (my fave!), with fruit, on toast, on chocolate?!

Tell me . . . details pls . . .

Stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen, now!

Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Difficulty: Easy

• Ingredients
• 2 cup of raw cashews (last time I made it I did 1 C cashews & 1 C almonds & it was amazing!) – youi could sub 1 1/2 cups of store-bought natural cashew butter – just cashews & salt
• 1-2 Tablespoons of cacao depending on how rich and chocolaty you want it
  start with 1 – taste and adjust if desired
• 1 Tablespoon of vanilla  extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso (I use 1 sachet of decaf mocha before you spoeak coffee – EMS10 – 10% off) optional but helps enhance the richness of the choc
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt flakes – omit if using store-bought/salted cashew butter
• Optional add in;
• 1 Tablespoon of collagen – I   before you speak coffees collagen complex (choc or vanilla)   EMS10 = 1% off if you want to try  –  adds an extra hit of protein & is great for hair, skin, nails & gut health

1. Instructions
2. Optional but highly recommended – Preheat your oven to 175’C (350’F)
3. Line a large baking sheet with baking/parchment paper (or a non stick silpat mat) and pour on your cashews, making sure they are spread evenly – aka not crowded.
4. Roast your cashews for 5-7minutes, until lightly toasted and deliciously golden.
5. Pour your roasted cashews into the bowl of your food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy (or your desired consistency). Initially the almonds will grind down into a powder, give it a minute or two and the oils will extract and it will become deliciously, thick, rich and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
6. Once you have blended to your desired consistency, add your salt, cacao, vanilla ,  espresso pwd (if using)and collagen (if using) process until well combined.
7. Taste and adjust accordingly – add a little extra salt or more vanilla/cacao if you feel the need and, if you prefer a thinner/more runny consistency feel free to add a drizzle of coconut or MCT oil to thin it out
8.  Store in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to 2 weeks – if it lasts that long! ← seriously, good luck with that , mine never does!
9. Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

Are you a fellow nut butter addict? What’s your fave flavor? Or brand? Or recipe? And your fave way to eat it?! Straight up by the spoonful, with fruit, on toast, on chocolate?! Tell me . . . details pls

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 your chocolate cashew butter (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

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The post {Sugar Free} Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter first appeared on Better with Cake.

It’s that time again, time for another round of fit Friday fun and boy are we going to have some fun today!

Today I’m sharing a short, sharp tummy toning workout that you can do anytime, anywhere in just 10 minutes , no equipment required – what do you say, are you in?

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective workout that will leave you feeling strong, energized and ready to take on the rest of your day.

We will do – 7 of my favorite exercises to focus on tightening, toning and strengthening your core click here to see a demo of each exercise/ workout with me  – ;

Sit Up
Reverse crunch
Heel Tap
Plank with hip dip
Up & Down plank
Russian twists

Aim to do 10 reps of each exercise (count reps per side for dips, taps, up down plank & twists) ) and repeat the entire sequence for a total of 3-4 rounds – resting as needed.

*BONUS BURNOUT ROUND*

If you have time (& are feeling up to it – grab a timer, get into a plank position & hold it, for as long as possible, with good form!

Remember, we want quality not quantity, always! Never compromise your form, ever! If your form starts to fail your done, got it?

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 virtual / social distance 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 –

10 minute Abs

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 for our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent,  secretly healthy, seriously chocolaty, choc fudge cookie dough crunch shake sound?

You guys, this smoothie, so, SO delicious!

It’s a (not so sweet/secretly healthy) dark chocolate frosty meets choc chip cookie dough and I am here for it!  .

Decadent and rich, seriously chocolaty and choc full of choc chips!

No one would ever know that it also happens to be good for you!

Packed with protein, high in magnesium and loaded with gut healing goodness!

I won’t tell if you don’t!

And, not only does our delicious, nutritious, smoothie like straight up dessert but, it also happens to be Dairy free (if you want),  BANANA FREE, DATE FREE, Sugar free, Low Carb, Vegan, Keto and Paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you and love it you will!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self on this fabulous Friday – or anytime because, yummmmm.

Sugar Free Choc Fudge Cookie Dough Crunch Shake

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Persons: 1
• Difficulty: Easy

• Ingredients
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (or 1-2 scoops of your fave ice cream or fro-yo)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice) – more or less to desired consistency
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1-2 Tablespoons of cacao – depending on how rich and chocolaty you want it.
• 1 Tablespoon of almond butter – I use 99th Monkey – EM99 = 15 % off if you want to try
• 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso (or 1/2-1 full shot of your fave brew) – optional but recommended to help enhance the richness of the chocolate
• 1 Tablespoon of choc chips (or cacao nibs)
• 1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency.
• NOTE – If you prefer a sweeter shake, add 1/2-1 tsp monk fruit sweetener, a few drops pf liquid stevia, maple syrup, honey or sweetener of choice to taste – I didn’t add any.
• Optional add ins;
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower (I prefer to pre-steam then freeze) – for a senaky serve of veg + makes it extra thick!
• 1/4 cup avocado (fresh or frozen) for healthy fats & also makes it super thick
• 1 Tablespoons of melted dark chocolate to swirl your glass  – pure happiness
• 1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance
• 1-2 scoops of collagen – for gut healing goodness
• 1 scoop protein powder  – for extra protein (I think vanilla or unflavored would work best here)
• A couple of cookies ( I Simple Mills – for serving

1. Instructions
2.  Place all smoothie ingredients into your blender and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.
3.  Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar then top with toppings of choice .
4. Enjoy xo

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 remember;

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

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Question of the day –

What’s workouts are you loving lately?

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 Sugar Free Choc Fudge Cookie Dough Crunch Shake & A 10 min Ab workout first appeared on Better with Cake.